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Maria Cassano

60 weird but genius gifts most added to Amazon wish lists

Amazon

Finding the perfect gift in the digital age can feel like trying to find a needle in the world’s biggest haystack — especially when you’re shopping for picky people who already have everything. Fortunately, this list can provide insight into the coolest, trendiest, most popular gifts. Ideas range from fanciful options like a toast-shaped night-light that can hold your phone to practical picks like a leather holder for sunglasses that’s magnetic. Scroll on for weird but genius picks starting at just $4.

This adorable hand towel that comes in tons of prints

These adorable cat towels are made from absorbent materials and hang securely from a towel bar using clasps at the bottom of the top paws. They also come in dozens of patterns and colors, (so you can find one that looks like their pet) or you can opt for a panda or a cat wearing one of four fairy-tale dresses.

  • Available styles: 29

This lip oil that tints, exfoliates, moisturizes & adds shine

Unlike most lipsticks, Nooni Korean lip oil aims to use plant-derived ingredients to exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish while tinting lips with a shiny flush. It comes in a wide selection of scents, including a few colorless ones. One reviewer wrote, “They are super hydrating and last long while too. Never sticky and gives a very nice shine.”

  • Available styles: 33

This adorable deck of cards featuring proven stress-relief techniques

According to one reviewer, Dogs Against Anxiety is a “great, easy to carry, self-help tool to manage stress throughout your day.” Each card features a cute dog with a positive affirmation on the front and a proven cognitive behavioral therapy technique on the back. The brand also makes a Cats Against Anxiety deck.

  • Available styles: 2

This pen that also functions as a level, ruler & screwdriver

Yes, it functions as a ballpoint pen with black ink — but this Kikkerland four-in-one tool also functions as a ruler and a level, plus it has two built-in screwdrivers: a Phillips and a flat head. The list of possible uses for this tool goes on and on, as one Amazon reviewer noted, “I'm constantly using it on small projects or electronics repairs or writing a friend or a to-do list.”

This unique take on a foolproof gift idea

Socks are a go-to gift for a reason: They’re comfortable, practical, and fit a wide range of sizes. These animal paw socks are a unique take on the tradition that turns the recipient’s feet into paws, claws, or hooves. They’re made from a polyester-cotton blend with 10% spandex, so they can stretch to fit sizes up to a men’s 13.

  • Available styles: 10

A magnetic fidget toy that’s also a pen & stylus

This might just be the most practical fidget toy you can buy. Its magnetic beads can be used to create countless shapes and structures, but it’s also a functional pen with a clip and a stylus with interchangeable heads.

  • Available styles: 4

These waterproof flashlight gloves that have so many uses

These flashlight gloves are a functional, affordable gift for mechanics, fishermen, bicyclists, dog walkers, campers, and after-dark grill masters. They’re made from waterproof, stretchy fabric and have battery-operated LED beams on both the pointer fingers and thumbs. “My dad is the hardest person to shop for [but these gloves are] just what he needs when working on his car or out in the garage at night,” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available styles: 4

This dancing pickle toy that sings, mimics sounds & tells jokes

For the person who has everything, this dancing pickle wiggles, yodels, scat sings, tells knock-knock jokes, and mimics sounds. “My whole family couldn’t stop laughing at him and now my mom wants to get one for her brother,” one reviewer wrote. It also comes in a hot dog and a snake design.

  • Available styles: 3

These best-selling magnetic measuring spoons that chefs rave about

The dual-sided design of this set of measuring spoons measures both liquids and dry ingredients, plus the narrow end fits in most spice jars and canisters. Best of all, they’re magnetic so they stay together while nesting and they come with a free leveler to get the most precise measurements possible. “As a personal chef, convenience and accuracy are critical. [...] If you're on the fence, BUY THEM, you won't regret it,” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available styles: 17

This strange-looking music synthesizer

Press down on the middle section of this strange gadget, and you can play different notes, sounds, and pitches. Simply slide your hand up and down to find different tones and, before you know it, you’ll be making music. This is a weird but fun one.

