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Christina Wood

50 Weird New Things on Amazon That Are So Damn Clever

— Amazon

We live in the weirdest of times. We are well past the invention of the automobile, airplane, spaceship, and bread slicer. Today, everyone with the kind of brain that creates devices to solve problems is either focused on big-picture issues like artificial intelligence or carbon-free energy — or they have tuned into small problems like making produce last longer and improving indoor plumbing. These are bright minds and those are real problems, so the results are often brilliant. Take a look at these 50 weird new things on Amazon that are so damn clever and you’ll see.

A Clever Stand For Your iPhone

elago MS2 Charging Stand Compatible with MagSafe Charger - Premium Silicone Stand Compatible with iPhone 13 Models (2021) and iPhone 12 Models (2020) [Black] [Charging Cable Not Included]

Amazon

Charge your iPhone and turn it into a cute bedside table display at the same time with this simple charging stand. Thread your own Magsafe charger into the base and set your phone down on it. It holds your phone at a glanceable angle and looks great doing it. It comes in four colors.

This Battery Organizer With A Built-In Tester

Battery Storage Organizer Case & Tester

Amazon

Get your batteries in order and save yourself the trouble of installing or storing dead ones. This battery storage organizer holds 180 batteries in a clear-top case so you can see what you have. You can even mount it to a wall and create a battery supply cabinet in a closet or storage room. A built-in battery tester makes it easy to tell how much power is in any battery. It comes in eight colors.

These Mushroom Night Lights That Are So Cool

UTLK Plug-in LED Mushroom Night Light (3-Pack)

Amazon

Create a whimsical garden that lights your space with this three-pack of color-changing mushroom night lights. They turn on automatically when the lights are out and turn off again when the lights are on. They are so adorable, you will want to plug one into every available outlet. “I love them so much, I placed a reorder the same day they arrived,” said one reviewer. “Great bathroom nightlight.”

A Toilet Attachment That Will Change Your Life

Greenco Bidet Attachment for Toilet Water Sprayer

Amazon

Transform every trip to the toilet into a moment of personal cleanliness with this bidet attachment that puts an upside-down shower under the toilet seat. It’s easy to install, easy to use, and life-changing. “It is honestly one of the best purchases I've made,” said one reviewer. “I can never go back.”

A Clever Way To Pour Honey

Hunnibi Glass Syrup Dispenser

Amazon

End the struggle to dispense liquid sweeteners — such as honey and maple syrup — by loading them into this clever syrup dispenser that pours from the bottom. Just pull a trigger on the handle to open the pour spout. Slow-moving syrups are already primed and ready to pour. Just release the trigger to stop the flow and set it in its stand and there is no mess or annoyance. It even looks like a bee hive.

A Pot Strainer That Clips Directly Onto The Pan

Kitchen Gizmo Pot Strainer

Amazon

There’s no need for bulky colanders that take up tons of storage space when you have this clever pot strainer. Designed to be about half the size of a normal strainer, it clips onto the sides of your pot to allow you to drain water directly from the pan, leaving the pasta, grains, or vegetables, for example, in place. It’s made of heat-resistant silicone that can be tossed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

These Thin & Flexible Cutting Boards That Are Great For Food Prep

JULY HOME Extra Thin Flexible Cutting Boards (Set of 3)

Amazon

Use these thin and flexible cutting boards to prep anything from produce to poultry thanks to their strong, nonporous surface that’s gentle on knives. Three come in each pack in different colors (such as the gray, green, and pink pictured here) with a textured backing keeping them firmly in place on your countertop. A notch at the top makes these lightweight boards a cinch to hang as well.

A Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack That Saves Major Countertop Space

Seropy Roll Up Dish Drying Rack

Amazon

For those with limited counter space, this roll-up dish drying rack is the answer. Made with rustproof stainless steel slats that allow for maximum airflow, it rolls directly over your sink to dry dishes or produce fast. Silicone feet on the ends keep the mat in place and the whole thing can be easily stored within a small amount of space.

This Clever Trick For Changing Lightbulbs

DocaPole High Ceiling Light Bulb Changer

Amazon

Attach this weird light bulb changer to a pole and it will allow you to change high lightbulbs without getting out a ladder. A suction cup grabs the bulb firmly so you can turn and remove it from a distance. It’s perfect for changing outdoor floodlights and recessed lighting that’s out of reach. “After years of climbing a ladder to replace ceiling bulbs, this gadget is safe and works like a charm!” said one reviewer.

