What’s the best thing under $100 you’ve ever bought? Aussies have surprising answers

In a world where shops and online marketplaces constantly bombard us with products, sometimes the smallest purchases quietly change everything.

A simple, inexpensive item can make routines easier, lift moods, or even improve health in ways you never expected.

Australians shared the under-$100 items they now swear by—and the responses were as diverse as they were surprising.

Pets: Companions that cost less than gold

Unsurprisingly, furry friends topped the list of life-changing purchases.

'We got our dog for the same price. Having to walk her everyday has massively improved my overall health and wellbeing,' another added.

'I got two for $50. Best purchase ever! They were doing half price adoptions and I fell in love with both of them on sight,' one more echoed.

Self-care gadgets: Small comforts, big impact

Sometimes the tiniest home gadgets make the biggest difference.

'A foot massager. Bought it from Amazon for around $100. I work long hours on my feet and it's amazing coming home and having my feet massaged. It feels incredible and I love the heat setting when it's cold during winter,' one man wrote.

'[Mine is an] electric blanket. It makes bed amazing and means I’m not running heaters at night. I work nightshift and have mine connected to a smart plug. I tell Alexa to turn it on when I knock off work and it's warm when I get home,' another added.

For office workers, an inexpensive ergonomic solution made all the difference. An AnoLogitech M575 trackball ($79) reduced wrist and shoulder strain. 'Rolling a ball with your thumb while you rest your hand on the table means you're no longer using your whole arm for fine motor movements. A lot of shoulder pain/headaches is from mouse use,' he said.

The most unexpected hit? Bidets. 'My $40 Amazon bidet seat,' one wrote. 'I got a $40 bidet spray/hose off Amazon and it's amazing. Makes my cheeks feel so healthy,' another echoed. 'A bidet! Stop living like a caveman and start washing your butt. You won't look back, I promise you,' one more shared. Another reported saving on toilet paper costs after installation, which was done for free while a plumber was working elsewhere in the house.

Dr Evan Goldstein, a leading colorectal surgeon, also recommended bidets earlier this year for health and hygiene benefits.

Kitchen upgrades: Efficiency on a budget

In the kitchen, simple tools can save time and reduce stress.

'My $15 mini rice cooker from Kmart. Absolutely perfect for one person to make enough for dinner and lunch the next day, no mess no fuss,' one reader wrote.

Air fryers proved especially popular. 'My air fryer! I use it most days for quick and easy meals. It saves on cleaning the big oven too,' one person shared. 'I have two. Couldn't do without,' another said.

Some readers combined gadgets for even more convenience. 'Came here to say this. Air fryer for the win. An addition I bought is a chip maker off eBay for $19. That baby makes sweet potato chips easy in the air fryer. I've eyed off the dual tray type but can't warrant the expense,' one added.

Other mentions included a $100 De'longhi Magnifica coffee machine from social media marketplaces and a SodaStream ($76) for keeping up water intake. 'A flat form citrus juicer/squeezer! $20 and so good at juicing lemons (see #Dreamfarm Fluicer for example, I love it… also I have a very lively lemon tree, so I have many lemons to juice,' one reader wrote.

Beauty 'musts': Everyday essentials

Lip balm was a hero for many. 'Good quality lip balm like Lanolips ($14.95). Saves my lips from becoming cracked and sore in winter, or generally dried out all year round. Feels so much nicer than the cheaper stuff does, and a little bit goes a long way,' one woman said.

'Seconding this suggestion, but in my opinion the best one is Hurraw - get the 'moon' ($6.50) one and put it on overnight,' another agreed.

Hair care fans praised satin and silk sleep accessories. 'Go silk if you want natural fibres but it costs more. I also use a large, thrifted silk scarf sometimes but it's not as easy. Near constant good hair days,' one shared.

Basic everyday items: The little things matter

Not all life-changing buys were flashy. A good notebook and pen, a coffee mug that keeps drinks hot, and a durable metal water bottle made daily life easier.

'A YETI coffee mug ($40) and a heating pad for my back. Significant life improvement. With hot coffee and a relaxed back I can do anything,' one reader said.

'Same with the YETI tumbler ($30),' another added. 'I drink a minimum of 3L a day with this thing, and I found that it's way more durable and leak proof than the Frank Green. Honestly just having a giant metal water bottle with a straw has changed my life so much,' another said.

Sometimes, even $20—or a half-price adoption fee—was enough to make a huge difference.

What’s the best thing under $100 you’ve ever bought?