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55 Weird New Things for Your Home on Amazon That Are So Damn Clever

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by Allison Bolt
55 Weird New Things for Your Home on Amazon That Are So Damn Clever
Amazon
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You woke up this morning completely unaware that your life is missing a sea monster that brews tea. But now that you know, you have to have it, right? In that case, let me tell you about the progressive vampire who will chop garlic for your next meal and the crocodile who dices onions. Is your house complete without these things in the kitchen? That is only three of these 55 weird things for your home on Amazon that are so damn clever you will want to hit the buy button hard.

01

This Clever Trick For Cleaning Up Cord Clutter

If the appliances on the kitchen counter and the technology in the living room have spawned a snarl of cluttered cords all over walls and counters that you wish were clutter-free, this clever extension cord can help. Plug the faceplate into the outlet, run the cord to a less obvious place, and plug everything into the power strip. It has three standard plugs and two USB ports. It comes in white or black and in two lengths.

02

A Decorative Little Trash Can For Your Bedside Table

Tea bags, candy wrappers, toothpicks, and other small items can quickly create a mess if you are working, enjoying a movie or game, or too tired to get up and walk to the trash can. Set this mini nightstand trash can on your bedside table or coffee table to prevent those moments from starting a mess spiral. It’s cute, has a push-open lid, and holds half a gallon of detritus.

03

A Water Pitcher Sized For The Fridge

Whip up a batch of iced tea, sangria, or your favorite beverage recipe in this slim water pitcher, and make it easy to sip something tasty whenever you like. It’s made of BPA-free Tritan plastic that can handle hot tea, is designed to fit neatly on a fridge door shelf, and has a pour lid that closes tightly to keep liquids in and fridge flavors out.

04

This Adorable Way To Store A Sponge

Keep a sponge handy while adding a bit of decorative cuteness to your kitchen or bath with this scrubby sponge holder that suctions onto the shower wall or kitchen sink. Drop your sponge into its paws and it will climb it adorably while the sponge dries and waits, at the ready, for you to need it again.

05

The Vampire That Loves To Chop Garlic

If chopping garlic is the chore that keeps you from cooking, meet your vampire assistant: Gracula. Drop the cloves into the base, grab his stylish hairdo, and twist. He will chop that garlic up in his fangs, turning it into pan-ready pieces in seconds. “It's punny, it's cute, plus it grates up garlic so I don't have to risk my fingers trying to mince it,” said one reviewer.

06

An Elegant Chargeable Portable Light

These portable night-lights are an elegant solution for camping, glamping, emergencies, or ambient lighting around the home. Stack the three lights onto the charging base to power them up. Then use them stacked as a lantern or grab one or two to use as a flashlight or candle-like lighting on a dining, bedside, or side table. The brightness is adjustable.

07

This Lock That Uses Your Fingerprint As The Key

If you have medications, cash, or a stash you want to keep safe from children or intruders, this Bluetooth fingerprint cabinet lock will secure it behind any dresser, cabinet, or cupboard door or drawer. It installs easily and allows you to unlock that space with your fingerprint or an app. “Used this for a medicine cabinet that I needed to be kid-proof,” said one reviewer. “The kids found it and tried, as kids do! But there has not been a single time that it has glitched or opened from a random thumb press.”

08

A Glass Coffee Mug With A Lid

This clear glass coffee mug is the perfect vessel for everything from foamy coffee drinks to ice water or beer. You can see what’s in it while the lid keeps your beverage fresh, warm, and dust-free. It holds 13 ounces and the lid doubles as a coaster. It even comes with a spoon. “It looks beautiful on my night stand and holds the amount of water I need during the night,” said one reviewer.

09

A Soap Dispenser For Your Sponge

The problem of where to store the sponge and how to get soap onto it while washing dishes has been solved! The solution is this soap dispenser and sponge holder. Fill the base with dish soap. Drop a sponge onto the top. When you are washing up, pump the sponge a couple of times to load it with soap and go to it.

