Amazon is essentially an IRL version of Ariel’s treasure trove, famously detailed in her The Little Mermaid number, "Part Of Your World." Only instead of a cavernous hole 1000 leagues under the sea, all that "neat" stuff is housed on digital shelves across the web. And, instead of useless, "whozits," "whatzits," and, "thingamabobs," Amazon’s best booty is a collection of secret weapon stuff that we never knew we needed and now we that we have it, simply can’t live without — a collection we’ve come to call, the hidden gems.
Since this particular online product ocean runs deep, we decided to poll an in-the-know pool of online-shopping mermaids across the country for their absolute favorite buys. From fashion to tech, beauty, travel, home decor, and health and wellness, the hidden gems’ list ahead covers products so unique that you may be entirely surprised to find they were snagged off Amazon. Scroll on to shop our secret treasure trove of Amazon’s hidden gems and become a part of a world filled with tiny succulent-shaped humidifiers, diamond engagement rings, the softest shag rugs, sleep-support gummies, and pink dinosaur purses galore.
Spread the good goods for our next round of Amazon hidden gems — we’d love to know what treasures you’ve tried, tested, and approved.
Submit your secret Amazon scores, here.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Wooden Mosaic Puzzle
Linda, 28
How She Discovered It: "I was searching for the perfect baby gift for one of my most stylish (and picky) friends….something that the babe wouldn’t grow out of, wasn’t plastic, looked one-of-a-kind, and was relatively cheap!"
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "This soft rainbow-colored block puzzle not only works as a special toy for the babe-to-be, but also as a beautiful decor accent in my friend’s home too."
Grimm Mosaic Square Wooden Building Blocks, $59.95, available at Amazon
Cotton Ruffle Socks
Ruby, 31
How She Discovered It: "I was browsing for interesting socks, like always! And am always on the hunt for high-cotton blends that don’t feel cheapy."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I mostly wear loafers and oxfords, which I love pairing with skirts or cropped pants and kooky socks or colorful socks, and this six-pack of cute ankle socks was a no-brainer!"
MCool Mary Ankle Ruffle Socks (6 Pack), $12.99, available at Amazon
Handmade Rattan Clutch
Becky, 33
How She Discovered It: "I was looking for a round rattan bag (after just getting back from Paris and wanting every Parisian’s I passed on the street) across a bunch of different websites, high and low. When I came on to Amazon, this bag was recommended to me in my rattan search and I ended up buying this instead. "
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It looks exactly like the real thing!! I’ve worn it for 2 weddings and out a couple of times and it’s very sturdy and easy to wear. You can’t tell the difference between this and the Cult Gaia version."
Miuco Handmade Bamboo Bag, $37.99, available at Amazon
Fresh Orchid Bouquet
Sarah, 39
How She Discovered It: "Searching for fresh flowers that were Prime eligible."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I had no idea Amazon sent fresh flowers. I’ve had good luck with KaBloom but the one time the flowers weren’t up to par, I called amazon and they sent a replacement. Bouquet which was beautiful."
KaBloom White Dendrobium Orchids With Vase (10 stems), $37.99, available at Amazon
Diamond Wedding Ring
Kristyn, 29
How She Discovered It: "So this is a similar style ring – I can’t find my exact ring. But, it was given to me on Christmas eve when I got engaged 🙂 My main stone is 1.6 ctw "very good" quality diamond and i think was around 4k he never told me the exact amount."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "My husband and I both really enjoy deal shopping – its one of our pass times haha so he knew I’d have no issues with him getting a great deal on my ring – I just wanted to be married! It’s an antique setting and really fits my style so i immediately fell in love with it. Once we got it appraised it was valued at a lot more than he paid – like 7k more! It came with an appraisal certificate that was already more than he paid but we took it to a reputable jeweler who went NUTS for it and appraised it even higher. Jewelers especially often ask me if its a family heirloom because they say it’s beautifully crafted. I love it so much i choose to wear it on my right hand because I don’t want a band taking any attention away from the details on the sides."
