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Fabulous upgrades that don’t cost a fortune? I’m sold.

I've spent the last three years as a Shopping Writer at BuzzFeed covering a wide range of topics, including but not limited to must-have Amazon products, personal care, home and organization, and more.

Promising review: "Two weeks ago, I didn’t even know stone bath mats existed! But wow! What a game changer! I’m one of those people that avoids my cloth bath mat when it’s wet. Because eww! Now, I can take a shower right after my husband and not have to worry about stepping on a wet bath mat. The stone absorbs the water so fast! Can’t wait to upgrade my other bathroom mats." —Angela

Promising review: "Worth every dollar. It's pretty, has a timer, and is so effective! I like it so much better than burning my candle, and I think it makes the scent carry farther. Including an extra halogen bulb is very thoughtful and convenient. I use it at its tallest adjustment over a large Yankee candle and it is plumb vertical, does not lean. I had to use an extension cord to have the control switch within reach, but I have it on a high dresser. 100% recommend this!" —PrettyFunkyPunky

Promising review: "Redid our primary bathroom and purchased a few configurations of this switch plate and they are the real deal! Heavy, sturdy, and the fancy bling factor that I was looking for to go with the bright chrome and crystal vanity lights and cabinet hardware. Would buy them again in a heartbeat." —Laurie

Get it from Amazon for $30 (available in six finishes and various styles). 

Promising review: "This clock is worth the money! Buy it. Bright display, stylish, good material. It was easy for me to set up. It really took no time because the instructions were very simple! It keeps time, date, and even temperature accurately! Buy this!" —Robin

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in four colors). 

Promising review: "My parents went to Europe and sat outside on furs like these and now they do the same at home. They live in the mountains in Utah. They put these on their metal patio chairs and then cover themselves with a blanket outside in the winter. The faux furs keep your backside insulated and then topped with the blanket they are able to have cocktail hour(s) on the deck all year long! It’s honestly pretty sweet and the dog gets her own to lie on when she’s outside too." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in four sizes, two shapes, and 18 colors).

New England Stories is a small business that specializes in home and kitchen products. 

Promising review: "These are worth the money! There are labels for almost every basic syrup as well as blanks so you can label them yourself. If you get a regular-size Torani syrup bottle, it will hold the whole bottle, so you don't need to worry about storing a quarter of the bottle of syrup. SO AESTHETICALLY PLEASING, TOO." —Naomi

Get a set of four from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three colors and in sets of two or six). 

Each set includes two glass bottles, two gold dispensers, a funnel, and 37 stain-free labels.

Promising review: "These are so unique from the standard oil storage containers. They also hold a good amount of liquid and come with lots of labels, funnel, and topper. They look so sleek, sturdy, and fit the aesthetic! I love them." —Mikaela O.

Get a set of two from Amazon for $44.95 (available in three colors and as a set of four).

Promising review: "I have never seen a more beautiful blanket in my life. The images of the red roses crochet blanket looked exactly like an actual blanket — it was warm, high quality, and cost way less than others of the same size. Not to mention, a majority of the other crochet roses I looked at looked like rolled-up socks to me, while the roses on this blanket were detailed with little crochet leaves. Even the packaging it came in was elegant. Recently bought a second one for my mother." —Jones

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three sizes and 11 styles).

These are just pillow covers, so grab some pillow inserts, if you need 'em!

Promising review: "Far exceeded my expectations – the feel and rich depth of the cover makes me want to get them in every color! They’re stretchy and could fit 18x18–20x20 pillows. Mine are 20x20. They’re buttery soft. If they’ve been sitting in your cart, get them while you can!" —Amazon Customer

Get a set of two covers from Amazon for $21.99 (available in five colors).

