Sometimes the best purchases are the ones you least expect. Weird little items that are also clever — like a travel pillow that secures to the headrest — can wind up being surprisingly useful. The only catch is sussing out what of the myriad weird-yet-clever things on Amazon is worth the buy. Luckily, I’ve done the legwork and compiled a collection of oddities that are rocketing up the charts and gaining hundreds, often thousands, of positive reviews. Rest assured, these quirky finds will serve you well.
These collapsible hiking poles made from lightweight aluminum
TrailBuddy Collapsible Trekking Poles
Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, these hiking poles are a clever way to help you keep your balance when trekking over rugged terrain. You can adjust their length from 24 out to 54 inches, making them easy to use regardless of how tall you are — and the collapsible design even helps you save space inside your bag.
A space-saving holder for up to 10 tumbler lids
ELYPRO Tumbler Lid Organizer
Loose tumbler lids can take up a ton of space inside your cabinets, making this organizer a smart investment. It keeps your lids in a vertical stack to help save space — and you can easily fit up to 10 lids on it depending on their size.
A silicone tray that makes extra-large cubes for tumbler cups
Ukulork Tumbler Ice Cube Tray
If you want the ice in your tumbler to last even longer than it already does, consider taking a look at this ice cube tray. It freezes water into large chunks of ice that melt more slowly than regular cubes — and three different sized molds make it suitable for use with tumblers that are 20, 30, and 40 ounces in size. Plus, the flexible silicone frame makes it easy to pop the ice out once frozen.
A multi-level organizer that can triple your drawer spaace
Ontel Multi-Level Drawer Organizer
Got a messy drawer that could use some tidying? Then this organizer is worth a look. It lifts up to reveal three levels of storage space, making it great for office supplies, makeup, jewelry, and more. The dividers inside each level can also be adjusted however you like — and many reviewers appreciated how it adheres to the inside of your drawer for added stability.
The compact food processor with a 3-cup capacity
Hamilton Beach Mini Food Processor
If you don’t have space for a full-sized food processor in your kitchen , it’s not a problem — just grab this compact one instead. Despite its small size, it can still chop up to 3 cups’ worth of ingredients at a time. Press the lid to turn it on and off, and the stainless steel blades will easily power through everything from ice to avocado.
This travel pillow that keeps you held upright
SARISUN Travel Pillow
Unlike the travel pillow you’ve likely been using, this one attaches to the headrest on your seat, keeping you held upright so that it’s easy to drift off to sleep. The built-in eye mask is made from soft, breathable fabric that won’t leave your face sweating.
These biodegradable wet wipes that you can bury when camping
Surviveware Biodegradable Wet Wipes
Don’t leave for that camping trip until you’ve packed these wet wipes. They’re 100% biodegradable, which means you can bury them in the woods without having to worry about them affecting nature in an adverse way. Each wipe is also alcohol-free, pH-balanced, as well as fortified with hydrating aloe.
This stainless steel tongue scraper that helps freshen breath
Boka Tongue Scraper for Adults & Kids with Case
When no amount of brushing seems to help freshen your breath, it may be time to bust out this tongue scraper. It’s made from smooth, rustproof stainless steel that gently glides across your tongue, scraping away all the crud that’s built up. Each order also includes a linen pouch to keep it clean in storage.
The hydrocolloid patches that help flatten unwanted blemishes
ZitSticka Killa Kit | Self-Dissolving Microdart Acne Pimple Patch for Zits and Blemishes | Spot Targeting for blind, early-stage, hard-to-reach zits for Face and Skin (8 Pack)
If you like to nip pimples in the bud, it’s prudent to keep acne patches like these ones on hand. Each one is dressed with a blend of hyaluronic and salicylic acid, niacinamide, and oligopeptide-76, all of which work together to help flatten blemishes. Plus, the formula is vegan as well as cruelty-free.
An adjustable planter that hangs on railings
Apollo Exports International Railing Planter
I’m a huge fan when it comes to this planter, and not just because I’m currently using it to grow basil on my condo balcony. It’s designed to fit onto railings made from iron, composite, wood, as well as chain links. There’s also a stabilizer arm on the bottom that keeps it from wobbling around — and a small reservoir built into the base helps keep your plants hydrated so that you don’t have to water them as often.
The silicone holders that stop popsicles from dripping down your hands
AODISTUCE Popsicle Holders
Taking too long to eat a popsicle will likely end with it dripping down your hand — but that’s only part of the reason why I’m a fan of these holders. Not only do they help cut down on mess, but each one also features a built-in straw that lets you drink any popsicle juice that’s melted into the base.
A Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a wireless smartphone charger
COLSUR Bluetooth Speaker With Wireless Charger
Not only is this Bluetooth speaker great for jamming out to your favorite tunes, but it also features a wireless charger that powers up your phone as it streams music. It’s compatible with any Qi-enabled smartphone. And with five colors to choose from (yellow, black, blue, gray, or light pink), you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your style.
These refillable applicators that you can use with lotion, sunscreen, & more
ddies Refillable Sponge Applicator (2-Pack)
Whether you’re applying lotion, sunscreen, or any other messy cream, using these applicators to do it is a clever way to keep your hands clean. The roller ball on the base gently glides across skin — and you can refill and reuse them as many times as you like. Plus, their small size takes up hardly any space in your suitcase when traveling.
