Shopping

Weird Sh*t Under $20 That's So Damn Genius

The strangest (and cheapest) solutions for life’s little annoyances.

Written by Veronika Kero
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Life comes with lots of little annoyances like nicks when you’re shaving or a ring that no longer fits, but you don’t have to live with them. There are geniuses out there coming up with clever (if weird) solutions that’ll make each day run a little smoother. From gadgets for your home to stuff to make your car as comfortable as your living room, everything is under $20 — with items starting at just $5.

01A pry bar keychain that replaces multiple tools

This pry bar is a worthy addition to your keychain. It’s made of solid stainless steel that can be used to easily remove labels, staples, or even turn a screw. Your toolbox will be much lighter once you replace multiple tools with this mini one.

02A silicone strainer with 28,000+ 5-star reviews

This silicone strainer takes up half the space of a traditional one but performs even better. It can be clamped onto any pot or pan to drain your pasta or rinse your greens. It can withstand up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and is dishwasher safe.

03Hydrocolloid patches for nicks & razor burn

Replace your bits of toilet paper with these clear nick patches. Made of hydrocolloid, they’re much more protective and allow your skin to heal. The set includes 72 patches, making each one cost less than 13 cents.

04A mini screwdriver set with 12 double-ended bits

Because it’s the size of a pen, this mini screwdriver set is easy to carry around. It’s compact but has 12 double-ended bits inside. Use them to repair watches or change remote batteries on a whim.

05Trim-to-fit ring size adjusters with 48,000+ 5-star reviews

This pack of ring size adjusters will finally put an end to your ring spinning or falling off. It comes with 12 flexible pieces that can be trimmed so you can create the perfect fit without going to a jeweler.

06An electric fly swatter that doubles as a bug trap

If you really want to get rid of the pesky bugs invading your space, you need this rechargeable electric fly swatter to do it as quickly and mess-free as possible. It delivers 4000 volts with every strike but has five layers of mesh to keep your hands safe. It can also be used as a bug trap by standing on its own on any flat surface.

07Silicone food savers that are dishwasher safe

Stop wasting plastic wrap and foil by picking up this five-pack of silicone food savers. Each of the pieces is a different size so you can save anything from a small lime to a large tomato. They create an airtight seal to prevent browning and can be cleaned in the dishwasher and reused again and again.

08A cutting board pad made of nonskid silicone

This cutting board pad will make cooking dinner neater and safer. It’s made of nonskid silicone and will keep your board from slipping and sliding as you use it. If things do get messy, you can just pop it in the dishwasher.

09A clever stem stabilizer made of flexible iron

Grab this stem stabilizer when your plant is looking a bit droopy. It can bundle together multiple stems and keep them upright to promote healthy growth and keep the plant (or bouquet) looking good. It’s made of durable iron that you can use over and over again.

10Toilet paper spray that lets you make your own flushable wipes

Create your own wet wipes as needed by applying a few spritzes of this toilet paper spray. It has a fresh botanical scent and is made with nourishing ingredients, including witch hazel, apricot oil, and aloe vera. Once you’re done cleansing your skin, the square is still safe to flush. The one bottle can make the equivalent of 200 wipes.

11Silicone cooking forks that keep your counter clean

At over 11 inches long, these silicone cooking forks with anti-slip grips make it easy to stir and flip without getting too close to the heat. When putting them down between steps, make use of the built-in stand to keep them off your counter, and you can hang them from the top hole after washing.

12A car tissue holder that can fit an entire box

You don’t even have to take the sheets out of the box to fit them into this car tissue holder. Up to 120 sheets can fit inside with the box (which is made of waterproof faux leather). Adjust the straps to position it in a way that’s easy for you to reach.

13Moisturizing gel heel sleeves infused with vitamin E & aloe

Wear these gel heel sleeves while you sleep and you’ll end up with baby-smooth skin. The breathable pair is infused with aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin E to deeply hydrate and repair cracks.

14A genius sealing crustless sandwich maker

Remove the crust and seal the edges of your delicious creations — all in one swoop — with this sandwich maker. All you have to do is press down the top to make an aesthetically-pleasing lunch or snack.