The Alarm Clock That Projects Time On The Ceiling

SMARTRO SC31B Digital Projection Alarm Clock with Weather Station, Indoor Outdoor Thermometer, USB Charger, Dual Alarm Clocks for Bedrooms, AC & Battery Operated

Amazon

Instead of fumbling for your phone while half asleep in the morning, crack open your eyes and gaze up at the ceiling to check the time. This projection alarm clock displays the time and outside temperature where you can see it with minimal effort. The clock itself is small so it won’t clutter up your bedside table, yet it also has a built-in USB phone charger port.

This Laser Projector That Turns Your Room Into A Spaceship

WINICE LED Star Projector

Amazon

Turn any room into a beautiful trip into space with this laser star projector. It throws a picture of drifting stars or a nebula cloud against your wall and ceiling, so you can imagine yourself traveling through the galaxy from your living room. Just set it down and choose the visual display from an app on your phone where you can also control the brightness, color, and rotation of the stars.

The Genius Tool For Cutting Up A Melon

Tendiren Watermelon Slicer Cutter

Amazon

This weird-looking tool makes it so fast and easy to cut a watermelon that you will be making watermelon salads and fruit plates in record time. Just drag the rake part of the watermelon slicer through the fruit to create lines, then turn the melon and do that again in the other direction to make a grid. Stab a piece with the fork and it lifts up a perfect cube.

A Grippy Mat So You Can Toss Things On The Dash

BLAU GRUN Car Dashboard Anti-Slip Rubber Pad

Amazon

If you like to toss things onto the dash while you are driving but are frustrated when they immediately slide off and get lost, this anti-slip rubber pad is the answer. It looks decorative and low profile on your dash but the lattice pattern is designed to grip anything you toss there. “Whatever you put on it, [...] stays,” said one reviewer. “You never have to worry again about your phone, wallet, keys, or sunglasses sliding off the dash.”

The Bell That Lets Your Dog Ask To Go Out

Mighty Paw Smart Bell

See on Amazon

Empower your pup with the ability to clearly communicate when it’s time to go potty by sticking this smart bell near the door. Once they understand that tapping the bell is an easy way to communicate their needs, you can stand down until you hear the potty bell. And your dog won’t have to bark, scratch the door, or whine.

This Kitchen Witch That Holds Your Spoon

OTOTO Agatha Kitchen Spoon Rest

Amazon

Snap this adorable kitchen spoon rest to the edge of a pan and she will hold your spoon for you to keep the counters free of spoon drips. When you want to release steam from the pan, she will help with that, too. Agatha is cute, whimsical, and helpful. Isn’t that everything you want from a kitchen gadget?

The Headphones You Will Wear 24 Hours A Day

Sleep Headphones Sleep Mask Bluetooth Headband Wireless Music Headband Headphones, Earbuds IPX6 Waterproof for Side Sleepers Women Men Workout Running Insomnia Travel Yoga Cool Gadgets Unique Gifts

Amazon

This wireless music headband is certain to become your favorite accessory. It keeps your hair out of your face while you exercise and plays music from your phone to keep you going. When you want to sleep, pull it down over your eyes and drift off to a book or relaxing sounds. It comes in ten colors and the headphones remove so you can wash the headband.

A Punching Bag For Your Desk

Stress Relief Toys, Desktop Punching Bag. Comes with Desk Clamp and Suction Cup

Amazon

When work pressures have you ready to snap, relieve the stress by hitting this desktop punching bag. It clamps firmly to the edge of the desk so you can hit it hard without worrying that it will fly across the room. The spring action of the pole mount brings it right back to you, just like the fast bag in the gym.

A Speaker You Can Toss In The Pool

Skywin Portable Bluetooth Floating Pool Speaker - IPX7 Shower Outdoor Large Colorful Lights - Bluetooth Floating Speaker for Pool - Wireless Hot Tub Accessories for Adults

Amazon

When you are chillin’ in the hot tub or your pool, toss this floating pool speaker into the water and enjoy a watery light show and some tunes at the same time. It’s waterproof, wireless, and rechargeable so it’s zero hassle to use and brings all the ambiance to your aquatic adventures.

