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75 Weird, Cheap Things That Are So Brilliant

Genius stuff for your home, car, and beyond you’ll wish you had sooner.

Written by Veronika Kero
Amazon
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This list is overflowing with items I can guarantee you’ve never seen before — and each one has a brilliant design that’s also practical. There are things to put an end to your hiccups, get dinner cooked faster, keep your hands busy in a meeting, and tons of other genius little inventions you’ll wish you had sooner. Scroll on to be astounded by stuff that’s as weird as it is budget friendly.

01A microwave potato bag to get dinner cooked faster

Potatoes typically require patience but with this microwave potato bag, you’ll only have to wait four minutes for them to be ready. It creates a steam pocket that speeds up the process and can be used with corn and other foods as well.

02A decorative loofah shower mat that massages your feet

Besides the fact that this loofah shower mat massages your feet from the moment you step on it, it deserves a spot in your bathroom simply because of its tile-inspired design. Thanks to a nonslip bottom, the textured piece will keep you safe from slipping, and the porous design ensures proper drainage.

03Squeeze bottles that distribute condiments evenly & quickly

For a more even spread, you definitely want to have this three-pack of condiment squeeze bottles in your kitchen. They work with everything from mayo to olive oil and don’t require much effort for your topping to come out. Since they have flat tops, you can also store them upside down to avoid having to wait for something like honey to make its way down. Each one can hold 13 ounces.

04A hanger safe to keep your valuables hidden

Whether you’re staying in a hotel room or want to be extra safe at home, this hanger safe will come in handy. It has two pockets to conceal valuable documents, jewelry, and cash. Everything will remain hidden behind whatever jacket or shirt you decide to hang over it.

05An anti-hiccup straw with a 92% success rate

Home remedies don’t have anything on this hiccup straw. It only takes a few sips for it to work its magic on both kids and adults. With a 92% success rate, it’s definitely more effective than using a paper bag.

06A cat planter that’ll make you smile

You won’t be able to walk by this cat planter without smiling. You can make its tail look like anything by simply potting your favorite succulent or other small plant. It measures nearly 6 inches wide to fit well in most spots.

07Magnetic bar soap holders made of sleek beechwood

These two magnetic bar soap holders are pure genius. By letting bars hang, they keep them dry so that you never have to pick up a soggy piece of soap again. Made of solid beechwood, the design is as useful as it is sleek.

08A folding pocket knife that clips to your keys or belt loop

This pocket knife is so lightweight that you’ll forget you have it with you at times. Hang the stainless steel blade from your bag or belt loop by using the carabiner that’s built into the opposite end. A safety lock ensures it’s only open when you need it to be.

09Space-saving hat racks to keep them in good shape

These two hat racks will inspire you to finally take good care of your accessories. Instead of keeping your collection in a messy pile in the back of your closet, you can hang up to 15 on each of these two rods.

10A sun visor extender that also blocks UV rays

This sun visor extender can block light — no matter what direction it’s coming from. The adjustable panel is magnetically attached to its base, meaning it can be placed at any angle and position. As it hangs, it will block UV rays and prevent glare so you feel extra safe while driving.

11Self-watering plant stakes made of terracotta

While these four self-watering plant stakes come in the shape of mushrooms, owls, gnomes, and more, all of them are made of terracotta. Fill them with water and they’ll keep your greenery properly hydrated for up to 10 days. Four come in a pack.

12A fidget pen set that can help spark new ideas

It’s no surprise that you do your best work when calm and that’s why this fidget pen set is a must-have. All eight pens have clips with built-in spinners that you can gently roll when you’re feeling distracted or overwhelmed. The simple action can help bring back your focus and boost your creativity. Plus, they are made with waterproof ink that dries quickly.

13A flexible prop to keep your washer mold-free

The key to preventing odors in your appliances is letting air circulate — but that’s not always the easiest thing to do when your washing machine has a front-loading door. Unless you have this washer door prop, that is. It magnetically attaches to the machine and has a flexible arm that you can adjust to hold the door perfectly still.

14Foldable scissors with a safety lock

Packing these foldable scissors will be no trouble at all — they’re only a few inches long and wide. Bring them along on camping trips or carry them to and from your office so you always have something to open boxes or to trim rogue threads. They feature a safety lock, too.

