Whoever dreamed up these inventions deserves an award.
There are plenty of bizarre things for sale on the internet that beg the question: Who would buy this? Then there are these weird things on Amazon that are so damn clever, you’ll wonder who wouldn’t add them to their cart immediately. Why? Because they’re weird in the most helpful ways. From ingenious tools that streamline cooking and cleaning, to products that help you save money in the long run, you’ll find plenty of finds that will upgrade your routine. You’ll also discover some items that are just, well, fun. Because we all deserve to have a little more fun (don’t we?).
01A Door Prop That Keeps Your Washing Machine From Smelling Musty
Help prevent your washing machine from smelling musty by using this ingenious door prop. Designed for use with front-loading washers, the prop has a magnetic base that sticks to the machine and a flexible arm that holds the door open to create airflow. Covered in soft silicone, the prop does its thing without scratching or damaging your appliance.
02These Gliders That Let You Slide Appliances Across Your Countertop
If your coffee maker or stand mixer lives under your kitchen cabinets, you know what a pain it is to pull it out when you need to use it. These appliance sliders are your fix. Just stick them onto the underside of your machine with the adhesive, and they’ll glide out with ease. They’re safe to use on most surfaces including marble, wood, and stainless steel.
03A Dryer Vent Cleaner Hose Attachment That’s a Bestseller on Amazon
This vacuum hose attachment might look weird, but it’s a practical, budget-friendly way to deeply clean your dryer’s lint trap and prevent fires. It’s 31.5 inches long to reach way back in your dryer’s vent, and the adapter will fit onto most vacuums. In addition to preventing fires, cleaning out your lint will make your dryer run more efficiently, which can save you money.
04The Stretchy Silicone Lids That Fit Over All Kinds Of Containers
If you’d rather not dedicate an entire cupboard to food storage containers, stock up on these reusable silicone lids that cover everything from bowls to pots to half pieces of fruit. Made from silicone, each one is ultra-stretchy to fit a variety of containers, making them surprisingly versatile. They’re freezer-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe.
05This Cleaning Kit That Clears The Grime From Window Tracks
Window tracks inevitably get grimy over time, but it’s easy to bring them back to installation-grade status with this cleaning kit. The set includes two scrub brushes to loosen debris, along with four spongey pads that grab dust and dirt from both sides of the track at the same time. Just a few swipes is all it takes.
06The Hooks That Let You Hang Clothes Vertically To Save Space On Your Closet Rod
If your closet is packed, these clothes hanger connectors can help you get a little room back on the rod. Each connector slips over a hanger, and then features a hook that holds the next hanger. The hanger connector can hold up to 20 pounds, so you can trust it with heavier garments.
07A Fan-Favorite Fitted Sheet With A Pocket For Phones & Remote Controls
Fo quick access to your remote control, earbuds, or other essentials, this fitted sheet with a pocket comes in clutch. Boasting a 4.6-star overall rating on Amazon, it’s not just a gimmick; according to reviewers, the sheet is “extremely soft and comfortable,” and feels “like you are sleeping on clouds.” It’s made from double-brushed microfiber, and features bonus elastics at each corner to ensure it doesn’t pop off your mattress.
- Available sizes: twin — California king
- Available colors: 13
08The Highly-Rated Packing Cubes That Streamline Your Suitcase
A jumbled, overflowing suitcase is the second most annoying thing about travel (after long airport security lines), but these packing cubes let you sort items by type, so you can keep tabs on everything. Boasting a near-perfect overall rating, the set includes four mega-lightweight cubes with mesh tops, so you can view contents at a glance. You’ll also get a drawstring bag for dirty laundry.
- Available colors: 10
09These Sconce Night Lights That Are Brightness Adjustable
Add a little illumination to dark areas with these sconce-style night lights. They cast a warm glow — both above and below — giving hallways and stairways an upgraded feel. A dimmer on the side lets you choose the brightness level, and an auto-sensor turns them on at dusk and off at dawn.
- Available colors: 6
10These Liners That Keep You From Ever Having To Scrub The Oven Again
Cleaning the oven is arguably the most unforgiving kitchen task, but with these nonstick oven liners, you can kiss that chore goodbye forever. Just stick them on the floor of the oven (they can be trimmed to size), and they’ll catch runoff cheese, sauce, and crumbs. The BPA-free liners are heat-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be wiped clean or run through the dishwasher.