15Fruit & vegetable peelers you wear on your hand

There’s no kitchen tool that’s more comfortable to use than this fruit and vegetable peeler. It has rubber finger grips to give you complete control over every swipe. On the other side, it has stainless steel blades that resist rusting. Three come in a set.

16An identity theft protection stamp that comes with 6 refills

Before throwing away any personal documents, make sure to go over them with this identity theft protection stamp. It will make it impossible to read any information without having to shred them. It comes with six ink refills, too.

17A genius pet hair remover that doubles as a squeegee

This pet hair remover can remove every tiny strand from both wet and dry surfaces. This is thanks to its silicone blade that moves smoothly and is easy to wipe clean after every swipe. Feel free to also use it as a squeegee for your windows and mirrors.

18A compact cable box that comes with 3 different adapters

Upgrade your charger collection with this cable box that makes it a whole lot easier to keep track of them all. It comes with one USB-C cable, three USB adapters, and a SIM extractor. It’s also made with SIM card slots and a fairly large mirror so you can do a quick touchup as you give your phone a reboot.

19Microwavable dish cozies that are machine washable

Protect your hands with these dish cozies that can go into the microwave along with your food. They’ll remain safe to hold and will give you a better grip as well. You can also use them for extra-cold stuff as well before tossing them in the washing machine for cleaning. Four come in the set.

20Pen holder clips made of durable stainless steel

You’ll never be without a writing utensil again once you attach these 12 pen holder clips to any books, journals, and notepads that you’re currently using. They’re made of durable stainless steel and are shaped to perfectly hold your pen, making it easy to slide out.

21A scalp massager with an impressive 4.7-star overall rating

Even without any treatments or oils, this scalp massager is designed to help promote hair growth by boosting circulation. It can also loosen dandruff to help your scalp products better absorb. The silicone bristles are sturdy but gentle, and you can use it wet or dry.

22Window screen repair tape that’s waterproof

Before you jump to replacing them, reach for this window screen repair tape to fix any tears or holes. It has an extremely strong hold and can withstand any weather. This roll comes with 15 feet of adhesive.

23A weekly pill organizer set that’s great for daily use & travel

With this weekly pill organizer, you can prep all your vitamins and medications for all seven days of the week. Each case within the holder has two sections that have rub-resistant labels so you can separate your day and night necessities. Even your large capsules will be able to fit inside, and you can carry just the days you need with you.

24Flavor-boosting whiskey stones made of charred oak

This whiskey stones set includes four oak wood cubes that can be filled with water and placed in the freezer. They’ll end up keeping your drink cool but also enhancing its flavor thanks to the charred wood (mimicking how whiskey is aged in barrels). The set comes with four cubes.

25A motion-sensing toilet light that can be dimmed

All you have to do is walk near this toilet light for it to automatically turn on and guide you to it. If it’s too bright for your tired eyes, you can dim it or change its color. It has earned an impressive 4.5-star overall rating on Amazon.

26A flexible phone holder you won’t want to travel without

Since the shape of this flexible phone holder can be adjusted, it’s perfect to bring along on travel days when you’ll be on a plane, train, or hotel room. It can be hung from the tray table in front of you on a plane or balanced on any surface you happen to be near. It folds flat for storage.

27Extra-large hypoallergenic body wipes for freshening on the go

Freshen up on the go with these body wipes that not only smell great but are also good for your skin. They’re hypoallergenic and plant-based, made with ingredients like tea tree oil, peppermint, aloe, and ginseng to cleanse and moisturize. Each of the 10 extra-large wipes in this pack come individually packaged so you can take them to your next music festival or camping trip.

28A furniture repair kit for fast & permanent results

This furniture repair kit will come to the rescue when you notice a scuff or scratch in any of your wooden tables or chairs. It comes with six markers and six wax crayons that mimic the natural colors of various wood finishes so the repair is undetectable. The results are permanent.

29Leather sunglasses holders that are easy to open while driving

These sunglasses holders made with genuine leather are magnetic and easy to pop open while driving — a small loop lets you pull it open with one hand without looking. The pair comes in eight colors in the listing.

30Gap-cleaning brushes to scrub tumblers & more in 3 ways

Whether it’s your water bottle lid or window sill that needs to be properly cleaned, these gap cleaning brushes will be able to get the job done. They have strong bristles on both ends, an even smaller brush that can pop out and be used for extra-tight corners, and a U-shaped silicone brush to clean the rims of bottles.

