Life

40 Products On Amazon That Seem Random, But They’re All Extremely Useful & Have 5-Star Reviews

Amazon

Shopping for items like clothes, fancy cosmetics, and hip new electronics is lots of fun — but sometimes you need practical things too. I mean, as entertaining as it is to buy your seventeenth pair of hoop earrings, your jewelry isn’t going to clean your house, cook your food, or organize your closet. That’s where practical things like sponges, kitchenware, and shoe organizers come in. It may sound kind of boring, but these are the types of products that actually make a difference in your life. And believe me, the internet is full of them. The number of products on Amazon that are straight genius will astound you.

I’m talking about those everyday things that make life easier — the modern spins on common household items. Things like salad tongs that chop your veggies too, or flat irons that fold up into travel cases. They pop up in nearly every category — cosmetics, kitchen appliances, auto accessories, cleaning supplies, fitness gadgets. You name it, there is an awesome product that will streamline your day.

To help you see what I’m talking about, I’ve spent some time scouring the internet to find the most useful products on Amazon, especially the ones that have the highest ratings. Scroll through this gallery and you’ll find dozens of amazingly practical items, each of which has tons of five-star ratings from happy reviewers.

by Rachel Cavanaugh

1. A Set Of Rubber Bands That Have Cool Built-In Hooks

Quirky Bandits Rubber Bands With Hooks, $7 (10 Pack), Amazon

Whether you want to bundle up some cords, hang your keys, or drape a water bottle over your backpack, this set of rubber bands with hooks makes those everyday tasks easier. The handy accessories are lightweight, stretchy, and super versatile. "The most brilliant thing about them is that they're as useful as elastic bands, but the hook lets them go on and off so quickly that you can use them in situations where an ordinary elastic or bungee would be cumbersome," said one happy Amazon user.

Amazon

2. A Space-Saving Hanger That Organizes Your Closet In A Second

MDesign Closet Organizer, $15 (2 Pack), Amazon

This clever hanging organizer will morph your closet from a tornado of clothes into a neat and tidy space. You don't need screws or mounting hardware to install it — just drape it over your closet rod and hang camisoles, bras, purses, leggings, tights, scarves, and other accessories. The solid steel wire construction is ultra-durable and the surface is smooth and snag-free.

Amazon

3. A Set Of Collapsible Food Storage Containers That Nest Inside Each Other

Collapse-It Silicone Food Storage Containers, $37 (Set of 4), Amazon

Made with durable, food-safe silicone, this set of kitchen storage containers will blow your Tupperware out of the water. First of all, the containers are smooth and flexible so you don't have to deal with cracked plastic. Secondly, they have a patented, leak-proof vented seal to keep food fresh while allowing steam to seep out. Best of all, the bowls are fully collapsible, nesting inside each other to save tons of space in your cupboards.

Amazon

4. A Packet Of Body Wipes That Feature Tea Tree And Chamomile

Alcala Deodorizing Body Wipes, $25 (30 Count), Amazon

Made from 100 percent bamboo, these deodorizing body wipes are the perfect way to freshen up midday, or get a faux-shower in while you're camping. The wipes, which are infused with a blend of tea tree extract, aloe vera, and chamomile, and are thick and durable so they won't tear while you use them. On top of that, they're fully biodegradable.

Amazon

5. A Cute Stickman Phone Holder You Can Hang On Your Rearview Mirror

Bondi Plus Flexible Cell Phone Holder, $17, Amazon

This super versatile smartphone holder allows you to hang your phone on the rearview mirror of your car, the treadmill at your gym, on your phone charger — or practically anywhere else for convenience. The hands-free device is flexible yet durable with tough silicone and a cute stickman shape that makes it fun to use. "I love it," said one Amazon customer. "No more trying to stick something on my dashboard to have it fall off a week later. ... This is perfect."

Amazon

6. An Innovative TP Spray That Lets You Freshen Up Without Wet Wipes

Pristine Sprays Toilet Paper Spray, $9, Amazon

This clever toilet paper spray allows you to add a little extra to your bathroom routine with minimal effort. Just do your thing like you normally would and when it's time to wipe, spray a few squirts on the toilet paper. It's more eco-friendly than using wet wipes and a more pleasant experience, too. The ingredients include ylang ylang oil, witch hazel, and aloe — and each bottle should last you a few months.