15A sand remover for more comfortable beach days

There’s finally a way to get every last grain of sand off of your body after a beach day. Run this sand remover across your skin before getting in the car and you’ll avoid making a huge mess and feeling gross all the way home. It can handle getting wet without being damaged, too.

16A stainless steel tea infuser that comes in tons of funny shapes

Brighten your mornings with this stainless steel tea infuser that lets you enjoy loose-leaf teas with ease. It comes in the shape of a Venus fly trap and plenty of other funky animals. It’s dishwasher safe, too.

17Mini storage containers that keep out dust & moisture

It’s rare to find trustworthy storage containers with sealing lids. These have silicone rings that ensure dust and moisture is kept away from anything you place inside. They’re the perfect size for cotton swabs, hair ties, floss picks, and so much more. Four come in a pack.

18A stainless steel cuticle trimmer that’s double-ended

Push back your cuticles with one end of this cuticle trimmer and remove them using the other. Yes, it’s really that easy. With this as your first step, your at-home manicures will end up looking like they were done in a salon.

19A peel-off base coat to remove gel polishes easily

This peel-off base coat should always be the first step in your at-home manicure routine. Pair it with your gel polish and UV lamp and you’ll be able to strip the color without doing any soaking in acetone or chipping. It will definitely come in handy for anyone who likes to switch up their style every week.

20Extendable plant stakes to support stems as they grow

These three extendable plant stakes will allow your vining or floppy plants to grow properly and show off all their healthy leaves. The three pieces come with ties so stems can be attached to the stakes and continue to grow upwards (instead of falling down on the table below).

21A chiffon hood that keeps your makeup intact

Getting dressed after completing your hair and makeup doesn’t have to a nightmare. This makeup protector will keep things from getting smudged and tangled. And since it’s breathable and lightweight, you’ll be comfortable as it does.

22A weeding tool with an extra-long handle

After adding this weeding tool to your cart, you’ll never again have to bend down uncomfortably to clean up your garden. The 45-inch bamboo handle allows you to step and simply push down on the footpad. The four-claw steel head will do the rest of the work — pulling weeds from the root up.

23Fabric tape to make your own alterations

Before spending big bucks at a tailor, try out this hem tape. The double-sided roll can be used to make your own alterations since it’s strong enough to hold heavy fabric and last all day. No stitching, gluing, or ironing is necessary. The 1-inch-wide roll is 40 feet long for plenty of projects.

24A handheld fan with a convenient clip

Clip this handheld fan onto your shirt, waistband, or bag strap to stay cool wherever you are. The head rotates 360 degrees so you can direct it with ease and there are also four speeds to choose from. It’ll run for about six hours per charge.

25Laying-down reading glasses that are as weird as they use useful

Sometimes, even lifting your head is too much to ask of yourself after a long day. These laying-down reading glasses are made for those exhausting moments since they allow you to see the pages in front of you while keeping your head rested where it is. They’re also a great way to avoid neck and eye strain.

26A cleaning putty that can get into every crevice

Push this cleaning putty into tight spaces and crevices in your vehicle (or even your home) to finally collect the dust that brushes haven’t been able to reach. It’ll collect it all instantly and leave behind a subtle cherry blossom scent. It can be reused over and over until it darkens.

27Tire valve caps that glow in the dark

These four tire valve caps are proof that car accessories can be fun. The tiny ducks are tiny yet noticeable and will glow in the dark so that they’re even visible at night.

28A mini umbrella that blocks UV rays

This mini umbrella is especially easy to toss in a bag or take on a trip. It’s easy to pack, has a convenient wrist strap, and is barely bigger than a water bottle. When open, it’s just as impressive since it blocks UV rays so you’re safe both from burns and raindrops. A carrying case comes included.

29Wallet socks for hands-free runs

You may have stuffed a few dollar bills in your socks before, but these wallet socks are actually made with zippered pockets so that your cash and cards don’t slip out. They’ll keep you safe from pickpockets and keep you from having to carry a bag on a run.

30A giraffe night-light with a flexible gooseneck

This rechargeable giraffe night-light is the perfect finishing touch to your nightstand. Without taking up much space, it provides you with just enough light to drift off or catch up on your reading.

