Life
33 Oddball Products On Amazon That Are Actually Ridiculously Useful
Amazon
May I please see a show of hands from those of you out there who also sustained long-term sadness from the Island of Misfit Toys section of the popular animated classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer? When I was little, I had seating charts to ensure that I did not use the same chair at breakfast twice in a row because I was convinced all inanimate objects had feelings, like the Misfit Toys did? So when I say these oddball products on Amazon are actually ridiculously useful, you should consider them because they're seriously amazing. Even though they're...well..a bit off the beaten path. Like a Charlie-In-The-Box, let's just say.
Today, I'm going to tell you about products that will change your life, like the pillow that bears a striking resemblance to an infinity scarf but that you'll love for napping and as a travel pillow. I'll describe the amazing Tweexy to you, which is a favorite of mine — it kind of defies explanation — and it's a must-have if you do your own nails. You and I are also going to explore the genius of this high-tech Silly Putty that cleans stuff.
Sure, they're pretty oddball, but they're also incredibly functional and useful. The things I do for my job, people. Go check these things out, will ya?
2. These May Look Like Microscopic Invaders, But They're For The Laundry
AKEFit Laundry Dryer Balls, $10 (4 Pack), Amazon
I wish I could put a picture here, but these dryer balls bear a remarkable resemblance to what pollen spores look like if viewed under a microscope. Seriously. Crafted from eco-friendly, hypoallergenic PVC, these spheres promote the flow of air around your laundry, accelerating the drying process and making it fluffy and soft without the use of chemicals. You can even add a few drops of essential oils to the balls, and they'll retain its scent to make your clothes smell fresh, too.
3. This Gadget Turns Your Shower Into A Disco Just Like That
DreamSpa LED Shower Head, $30, Amazon
It'll look like Saturday Night Fever in your shower every day of the week with this LED shower head that features lights powered by the running water itself — no need for batteries, ever — and that changes colors according to the water's temperature. Featuring an extra-large chrome face, this device also performs in a more traditional manner, hosing you down with five delightful settings including massages and a water-saving pause choice, and installs without tools in just minutes. Talk about good clean fun.
4. These Terrific Tongs Will Really Toss Your Salad
Trudeau Toss and Chop Salad Tongs, $14, Amazon
Though often overlooked, kitchen shears are an excellent choice for so many food prep tasks, but they're still tricky to handle sometimes. These spring-loaded tongs take all that out of the picture and make quick work of chopping and tossing your salad, as well as so many other meal prep tasks. Their durable and easy-to-clean micro-serrated stainless steel blades slice right through your fruits and vegetables and never need sharpening. The handles also feature a locking mechanism to ensure that you won't get a sharp surprise when you reach into your kitchen drawer.
5. The Ingenious Wipes That Are Pretty Much A Shower In A Sheet
Sweat Pill The Body Wipe, $10 (10 Pack), Amazon
Of course you've heard of baby wipes, but these grown-up wipes are intended for your entire body. Perfect for use after your workout when you just don't have time for a shower, or, for example, when you're feeling super nervous before a big meeting, these wipes are hypoallergenic and infused with vitamin E and aloe vera. Lightly scented, they'll clean you up without leaving a sticky residue.
6. An Innovative Travel Pillow That's Exactly What You Need For Naps
Huzi Infinity Pillow, $40, Amazon
Looping into a figure-eight design (or infinity symbol, if you prefer) and filled with a blend of soft bamboo fabric and high-tech microfiber, this pillow wraps around your head and neck to cushion them and allow you to rest in the position that's most comfortable for you while sitting or reclining. The materials are all breathable, antibacterial, and machine-washable, and it folds up to fit into a space smaller than a shoebox for travel. You can even use it as an eye mask and around your ears to block out noise — both at the same time, if you like.
7. These Toe Helmets Prevent Rubbing, Blisters, And Other Irritation
Dr. Frederick's Original Gel Toe Caps, $13 (4 Pieces), Amazon
Crafted from thermoplastic elastomer to conform to the shape of your toes, these shields provide great protection for anyone suffering from bunions, corns, calluses, blisters, ingrown toenails, and a host of other common foot ailments. Also perfect if you're an athlete or have a job that has you constantly on your feet, they stretch to slip onto your toes and give you a close fit to prevent slippage. It also eliminates the need for ill-fitting bandages or messy creams.