Dazzling Rock 10K-Gold 1CT Diamond Ring Set With Matching Band, $1060.4, available at Amazon
Linen Jumpsuit
Franny, 29
How She Discovered It: "Searching for a stylish and flattering jumpsuit that I wouldn’t feel so stitched up inside."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I love its breezy linen material and loose-fit/wide-leg style, perfect for layering this spring. And it came in a solid range of plus sizes!"
Yeokou Linen Wide Leg Jumpsuit, $18.98, available at Amazon
Leather Passport Holder
Amanda, 27
How She Discovered It: "I was looking for a Christmas gift that I could give to all of my aunts."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It looks and feels great, and the marbled motif is very pretty. Because all of my family will be traveling for my wedding next year, this was a cute and fun way to thank the girls in our group."
Leminimo Leather Marble Passport Holder, $11.97, available at Amazon
Over-The-Knee Boots
Sheridan, 26
How She Discovered It: "I ordered these boots myself after watching a few YouTube video reviews. I will scour the internet for hours watching video reviews. These boots received nothing but great product reviews and recommendations."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I’m a personal style consultant. I had a client that wanted my recommendations for Black OTK boots that were comfortable, stylish and wouldn’t break the bank. These boots are spot-on and a dupe for any luxury designer OTK boot."
Kaitlyn Pan Microsuede High Heel Over The Knee Boots, $79.98, available at Amazon
White Marble Ring-Holder
Sarah, 30
How She Discovered It: "I was looking for something on trend and unique to display my many rings. Something that was also stylish and looks good on my vanity."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "This is one of those items that you didn’t know you needed until you had one. I absolutely love that its made of solid marble. It feels good to hold and is an affordable way to add some marble accent to my home. I use it everyday to hold my engagement ring when I’m not wearing it. I’ve also gifted this many friends and they all loved it! It’s a small and lovely gift that I’ve given for engagement parties, bridal showers, coworkers, etc."
Craft Monkees White Carrara Marble Ring Holder, $27.99, available at Amazon
Cozy Llama Slippers
Eva, 16
How She Discovered It: "I got them as birthday present."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "They are so cute (I mean come on, just look at them) and they’re so comfy. For such a low price, they are good quality, the sizes are accurate, and best of all, they deliver to Ireland!"
Slumber Hut Novelty Llama Slippers, $7.99, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Selfie Tripod
Claire, 27
How She Discovered It: "Through my own research!"
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "This tripod has changed my life and my social content game! There’s no shame in snapping an outfit pic with a tripod when you live alone, and it also lets me make funny videos that bring me SO much joy!"
Fugetek Selfie Stick & Tripod, $23.99, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Organic Cotton Maxi Pads
Andrea, 37
How She Discovered It: "I went to Amazon and typed in, ‘organic cotton maxi pads,’ and voila."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I wanted organic cotton pads that don’t have any scent or extra chemicals. I also think they’re more comfortable than that sort of plastic-y texture that can give me rash and just be plain gross. These are 100% organic, USDA-certified, non-GMO, and made in the USA without the use of toxins, pesticides, or synthetic chemicals. Also, I know I am a grown woman and like, who gives an F, but there is something appealing about getting a package of maxi pads delivered discreetly to your door than carrying it home in a flimsy see-through bag. Now that I know I like these, I ordered an economy pack so I don’t have to worry about it for a while."
Rael Certified Organic Cotton Menstrual Pads, Pack of 2, $12.99, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Pearl Hairclips
Sasha, 29
How She Discovered It: "I was searching for cute, cheap hair clips after seeing an influencer wearing them."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "Hair clips are all over Instagram right now and these are the perfect detail to get the look for an affordable price."
Hithop Artificial Pearl Barrettes, $2.65, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Stylish Storage Cabinet
Channing, 30
How She Discovered It: "I was searching for contemporary furniture on the site."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It’s so beautiful and fits in with the aesthetic of my living room decor and it was affordable and easy to put together."
