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67 Unexpected Gifts That Are All The Rage On Amazon This Year

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

by Cliché Wynter
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Shopping for gifts — no matter the occasion — can be a very specific and trying sport. You’re forced to mull over tons of questions in your mind and make decisions within a few minutes. Even after you've made a purchase, you're left with lingering thoughts and doubts. My favorite life hack in those situations is shopping for unexpected Amazon gifts that I'm almost certain the recipients will love.

It makes the process simpler, but it does still require a little bit of creativity. First, I would suggest thinking about your loved ones' favorite hobbies, likes, and tastes. Then, go a level deeper to find unique ways to surprise them with thoughtful gifts. When the people in your life have it all, this will be your best strategy in wowing them.

Let's say, for example, the person you're shopping for loves cats. They obviously have all the essentials for their pets — but what they might not have is this cat water fountain that comes with a built-in filter. You can also get them an item that reminds them of their kitties, like an adorable feline tape dispenser.

Shop for those unexpected (but awesome) gifts with this curated list of items that are all available on Amazon.

1A Wine Wand That Helps Prevent Hangovers And Headaches

Skip the post-wine hangover with the help of this wine filter. The wand will purify a glass of your favorite vino within three minutes (without altering its original flavor). It removes histamines and sulfites, which are two components that are known to trigger those hangover-related sensitivities. Perhaps one of its best features is that it can restore the original taste of wine that's already been oxidized.

2A Wireless Charging Pad That Can Be Used On The Go

You can keep smartphones charged no matter where you roam with this wireless charging pad, which was designed to charge iPhones 50 percent faster than most wireless chargers. It provides a non-slip base for phones to charge and features an LED light that pops on when charging is complete.

3The Massage Tool For Hard-To-Reach Aches

This massager's genius design will help you relieve hard-to-reach aches. The angled tool includes a hand grip that keeps your arms in a low, comfortable position as it reaches behind to the furthest parts of your back. Plus, its pear-shaped tip gives just the right amount of pressure to address pain.

4The Under-Bed Night Light With A Sensor Light

Installing these night lights under your bed is a breeze, and their motion sensor technology ensures that lights glow only when you need them (like those times when you want a midnight snack). They have an auto shut-off timer that can be set from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

5These Foot Masks That Painlessly Remove Dry Skin

Dry feet will no longer be a pain point with these exfoliating masks. Made with natural botanical extracts and lavender-rose scents, they'll dive deep to break down old layers of coarse skin to leave you with a softer appearance. It’s a painless process that provides spa-like results at a fraction of the cost.

6This Dead Sea Magnesium Oil That Relieves Aches

Traveling can take its toll on your body, so it's best to have items at the ready that can help combat the strain. A small bottle of Magnum Solace's Dead Sea Magnesium Oil goes a long way with its ability to relieve aches and pains. It's 100% natural and comes directly from the Dead Sea. Each spritz can help with everything from anxiety, migraines, soreness, and more.

7This Soft Headband With Bluetooth Capabilities

Whether you're sleeping or working out, it's always nice to have hands-free access to your music and phone. With this Bluetooth headband, you'll be able to listen to tunes without the need for additional headphones. It also has a built-in microphone so you can take calls while you're running or relaxing in bed. The wireless headband pairs well with Bluetooth-enabled devices within a 45-foot range. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that allows up to 10 hours in play time.

8These Loofahs That Are Infused With Clarifying Charcoal

Your shower won't be complete without one of these loofahs. The bath time necessity comes infused with natural bamboo charcoal, working to exfoliate and cleanse your skin. Unlike washcloths, this loofah lathers up quickly, so you'll only have to use a dollop of soap while showering. It also has a branded strap, making it easy to hold while you're scrubbing all over, and then hang to dry.

9The Eco-Friendly Face Masks Made With Fruit Extract

Take on sustainable beauty practices with a set of these face mask sheets. The eco-friendly masks are made with fabric extracted from wood pulp, and they have remarkably smooth texture. They're noted as being more absorbent than cotton, allowing them to easily unclog pores. The sheets contain concentrated fruit extract that work to provide clearer skin with a natural glow. Cleanse your face before applying the masks, and keep them on for 10 to 20 minutes.

