I recently decided to dive into AliExpress and see what $100 could actually score me. You know how it is—those flash sales, free shipping options, and “only 99¢” stickers are hard to ignore. So I filled my cart, hit “checkout,” and waited the agonizing 2–4 weeks for my haul to arrive. Spoiler alert: some of this stuff was awesome, and some of it… well, let’s just say I’d never hit “buy” on those items again.

🛒 The Grand Haul: What I Bought

• LED Strip Lights (2-pack) – $15.80
• Silicone Phone Case + Tempered Glass Screen Protector – $6.50
• Waterproof Bluetooth Earbuds – $12.20
• Minimalist Wallet Aluminum Card Holder – $9.99
• Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags (6-pack) – $11.30
• Retro Cotton T-Shirt (various prints) – $14.75
• “Magic” Cable Organizer Clips (10-pack) – $3.10
• Fake Leather Journal Notebook – $8.40
• Gold-Plated Hoop Earrings (2 pairs) – $4.60
• Mini USB Desk Fan – $4.90
• Mystery Surprise Grab Bag – $7.00

✅ The Hits: Worth Every Penny

LED Strip Lights: These arrived faster than I expected and came with a solid adhesive back. The remote control works seamlessly, and they honestly transform any room into an instant Instagram-worthy space. I paid under $8 each, which is unbeatable.

Phone Case + Screen Protector: At under $7 total, this combo was a steal. The silicone case fits snugly, and the glass protector has held up against multiple drops already. Seriously, I can’t tell the difference between this and stuff that costs 3× as much.

Reusable Silicone Bags: I’ve been using these daily for snacks and meal prep. They seal tightly, wash easily, and have saved me so much single-use plastic. If you’re eco-conscious, these are a must-buy.

❌ The Misses: What I’d Skip Next Time

Waterproof Bluetooth Earbuds: They looked promising in the photos, but sound quality is tinny, and the battery life barely lasts 2 hours. I’d pay the extra $15 for a mid-range brand instead of these.

Retro T-Shirts: The cotton is super thin and the sizing was wildly inconsistent—what’s labeled “L” feels like an XS. If you’re buying clothes, pay extra attention to the seller’s sizing chart (and maybe read the reviews).

Mystery Surprise Grab Bag: This felt more like a gamble than a deal. I got a tiny keychain, a cheap sticker sheet, and a dusty pen. Fun if you like surprises, but you might end up disappointed.

🤔 The In-Between: Meh, But Manageable

Aluminum Card Holder: Sleek and RFID-blocking, but the paint started to chip after a week. It’s functional, just not super durable.

Notebook: Okay quality paper, nice cover. But the binding is loose, and pages started to fall out. If you’re a heavy notebook user, look for a seller with strong binding reviews.

💬 Your Turn: What Have You Bought?

So that’s my $100 AliExpress adventure. Some items blew me away, and others were straight-up flop. Have you tried any of these products? What gems (or junk) have you uncovered on AliExpress? Feel free to reply below—I’m curious to see what other people have hit jackpot on (or want to warn me away from)!

Looking forward to your recommendations and horror stories!