You might think of CVS as your local neighborhood drug store, with convenient hours to fill prescriptions or pick up milk before bed. Depending on the location, it may be the only store open at 10 PM – and some are open for 24 hours, making it the perfect option for a late-night snack or must-have essential
But have you ever taken time to browse the aisles–or the CVS’s virtual aisles–to find surprising deals on items you wouldn’t necessarily think of buying there? Whenever I take the time to wander the store on the way to grab a last-minute greeting card, I find surprising items for less than I would expect to pay.
I can get lost in the seasonal aisles, especially. My strangest CVS find was a motion-activated dinosaur skeleton that roared when someone walked by. It graced our steps last Halloween and made for some amusing Ring camera footage when it startled young trick-or-treaters.
CVS is also a favorite stop for me and my family before we travel. I know I can grab the kids’ favorite snacks and some healthy options for myself alongside travel-sized daily essentials.
But even as a regular CVS shopper, I was surprised by the volume and variety of what I could find hidden on CVS shelves when I took the time to investigate the retailer’s website. Ahead, I’m sharing some of my favorite unexpected CVS finds, but first here’s an expert tip: Don’t forget to use your CVS Bucks for additional savings when you grab these household items for under $70.
Also, CVS is offering a 20% discount on any orders you purchase online and choose in-store pickup. This deal ends April 22, so be sure to snag all your must-have essentials soon to save big.
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Sharper Image Powerboost Move Portable Percussion Massager ($69.99 at CVS)
For post-workout muscle recovery or relaxation after a long day at your desk, the Sharper Image Powerboost Move Portable Percussion Massager delivers the relief you need. This portable massage gun features four speeds and four interchangeable nodes for a fully customizable massage. It even comes with a durable carrying case and a charging cable.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Drink Mix Packets ($13.79 at CVS)
Electrolytes are important to replace nutrients after a workout or during a particularly hot day and help you rehydrate faster than you do with water alone. Some sports drinks don’t contain enough electrolytes to make a difference, but CVS notes that adding one packet of Liquid I.V. to your water is equivalent to drinking two to three bottles of water in a row. The powder formula includes mined salt, potassium, non-GMO cane sugar, and tons of B vitamins for energy. This seems like a must-have from CVS ahead of my next trip.
Welly Bravery Bandages ($8.99 at CVS)
Welly Bravery Bandages are so cute, they might just make your kids forget about their boo-boo fast. These flexible bandages come in a cool tie-dyed carrying case that’s easy enough to stow in a purse or your car’s center console for easy access. Each package comes with 48 bandages of three shapes and sizes in three unique patterns.
Stasher Reusable Silicone Travel Bag ($13.49 at CVS)
These Stasher Reusable Silicone Travel Bags are perfect for use at home or on the road. An eco-friendly alternative to sandwich bags, these food-safe reusable bags are easy to clean in the dishwasher. They open and close easily and are perfect for picnics at the park, days at the beach, or flights. One reviewer called them “silicone saviors.” You can use them beyond food, too, as they make reliable makeup bags or toiletry cases.
Hollywood Fashion Tape ($9.59 at CVS)
Transparent clothing tape is a necessity for people on-the-go who want to look their best. Whether you need a quick hem or want to keep a plunging top in place, Fashion Tape can save the day. This package includes 36 clear, double-stick hypoallergenic strips designed to stick to your skin and your clothing equally well, sans irritation.
RIND Straw-Pear Skin-On Dried Fruit ($4.99 at CVS)
Skin-on dried fruit is a fun and healthy snack for kids and adults, alike. RIND brand Straw-Peary fruit includes a mix of strawberries, Bosc pears, and red apples for a sweet flavor combo. Your family will love these so much, you’ll want to grab a few bags for road trips, school snacks, or beach days.
OLLY Kid’s Multi + Probiotic Gummies ($15.79 at CVS)
Most parents know how important it is for their kids to take their multivitamins, but it’s not always easy to find a flavor and texture they’ll like. OLLY Kid’s Multi + Probiotic Gummies in Berry Punch are a chewable gummy vitamin kids will actually enjoy taking. These gummies include vitamins A, C, D, E, Bs, and Zinc, plus probiotics for gut health.
CVS Health at Home Vitamin D Test Kit ($29.99 at CVS)
Vitamins are equally important for adults. Roughly 35% of adults in the U.S. have a vitamin D deficiency, according to Cleveland Clinic. Fortunately, it’s easy to test your vitamin D levels at home with this kit from CVS Health.
Collect a blood sample safely at home, mail it to the lab, and get your readings for vitamin D, D2, and D3 in three to five days. (Note: This kit is not available for shipping to customers in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, or Puerto Rico.)
e.l.f. Face Primer ($10 at CVS)
It’s no surprise that CVS carries name-brand cosmetics, but I was thrilled to see one of my favorite brands in stock. e.l.f. Face Primer at CVS is available in five varieties for nearly any skin type and creates a smooth foundation for your makeup. It’s a tremendous value for a fantastic product that helps your makeup last longer and stay in place.
Total Home Extra Strength Multi-Eraser Pads ($3.99, 2-pack at CVS)
If you swear by Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove tough stains from walls, floors, countertops, carpets, and even upholstery, you won’t be disappointed in Total Home Extra Strength Multi-Eraser Pads. Perfect for on-the-go cleanups (such as car spills) or messes in the home, these multi-eraser pads don’t use any chemicals. The textured surface helps them remove the toughest stains.
Hydro-Star + Salicylic Acid Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches ($12.99 at CVS)
Teens can treat acne in a fun way with these Hydro-Star Salicylic Acid Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches. The active ingredient, salicylic acid, is an exfoliant that can dissolve dead skin cells, unclog pores, and treat acne. The hydrocolloid helps minimize pimples and the fun star pattern looks cute while preventing teens from picking their pimples.
Billie Women’s Razor Kit ($10.99 at CVS)
Deemed “the Internet’s Favorite Razor with multiple awards, the Billie’s Women’s Razor Kit contains all you need for a smooth shave. This affordably priced kit comes with Bille’s famous ergonomic razor with a five-blade design and a pivoting head, a magnetic holder, and two five-blade razor refills.
Neoprene Hand Weights ($22.99 at CVS)
Fitness equipment at CVS? You bet! These handy and durable neoprene hand weights come in 3-, 5-, 8-, and 10-pound varieties. Designed in fun colors so you can choose the weight you need at a glance, these are built from iron with a soft neoprene outer covering, are safe on floors, and make the perfect addition to your at-home workout. Each hand weight is sold separately, so you’ll want to buy two in each weight to build a complete set.
Gold Emblem Girl Scout Thin Mints Mini Pretzels ($4.59 at CVS)
Gold Emblem and the Girl Scouts of the USA have partnered to bring Gold Emblem Girl Scout Thin Mint Mini Pretzels to CVS. The perfect combination of salty and sweet, these pretzels are double-coated in minty dark chocolate for a powerful flavor experience.
Total Home Stainless Steel Straws with Silicone Tips and Cleaning Brush, 4CT ($5.99 at CVS)
Stainless steel straws with silicone tips are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and a comfortable alternative to paper options that may dissolve in your drink–or in your mouth. This four-pack of reusable straws comes with a cleaning brush and carrying pouch, making it perfect to keep in your car or handbag as your go-to in a pinch. Best of all, they’re dishwasher safe for easy care.
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.