10This Fire Stick That Makes It Easy To Stream Your Favorite Shows

The Fire stick makes it a snap to stream your favorite shows and movies through services like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. The remote simplifies the process of choosing among 500,000 movies and TV episodes.

11The Flash Drive That Stores Data From Your Smartphone

If your phone is currently storing what seems like hundreds of photos and important documents, save them in a safe spot using this USB flash drive for smartphones. The flash drive lets you back up all of the things you'd never want to lose and it is compatible with iPhone and Android, as well as iPads, Macs, and PCs.

12The Blue Light-Blocking Glasses That Come In Tons Of Colors

These glasses are hard not to love, even if you aren’t usually required to wear frames for improved vision. The non-prescription, blue light-blocking readers are super lightweight and won’t cause any abrasion to your face. Their metal hinges keeps them in place through rigorous movement, and they're available in 15 colors (including leopard print and marble) in packs of one or two.

13The Shatter-Resistant Wine Glasses

Take your evening at home up another level with a set of wine glasses. They're made with shatter-resistant glass, so you won’t have to worry about them breaking after an accidental stumble or two. Plus, they can each hold up to 15 ounces of your favorite beverage, and their stemless designs allow them to be packed away easily. You should be able to transport them in picnic baskets without any fear of damage.

14The Arch Support Wraps Made With Compression Fabric

These arch support wraps are infused with copper that help provide comfort throughout your day and night. They can help support people who have flat feet, fallen arches, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs. The wraps are made with a compression fabric for full support, but they don't restrict your feet movement. “These are incredible! They offer great support, the gel pad is a definite bonus and offers comfort, and my arches have improved so much too,” one customer raved.

15This Notebook That Sends Your Writing To The Cloud

This eco-friendly notebook comes with 36 pages with dotted grids that can be wiped clean with a cloth. But what about your important notes? You can send them from the notebook straight to your preferred cloud service. One Amazon customer wrote, "This product amazed me and exceeded my expectations. It works exceptionally and as described."

16A Weighted Eye Pillow That Relieves Tired, Puffy Eyes

If you often find yourself with dry, puffy eyes or headaches, you might want to consider using this compression eye pillow. Made of a velvety-soft fabric, it’s slightly weighted for soothing pressure around your eyes. For added effectiveness, you can place the pillow in the freezer or microwave to provide hot or cold relief. It even blocks out light, so can be worn with ease while you sleep.

17The Cheeky Cat Coloring Book For Adults

Who said coloring books are just for children? This "Cat Butt" coloring book begs to differ. The paperback book from Honey Badger Coloring comes with 66 pages of cats waiting to be colored. It’s hilarious and a bit graphic — so let’s keep this one strictly for adults. According to reviews, the pages are thick and won’t let the markers bleeding onto following pictures.

18This Dice Game That’ll Inspire Your Next Meal

Perfect for home cooks, Foodie Dice is a simple dice game that’ll get your creative culinary juices flowing. The pouch contains five “primary” dice — a protein, a cooking method, a grain or carb, an herb, and a bonus ingredient — plus four extra dice labelled with seasonal vegetables. Just roll the dice, and you get a bespoke dish to cook and enjoy.

19This Pack Of Cult-Favorite Lip Balms In A Variety Of Flavors

This Jack Black lip balm variety pack has done its due diligence, going as far as being tested by dermatologists. The paraben- and cruelty-free balms come in three flavors: Natural Mint & Shea Butter, Asian Pear, and Black Cherry. They all work to heal and soothe dry, cracked lips — and they have SPH protection. Your chapped lips will thank you.

20The Reusable Face Cloth That Washes Deep Into Your Pores

Makeup removal just got simpler with this wash cloth. Soak it in warm water, and it'll get deep into your pores to clear out any residual debris that are left behind. Per reviewers, it's able to remove even the most stubborn foundation and mascaras — all without the need of harsh, drying chemicals.

21These Moisturizing Gel Socks Can Repair Dry, Cracked Feet

On those days where you find yourself in need of a pedicure (but can't quite make it to the spa), turn to these hypoallergenic, moisturizing gel socks. At first glance, they look like regular socks — but on the inside, you'll find a gel lining that slowly releases essential oils and botanicals while leaving you with a lavender scent and soft feet. For best results, wear two to three nights per week while you sleep.

