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55 Weird but Genius Things You'll Get a Sh*t Ton of Use Out of Every Day

Everyday items, but make ‘em wacky.

by Rebecca Martinson
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There’s no rule that says the things you use every day have to be boring. In fact, some items we shopping editors reach for on a daily basis are just as weird as they are useful — arguably the best things are — and we’ve selected our favorites to share below. From jellyfish diffusers to tiny door hinge gnomes, you’re sure to get a sh*t ton of use out of all of these picks, even if just to bring you a hint of joy throughout the day.

01A retractable clothesline that makes it easy to hang-dry indoors

Don’t have enough outdoor space for a clothesline? Not a problem — just install this retractable one inside your mudroom. The stainless steel line extends out to 14 feet, and it can easily support up to 40 pounds. Plus, a button on the side instantly retracts the line for easy storage once your clothes have dried.

02This genius disposable cleaning system for a sparkling toilet

Tired of constantly having to scrub your toilet bowl clean? Then this cleaning system is a total steal for less than $25. Simply stamp one of the pods to the inside of your toilet bowl, and it’ll release cleaning solution with every flush to help keep your toilet clean. Each order comes with 36 pods to get you started.

03An extra-long duster for easily cleaning under furniture

Don’t get down on your hands and knees to clean underneath your furniture. Instead, use this duster. The telescopic handle extends out to 55 inches, and the bendable head can be adjusted so that it’s easy to reach under furniture, over high shelves, and more. Each order also includes two washable microfiber covers to get you started.

04This clever jar scraper that gets out every bit

Throwing out that condiment jar before you’ve retrieved every last bit of product can be a huge waste of money. Luckily, this scraper is available for just $10. It’s made from flexible silicone that contours along the curved walls of containers, making it easy to scrape them clean. But if that isn’t enough? It’s also 100% food-safe as well as BPA-free.

05A food chopper & masher tool with over 16,000 5-star ratings

Using a wooden spoon to break up ground meat in a pan can lead to chips and splits. Instead, use this chopper. The head features five beveled blades for quick, easy chopping. It’s also made from tough nylon that’s heat-resistant up to 447 degrees Fahrenheit — and the nonstick surface won’t latch onto ingredients as you break them up.

06Magnetic holders that help bars of soap last longer

Letting bars of soap sit in a puddle of moisture can cause them to break down faster. Enter: these holders. Simply insert one of the magnets into your bar of soap, and you’ll instantly be able to “hang” them from the holder. Plus, mounting them onto your shower wall is a total breeze using the included adhesive.

07Disposable hair catchers that help keep your shower drain clog-free

Calling the plumber to fix a clogged shower drain can be expensive. Luckily, these hair catchers are available for less than $20. Simply place one down into your drain, and it’ll help prevent hair, debris, soap scum, and more from clogging your pipes. Replace once every four months for best results.

08A weird bag for cooking baked potatoes in the microwave

Cooking a baked potato in the oven can take so much time, making this bag a clever alternative. It can cook a single, standard-sized potato in just three minutes — though you can use it to cook up to four potatoes at a time depending on their size. Or, if you aren’t into potatoes, you can just as easily use it to cook corn on the cob, warm up tortillas, and more.

09A stretching strap that can soothe tired feet & legs

Whether you suffer from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or even just sore calves, this strap may be able to help. Simply loop it onto your foot, and you’ll be able to pull your foot backwards to help stretch out your calves, foot, and hamstrings. And since it’s made from durable nylon, the chances of it tearing under pressure are incredibly low.

10Genius stackers to store more shoes in less space

Running out of space on your shoe rack? Then these stackers are worth a look. They let you stack your shoes on top of each other, helping open up space on shoe racks so that you can fit even more pairs onto it. You can also use them with nearly any type of shoe, including high heels, sneakers, and more.