Convenience Concepts Oslo Storage Cabinet, $133.93, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Wig Tape
Katherine, 34
How She Discovered It: "Years ago when I was a fashion assistant, the stylist I was assisting used it on a photo shoot to keep shirts and makeshift hems in place."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "This wig tape is cheaper, stronger, and more reliable than the traditional ‘fashion tape.’ Works like a charm to make sure blouses don’t gape and garments stay in the right place when there’s lots of movement on set. It’s great for swim shoots too. It’s one of my many secret weapons I keep stocked in my styling kit."
Vapon Topstick Clear Hairpiece Tape (1 Roll), $6.49, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Lotion Self-Applicator
Bee, 28
How She Discovered It: "A coworker."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "Nothing screams single life more than not being able to lotion your back."
Aquasentials Easy Lotion Applicator, $5.99, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Soft Long-Sleeve Tee
Rose, 30
How She Discovered It: "I was browsing through Amazon and saw it."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It’s SUCH a good quality shirt for every day. It’s super soft and I wear it practically every day with leggings and it never stretches out or wears."
Amazon Essentials Women’s Long-Sleeve T-Shirt, $12, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Face-Mask Collection
Sally, 26
How She Discovered It: "Browsing around!"
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "Less than 2 dollars per sheet mask. Plus they feel amazing after putting them in the fridge for a couple minutes."
Dermal Collagen Essence Full-Face Sheet Mask Set (24-Pack), $14.99, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Pink Dinosaur Purse
Liz, 28
How She Discovered It: "I was searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for my roomie."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "This mini-crossbody bag perfectly encapsulates her dual-personality and style traits: one part novelty-funny, the other part cute-chic. Also, just look at it."
MILATA Dinosaur Cross Body Bag, $19.68, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sam, 30
How She Discovered It: "From a friend."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "Commuting with bluetooth headphones has always been critical for me, but these headphones take it a step further with noise cancelling technology. Whether I’m on the subway or a plane, I never have to worry about being agitated by the people around me."
Bose QuietControl 30 Wireless Headphones, $299, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Crab-Shaped Multi-Tool Set
Alice, 24
How She Discovered It: "It was a gift."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "This is one of the most random gifts I’ve ever received but I love it! I’m from Maryland and when I moved to NYC my mom gave me this little guy. I actually keep it on my desk at work and it comes in handy. I’ve also now gifted it a few times. There’s other animals to choose from too."
Kikkerland Beechwood Crab Multi Tool, $15, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Expert Kitchen Knife
Patricia, 28
How She Discovered It: "Google research."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I come from a family of high quality cooks/chefs, knives are the most important kitchen tool. Got this knife for my mom for Xmas and it is now one of her favorite knives."
DALSTRONG Japanese High-Carbon Sheath, $64.7, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
All-Natural Charcoal Facial Cleanser
Katrina, 33
How She Discovered It: "A friend with beautiful skin."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It’s not that expensive and I’ve really noticed a difference in my skin."
Destiny Boutique Charcoal Facial Detox, $9.23, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Stylish Coffee Table
Corrie, 27
How She Discovered It: "I was looking for coffee tables."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It holds a lot of stuff which is really useful in my tiny apartment. I can store things in it for my living room where I am lacking storage. It is also very clean and neat looking. The style goes perfectly with my west elm couch and looks much higher end than it is. "
ClosetMaid Rectangular Wood Coffee Table with Storage Shelves, $68.98, available at Amazon
*March Hidden Gem
Wooden Embroidery Hoops
Emily, 35
How She Discovered It: "I was instructed to purchase these for an embroidery workshop that I was organizing at my previous job."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "Sewing is like, the most ancient technology! And here are the tools for it, available in just a few clicks, at one of the world’s most progressive shopping platforms."
Darice Wooden Embroidery Hoops, $10.3, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
An Affordable Formal Dress
Arianna, 27
How She Discovered It: "I was going to a black tie wedding and didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a dress, and I had an Amazon gift card so…I googled formal dresses on Amazon and found one with rave reviews. A lot of girls mentioned using it as a bridesmaid dress!"
