Odd finds that are oddly useful.
Sure, Amazon is chock full of items that make us stop and think, “Is this for real?” But some are most definitely more clever and useful than others. If there’s something out there that can instantly add form or function to our homes or daily routines, we’re all for it. From unusual ways to add lighting to your home to an ingenious hanger that slows down banana ripening, here are the 50 weirdest but smartest things for your living space, all under $35.
01A door draft stopper that, well, stops drafts
Keep the heat in and the cold out with this door draft stopper. Made with durable but flexible silicone, these stick-on stoppers can be cut to a perfect fit, blocking the gap between the floor and the door. They’re water resistant and are sure to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Choose from four different colors for a seamless match.
- Available colors: 4
02This grabber tool that’s like having an extra set of hands
Trouble bending down, or honestly — just don’t want to? This grabber tool has got your back, literally. Made with sturdy aluminum, the tool extends out to 40 inches to help you pick up, reach, and grab items up to 5 pounds in weight. It’s lightweight, foldable, and has magnetic claws for added efficiency.
03This double-duty snack bowl with space for pits & shells
Two snack dishes are better than one, as proven by this double-dish snack bowl. Great for those moments when you’re munching on things with pits, seeds, or shells, the bottom bowl is designed to catch your snack debris, while the other bowl holds the main event. Genius.
04This spray that eliminates odors while smelling like an orange grove
Instantly get rid of unpleasant smells from pets, spills, or stains with this powerful odor eliminator that smells like oranges — probably because it’s derived straight from fresh orange peels. Spray it on carpet, tile, furniture fabric, or even directly on pet waste stains to eliminate smells at the source before cleaning and disinfecting.
05These fuzzy ball towels that make drying your hands more fun
Ditch the standard hand towels for these fuzzy ball towels instead. They come in a set of two and are made with a super absorbent microfiber that dries hands almost instantly after washing. They double as eccentric decor and come in multiple color combos. Hang ‘em wherever you wash your hands.
- Available colors: 3
06A lying-down duck that’s actually a lamp
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you come across this lying-flat duck lamp that might be the most unusual form of lighting you’ve ever seen. Rechargeable via USB for up to six hours of illumination, this portable and wireless lamp has three levels of brightness that can be adjusted with a gentle tap. Use it as a night-light or as a desk buddy.
- Available options: 4
07These oven rack shields that are like bumpers for your arms
Keep your arms, wrists, and hands free from accidental burns thanks to these oven rack shields that serve as safety bumpers when you’re retrieving pans. The food-grade silicone shields come in a three-pack and can be easily trimmed to fit your racks. They withstand temperatures up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit — just slide them on for an easy, instant installation.
08This luxe bath mat that’s super soft & cozy
Elevate your shower game with this super soft, luxe bath mat filled with soft memory foam and covered in velvet. Instead of stepping out onto hard, cloth-covered tile, this pillowy mat will keep your feet cozy and warm while absorbing excess water and drying in just minutes. Plus, it’s available in 19 colors and five different sizes to suit any space.
- Available colors: 19
- Available sizes: 5
09A spoon rest that looks like a big ravioli
A spoon rest is a necessity in any kitchen, so you may as well use one that looks like a big, fluffy ravioli — because, why not? Equal parts functional and fun, this sturdy spoon rest is oversized to fit most kitchen utensils and is made with silicone that’s stain resistant to keep it looking fresh. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, too.
10An ice mold that turns water into works of art
Level up your ice from standard cubes to actual works of art thanks to this crystal ice mold. Fill the mold with water through the top holes, then let it set before popping your icy creations into your favorite cocktail or glass of water. The BPA-free mold has a protective lid and is dishwasher safe. Choose from six other decadent shapes, too.
- Available options: 7
11The ladle that pays homage to the Loch Ness monster
Add a bit of personality to your kitchen utensil collection with this Loch Ness monster ladle. The perfect serving tool for soups and sauces, it stands upright in any pot, peeking out of the liquid. It’s available in four different styles and is heat resistant and dishwasher safe.
- Available styles: 4
12This charcoal bag that freshens the air without fragrances
When you think of freshening the air, you probably think of fragrance sprays, but what if all it really takes is a bag? This air-purifying bag is filled with natural charcoal that functions as an effective odor eliminator, without any added scents, chemicals, or electricity. It filters up to 300 square feet of space and can be used for up to two years. After that, you can use the charcoal in your garden to nourish plants.