31Reusable dusting gloves that work so well

Show your plants some love by putting on these dusting gloves and gently running your fingers across each leaf. The microfiber will trap debris so that there’s no longer anything getting between the plant and the sunlight that it’s trying to absorb. Plus, your home will look tidier. The pair can be washed and reused as needed.

32Pill cases that are perfect for travel & everyday

Thanks to their petite size, these pill cases are great space-saving options for travel. To open, just give them a squeeze. Each one in the pair can hold up to 28 pills (so you won’t have to refill them too often). They’re also a great way to carry your everyday meds and supplements in a pocket without worrying about them falling out.

33An electric duster that works wirelessly

Clean faster and easier by adding this electric duster to your Amazon cart. The cordless device is surprisingly powerful (and has a built-in flashlight so you can always see where the air is being directed). It comes with a ton of different heads and brushes so you can clean even the tightest areas of your home — including spots like your keyboard.

34A wearable Bluetooth speaker that’s waterproof

Turn your next adventure into a party with this wearable Bluetooth speaker. It can clip right onto your clothes or bag so you don’t need to hold it in order to keep the music bumping. And if it starts raining on your bike ride, there’s no need to worry because the tiny device is waterproof.

35Jar grippers to help with stubborn lids

Sometimes, opening up a jar of pickles or bottle of ketchup isn’t as easy as you would hope. For those exhausting moments, these jar grippers are there for you. Made of pure rubber, they’ll give you a much better hold to pop off each lid with ease. Two of the grippers are flat and the third is shaped like a cone.

36A hair catcher to protect your drains

Letting loose strands fall to your shower floor can end up in clogged drains that you don’t want to deal with. Sticking this hair catcher to your wall will keep that from happening. Run your fingers through the soft bristles and all hair will be caught in between. It’s that easy.

37A space alarm clock that can change colors

Who wouldn’t be mesmerized by this space alarm clock? The visual of the solar system can glow in a number of different colors and is perfectly balanced with the chic wood-grain base. It offers multiple brightness levels and five volume levels.

38Laptop camera covers to protect your privacy

When you’re not using your camera, you can make sure it’s not picking up anything that you don’t want it to by sticking these laptop camera covers onto your devices. They come in two different sizes so that they can be used with everything from your monitor to your phone. Just slide the cute cover back and forth to expose the lens when needed. Six come in your order.

39Glow-in-the-dark AirPod stickers to make them easier to find

Dropping one of your earbuds is no longer a reason to worry thanks to these glow-in-the-dark AirPod stickers. They’ll make your pair glow so that they can easily be spotted — no matter where they land. Not to mention, they’ll make them look really cool when you’re wearing them as well.

40A rearview mirror shield that sticks in place

Drive a little safer thanks to this rearview mirror shield that will make sure you always have a clear view. The slim visor has a self-adhesive bottom so installing and removal is a snap. They come in a pair.

41Toilet bolt caps for an unexpected touch of decor

Look no further than these ceramic toilet bolt caps when trying to find out-there ways to decorate. Whether you go with the ones shaped like fish or mushrooms, they’ll transform a boring area into an artistic one. You’ll have all your friends asking where you scored them. They pop in place with no tools required.

42Nonstick air fryer liners to cut your cleaning time

Homemade dinners are great but the cleanup that comes with them is usually the opposite. However, if you have these air fryer liners, you’ll have much less to wipe away. They make sure that your delicious nuggets or fries don’t stick to the basket itself so you have more to enjoy and less to scrub off of the bottom. Your order comes with 150 of them.

43An eye mask that keeps your head upright

It’s true, you really can get quality sleep in a car without your neck falling forward and jerking back. Slip this head support eye mask over the headrest and it will ensure you stay upright on your long road trip. It also reduces pressure on the eyes since it has a contoured front that will block out light.

44A genius little reusable fridge deodorizer

Even with full shelves, this fridge deodorizer will make sure that things don’t start smelling funky. It’s the perfect holder for baking soda so that you have a cute and functional way to keep your kitchen fresh; it’s dishwasher safe and easily refilled as needed.