Amazon

7. A Useful Broom Holder That Will Help Tidy Up Your Garage

Berry Ave Broom Holder, $14, Amazon

Mops, rakes, brooms, garden tools — whatever tools you have lying around the house will suddenly be hanging neatly on the wall rather than strewn in the corner with this awesome broom holder. The handy device, which features spring-loaded, double rubber-gripped slots, can hold tons of different tools and tolerate up to 35 pounds. It's fully weather-proof and super easy to install.

Amazon

8. A Therapeutic Glove You Can Use As A Warm Or Cold Compress

MyCare Heating Pad And Cooling Glove, $29, Amazon

Whether your hands get stiff and sore or you have an injury, this therapeutic glove will feel fantastic on your hands. Made with soft and silky cotton, the two-in-one glove can be used as either a warming glove or a cold compress. Just heat it in the microwave or cool in the freezer — depending on your personal preference — and slide it onto your hands. It also weighs 1.5 for added, soothing pressure.

Amazon

9. A Set Of Spoon Rests That Keeps Your Counters Cleaner

INeibo Kitchen Silicone Spoon Rest, $7 (4 Pack), Amazon

Never splash pasta sauce all over the counter while you're cooking again. These ultra-convenient spoon rests give you a place to put down the spoon or spatula without getting the counter messy or burning the utensil on the side of the pan. The rests, which come in a convenient four-pack, are made of heat-resistant, food-grade silicone — and are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Amazon

10. A Genius Travel Pillow That Doesn't Make Your Neck Sore

Knidos Travel Pillow, $25, Amazon

Sleep like a baby next time you're on a plane with this comfortable, one-of-a-kind travel pillow. Rather than pushing your head forward and causing kinks in your neck like a standard model, this clever alternative provides a cradle for your chin and some support on the sides of your head, so you can fall asleep more naturally. The fabric is soft, temperature-regulating, and fully machine-washable.

Amazon

11. A Convenient Waffle Maker That Won't Create A Huge Mess

DASH No Mess Waffle Maker, $40, Amazon

Waffle makers are amazing — but they also tend to be messy. This version, however, has little pockets built into the sides that will catch overflowing batter to prevent spillage and make your cleanup a breeze. The 1200-watt appliance features durable non-stick heating plates, two sturdy anti-slip feet, and a simple plug-in cord. "The part that catches the overflow of waffle batter is worth it's weight in gold," said one pleased Amazon user. "That is one thing that separates this waffle maker from others."

Amazon

12. A Set Of Soft Gel Pads That Provide Arch Support For Your Feet

Dr. Frederick's Original Arch Support Gel, $12 (2 Pieces), Amazon

If you're someone who tends to get sore feet, these soft, soothing arch support sleeves will help ease the load. Made out of flexible silicone, the reusable gel pads absorb impact while staying firm enough to provide support for your feet. They slide on easily and stretch to give you a custom fit. The gel sleeves are extra awesome for folks with conditions like plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, heel pain, or flat feet.

Amazon

13. An Enormously Handy Multi-Tool That Does Practically Everything

Columbia River Knife & Tool Multi-tool, $9, Amazon

This convenient multi-tool does just about everything you could possibly need. In one small gadget, the stainless steel device offers a prybar, a flathead screwdriver, a bottle opener, and a multi-wrench. It has a handy loop to go around your belt and is less than 4 inches long.

Amazon

14. A Two-Sided Cutting Board With A Juice Groove And Special Grip

Joseph Joseph Multi-Function Cutting Board, $20, Amazon

Constructed with an angled cutting surface and sleek design, this double-sided cutting board offers two functions. On one side, you can slice bread or chop veggies on the smooth surface. On the other, you can cut meat or thins that get slippery, all using the textured area to grip it while you work. Both sides have a groove around the edge to catch juices, crumbs, and other food items so they don't spill onto the counter.

Amazon

15. An Easy-To-Use Fitness Board That Helps Tone Your Muscles

Solofit Balance Fitness Board, $35, Amazon

This versatile fitness board not only makes you stronger — it improves your balance, tones your muscles, and increases your coordination and spacial awareness. The board comes with custom resistance bands you can attach to the board with a carabiner to do extra muscle strengthening exercises. The whole setup is lightweight, portable, and super easy to use.