11An extra-large lint roller for floors & furniture

I’m a huge fan when it comes to this lint roller — and not just because the extra-large size makes it suitable for use on floors as well as furniture. The handle can be adjusted from 23 inches out to 48 inches, making it easy to reach underneath furniture, appliances, or nearly any other awkward spot around the house. Each order also includes three sticky sheet refills to get you started.

12This handy kick stopper that mounts onto doors

Always misplacing your door stopper? Consider mounting this one to your door so that it’s always ready to go whenever you need it. A nonslip pad on the bottom helps keep it from sliding out of place when engaged — and the metal frame is so sturdy that you can even kick it down into place rather than bending over.

13The essential oil diffuser with jellyfish-shaped clouds

There’s a good chance you’ve never seen an essential oil diffuser like this one before. Not only does it produce unique, jellyfish-shaped clouds of mist, but the faux wood finish also gives it an upscale vibe. The top can light up in seven different colors depending on the mood you’re looking to set — and the reservoir holds enough water to keep it running for up to eight hours.

14A clever bowl for making rice in the microwave

Cooking rice on the stove can take time and practice. Instead, try making it in the microwave using this bowl. Depending on the type of rice you’re cooking, it only takes about 15 minutes to whip up a fresh batch. Each order also includes a rice paddle — and the dishwasher-safe design makes cleanup a total breeze.

15This sleek toilet paper holder with shelf space on top

Still using the builder-grade toilet paper holder that came with your home? Then take this as a sign that it’s time to upgrade to this stainless steel version. It’s resistant to rust, and features extra shelf space on top where you can place your phone, wet wipes, or even decorations.

16Disposable drain covers that make tossing food scraps easy

Calling the plumber to unclog your kitchen sink can cost an arm and a leg, making these drain covers a smart buy. Simply place one down into your drain strainer, and the fine mesh will work to prevent bits of food, grime, and more from clogging up your pipes. Once too clogged to ignore, you can throw it out into the trash and replace with a new one.

17Weird hand wall hooks made from cast iron

Don’t be surprised if guests ask where you bought these delightfully weird wall hooks. They’re made from sturdy cast iron that can support up to 50 pounds, making them great for hanging up coats, bags, and everything in between. “These are so cute and really good quality,” wrote one reviewer. “Heavy but very secure!”

18Flexible brushes that let you clean deep into your dryer lint trap

Little pieces of lint that have escaped past the trap can cause your dryer to work harder, leading to higher energy bills. Enter: these brushes. Their long, flexible shafts help you clean deep into your dryer, latching onto all the stray bits of lint that have made it past the trap. Or, if your dryer is already working well, you can also use them to clean refrigerator coils, window tracks, and more.

19Weird shoe deodorizers that work for up to a full year

When no amount of scented sprays seem to help refresh your shoes, it may be time to try out these deodorizers. They’re filled with a blend of natural salts, minerals, plant extracts, and essential oils, all of which work to help eliminate unwanted odors — just slip them inside and they’ll get to work. But if that isn’t enough? You can even reuse them for up to a full year.

20Microfiber dusting gloves that are gentle on plant leaves

Plants, shelves, baseboards — these dusting gloves are gentle enough to be used all over your home. They’re made from soft microfiber that latches onto dust, trapping it within their fibers until you’re ready to shake them out into the trash. Once too dirty to continue using, simply toss them into the wash for an easy clean.

21A dragon to help you steam clean dirty microwaves

Got a ton of crud stuck to the inside of your microwave? Then this cute dragon is a must-have. Simply fill it up with a blend of water and vinegar, then heat it up inside the microwave for about five minutes. Steam will begin to erupt out of its mouth, helping loosen up all that baked-on crud so that you can easily wipe it out using a damp rag.

22A doorknob cushion that prevents slamming

If one of your housemates is in the habit of letting their door slam, consider adding this cushion to their doorknob. It helps absorb the impact, allowing the door to shut more quietly so that it doesn’t disturb others. Plus, elastic bands on both sides make installation a total breeze.