31A flexible power strip with a 5-foot extension cord

This flexible power strip works with the furniture that you are trying to work it around since all five boxes can be angled in a different direction. The strip has three AC outlets, as well as a block with two USB-A ports. They’re all attached to a 5-foot extension cord that will help you hide all your messy wires and chargers.

32Disposable toothbrushes that don’t need any water to work

These disposable toothbrushes can be used anytime, anywhere. No water is required to remove surface stains and freshen your breath with these 24 mini tools. They’re made with mint beads that dissolve in seconds, no rinsing necessary. They’re great for long travel days, to keep in your desk at work, and more.

33An outlet plug that lets you add a wireless light switch anywhere

Have an outlet you wish you could control via a light switch but don’t have the wiring to do so? This wireless light switch gives you control over the included outlet plug so you can turn on lamps and chargers in hard-to-reach spots. The wall switch can also be used as a handheld remote — it works from up to 80 feet away.

34A lightweight neck cooling tube that freezes in the fridge

This neck cooling tube is perfect to wear when walking, working out, or simply lounging in your backyard. You’ll hardly feel it as it cools you down for up to two hours. It freezes at 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit, yet melts slower than traditional ice.

35Ice cylinders with an easy squeeze release

Fighting with trays is a thing of the past; these ice cylinders are made out of silicone so that you can release as many ice cubes as you need with just a quick squeeze. Each cylinder makes 200 mini cubes — enough to chill two drinks.

36Clip-on car sauce holders with removable trays

Snack on the go with this pair of sauce holders. They clip to your car’s air vents; you can fill their removable trays with a squeeze packet or pop in one of the sauces containers that came with your meal.

37A mini hammer that’s 7 tools in 1

Attach this mini hammer tool to your key ring and you’ll have access to a hammer, screwdriver, bottle opener, knife, claw, wire cutter, and pliers at all times. Made of beech wood and stainless steel, it’s made to last.

38Zipper locks to stop pickpocketers

These zipper locks will let even the most wary traveler relax. They aren’t a hassle to put on, but they will deter pickpockets from opening your bag when you’re distracted. This pack comes with two to cover any pair of bags that you’re traveling with.

39Solar tea lights that flicker realistically

Add ambiance to any spot in your yard with this eight-pack of solar tea lights. They’re waterproof and charge during the day to glow for up to 10 hours at night. They flicker to make the flame look as realistic as possible.

40A 2-in-1 oil dispenser bottle with a built-in filter

If you do any cooking, you’ll appreciate this oil dispenser bottle. While you can use it to pour out your oil, it can also be used as a sprayer so you never go overboard. It’s also made with a built-in filter and sealing ring to keep your oil fresh.

41Foot massage rollers that ease tension & feel so good

You don’t have to wait long for relief if you have these foot massage rollers at home. Both can be used to target tension and increase blood flow in your feet — as well as enjoying a relaxing massage. Feel free to also use them on your legs, neck, and back.

42Silicone toaster tongs that are so versatile

You need these 7-inch silicone toaster tongs for a multitude of reasons. They have a nonslip grip for safely picking up hot slices from your toaster, but they can also be used to serve appetizers, toss salads, and more. They won’t scratch any plates or cookware, and they’re dishwasher safe, too.

43A car trash bag with a leakproof lining

This car trash bag will keep your ride from becoming a graveyard of receipts, wrappers, and drink bottles. It can hold 3.5 gallons and has a leakproof lining, meaning you don’t have to think twice about throwing in whatever you’ve been snacking on. The hook-and-loop closure also prevents odors from taking over your interior.

44A rechargeable book light with 3 color temperatures

Don’t let the time or your surroundings stop you from finishing the page you’re on. With this book light, you can continue without disturbing anyone around you. You can even adjust its color temperature and brightness to make your eyes comfortable. It can run for up to 80 hours and be recharged via the built-in USB plug hidden under the cap.

45Silicone pill pouches that can be opened with 1 hand

A simple squeeze is all it takes to pop open any one of these four silicone pill pouches. This comes in handy when you only have one available hand but need to make sure that you take your vitamins and medications of the day. And since they’re so flexible and small, they’re not a hassle to bring with you for the day.