8. This Ledge Gives You A Way To Reach Your Legs In The Shower With Ease
ElevEase Shower Step, $35, Amazon
Easy to install without tools, this shower step fits seamlessly in the corner of your shower and lets you get to your legs and feet easily and safely without having to bend all the way over. Whether you're shaving, exfoliating, moisturizing, or simply scrubbing, once you've let the included adhesive set overnight, you're all set to get it done without the awkward contortions.
9. These Sticky Dots Will Keep You From Getting Sick
MQ Motion Sickness Patches, $14 (Set of 30), Amazon
Crafted using herbal ingredients that act to quiet your nausea and prevent vomiting, these patches are the natural relief you've been looking to stomach upset. If those wristbands don't work for you and you don't want to take a chemical remedy — much less a prescription — choose these patches for three days' worth of relief. Their non-drowsy formula makes them a great choice when you need to be awake, plus since they're small and light, they're perfect for travel. (Please note: these are not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers.)
10. A Claw-Like Item That Will Go Right To Your Head
Tezam Scalp Massager, $13, Amazon
It might look like a prop from a horror movie or a great Halloween decoration, but this scalp massager is actually the perfect way to get the same kind of massage you love when you're at the hair salon right in your own home. Providing high-frequency vibration, it will increase circulation in your scalp, leaving you refreshed and invigorated, and it can even assist in relieving headaches and muscle spasms while massaging trigger and pressure points.
11. These Magnetic Connectors Mean Your Shoes Won't Come Untied — Ever.
Zubits Authentic Magnetic Lacing Solution, $20, Amazon
As a member of the Sandwich Generation, all I can say about these shoelace accessories is: Wow. You can quote me on that, too. My kids' shoelaces are always coming untied. My mom complains about her "clodhopper" Velcro shoes, but slip-ons don't offer enough support. The solution lies in this magnetic thingie that you thread your laces into that basically makes any shoe a slip on — you just pull the two sides together and the shoes are laced like magic.
12. These Pads Hold Your Loose Stuff So You Don't Have To
StepNGrip SlipToGrip Pads, $6 (Set of 2), Amazon
These incredibly innovative pads are great for use in your car to keep your cell phone, sunglasses, spare change — essentially, anything that's not nailed down — from becoming a hazard as you drive. Living in the South, I know Amazon does a brisk business selling these to the folks who clog up our surface streets with their golf carts All. The. Time. (Not that I'm bitter, but seriously, there are actual cars trying to drive.) They stick to just about any surface and are easy to clean, too.
13. This Gadget Means You Can Use Fresh Herbs All Year Long And Eliminates Waste
Chef'N Herbsicle, $13, Amazon
Herbs can make such a huge impact in home cooking, and this gadget enables you to have your favorite homegrown or store-bought herbs on hand for your favorite dishes at all times — all while eliminating waste. Just fill the top of the device with your excess herbs then turn the knob to compress them. Leave as is for a full day, and once you're done, you'll have a little herb bullet that you can grate into your next concoction on demand. Leave it in the Herbsicle for dispensing ease, or store in a zip-top bag and wash and reuse the device for another batch.
14. A Bone That's For The Worms: Bookworms, That Is
Inveterate book readers will love this page weight shaped loosely like a bone: It holds down both sides of your book for easy hands-free reading. Crafted from rubber, it won't slip off of your book even when tilted, and its construction means it does unlikely dual duty in the kitchen: It's also a jar opener. This gadget is a reviewer favorite, earning 4.6-stars from hundreds of customers, too.
15. An Odd-Looking Hair Tool Gives You Beachy Waves
Bed Head Wave Artist, $30, Amazon
It's clear when you look at this hair tool that it's definitely not a straightening iron or a curling iron. Instead, this hot tool is designed to give you hair a wavy texture. Equipped with multiple heat settings and high heat up to 400 degrees, all you do is apply the waver up and down the length of your hair, styling anything from natural, beachy waves to more precise, sculpted waves.
16. A Little Appliance That Doesn't Belong In Your Kitchen, It Goes Next To Your Jewelry Box
Magnasonic Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner, $30, Amazon
With its oval profile, it bears a resemblance to a miniature rice cooker, but this appliance doesn't belong in your kitchen: It's a jewelry cleaner that uses the power of sound to create really tiny bubbles that get even the deepest grime off of your bling. Also great for glasses, watches, fine instruments and other delicate metal items, it cleans in a way that just wouldn't be possible by hand. It's powerful but quiet, and you'll get professional cleaning results in just three minutes.