23Clever gap fillers that help keep the sides of your stove clean

Ever notice how mess can drip down into the gap between your stove and countertop? Then these gap fillers are a must-have. Not only do they help seal up that gap, but they’re also made from heat-resistant silicone — so there’s no need to worry about them melting when your stove heats up. “They do the job perfectly!” raved one reviewer. “I no longer have to pull my stove out to clean the floor and surrounding areas.”

24Solar-powered pathway lights that cast starburst patterns

Boosting your home’s curb appeal is as easy as adding these lights to your outdoor pathways. Each one features a built-in solar panel that keeps them lit for up to 10 hours at night, while the starburst pattern they cast onto the ground makes them stand out from the other pathway lights you’ve likely seen. The best part? Their waterproof design helps keep them in good working order come rain or shine.

25Clog-busting drain snakes with more than 29,000 perfect reviews

With more than 29,000 five-star reviews, it’s clear that these drain snakes are a total steal for the price. Their flexible shafts are lined with small teeth that latch onto hair, grime, or whatever else is clogging your pipes, making it easy to remove without having to use any harsh chemicals. One reviewer even raved about how they were “simultaneously pleased and disgusted by the enormity of gunk” that their snake was able to catch.

26A clever mouse pad with loads of handy Windows shortcuts

Can’t remember how to insert a page break in Microsoft Word? Not a problem when you have this mouse pad. Not only is it printed with some of the most popular shortcuts for Powerpoint, Word, Excel, and more, but the stitched edges also help keep it from fraying over time. Plus, the nonslip underside works to keep it from shifting around as you work.

27Reusable dish scrubbers you can clean in the dishwasher or washer

From nonstick cookware to glass, these scrubbers can be used to help clean all sorts of dirty surfaces. Made of waste-reducing remnant fibers, they’re tough on grime and won’t leave behind scratches on delicate surfaces, including porcelain, glass, and more. Once too dirty to continue using, simply toss them into the wash for an easy clean.

28The doorknob light that doubles as a memo board

Give any home a hotel-like vibe with this doorknob light. It works great as a small night light in dark hallways, and features whiteboard space on the front where you can write “Do not disturb,” “Come on in,” or any other message you’d like to convey to housemates. Plus, the built-in motion sensor prevents it from wasting battery power when no one is around.

29Cord-tidying cable ties you can stick nearly anywhere

Underneath desks, on shelves, behind your computer — these ties can be used to help minimize cable clutter practically anywhere. Their adhesive backing lets you stick them onto smooth, non-porous surfaces, while the hook-and-loop closure is large enough to accommodate wires both thick and thin. “They’re reusable, strong, and don’t leave sticky residue like tape,” wrote one reviewer.

30An ultra-slim bidet that won’t break the bank

Whereas some bidets can cost upwards of $100, this one is available for less than $35. And while affordable, don’t be fooled — it still comes with a variety of high-end features, including adjustable water pressure, dual spraying modes, and more. But if that isn’t enough? Installation is so easy that dozens of reviewers were able to get the job done in 20 minutes or less.

31Magnetic fidget balls that can help alleviate anxiety

Whether you’re feeling anxious or simply want to blow off some steam at work, these fidget balls are a fun pick. A magnet on the inside of each one lets them stick together, making them easy to roll around in your hands whenever you’re feeling stressed. Each one also features a different texture for added variety — and the silicone exteriors ensure that they don’t produce any sound as you mess with them.

32Tiny gnomes that add whimsy to door hinges

Add a touch of whimsy to any room in your home with these adorable little gnomes. Their magnetic bases let you perch them atop door hinges — though you can just as easily stick them onto nearly any metal surface you like. And while small, their bright colors are sure to give them a big impact no matter where you install them.

33A cooling comforter that can reduce skin temperature up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit

Anyone who tends to run hot at night is sure to appreciate this cooling comforter. It’s so breathable that it can reduce your skin temperature by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, while its delicate, silky-smooth texture gives it a soft feeling against skin. The best part? Stitching throughout works to keep the filling from bunching up as you sleep.

