With Wish shopping, the selection can seem overwhelming. After all, it’s a place where you can get thousands (if not millions) of dirt-cheap goods from overseas, shipped right to your door. But what are some of the best things to buy on Wish? How do we cut through the clutter?
Well, that’s what we’re here for. As you’ll see, there are many products that can be amazing buys. Of course, there’s a catch: the quality may not be great. However, sometimes that doesn’t matter, such as when you need items that won’t be used more than a few times.
With that in mind, let’s check out some great buys! (And by the way, you can see our sister article on Wish competitor AliExpress here (it’ll open in a new tab)).
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, click here.
Best Things to Buy on Wish
What is Wish.com?
I think we all know someone that has used the Wish shopping app to buy stuff and bragged about it. If you don’t, or have no idea what is the Wish app, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. It’s an app and website that let you access a huge online marketplace where you can search for and buy products from overseas vendors (mostly in China), and have them shipped to you hassle-free.
They even have a YouTube channel. Here’s a sample video:
Is the Wish App Legit?
Based on my experience, indeed it is.
No, really, it is!
If quick shipping time and product quality are not a must for you, then you may be able to take advantage of getting stuff for a ridiculously cheap price, as I’m about to show you.
I learned about the Wish shopping app through my mom. Like the normal know-it-all-daughter that I am, she told me about it and I dismissed it. 😏 I thought it was a scam and since she had not bought anything at the time, I had no real reason to believe it worked.
I forgot all about it until a few months later I was in the market for some modern hanging wall vases for my bathroom. I was set on buying a specific model and, as my usual practice, I turned to Amazon. There, I saw the product (a set of 4 vases) retailed for $29.99. Although it was not crazy expensive, the bargain-hunter in me wanted a cheaper deal. I noticed that as I scrolled down for the products on Amazon, some were not sold by Amazon itself, but by sellers in China. Having a shopping epiphany, it dawned on me that I could search Wish and see what came up!
How Long Does Stuff Take to Arrive?
So this is one of the downsides of shopping on a site like Wish. At least to the US (I’m in Miami), purchases usually tend to take around 30-60 days. Most stuff seems be shipped using the slowest possible mail from China, so definitely take note of this when ordering.
How to Browse the Wish Shopping App
Download it! In order to browse their products, I had to create an account, which was a little annoying. But hey, I was enticed by the promise of a bargain and sheer curiosity. It was a fast process. I entered my query: “cylinder wall vases”.
The results: a bunch of listings for different vases, varying in price. It was a shopper’s paradise. So many things I didn’t know I wanted. I kept scrolling down, trying to stay focused on looking for the things that made me go to the website in the first place. Then, suddenly, I told myself: whaaatt?!?! I was in shock to find the same product, same pictures and all for approximately $1 to $2 per vase.
Behold Wish:
My Experience Shopping on Wish
Having found what I wanted, I looked carefully at the item’s description: this is key when shopping on Wish as it tells you how many items to expect, size, color, etc. I then read some of the Wish.com reviews of the product and looked at pictures posted by buyers, not the seller. It seemed legit and people were pleased overall. I decided to pull the trigger and ordered 9 vases for a total of $17.10. I also received a coupon since it was my first order.
The vases arrived 30 days later, not a problem since I was not in a rush. The vases now hang in my bathroom and I can say I am very pleased with the buy.
Lesson learned: Depending on the thing I’m searching for, I now do a search on Wish among my online research alternatives.
Wish Versus AliExpress
In my experience, Wish and AliExpress are very similar. The coupon system on Wish is easier to use and understand, but I slightly prefer AliExpress mainly because most item prices tend to include shipping costs, which is not always the case with Wish.
Also, AliExpress partners with awesome cashback services like Rakuten (formerly Ebates) and Swagbucks, for even more savings on top of their already dirt-cheap prices.
In any case, both are very similar and very cheap. I encourage you to try both. Many of the things on this list are also available on AliExpress. You can also check out my post on AliExpress here.
Wish Versus Shein
So Shein is mostly fashion stuff, at least as of the time of this writing. Wish sells not just clothes and accessories, but lots of other stuff, too.
Shein does have some US warehouses, so shipping to the US can be quite fast.
So What Are Some of the Best Things to Buy on Wish?
Here are 15 of the best items on Wish:
Surgical Masks
This may be a necessary item. If you can afford to wait a month or more (in exchange for paying less), you can buy masks on Wish. I have done so plenty of times, and they’ve always been perfectly fine.
Cellphone stands
These are some of the best items on Wish. After all, they’re just plastic stands – why pay a premium? You can even get wireless charging stands (if your phone supports wireless charging).
Vases
Photo clip lights strings
Party decorations
You’ll probably use these one or twice, and shouldn’t overpay. That’s why they’re some of the best things to buy on Wish.
Cake decorations
Again, something you’ll use very little. Since they’re so cheap, they can be some of the best items on Wish.