11A Magnetic Paper Towel Holder That Requires Zero Installation
Not only does this magnetic paper towel holder free up kitchen counter space, but it doesn’t require any permanent installation with hardware (ideal if you rent or just don’t want to mess with tools). Just stick it onto your fridge or other magnetic surface — if you’re barbecuing, it secures right onto the grill, too.
- Available finishes: 5
12The Best-Selling Callus Removing Gel That Works in Minutes
You only need five to 10 minutes, this callus removing gel, and a pumice stone for a professional-like pedicure at home. It works effectively and quickly, and the 8-ounce bottle will last for a long, long time, which is why this at-home self-care solution has over 35,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and is a bestseller.
13A Low-Profile Outlet Extender That Minimizes Bulk
Getting a little extra plug-in space doesn’t mean you have to deal with a bulky surge protector or power strip. In fact, this highly rated outlet extender has a minimalist 1.1-inch profile, so it not only looks sleek, but fits into tight spaces, like behind furniture. It offers up three AC sockets for appliances, along with two USB ports for charging devices.
14An Under-Sink Organizer That Leaves Space For The Pipe
Make the most of the storage under your bathroom or kitchen sink with this under-sink organizer. The double-decker organizer is designed to make use of vertical space while still accommodating for the pipe. For extra convenience, there’s a hanging compartment for scrub brushes and a sliding bottom tray that makes it easy to grab items in the back.
15A Sleek Clock That Uses Words — Not Numbers — to Display the Time
A sleek, modern addition to any room, this electronic clock tells you the time — literally. It uses LED lights to illuminate easy-to-read words and display the time in five minute increments. As functional and fun as it is stylish, this timepiece comes in four modern finishes: copper, rose gold, silver, and black.
16The Skull Ice Mold That For Drinks That Are Chilled (& Spine Chilling)
Cocktails are more fun (and a little bit metal) when you add some skull-shaped ice cubes to the glass. These ice molds make four extra-large cubes, and the flexible silicone material makes it easy to pop them out. The cubes pair perfectly with simple spirits (whiskey, tequila), but if you’re a tiki drink aficionado, they’re an absolute must for zombies.
17The Oven Rack Guards That Help Protect Your Arms From Burns
Steering clear of the rack when you reach into the oven is tricky, but you can prevent forearm burns with these oven rack shields. Made from heat-resistant silicone, they offer a bit of extra protection, so you can concentrate on balancing that sheet of cookies, instead of playing dodge with the rack. Just trim them to size and slide them on.
18This Jar Opener That Quickly Removes Stubborn Lids
Opening a stubborn lid is a breeze with this clever jar opener. The self-adhesive backing makes it easy to install under a cabinet or countertop, keeping it out of sight. Its strong carbon steel teeth grip onto any lid or bottle cap, allowing you to quickly twist it open.
19This Fan-Favorite Masher For Meat, Potatoes & More
Whether you use it to brown ground beef, whip up guacamole, or prepare mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, this masher will prove its worth in your kitchen. The five angled blades are designed to make chopping, mashing, and even scraping bowls easy. Boasting a stellar 4.7-star overall rating on Amazon, the masher is both BPA free and dishwasher safe.
20This Rechargeable Lighter That Works on Windy Days
Stop wasting your money on disposable lighters and upgrade to this electronic version. Not only can it be used 600 times before you’ll need to recharge the battery, but it’s also windproof as well as splashproof. Choose from eight colors: rose gold, light blue, green, and more.
21This Kit That Makes It Easy To Clean Your Favorite Kicks
If your favorite shoes (or any of your shoes) have seen better days, grab this cleaning kit to bring them back to fresh-out-of-the-box status. This best-selling set is safe to use on leather and other materials, and the accompanying scrub brush works off dirt without causing damage. You can even soak your laces in the solution to make them look brand new.
22These Mesh Bags That Make It Easier To Wash Your Shoes
Don’t scrub away at the grime on your shoes. Instead, use these mesh bags to send them through the wash. The auto-lock zipper prevents them from opening as they tumble around. And if your shoes are already looking good? You can also use them to help keep delicate items (bras, underwear, etc.) safe as they tumble around in your washer and dryer.