These giftable jelly beans that taste like popular cocktails

For the cocktail lover with a sweet tooth, this Jelly Belly gift box has five different flavors that mimic popular drinks: mimosa, gin and tonic, pomegranate cosmo, Moscow mule, and margarita. “Nicely packaged and highly giftable,” one reviewer wrote.

Some hilarious bandages that feature 15 insults from Shakespeare’s plays

Made from cotton and latex, these Shakespearean bandages come in an assortment of sizes to cover various minor injuries. Each one features a different insult from one of Shakespeare’s plays. “I bought these as a gift for a coworker and they tickle my fancy so much I think I need to get another one for myself,” one reviewer wrote.

This self-stirring mug that’s rechargeable

After a short charge on the included USB cable, this self-stirring mug will use its magnetic stirrer to mix coffee, milk, and sugar together at the press of a button — without the need for a spoon — for up to 60 times. It’s also great for people who drink matcha, hot cocoa, protein shakes, lattes, and other beverages that tend to separate, plus it’s warmer than a traditional mug to preserve the temperature for longer.

A budget-friendly tracker set that’s easy to use

There are plenty of great trackers out there — but a single one might cost upwards of $30, and it’ll require a certain level of technological savvy in order to use. This affordable key finder is color-coded to locate up to four different items, and the icon stickers and included labels help them know what’s what. Press a button and the coordinating 80-decibel beep will sound from up to 131 feet away, plus the remote has a built-in flashlight to help them search.

This cozy mermaid blanket that comes in 4 shades

It’s lined with cozy faux shearling and has a crocheted exterior available in four colors, but this isn’t your average throw. This tail blanket encompasses their feet to turn them into a mermaid, while its removable neck strap keeps the blanket secured.

  • Available colors: 4

This whimsical cow mug with nonslip udders

This cow mug makes a whimsical yet functional gift for the animal lover in your life. The mug itself is made from hand-painted ceramic and holds up to 20 ounces, but the udder base is made from silicone to protect furniture and prevent slipping.

These dividers so you can slow cook multiple things at once

If you’ve ever run out of room in your slow cooker, or wanted to cook multiple things at once, these liners are game-changers. They fit in a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker and separate your cookspace into three sections (although you can buy a set of two or four, as well). One reviewer says, “I love the idea that I can cook two different foods in the same pot! The silicone makes the clean up much easier. I was using the plastic bags but it is difficult to pull them out in the larger pots.”

These stainless steel sensory rings for grounding & quiet fidgeting

These spiky sensory rings can be used to prevent cuticle picking and nail biting, or as a quiet way to fidget. Each one is made from stainless steel, and they come in a set of 30, so you can gift them to multiple recipients.

  • Available styles: 2

This Bluetooth transmitter & receiver for music in your car

Have you ever drive an older car and experienced the pain of not being able to listen to your own music? That’s where this wireless adapter comes in. Plug it into your dashboard, and it’ll allow your phone to connect to the speaker. That way you can easily listen to music, podcasts, or the directions.

This cute musical instrument that reviewers say is a hit

Thanks to its pressure-sensitive slide bar and squeezable cheeks, this Otamatone synthesizer helps them create notes and beats in various tones. It’s funny and cute, but it’s also an easy-to-learn musical instrument that gift recipients “can’t put down,” according to one reviewer.

  • Available styles: 4 (and one multipack)

This reusable smart notebook for scanning your hand-written notes

The genius of this product. This smart notebook comes with its own erasable pen, so you can consistently reuse this notebook. How it works: Write your notes with the Rocketbook-compatible pen, and then download the associated app. You can digitize your notes easily by scanning them, and then wipe your notebook clean and start over the next day.

A secret wallet that attaches to their bra

Whether they’re traveling with their valuables or heading to a concert or festival, this secret wallet helps them carry their essentials as close as possible. The adjustable strap clasps around their bra, while the pocket holds cash, credit cards, jewelry, and a passport. Each order also comes with two Zero Grid recovery tags, which help people recover their lost items. It’s also available in black in the listing.

  • Available styles: 2

This weird oven tool that reviewers use constantly

This silicone push-and-pull tool is a handy kitchen gadget with various notches and a long temperature-resistant handle. “I use this tool constantly when air frying. It has saved me burns as well as annoyance,” one reviewer wrote. Another shopper raved, “This is just the handiest kitchen gadget. It helps you pull out the hot oven rack and helps you push it back in.”