22These Makeup-Removing Cloths That Are Reusable

The soft, reusable microfiber cloths can clear your skin of dirt, oil, and makeup with a couple of wipes. You can simply wet them with water or use with your most trusted cleanser. They're also machine-washable. “I love these makeup remover cloths,” shared a satisfied Amazon reviewer. “I bought these on a whim and it's so worthwhile for the price you pay.”

23This Popular Chapstick That's Extra-Moisturizing

Having having cracked lips is never fun. That's why this unscented lip balm makes such an excellent gift. The coating absorbs quickly, providing immediate relief to a dry pout. Once applied, it maintains moisture for up to eight hours (even after eating and drinking). It's recommended to use the product as needed, so feel free to give your lips a generous helping of balm.

24This Pan That Molds Perfectly-Shaped Donuts

Take the DIY approach to baking with this donut pan. Made with food-grade silicone, each pan can mold up to six donuts in one go. However, with this is a non-stick pan, you should wait a few minutes before removing the baked goods to ensure seamless extraction. It's the best approach to having delicious donuts every time, and it makes cleaning a breeze. It's safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer.

25The Easy-To-Use Cold Brew Coffee Maker

If hot coffee isn’t your thing, you might prefer using this cold brew coffee maker. It’s a great way to make your own brew at home, and it can be used for iced tea and other infused beverages. Made with strong borosilicate glass, it provides a rich and smooth flavor. For the best taste, add the coffee grounds to the filter, pour cold water into it, and then let the container sit overnight. If you’d like a stronger brew, keep it in the refrigerator for a longer time.

26These Chic Sunglasses That Come In Tons Of Colors

These square sunglasses will never go out of style. They have polarized lenses that filter out the glares caused by sunlight reflection, and they can block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays. They're accessories that you can rely on during all seasons and all climates. Feel free to throw them on while driving or while taking a casual stroll on a sunny day.

27The Bluetooth-Enabled Wireless Earbuds That Are Waterproof

Avoid tangled cords with a pair of wireless earbuds. They're Bluetooth-enabled and provide high-fidelity sound — but they're also designed with internal nano-coating to protect them from rain, water, and sweat. They’re equipped with a single button and a microphone so you can have hands-free conversations while you’re working out or running errands. A single full charge will give you up to 10 hours of continuous usage.

28The Wrinkle-Resistant Bed Sheets That Come In Many Colors

The best way to end a hard day is to retire to a bed that's decked out in these hypoallergenic, microfiber bed sheets. They’re super soft and silky to the touch, but they're also stain- and wrinkle-resistant. They won’t even fade after repeated washes and have deep pockets to fit most mattresses. The sheets come in a variety of colors and come in six sizes (including California king).

29A Cute Pair Of Gloves That You Can Use Your Phone With

You’ll never have to expose your fingers to frigid winds again with a pair of these comfy touchscreen gloves. You can use them while effortlessly browsing through your touchscreen phone, because they include satin insets on the thumbs and index fingers that help the process. While they only come in one size, they’re designed to stretch and fit most hands.

30An Indie Mascara With Big Lash Benefits

This mascara has indie cred, but word on the street (and in hundreds of reviews) is that the lengthening, volumizing mascara adds even more major oomph to lashes than some popular name-brands that cost twice as much. Its wand separates and lifts lashes and it is infused with peptides that nourish and condition each and every lash.

31This Canvas Tote That Can Be Worn As A Crossbody Bag

This canvas tote allows you to switch from carrying it in your hands to wearing it as a crossbody bag by way of an adjustable strap. The medium-sized bag is soft and has a reinforced base, making it suitable for everyday use. Don’t be fooled by its minimalist design, though — it can hold plenty of items, including 13-inch laptops or tablets.

32The Portable Blender For Smoothies On-The-Go

You'll never have to skip your morning smoothie with the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender. Even when you're in a rush, all you have to do is throw your favorite fruits and vegetables into the BPA-free container and hit the road. The device allows you to blend and drink from the same portable vessel no matter where you are. The stainless steel blades are also powerful enough to crush ice, so you'll be treated to a smooth beverage.