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I only paid $40 for it, I got a lot of compliments on it AND have turned multiple people onto the same dress, so a lot of my friends own it as well."
Ever Pretty One Shoulder Long Dress , $45.99, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
A Cute Portable Mini Vacuum
Rebecca, 28
How She Discovered It: "I discovered it in the shuk while I was living in Tel Aviv. When I moved to NY I needed one for my new apartment so I searched on Amazon and voila! Now every person who comes to our apartment asks where it’s from and we give them out as gifts. We probably have at least 5 of them stocked in our closet right now."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It’s just so useful! We keep it on our coffee table and use it at least once a night after we eat by the tv or have company over."
HONBAY Mini Table Dust Vaccum, $8.28, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
Heartburn Relief & Sleep Support Gummies
Tina, 30
How She Discovered It: "Found it on Amazon after searching for nighttime acid reflex / sleeping aid."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I suffer from both acid reflux and have a hard time falling asleep and this product seems to help a lot with both!"
Alka Seltzer Heartburn Relief + Sleep Support Gummies (Pack of 2), $22.96, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
A Sonic Face Exfoliator
Caroline, 26
How She Discovered It: "Multiple friends recommended it, and after a quick search I found it was available on Prime."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I have pretty sensitive skin, so many rougher exfoliants or scrubs tend to tear it up — but now I can use my gentler cream and oil cleansers and still reap exfoliating benefits, thanks to the soft bristles and sonic vibrations. It’s also really cute and I like to keep my bathroom shelf looking good because it’s the kind of little joy that makes me happy."
Foreo Luna Mini 2 Facial Cleansing Brush, $139, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
A Glamorous Swimsuit
Colette, 28
How She Discovered It: "I spent longer than I’d like to admit looking for a cute black one piece. I read a ton of reviews and finally landed on this one."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "Bathing suits are my least favorite thing to buy, but this one checks all the boxes. It’s well made, comfortable, cost only $25 but looks at least twice as expensive, and most importantly I feel really good in it. It’s the only bathing suit I want to wear for the rest of eternity."
Tempt Me One Piece Ruched Monokini Swimwear, $24.99, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
A Mini Succulent Diffuser
Lou, 28
How She Discovered It: "During an internet deep-dive, searching for all things succulent themed."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I, unfortunately, am a green-thumbless millennial living in the fabulous age of Plant Queens — so, this little essential oil, reed diffuser that’s shaped like a succulent is the perfect solution for a stylish desk accessory that I cannot kill."
Round A’round Cactus Room Diffuser, $32, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
An #OldCeline-Esque Alphabet Pendant
Melissa, 38
How She Discovered It: "Googling: Phoebe Philo Old Celine Alphabet Letter Charm"
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I wanted the Philo-era Céline alphabet charm since it came out a few years ago but it was just out of grasp in price, even for an item I knew I’d wear all the time. After Phoebe left and you could no longer buy it in stores my thirst for the necklace became insatiable. When hunting down my letter with the good intention of buying it from a resale site like eBay, or Vestaire, Amazon’s witchy ways served up this *cough* very similar product. Since it was only $15, I talked myself into this naughty purchase reasoning that it was out of production. Anyway, it looks much better in person than in this photo and everyone including my friend who owns the real thing thinks it’s Céline, until I guiltily tell them it’s from Amazon."
Focal Look 18k Gold Plated Alphabet Jewelry Initial Necklace, $14.99, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
A Hotdog Toaster
Sarah, 28
How She Discovered It: "Pretty sure I searched ‘hot dogs pretty’ in the Amazon search bar."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "My little sister was super in to Instagramming food at the time (a la ‘Food in the Air’) and was on a specialty hot dog kick. I got her this toaster, along with a hot dog cookbook called ‘WEINERS GONE WILD,’ to step up her game."