13These hooks that give you a thumbs up each time you look at them
Couldn’t we all use more positivity in our lives? Thanks to these clever hooks, you’ll get a thumbs up on the daily. The colorful hooks are backed with adhesive and can stick to walls, desks — pretty much anywhere — and will help to wrangle cords, keys, pens, and more.
14The adhesive puck lights that look awesome & can be installed anywhere
These battery-operated puck lights not only add ambiance to your home, but they’re also incredibly easy to install with the included screws or adhesive backing. Turn them on and off with a simple tap or use the included remote to control the lights and adjust the brightness level. They cast a warm glow and deliver a long battery life of 100 hours.
15This genius banana hanger that prevents over-ripening
Bananas going brown too fast? Try this handy-dandy banana hook. It easily installs under your cabinets with either the included screws or mounting adhesive and not only keeps your bananas up and out of the way, but helps them stay fresher for longer. Try them with grapes, too.
- Available options: 5
16This handy box that keeps cables & power strips concealed
Nearly everything we use in our daily lives requires some sort of cord, charger, or cable — but that doesn’t mean we have to look at them all day long. Thanks to this cable management box, you can keep all your cords and cables organized and out of sight. It’s available in two sizes and three colors to suit your style.
- Available colors: 3
17These vent attachments that direct airflow where you want it
Not getting enough heat or air-conditioning where you want it? (Or getting too much where you don’t?) These air vent deflectors can help. They attach to your vents to redirect airflow and provide optimal heat or cooling in your desired space. They’re adjustable and magnetic — so no tools needed — and made to fit over vents between 10 and 15 inches.
18This adjustable laptop stand that also prevents overheating
This multitasking laptop stand will not only help you improve your working posture by holding your computer at a more ergonomic angle, but it keeps your device off heat-trapping surfaces, too. The result? Your laptop will be less likely to overheat and run slow. This stand can hold devices up to 22 pounds, and has height adjustment, so you can find the perfect working position.
- Available finishes: 4
19These sheet straps that keep your fitted sheet in place
Is there anything worse than waking up to sheets peeling off your bed and driving you crazy? These straps will keep your fitted sheet securely in place, thanks to the triangle-shaped design that snugly holds each corner. They’re adjustable to fit mattresses of all sizes, ensuring you’ll never have to fumble with your bedding again.
20A jar opener that mounts right under your kitchen cabinets
Fumbling with tough-to-open jars is a thing of the past thanks to this jar opener that lets you pry open any lid with just one hand. Specifically designed to help those with weaker hands, it mounts discreetly under your cabinet without taking up any extra space. Plus, it can make for a great party trick, too.
21A trivet that looks a lot like a bear rug
Keep your countertops and tables free from heat damage — in unexpected style — with this trivet made to look like a bear rug. Place your hot pans, pots, and mugs on this handy mat that serves as a silicone barrier to not only protect surfaces but keep items securely in place, too. Choose from the fan-favorite bear rug design or go for the lion- or cat-inspired looks instead.
- Available options: 4
22A pillow for your knees that’s made just for side sleepers
Side sleepers will love this knee-dividing pillow that helps to ensure proper spinal alignment and extra comfort for your naps and nighttime slumbers. By reducing the pressure placed on your spine and joints from side sleeping, it may help prevent lower back discomfort. It’s made from memory foam with a breathable cover. Just slide it in between your knees, relax, and look forward to sweet dreams.
23An indoor s’mores maker for on-demand treats
S’mores aren’t just for the campfire anymore. With this indoor s’mores maker, you can make gooey marshmallowy confections from the comfort (and warmth) of your kitchen or dining table. It’s electric and flameless, so you can just plug it in and get to roasting. The set also includes two stainless steel forks and a circular tray for storing your three key ingredients.
- Available options: 5
24This launry detergent holder that TBH, we wish we had thought of first
If you buy laundry detergent in bulk to save money, you definitely want to make sure you leave no waste behind. Thanks to this laundry detergent holder, you can practically guarantee you get every last drop while avoiding messy spills and drips. Not to mention, by keeping the jug tipped at an angle, it saves your arms from an unnecessary workout.