Amazon

16. A Pair Of Sponges That Are Made From Tough Walnut Shells

Full Circle Walnut Scrubber Sponges, $6 (2 Pack), Amazon

These clever sponges are made with walnut shells, harnessing the scrubbing power of the rugged nuts to create the tough abrasion needed to scrub pots and pans — yet remain soft enough not to scratch. The sponge part itself is extra-absorbent, and each packet comes with two sponges included. Best of all, they're eco-friendly and environmentally sound.

Amazon

17. A Handy Four-In-One Tool That Cuts Avocados And Removes The Pits

Chef'n Avoquado 4-In-1 Tool, $10, Amazon

Never again use a bunch of different knives and spoons to handle an avocado. This innovative four-in-one tool can do everything from start to finish including cutting the peel, removing the pit, slicing the meat, and scooping out the insides. It features durable material and a sturdy safety blade. "This gizmo is absolutely wonderful," said one happy Amazon customer. "The rounded blade does cut easily thru the avocado skin & the little 'teeth' grab that pit w/out causing any injury to my hand."

Amazon

18. A Set Of Practical Drawer Dividers To Organize Your Dresser

Uncluttered Designs Adjustable Drawer Organizers, $19, Amazon

If your dresser drawers are a crazy jumble of socks, bras, underwear, and random objects, these awesome drawer organizers will change your world. They come in a six-piece set with one big open box, two smaller ones with adjustable dividers, and three narrow ones with five slots down the middle. The organizers are lightweight and stackable with stiff sides that won't crumple like some of the fabric ones.

Amazon

19. A Set Of Cute Silicone Oven Mitts That Don't Take Up Space In The Kitchen

Swish Abode Silicone Pinch Mitts, $10 (2 Pack), Amazon

Made from heat-resistant silicone, these easy-to-use pot holders can tolerate heat up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit. They are lightweight yet durable and nest inside one another compactly, saving you space in the kitchen from traditional oven mitts. "I do a lot of baking and have used these durable oven mitts repeatedly," said one satisfied Amazon user. "Unlike fabric mitts, they reliably keep heat from your hands and they don't wear out."

Amazon

20. A Packet Of Door Bumpers That Will Make Your Cabinets Less Noisy

Home & Outdoor Tools Sound Dampening Bumpers, $5, Amazon

If the sound of your kitchen cabinets snapping shut is driving you crazy, these astoundingly effective door bumpers will save you from the annoying noise. The clear pads minimize resistance and reduce the sound while protecting the door from scratches or dings. They are clear in color and stick to your cabinets with an easy-on adhesive.

Amazon

21. A Special Tool That Helps Your Burger Meat Cook Evenly

Good Cook High-Temp Meat Chopper, $7, Amazon

With a sleek five-blade design, this effective meat chopping tool cuts up your hamburger meat for tacos or sloppy joes right in the pan — and then stirs it around to perfection. It has a soft nylon head that can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the tool is completely safe on non-stick surfaces. Best of all, it will ensure that you evenly cook your meat and prevent burning or charring.

Amazon

22. A Set Of Toe Spreaders That Make Your Feet More Flexible

YOGABODY Natural Toe Spreaders, $17, Amazon

Lots of people forget about their feet when it comes to mobility exercises, but having flexible toes is a great way to stretch your leg muscles, boost circulation, and realign your joints. Plus, they feel great when your feet are sore after a long day of work. These high-quality toe spreaders feature smooth silicone and come in a sleek bamboo box.

Amazon

23. A Hair Brush That You Can Use In The Shower — And Absolutely Gets Rid Of All Your Tangles

Wet Brush Shower Flex Hair Brush, $10, Amazon

This cushion-free hair brush is made without a pad in the middle so you can use it in the shower without it getting wet and soggy. It has bristles that work together to detangle your hair while it's still wet — and protects it from breakage while still getting rid of each and every knot. The innovative brush is super lightweight and portable, making it a great option to throw in your gym bag or toss in your suitcase when you travel.

Amazon

24. A Set Of Ice Cube Trays That Make Whiskey Stones For Cocktails

Arctic Chill Silicone Ice Cube Tray, $18 (2 Pack), Amazon

Made with smooth silicone, these clever ice cube trays create slow-melting ice, allowing you to sip on chilled cocktails without watering them down. They are BPA-free and fully dishwasher-safe. "This product is fantastic!" said one excited Amazon reviewer. "I am really impressed with the thickness of the material and the quality of manufacture. It is just thick enough to keep a firm shape, while also being flexible enough to allow you to eject the cubes with ease." Each one makes twenty cubes, too.