10

A Splitter For Light Sockets

Turn any light socket into an ad hock chandelier with this light socket splitter that turns that one socket into three adjustable ones. Just screw it in, point the sockets in the direction you want, and add three lightbulbs. There are options with four and five sockets, too. “We have a super nice boho light that is great looking, but not enough light,” said one reviewer. “I found this and viola! Three bulbs and much more light! I saved the day!”

11

This UV Sanitizer For Your Toothbrush

If you think about what sort of germs might be growing on your toothbrush, it’s hard to unsee that image. This UV toothbrush sanitizer will make it safe to brush your teeth again. It uses ultraviolet-C spectrum light to clean most toothbrushes — even electric ones — in just a few seconds. Place your brush in it and close the door to activate the cleaning cycle.

12

A Smart Way To Handle Bread Dough

If you have discovered that you can make an amazing bread crust by baking your dough in a Dutch oven, you have also discovered that getting a beautiful loaf of bread out of the pan without destroying it is a dangerous art. This bread sling makes getting your dough into and out of that pan safe and easy. The silicone is heat resistant, nonstick, and washable so it will serve for years.

13

This Weird Spatula & Grabber

How often have you broken the yolk while flipping eggs or struggled to flip a grilled sandwich while chasing it around the pan with a spatula? This grip & flip spatula is here to help. It grips the food while you flip so you can get the job done without disaster.

14

The Solution For Under The Sink

That mess under the kitchen or bathroom sink? It doesn’t have to be like that. Set this pair of organizers in the space and transform it into useful, easy-to-access storage. They are sized to fit around the plumbing. The pull-out drawers let you see what is in there. And the clear trays are fresh and easy to clean.

15

These Food Storage Containers That Keep Produce Fresh

Move your produce from those plastic grocery bags to this set of five storage containers. Not only will your fridge be tidy and easy to navigate but the food will stay fresh longer. You can rinse the produce right in the inner liners and drop it into the container to lock out air. The containers are BPA-free, freezer-safe, and microwaveable.

16

The Cereal Bowl That Delivers Endless Crunch

If you are one of the many people who race through breakfast so as to never have to eat soggy cereal, this bowl will let you slow down and enjoy that morning meal. Put dry cereal on one side and milk on the other. Then mix the two as you go, eating always-crunchy cereal at your own pace.

17

The Cure For Cable Chaos

Turning that drawer full of tangled chargers, USB cords, and headphones is not as hard as you think. Start with this 40-pack of self-gripping ties. Pull each cord out, attach a tie to it, and wrap it up. With these in hand, you will only have to do the job once because the wires will stay organized. And the results will be colorful.

18

The Outlet Extender With A Shelf

Plug this nifty outlet shelf into the bathroom wall socket or next to the bed so you have a handy place for a small speaker, Amazon Echo, or to set your phone while it charges. It has five standard plugs and four USB plugs. (One of them is USB-C.) It also has an LED night-light that aims down to light your space without blaring light in your eyes.

19

A Smart Upgrade For Your Blinds

You don’t have to drop thousands of dollars to achieve your dreams of a luxurious life where you can open and close the blinds from bed. This solar-powered blind tilt machine turns the blinds you have into smart ones that you can control with your phone, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home. It even has a light sensor so you can close the blinds automatically when it’s too sunny out.

20

The Solar-Powered Water Fountain

Turn any basin or bird bath into a low-maintenance outdoor water feature by dropping this solar-powered fountain into it. Its solar panels soak up the sun to power the engine that pulls water from your bowl and shoots it through a filter and into the air, creating the irresistible sound and look of water movement. Choose from eight water patterns. It comes in three colors.

21

These Motion-Triggered Wireless Puck Lights

Stick these wireless motion sensor lights on your stair risers, inside dark closets, or under shelves so your home is safe and easy to navigate. They will light the stairs as you walk down them, turning off again a few minutes later. They will turn on when you reach into a closet or shelf so you can find what you are looking for. No wiring is required.

