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22 Odd But Brilliant Things On Amazon That Even People Who Are Hard To Please Will Love
I'm the type of person who finds shopping extremely stressful. Lines are irritating, I'm convinced that department stores are intentionally disorienting, and finding jeans that fit my baby-bearing hips as well as my 4'11" height? Impossible. Perhaps the worst shopping experience, however, is finding gifts for people who are notoriously hard to buy for. Nothing ever seems adequate enough, and more often than not, you end up reaching for a pair of socks out of desperation. You then justify your purchase with, "But they've got sushi on them."
Maybe this loved one has everything already, or maybe they're just a really pragmatic person who prefers practical gifts that they'll actually use. Either way, a paperweight and a mug full of candy isn't going to cut it here. Your best bet here is thinking outside of the box.
For the particularly challenging people on my list, my go-to is always Amazon. They've got tons of weird but genius products that'll suit even your hardest-to-please friend. In addition to a great review section and super reliable shipping, Amazon has items that solve actual problems, have multiple functionalities, and are totally new to the market, so you can be sure that said difficult gift-receiver hasn't seen anything like it before.
2. This DNA Kit To Uncover Ethnicities And Find Lost Relatives
AncestryDNA Kit, $90, Amazon
This number one best selling DNA kit helps anyone to uncover their ethnic mix across 165 regions worldwide. All you need to do is collect a saliva sample and send it back to their state-of-the-art lab. In under eight weeks, your results will be ready online. There, you can find out exactly where you came from, and even connect with relatives you never knew you had.
3. These Sensible Nesting Bowls That Cover All Your Bases
Joseph Joseph Nesting Mixing Bowl Set, $35, Amazon
For the extremely practical person's housewarming party, you've got this Joseph Joseph nesting mixing bowl set. It comes with nine pieces including bowls, measuring cups, and a colander, and they all effortlessly fit together to save room in your cabinets. They're also super durable and dishwasher-safe.
4. For All Your Beer Drinking Needs
Bottle Opener Magnet & Cap Catcher, $10, Amazon
Beer lovers are really digging this bottle-opener fridge magnet, which sticks right on the fridge door without any damaging tools. No more scrounging for the bottle opener that always seems to disappear at the most critical moments, like, for example, 6 p.m. on a Friday night.
5. This Versatile USB Vacuum To Clean Up Small Messes
LIVION Mini Desk Vacuum Cleaner, $22, Amazon
Portable, effective, and oh-so-convenient, this LIVION mini desk vacuum cleaner helps you to clean tight corners and delicate areas using nothing but a USB port. It comes with multiple heads and a no-bag canister to collect dust and crumbs from your keyboard, desk, camera, and craft table. It also comes in three cool colors, and can be used with AA batteries instead.
6. This Strange Cushion That Can Vastly Improve Your Posture & Comfort Levels
ComfiLife Memory Foam Seat Cushion, $33, Amazon
Despite its bizarre shape, the ComfiLife memory foam seat cushion is designed to keep you supported and comfortable no matter how long your commute or workday. It has a cutout that promises to straighten your coccyx, instantly improving your posture, and a gel layer that keeps you cool and dry. One reviewer even calls it, “the best investment ever made to ease my back pain.”
7. Have Odor-Fighting Power Wherever You Go
Car Air Purifier, $20, Amazon
This car air purifier offers a pretty clever solution for keeping your car's air clean and smelling fresh. It pumps out negative ions, which destroy odor-causing particulates, rather than just covering them up with scent. It even kills airborne mold, bacteria, and viruses. Plug it into your car's 12v outlet to immediately let the purifying begin.
8. The Most Adorable Tea Infuser That Ever Was
Cute Platypus Tea Infuser, $12, Amazon
This set of two Cute Platypus Tea Infusers has been on my wishlist for quite a while, and people are totally raving about them. Fill their bellies with your favorite loose-leaf tea and prop the adorable heat on the side of your mug. They're also made of durable food-safe silicone, have fine holes that prevent leaves from getting through, and are dishwasher-safe for easy clean up.
9. The Solution For All The Smelly Things In Your Home
remodeez Footwear Deodorizer, $10, Amazon
If you're dealing with gross smells in your shoes, refrigerator, or closets, you should check out this all-natural solution. Instead of just covering up odors like other air fresheners do, these activated charcoal fresheners actually absorb moisture to prevent lingering smells and bacterial growth — stopping funky smells at the source.
10. This Inspirational How-To Book Written By A Navy Seal
Make Your Bed, $11, Amazon
New York Times Best Seller Make Your Bed was written by Admiral William H. McRaven, who served as a Navy Seal for 37 years. He shares the ten principles he learned during his training that helped him both in his career and his life, and it all starts with making your bed. “This is one of the most inspirational books I can remember reading,” says one reviewer. “For that reason, I’m giving it to many friends for Christmas this year. I can’t believe the endurance and positive outlook of this remarkable man.”
11. These Korean Wine Pads To Exfoliate & Soften Skin
Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine, $23, Amazon
This popular Korean beauty product is called the Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze peeling wine, and it uses grape-infused pads to remove build-up, dead skin, and dirt from the face. The innovative formula uses a double-sided gauze pad to exfoliate and soak up impurities, leaving your face ultra soft and smooth. “My skin feels amazing after using this,” says one reviewer. “Smell is like grape jelly… Enough to help take off the dead skin without harming the live cells.”