25A hanger that keeps you from misplacing your headphones
This headset hanger offers a sleek solution for organizing your headphones, making sure they’re accessible whenever you need them. The hook folds out when you’re ready to hang your headphones, then folds back in and secures with a magnet, so it stays out of the way when you don’t need it. The adhesive backing makes installation hassle free.
- Available colors: 6
26The light-up essential oil diffuser that looks like a pineapple
While so many essential oil diffusers come in minimalist designs, this one is inspired by a pineapple, adding a little fun to your aromatherapy. Also equipped with 15 colorful light modes, this ceramic diffuser uses ultrasonic technology for a fine mist that spreads evenly throughout your space.
27These LED string lights with clips for photos
Give your space a cool vibe with these string lights outfitted with photo clips. With 50 clear clips on a 17-foot string, you’ll have plenty of room for curating an illuminated photo display. You can also get creative, thanks to the eight lighting modes that can be controlled by a remote. Perfect for sprucing up any room, these lights add warm lighting and decor at the same time.
28A pumice toilet bowl cleaner that erases mineral stains
Instead of bristled toilet bowl scrubbers that are known to, um, splash, this pumice stone toilet bowl cleaner is created with pure pumice stone that helps remove mineral stains, hard water rings, and more, without much elbow grease at all. You can also use it on sinks, tubs, or tiles — just store it in its handy case when not in use.
- Available options: 3
29A dish-drying rack that rolls up for storage
This roll-up dish drying rack unfurls, so you can suspend it over a sink — a great way to save space on your counter. Made from rust-resistant stainless steel and nonslip silicone, it can hold up to 33 pounds of weight. And since it’s heat-resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it can also be used effectively as a trivet.
30This all-in-one breakfast sammy maker
This breakfast sandwich maker features two nonstick layers. The bottom layer is for bread and pre-cooked meat or cheese, which is then topped with another layer that cooks an egg. Place bread on top and close the lid, and within five minutes you have a perfect breakfast sandwich. It’s all dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, too.
31An under-desk draw that instantly adds storage space
This sliding under-desk drawer helps you clear off surfaces by giving you some hidden storage for pens, sticky notes, and any other small essentials. It attaches with self-adhesive and can handle up to 6 pounds of weight. If you want extra storage, it’s also available in a double-layer design.
- Available styles: 3
32These S-shaped hangers that save space & look cool, too
These S-shaped pants hangers can durably hold up to five pairs of pants each, saving closet space and keeping your clothes winkle-free. Made from premium stainless steel, they feature rounded corners and nonslip ends to keep items in place. If your closet is packed, this is an easy fix.
33The heavy-duty straps for power cables & garden hoses
Made from heavy-duty, weatherproof materials, these storage straps can hold up to 50 pounds of weight, making the suitable for even your biggest and longest power cords. The straps feature strong-grip Velcro to create a tight and durable hold, and the rust-resistant grommets mean you can hang them from a hook for storage. They’re great for wrangling cables, tools, hoses, and more.
- Available quantities: 4
- Available sizes: 7
34These silicone lids that will forever replace plastic wrap
Keep your food fresh — and ditch the plastic wrap — with the help of these reusable silicone lids. These lids are made from food-safe, platinum-grade silicone, and they stretch over the tops of pots, bowls, and more to create an airtight, leakproof seal — no matter the shape of the container. They’re also safe to use in the freezer, microwave, and oven.
35The drink coasters that look like shipping pallets
This set of six wooden coasters offers a rustic look and feel, as they are crafted to look like tiny pallets. They perfectly fit any standard-size mug, glass, or bottle, and they provide a nice lift as well, thanks to the height. Stack them up on your coffee table for a fun warehouse-inspired look.
36An inkless label maker to help you get organized
With over 300 symbols, 60-plus frames, and an array of fonts, this Bluetooth label maker can handle all your home labeling needs — without the need for ink, toner, or ribbons. The lightweight, portable machine uses thermal technology to print out crisp black text on precut stickers. And it has a built-in rechargeable battery for extended working time.
- Available colors: 5
37A quirky metal tool for cleaning your grill with ease
If you dread the post-barbecue cleanup, this efficient grill scraper may just be a game-changer. The compact tool has a durable metal head with a unique grooved design to fit in between grates and lift away any burnt-on gunk. When you’re done cleaning, flip this tool over and use the other end as a bottle opener, so you can relax with your favorite drink.