46Self-gripping cable ties made of heavy-duty nylon

These self-gripping cable ties won’t just keep your desk organized. Since they’re made of heavy-duty nylon with Velcro, they can also be used outdoors to tidy up tool cords, light strings, and more. This pack is definitely a great deal — 40 pieces are included (20 of which are 5 inches long and the rest are 8 inches long).

47A portable charger that’s the size of a credit card

As small as a credit card, this portable charger can charge up to two devices simultaneously. In just 30 minutes, some devices can be charged by over 50%. The LED screen will let you know how much power remains.

48Can clips to top off your drinks with mini bottles

Balance your mini liquor bottles on top of your drink with these can clips — the mini bottle will release its contents as you drink the beverage through a straw. This pack comes with six so that everyone can get the party started. The clips fit cans ranging from 12 to 19 ounces.

49An herb keeper that helps them last 3 times longer

Your greens will last three times longer in this herb keeper — simply pour a bit of water inside. You can also keep your herbs and veggies organized by making use of the removable divider in the basket.

50An electric lighter with an angled head

Flameless, odorless, and windproof, this electric lighter can’t be beat. It has a long wand and a head that’s angled 15 degrees so you don’t have to bend your arm or hand to start a campfire or light a candle. It can work for days at a time before needing to be recharged via USB.

51Easy-to-apply dry shampoo powder enriched with biotin

While any dry shampoo powder will make your hair appear less oily, this one also helps strengthen it. It’s infused with biotin, while the ginseng in its formula helps provide volume. Touch up anywhere since it comes in a compact and easy-to-use container that lets you dab it in place (no messy spraying).

52A flippable dishwasher magnet that’s water resistant

This water-resistant dishwasher magnet will help you avoid making a major mistake. By flipping it to label each load either clean or dirty, you can keep yourself from washing things twice or putting away dirty dishes.

53An electronics pouch that’s padded & waterproof

Wires and adapters can be hard to keep in order if you don’t have this electronics pouch to keep them all in. It has three large compartments and five mesh pockets so you can organize all your accessories. The material is padded and waterproof as well, giving you peace of mind.

54Air vent deflectors that are magnetic & adjustable

If your hot or cool air comes out from behind your couch or underneath your desk, use these air vent deflectors to aim it towards the center of the room. They’re magnetic to snap into place instantly, they’re adjustable in length, and the set includes two of them.

55A crevice-cleaning brush that’s super slim to fit in lots of spots

Grab this crevice-cleaning brush to remove stubborn buildup in your window tracks or around your faucet. It has a slim design (it’s 0.19 inches wide) that can easily get into tight places. Since it has a nonslip handle, it’s a breeze to direct and control.

56A nail concealer made with nourishing vitamins

Before you apply any actual color, make sure to get rid of discoloration with this nail concealer. Or you can choose to wear it on its own since it leaves a clean, bright finish. It’s made with cucumber and celery extracts, as well as vitamins A and E to nourish your nails.

57A food flipper that comes with a recipe book

Ditch the spatula for this food flipper that has a strong hook on the end. You’ll be able to flip burgers and rotate chicken wings with ease. And if you need inspiration on what else to make, take a look at the recipe book that comes included.

58Egg holders that maximize your fridge space

These two egg holders can each hold up to 14 large eggs while taking up half the space of a traditional carton. Each one will roll down to the front so you never have to reach far into your fridge and possibly knock down other foods.

59A dog water bottle that also holds treats or food

Make sure your furry friend stays hydrated throughout the day with this dog water bottle that has a built-in bowl. You can pull it out anywhere and, since it has an activated carbon filter, your pet will be drinking clean water. Even better, it has a spot to store 100 grams of kibble or treats.

60A stretching strap with a nonslip texture & lots of loops

Whether you’re looking to improve your flexibility or recover after surgery, this yoga strap is a great thing to have around. It’s 81 inches long with lots of loops and has a nonslip texture so that you can do a ton of different moves confidently. It can also be used before your workout when it’s time to warm up.

Related Tags
Curated Tech & Gear Worth Geeking Out Over
From productivity tools to high-design gadgets, we find what’s smart, useful, and quietly genius—so you don’t have to.
By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy