Many of the offers appearing on this site are from advertisers from which this website receives compensation for being listed here. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). These offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

What’s the best item you can buy for $100 or less? As it turns out, some of the best purchases millennials have made can be as inexpensive as one dollar! 

GOBankingRates asked five millennials to reveal a purchase they are particularly fond of for under $100 and what about this item makes it a great investment.

Here It Is: Our 2022 Small Business Spotlight Learn More: 7 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Reach Retirement Goals

John Brandt, vice president at ROKK Solutions, recommends investing in a pair of food thermometers. Depending on the brand, it might even be possible to make this purchase for under $50.

Bonus Offer: Open a new Citi Priority Account by 1/9/23 and earn up to a $2,000 cash bonus after completing required activities.

Brandt uses food thermometers to make sure the cooking surface is at the right temperature. Not only does this mean no more burnt food or waiting forever for a meal to cook, but investing in food thermometers has helped Brandt save money.

“Food cooked to the right temperature tastes better. That means I’m eating, not throwing out leftovers,” said Brandt. 

Because of food thermometers, Brandt has been able to cut back on ordering steak while dining out at restaurants. The food thermometers allow Brandt to cook steak at home exactly at the ideal temperature and save extra money.

Take Our Poll: Do You Tip For Service?

“My husband bought me a clip-on light lamp to put on my side of the bed headboard so I have a good reading light,” said Sarah Mason, CEO and founder of Publify Relations.

Savings Offer: Lower your bills in minutes! BillCutterz negotiates lower bills with your service providers. Send us your bills today!

“It only cost about $15 dollars and I use it on a daily basis as an avid reader. Best purchase/gift ever!” said Mason.

Jennifer Godkin, founder of Calicle, is extremely passionate about her OXO Good Grips Grate and Slice Set.

“It’s fast and easy. The blades are super sharp and I love how it all stores together,” said Godkin.

She uses the grating and slicing set almost daily for grating cheese, slicing and juliennes for veggies for stir-fry dishes or potatoes for scalloped potatoes. 

“I believe I paid $40 for it at Bed Bath & Beyond a few years ago. I would buy it again in a heartbeat if needed!” said Godkin.

While most millennials mentioned a tangible purchase which has changed their lives, we also received a mention for an intangible item: an app.

A subscription to the Calm app ($69.99 per year) is Catherine Lux’s favorite purchase. By day, Lux is head of SEO at Havas Media Group. By night, she is a travel blogger — and she relies on the Calm app for a good night’s sleep.

Side Gig Offer: Use your downtime to answer questions, get points, and earn some extra "me money". Get rewarded for having an opinion. Start now.

“It has just absolutely transformed my sleep quality, especially when I’m going through a stressful time,” said Lux. “I love the sleep stories. It’s so soothing falling asleep to a celebrity telling me a cute little story, and the meditation and nature sounds are so great!”

Eva Keller, travel blogger at Discovering Hidden Gems, said her favorite purchase for under $100 is her collection of holiday decorations. 

Keller’s Christmas decorations include several strands of garland in different colors, snowflakes to hang on the wall and fake snow for her mantle at home. Best of all, she bought everything from dollar stores and Five Below. Keller said each item was anywhere between $1 to $5. 

“I’ve had them for over five years now and they are all still in perfect condition!” said Keller. “I have similar decor for Halloween all bought at the same places, even thrift stores, for less than $5!”

Heather Taylor is a senior finance writer for GOBankingRates. She is also the head writer and brand mascot enthusiast for PopIcon, Advertising Week’s blog dedicated to brand mascots. She has been published on HelloGiggles, Business Insider, The Story Exchange, Brit + Co, Thrive Global, and more media outlets. 

Every day, get fresh ideas on how to save and make money and achieve your financial goals.

Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the offers appearing on this site are from advertisers from which this website receives compensation for being listed here. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). These offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

Sign up for our daily newsletter for the latest financial news and trending topics.

For our full Privacy Policy, click here.