22

A Lazy Suzan For Better Storage

This clear and roomy lazy Susan is the perfect way to improve the storage in the fridge, bathroom, or pantry. It’s clear so you can see what’s in it and has high sides to keep contents contained. Removable dividers make it easy to keep jars from tottering over or round items from rolling around.

23

This Trick For Keeping Herbs Fresh

Keep all your garden cuttings and fresh herbs safe and fresh in this herb keeper that is designed for the task. A basin at the bottom treats your cuttings like fresh flowers — hydrated at the cut ends. And the tall, glass vase is the perfect environment for the leaves. Pull the handle at the top to lift off the lid and pull the leaves up for cutting.

24

A Pivoting Power Strip

This weird-looking power strip is very clever. Six of the eight outlets rotate so you can use each one, no matter what you plug in. Clips at the end hold the wires so they don’t create chaos or get unplugged. The plug that goes into the wall rotates so you can direct it however you like. And it has a power switch so you can control an entire light array or entertainment rig with one switch.

25

This Magnetic Sponge System For The Kitchen Sink

This magnetic sponge system is a brilliant way to create order in your sink. The base mounts to the side of your sink with an adhesive. The sponges stick to that base magnetically. When you wash dishes toss the sponge at the base and it will stick there, dripping into the sink to dry. This starter kit includes two base stations and four sponges.

26

A Pumice For Stubborn Toilet Stains

Some toilet stains will not come out. You can use bleach, scrubbers, and elbow grease to no avail. If you have a stain like that, you need this pumice stone toilet bowl cleaner. It quickly removes hard water, rust, and other stubborn stains. “Picked this up as a last resort to remove hard water stains inside my toilet,” said one reviewer. “To my surprise, the pumice stone removed the stains almost instantly. [I wish I’d] known about this product sooner.”

27

A Set Of Multi-Tools Disguised As Great Pens

Drop these multi-tool pens into your pencil protector and you will be ready for anything. Design your dream home on a tablet. Draw on paper. But it's more than a pen and stylus. Pull it out when you need a screwdriver, level, or to light your way. This is a two-pack, each one with different tools.

28

This Mosaic Globe For The Garden

Create some visual interest in the garden with this mosaic ball that is set-it-and-forget-it-easy. A solar panel in the top charges it up in the sun. When the sun goes down, it lights up and glows in beautiful colors. There are five styles to choose from. “A deep, rich orb,” said one reviewer. “This is one of my favorite garden lights.”

29

The Doormat You Create With Tiles

Create a custom statement at your door — or anywhere in the house — with this customizable tile doormat. Choose a shape that fits your space. And you will receive a mat with 150 tiles that you can use to puzzle together the look you want. “Such a cute mat!” said one reviewer. “It even comes with a stencil for a design example. It’s really good quality and will be such fun to change out the design.”

30

A Lochness Monster For Your Tea

Tea time does not have to be boring. Sink this Baby Nessie loose leaf tea infuser into your cup and imagine you are on the lochs of Scotland watching an ancient sea monster swim through the mist. “I've been looking high and low and all over for the secret to perfect tea,” said one reviewer. “Who knew that the secret all along was Nessy?!”

31

This Knee Pillow That Prevents Pain

If you are a side sleeper, tuck this knee pillow between your legs when you settle in to rest. It prevents that morning backache and hip pain by elevating the top leg so that your spine stays aligned while you sleep. “This pillow has been a miracle worker for me,” said one reviewer. “I can start my morning with a smile on my face because I'm pain-free and able to move around and do my morning exercise and household chores.”

32

A Crocodile To Help You Prep Dinner

Drop a vegetable into the jaws of this formidable crocodile vegetable chopper and let those teeth do the work for you. Choose a blade that delivers the shape your recipe requires and have fun. There are two sizes of diced cutters, a spiral blade, a ribbon blade, and four tools for cleaning them. “It's hysterical and functional,” said one reviewer.

