7 Cheap Gadgets That Make Life Easy—Fun, Too

shieldMary Hunt calendar_todayMay 25, 2021 updateUpdated Jun 15, 2026 schedule8 min read verifiedFact-checked

I am nothing if not a gadget lover. Ingenious items that make my life easier are great, but when I find something that’s cool and also has the potential to save money? Well, that’s cause for celebration. Here are a few of my favorite fun finds.

Sugru

I don’t know where this stuff has been hiding (maybe I’m the one who’s been missing?), but my recent cheap gadget discovery has me giddy with joy. It’s called Sugru, or perhaps a better name would be Miracle in a Package. Think: silly putty without the silly part.

Sugru moldable clay

Sugru is a moldable glue; self-setting rubber, also known as Formerol, for fixing, modifying, and making stuff. You apply it, shape it and watch it transform into a durable, waterproof rubber with amazing properties. It comes in a bevy of colors, which makes it a crafter’s dream come true. I have so many DIY projects crying out for Sugru, I don’t know where to start. Hint: Watch the video!

Sugru Moldable Clay

The moldable glue turns into durable and flexible silicone rubber. Thanks to its advanced silicone technology, Sugru sticks to lots of different materials. You have 30 minutes to repair, bond seal modify, create, decorate, improve, even personalize. Allow up to 48 hours to fully set.

Wake-Up Light

Call it a lamp or call it an alarm clock, either way, you’ll be right on. This gadget, Philips Wak-Up Light Alarm Clock wakes you up by simulating sunrise—not with a blasting, loud, annoying noise.

Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock

You set the time that you want to wake up then it gradually goes from dark to increased light for 30 minutes, allowing you to wake up naturally. And when you turn it off, the lamp stays on so you can get out of bed without having to turn on another light.

This thing is quite amazing and I love it. So does my son. He says it’s the best gift ever. WakeUp Light has 10 different settings so you can choose the intensity. Useful as a light therapy lamp.

Sunrise simulation wakes you gradually Bedside light with 10 light settings Color flow of sunrise: bright yellow Gentle beep ensures you get up on time Snooze function. Wake-up lights are recommended by physicians for establishing a healthy sleep and wake routine.

Velcro Thin Ties

It would take a long time for me to count how many of these cheap gadgets hold my life together. They manage my cord clutter, which is extensive just trust me on that. They bundle and organize small stuff in my kitchen junk I mean “utility drawer!” so I can quickly find what I need.

thin ties keep stuff organized

Idea for indoor or outdoor use in the home, shed, garage, dorm, or office. These ties are ideal to organize drawers in too chests, desks, or cabinets. Keep pens, pencils, and markers neat and tidy. Velcro Thin Ties are simple one-piece design wraps and just the right size for almost everything.

Velcro

Cord organizer ties are simple to use, self-fastening thin ties that will contain and store cords and wires quickly and safely.

Aqua Notes

I get my best ideas and solutions in the place I’m least likely to be able to remember them—the shower. Seriously! Maybe it’s because for a few minutes my brain can relax. Whatever it is, those great ideas and solutions used to go right down the drain, lost forever.

A person standing in front of a mirror posing for the camera

But not anymore! Now I have Aqua Notes—a waterproof notepad and pen right there in the shower. Hooray for such a clever cheap gadget.

Aqua Waterproof Notepad

Aqua LoveNotes are made of waterproof paper that is totally recyclable, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic. Includes two waterproof pencils.

Dishwasher Magnet

So simple, simply brilliant, that is. Here’s the routine at my house: Dirty cup or plate. Person with said items in hand can’t tell if the contents of the dishwasher are clean or dirty, so why bother looking. He, I mean said person, opts to place dirty items in the sink, instead. Over and over again.

Design and Kitchen

This handy gadget solves the problem. No nagging, reminding, or dirty looks (who, me?). It’s so easy to flip the switch on the Dishwasher Magnet Clean Dirty Sign, to keep the current state of dishwasher contents in full but unobtrusive view.

Save $3.00

Clean Dirty Dishwasher Magnet

If you’ve ever re-washed a load of clean dishes or put a dirty load away in the cupboard, then you know how frustrating it can be to keep track of the status of your dishwasher. That’s why this dishwasher magnet flip-sign exists!

Lock Laces

Oh my, this is so perfect for shoes with laces and people of all ages who are tired of lacing up and tying those shoes. You have to see this because it’s more of a “system” than what you might be thinking.

You can toss the laces that come with the sneakers and use Lock Laces instead. They come in a variety of colors and turn any lace-up shoes into quasi slip-ons. They can be pulled tight or left loose. Simply fabulous!

A tattoo on his arm

One size fits all, this is a cheap gadget for kids and adults. Elastic no-tie shoelaces! Bonus: Lock Laces are light reflective to keep you safe at night.

Lock Laces for Kids and Adults

Turn any pair of lace-up tennis shoes into slip-on sneakers.

Big Ice Cubes

I discovered big ice cubes while living in California when our refrigerator’s ice maker was hooked up to our tap water (it’s a long story but it had to be routed around the reverse osmosis system). While I’m sure it was safe, the tap water tasted awful.

That’s when I found these awesome ice trays that make big, beautiful ice cubes. I simply filled them with filtered water. They stack perfectly and take very little space in the freezer. Love the big cubes because they melt so slowly.

big ice cube trays

Set of 4 Silicone Ice Cube Trays

Made of 100% food-grade silicone, BPA-free ensures absolute food security. Nontoxic and odorless. Ideal for freezing liquids and even baby food. Safe for dishwasher, freezer, oven, refrigerator and microwave. Set of 4 trays.

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Mary Hunt

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7 Cheap Gadgets That Make Life Easy—Fun, Too

Sugru

Wake-Up Light

Velcro Thin Ties

Aqua Notes

Dishwasher Magnet

Lock Laces

Big Ice Cubes

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Please keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines

Mary Hunt

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7 Cheap Gadgets That Make Life Easy—Fun, Too

Sugru

Wake-Up Light

Velcro Thin Ties

Aqua Notes

Dishwasher Magnet

Lock Laces

Big Ice Cubes

More from Everyday Cheapskate

Please keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief, and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines

Mary Hunt

Related Articles

Share Your Upside Referrals Here

Best Credit Cards For…

Chase Freedom Review – 5% Cash Back On Rotating Categories

Please keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines