Weird, Clever Things I've Found As A Shopping Editor That Now I Can't Live Without

According to Bustle editor, Karen Belz, these acrylic paint pens are wonderful art supplies. “They write smoothly, and there’s such a wonderful variety of colors included. The bag they come in also offers easy storage.” Complete with 48 pens in plenty of colors, each pen offers high-quality, waterproof acrylic paint. Each pen also has dual ends with fine and broad tips so you can capture small and large details. Their water-based, nontoxic ink dries quickly and provides good coverage on various surfaces, including canvas, fabric, glass, wood, and leather.

“Where has this been all my life? This scoop is a must-have for transferring food from stovetops and ovens. The tapered sides are incredibly clever,” says Belz. Made from durable nylon, this roasting scoop has a 3-inch wide mouth for scooping food from pans (scooping a lot of it at once) and serving it in one fell swoop. Its tapered sides keep food inside, while its stiff edges easily glide underneath food to remove it from the pan’s surface.

“This towel looks exactly like my cat, angry expression at all,” remarks Belz. “That said, I was really impressed with the thickness of it when it arrived. It's great for half-bathrooms, or for hanging in your kitchen.” Its quick-drying, highly absorbent fabric makes it not just cute but functional. Shaped like a frowning cat, it hangs via one paw with a convenient snap closure. Once on your rack, you can use its furry body to dry your hands in your bathroom or kitchen.

“I admit, sometimes at night, I'm not great with washing my face,” says Belz. “I bought these to help inspire me, and they did the trick. They're great for travel, incredibly convenient, and have a touch of magic to them.” These cleansing melts come in a convenient, compact design that fits easily in your pocket or purse to wash your face on the go. Take a dry melt and activate it with water; its pad will give you a rich lather in seconds. They feature eight multitasking ingredients that cleanse, tone, and refresh your skin.

Bustle editor, Lauren Beach says this oil spray bottle not only performs well but is easy to clean. This delivers an ultra-fine mist and wide, even coverage with its fan sprayer. Use it to spray olive oil or other cooking oils for grilling or frying. One spray equals 1 gram of oil for portion control while you cook, and it’s also perfect for spritzing on salads.

“I didn't expect these shower caddies to be as nice as they were, given the price for so many pieces,” says Beach. “Between them, they hold a ton of stuff.” With six pieces for organizing your shower essentials, this set will tidy up your shower. Each shelf has an adhesive hook system, with the big caddies supporting up to 40 pounds of items. Use the three large caddies for large bottles, the soap caddy for soap bars, and the mini caddy for small bottles. It also comes with a hook caddy for loofahs and washcloths.

Beach says she’s “struggled with giving up plastic wrap,” but these bowl covers have changed her tune. “[They] hold on tight and don't budge. They're easy to clean and have cut my plastic wrap use so much.” These feature eco-friendly materials and help reduce plastic waste while keeping your food fresh. Each wrap is made from biodegradable cotton, beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin and is reusable many times over. A set has three sizes for 5-, 8-, and 10-inch bowls, and each wrap creates a natural airtight seal.

Beach says this tumbler holder is not only priced right but “works well.” It’s the perfect car companion since it lets you take oversized tumblers and cold cups with you. Secure it into your cup holder with a twist, and its sleek design fits up to 40-ounce bottles like Yetis and Stanley cups. It also has a U-shaped slot to allow for mug handles.

“I love that this company is cutting plastic waste,” praises Beach. “The deodorant has clean ingredients and works well.” Filled with aluminum-free deodorant made from bamboo pulp, this refillable deodorant will help you save on waste. Its durable, reusable applicator has an easy squeeze-to-remove system for removing cartridges, while the brand sells deodorant inserts for when you run out. The included deodorant also has a clean linen scent that reviewers rave about.

Bustle editor, Danielle Kraese calls this cutting board her “new favorite.” According to Kraese, bamboo boards have held up the best for her over every other material. “[This one] is a nice sturdy size, and the nonslip corners keep it from sliding all over the counter without sacrificing any chopping real estate.” Made from 100% bamboo, it’s durable enough to withstand food prep but gentle on your knives. Use it to chop, slice, dice, and prep foods, and its wide trench will collect liquids to prevent messes on your countertop. It also features nonslip corners to keep your cutting board steady as you prep.

“This cold pack is SO soothing when a headache hits, and I will now never be without mine (in fact, I have two, so I can always have a cold one ready to go),” says Kraese. “I love that (unlike a regular flat ice pack) I can use it while still sitting up or walking around the house.” It offers 360-degree cooling relief for headaches (and has scored over 30,000 rave reviews). Made with soft, stretchable fabric, its gel comfortably molds to your head, soothing tension at its source. Freeze it for two hours, then slip it on like a mask to soothe tired eyes, or wear it higher on your head for non-ocular headaches.

“I wanted something to make evening walks safer and more fun, and this rechargeable glow stick checks off both those boxes,” Kraese explains. “It's the perfect size to clip onto a jacket zipper or belt loop, and all the color effects are so fun. Plus, I feel at ease knowing I'm more visible to cars going by.” Its portable, rechargeable design makes it perfect for taking on bike rides, camping trips, and other adventures. Attach it to your bag with the included S-biner clip, then choose a single color or color-changing mode. Bonus — it’s also waterproof, chemical-free, and endlessly reusable.

Bustle editor, Cassandra Seale says that although “this plum flower pot may be a weird one for the 'can't live without' qualification,” it’s become one of her favorite decor pieces. “Not to mention, it was very satisfying to build,” she adds. Constructed entirely of LEGO’s, it has a near-perfect star rating for its pretty design. Build it with the LEGO set, and its 3-D structure will come to life and resemble a real potted plant. Its vivid red and magenta flowers, wooden stem, and pastel blue pot stand at over a foot tall.

According to Seale, this bedside caddy is “practical, cute, and perfectly does its job.” It will keep essentials like your remote, books, book light, and glasses by your bed for easy access. Made from sturdy cotton canvas, it features three large pockets and one smaller pocket for seamless organization. Its pretty macrame front also conceals items inside and looks stylish on your bed frame.

“I use this just about every day — it takes my velvet couch from a fur-covered cat lair to a place suitable for humans in truly seconds,” Seale gushes. It has earned over 142,000 five-star reviews from pet owners for its effective hair-busting power. Use it to clean your carpets, couches, and fabrics with ease. Just roll it back and forth over a spot to banish pet hair and lint, then open the compartment to clean it out.

“As a shopping editor, I've come across many a 'slim tiered rolling storage cart',” admits Seale. “I chose this one for its steel construction, additional storage cups, and generally nice look, and I am totally satisfied.” Keep it by your laundry room or bathroom, and it’ll organize household essentials like laundry detergent, cleaner, and more. Each shelf holds up to 22 pounds of goods. Even with heavy loads, its wheels will help you effortlessly transport it. It also comes with three hanging baskets and four hooks for storing accessories.

“I love these cable ties — I use them to corral all of my cords, and I really like that I can color-coordinate them,” says Amy Biggart, Bustle editor. These are durable and reusable and make organizing cords effortless. Simply wrap your cables into a neat bundle and secure the ties via their hook-and-loop closures. They come with two sizes to organize smaller and larger cables, and their 10 color options can help you organize cables by type.

“I'm a big reader, and I love having good lighting near my bed so I can read at night,” says Biggart. “This clip-on light is perfect!” Its clever design is perfect for clipping onto a nightstand for a reading session, but it also makes for a great ambient or task lamp. Choose from three lighting modes (bright, warm, or multicolored) and select from 10 brightness settings. Its clamp fits headboards, desks, and shelves, while its 360-degree adjustable arm directs light where you need it.

Biggart calls this layering necklace clasp, “so genius,” adding that “it makes layering necklaces so much easier!” Made from 18-karat gold-plated stainless steel, it seamlessly blends with gold jewelry and lets you layer three necklaces together. Its material is also fade- and tarnish-resistant, so you can wear it endlessly. Most importantly, it prevents layered necklaces from tangling or shifting, so your layered look will stay flawless.

“I drive a very old car, so having lighter-friendly car accessories is super helpful,” says Biggart. “This retractable car charger has a USB-C for my newer iPhone but also a lightning cable for other people's older models.” Its compact, rotating design saves space while allowing you to charge up to four devices at once. Included is a lightning cable, a USB-C cable, a USB-A port, and a USB-C port. It’s also compatible with fast charging, so you can charge your devices in no time.

“I've had great comforters in my life, but life is so much better now that I have a few duvet covers on hand,” explains Biggart. “I love these Bedsure ones, which are so soft and cheap enough that I can change out the color whenever I want a room refresh.” Its pre-washed microfiber is luxuriously soft yet breathable for a comfortable night’s sleep, while its lightweight material is comfortable year-round. Secure it to your comforter with eight corner ties. Choose from 30 rich colors, including trendy options like sage green and pink clay.

“I’ve used a lot of pimple patches in the past, and the Mighty Patch ones are top tier. I can’t stop buying them,” says Biggart. With over 129,000 five-star reviews, it’s clear these patches are game-changers for shoppers. Made with medical-grade hydrocolloid, they absorb pus and impurities from zits overnight. Just apply a patch onto a pimple (it fits like a discreet second skin) and remove it after it turns white, after about six to eight hours.

Another product Biggart loves is these wood repair markers. “I used these wood markers to fill in some of the scratches on the surface of my coffee table, and it looked instantly better,” says Biggart. Featuring a variety of shades in common furniture finishes like oak, maple, cherry, walnut, mahogany, and black, they seamlessly blend with different wood finishes, making scuffs, dings, and scratches disappear in seconds. A set comes with mess-free wax sticks and markers for any furniture touch-up.

“The entire Weleda skin food line is so good,” raves Biggart. “I'm such a fan of how hydrating they are.” This face cleanser from the Weleda line features an infusion of soothing chamomile and nourishing, fatty-acid-rich sunflower seed oil. Combined, its ingredients gently cleanse your skin, removing makeup and dirt without stripping your skin of its natural oils. It goes on like a moisturizing oil, transitioning to a soft, milky consistency as you wash.

“I bought these leather wipes to clean up my Coach leather purse and they worked so good,” gushes Biggart, who adds that her purse “looks so much better now.” Each wipe comes individually wrapped for portability and has a powerful, nontoxic formula that effortlessly removes dirt and grime. They’re safe on any shade of leather, vegan leather, and vinyl and may even help remove stains. Use them on everything from purses to couches to car seats.

“At this point, my friends and family are tired of hearing how much I love this phone stand,” admits Biggart. “I bring it with me everywhere, on trips, to co-work from a coffee shop — it’s an essential for me.” It has a brilliant foldable design that packs flat and easily adjusts to a customizable height and angle to keep your phone in view. Its weighted metal base keeps it from tipping over, while the stand has nonslip silicone to grip your phone securely. It has also scored a near-perfect rating after nearly 28,000 reviews.

“I’ve been cooking a lot lately, and this oil solidifier is great for making sure I don’t put oil down my pipes where it can solidify and cause damage,” says Biggart. Its plant-based formula magically turns any cooking oil into a solid so you can toss it into the trash. Sprinkle some into hot oil, stir, and dispose of it once it has solidified and cooled. The oil will break down naturally over 30 days, so it not only saves your pipes but is eco-friendly, too.

“Sunset lamps are so pretty — I recently got one, and they change the vibe of the entire room,” Biggart says. Try a lamp like this one to create dreamy ambient lighting in your room. It has a remote control to choose from over 20 color options, four lighting effects, and customizable brightness, plus a 4-foot cord. The head also rotates 360 degrees so you can get the perfect angle.

“I lose my sunglasses constantly,” says Biggart. “I love this sunglasses holder that I can clip right onto the visor of my car.” Clip the two holders onto your visors, and you can store your sunglasses inside the magnetic flaps. Their premium leather protects your glasses from scratches, while their easy-open cloth notches make them a cinch to retrieve — even one-handed. Best of all, your glasses will stay snug and secure while driving.

Another favorite of Biggart’s are these bleed-free highlighters, which she says she uses a lot for journaling. A pack of eight comes with pretty pastel colors in shades of green, pink, purple, and brown to add a subtle pop of color to your notes. Their ink is quick-drying, which helps prevent accidental smudges, and is fade-resistant, so your highlights stay visible. And they’re available in 21 aesthetic color packs.

“Castor oil is such a game-changer for growing my brows. I love that this kit comes with little spoolies and a travel-sized bottle, so I can keep one in my makeup bag,” says Biggart. The oil in the kit is purely organic cold-pressed castor oil, which is an emollient that softens and moisturizes the skin. Use it as a nighttime moisturizer, or apply some to your brows or lashes with the spoolie or brush. It will nourish your brows (and may help them grow).

“I’m planning a move, and these QR labels made it so simple for me to catalog everything in each box,” says Biggart. “You can take pictures of what’s inside, make lists, and even label which room you want the box to be in when you unpack.” Use the labels with the companion app to categorize your items, describe them, and mark their designated location. Once you’ve cataloged your boxes, just scan the QR codes with the app to see what’s inside. Four colors with 12 stickers each can help with a move or storage organization in your garage or shed.

“Outlets are literally never where I need them — I love this sleek outlet concealer for moving them where I need them to be,” Biggart says. Designed to hide outlets and cords, it doubles as a discreet extension cord to plug appliances where you need them. Plug the plate into an outlet, then adhere the white cord along your wall so it blends seamlessly. At the end of the 3-foot extension are three AC outlets to plug your items in.

“I’m always using multiple utensils while I cook, and this oversized spoon rest keeps my counters clean,” says Bustle editor, Kate Miller. “I love that the lid rest can also double as a phone stand while I follow an online recipe.” Made from heat-resistant silicone, it features room for up to four utensils, including larger items like tongs and spatulas to protect your counter from drips while keeping utensils handy while you cook. It also has a slot for holding a lid. Plus, it’s easy to hand wash or to put in the top rack of a dishwasher.

“I’m honestly obsessed with this label maker,” says Miller. “With the app, you can make your own custom labels in seconds, and it makes organizing so much more fun.” It conveniently connects to your phone via Bluetooth. Its companion app offers over 450 icons, 40 fonts, and 30 frames, so you can create a variety of custom labels to organize your home. It uses thermal printing, too, so you’ll never need to replace an ink cartridge.

“It may seem unnecessary, but this hands-free soap dispenser is just a joy to use,” Miller explains, “and it keeps our bathroom counter cleaner than with a drippy hand pump.” Its touch-less design has a smart sensor that detects movement and dispenses soap in less than a second. Its leakproof dispensing will keep your counters neater, and its rechargeable, cordless build will look great on your countertop. It also has four soap dispensing settings to customize your perfect amount.

Bustle editor, Adeline Duff raves about these Korean sheet masks, writing, “I was incredibly impressed by how plump and glowy my skin looked afterward. Made with a blend of hydrating and firming ingredients that absorb into your skin over two hours (once the mask turns clear, you’ll know it’s done its job), the treatment has become a staple for my weekly DIY facials.” It moisturizes your face with a dermatologist-tested formula of nourishing shea butter, toning antioxidant glutathione, and four types of low-molecular collagen for maximum absorption. A single treatment may make your skin more supple, enhancing its natural glow.

“Slip these foot peeling masks on like little booties during your next at-home spa day and watch as all the dead skin sheds off your feet in the coming weeks. It's kind of gross, but oh-so-satisfying — and the results are worth it,” says Duff. Formulated to remove dry, dead skin with a blend of fruit acids and extracts, they require just an hour of wear and about two weeks to reveal smooth, baby-soft feet. Plenty of reviewers back their exfoliating power — over 35,000 shoppers gave them rave reviewers.

Bustle editor, Carolyn Menyes calls this handheld fan “an absolute lifesaver.” While Meynes notes that it’s a “must-have” anytime it’s over 70 degrees, she also says its lightweight, compact size is highly portable while the blades are surprisingly powerful. It features a three-in-one design that blends a fan with a flashlight and an emergency power bank for your phone. Choose between two speeds and use it to cool off for up to 19 hours. Plus, its compact size means you can take it anywhere.

“These eye masks are really refreshing and truly help to brighten up my under-eye skin, which is naturally blue-tinted,” says Menyes. “I use them after a long day to help me unwind or after a long night so I can look like a non-zombie. I like to keep them in the fridge, too, for an added cooling and soothing benefit.” This set delivers 20 treatments to brighten and refresh tired eyes. Their popular formula features nutrient-packed vitamins, Centella Asiatica extract, rosemary extract, castor oil, and healing sodium hyaluronate that work together to hydrate, soothe, and nourish your under-eye skin. Wear a pair for 20 minutes, and your eyes will look refreshed.

“I genuinely think this herb saver has saved me hundreds of dollars,” admits Menyes. “I love cooking with fresh herbs but don’t have a garden. This container really, truly works to keep my greens fresh for weeks — and I’m not even great at refreshing the water like you’re supposed to.” When you fill the container’s base with water and store trimmed herbs inside, it’ll keep them fresh for up to three weeks. Its glass and stainless steel design allows for airflow and fits veggies and greens like asparagus and kale in addition to common herbs. It’s also compact enough to store inside your fridge’s side shelf.

“I like to cross stitch in my spare time, and this neck light gives me pointed, targeted light so I can see what I’m doing, even if I’m working with tiny holes on white cloth with a mess of lightly colored floss,” says Menyes. “It’s lightweight, so I barely even notice I have it on.” Its hands-free design has two lights that you can direct on your craft or page for reading, plus its lights are customizable. Choose from three color temperatures (white, yellow, or cool light) and six brightness levels on each side. Its long-lasting battery life gives you up to 80 hours before you need a recharge, too.

“I’ve had other overflow stoppers, but the suction cups weren’t great,” admits Menyes. “This [drain cover] stays put, so I can really fill my tub up to the tippy top. I love the octopus look, too; it just makes me smile.” When you place it over your tub’s overflow drain, it will allow you to fill your tub with extra inches of water for a deeper, more luxurious soak. Its eight strong suction cups provide a secure seal to keep water inside your tub. Just wet the suction cups and firmly press them into place.

“These hand masks have revived my hands this winter,” Meynes says. “They’re easy to wear, too, and I can even read a book or scroll my phone while using them.” Wear a pair for 10 minutes to repair dry skin. Their ultra-hydrating, dermatologist-recommended formula features nourishing shea butter and prebiotic oats to restore hydration, leaving your hands moisturized, soft, and smooth. Plus, the formula stays inside the gloves and won’t drip if you use your phone.

“Catch me using this in any meeting. This stress ball feels so satisfying and helps me to feel centered, which, admittedly, can be a struggle,” says Menyes. Made with a durable, nontoxic compound that feels like a soft jelly, it easily bounces back to its shape after squeezing, squishing, or pulling. Its durable body won’t leak (no matter how much you squeeze it) and comes in four bright colors that’ll look fun on your desk. Reviewers say they’re extremely fun to play with.

