Seems prices are on the rise for everything these days. But smart shopping can net affordable finds without compromising on style and personality. Here are nine deals for $50 or less.
Light up the night
IKEA’s OMLOPP LED light strip for drawers.
Sneaking down to the kitchen for a midnight snack just got easier with the OMLOPP LED integrated lighting strips for drawers, $32.99 from IKEA. Starting Sept. 1, the Swedish retailer will be selling only energy-efficient LED lights.
What a big mouth!
Gluggle Jugs from C.A. Paradis.
Dating to the 1870s, Gluggle Jugs are wide-mouth pitchers shaped like fish that make a glugging sound as you pour. Available in several vibrant colours for $49.95 at C.A. Paradis, 1314 Bank St.
Under my thumb
Thumb pepper mill from Trudeau
Season any dish with a push of a button with the new Thumb from Trudeau. Made of stainless steel, the 15-centimetre tall grinder fits comfortably in one hand and releases sea salt or pepper with a push of a button. We found it for $24.99 at Glebe Emporium, 724 Bank St.
Rise and shine
Clocky alarm clock at Dream Weaver.
Clocky is every teen’s nightmare. When the alarm sounds, the quirky clock on wheels will actually jump off the nightstand and roll away beeping until you get up and turn it off. The battery-operated mini robot works on wood or carpet and sells for $50 at Dream Weaver, 320 Richmond Rd.
Spot on
Chiwawa Bleu pillow from Zone.
This pooch has a face only a mother could love. Add a touch of humour to your decor or child’s dorm with the Funny Chiwawa Bleu toss cushion, $42.50, from Zone, 471 Sussex Dr. Made of 100-per-cent cotton, it measures 43-cm square.
Curtain call
Shower curtain from Bouclair Home.
Bring a ray of sunshine into the bathroom even on the darkest morning with this yellow diamond-print shower curtain from Bouclair Home. Made of a polyester blend, it can be yours for $24.99.
Dino-mite
Klizia Stapler from Nordstrom.
Who knew stapling together essays and term papers could be so fun? Made in Italy by Ellepi, the Klizia 97 Bright stapler looks like a pterodactyl and has jaws of steel, stapling up to 16 pages at a time. We found the quirky gadget for $36.06 at Nordstrom in the Rideau Centre (ca.nordstrom.com).
Tech hygiene
WHOOSH! Screen Shine spray.
Studies have found that a cellphone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat. The non-toxic spray WHOOSH! Screen Shine cleans, polishes and protects all tech screens, including cellphones, tablets and laptops. Sold in three sizes: The Pocket (8 mL) for $6; On-the-Go (30 mL) for $10; and Duo (100 mL and 8 mL) for $20 at various retailers, including Canadian Tire, Walmart and Staples.
Game of chance
Wheel of Shots game at Nordstrom.
For those who like to entertain at home, Wheel of Shots is a roulette-wheel drinking game for adults that comes with a shot glass and funny instructions. WARNING: Don’t let guests drink and drive! We found it for $20.65 on the Nordstrom Canada website (ca.nordstrom.com).
