The 50 Best Things Under $50 We’ve Bought This Year (So Far)
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It goes without saying that Strategist staffers are constantly shopping; it’s how we find the best products and deals to share with our readers every day. And while we share our favorite new items and personal purchases all the time (in monthly “Strategist Hauls,” weekly “Strategist Brains,” and much more), it can be hard to keep track of all our best finds. So we’re rounding them up here with a focus on the under-$50 items that have made our lives a little better. Below, you’ll find the the sunscreens and CBK-coded flip-flops we’ve been buying ahead of warmer weather; the plastic-free kitchen gear we’ve been adding to our homes; and all the other delightful little purchases we’ve made in 2026 so far. If you want to read more about an item, just click the “Read Story” button. Consider this your guide to your next harmless splurge.
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Beauty writer Tembe Denton-Hurst's hair has never felt healthier.
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Junior writer Bella Druckman says it smells of bergamot and citrus (and hydrates well, too).
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Sleep writer Amelia Jerden says it keeps her fine, curly hair moisturized (but not weighed down).
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Jerden pairs the leave-in with this mask for maximum curl definition.
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"It gives my skin an unmatched boost in brightness," says updates coordinator Najwa Jamal.
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Druckman's officially "a Nécessaire girl" after trying the sandalwood- and jasmine-heavy Santal.
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With this on, writer Ambar Pardilla looks awake no matter how much (or little) she's slept.
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Writer Brenley Goertzen's maid-of-honor makeup has become her everyday favorite.
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The neutralizer pencil senior editor Hilary Reid bought to help brighten her under-eye area ...
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... and the concealer she applies afterward for a natural, crease-free finish.
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Newsletter editor Ashley Wolfgang bought it on senior writer Liza Corsillo's recommendation.
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Jerden's new favorite SPF, now that Beauty of Joseon is no longer available in the U.S.
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Goertzen bought it while in Anguilla and says the Whipped Coconut scent is "divine."
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"It's quenching, non-pilling, and a true cream," says senior editor Ailbhe Malone.
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Malone's go-to travel cleanser while on tour for her new book, 'Banshee.'
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"I wanted a very fun, shimmery shade for winter, and this delivers," says deals editor Sam Daly.
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Cocofloss is as good as everyone says, according to Druckman (classic mint is her go-to).
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Druckman got them for 40 percent off at Gap's spring sale.
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"At 19 inches, it hits right at my bellybutton," Druckman says.
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Writer Kitty Guo loves them so much, she named them our new best overall white socks.
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Reid bought a pair on two staffers' recommendations. They're perfect for loafers.
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It meets senior editor Crystal Martin's daily-wear requirements: sheer, mesh, and under $30.
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Jerden's newest addition to her bralette lineup is supportive but still comfortable.
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The only ones senior writer Lauren Ro wears while working out.
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Druckman bought it for a skiing trip but likes it so much she plans to use it year-round.
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These exfoliating wipes help Martin stay fresh in the hours between showering after workouts.
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Tech writer Jordan McMahon's voice coach recommended it for cleaning his sinuses.
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The 'I' shape leaves most of your lips free so you can still talk and breath freely, Guo says.
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The "neck guillotine" writer Erin Schwartz recommends for banishing tech neck.
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Goertzen takes it weekly and recovers faster from hard workouts. This one's NSF-certified.
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Writer Arielle Avila has also taken up creatine and adds this cheaper one to her daily lineup.
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Also new to Avila's lineup: Thorne's Vitamin D, which she used throughout the dark winter months.
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Corsillo grabbed these trash cans during Areaware's closing sale (and they're still half off).
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McMahon's two-in-one tool for opening packages and cutting tags.
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And his new vibrant pen to carry alongside his Field Notes notebook.
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Malone likes that you can mix and match the lid and body for a bespoke bottle.
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McMahon's go-to for kickboxing sessions so he can hydrate without removing his gloves.
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The non-designer (and much cheaper) version that Pardilla now sips from every morning.
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Druckman recently upgraded to this affordable stainless-steel cooker with a glass lid.
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Senior editor Winnie Yang is using her Weck jars again thanks to these silicone lids.
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It's thick and creamy with lots of crunch, and it's ruined all others for Guo.
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Corsillo says her son only wants to draw using these "lipstick-like" ones, which she's gifted twice.
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"It's a slightly naughtier version of Monkey Around," says Yang.
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Writer Kat Gillespie grew addicted to it during this winter's many deep-freeze weekends.
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The kid's classic Wartzman chose for a friend's soon-to-be 1-year-old.
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Gillespie's pre-March book of choice.
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And the one she brought (and finished) on her flight to Johannesburg.
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Wartzman says they're big enough for long notes but small enough that short ones don't look skimpy.
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Jerden's relied on these to bribe her new kittens into receiving their medications.
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And this feathered toy has kept both of her energetic kittens occupied at once.
More From The Strategist
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- The Best Things Strategist Editors Have Bought This Year (So Far)
- Hark, the Advent Calendars Arrived (Very) Early This Year
- 63 Things You Should Never Buy Full Price
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.