23This Popular Exfoliation Towel That Dries Quickly
Backed by over 13,000 five-star ratings, this exfoliating towel is a fan favorite on Amazon. Made from rip-resistant nylon, the towel features two types of threads to help create a generous lather and gently exfoliate your skin. The fabric is also designed to dry quickly so it’s ready to go for your next shower.
24The Seat Gap Organizers That Add Extra Storage To Your Ride
These car seat gap organizers are a convenient add-on for two distinct reasons: 1.) They give you easy-to-access storage for sunglasses, your phone, and other essentials, and 2.) they fill the space between your seats and center console. (That means no more eternally lost fries or change.) Made from faux leather, they come in shades to match your car’s interior, like gray, tan, and black.
- Available colors: 4
25This Cleaning Ball That Keeps Your Backpack, Briefcase Or Toiletry Kit Dirt-Free
You know how the insides of backpacks and toiletry bags tend to get dirty and gross over time? This cleaning ball fixes that. It rolls around the inside of the bag, and the inner sticky ball traps dust, crumbs, and dirt. When it’s lost its stickiness, pop open the honeycomb shell, remove the debris from the inner sticky ball and give it a rinse, then stick it back in your bag.
26The Collapsible Measuring Cups & Spoons That Don’t Jam Drawers
Cooking tools have a way of building up until your kitchen drawer jams every time you try to open it. These collapsible measuring cups and spoons afford you a little more space by folding down flat when you’re not using them. They’re made from BPA-free silicone — which is dishwasher safe — and feature easy-to-read markings. No wonder they’ve earned a 4.7-star overall rating from reviewers.
27This Litter Mat That Keeps Your Floors Crunch Free
Hate the crunch of litter under your shoes? This litter mat is here for you. The mesh surface traps the granules before they travel far, and you can simply vacuum them up or shake the mat out. It comes in a range of sizes and colors, and cat owners reported that it’s soft on kitty paws — so your feline won’t avoid it.
28This Microwave Cleaner That Makes It Easy To Remove Food Stains
When was the last time you scrubbed your microwave? If the interior is covered in stuck-on food gunk, this clever microwave cleaner makes removing it a breeze. Simply fill it with vinegar and water and heat it in the microwave for seven minutes to release steam, softening food stains and making them easy to wipe away.
29The Unisex Hat That Helps You Beat the Heat
Soak this hat in water before putting it on your head, and the wet-to-cool technology will help keep you from overheating on hot days. The best part? It’s washable as well as odor-resistant — so there’s no need to worry about developing that musty mildew smell. Choose from eight colors: black, gray camo, khaki, and more.
30This Dual-Purpose Tool That Scrapes Jars & Spreads Butter, Frosting & More
This scoop and spread tool is the kind of thing you didn’t know you needed — but will end up using every day. The dual-purpose tool features a flexible silicone end for scraping jars and scooping, and a stiffer nylon side for smoothly spreading butter, jam, frosting, and soft cheeses. The tool even cuts through soft baked goods like biscuits and muffins with ease.
31A 3-In-1 Charging Station For Your Phone, Smartwatch, & Earbuds
Charge your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds in one convenient place thanks to this three-in-one charging station. Just place your phone and watch on the wireless charging docks and connect your earbuds to the built-in charger to power all your devices at once. An 18-watt adapter and USB-C charging cable are included for easy setup.
32The Claw That Helps You Thaw Frozen Meat
Forget to take food out of the freezer for dinner? Not a problem when you have this claw. Simply attach it to the bottom of your sink using the built-in suction cup, place your frozen food underneath, then fill the sink with water. The claw will prevent your frozen food from floating upwards, helping it thaw up to seven times faster.
33This Sink Caddy That’ll Make Sure Your Counter Stays Slime-Free
Keep your sink area clean and organized with this stylish faux marble caddy. It includes a built-in soap dispenser with a rust-resistant pump and has compartments for a sponge and cleaning brush. Drainage holes along the bottom help your cleaning tools dry quickly and make washing the caddy a breeze.
34This Car Trunk Organizer That Will Make Grocery Day So Much Easier To Handle
This car trunk organizer is not just great for organizing your possessions while you travel — it’s also a great way to simplify grocery day, especially if you’re trying to separate refrigerated products from pantry products. Available in three colors, this organizer has three compartments as well as a tie-down strap system to keep everything secure, even if you turn a sharp corner.