Maxi-Matic Hot Dog Toaster Machine, 2-Slice, $39.99, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
A Trendy Down Jacket
Ashleigh, 28
How She Discovered It: "On a social media feed."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It is the best winter coat I have ever had. It’s warm enough for the cold winters and trendy enough for my hip Brooklyn neighborhood. I own the grey one and always get so many compliments on it. My first response is always ‘Thanks! I got it on Amazon!’"
Orolay Women’s Down Jacket , $129.99, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
A Travel Pack
Anna, 28
How She Discovered It: "Browsing through Amazon."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I travel all the time and I hate checking a bag. I am a strong believer of backpacking over rolling luggage and I was thrilled when I found this gem. It’s the perfect carry on size, has so many pockets/compartments and is super cute in yellow. I always recommend it to people, especially those traveling to multiple countries!"
WASING Internal Frame Backpack with Rain Cover, $49.99, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
An LED-Light Baseball Cap
Mia, 31
How She Discovered It: "Amazon search: ‘dog poop solutions.’"
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "I bought this as a present for my dad. He always walks our dog at night and the backyard and neighborhood is awfully dark. It’s hard to hold a flashlight AND pick up dog poop, so this hat offers a very special solution. Dad loved it and so did Skippy."
UltraKey Hands-Free LED Light Baseball Cap , $9.99, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
A Bacon Tuxedo Puzzle
Laurie, 28
How She Discovered It: "My boyfriend at the time only had two interests, bacon and puzzles. This is what I gave him for Valentine’s Day."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "’Bacon Tuxedo’ is the greatest phrase I ever heard and still is to this day."
Accoutrements Bacon Tuxedo Puzzle, $38.99, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
A Soft Shag Rug
Colleen, 28
How She Discovered It: "I spent weeks looking for a blush colored rug that was high quality and fit my budget and finally stumbled upon this lovely rug!"
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It’s so soft, fluffy, and pretty and keeps my feet cozy and safe from my freezing hardwood floors. And you can’t beat the price for such a large and high quality rug."
Safavieh California Premium Shag Area Rug (4′ x 6′), $64.98, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
A Cat-Shaped Chopstick Plate
Kate, 27
How She Discovered It: "Amazon searched, ‘Cat Spoon Rest’"
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "This is a chopstick rest plate, but I bought it for my mother to use as a coffee-stirring spoon rest. For my entire life she wakes up every morning, makes her coffee, stirs in sugar and cream, and leaves the spoon on the counter. It would then drip and leave a dried coffee blotch stain. For her birthday I decided to resolve this problem by making the solution super cute — this utensil rest resembles our childhood pet Calico cat, Molly. I upped the ante with this adorable cat-related spoon for her to stir her coffee with. She loved the gifts and to this day, whenever I visit my parents, their countertops are coffee-stain free."
Decole "HAPPY CAT DAY" CHOPSTICK REST PLATE, $20.55, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
A Rap Coloring & Activity Book
Gabby, 29
How She Discovered It: "Through brute force and will power searching."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It was a Christmas gift for my fiancee. She’s extremely Type A and has a hard time sitting still to watch a movie / TV, so this helps her settle down and watch with me."
Shea Serrano Bun B’s Rapper Coloring and Activity Book, $12.95, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
Plush Throw Blanket
Lizzy, 30
How She Discovered It: "Searching for large blankets to use while watching TV."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It’s the perfect size that covers my entire body, and it’s super warm and cozy"
Tache Home Fashion Faux Fur with Sherpa Throw Blanket, $44.53, available at Amazon
*February Hidden Gem
Oribe Après Beach Wave & Shine Spray
Cara, 35
How She Discovered It: "I actually think it might have been through a Refinery beauty article."
Why It’s A Hidden Gem: "It’s more of an expensive gem than a hidden gem, this stuff ain’t cheap. But after trying so many other products, this is the one that really works. A lot of people pay top dollar to be in the Oribe good hair club, but, for me, snagging it off Amazon makes it feel a bit more budget because of those Prime shipping perks!"
Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray, $42, available at Amazon
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