Promising review: "I flipping love this kitchen gadget! I was always buying soap stands at Target and Marshalls, and they would always sit weird, get really, really dirty or slimy, or they wouldn’t hold things properly. But then I found this, and I hate to sound like an infomercial, but it’s really great. I like this so much and when it gets dirty, you just sand it down a little bit with the sanding circle they give you. Also, it takes up way less room and everything looks really neat." —HonestAmazon

Get it from Amazon for $16.88+ (available in seven sizes and four colors).

Promising review: "I sell handmade jewelry and wanted to elevate the look of my vending table by adding mirrors. I love the versatility of these. I used one on the stand and the other lying flat with jewelry laid over it. It really elevated the look of my table." —Emi

Promising review: "These are actually cuter than I expected! They are a tad smaller than some I've seen, but they actually looked great and can hold plenty of Q-tips and cotton balls in the spare bathrooms. I have mine on a serving tray with a candle and vase, and they look great without taking up too much space!" —tara savage 

Get a set of four jars from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in sets of two or three).

Promising review: "I loved this so much that I bought two more at the same time because of the pricing and beauty. I have it hanging outside where I can see it from my kitchen window. It makes me look forward to doing the dishes. Well sorta. My husband thinks it is beautiful also. We look forward to the time of day when the sun is rising and setting because that gives it the best aura." —Patty Clark 

Promising review: "My backyard gets pitch dark without lights but not anymore. These patio lights are fantastic. Easy to set up because the bulbs come assembled and all you have to do is mount as desired. Now I can enjoy my backyard at night with ease. Very bright and cozy." —Jl33NYC

Get a 25-foot strand from Amazon for $15.79 (available in eight sizes and four colors).

Promising review: "These are amazing soap dispensers. The amber glass is sturdy and strong, and the pump works great. They're easy to fill and they look so good on your bathroom or kitchen countertop. Highly recommend!" —Emily

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in three pump styles).

Each bundle comes tightly wrapped with string, so you can use the loop to hang it in the shower! You also get an adhesive hook for easy application and display.

Eucalyptus Blooms is a woman-owned small biz based in North Carolina that makes a variety of unique shower bundles and other scented products. 

Promising review: "Beautiful eucalyptus/lavender bundles! I appreciated the helpful tips inside the package. I purchased three and they were packed with care. Trustworthy seller. Worth the price, in my opinion. Made beautifully, well received gifts!" —HL

Get it from Eucalyptus Blooms on Etsy for $15.74+ (originally $20.99+ available in three sizes and in multipacks).

Promising reviews: "My favorite sheets have to be Cozy Earth. But they are way too pricey for a guest bed. These sheets are just as good without the huge price tag. Side by side comparison to these versus expensive brands like Cozy Earth or Peacock Alley — these sheets are thinner and deeper, which actually fit better on our deep mattress with a 3-inch topper. These sheets are just as cool feeling as the higher-end ones when you get in bed. They wash well. They hardly wrinkle. And even after months of use, they are still in great shape. They haven’t started to peel yet or fray. No loose threads or tears. Great sheets!" —Susan

"We have Egyptian cotton sheets that were expensive and I promise we have changed them back out for the comfort of these sheets. The cotton sheets were cold and these were just right. The other thing is my husband has thin skin that any nick he will bleed. Well he has bled on these white sheets and when we washed them (in cold water as instructed) the blood always comes out and never stains. I can't say enough great things about them except to say all three of my adult kids are receiving a set as part of their Christmas!" —Sheree Chrestman

Get a set of queen sheets from Amazon for $36.97+ (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 43 colors/patterns).

Promising review: "We have bought at least six different brands of these kinds of pillowcases over the years via Amazon. We always order standard-size pillowcases, but invariably, we end up with queen-size ones. These standard-size pillowcases really are standard size. They fit our pillows perfectly. And though all the brands that advertise under the 'satin' or 'sateen' or 'silk' pillowcase category represent that their products are, or 'feel like' silk, these pillowcases really do feel silky. We have only washed them (cold water and line-dried only) a few times, but they seem as though they will hold up. I sure hope so. They are the best and most comfortable that we have yet to find on Amazon." —George Scarlatta

Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four sizes, 30 colors, and in sets of four or individually).