This genius pizza wheel that protects your hands

There’s no need to store dangerously sharp pizza cutters in your kitchen drawers. This easy-to-use pizza wheel has an ergonomic handle built into its design, making it easier for you to wield it, safer for more people to use, and — even better — more compact.

This meat-tenderizing tool

Make any steak tender with this simple kitchen gadget. The ergonomic backside allows you to easily grip it, apply pressure, and watch as even the toughest meat becomes tender. One fan of the tool says, “Used it on a tough steak and it turned that tough meat into a tender steak in just moments.”

This warmer that will keep your coffee the perfect temperature

There are few worse feelings than when you go to take a sip of your morning coffee and find that it’s gone cold. This warming plate is designed to fix that problem — and will keep your coffee between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for as long as you need. It also has a built-in auto-shutoff for safety purposes.

This 2-in-1 screen cleaning tool that sprays & wipes

This screen cleaning tool has a two-in-one design that sprays cleaning solution on phones, laptops, or tablets and a microfiber exterior you can use to wipe away dust and smudges. Since it’s roughly the size of a tube of lipstick, it’s compact and travel-friendly. One reviewer commented that it’s “so easy to carry everywhere.”

This waterproof shower speaker

A shower speaker is the most game-changing bathroom upgrade, and it makes for the perfect gift. This one easily suctions to the wall of your shower or tub, making it a breeze to listen to the audio of your choice as you shower. It’s also waterproof and has a battery life of 12 hours — making this an ideal beach speaker when the time comes.

A brilliant dog training tool that installs in seconds

If you know someone who could use a little help training their dog, this Mighty Paw smart bell makes for a great gift. The wireless, weather-resistant button installs in seconds using a self-adhesive backing, while the receiver plugs into any open outlet. With a little training, their dog can let them know when they want to go out (or come back in) — without barking, whining, or scratching.

This digital projection alarm clock with a USB charging port

This isn’t your average alarm clock. Yes, it displays the time and has dual alarms with a snooze function — but it also has a USB port to charge a device, displays the indoor and outdoor temperatures, has a color-changing digital display, and projects the time on the ceiling, so they can simply glance up to see what time it is.

This microwave bacon grill that contains splatter

For crisp bacon every time, this grill goes right into your microwave. The vented cover prevents grease from getting everywhere while also allowing steam to release, so you’ll get evenly cooked bacon every time and your microwave will stay sparkly clean.

This water-based stain remover spray that’s powerful but gentle

I’ve used this Emergency Stain Rescue spray to remove oil and wine from clothes, mud from rugs, and marsala sauce from a bride’s wedding dress. Its formula works on both fresh and set-in stains. It also comes in a compact bottle that travels well, if needed.

These claws for easily shredding meat

For larger cuts of meat or big portion sizes, shredding meat with your standard fork can be exhausting. These meat claws make all the difference. Grab one in each hand and easily pull and shred your favorite meat. Pulled pork sandwiches have never been easier.

This vent clip that holds most fast-food sauce containers

For the person who eats often on the go, the Saucemoto dip clip helps them enjoy their favorite condiments with one hand and without spilling all over their car. It clips onto most vents and holds a wide variety of sauce containers (including ketchup, barbecue sauce, and even round sweet and sour dips) from major food chains.

  • Available styles: 5

This Bluetooth headband that’s actually comfortable to sleep in

If you know someone who likes to fall asleep while listening to music, white noise, or audiobooks, this Bluetooth sleep mask is a brilliant gift. It not only covers the eyes with soft fabric, but it also directs sound wirelessly into the ears using flat speakers that are way more comfortable than earbuds. It’s also great for running in cold weather, especially since it’s machine washable after removing the control module.

  • Available styles: 11

The “strangest & most appreciated gift” you can give

One reviewer wrote that this is the “strangest and most appreciated gift you'll ever give.” This easy-to-install bidet doesn’t require an electrical outlet or additional plumbing, making it easy to install on most toilets. It has a knob to adjust the water pressure and a switch to adjust the angle of the nozzle.