33

This Elegant Over-The-Sink Strainer

This slender and elegant over-the-sink strainer basket is so useful that it will likely live in your sink. Drop some fruit into it to rinse them and let them drain right there within snacking distance. Rinse a spoon or cup and set it there to dry. Pour your pasta into it when it’s ready for sauce. It comes in 12 colors and expands to fit your sink.

34

A Waffle Maker That Stands Up

Pour your batter into the top of this vertical waffle maker from Ninja and choose a shade for the finished waffle. It does the rest. When your tasty treat is cooked to perfection, the machine beeps to let you know. It can handle traditional waffles or high-sugar brownie and cookie batters so you can whip up whatever confection the moment calls for.

35

This Tabletop Fire Pit

You don’t have to sleep on the ground to have S’mores. You can sit on your patio — or couch — and sleep in your own bed after enjoying an evening of toasted marshmallows and chocolate. This concrete tabletop fire pit is cheaper than a campsite, too. Just load it with isopropyl or ethyl alcohol and light it for a clean, safe fire. When you are done, drop the extinguisher lid on it to put out the fire. It comes in three colors.

36

These Glass Bulbs That Water The Plants

Take better care of your plants with less effort by filling these self-watering bulbs with water and sticking them into their soil. They moisten the water as it needs it, keeping your greenery hydrated for as long as two weeks. “These make caring for my plants so simple,” said one reviewer. “A great buy for busy people who love plants!”

37

A Cup Holder For The Couch

This cup cozy pillow makes your life of leisure more leisurely and prevents spills. Set it on the couch or bed and drop your beverage, remote, glasses, and other necessities into its four recessed cup holders so everything stays upright, easy to find, and off the furniture. “It makes lounging on the couch much easier,” said one reviewer. “I can sit back and relax and reach for my drink without having to be near the coffee table.”

38

These Wide-Mouth Oil & Vinegar Bottles

Create your own infused oils, condiments, or dressings in these glass oil and vinegar dispensers. Or just make it easy to pour oil or soy sauce into a pan. With measures printed on the sides, a wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning, and a pour top with a lid — and optional filter — that closes, they are super useful.

39

A Cold Brew Coffee Maker For Energy On Tap

If you love a cold brew, put some in the fridge so you are never without a supply. This cold brew coffee maker is the tool you need. A fine mesh sleeve holds the grounds without allowing any sludge through. The leakproof lid keeps air out to keep your fix fresh. It even comes with a funnel and scoop for setting up the brew process.

40

This Mini Box Cutter That Sticks To The Fridge

Keep this mini box cutter stuck magnetically to the fridge so there is no frustration when your Amazon boxes arrive. It slices easily through packaging without endangering your digits. And it stays sharp indefinitely because that’s a ceramic blade housed in that protective, box-cutter-like housing.

41

A Warming Tray To Keep Dinner Hot

This clever rollable electric warming tray will come in handy in so many ways, you will wonder how you lived without it. Use it to encourage bread to rise or to warm a meal without risking it to the microwave. Set your tea on it so it stays warm till you are ready to sip or use it for keeping dinner warm at a party or busy activity night. It has three temperature levels and the silicone surface is easy to clean.

42

These Pull Chains For The Fan & Lights

Why would you have a boring ceiling fan pull chain when you can have one of these cute, decorative ones with a lightbulb and fan on the ends. They look fancy and tell you which string to pull. “I love these little things!” said one reviewer. “I kept confusing which switch was which at my parents’ house. But not anymore!” They come in six finishes.

43

A Foot Rest For Under The Desk

Rest your feet on this under desk footrest when you work at your desk and you will end the urge to put your feet on the trash can. You have that urge because elevating your feet takes the pressure off of your lower back and legs and is more comfortable. A removable piece makes the height adjustable and you can flip it over to add a rocking motion to your inactive sitting mode.

