17 Items You Should Always Buy on the Cheap
Every item usually comes in cheap and expensive varieties. While costly products often feel sturdier and more luxurious, affordable alternatives can surprise you.
Cheap products aren’t always flimsy and low-quality. There are plenty of affordable options that work just as well as their expensive counterparts. Just because you don’t get a branded item doesn’t always mean the quality is bad.
Buying cheap saves you money and allows you to enjoy something without draining your wallet. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of items you should always buy cheap.
1. Organizers
Home organizing is becoming increasingly popular. From your pantry to your closets, there’s an organizing tool to keep your home neat. However, many organizers can be expensive, especially if you’re trying to replicate the aesthetic that you see on social media.
Acrylic organizers may look luxurious but often come with a high price tag. However, if it’s something you’re drawn to, many stores offer them at discounted prices. Personally, I prefer using affordable single-colored organizers that still keep my home looking tidy without breaking the bank.
2. Storage Containers
Storage containers are meant for keeping items, not for display. Since they’ll be hidden away, you can buy cheap storage containers for your home without worrying about their appearance. This way, you don’t have to spend a lot while keeping your unused items organized.
Besides household items, you can also opt for inexpensive food containers. If you’re hosting parties or expect to give away food during the holidays, using cheap food containers can help reduce your costs, as expensive ones aren’t essential.
3. Side Tables
Side tables serve more of a decorative purpose than for daily use. Therefore, buying an affordable side table that’s within your budget is more practical.
You can find plenty of affordable side tables in furniture stores. Alternatively, you can buy second-hand ones and refinish them if you’d like. Or, if you’re creative, you can DIY a side table that’s exactly how you like it. I enjoy applying a fresh coat of paint to make second-hand furniture look brand new.
4. Decorations
Home decorations serve to beautify your space rather than serve a functional purpose. Since decorations are less likely to experience wear and tear, consider buying cheap options that still look good.
You can find affordable paperweights, vases, candle holders, and bookends online. I enjoy creating my decorations by painting or crocheting them. Not only do I save money, but I also add a personal touch to my home.
5. Picture Frames
A home’s decoration feels incomplete without a picture frame. It lets you display cherished memories, which makes your space cozier. However, expensive picture frames aren’t essential.
Picture frames won’t undergo wear and tear like other items. They’ll hang on your walls or sit on your table for years. You can buy plain, cheap frames, and they won’t make your home look tacky.
6. Water Bottles
Today, the internet is flooded with all sorts of water bottles. While many are pretty, you don’t have to get a $35 Stanley Cup to stay hydrated. You really only need them for one purpose: to keep you hydrated wherever you go.
Most home stores sell cheap water bottles. Some generic brands even offer insulated bottles, which can keep your drinks hot or cold for hours.
7. Table Linens
Placemats, runners, table linens, and napkins are great for dressing up your dining table. While expensive table linens make your dining table look luxurious, buying them for a cheaper price is more practical.
Your dining table is prone to spills and stains. Spending hundreds of dollars on items that can get damaged would be a waste. We always have a table cover that’s water-resistant and easily wipes, which is even more convenient than table linen for my stituation.
8. Basic Kitchen Utensils
Yes, kitchen tools should be high-quality, but not everything needs to be expensive. A simple spatula doesn’t have to cost $34 when a $14 one works just as well.
There are plenty of kitchen utensils you can buy cheap, like a lemon squeezer, mixing bowl, measuring cups, and oven timer.
9. Basic Clothing
You don’t need to splurge on everyday clothing. A basic tee and pants don’t have to be branded when many generic ones look the same.
Buy cheap clothing for your basics. Top them with a branded coat or jacket to elevate the look. I have plenty of basic tees and tops that are cheap but still look good. It doesn’t cost me much but keeps my outfits stylish.
10. Office Supplies
Office supplies don’t have to be expensive. As long as they do their job, they keep the office running smoothly. You’ll use plenty of supplies, and buying cheap can save you money in the long run.
You can buy cheap pens, pencils, paper, folders, and paper clips. I like to buy office supplies in bulk to save even more.
11. Greeting Cards
If you’re still old school, greeting cards are a great way to send messages to loved ones. However, greeting cards have gotten very expensive over the years. The fun cards with lights and sounds can be even more expensive.
The purpose of giving a greeting card is to send a message. Plenty of lower-priced yet beautiful greeting cards are available. Look for one with a simple design and add your special note to make it more memorable.
12. Makeup
Using makeup every day can be expensive, especially when you choose high-end brands. While they feel luxurious, drugstore makeup can also perform well.
Look for affordable lipsticks and lip gloss if you frequently retouch. You can also buy 3-in-1 makeup products that work for your eyes, lips, and cheeks. A 3-in-1 product isn’t only practical but also a space saver.
13. Baby Clothes
Babies grow fast, and their clothes quickly become too small. You often need to buy new baby clothes every three months.
Unless your baby has sensitive skin, buy affordable baby clothes. Soak them in hot water and wash them with baby detergent to keep them safe for your baby’s skin. Or ask around, there’s often people getting rid of their baby clothes and happy to pass them on.
14. Sunglasses
Many people break their sunglasses by accidentally sitting or stepping on them. If this happens to you often, buy cheap sunglasses.
Spending hundreds of dollars on sunglasses that get lost or might break is a waste. Plenty of affordable sunglasses still look good and protect your eyes. Plus, it won’t be so heartbreaking if they snap or crack.
15. Trendy Accessories
It’s fun to follow style trends, but it can hurt your budget. Buying cheap accessories and garments lets you keep up with trends without overspending. Think jewelry, bags, belts, or hair clips.
Before you buy, please think about your impact on the environment as well. Would you actually wear it? Do you actually like it? If you’re sure you’ll use something for years, then invest in a better brand.
16. Pantry Staples
Since you eat food daily, you can save a ton when you buy cheap food or buy in bulk. You can’t buy everything cheap because it does affect taste, but some things taste the same. Whether you buy the name brand or the generic brand.
You can buy salt, sugar, pepper, vinegar, and soy sauce without noticing a difference in taste. I’ve switched to generic brands for my seasonings, and it saves me money without changing the flavor.
17. Cleaning Products
Many expensive cleaning products promise better results, but generic products work just as well.
You can also use natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon to clean your home. They’re cheap and powerful, just like commercial products. If you use natural ingredients and stay away from the chemicals in cleaners, it may affect your health positively too.
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