It comes with the screws needed for installation.

Promising review: "I bought these to replace the ugly, plain registers that were on my ceiling. Installed in less than 10 minutes and they look beautiful. I ordered white and spray painted them nickel to match my ceiling fan. Couldn't be happier." —AsMeow

Get one from Amazon for $17.08+ (available in 11 sizes, four finishes, and many other styles/sizes).

Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says about it: "I purchased this because I have a lil' Friday tradition of going to Trader Joe's and buying the $3.99 'petite bouquets' (Alexa, play 'Flowers' by Miley Cyrus!!) and it is the absolute perfect size for a mini bouquet. It is a treat to look at on my windowsill, 11/10 recommend for anyone who wants a bright spot in their living room!"

Promising review: "I absolutely love this thing! [The] face is so peaceful and sweet, and the pose is so thoughtful. It looks absolutely great with any type of flower or flower mix. Each different arrangement looks different, so it’s always fun and new. I love it as decor even without flowers. I get a smile every time I look at it." —Booyeah 21

Get it from Amazon for $14.49+ (available in three face styles, in white or gold, and in a set with all three styles). 

Promising review: "This was very easy to install to hide all the messy wires. This is life changing to create a nice, sleek space." —Martha Ashley

Get it from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in three lengths and two styles).

Promising review: "My kitchen window is on the sidewalk near the community mailboxes. Lots of people walking by. I loathe mini blinds, which collect dust and grease. Especially since the stove is next to the window. Curtains are better, but still collect cooking smells and grease particles. I installed this in about 10 minutes. It lets in light, but hides me from nosy people." —Gayle Smith

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 14 sizes and four colors).

Check out our Rabbitgoo window film review for more on why it's worth buying!

Poppy & Pour is a California-based Etsy shop established in 2020 that specializes in custom flower coasters, keychains, and more.

Promising review: "I’m so excited about these beautiful coasters! They’re great quality and I love how each one is unique. They really light up our coffee table :)" —Suzanne Trivette

Get it from Poppy & Pour on Etsy for $14+ (available with or without gold trim and in multipacks).

Make sure to measure the length between your curtain rod and the floor so you get the perfect look.

Promising review: "Ah-maze! They're super soft and luxurious feeling. The color is great and jazzes up any room. Great value for the money. They do a great job at darkening the room, too." —Nayonna2001

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in many sizes and colors).

Promising review: "I absolutely love these curtains; they are beautiful! We just moved into a new home that has a vintage vibe, so I wanted curtains to go with that. These were perfect. I loved them so much that I ended up buying them for a few different rooms in the house." —J&T D.

Get two panels from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in three sizes, four colors, and individually).

Promising review: "I have installed this under my bed and under my bathroom cabinet toe-kick. It is exactly what I was hoping for, if not even better. The motion detector is very responsive. The dimmer lets you set your brightness, so for me, when I have to get up in the middle of the night, it is a nice soft glow that lights up exactly where I need. Now don't have to blind myself with the lights in the room or bathroom anymore. LOVE THIS!" —alyzee

Get it from Amazon for $15.29 (available in two sizes).

These can be installed with either glue or screws, and reviewers report that either method is super secure.

Promising review: "These aluminum shelves are beautiful. They look very nice, and they come with all the necessary hardware to install. The right angle is perfectly square, so as long as your corners are good, the shelf will fit perfectly. Had it now for a few years, no discoloration, just a nice product." —Christer J. Billinger

Get a set of two from Amazon for $29.99 (available in two styles and four colors).

Covogoods is a Utah-based, woman-founded small business that specializes in storage solutions crafted from up-cycled books.