Amazon

25. An Incredibly Versatile Exercise Band That Works Your Whole Body

FOMI Resistance Exercise Band, $13, Amazon

Rather than isolating one muscle, this super versatile exercise band allows you to work your whole body in one session. It showcases seven varying resistance levels you can rotate through by simply changing which one you're gripping. The band itself is made from strong, durable rubber and is ultra-portable if you want to take it to the gym or bring on vacation. It's also great for post-workout stretching too, which can help to prevent injuries.

Amazon

26. An Ultra-Portable Facial Hair Trimmer That Gets Rid Of Fuzz

Liberex Electric Nose Hair Trimmer, $14, Amazon

Built with a dual-edge spinning blade system and a powerful motor, this miniature nose hair trimmer lets you tidy up unwanted bits of facial hair and peach fuzz without the pain of waxing. It has a 360-degree rotating design and secure protective cover so you don't have to worry about nicking yourself. It even has an LED light on it for precision hair removal, and reviewers say it's "compact but mighty."

Amazon

27. A Tile Scrubber That Will Actually Clean Your Bathtub Right

Unger 2-In-1 Grout Scrubber, $8, Amazon

Scrubbing the bathtub is easy, but getting the corners and edges clean? Not so much. This cool and practical grout scrubber gives you access to those hard-to-reach places in the tub and shower, removing gross mildew and all the rest of that dirt and build-up from the corners and creases of your tiles. It has tough V-shaped bristles and a comfortable, easy-grip handle.

Amazon

28. A Packet Of Bamboo Foot Pads That Use Acupuncture To Soothe Your Body

H-Art Pain Relief Foot Pads, $20, Amazon

These bamboo extract vinegar foot pads are designed to trigger 60 different acupuncture points on your feet to cleanse your body's energy and detoxify your system. The all-natural patches improve positive thinking and soothe conditions like chronic pain, migraines, and fibromyalgia. The foot pads are 100 percent organic and free of chemicals or fillers. One reviewer writes: "These pads are definitely a higher quality product, my family loves them, and more importantly we all slept better using them! I will definitely reorder these!"

Amazon

29. A Three-In-One Bottle Opener That Can Do Beers, Soda Cans, And Tough Jars

Jokari Beverage Opener, $11, Amazon

This brilliant three-in-one beverage opener is capable of cracking beer bottles, opening soda bottles, and ringing pull caps. On top of that, it has non-slip, teeth that can open jar lids, too. Although useful for anyone, the opener is especially helpful for folks with arthritis or sore hands. It's also made from rust-free metal, so this will last an incredibly long time without damage.

Amazon

30. A Touch Screen Cleaner That Doesn't Require Chemical Sprays

I-ScreenClean Touch Screen Cleaner, $10, Amazon

Get those nasty fingerprints and oily grime off of your phone or iPad with this handy, chemical-free screen cleaner. The soft pad features terry cloth on one side for wiping the screen down, and a delicate microfiber layer on the other to gently scrub the tougher spots. You don't need any spray or liquid cleaner — just wipe the pad on the screen and watch it become streak-free. It even has a keychain so you can take it with you anywhere.

Amazon

31. A Set Of Clever Hooks That Organize The Back Seat Of Your Car

Starling's Back Seat Headrest Hanger, $8 (4 Pack), Amazon

These backseat headrest hangers are small and simple, but they'll improve your car immensely. They're easy to use — just drape them on the back of your car's headrest and you can hang purses, grocery bags, backpacks, umbrellas, a trash bag, and tons of other items that will help keep your back seat clutter-free. The hangers, which come in a four-pack, are super sturdy and tough enough to hold up to 30 pounds.

Amazon

32. A Set Of Salad Tongs That Stir And Chop At The Same Time

Trudeau Toss And Chop Salad Tongs, $14, Amazon

What could be more brilliant than a set of salad tongs that chop your veggies while also tossing the lettuce? They boast sharp-but-safe stainless steel blades with a serrated edge on one side that can cut through carrots, celery, cucumbers, radishes, boiled eggs, and other salad accoutrements while stirring them all together. The tongs have soft-grip handles and a locking mechanism, so you can even store them without risk of cutting your fingers.