44

These Reusable Dishcloths That Are Better Than Paper Towels

These Swedish dishcloths are the paper towel replacement you have been looking for. As absorbent as a sponge and as flexible as a cloth, they can handle everything from washing dishes to mopping up spills. And you can wash them and reuse them indefinitely. They come in eight colors schemes.

45

This Night-Light That Looks Like A Candle

Create a moody atmosphere while night lighting your space with this flameless candle night-light that looks like a votive candle. It plugs into an outlet, turns on automatically when there is no light, and elevates your ambiance. “I have searched for years, high and low, for a beautiful warm soft glow nightlight for my bathroom,” said one reviewer. “This one PERFECTLY fits the bill.”

46

A Place To Store Your Headphones

If you live by the motto, “A place for everything and everything in its place,” this headphone desk hook is the place to put your gaming headphones. Clamp it to your desk and position the hook forward for easy access or backward so it hides under the desk. There is a channel for the charging cord, too. It comes in nine colors.

47

This Gaming Surface That Looks Cool

Set your gaming rig down on this gaming surface so your mouse has a responsive surface to ride on and you can game in the dark while still seeing your mouse and keyboard. Also, it just looks cool. It comes in three sizes and four colors and plugs into a USB port.

48

These Hangers That Save Space

These space-saving hangers help you fit more clothing into the same closet space without cramming things in or losing track of garments. Hang them from the closet rod and then hang up to five hangers from each one. You can organize all your shirts or pants using them, too, to speed up getting dressed.

49

This Automatic Mouthwash Dispenser

Go ahead and buy that super-sized bottle of mouthwash. It will save money and trips to the store. And you can pour the mouthwash into this dispenser so that rinsing is a fun, automated undertaking. Mount it on the wall or set it on the counter and press the button to select how much to dispense. It is rechargeable and the two included cups cling magnetically to the bottom.

50

The Trash Can You Can Keep Nearby

Hook this clever little foldable trash can over a cupboard close to where you are prepping a meal — or throwing away coffee pods — to streamline your process. It makes it easy to sweep leavings into the trash and throw it all away at once. It comes in three colors, folds away when not in use, and holds just over 2 gallons.

51

This Paper Towel Holder & Integrated Spray Bottle

This paper towel holder has a secret spray pump built into it so you can easily grab a pepper towel and a spray bottle and clean up a small spill, your phone, or the counters. “If there ever was a ‘better mouse trap,’ this is it!” said one reviewer. “Simple Human has done an excellent job of deeply thinking through something so common and finding a better way to go about it. The two clever elements are the tension arm, and the spray pump stored in the center.”

52

These Easy-To-Deploy Solar Lights

Light the way in your yard or along your paths with these solar pathway lights. They are easy to deploy: Stick them into the ground. They come on when the sun goes down and charge themselves with sunlight during the day so they require nothing from you once you install them.

53

The Silicone Covers That Keep Food Fresh

Use these silicone food savers to cover the end of a cut lemon or tomato or as an ad hoc lid for a small dipping bowl. They stretch to fit and lock out the air so that small food is there when you need it for another meal. “Even stinky cut onions are tightly sealed requiring no further wrapping,” said one reviewer. “Easy to clean and because they nest, easy to store.”

54

A Smart Way To Fix Paint Scuffs

Fill these brush pens with the paint you used to paint your rooms and you will never have to worry about dings and scratches because they will be so easy to repair. Just pull one of these out and paint over the scratch. They fill like a syringe and the paint stays fresh in them for years.

55

The Tea Infuser From Shop Of Horrors

Snap up some tea in this tea trap that looks like it escaped from The Little Shop of Horrors. Then drop it into hot water and brew up a cuppa. It is not only an excellent tea steeper it is also a terrific visual joke. “It’s sturdy,” said one reviewer. “Stands up to boiling water several times per week and it doesn’t mind having sing-alongs!”

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