Promising review: "We absolutely love our CovoBox. It fits perfectly into our cabinet, and the cable modem/router, AppleTV, and external hard drive, and their various cables are now cleverly disguised as Harry Potter books 1–7. Great customer service, quick delivery, and a fabulous product. Two thumbs way, way up!" —John Grace

Get it from Covogoods on Etsy for $31.50+ (originally $42+; available in various customizations and sizes) OR from Amazon Handmade for $39+ (you'll choose customizations before adding to your cart).

Promising review: "I wish I made this purchase sooner! This tissue box is chic and the perfect modern addition to any room. It’s well made, and I’ve had no issues with this product in five months. There’s a strap to secure the tissue box into the holder. Will definitely purchase more :)" —Liz

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in nine colors).

Promising review: "I took a chance and bought this originally as a 'Band-Aid fix' to refinish a desk. I had looked in stores in the contact paper aisles, but all of them were just that... paper. THIS item is actually a thin sheet of vinyl(?) with adhesive, and I ended up liking it so much, I bought more and re-finished my kitchen countertop with it as well! Highly recommended if you want to change the look of your counters but you don't have the money for a full remodel just yet. It can be cleaned with dish soap and water just like a real countertop." —Z

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 10 sizes and five colors).

1801 & Co. is a Minnesota-based, family-owned Etsy shop established in 2016 that specializes in family wall calendars, chore charts, wedding signs, and more.

Promising review: "I love it! I got it so fast after ordering and it’s perfect. I love the sleek design for my small home office space. I can’t function at work without a dry-erase board but couldn’t find any that would look nice in my office space, which is in the corner of my master bedroom! Having functional office space but not LOOKING like an office in the bedroom is challenging but this acrylic board is PERFECT. The black pen that comes with it has a very nice fine tip and erases without a trace." —Dawn Powell

Get it from 1801 & Co. on Etsy for $14.18+ (originally $18.01+; available in multiple dimensions, two thickness sizes, as well as three hardware colors).

Note: The included screws may not be the proper length for whatever piece of furniture or cabinetry you're upgrading, so you may need to go to your local hardware store before installing!

Promising review: "Used these sweet drawer knobs on a bookcase makeover I did for my girls’ bedroom! I’ve gotten so many compliments on them! They’re very study as well, and don’t feel cheap and flimsy. Really couldn’t ask for a better drawer knob!" —LaurelCanyon

Get a set of two from Anthropologie for $24 (also available in a brushed silver finish). They make other fixtures in the same design, including towel bars and rings and curtain tie-backs!

These require three AAA batteries per candle that will last you about 150 hours. 

Promising review: "I like that you can control the brightness with the remote and timer selection is not just one selection. That is the first time I have seen a remote for candles with lots of options. These candles are better than my expensive flameless Luminara candles and look just like a real candle. This is my second set and I just purchased a third set. You won't regret this purchase." —Experiencedandiknowit

Get the set of three from Amazon for $25.99 (available in five colors).

PS: it comes from a small biz! Sweet Water Decor is a woman-owned, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania–based shop that specializes in home decor + gifts. 

Promising review: "This smells AMAZING! This is my fourth time buying this item and I’ll continue to do so. The size is perfect for any space – we have one in the living room and another in the guest bathroom. It lasts several months before needing to be replaced and gives off a good amount of scent in the air without being overpowering." —Abby Coley

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 21 scents).

Joy Jolt is a small business that specializes in modern and pop culture-themed drinkware and kitchen accessories. 

Promising review: "These square wine glasses are just like the ones from Crate & Barrel but half the cost. So worth the money. They come well packaged and look so good on display. Buy them, you won't regret it!" —Heather W.

Get a set of two from Amazon for$13.95 (available in three styles). 

Promising reviews: "This is the laundry basket we have on top of our dryer for whites. It is attractive, holds up nicely and if we have people over, they do not need to see our laundry displayed. Love it!" —Karen R.

"Wow very thick and sturdy! I’m quite surprised. Love it for my nursery laundry basket for all the toys. The color is just as photo shows, complementary for all decor types. Good value for the money!"  —Ichi Ban

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four sizes and five colors).

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BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.