17. An All-Natural Toothpaste's First Ingredient Is Clay
Redmond Earthpaste, $13, Amazon
Never thought you'd be brushing your teeth with clay, did you? Well, this natural toothpaste uses amazing Redmond clay to maintain a naturally alkaline pH in your mouth, which helps revitalize eroding enamel and keeps your breath fresh by making the environment hostile to bacteria. Glycerin-free and free of artificial colors and fluoride, every ingredient in this paste — which includes essential oils and salt — is safe to swallow. And its cinnamon taste is just delicious.
18. This Little Piggy Went To...Hold The Rim Of Your Pots And Pans
Fox Run Pig Pot Clip/Spoon Holder, $5, Amazon
Crafted from heat-resistant silicone, this little pig wants to help you with dinner. He clips onto the edge of your pot or pan and stands at the ready to hold your spoon, spatula, or other cooking tool of choice in his porky little mouth so that it stays both at the ready and out of the way. It makes a great gift for the cook in your life, too.
19. These Are Tongs. Or Is It A Spatula? It's Both!
Marbrasse 2-in-1 Kitchen Tool, $11, Amazon
Let's just acknowledge that the best kitchen tools are multi-functional okay? This device is both tongs and a spatula — and its rafted from food-grade nylon that's heat-resistant up to 320 degrees, so you can use it to flip delicate foods like fish and eggs or heartier food like burgers. The claw side allows for easy serving of dishes like pasta and salad, and the stainless steel handles open wide for serving and also are equipped with a lock feature so they'll store easily when not in use.
20. These Glass Globes Are A Great Asset For Facials — And To Relieve Head And Sinus Pain
Allegra Baby Magic Globes, $32, Amazon
Put them in the freezer overnight, then pull them out and let these glass globes work their magic: The cold combined with massage increases circulation in your skin and boosts collagen production. They're great at reinforcing the work of your favorite facial serums and moisturizers, tightening your skin and pores, easing headaches and sinus pressure, and even just plain relaxing you after a long, hard day.
21. This Massage Tool Is A Great Tool For Workouts
5Billion Fitness Peanut Massage Ball, $13, Amazon
People all over the place are loving this peanut-shaped device for self-massage and they are not shy about it. Crafted from 100 percent natural rubber and intended for trigger point myofascial release wherever it hurts. it weighs in at less than a pound, making it much easier to tote around for travel than your foam roller. It's especially fantastic to use before or after a workout.
22. A Device That Will Completely Clean Your Tongue
Master Medi Tongue Scrapers, $10 (Set of 2), Amazon
The tongue has long been thought to play a central role in causing bad breath, with brushing and tongue scraping working to eliminate the issue. Now you can do this in an ultra-hygienic manner with these tongue scrapers that are made from surgical-grade stainless steel and have a flexible, easy-to-use design. They'll last for years and are suitable for use by everyone in the family, from kids to adults — and even your pets. They've earned 4.9-stars from hundreds of reviewers, too.
23. This Gadget Will Change Your Life If You Do Your Nails At Home
tweexy, The Original Wearable Nail Polish Holder, $9, Amazon
Don't you wish you had invented this nail polish holder? I do, because it's absolutely genius. Made from silicone, its ring grips fit on two fingers of either hand, and it's crafted to fit hands of any size, too. The opening on the top of the gem-like mount grips the polish bottle (any shape fits) securely so it won't come out — even if you turn your hand upside down. Once you finish one hand, simply slide the whole situation off without removing the bottle, and transfer it to the other. See what I mean? So smart.
24. A Mic Stand — But For Your Hairdryer
IdeaWorks Hairdrying Stand Holder, $17, Amazon
The thing I picture in my head looking at this stand for your blowdryer is Steven Tyler rockin' his mic as the frontman for Aerosmith. Whatever the case, this stand fully gives you an arm back, and who among us hasn't said: "OMG I need another arm" while doing their hair? You can use it on either the floor or the countertop, and it comes with a strap to ensure that your dryer stays put.
25. The Future Is Here, And It's This Moldable Silicone That Holds It All Together
Sugru Moldable Glue, $20 (8 Pack), Amazon
Irish inventor Jane Ní Dhulchaointigh came up with this moldable glue while studying in London, and it's been a sensation among the world of sticky things for nearly 10 years now. It's great for patching cords like those on your earbud and USB cords when they start to fray (silicone is non-conductive and heat-resistant), sticking your shoe soles back together (it holds over 4 pounds and is waterproof), bonding one thing back to another, and crafting. You can make an unimaginable amount of cool stuff with it — and it sets up permanently after 24 hours.