33These Essential Oil Diffusers For Your Car's Air Vents

Stop odors in their tracks with these aromatherapy car vent clips. These stainless steel lockets includes multiple felt pads in various colors that absorb essential oils and release fragrances into the air. While the package doesn't include the oils, it gives you the freedom to separately purchase the ones you can rely on to provide stress relief while you're on a long drive. Simply place it on your air conditioning vent and let the scents flow.

34The Natural Serum For Thicker, Stronger Lashes And Brows

This lash serum is incredibly popular (with more than 18,000 positive reviews) for one obvious reason: it really works and will boost the volume and length of your eyelashes and eyebrows — and reviewers aren't shy about providing plenty of photographic proof. Its safe, hypoallergenic formula includes peptides and biotin.

35This Over-The-Door Hanger With A Feline Edge

Standard organizers just got a little more stylish with the this over-the-door hanger. Made in the image of a black cat with two extending paws serving as hooks, it's capable of withstanding up to 20 pounds in weight. And no tools are required for installation, which is always a bonus.

36The Hammock Designed Specifically For Your Feet

Spending hours and hours behind a desk can leave your lower back susceptible to aches and pains. However, some of those aches can be mitigated with this canvas foot rest hammock. It takes the pressure off your lower back while also improving blood circulation. It's compatible with most desks, and it only takes a few minutes to install. It also has an adjustable rope that allows you to get just the right height to suit your needs.

37These Measuring Spoons That Are Perfect For Cat Lovers

Designed with irresistibly cute cat faces, this set of ceramic measuring spoons is the perfect novelty gift for the cat lover in your life. It has four different spoons that allow you to cook and bake to perfection. Plus, they're all held together by ribbon that you can use to hang them when you're done.

38The Yoga Pants With A Convenient Phone Pocket

These yoga pants come equipped with a high waistband and a side pocket built for storing your cell phone while you're on the move. They're made with a flexible blend of nylon and spandex, and they have moisture-wicking capabilities to control sweat during your workouts. Choose from over 30 different colors.

39A Pet Hair Remover That Doesn't Use Sticky Tape

If you're a pet parent, then you know how quickly shedded hair can take over your home. A handy device like the this pet hair remover comes to the rescue with its sturdy and reusable design. The eco-friendly tool gathers hair from sofas, blankets, and more through short forward and backward strokes. This means there is no adhesive or sticky tape involved.

40The Lens Kit That Enhances Your Smartphone Pictures

Take your smartphone images up a notch with this lens kit. It includes 11 various lens options that allow you to explore your creativity and capture more defined photos. The detachable clamp allows you to quickly change your lens to achieve the best picture possible. They're all compatible with both iPhone and Android devices.

41This Door Stopper That Looks Like Dropped Ice Cream

This ice cream door stopper is a great gift idea for a practical joker. In fact, it looks so real that people will be fooled into thinking you dropped your sweet treat. The quirky item is made from plastic and works best on hard, flat surfaces. Keep your doors ajar in a funny way.

42The Foot Rasp That Gets Rid Of Dead Skin For Smoother Feet

Get rid of dead skin and calluses with a few strokes of this amazing foot rasp foot file, which can be used after every shower or bath to keep your feet smooth and soft. The file is lightweight and effective, but gentle enough for sensitive skin.

43This Jewelry Stand That Doubles As A Palm Reader

Keep your jewelry organized and learn the key to reading palms with this jewelry stand. Designed in the shape of an open hand with spread-out fingers, it features the "map of life" drawn in black paint. The map is said to show how energies flow in order to tell a person’s personality and future. Anyone who's a fan of astrology will probably love to have this atop their vanity.

44These Foldable Headphones That Travel Well

Sony's dynamic foldable headphones provide both style and functionality. They guarantee impeccable sound, and their cushioned ear pads ensure optimal comfort. Plus, their swivel design lets you fold them up once you're done listening. They're also equipped with wide-range frequency for distinction between the highs and lows.

45A Cute Bottle Stopper That's Shaped Like A Cat

Wine lovers, rejoice: This cat bottle stopper is a cute way to preserve your pricey bottles of wine. It fits most standard bottles, and it's crafted with food-safe silicone. Plus, the cat peeking out from the top of the bottle is sure to be a conversation starter. “This thing is adorable as heck!!” one customer wrote. “Also it keeps the bottle airtight. This is a gem and keeper for me. I plan on getting some more.” Don’t love cats? It’s also available in the shape of a dog, reindeer, snake, or a boy or a girl.