34Stylish rectangular oil dispensers with bougie flair

Ditch that crummy plastic bottle your olive oil came in and upgrade to these dispensers. They’re made from sleek glass, with rust-resistant pour spouts made from stainless steel. Their square shape can help you save space inside cabinets — and each order includes 40 pre-printed labels so that you can use them with everything from olive oil to balsamic vinegar.

35The clever hook that neatly stores up to 10 tumbler lids

Don’t waste precious shelf space storing all your tumbler lids. Instead, slide them onto this organizer. It hangs underneath nearly any standard-sized cabinet shelf to help save space — and while compact, there’s still enough room on it for up to 10 lids. Plus, the sturdy iron frame is built to last.

36A magnetic hanger holder for the side of your washer or dryer

If your mudroom doesn’t have anywhere to store hangers, consider taking a look at this holder. The magnetic backing lets you mount it onto the side of your washer or dryer so that you always have hangers within reach — and the magnets are so strong that they can even support up to 8 pounds. “Now we can quickly hang up items that cannot be dried, and hang up items as they come right out of the dryer to keep them from wrinkling,” wrote one reviewer.

37The soothing projector that casts northern lights on your walls

Setting a relaxing vibe after a long day of work is as easy as turning on this projector. It casts soothing northern light patterns onto your walls, and can be switched between 16 different colors (blue, green, red, and more) using the included remote. But if that isn’t enough? The cordless design makes it easy to use if you don’t have a convenient wall outlet.

38Genius clips that transform cabinet door space into spice racks

Don’t waste precious kitchen shelf space storing all your spice bottles. Instead, transform the insides of your cabinet doors into spice racks using these clips. They automatically adjust to fit spice bottles both large and small, while their adhesive backing lets you stick them right into place. And if you’re worried about certain spice bottles fitting? One reviewer wrote, “I tested all the different sizes of spice jars I have and all fit fine.”

39A folding couch arm tray to keep essentials close

I’m a huge fan when it comes to this armrest table — and not just because it’s made from stylish acacia wood. It’s great for rooms that are too cramped to fit a coffee table, and features a clamp on the bottom that helps keep it firmly perched atop your furniture armrests. Plus, a small lip running around the edge works to keep drinks and snacks from sliding off should you accidentally bump into it.

40Colorful air vent clips you can infuse with any fragrance

Not only are these air vent clips cute to look at, but each one also features a fragrance pad that you can soak with whatever essential oil you like, making them great for leaving your car smelling oh-so refreshed. And since they’re made from a tough metal alloy, they’re also unlikely to corrode over time.

41A handy card reader that plugs right into your phone

Transferring photos by texting them from phone to phone can be incredibly inconvenient. Instead, use this card reader. It’s compatible with a variety of memory cards, including SD as well as microSD cards — and there’s no need to download any additional software in order to use it. Simply plug it into your phone and it’s ready to work.

42Eye-catching dragon bookmarks made from metal

Don’t bend the corners of your pages to keep track of where you are in that book. Instead, grab these dragon bookmarks. They’re made from sleek metal — not plastic — and feature bright colors that make them look more expensive than they are.

43A clever mitt to easily remove sand from skin

Wiping yourself down with a towel does an alright job at removing sand — though this mitt is sure to be much more effective. It’s filled with pure, natural corn starch that coats the sand particles, making it easy to remove them from skin within just a few quick swipes. One reviewer even raved about how it works so well that “it’s now the first thing we pack for every beach trip.”

44A wall-mounted cup holder to enjoy in-shower beverages

Anyone who enjoys taking a relaxing soak in the tub is sure to get a ton of use out of this cup holder. The strong suction cup on the top lets you mount it onto tile walls, giving you somewhere to rest your wine glass, beer can, or nearly any other beverage while you bathe. And if you’re worried about it falling off? Not a problem, as the suction cup is so strong that it can easily support up to 11 pounds.