Wall decals
Artificial flowers
Fashion jewelry
Mason jar stickers
Pantry organizers
Wall hooks
Patio lights
Ceramic planter pots
Cell phone cables
Scalp massager
This one’s special to me, a personal favorite. I use it every day, especially if I’m on hold at a customer service line or when I have to listen to someone on the phone give me a long-winded, irrelevant story. Keep it stashed in your desk, close the door and reach for it when needed. You’ll be more patient and a better person to the one on the other end of the line.
Update: 20 More of the Best Things to Buy on Wish!
Suitcase Cover
This is an awesome alternative to protect your beloved suitcase, conceal an ugly one, or just help you spot yours better among a crowd of suitcases that all look the same.
Garbage Holder
This garbage holder could be kept near your kitchen cutting board when chopping veggies or fruits. That way, you can easily dispose of the peel and whatever else you discard, helping you save time and avoid a mess.
Sponge Holder
Reflective Tape
Everyone should keep this in the trunk of their car. It can be a lifesaver -literally- if you ever have a flat tire and need to pull over in the middle of the night. Putting reflective tape on the back of your vehicle or at a noticeable place is a great way to alert other drivers of your location and make the scene safer.
Beam LED Light Bar
Useful for camping trips, for people in the tow and recovery business, and for anyone planning an adventure in off-road vehicles.
At this price, it even makes sense to keep one of these LED bars handy in the trunk of your car if you live in an area prone to really bad weather conditions; that way, you’re not caught off guard on the road.
Wireless Phone Charger
You might need a bunch of these. So, get them cheap.
Car Repair Pump
Microfiber Mop Head
This mop head can also go over an old Swiffer Mop! It’s functional, and also cheaper than the regular Swiffer wipes! So, give it a try.
Pocket Over the Door Shoe Organizer
This is also useful for organizing oversized fashion jewelry (especially necklaces) so you can find them easily the next time you’re trying to put together an outfit and need that last-minute accessory to complete your look.
Portable Mini Fan with Mist Spray Bottle
I know someone who recently got together with other parents and bought a hundred of these mini fans; she sold them at her kid’s school for $5 to get funds for the class graduation trip. They made some good dough!
Toothbrush Holder
I like to keep an extra toothbrush in the shower to shorten my morning routine and brush my teeth in there. This friendly flamingo will keep your toothbrush in place, and make you smile too.
Universal Car Phone GPS Holder
Everyone that has forgotten to pack this for a trip knows the pain of having to pay for it at full price at about $15…ouch! Better to get a few on Wish at this ridiculous price and keep them handy or pre-packed in your suitcase.
LED Party Decoration Curtain
An LED curtain helps fill up the space behind a cake table. Therefore it saves you money on decorations which -let’s be honest- most of the time we end up throwing out anyway.
LED Toilet Night Light
One of the best items on Wish, and one of those things you never knew you needed (until you got it).
It’s for those midnight trips to the bathroom – so you don’t trip or miss your target! I’ll admit that before I knew about Wish, I ordered this item from Amazon and gave it to my dad as a gift. I felt like a fool when I found out how cheap it is on Wish.
Special Occasion Gowns or Costumes
If you need a dress but it doesn’t have to be of super high quality and you anticipate wearing it only once or twice, you should consider this option. Always read the reviews and pictures posted by others. And, if it doesn’t work, you can always use it as a costume for your next Halloween party!
Bridesmaids Dresses
I have more than one friend that has ordered bridesmaid dresses or Sweet Sixteen (or Quinces) gowns and has been very pleased. It was actually one of our readers who reminded us of this awesome item. (Thank you!) Just remember: always look at all the reviews and have a back-up plan just in case.
Pregnancy Shooting Outfit
You could easily find these dresses and similar ones on Amazon if you need it right away and are willing to pay a bit more. However, if you have time to wait for the dress to arrive, then you should get it from Wish and save some cash!
Cupboard Hanging Hook
Kitchen Folding Racks
Linen Storage Baskets
What if you can’t find what you’re looking for?
If you search Wish but don’t find what you’re looking for, modify your search or keep on scrolling until you find something similar to what you want. Click on it and go to the second tab that says “related” it will generate a list of similar items. That’s also good for price comparison, since sometimes you’ll find the same item from different sellers cheaper.
The Lowdown on Some of the Best Things to Buy on Wish
If you don’t need the thing right away, and the quality of the product is not essential, give the Wish shopping app (and AliExpress) a try and get some seriously cheap stuff.
That’s my take!
Have you bought anything on Wish? What do you think are some of the best things to buy on Wish? 😉
Last updated on December 30, 2022
Dayna says
I registered for the wish app like a month ago and scrolled through but didn’t find anything at the time and like you I was skeptical about it. I think I will go back and take a good look. Maybe I will find my next treasure there. Lol.
Lily says
Hi Dayna, Thanks for reading! Happy treasure-hunting!
Jelitza says
I have friends thay have bought cute dresses and tops through Wish. I have seen one or two of those dresses and they look pretty nice for the awesome price. I have never used Wish before, but I could probably start using it now for buying cheap but pretty home decorations for my new house. Thanks for the valuable info!
Lily says
Hi Jelitza, Good to know someone who has seen their clothes first hand! I’ve been wondering about getting one of those T-shirts with a wink, I may give it a try next time I see one. Thank you, and congratulations on your new home!