35A Flip-Top Lid That Turns Mason Jars Into Dispensers
Got a Mason jar hanging around doing nothing? Turn it into a dispenser for drinks, sauces, and marinades with this dispenser lid. Compatible with wide-mouth jars, it screws on easily and has a flip-top spout and comfortable handle.
- Available colors: 4
36This Vegetable Chopper That Speeds Up Meal Prep
When it comes to meal prep, this vegetable chopper can seriously speed things up. It comes with four interchangeable blades to quickly chop and spiralize veggies — all you have to do is press down on the handle. Diced food is dropped into the container below, reducing spills and keeping ingredients together.
37This bright light that clips onto your hat
This headlamp features a bright LED light bar and four smaller UV lights, and can be securely attached to any hat. In addition to the aforementioned UV function, you can also choose from low, high, and strobe light modes. And this isn’t just a great gift for dads — it’s handy for kids so they can read in the dark, and for outdoorsy types so they can see what they’re doing while hiking or camping at night.
38This Can Opener That Works At The Touch Of A Button
Let this electric can opener do all the work when it comes to prepping lunch. Available in four colors that’ll all make your kitchen pop, this can opener works on four AA batteries, which aren’t included. Leaving smooth edges behind, all you need to do is press a button for it to work. The opener itself is designed to not make contact with your food, saving you from additional mess.
39A Magnetic Wristband That Keeps Hardware Close By
Home repair and DIY tasks could be a lot easier if you didn’t have to dig through your toolbox to grab a screw midway through the job. This wristband has an embedded magnet, so it keeps your hardware within easy reach at all times — which also reduces the chance that anything will (annoyingly) fall to the ground. The Velcro closure is adjustable to fit most wrists.
40This Laundry Bag That You Can Carry Like a Backpack
Carrying your laundry hamper around can be a bit of a pain. Enter: this laundry bag that can be worn like a backpack. The drawstring top helps keep clothes from falling out as you move. Plus, there’s even a small pocket on the outside for detergent, scent boosters, and more.
41These Strainers That Collapse Down for Easy Storage
Whereas regular strainers are large and bulky, these ones collapse down to a fraction of their size, helping you save so much cabinet space. They’re built from sturdy silicone that’s designed to last. And since the silicone frame is heat-resistant up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, there’s no need to worry about them melting when filled with boiling water.
42The Mouthwash Tablets That Freshen Breath on the Go
When no amount of gum seems to help freshen your breath, it may be time to bust out these mouthwash tablets. They’re made without any fluoride, instead relying on a combination of hydroxyapatite and probiotics to leave your breath smelling minty-fresh. The best part? The travel-friendly packaging makes them easy to take with you.
43A Scrubber That’s Specifically Designed for Mesh Screens
You don’t have to pop your screens out in order to clean them. Instead, use this scrubber. The long bristles reach deep into the mesh with a gentle press — and it works just as well wet as it does when dry. Plus, you can even detach the handle and use it as a handheld scrubber if you like.
44This Dish Brush That Keeps Your Hands Safe When Cleaning Knives
Don’t risk nicking yourself when cleaning knives. Instead, use this dish brush. Its U-shaped design helps keep your hands safe from cuts, while bristles on the top and bottom clean your blades from every angle. Plus, the textured exterior helps you keep a firm grip when wet.
45This 3-Layer Lunch Box For Better Meals On The Go
Go beyond brown bag lunches with this stackable lunch box that makes it possible to enjoy a square meal anywhere. The triple-layer bento box includes a one-compartment base container and a two-compartment top container — sandwiched in between is a tray with three utensils. The BPA-free pieces are dishwasher safe, and a strap keeps everything secure in transit.
- Available colors: 8
46An Absorbent Chenille Bath Mat With A Minimalist Aesthetic
This bath mat is made with ultra-absorbent chenille, but unlike other chenille mats — which have a high, shaggy pile — it boasts a more understated, minimalist design. The machine-washable rug features a simple waffle-weave pattern and nonslip bottom. Choose from calming shades like navy, black, and beige.
- Available colors: 4
47The Fizzy Tablets That Clean Your Water Bottle For You
Reaching into water bottles with a scrub brush is a chore, to say the least. These water bottle cleaning tablets simplify everything — just drop one into a bottle full of warm water, let it stand and fizz for at least 15 minutes, then rinse. Your bottle will be squeaky clean, no scrubbing required.