This wall-mounted gadget that collects loose hair in your shower

This weird but genius hair collector keeps your shower tiles cleaner and stops strands from clogging your drain. It mounts to the shower wall using an adhesive strip. Just swipe your finger from right to left through the silicone bristles to trap loose strands, and when your shower is over, swipe from right to left to clean the hair out of the device so you can throw it out.

  • Available styles: 7

These organizers that turn annoying car seat gaps into designated storage

The gaps between your car seat and center console tend to collect things; turn them from an inconvenience into a practical storage solution with these gap organizers. They not only prevent their phone and loose change from slipping down into the crevices, but also turn them into designated pockets for their most-reached-for essentials.

  • Available styles: 4

This wall-mounted dispenser for hands-free toothpaste

This wall-mounted toothpaste dispenser comes with adhesive stickers for tool-free installation on most surfaces. There are no batteries required — just use your toothbrush head to press the button the toothpaste will be dispensed. It’s also easy to clean and fits most screw-top tubes of toothpaste.

  • Available styles: 2

A collapsible solar lantern that can also charge a phone

The camper, hiker, or survivalist in your life will find ample uses for this solar lantern. It charges up using sunlight, collapses down for compact storage, and even doubles as a portable phone charger in emergencies. It has three lighting modes, plus it’s waterproof and wind-resistant for use in rugged environments.

  • Available styles: 2

This sunshade that extends the car’s visor

This car visor extender attaches to a car’s existing sunshade using elastic straps. It offers two additional panels that slide out as needed to block sunlight while driving: A polarized tinted panel and a visor extension. “Velcro on easy, pull down the gray shade and no blaring sun in your eyes. I'm short and a normal visor does nothing for me. This covers the space below the visor and all the way down to my steering wheel,” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available styles: 2

This pair of magnetic leather sunglasses holders

Most built-in glasses compartments in cars are too small to fit more than one pair. These sunglasses holders attach to a car’s visor and have a magnetic closure to keep almost any pair secure and accessible. They come in a pack of two in your choice of gray or black, both of which are made from leather.

  • Available styles: 2

This compact way to store bananas that helps them last longer

This under-cabinet banana holder uses a minimalist bungee design with beads that secure between the stems. It frees up counter space and prolongs the lifespan of their fruit by minimizing contact points, reducing bruising and slowing ripening. “I am so excited about this,” one fan wrote. “So genius. So simple [...] Why hasn’t this always been in my life?!”

A set of scalp massagers with interchangeable heads

Grab these two-in-one scalp massagers as stocking stuffers for the hair and beauty enthusiasts in your life. Unlike most other shampoo brushes, these ones come with two interchangeable, twist-and-lock heads: one with long, pointed silicone bristles for cleansing and dandruff reduction, and one with shorter, rounded bristles for massaging and circulation.

These aerators that make any wine taste more expensive

These drip-resistant aerator spouts fit most standard bottles of wine and have multiple layers that draw in more oxygen and maximize air exposure while pouring. This opens up the flavors, improving the taste immediately, according to buyers. “It truly does make a difference in the wine. Even a cheap bottle can taste good,” one reviewer wrote. The set comes with two (so you can even keep one for yourself).

This oil sprayer that reviewers are obsessed with

Reviewers say they didn’t realize they needed this oil sprayer until they bought it. One shopper raved, “I would 100% repurchase this and tell everyone I know about it.” Simply fill it with any oil and use it to grease baking pans, dress salads, mist meats for the grill, and evenly coat ingredients before they’re popped in the air fryer.

These adhesive-backed magnetic sheets for easy DIY magnets

These adhesive magnetic sheets help DIY enthusiasts turn anything into a magnet. Once the protective backing is peeled off, they can easily stick photos, postcards, drawings, and even makeup palettes to the thick sheets, which can cling to any metal surface without damage. Choose from three sizes in the listing.

This gadget that washes & dries makeup brushes in 1 minute

Very few people wash their makeup brushes as often as they should, but this brush-cleaning machine makes it easier than ever. Fill the bowl with soap and water, choose one of the eight different rubber collars, pop the brush in, and press the button to start the spinner, which will remove buildup and germs from the bristles. To dry it, just raise the brush and let it spin above the water.