A Dry Bag Perfect For Water-Based Adventures

Wise Owl Outfitters Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack - Thick, Durable Water Bag for Kayaking, Camping, Boating, Beach and Outdoor Water Sports - Black, 10L

Amazon

Head out for adventures on the trail or the kayak knowing clothing and sundries won’t get soaked thanks this this dry bag. It comes in either a 5, 10, or 20-liter size and is made of waterproof and sturdy PVC. The bag includes a durable clip to ensure complete watertightness, a waterproof phone case, and nylon straps that allow it to be worn comfortably like a backpack.

These Food Containers With Built-In Colanders

lirrfe Fruit Grape Storage Containers (Set of 3)

Amazon

This set of three food storage containers in three sizes is a complete solution for washing and storing all your produce. The easy-to-use locking lids keep air out. Each container has a colander that fits perfectly inside it. Wash your produce in the colander and drop it into the container to drip dry while it is stored — or use the colanders and containers separately.

A Meat Tenderizer With Dual Sides

Checkered Chef Meat Tenderizer Hammer

Amazon

This highly rated and versatile meat tenderizer is designed with a front-loaded weight to make preparing that chicken paillard that much easier. It features dual sides — one textured and one smooth — for either tenderizing or pounding and is made with a nonstick coating that makes this mallet easy to clean.

The Pocket That Attaches To Your Bra

Zero Grid Hidden Bra Wallet - Travel Pouch & Secret Pocket for Passport, Money & Valuables - Undercover Bra Stash Fits All Bra Sizes

Amazon

When your ensemble has no pockets, this hidden bra wallet can hold your passport, cash, and other valuables so it’s all safe and within reach — even if you lose your bag. It’s made from a soft fabric that feels comfortable against your skin and attaches to your bra strap — or a belt loop — to make it secure. It even comes with trip insurance.

The Memo Pad That Snaps To Your Wrist

NEWYES Reusable Memo Wristband

Amazon

Can’t remember what you were planning to do next or what you wanted from the store? Jot your notes where you will see them on this memo wristband. You can write an entire list, slap it onto your wrist, and go, ticking things off as you pick them up in the store or accomplish them in your day. The reverse side is a ruler so it’s handy to have with you.

A Digital Meat Thermometer That Gives An Accurate Reading In Seconds

Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer

Amazon

Set yourself up for success in the kitchen by having one of these digital meat thermometers in your toolkit. It features a retractable probe that keeps your hands comfortably away from heat and displays precise temperatures in two to three seconds. The backlit screen makes this the perfect companion for nighttime grilling and a built-in magnet means it can be stored handily on the fridge or side of your barbecue.

This Light That Snaps Onto Your Patio Umbrella Pole

Brilliant Evolution LED Patio Umbrella Light with Remote

Amazon

Snap this patio umbrella light onto an umbrella pole and it will illuminate your outdoor gatherings. It throws plenty of light on your dining table with its 12 LEDs to brighten a meal well into a dark evening. Or dim the light for mood lighting. It works well as a solution for interior tent lighting too.

This Milk Frother That Creates Gorgeous Foam In 15 Seconds

Bean Envy Milk Frother

Amazon

You, yourself, can be your own beloved neighborhood barista with this handheld milk frother by your side. It features a powerful motor that can whip up dairy and nondairy foam in only 15 seconds to create the cappuccinos and lattes of your dreams. It’s conveniently battery-powered and comes in eight color options such as black, rose pink, and robin’s egg blue.

A Washing Machine For Fruits & Vegetables

QEESHE Fruit & Vegetable Washing Machine

Amazon

Get your fruits and vegetables really clean without spending an hour scrubbing them with soap by using this vegetable washing machine. Simply fill any container with water, drop in your produce, and turn on the purifier. It runs an automatic cycle that taps the power of ionization to deep clean whatever is in that water bath.

A Pair Of Flashlight Gloves For Handy Illumination

PARIGO LED Flashlight Gloves

Amazon

These clever flashlight gloves feature LEDs built directly into them so you can attend to that problem under the hood of your car or do nighttime repairs without requiring one of your hands to hold a flashlight. The gloves are made of stretchy material with included straps to fit a range of hand sizes and are fingerless so as to give you maximum dexterity. They’re available in four colors: black, blue, gray, and camo.

The Steamer That Makes Dinner So Easy

BELLA 2-Tier Food Steamer

Amazon

Prepare a meal of steamed dumplings, rice, and vegetables at the turn of a dial with this two-tier food steamer. You can cook everything at the same time on the two layers while you go off and do something else. It turns off automatically when the time runs out or it runs out of water so nothing overcooks. “This steamer changed my life,” said one reviewer. “I practically never use my stove [and] love that I can turn the dial and go about my life.”

