5 Affordable Gadgets That Make Frugal Living Easier and More Fun

Sometimes it feels like gadgets are too expensive, hilariously impractical, or collecting dust in your kitchen drawer after one use (looking at you, avocado slicer). But now and then, you come across that perfect item that doesn’t empty your wallet and somehow makes annoying, everyday tasks absurdly easy.

I’ve compiled a list of five affordable gadgets that have saved me time, money, and the occasional headache. Not only have I tried them all, but I’ve also put them through their paces in ways that my frugal, DIY-loving heart demands. Spoiler alert: They all passed with flying colors.

1. Fanttik Cordless Screwdriver Kit

Why It’s Worth It

Ever tried putting together furniture with one of those flimsy wrenches they include in the box? I still have muscle cramps from the bookshelf fiasco of 2019. Enter the Fanttik Cordless Screwdriver Kit. This rechargeable tool has saved both my wrists and my sanity.

What sets it apart is how versatile it is. It comes with tons of screwdriver bits—flatheads, Phillips, hex, you name it—so whether you’re assembling Ikea furniture or tightening a cabinet hinge, you’re covered. The adjustable torque settings mean you won’t risk stripping screws or over-tightening (a lifesaver if you’re a perfectionist like me).

My Personal Take

When I first got this, I decided to test it on literally everything. I tightened chair legs that had been wobbly since 2022, put together a vanity with it and took out screws from an old bookshelf. Oh, and because it’s cordless, I don’t have to trip over cables or dig through drawers for batteries—it charges with a USB cord.

There’s a light so you can see what you’re doing, and it’s magnetic so the screw doesn’t fall. I’ve also shared several videos on my TikTok account.

GRAB IT HERE ON AMAZON

OR GRAB IT HERE TIKTOK.

Pro Tips

• For the best results, charge it overnight so it’s ready when inspiration strikes.
• Use the lower torque setting for delicate screws (like eyeglass frames) and the higher setting for heavy-duty work.

Where It Shines

• DIY home projects
• Tightening up daily wear-and-tear fixes
• Anyone who, like me, realizes halfway through a task that they’ve been using the wrong size screwdriver for years

2. Propane Torch Gun

Why It’s More Than a Cool Toy

I’ll admit—I initially bought the Propane Torch Gun because it looked fun. And sure, it absolutely is (lighting campfires is weirdly thrilling now). But it’s also a workhorse for outdoor tasks and farm life.

Pro Tips

• Safety first! Never use it near flammable materials, and always work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• If you’re using it for food (like caramelizing sugar on crème brûlée), get a food-safe version to avoid contamination.

Where It Shines

• Clearing ice
• Handling quick outdoor chores
• Starting bonfires on camping trips

3. Lieflines Candle Diffuser

Why It’s Special

Imagine turning any space into a haven of calm without needing cords, batteries, or an overpriced plug-in. Enter the Lieflines Candle Diffuser. It’s simple but incredibly effective—place a lit candle underneath, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil on top, and voila! Your room smells like a day spa.

My Personal Take

I’m big on cozy vibes, so I was skeptical this little contraption could actually outperform an electric diffuser. But it works like a charm—and honestly, watching the candlelight glow while the scent fills the room is both soothing and aesthetically pleasing. Bonus points for being compact enough that I can move it from the bathroom to the living room within minutes.

Pro Tips

• Pair it with beeswax candles to keep the air clean, especially if you’re diffusing calming scents like lavender or citrus.
• Keep an eye on the candle to make sure it doesn’t burn out while you’re mid-relaxation session.

Where It Shines

• Small spaces like bathrooms
• Creating cozy nighttime rituals
• Reducing counter clutter (no cords!)

@thefrugalfarmgirl

Every farm girl needs a good retractable ratchet strap! Grab them while they’re on sale in the TikTok shop. #rhinousa #retractableratchetstrap @Rhino USA #farmgirllife #haulinghay

♬ original sound – teeharpo

4. Rhino Retractable Ratchet Straps

Why You Really Need These

If you’ve ever spent 30 minutes untangling a mess of straps in your truck bed, you’ll appreciate the Rhino Retractable Ratchet Straps. These things retract smoothly (bye-bye, knots) and can secure everything from furniture to tree saplings.

My Personal Take

I used to dread hauling stuff—whether for a farmers’ market booth or a renovation project—because traditional straps are either too flimsy or a tangled nightmare. But these? They’re heavy-duty, easy to tighten, and don’t require an engineering degree to use.

My biggest test involved strapping down some unruly hay bales during a windy weekend. And surprise, everything stayed put. That in itself was worth the price.

Grab it on Amazon here.

Pro Tips

• Keep a set in your car for emergencies—you never know when you’ll need to secure something on the go.
• Regularly check the mechanism to ensure it’s clean and retracting properly.

Where It Shines

• Moving large or awkward items
• Farm chores
• Any situation where time and patience are in short supply

5. Wooden Tree Trivets

Why They’re More Than Just Cute

I’ll be honest—I initially bought these Wooden Tree Trivets because they matched my Pinterest vision of a farmhouse kitchen. But they’ve become one of my favorite multitaskers. Not only do they protect the counters from hot pans, but they also work as coasters, decorative centerpieces, and even makeshift plate holders for serving large meals.

Grab it here on Titkok.

My Personal Take

These collapse for easy storage, and their sturdy build means they don’t wobble like those cheaper plastic trivets you find in a three-pack. I’ve been using mine regularly for over a year, and they still look like new.

Pro Tips

• Flip them upside down in the summer to have a palm tree!
• Store them somewhere visible—they’re too pretty to hide in a drawer.

Where They Shine

• Everyday cooking
• Adding a homey touch to gatherings
• Tiny kitchens where space, style, and function all matter

Where to Find These Gadgets

I’ve put together full demo videos on TikTok showing how I use these gadgets—and you’ll also find exclusive discounts there.

I’ve also linked to Amazon if the item is available there. Check it out to see them in action! Or, if you’re more of a hands-on shopper, search online or visit your local hardware or home goods store.

Got a favorite gadget I didn’t mention? Leave a comment! I’m always on the hunt for budget-friendly tools that make life not just easier but flat-out better. Cheers to living smarter (and saving a buck while doing it!).