46This Strong Magnetic Phone Mount For Your Car

Keep your smartphone firmly in place with this magnetic phone mount. Engineered with high-quality rubber in a minimalist design, it sits inside the air vent slats of cars and can be swiveled with ease. The powerful magnetic head is what holds the phone in the position as you drive through rough terrain. The best part? It's compatible with most smartphones.

47A Pumpkin-Shaped Mug That’ll Delight PSL Lovers

Pumpkin season can be a yearlong event with this pumpkin-shaped mug. The ceramic mug comes with a top to complete the pumpkin shape, and to keep your pumpkin spiced lattes warm. “This came REALLY well packaged, in a foam padded gift box. It's darling and looks great in my Bookstagram pics,” one customer raved. “It holds the perfect amount of hot tea, and the lid helps keep my tea hot when I step out of the room for a minute.”

48These Funny Socks That Ask For Tacos

If wacky items are your jam, then you'll love these funny taco socks. The pattern sends a very direct message: "If you can read this, bring me some tacos." And honestly, same. Throughout the rest of the design, you'll find a visual splendor of tacos and chili peppers. The stretchy and breathable fabric means they're comfortable to wear and won't bog your feet down in sweat.

49This Odor-Killing Bamboo Charcoal Bag For Shoes, Fridges & More

Stash these charcoal bamboo deodorizer bags in shoes, gym bags, lockers, closets, your fridge — any place that suffers from stale air and odors. It naturally neutralizes bad scents without adding distracting perfumes in their place. Keep the bags working by simply placing them in direct sunlight for two hours each month.

50This Travel-Size Flat Iron Straightener For All Hair Types

This travel-size flat iron has an adjustable temperature range of 140 to 450 degrees, making it the ideal heated hair tool for all hair types, from fine to coarse. The iron features ceramic tourmaline technology that heats hair evenly for faster styling and it's even infused with moisturizing argan oil to boost shine.

51A Cow-Inspired Cheese Slice Holder

Skip the back and forth between the backyard and the kitchen during your next barbecue and store your cheese slices in this cow-inspired cheese slice holder. The BPA-free plastic box is crafted to hold up to 24 pieces of wrapped cheese. It's also compact enough to be stored in coolers while you're out camping or picnicking.

52This Pasta Server That Looks Like A Dinosaur

Serve up dinner like a culinary pro with this adorable pasta server. Where regular spoons and forks fail, this silicone tool excels. It has a dinosaur-shaped head that cups a considerable helping of pasta in one swoop, while the teeth collect stray noodles throughout the process. Place the dirty item on the top shelf of the dishwasher for safe cleaning.

53A Set Of Quirky Oven Mitts That Look Like Bear Paws

There's nothing quite as nerve-racking as scorching your hands on a hot pot while cooking. You'll never have to feel the burn again with these bear paw oven mitts. Crafted with insulated cotton at the mitts and heat-resistant silicone at the paws, your fingers will be safe from harm. They're designed to fit a variety of hands, making them great for any cook or party host.

54The Donkey Notepad Holder That Can Also Store Pens

Give your office a boost with this donkey-shaped desktop notepad holder. The tiny holder comes in red, black, and white — and it's a great organizational tool to add to your arsenal. The clothespin mouth can be used to hold an important memo front and center, or it can store a pen or pencil. It's a cute way to jazz up your space and get rid of clutter.

55An Intricate Fruit Bowl With A Banana Hanger

Purchasing your weekly supply of produce is one thing, but finding the right place to store it is another. This Simple Houseware fruit basket eliminates that worry by serving as a bowl for apples, oranges, and pears. It also includes a removable hanger for your bundle of bananas and grapes. The bowl is designed with a bronze coating that seamlessly blends into many kitchen decors.

56A Himalayan Pink Salt Inhaler To Relieve Nasal Congestion

Sometimes, the best gift you can give is that of a clear nasal passage. This Himalayan pink salt nasal inhaler does just the trick. It uses a blend of essential oils to soothe your irritated respiratory tract. The natural remedy will open your lungs and make breathing a little easier. All you have to do is inhale through your nose and watch as relief washes over you.