45Funny wall hooks that can hold 5 pounds each

These wall hooks will make you laugh as they securely hold your towels, keys, bags, and jackets. Each small figure can support up to five pounds and can fill up empty wall space since they’re a bit larger than most hooks.

46A key chain flashlight with a magnetic base

Don’t weigh yourself down with a full-size version when this tiny key chain flashlight exists. It can be attached to your backpack and easily carried on any hike or camping trip. You can even use it while still being hands-free since it has a magnetic base that can sit on your grill or car.

47A denture & night guard bath “plant” with built-in ventilation

This denture bath plant is much more aesthetically pleasing than an ordinary cup filled with water. You can hide your dentures, retainer, or night guard inside as they soak and bring your nightstand to life with the realistic-looking leaves on top. There are even vent holes to promote air flow.

48Electric lighters that even work in the wind

These two electric lighters make sure that you can start a campfire in any weather. They’re waterproof, windproof, and can be used more than 300 times on a single charge. Plus, they come with handy lanyards so you can keep them around your neck and be prepared for emergencies.

49A scrubbing cleaning sponge that makes big jobs easier & faster

With a comfortable handle to hold onto, it only makes sense to use this cleaning sponge when tackling big messes. The stiff bristles can be used to scrub your tub or even your floors so you can get the job done faster — and with less elbow grease.

50An anti-fog mirror that’s unbreakable

Stop making a mess out of your bathroom counter by adhering this anti-fog mirror to your shower wall instead. You’ll always be able to see exactly what you’re doing and can let all the shaving cream fall directly into the drain. It’s made to be unbreakable, and a removable adhesive hook comes included.

51UV gloves to protect your skin during manicures

It’s time to start paying attention to what you put your skin through and that includes the time you spend keeping your hands underneath UV lamps. These UV gloves will make sure the light is only going to your gel polish to keep your skin safer.

52Chest wrinkle patches designed to boost collagen production

It’s normal for you to move and crease your skin as you sleep but that doesn’t mean you have to wake up with those lines. These chest wrinkle patches will prevent them from forming by keeping the area smooth — and they’re formulated to help boost collagen. Four patches come in a pack.

53A plant grow light with an adjustable height

Sometimes, your indoor greenery needs a boost and this plant grow light is just the thing you need to give it to them. The LED bulbs emit wavelengths to mimic natural sunlight so that it can support all stages of growth (there are brightness and timer options too). It’ll work with lots of kinds of plants since its height can be adjusted.

54Invisible ink pens for secret messages and pristine books

After adding this five-pack of invisible ink pens to your cart, you’ll be able to write secret messages to your friends but can also use them to mark down important notes without ruining the look of your books. Reveal what you wrote with the light built into each cap.

55A bra wallet made with RFID-blocking technology

If you are concerned about being pickpocketed, this bra wallet is a genius solution. The pouch is tiny so that you’re still comfortable but has enough space to hold cards and cash. Its lining is also made with RFID-blocking technology your information can’t be scanned and copied.

56Shampoo caps for a no-rinse hair refresh

When you don’t have time to take your “everything shower” but are in desperate need of a wash, these shampoo caps will come to the rescue. They can be microwaved or used as is, kept on for just three minutes, and you’ll end up with fresh hair that only needs to be towel dried. They’re major time and energy savers — and they’re great for camping, too.

57Hand masks with a 4.7-star overall rating

Every time you put on a face mask, you should be slipping into these hand masks too. Infused with ingredients like lavender extract and avocado oil, they’ll give your skin the TLC it deserves — even your nail beds will look more moisturized by the time you take them off. Five different pairs come included (including a relaxing lavender pair and one designed for intensive repair).

58A clever candle that extinguishes itself at your chosen spot

Whether you tend to be forgetful or are simply looking for a cool and vintage-looking piece to add to your home, this vertical candle is for you. It self-extinguishes once the wax reaches the clip so you can control just how much you go through in a session. In total, it can burn for 80 hours.

59Self-draining soap dishes that make your bars last longer

The silicone material of these three self-draining soap dishes means they won’t chip or break if dropped. Since they’re so flexible, they’re a breeze to clean but they also happen to be nonslip. The grooves in each one will funnel excess water right back into your sink, keeping your bars from dissolving.