These aromatherapy shower steamers that come with 6 different scents

Maybe they don’t have time for a relaxing bath, or maybe they don’t have a bath at all. Either way, these aromatherapy shower steamers bring a little pampering and self-care to their daily routine. When placed on the shower floor, the tablets dissolve and release soothing scents filled with essential oils. The scents are designed to help them relax, breathe easier, or get a boost of energy.

  • Available styles: 5

A supportive foam mat that will enhance ab workouts

“I learned about this product from my personal trainer,” one reviewer wrote of this ab mat. “It enables me to do sit ups again which I had given up due to low back pain. The mat’s high-density foam construction and curved design help support the lower back for a more targeted crunch or sit-up — and it has a lightweight construction so it’s easy to take it on the road.

This hands-free light with 84,000+ 5-star reviews

Whether they use it for reading, knitting, tinkering, or walking the dog at night, this neck light will get a ton of use. Since it’s rechargeable and sits comfortably around their neck with two adjustable LED beams, it allows for cordless, hands-free illumination during any task.

This magnetic whiteboard that has so many uses

Because of its magnetic backing, this dry-erase whiteboard attaches to most refrigerators without causing damage. Its blank design and four included magnetic markers (with built-in erasers) help your giftee create to-do and shopping lists, reminders, and more so they can streamline their routines and stay more organized.

  • Available sizes: 17 x 11 inches — 25 x 16 inches

This genius bib that catches hair clippings for easier clean-up

As seen on Shark Tank, the Beard King apron is a genius invention that makes a messy task significantly less messy. Secure one end of the bib around your neck and the other end to the mirror using the included suction cups. It then catches hair clippings from beard-shaving or bang-trimming — before they can get all over your sink.

  • Available styles: 5

Some packing cubes with a 4.8-star overall rating

After buying a set of packing cubes almost six years ago, I’ll never pack another suitcase without them ever again. They allow you to organize your clothes into compact, stackable, individually removable compartments, so you can unzip one and grab what you need without upsetting everything else. This set comes in 10 colors in the listing and also includes a laundry bag.

  • Available styles: 10

This callus remover gel that softens cracked heels in minutes

Amazon customers can’t stop raving about this callus remover gel. It smells like fresh lemons and uses a fast-acting formula to exfoliate and soften dry, cracked heels in less than five minutes — without having to pay for a pedicure. “My feet are so soft and the dead skin almost literally melted off. I wish I bought this years ago,” one reviewer wrote.

A viral brush that detangles hair without breakage or pulling

This detangling brush has unique flexible bristles that are designed to glide through tangles without breakage or tugging. “My hair is curly between a 3B/3C and gets tangled really easy. This brush is amazing,” wrote one reviewer.

  • Available styles: 16

This well-designed power strip that doubles as a phone holder

A foolproof gift for the techie in your life, this power strip has a unique pyramid shape that makes it compact and accessible. Despite its small size, it has three grounded outlets, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port — not to mention a built-in phone holder.

These bamboo dividers for customized drawer organization

These drawer dividers expand from 17.5 to 22 inches and have a spring-loaded mechanism and nonslip pads to keep them in place. As a result, they can be used to organize everything from kitchen utensils and office supplies to clothes and tools — and since they’re made out of bamboo, they have a natural, elevated look.

  • Available styles: 3

This coffee brewer with rave reviews that doesn’t require paper filters

According to reviewers, this pour-over brewer makes some of the best coffee they’ve ever tasted. One fan raved, “I’m never going back to a Keurig or French press.” The dripper is also plastic- and paper-free thanks to its mesh stainless steel filter, plus it’s great for camping — it just requires boiling water and coffee grounds.

  • Available sizes: 3
  • Available styles: 2

This rechargeable LED ring light that fits most devices

This rechargeable ring light fits most devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop monitors. It also offers 10 temperature and brightness settings. As a result, it’s a simple, cordless way to illuminate your face and your environment for video chatting, streaming, selfies, and Zoom calls.

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