This Clip-On Light That’s Perfect For Running Or Camping

AVANTO PRO Clip On Running Light, Original, 300Lumen LED Light, 2-3h Usetime, USB Rechargeable Night Running Lights for Runners, Joggers, Dog Walking Night Running Gear, Addon to Reflective Vests

Amazon

Clip this running light to your belt, backpack straps, or shirt and illuminate your path hands-free. It’s rechargeable, has a three-hour battery life, and will also stick to any metal surface, making it invaluable on a camping trip or power outage. It’s also terrific for running or dog-walking at dusk.

A Car Seat Gap Organizer That Stores Your Essentials By Your Side

Lusso Gear Car Seat Gap Organizer (2-Pack)

Amazon

As a stroke of design brilliance, this car seat gap organizer accomplishes two tasks: It prevents things from falling into that frustrating crevice between the seat and the console, and it provides a place to store essential items such as your phone, wallet, or sunglasses. It comes in a set of two and is made of faux leather and durable Oxford cloth. Spacers are additionally included to ensure a seamless fit.

A Fidget Toy That’s Also A Working Pen

VYWmna Fidget Pen

Amazon

If you focus better when your hands are busy, add this fidget pen to your desktop rig. It writes like a pen but becomes a toy you can shape into any creature or form you can imagine anytime you need it. The pen’s body is made up of magnetic pieces you can reshape.

The Fire Pit You Can Use At The Table

Houswise Tabletop Fire Pit

Amazon

Enjoy the ambiance of a fire pit right on your patio — or even in the living room — with this tabletop fire pit. The flame is big enough to toast marshmallows but the “pit” itself is small enough to sit on a table and burns without smoke or smells. “The cutest fire pit ever,” said one reviewer. “It has become my go-to companion for indoor and outdoor adventures.”

A Set Of Meat Shredding Claws As An Essential Barbecuing Tool

Bear Paws Meat Shredder Claws

Amazon

These meat-shredding claws feel amazing to grip and will prove their barbecue worthiness when they create pulled pork with ease. Made with sharp prongs, the claws can be used to help carve, shred, or simply lift large pieces of meat. They’re available in black, gray, red, and hunter orange.

These Cute Chicks For Separating Eggs

LuoCoCo Egg Separator

Amazon

This egg separator makes using either the yolks or whites of your eggs super easy, and it’s so whimsical you will love baking. Just crack the egg into the startled chicken and pour the whites out through the expressive beak. The jagged head of the chick makes cracking the shell easy and the entire process will make you laugh. When you aren’t baking, it looks adorable in the kitchen.

This Weird Hair Collector For The Shower

Olatay Reusable Shower Wall Hair Collector

Amazon

This gizmo is the solution for people with long hair. Instead of letting hair slip down the drain when you shower and find yourself holding a wad of it, swipe your fingers through this wall hair collector to stash it where it won’t cause a clog. To remove the stored hair, swipe in the other direction. “Bought this product to keep me and my sisters’ long hair out of the shower drain and it’s been awesome!!” said one reviewer.

A Toothpaste Dispenser That Mounts To The Wall

MOPMS Automatic Toothpaste Dispenser

Instead of fighting with the toothpaste tube every time you brush your teeth, mount this automatic toothpaste dispenser to the wall and let it do the work. It screws in and uses vacuum action to pull the paste out instead of squeezing the tube. All you have to do is push your toothbrush into the dispenser and it delivers a dollop right onto the brush.

A Collapsible Solar Lantern Built For Portability

KIZEN Solar Lantern

Amazon

Whenever you embark on your next hiking trip, be sure to take this solar lantern along with you. It’s ingeniously designed to be totally collapsible, meaning it takes up barely any room in your kit and can be hooked onto your backpack via the built-in handle. The solar panel on top allows it to charge fully during the day to provide up to 10 hours of light at night or even act as a charger for your phone.

This Smart Hanger For Small Garments & Ties

Ulimart Tie Rack & Tank Top Holder

Amazon

Free up some drawer space and make it easy to keep your collection of sleeveless tees, ties, scarves, camis, bras, or nightgowns out and easy to find with this tank-top hanger. It holds 24 ties, bras, or other garments in a tidy row on the closet rod and takes up the space of only a couple of standard hangers.

