Curious about budget-friendly Amazon gadgets? Today, I’m diving into five random Amazon finds, each under $20, to see if they’re worth the hype. From a wax warmer that simulates a flickering flame to quirky bling for your car’s valve stems, here’s my honest take.
Where to Purchase
Below are links to the products featured in this video.
Flame Fireplace Wax Melt Warmer
I started with the Flame Fireplace Wax Melt Warmer ($18), a cozy wax warmer that mimics the look of a flickering flame. It’s rated 4.5 stars and labeled as an Amazon’s Choice, so I had to try it out to see if it was as good as the images depicted.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the warmer looked smaller than expected and felt a bit cheaply made with its plastic exterior. However, the design includes a flexible wax tray, a small bonus that makes wax cleanup easier.
Functionality and Realism
Once plugged in, the “flame” effect looked surprisingly good, though better on camera than in person. The settings offer timers (2, 4, or 8 hours) and three light modes: bright, weak, and “breathing” (a pulsing effect). While the pulsating light wasn’t quite realistic, it did add ambiance.
Melting Power
After placing a wax cube, it took about 14 minutes to fully melt, filling the room with a pleasant scent. Plus, the tray’s flexibility made removing cooled wax a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Despite the plastic build, this warmer works as advertised and adds charm to any room. A minor flaw is its bright power light, which some may find distracting, but overall, I’d say this warmer is worth the price.
HeadLimes Citrus Squeezer Clips
Next up, the HeadLimes ($15), a quirky citrus squeezer that clips onto the rim of a glass or bottle. With a design that resembles a little puppet, it certainly grabs attention.
How It Works
The setup is simple: insert a lime wedge into the “mouth,” clip it onto your glass or bottle, and squeeze. I tried it with a bottle of Corona Premiere. Surprisingly, the lime juice infused the drink effectively without mess.
Aesthetic Appeal
While it’s a cute addition, it’s best for one-time use per drink. On a bottle, you’ll need to remove it before drinking, which ruins the visual appeal. However, it works great on glasses and can be left clipped for a touch of fun.
Verdict
This gadget isn’t a must-have, but it’s a fun accessory, especially for parties. If you enjoy a bit of whimsy, HeadLimes might be for you.
Memory Snack Tray
This Memory Snack Tray ($15.16) doubles as a snack holder and a memory game for kids. It’s designed with 18 compartments, making it a novel way to serve snacks and keep kids entertained.
Kid-Friendly or Not?
After loading the compartments with small snacks, I played the memory game. The design could use some improvement; the compartments don’t open smoothly and are small, so larger snacks won’t fit. Still, for tiny treats, it works well and could be great for travel.
Usability Issues
Opening the compartments requires some effort, which might frustrate kids. But once open, it’s a unique way to deliver snacks.
Is It Worth It?
While quality could be better, it delivers as a snack-and-play tray. For parents seeking a portable snack holder, it’s worth considering.
4. Blingy Valve Stem Caps
If you’re into car accessories, these Valve Stem Caps ($6.98) are fun and inexpensive. They come in a rhinestone-studded design, adding a bit of “bling” to your tires.
Installation and Durability
Installation was quick, and each cap tightened securely on my tires. After a 30-mile drive, all caps were still intact, proving they stay in place even at highway speeds.
Look and Practicality
While they’re undeniably flashy, their durability was impressive. That said, I can’t test their resilience in snow, so keep that in mind if you live in a colder climate.
Final Verdict
If you want to add a touch of style to your car, these caps are a fun and affordable way to do it.
Crack’em Egg Cracker and Spoon Rest
Finally, I tested the Crack’em Egg Cracker and Spoon Rest ($11.99), a plastic egg cracker designed to make egg cracking easier and less messy.
Does It Work?
The sharp edge worked surprisingly well, producing a neat, straight crack without shell fragments in the bowl. Compared to using the edge of a bowl or countertop, it was definitely cleaner.
Bonus Feature: Spoon Rest
It doubles as a spoon rest, though its functionality varies depending on spoon size. Smaller spoons fit well, while larger ones may not balance as neatly.
Final Thoughts
For anyone who cracks eggs often, this is a handy gadget. I’m not sure it’s worth $12, but since I have it I will continue to use it.
Final Thoughts
Each of these under-$20 Amazon finds had its pros and cons. While some may be more gimmicky than practical, they all perform as advertised. The Flame Fireplace Wax Melt Warmer stands out as my favorite of the bunch, as I’ve already had guests compliment it since I started using it. Whether you’re looking for practical kitchen gadgets or fun car accessories, there’s something in this mix for everyone.