Amazon

33. A Magnetic Wristband That Makes Crafts And DIY Projects Easier

MagnoGrip 311-090 Magnetic Wristband, $12, Amazon

If you do any sort of arts and crafts, woodworking, DIY projects, or other tool-heavy activities, you know that you're constantly wishing you had a third hand to hold items like screws, nails, pins, tiny scissors, and other accessories. This genius magnetic wristband allows you to store these small items on your wrist while you work, so they're easily accessible when you need them. The band is made of sturdy polyester and equipped with powerful magnets that hold plenty.

Amazon

34. A Packet Of Insect-Repelling Bracelets To Keep The Mosquitos Away

AKEfit Mosquito Repellent Bracelet, $11 (5 Pack), Amazon

There's nothing worse than having to spray yourself in stinky, harsh, chemical-laden DEET when venturing into mosquito territory. These insect-repelling bracelets let you spend time outside without having to douse yourself in chemical sprays. The powerful capsules last up to 720 hours — which is the equivalent of 30 days of wear — making them great for camping, hiking, barbecues, fishing, traveling, or just reclining in the backyard.

Amazon

35. A Set Of Shoe Organizers That Feature Adjustable Heights

Harra Home Adjustable Shoe Slots, $18 (5 Pack), Amazon

Closet organization is key —and if you're one of those people with a million shoes, it can be tough. These handy shoe slots provide a custom-fit space to neatly organize your shoes and store them in tidy rows. They feature strong, high-grade plastic and textured bases to keep them from sliding off. The best part is that the angles are adjustable, so the slots will fit all types of shoes, from sneakers to flats to tall high heels.

Amazon

36. A Unique Grid-Style Organizer That Holds Phones, Electronics, And Other Random Objects

Cocoon Innovations Grid-It Organizer, $20, Amazon

This awesome gadget organizer is the perfect system for storing electronics, office supplies, and other random items that have varying shapes and sizes. The versatile device showcases rubberized woven elastic that can be pulled out to hold things like smartphones, watches, earbuds, chargers, and other everyday gadgets. The design allows for virtually infinite configurations, and it even comes in nine color options.

Amazon

37. A Stainless Steel Phone Holder That Features Strong Zinc Alloy

Humixx Finger Ring Phone Holder Stand, $10, Amazon

Made with a blend of zinc alloy and stainless steel, this solid, ring-style smartphone holder grips your phone with a powerful magnet and holds it in place without slipping or sliding. The stand boasts four layers of coating to prevent fading and can be attached via strong 3M tape — which is included. "I have used several different types in the past, but this is the best one I have had yet," said one happy Amazon customer."

Amazon

38. A Powerful Foam Roller That Mimics The Pressure Of A Massage Therapist

Trigger Point Performance GRID STK Foam Roller, $32, Amazon

Behold, the magic of a foam roller. This relaxing post-workout massage device will soothe your muscles after exercise while also reducing delayed muscle soreness. It's built with ergonomic handles that mimic the way a massage therapist applies pressure with their thumb, providing relief and relaxation. On top of that, the three-dimensional surface helps bolster circulation and oxygenate your muscle tissues.

Amazon

39. An Awesomely Practical Storage Rack That Holds 36 Cans

Sagler Chrome Stackable Can Organizer, $24, Amazon

If your cupboards look like they were struck by a tornado of green beans and canned corn, this amazing can organizer will tidy it up in a jiffy. The device showcases three rows of shelves, each of which holds 12 regular canned food containers — all for a total of 36 items in a compact, 17-by 13-inch space. The rack is built with heavy duty gauge steel and has a sleek chrome finish, too.

Amazon

40. A Mini Flat Iron That Folds Up For Easy Travel

Phoebe Mini Travel Flat Iron, $16, Amazon

Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you don't want your flat iron — but packing it is a royal PITA. This convenient mini-flat iron is travel-friendly and ready to go at any time. Just fold it up and toss it into your bag — it weighs less than 175 grams and takes up less than 8 inches in your suitcase. "This is the best straightener I have ever owned," said one pleased Amazon reviewer. "It runs smooth through my hair - the metal does not catch, pull or break my hair. It heats up almost instantly. The quality for the price is amazing."

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

Amazon
140