The Solution For Getting Pickles Out Of The Jar

Chef'n FridgeFork Condiment Fork

Amazon

If you love pickles, you know the dilemma. Do I stick my fingers into the wet pickle juice or dirty a fork just to stab a pickle? Not anymore! This condiment fork lives on the pickle jar so it’s always ready to fish in the juice for a pickle. Just stretch the silicone band around the rim of the jar and hang the fork in the holster.

This Car Accessory For Storing Sunglasses

Yuoyar Car Visor Sunglass Holder (2-Pack)

Amazon

Keep your sunglasses handy in the car by hanging this car visor sunglass holder over the visor. When the sun goes down, you will have an easy place to stash them so they don’t get lost or broken, and you will know where they are the next time you need them. It opens easily and stays closed with the help of a strong magnet.

This French Fry Holder That Lets You Safely Snack From Your Car

SUADEN Store French Fry Holder

Amazon

French fry obsessives (i.e. everyone) will love this french fry holder that sits in your car’s cup holder, allowing you to snack without making a mess in your ride. It even includes a small reusable sauce tray that snaps onto the front of the holder. In between french fry runs you can use it to store your phone, sunglasses, or other items.

These Dip Bowls That Keep Food Cold

INNOVATIVE LIFE Ice Chilled Dip Bowl (2-Pack)

Amazon

Serving cold salads and dips on the patio doesn’t have to come with a worry about spoiled food. This two-pack of ice-chilled dip bowls keeps it all cold. Just fill the outer bowl with ice and set the stainless steel bowl in that. You can store your dips in the same container by snapping the included lids on them and stashing them in the fridge for the next party.

An Automated Watering System For Your Houseplants

JIYANG Solar-Powered Plant Self-Watering Device

Amazon

There is no need to ask a neighbor to water your plants the next time you go away. Set up this solar-powered watering device and your plants will be self-sufficient. A solar panel powers the timer that delivers water from a container directly to the soil of your plants via a system of small hoses you can customize to fit your situation. It can handle 10 to 15 pots and you can add onto it with an expansion kit.

This Gizmo That Turns The Pages Of Your Kindle

SYUKUYU Remote Control Page Turner For Kindles or iPads

Amazon

If you like to read on your Kindle, phone, or tablet while it sits on a mount, this page turner will turn the pages for you without asking you to sit up or even lift an arm. Just hold the remote in your hand and control the page turning without moving anything but your thumb. “It’s user-friendly, easy to charge, and makes it easy to scroll to the next page on my Kindle Paperwhite while I’m warm and cozy under the covers,” said one reviewer.

A Calendar That Sticks To The Fridge

Neatsure Acrylic Magnetic Dry Erase Board Calendar

Amazon

Stick this clear magnetic dry-erase board to your fridge so you can see what’s on the calendar at a glance. Six strong magnets hold it steady so you can jot important events, notes, and goals where you will see them every time you go snack hunting. It comes with eight colored dry-erase markers that are also magnetic so you can keep them on the fridge, too.

This Clever Tool For Making Perfect Eggs

Lasubst Egg Timer For Boiling Eggs

Amazon

Having trouble getting soft, medium, or hard-boiled eggs the way you want them? This egg timer takes the guesswork out of the process. Just drop it into the water with your eggs and it changes color as the eggs cook. When the color gets to the line that describes the eggs you want, your eggs are done. It comes in seven colors.

A Bottle Stacking Mat That Saves Space In Your Fridge

Cooks Innovation Store Fridge Monkey Mat

Amazon

To save precious fridge space turn to this bottle stacking mat that allows you to store bottles and cans within a small footprint. The mat is made of nonslip rubber and includes multiple grooves to hold up to 10 stacked cans, 10 beer bottles, or five bottles of wine. Color choices include red, cream, and charcoal.

These Erasable Labels For Food Containers

Jokari Erasable Food Labels (2-Pack)

Amazon

Make it easy to find your prepped meals or leftovers in the fridge or freezer by labeling everything with these erasable food labels. When you change what’s in the container, you don’t have to peel off the label, just erase it and write a new label. This is a set of 140 labels in three sizes and it comes with an eraser.

A Banana Holder That Hangs The Bunch From Above

Banana Bungee Banana Hook Holder

Amazon

This ingenious banana holder frees up counter space and prevents over-ripening or bruising in the process. A built-in S-hook allows you to hang the bananas from underneath a cabinet or from an existing pot rack, for example, with the four short straps securely suspending the entire bunch. When not needed, simply store the holder away in a drawer.

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