26. The Wristband That Holds Onto Things So You Don't Have To
MagnoGrip Magnetic Wristband, $11, Amazon
This wristband is brilliant — it's embedded with hidden magnets that will keep your small metal stuff like screws, nails, manicure scissors, and more close by. Perfect for anyone who works outdoors, makes jewelry, or does other close work, it's made from durable ballistic polyester and has a Velcro clasp, so one size fits all. It only weighs just over an ounce, but holds up to 1 pound of metal accessories.
27. This Device Cleans In Those Tight Spaces
Fugenial Fuginator, $9, Amazon
Designed by German engineers to get your grout extra-clean and remove both dirt and bacteria, this brush is crafted from heavy-duty polypropylene and features tough nylon bristles for fast and easy cleaning. You'll notice that you're getting greater results for less work invested thanks to the ergonomic design of this tool, which works for both left- and right-handed scrubbing and facilitates getting into corners and going up shower walls and backsplashes.
28. These Telescoping Tools Grab Up Metal Stuff When You Can't
SE Magnetic Pick-Up Tool, $14 (2 Pack), Amazon
If you've ever dumped a whole box of paper clips into your desk drawer by accident, or a box of screws onto the garage floor, you know what a pain that whole situation is. Get these tools to avoid a next time: They'll pick up to 15 pounds of materials and extend up to 30 inches to give you both an increased capacity and reach, and make your retrieval job so much easier. Crafted from stainless steel, they're built to last, too.
29. This Device Helps Your Four-Legged Friend Meet Their #HydrationGoals, Too
ANREONER Portable Pet Water Bottle, $10, Amazon
Your furry family members are going to appreciate your thoughtfulness when you pack this water bottle on your next trip. With a 12-ounce capacity, the BPA-free, FDA-approved bottle has a top featuring a large reservoir that will enable your pets to drink easily when you hold it at an angle. The trough lid also has a button that enables you to conveniently control the flow of water with one hand for easy use and no leaks.
30. The Bottle That Mixes Your Batters Easily And Quickly
Whiskware Batter Mixer, $14, Amazon
Here's a new and innovative, and arguably more delicious, use of the BlenderBall that has become a favorite of those of us who drink protein shakes: This batter mixer whips up your favorite cake, waffle, pancake, doughnut or other batters quickly and easily. Just put your ingredients into the chamber, add the BlenderBall, and shake — it's that simple. It features a silicone spout that has a wide tip to allow for easy dispensing of thick batters and even batters with mix-ins, and also makes it easy for you to draw pancake shapes, plus the tip won't melt if touched to hot surfaces!
31. This Power Strip Comes In The Shape Of A Power Triangle
Connect Charlie, $49, Amazon
With nine USB ports and three outlets, this device isn't exactly a power strip, but it's not not one either — it safely charges up to 12 items at once, after all. Lightweight and compact, it has integrated surge protection capabilities to keep your electronics safe as well as a built-in LED night light. Its small footprint makes it perfect for travel, and since it charges all your devices, it cuts down on clutter, too. One reviewer writes: "Charlie is a great idea. No matter what I'm plugging into it, the plugs don't interfere with each other. And LOTS of USB charging ports. I also love the built-in nightlight."
32. This High-Tech Putty Blob Actually Sanitizes Your Electronics
Cyber Clean, $15, Amazon
Formulated by Swiss engineers, this high-tech cleaning compound eliminates 99.999 percent of germs leaving your electronics and anything with tight crevices hygienically clean. Patented and safe for use even with highly sensitive electronic equipment, it's perfect for cleaning your computer keyboard, cell phone, printer, and other devices that get frequent use around the home or office, leaving behind only a refreshing lemon essence. Laboratory tested, this wonder substance is non-toxic, biodegradable, and reusable.
33. This Flashlight Fits Your Hand Like A Glove — Literally
Oct17 Flashlight Glove, $7, Amazon
Athletes and people who love the outdoors will love this glove and flashlight hybrid — because it completely frees up your hand for other uses. Crafted from elastic material with a Velcro closure, it's breathable and conforms to your hand without being binding, and the fingerless design allows you to have contact with whatever you're working on (as well as your electronics!) while you're using it. Plus, there are two lights — one on the index finger and one on the thumb — so you get plenty of illumination and can direct the beams right where you need them.
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