48These Cable Labels That Help You Make Sense Of Your Cords
Tangle of cords behind your TV or computer got you down? Add some order in the form of these cable labels that indicate exactly what each wire is for. The color-coded labels can be easily written on with a ballpoint pen, and since they secure with Velcro (not adhesive), they’re easy to adjust as needed.
49A Collapsible Solar Lantern For Camping & Bug-Out Bags
Whether you’re headed to the great outdoors, or just looking to add some practical tools to an emergency kit, this collapsible solar lantern fits the bill. Also chargeable via USB, this versatile lantern has three settings: low, high, and SOS flashing. It folds down to just 1.8 inch in height, so it takes up minimal storage and backpack space, and the hook lets you hang it anywhere.
50A 2-Pack Of Sun Visor Clips To Hold Sunglasses
Keep your shades off your car seat where you might crush them, and secure them to one of these sun visor clips. Made from soft, genuine leather, each clip is easy to open with one hand and features a built-in magnet that secures it shut. Choose from two colors: black and gray.
- Available colors: 2
51These Dividers That Keep the Food on Your Plate Separated
Not a fan of letting the foods on your plate touch? Then these separators are worth a look. They’re made from BPA-free silicone, with suction cup bases that help keep them from sliding out of place. Each one can also hold up to a half cup of food — which means they can even help with controlling your portion sizes if you like.
52This Electric Griddle With a Slide-Out Warming Tray
This electric griddle is a clever pick for anyone who has a small stove. Not only is it large enough to cook up to eight eggs at the same time, but it also features a slide-out warming tray for bacon, pancakes, and more. Plus, the nonstick heating surface won’t latch onto your food.
53This Electric Wine Opener That Does the Work for You
Anyone with limited mobility in their hands can appreciate this electric wine opener. Simply place it overtop of the cork, then press the button on the top — the opener will do the rest of the work for you. The best part? It only needs four AA batteries (which are not included) in order to open up to 30 bottles.
54This dishwasher magnet to end confusion about the dishes
This double-sided magnet helps avoid that annoying confusion about the status of the dishes and lets everyone know when loads are clean or dirty. The peel-resistant and waterproof magnet attaches to most dishwashers, but if yours isn’t magnetic, it also comes with an adhesive option.
55The Cooking Hammer That Helps You Tenderize Tough Cuts of Meat
Professional and home chefs alike can appreciate this cooking hammer. The head features two sides: one for flattening out proteins, as well as a second that’s ideal for tenderizing tough cuts of meat. And since it’s made from tough aluminum, there’s no need to worry about it warping under pressure.
56This Double Oven Mitt That Also Helps Protect Your Chest
Unlike the oven mitts you’ve likely been using, this one is one long piece rather than two separate mitts. The result? It’ll also help protect your forearms as well as your chest when pulling hot items out of the oven — and the silicone material is even so heat-resistant that it can withstand temperatures up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit.
57An Electric Kettle That’s Easy To Take With You
Ever wish you could easily whip up some coffee when traveling? Then this electric kettle is worth a look. It collapses down to a fraction of its size when not in use, making it easy to take with you. Each order also includes two cups as well as one plate — all of which are also collapsible.
58This clever tool for spreading hard butter evenly
Thanks to this cleverly designed butter knife, you’ll never have to settle for cold, uneven chunks of butter on your toast again. It allows you to spread cold butter evenly onto your toast and in small spirals so it melts down quickly, and it doesn’t have any sharp points so it’s kid friendly, too. A number-one best-seller on Amazon, it’s been awarded over 5,000 five-star ratings thus far.
59The Night Light That Can Run for up to 20,000 Hours
With a powerful LED bulb that lasts for up to 20,000 hours, you won’t have to swap out this night light anytime soon. You have the choice of eight different colors when lighting up your room — though if you’d like to enjoy them all, it also features a rotating carousel mode. But if that isn’t enough? Its brightness is also adjustable up to three levels.
60This best-selling utensil rest with multiple slots
Say goodbye to messy countertops thanks to this utensil rest that has four slots to hold multiple cooking tools. Made of heat-safe silicone that’s easy to rinse or wipe clean, it comes in 17 colors and has already amassed over 30,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
- Available colors: 17
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