60An essential oil diffuser bracelet that you can customize

The beautiful tree design is just one of the reasons you’ll love this essential oil diffuser bracelet. It comes with pads in a ton of different colors that you can infuse with a few drops of your favorite essential oils so you can keep the scent with you without putting it directly on your skin. The piece will also sit comfortably on your wrist since the chain is adjustable.

61A weighted stuffed animal that doubles as a heating pad

This weighted stuffed animal will always be there for you when you’re in need of a warm hug. Since it’s microwaveable, it can also be used as a heating pad cramps and aching muscles. It’s unscented and weighs 1.5 pounds.

62Magnetic light switches that can hold your keys & more

These two magnetic light switches will make sure that you never forget to take your keys before walking out the door. Install them in your entryway so your set is in your face and impossible to ignore. Each one can hold up to three pounds, making them strong enough to hold a dog leash or other items.

63A optical illusion fidget toy that’s mesmerizing

By the time you’re done watching the optical illusion created by the spiraling lines on this sphere fidget toy, you’ll be ready to tackle your next task. Since it’s small enough to carry with you and quiet enough to use in an office, it’s just the thing to pull out when you need to calm your mind.

64A magnetic door chime with a soothing sound

With a solid brass bowl at its center, you may want to use this magnetic door chime more for relaxation than as an alert. Luckily, it can do both. It’ll sound off anytime a door is opened or closed, creating a beautiful chime.

65Power switch outlets to turn off lamps, devices & more with ease

Turning off your lamps and fragrance diffusers will be easier than ever before once you add this three-pack of power switch outlets to your cart. Their switches can be accessed easily to shut off any appliance or device you want to ensure isn’t drawing power.

66A wedge pillow with 2 side pockets

Made of high-density foam, this wedge pillow is what’s been missing from your bed. It will keep you at a comfortable angle, support your neck and head, and close the gap between your mattress and headboard. And don’t forget to take advantage of the two side pockets that can fit your phone and TV remote. The removable cover is washable, too.

67A pillow spray made with essential oils to help you unwind

The lavender essential oils that this pillow spray is formulated with promote relaxation to help you unwind from a long day and fall asleep. It’s made without silicones and sulfates — and it’s small enough to take along on travels.

68Sushi cat toys handmade of pure wool

Handmade of 100% wool, these sushi cat toys are safe for your furry friend. Coming in a pack of nine, they’ll even reduce plaque thanks to the durable fibers.

69A hoodie to keep your furry friends calm

This calming pet hoodie will have a swaddling effect on your cat or dog so they feel safe and comforted — no matter what’s going on around them. Since their ears will be covered, loud noises (like fireworks or thunder) will also be reduced.

70A pill holder key chain that’s waterproof

This tiny pill holder key chain is a must-have every time you leave home. It will hold medications so you can have relief no matter how far away from home you are. Since it’s waterproof, you don’t have to worry about the pills being ruined before you can use them. It comes in a few sizes to hold various kinds of pills.

71Waterproof shower lights with tons of settings

Set the vibe in your bathroom by sticking these two shower lights on your wall or ceiling. You can control everything (either by touch or with the remote control) from their color temperature to lighting mode. They’re waterproof, dimmable, and can even be set on a timer.

72A quirky paper towel holder that also works with toilet paper

Made of cast iron, this frog paper towel holder looks and feels like you found it in a boutique. Luckily, all it takes to bring it home is a few clicks. And if you’re not a big frog fan, the gold piece comes in a bunch of other funny shapes for you to choose from.

73Sensory chew necklaces that are a great deal

Use these sensory chew necklaces to refocus your mind and direct excess energy. Despite the low price, eight come in a pack. They’re made of durable and easily cleaned silicone.

74A UV black light to detect invisible stains

This UV black light is for when you can definitely smell an accident but you can’t actually see one. It will uncover invisible stains made by your pet (or a spill) so you can finally clean up the mystery odor.

75A mattress vacuum cleaner that removes allergens in 3 ways

This mattress vacuum cleaner uses ultrasonic waves, UV-C light, and high-temperature heat to penetrate deep into fabrics. It will loosen any stubborn debris and collect it, removing 99.9% of allergens. It features a HEPA filter and easy-to-empty dust cup, too.

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