Judith says
I have the Wish app and use it many times. Now with the situation of the electricity in Puerto Rico I bought many solar power flaslight with a very reasonable price. I also bought dresses and tops with goods results. Also, every day you can scroll the deal dash and you get some other discounts. You can also share the buying with someone else and get discounts. Lily…very good information.
Lily says
Hi Judith, this information is golden! I’m glad to hear you’ve been able to use the app with success, especially for the situation in Puerto Rico, which I know is very difficult. I didn’t know about the deal dash, but have bought with other people to share deals. I’ll make sure to check the deal dash in my next shopping session!
Lavonne Moore says
How do o get the lower prices? What is the timer for? Why is it when I press the blue but button the prices are higher or if I push the orange button the prices are higher? I don’t get it teach me how to shop for all these great deals so I can buy something at the shown price I just don’t get it!!??help me someone??!!
JESUS MALDONADO says
Saludos Lily para aportar hace 2 años una de mis princesas cumplio los 15 años. y su vestido lo compre wn Wish. Aunque me arriesque a ver lo que pasaba no me arrepiendo. Ella fue toda admirada, el vestido sobresalio entre muchos sobre los $400.00. y el de mi chica solo salio en $40.00 jaja
Lily says
Saludos Jesus!
Wow! Que tremenda experiencia tuviste. Me imagino que tu princesa estaba hermosa! He visto vestidos muy hermosos en Wish, pero nunca me he aventurado a comprar ropa. Varias personas que han comentado mencionan que han tenido buena experiencia comprando ropa por Wish asi que creo que ya es hora de yo tambien aventurarme a comprar algo! Gracias por comentar!! 🙂
Lucee says
NOTHING IS Free!’
My only comment is that shipping is over prices. For instance a lanyard costing $3 is shipped at $4 totalling $7.
Yes, the items are not expensive but the shipping is outrageous and applied per item. The above example if purchasing a quantity of 3 would be $9 and $12 for shipping.
While shipping from China is not cheap, it is not more than the item.
Wish can be an alternative and less expensive route IF one factors in the shipping.
Sarah says
I wouldn’t say $4 is outrageous. You need to take into consideration the shipping supplies and the cost to mail it here.
June says
You’re entirely right. China has ridiculously cheap shipping cost. They sell stuff on Ebay for 60 CENTS with FREE shipping. The only catch is it takes forever to get shipped. I have to pay minimum $2.66 even if I’m shipping a coin but China gets to pay pennies for shipping. So Wish charging $4 is complete bs.. It’s a tactic to hide the cost of the item. I sell on Ebay and it’s very common.
Robert says
Totally agree. Once I went to my “cart” and saw the total price is was confused, then I saw the shipping prices added to each individual item. When you find out about the shipping situation it kills all the excitement you had about getting all the items you liked super cheap
Miguel A. Suro says
Hi Robert,
I have noticed lately that shipping is being charged for more items, as far as I can tell. I wonder if it’s related to supply chain issues during the pandemic. Hopefully, it dies down soon.
Cheers,
Miguel
Sarah Maldonado says
I buy all my daughter’s ballet leotards from wish. I pay $3-$6 a piece for nice unique design ones too. At stores in my town they are $30, even plain boring solid color no unique straps or anything are $15. I bought her 3 leotards and they lasted the entire year.
Nancy says
Lily –
I have ordered from Wish in the past and have been very pleased. However, it has been a few months. When I logged on recently my feed was full of “adult” products. I searched for help on Wish on how to remove these items from my feed and neither of their methods worked. Any tips? If I can’t get rid of these items I will sadly have to get rid of Wish.
Robert says
Just do a number of different searches. Once you do that most items that show up in the feed will be aimed at your recent searches and away from other random things you have not searched for
Dianna says
I bought my duvet cover from wish and love it! Best purchase yet!
Miguel A. Suro says
Glad to hear it!
Thanks for reading,
Miguel
R says
Absolutely everything on this page is dollar store junk. You got ripped off.
Miguel A. Suro says
The quality is not always the best, but the prices are often under $1. I shop at dollar stores too, and the selection on Wish and AliExpress is much broader.
Jamie says
I love shopping apps that help you save money. Very interesting finds on wish indeed.
Mrs Loekie Maddra says
I have a question really
Has anyone bought any of the cell phones they advertise and are very cheap??
If yes, were you satisfied or was it bad quality and not the name brand phone you ordered??
Suzanne Zuckerman says
I bought an assortment of items on Wish including jewelry, toys, clothing & mineral balls. The clothing is a bit smaller than standard size but everything all together with shipping came to less than the cost of any one of these items on any other site.
Their deco rings are described as silver with diamonds, sapphires & other gemstones which seems impossible considering the prices considering that similar-looking silver rings cost hundreds of dollars? They are pretty, don’t turn my fingers green and make spectacular gifts.
M. Robbins says
Some of these items (wall hooks, cell phone
cords, sponge holders, etc) are pretty useful. It’s certainly practical to keep some reflective tape on hand, but for car trouble? Vehicles are equipt with Hazard lights for that purpose.