12. Clean Just About Anything With This Portable 5-In-1 Steamer
5-in-1 Portable Fabric Steamer, $45, Amazon
Because it has interchangeable brushes, a water cup, and a ceramic base, this five-in-one portable fabric steamer can iron, sterilize, remove wrinkles, get rid of odors, and clean everything from linens to sofa upholstery. And it's not just for fabrics — this steamer also remove stains from the bathtub or clean gas stove fumes. Despite the fact that it’s lightweight and compact, it’s powerful enough to kill germs and bacteria on a variety of hard-to-clean surfaces, and reviewers say, “This has a little bit of everything.”
13. Prop Your Phone Up In Jurassic Style
Comix Mini Dinosaur Cute Cell Phone Mount, $9, Amazon
To hold everything from your business cards to your phone, you've got this Comix mini dinosaur mount. It comes in multiple colors and makes an adorable desk decoration, but reviewers also find it particularly functional, too: "I usually watch Netflix/Hulu/Prime Video on my phone when I'm in bed, and I've dropped my iPhone on my face more times than I'd care to admit. It's a plus too, so it hurts. This little dino now holds my phone so I can safely binge in bed."
14. This Space-Savvy Himalayan Night Light That Purifies The Air For You
Himalayan Salt Lamp Night Light, $13, Amazon
Carved from natural Himalayan salt crystals, this Himalayan salt lamp night light plugs straight into any wall outlet to give you a calming orange glow. However, it also purifies the air by releasing negative ions into your space, which cling to dust and allergens to clear them away.
15. This Popcorn Maker That Makes Your Favorite Snack Even Easier To Make
The Original PowerLix Microwave Popcorn Popper, $15, Amazon
This quick and easy popcorn maker is the simplest way to get a healthy snack your family will really adore. You can make up to 15 cups of popcorn with this in just four minutes, since all you have to do is add kernels, seasoning, and then put it in the microwave. The silicone container is completely collapsible and can save you valuable shelf or counter space, and comes with two heat-resistant handles, so it's safe to pull out of the microwave.
16. The Easiest Way to Relax And Relieve Back Pain
Magic Back Support Back Stretching Device, $26, Amazon
Stretch your back and reduce discomfort with this ergonomically designed self-massager, which reviewers say works like a charm if you struggle with chronic back aches. Designed with portability in mind, this works whether you're in the office, in the car, or just at home and need a little extra support. Since this device is manual, you don't need to worry about batteries or being within reach of an outlet, which gives this added convenience, especially when you're on the go.
17. This Odd Tool That's Perfect For Avocados
Amco 2-in-1 Avocado Slicer and Pitter, $10, Amazon
Handling an avocado doesn't have to be the pits. With this two-in-one slicer and pitter, you can separate ripe avocado from its shell and take out the pit without any additional stress. It comes with a wired end, so slicing is a breeze, and it has a comfy handle so it's not hard to operate. Instead of using a knife, Amazon reviewers recommend giving this multifunctional tool a try. "This is the best avocado slicer I have ever used! it scoops out the avocado easily and leaves almost none in the Peel. Perfect little slices."
18. This Dual-Purpose Flexible Drain Stop And Hair Catcher
Drain Catcher & Stopper, $7, Amazon
With its easy-press design, this dual-purpose tool goes from a hair catcher to a drain stop just by pressing down on the soft rubber. Since it’s made from high-quality materials, it’s super easy to care for, too — just wipe it clean after a shower.
19. This Step-By-Step Therapy Note Pad So You Can Check In With Yourself
Knock Knock Self-Therapy Note Pad, $8, Amazon
Whether you’re feeling stressed or perfectly well-adjusted, this Knock Knock Self-Therapy note pad helps you check in with yourself. It’s a step-by-step guide that lets you outline your current drama and your feelings surrounding it. Then it walks you through the possible causes, other influences, and a potential meaning until you reach a breakthrough. It’s got 60 tear-off sheets, so you can do it over and over again with any issue that comes up.
20. This Bizarrely Innovative Toe Stretcher That'll Help Relax Your Feet
ToePal Gel Toe Separator, $18, Amazon
This brilliant invention is ideal for anyone who struggles with toe discomfort and is looking for relief. Designed to be worn at home or even when you're out and about, these separators can also be a discreet method for straightening toes. Reviewers use them for all kinds of things: helping alleviate restless leg syndrome, painting toe nails, battling foot pain, and more.
21. Weekly Inspiration To Reach Your Goals
The 52 Lists Project, $13, Amazon
This year, any of your goals are in reach with the help of the 52 Lists Project. Its design helps you easily outline your route to success, including challenges for self-growth, space for self-reflection, and plenty of room for list-making. This best-selling journal is top-rated, and it will guide any reader to a more inspired life.
22. An 'Amazing Origami' Kit That Includes Everything They'll Need For Loads Of Fun Projects
Amazing Origami Kit: Instructional Book With 144 Folding Papers, $13, Amazon
Origami is truly an all-ages activity. It's a great stress-reliever for adults, and it's a lot of fun for kids, too. This origami kit comes with a detailed instructional book that'll guide them through 17 projects, as well as 144 sheets of origami paper they can turn into anything from a classic swan to a delicate moth. "Great book with clear directions and beautiful papers," raves one reviewer.
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