57The Honey Dispenser That’s Both Pretty & Practical

Not only is this honeycomb-inspired glass honey dispenser a beautiful addition to your kitchen countertop, but it’s practical, to boot. Unlike most squeeze-bottles or glass jars, this dispenser mitigates dripping (and that sticky residue that’s impossible to clean) by releasing in a smooth stream from the bottom via a press trigger. You can use it for other sticky condiments, too, like maple syrup, chocolate syrup, or simple sugar.

58This Funny Tissue Holder That's Shaped Like A Cat

This cat-shaped tissue holder is the kind of statement piece guests won't be able to ignore. Crafted out of molded resin, the feline holder is easy to clean and does the job of hiding branded tissue boxes. Place your box in the cavity of the cat and pull individual pieces through the cat's behind. (Yes, through the cat's behind.)

59A Sleek Infinity Cube For Stress Relief

Stress relief can come in small packages. In this case, it can come in the form of an infinity cube. The pocket-sized toy has an ergonomic design that allows you to do a ton of tricks while playing with it. Its monochromatic color makes for a sleek and discreet fidget gadget, while its stainless steel metal rivets keep all the pieces together.

60These Stylish Rose Gold Opal Stud Earrings

In my opinion, stud earrings accessory staples that won’t ever fail. This opal pair will make an exceptional gift for the fashion-forward person in your life — especially if they were born in October (since opal is the official birthstone for that month). The rose gold earrings even come with a cute pink pouch for storage.

61The Filtered Drinking Fountain For Your Cats

Give your cat the gift of luxury with this pet water fountain. The 3-liter drinking unit is made with BPA-free materials, and it includes a filter along with an energy-efficient pump. It's designed to release water at three different flows, so cats who are picky drinkers can find their preferred speeds.

62This Stainless Steel Garlic Press That's Rust-Resistant

Speed up your cooking preparation process with this garlic press. The stainless steel kitchen tool is rust-proof and won’t tarnish after continuous washing. Plus, its peeler tube is made with FDA-approved silicone. The high-quality construction allows the mincer to chops unpeeled cloves with a simple squeeze of the handles. A paste will be pushed out, leaving behind the peel in the chamber. You can wash the item by hand or throw it in the dishwasher once you’re done.

63The Shampoo That's Infused With Caffeine

This caffeine-infused shampoo promises to stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss. It’s formulated with a mixture of caffeine, red clover, niacin, and more to provide stronger strands. Aloe vera is also used within the formula to help calm parched scalps. It contains zero parabens and sulfates, and it's strictly made from plant-based ingredients. The shampoo is great for all hair types, including color-treated tresses.

64A Cotton Oven Mitt That Sassy Chefs Will Love

Do you have a cook in your life with tons of confidence and a bold sense of humor? If so, treat them to the cotton oven mitt. It features an image of a woman peacefully cooking in a kitchen with a sassy phrase above her head. The yellow-and-grey mitt is insulated, and it's designed to keep the heat from hot pans away from your hands.

65The Pirate-Inspired Corkscrew Made With Stainless Steel

Add the finishing touches to your bar with this corkscrew keychain. The stainless steel novelty item resembles a pirate complete with a cork-screw leg. But beyond the pirate imagery, it includes an easy-open lever, an integrated serrated foil cutter, and a bottle opener. The keychain is also small enough to fit into your pocket, so you can take it with you for picnics or a day at the beach.

66A Window Hammock Specifically Designed For Cats

Give your favorite kitty the gift of leisure with a window perch. It’s essentially a hammock for cats that's held up by large suction cups and stainless steel cables. The perch can withstand up to 40 pounds in weight, and it has a frame made out of rugged fabric that your cat can comfortably bask in the sunlight on. It’s also completely waterproof and can be cleaned easily.

67The Squirrel-Shaped Spoons That Can Stand On Their Own

These squirrel-shaped standing spoons are some of the most clever products I have ever seen. This set of three includes serving tools in white, grey, and orange. They feature squirrels on the handles that help them stand up, which ultimately keeps them off potentially dirty surfaces. On the other hand, it also prevents the spoons from getting gravy or rice grains on your counters.

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