45Flushable packets that help prevent backups in septic tanks

A septic system that’s working poorly can lead to a sewage backup in your yard, which is a very, very costly mistake. Luckily, these packets are an easy way to help keep your system in good condition. Simply flush one down your toilet every month, and the live bacteria inside will work to help further decompose the waste inside your septic system. Each order comes with enough packets for a full year of use.

46A unique tiny tub soap dish made of ceramic

Don’t be surprised if guests ask where you bought this soap dish. Not only is it designed to look like a claw-foot bathtub, but it’s also made form sleek ceramic — not plastic. Plus, drainage holes in the bottom allow pooling moisture to escape in order to help your bars of soap last longer.

47The handy stove top shelf that magnetizes on to install

Ever wish you could store items on the top of your stove? Then this shelf is a must-have. A series of magnets in the bottom keep it firmly mounted onto the top of your stove, giving you room to store spices, oils, and everything in between. One reviewer also raved about how it’s “great for tiny kitchens with limited cabinets, countertops, and space.”

48Genius hanging bags that add storage space to the fridge

Sauce packets, medications, garlic cloves — these mesh bags are great for holding all sorts of ingredients. Two hooks on the top let you hang them from the shelves on your refrigerator door, while the mesh fronts let you easily see what’s inside each one at a glance. One reviewer even described them as “the perfect solution for those odd packets and envelopes that end up getting pushed to the back of the shelf in your refrigerator [...].”

49Absorbent stone trays that stylishly keep sinks tidy

I’m a huge fan when it comes to these trays — and not just because they’re a stylish way to store everything from soap bottles to scrubbers on your sink top. They’re made from absorbent diatomite that soaks up drips, drying within just a few quick seconds to help keep everything looking clean. Plus, nonslip feet on the bottom work to keep them from shifting around.

50This weird plug insert that helps tighten loose outlets

Got an outlet in your home that’s too loose to hold a plug? Then these snug plugs are a must-have. They fill up the extra space inside your outlet to help keep plugs from falling out — and installation is as easy as pressing them right into place. “Super simple to use and truly a must‑have for any DIY toolbox,” raved one reviewer.

51Travel-friendly soap sheets for hand-washing anywhere

You’ll be glad you grabbed these soap sheets the next time you’re caught in a bathroom that’s run out of soap. It only takes a small amount of water to get them to lather into a rich foam — and while they’re tough on grime, they’re still gentle on skin. Plus, the packets are small enough to fit inside of purses as well as pockets.

52A minimalist holder that helps keep toothbrushes clean

Resting your toothbrush down onto your bathroom countertop is an easy way for it to get dirty — but that’s only part of the reason why I’m a fan of these holders. Their minimalist design means they’re almost guaranteed to look good inside any bathroom. And since they’re made from absorbent diatomite, they can even help your toothbrush handles dry quickly when wet.

53Reusable makeup remover pads made from soft bamboo cotton

There’s no need to waste money on disposable makeup wipes when you could just grab these pads for less than $15. They’re made from soft bamboo cotton that can withstand being reused up to 1,000 times — and each order includes a mesh baggie to keep them packaged together when going through the wash. Dozens of reviewers also raved about how they “feel soft” against skin.

54Playful pimple patches to help flatten blemishes quickly

Unlike some pimple patches, these ones are designed to look like pink bows, cherries, kittens, and more, making them a cute addition to any look. Their hydrocolloid dressing works to draw impurities out of blemishes to help them flatten quickly — and the formula is even cruelty-free as well as vegan.

55Colorful straws made from sleek, wavy glass

Ditch those crummy plastic straws in favor of these reusable ones. They’re made from sleek glass — not plastic — and feature a wavy design that makes them seem more expensive than they are. Each order also includes a pipette brush to help you scrub them clean between uses.

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