I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Impulse buys are not always the enemy.
I often struggle with pulling the proverbial trigger on even affordable purchases that I know I want and would use, since I hate spending money. Sometimes only an impulse is enough to make me actually buy that thing — and as soon as I do and am using it, I know it was worth every penny. (My beloved portable pill organizers, for example, were an impulse buy, and have undoubtedly improved my life.)
We asked HuffPost readers on Facebook and fellow HuffPost writers and editors what their favorite impulse buys were, and they did not disappoint. These picks are all less than $25, so they won’t hurt your budget while making your life easier, more streamlined and (in the case of these deliciously soft pajamas) much comfier. HuffPost readers and staffers say these buys are so effective, they basically pay for themselves.
Read on for our best picks, ranging from a reusable electric lighter and a popular pet hair remover to a stylish Baggu bag and smart plugs that let you turn electronics on and off from afar.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
The Chom Chom reusable pet hair remover
A stylish reusable Baggu carry-all
"I impulse bought this big strawberry Baggu reusable bag last year and I have used it soooo much since then, whether for laundry or shopping trips, etc. The pattern is so cute." — Alexandra Niforos, HuffPost editorial operations coordinator
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi plugs
These handy Kasa smart plugs allow you to turn your home electronics on and off from anywhere — so you never have to waste money on your electric bill after forgetting to turn off your fan or lamp again. An added perk? By being able to turn lights off and on while you're gone, you can make it look like you're home even while you're on vacation.
A two-pack of rotating LED GE nightlights
"I had always assumed nightlights were for children who struggled with a fear of the dark. But when a previous roommate wordlessly put a nightlight in our apartment’s shared bathroom, I quickly realized how subtly revolutionary these practical little gadgets are. I absolutely loved never having to turn on the overhead light late at night, so I could actually fall back asleep after a bathroom trip. I now swear by my these for my bathroom, kitchen and dark staircases, so much so that once I moved into a new place, I, too, wordlessly bought and plugged in nightlights of my own.
"These ones are light-sensing, so they stay off during the daytime and light up at dusk when a room grows dark. I love how they rotate a full 360-degrees so you can direct their light directly to where you want it (I like to concentrate the light above my sink), plus they’re sleek enough that you’ll have room to utilize the outlets above or beneath them." — Haley Zovickian, shopping writer
A portable pill organizer trio
"They're convenient, secure and surprisingly chic thanks to their sleek, minimal design, so I can use them while I'm out without feeling self-conscious. I use the six smaller compartments for a.m. and p.m. medications, and the two larger ones for vitamins and medicines for headaches, nausea, allergies, etc. I’ve even carried them through TSA many a time without an issue. Since they come in a set of three, I'm able to keep one at home, one in my car and one in my tote. I swear by them." — Zovickian
A six-pack of Affresh washing machine cleaning tablets
An electric rechargeable lighter
A bestselling pair of gardening shears
A pineapple corer
This handy stainless-steel pineapple corer can quickly de-core and slice pineapples, and is dishwasher-safe.
A two-pack of Lazy Susan turntables
These non-slip turntables can help keep your pantry, fridge, vanity or other shelves organized, with all your items easily accessible. They're available in various colors.
A three-pack of Purse Hooks
These purse hooks sport anti-slip mats so you can hang them off coffee shop, bar or restaurant tables while you're out and your purse will never have to touch a dirty floor. They're tiny enough to fit easily in your bag and can also be used for hanging coats. You may also appreciate that you'll be able to keep your bag or jacket right in front of you, instead of at the back of your seat where they can fall or be exposed to theft.
A two-pack of 10-foot charging cords
These extra-long iPhone chargers are designed with fast-charging capability and sport durable, bendable braided nylon cords to help ensure their longevity.
A "Cooking For One" cookbook
The Drunk Elephant Baby Bar travel duo
The pack includes two mild mini cleansing bars, a moisturizing Pekee Bar and a lightly exfoliating JuJu Bar, to take care of all your skin needs. They're formulated to be used together or apart. The set also comes with a bright traveling case.
A concrete toothbrush holder from a Texas-based Etsy shop
"It's borderline embarrassing that it took me so long to order one of these, but after about a year of piling my (and my kids') toothbrushes on top of each other in the bathroom cabinet — ew, right? — I decided there had to be a better way to store them. (For context, our bathroom has zero sink or counter space.) I hit Etsy in search of a toothbrush holder and speed-ordered the first serviceable one I saw — this minimal one made from cast concrete and available in a variety of colrs — and I am so glad I did. Our toothbrushes line up so nicely in our cabinet now. This Texas-based maker offers single holders in a variety of shapes, the double one pictured here, and the one that I ordered, which has space for four toothbrushes. We use bamboo toothbrushes like the ones in this image, but my husband uses an electric toothbrush and the small plastic heads fit perfectly in the holder, too." — Emily Ruane, HuffPost shopping managing editor
A sturdy key organizer
This practical, sleek leather key organizer houses two to seven keys so you can keep them by your side without having to hear them incessantly jangle or deal with them scratching your things. It's designed to hold up through snow, wind, dust and rain, and can also hold key fobs. It's available in up to seven colors.