Menyes loves this duster’s handle and long build that allows her to dust without getting dirty. She also hails its washable design. Use it on shelves and other surfaces to trap dust in its microfiber pad. It’s about a foot and a half from handle to tip and covers a large surface area for quicker, easier dusting. Plus, you can easily remove the microfiber pad and toss it in your washing machine to clean it.

Mallory Moreno, Bustle editor, says this cookbook stand “makes it so easy to prop up a phone or cookbook and follow along.” Whether you’re using a book, tablet, your phone, or a cookbook, the stand can accommodate it. Just adjust the kickstand to get the right angle, and you’re ready to cook. It also does well with thick cookbooks by keeping pages secured in its metal placeholder. Plus, its rustic design will look great on your countertop.

“I use this curling wand all the time because it works great, but it’s actually amazing for travel as you can pack fewer tools with you on the go,” says Moreno. Designed as a two-in-one styler, this can straighten or curl your hair. It features adjustable heat from 280 to 430 degrees Fahrenheit, rounded titanium plates, and ventilation for faster cooling. To create waves or curls, clamp it onto your hair, twist it, and pull it down.

Moreno calls this laptop stand “a work-from-home essential and a life-saver for [your] neck!” Its near-perfect rating comes after over 18,000 reviews that praise its impressive design. Made of durable aluminum, it elevates 10- to 15.6-inch laptops, bringing them to eye level so you don’t strain your neck. It also has an open-bottom design to keep your laptop’s fan running smoothly and prevent overheating.

“I used to hate the feeling of water dripping down my arms as I washed my face, so these wristbands have completely solved that annoyance,” explains Moreno. Made of soft microfiber, they fit snugly on your wrists to soak up water and prevent it from running down your arms and sleeves as you wash your face. Their stretchy elastic keeps them secure without feeling constrictive. Plus, they’re machine washable. You can also use them as sweatbands for workouts.

Bustle editor, Jen Fiegel says these storage drawers are go-tos. “I’ve bought these multiple times to organize toiletries, makeup, and small odds and ends,” says Fiegel. They have a convenient stackable design to save space while maximizing your storage. Made of clear plastic to keep their contents visible, they’re great for organizing bathroom essentials, items in your pantry, or cleaning products without needing labels. Plus, their nonslip silicone pads keep them from sliding when you open their drawers.

“My bedroom humidifier is on 24/7 in the winter,” says Fiegel. “These humidifier cleaners have made a noticeable difference in reducing buildup.” Shaped like little submarines, the cases float in water and house cleaning tablets that purify water while reducing hard water deposits and buildup. Drop one into your humidifier’s tank, and it’ll keep the tank clean for up to 30 days. They’ll also help remove unpleasant odors from your tank.

Fiegel calls this cloud-shaped wrist rest “adorable” but also remarks on its usefulness. “The nonslip backing actually works. I've used it every day for more than three months, and it still looks good as new.” Its inner material is a high-density foam that supports your wrists and helps reduce pain from poor wrist posture while typing. The outside features sleek PU leather that’s durable and waterproof, and it has a nonslip back so it stays in place. Its set also comes with a matching wrist rest for your mouse and a coaster.

“I got this cube timer for Pomodoro timing, but since it has so many time options, I’ve also started using it for workouts and cleaning,” explains Fiegel. Its many options include 11 preset countdowns from as short as one minute to as long as 90 minutes. Charge it via USB-C, then push the button to select a sound, vibration, or flashing LED alarm, and flip the timer to the side with the amount of desired time.

“The design is simple and straightforward, but since everything is laid out in front of you, this planner has become such an important tool for keeping track of busy weeks for me,” Fiegel says. Its minimalistic design features 50 sheets organized for a week’s outlook. At the top is a space for your top three priorities, while the middle has slots for each day of the week, and the bottom has three columns for to-do tasks, habit tracking, and notes for the next week.