38The measuring spoons that magnetize together
When measuring spoons are looped together on a ring, they have a tendency to jam up drawers. These measuring spoons, however, magnetize together, so they take up minimal space, no matter where you store them. Even better, the spoons are double ended, with one end designed for liquid measurements and another designed to be compatible with narrow spice jars.
39This outlet extender that doubles as your charging station
This outlet extender multiplies the plug-in capacity of any standard outlet without taking up any extra space or adding unnecessary bulk. Besides the three standard AC sockets, it has two USB charging ports and extends out from the wall to create a shelf for a phone or other device. Last but not least, it also features an automatic night-light.
40A battery organizer & tester with easy snap-in compartments
This battery organizer can be mounted to a wall or placed in a drawer — either way, it organizes up to 93 batteries, so you can easily track what you have (and what you need to replace). The transparent, hinged lid makes for easy displaying, and the handy battery tester lets you toss what’s dead.
- Available colors: 7
41The self-watering stakes that help keep your plants alive
These watering stakes hydrate your plants for up to five days, without you having to lift a finger. Just fill the stakes with water and press them into the soil for a workweek’s worth of nourishment. They’re made of ceramic and are crafted and painted in the style of mushrooms for a forest-inspired aesthetic.
42This duster with a super long arm to reach your ceilings & fans
Reach dust wherever it is with this extendable ceiling and fan duster. The handle reaches from 30 inches all the way to 100 inches when fully extended, and the fluffy head swiftly collects the dust on each fan blade. This duster is also great for high-up bookshelves and cabinetry.
43The bumpers for your cabinets that reduce clanking & slamming
These small bumpers are a versatile option for preventing noise and damage from doors, drawers, appliances, and more. The bumpers are made of silicone, and they affix to glass, wood, metal, or ceramic with a self-adhesive layer. The bumpers are nearly invisible and waterproof, and can also be used to prevent surface damage from picture frames and vases.
44This wallpaper that makes any wall a chalkboard
This wallpaper turns any flat surface into a chalkboard. Just measure, cut, peel, and stick. Once affixed, this vinyl wallpaper presents a matte finish and a blank canvas to get creative on. Non-toxic and odor-free, it comes with multicolor chalk to help you get started. Use it for notes, scheduling, and doodles.
45These work gloves that are resistant to gloves
These cut-resistant kitchen gloves are a safety must-have. Lightweight and stretchy, these food-grade gloves are made from level-5 cut-resistant material — the highest safety standard on the market. In addition, the thumb, pointer, and middle fingers are reinforced with stainless steel to protect the digits most vulnerable to cuts.
- Available sizes: 5
46This sink caddy that’s also a soap dispenser
This handy soap dispenser and organizer is perfect for kitchens, helping to straighten up the area around your sink. It has two built-in dispensers for both hand soap and dish soap, as well as a compartment for a sponge and scrub brush. Put this to work, and your counter will look so much better.
- Available colors: 2
47A laptop cleaner that removes fingerprints & lunch crumbs
This double-sided laptop cleaner features a microfiber pad on one end to remove fingerprints and smudges from the screen, and a soft brush on the other end to sweep away dust and dirt from the keyboard. The brush is retractable and a cover protects the microfiber pad. At just over 1 ounce, this is a great on-the-go tool to keep your workstation clean.
48This toothbrush-holding contraption that literally does it all
Doing much more than its name indicates, this toothbrush holder mounts to walls with adhesive and features six toothbrush hanging ports, magnetic mouthwash cups, a drawer, and an automatic toothpaste dispenser. The top surface also features a compartment for storage of additional bathroom items, making this a versatile add to any bathroom.
- Available sizes: 3
- Available colors: 3
49These wireless sconces that add instant illumination
These LED sconces are cordless and wall-mountable and provide both useful and mood-setting illumination. Rechargeable through a USB-C port, these lights feature three brightness settings and three color temperature modes, which can be controlled with a simple touch. They mount with adhesive strips, and can be rotated 360 degrees.
- Available colors: 5
50A food storage container that keeps deli meat fresh & non-slimy
Deli meat has a tendency to get slimy fast, but this food storage container features raised ridges that keeps juices away. The transparent lid is compatible with dry-erase markers, so you can note expiration dates on top. The base is made of dishwasher-safe plastic, and the lid features a silicone seal to ensure freshness.
- Available options: 4
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