The sunrise alarm clock that looks oh-so-stylish
Vivilumens Sunrise Alarm Clock
Waking up to a blaring alarm is no way to start your morning. Instead, allow this sunrise alarm clock to gently wake you up. It wakes you up naturally by gradually growing brighter and brighter — just like a real sunrise. And in the event you don’t wake up, there’s a backup alarm to make sure you’re up on time.
A garden hose splitter to double your efficiency
INNAV8 2-Way Garden Hose Splitter
Twist this splitter into your outdoor spigot, and you’ll be able to connect two hoses to it at the same time. It’s made from solid brass, has a universal fit, and features a rubber gasket on all three ends to help prevent leaks. Plus, there are also on/off valves so that you can control the water flow to both connections.
These flip lids that help you use all the product in the bottle
Flip-It! Bottle Emptying Kit
Don’t throw out that condiment bottle until you’ve used these lids to help you squirt out the last of what’s inside. They let you balance bottles upside down so that every last bit of product drips towards the spout, making it easy to squirt out. Their universal design makes them suitable for use with nearly any bottle.
A jar of mushroom complex powder that can help boost energy & focus
FreshCap Ultimate Mushroom Complex Powder
Mix some of this mushroom complex powder into your coffee, smoothies, or even coffee, and it can help boost your immune system, energy, as well as your ability to focus. It’s packed with six well-researched mushroom species including lion’s mane, turkey tail, chaga, and more. Also, many reviewers noted how it barely affects the flavor of whatever they’re drinking.
This spinner plate that keeps your snacks from touching each other
GoBe Kids Snack Spinner
Fruits, eggs, muffins — this spinner plate is great for all sorts of snacks. It’s divided into four compartments, so there’s no need to worry about your snacks commingling if you prefer to keep them separated. When you want it to spin around, simply press the button in the center to have it start rotating. It’s dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
This electric citrus juicer that does all the work for you
Elite Gourmet Electric Juicer
There’s no need for any harsh squeezing when you have this citrus juicer. Simply press your orange, lemon, grapefruit, or any other citrus fruit down on the reamer, and it’ll begin to spin so that all the fresh juice gets extracted into the base. “Easy to clean, nice looking and squeezes fruit with ease,” wrote one reviewer.
These miniature rubber spatulas that help you get every last drop out of bottles
S&T INC. Beauty Spatulas (2 Pack)
For everything from ketchup to lotion, these miniature rubber spatulas are great for scraping every last drop out of all sorts of bottles. The long handles make it easy to reach deep into tall bottles, while the flexible heads contour to curved walls so that you don’t miss anything. “These work very well and it is nice to have two sizes for different containers,” wrote one reviewer.
This stainless steel scraper that won’t shed bristles into your grill
Cave Tools Grill Scraper Tool
Using a brush to clean your grill can leave it filled with loose bristles. Instead, use this scraper. It’s made from tough stainless steel that won’t rust over time, and the head features five different notches so that it’s suitable for use on nearly any grill. The opposite end of the handle also features a bottle opener.
A sleek set of knives made from sharp stainless steel
RETROSOHOO Kitchen Knives (6-Piece Set)
This stylish set of knives is sure to look good sitting out on your countertop. Not only is each knife made from rust-resistant stainless steel, but the blades also feature a unique star texture that helps keep ingredients from sticking to them. Choose from two colors: khaki or black.
The microwaveable caddy that helps protect your hands from burns
Handy Gourmet Microwave Cool Caddy
Using your bare hands to take hot items out of the microwave is an easy way to wind up with burns. Instead, place this caddy underneath your plates and bowls before putting them in the microwave. The stay-cool handles won’t heat up, giving you somewhere safe to grab once your food has finished cooking.
This highlighter tape that lets you color-code notes & books
Mr. Pen Highlighter Tape (12 Rolls)
If the idea of using a highlighter marker inside your book makes your stomach turn, consider opting for this tape instead. It’s transparent enough that you’ll be able to see the text underneath — and unlike regular tape, you can easily peel it off without ripping the paper.
An airplane foot rest that can help prevent soreness
Everlasting Comfort Airplane Foot Rest
Pop your feet onto this foot rest when flying, and it can help keep your legs from growing sore when stuck sitting for hours at a time. Setup is as easy as hooking it underneath the chair in front of you. Plus, the straps can be adjusted so that your feet sit as high or low as you like.
A space-saving hanger that can hold up to 10 pairs of leggings
Volnamal Leggings Hanger
For that shelf in your closet that’s overflowing with leggings, try opening up space by transferring them onto this hanger. There are enough clips for it to hold up to 10 pairs of leggings — and since the clips are capped with grippy rubber, there’s no need to worry about your leggings sliding out.
This insulated Iron Flask bottle that features 2 detachable dog bowls
IRON °FLASK Portable Dog Water Bottle & Bowl
Packing extra water bowls for your dog when going out on a hike can take up a ton of space inside your bag — but that’s where this reusable bottle comes in handy. Not only does it feature two detachable bowls on its base, but the bottle itself is also insulated to help keep your water cold for up to 24 hours. “The two bowls attached to the bottom are great for a mid walk drink,” wrote one reviewer. “It’s easy to clean and keeps the water cool.”
The gardening tool set with everything you need
SEEDR GARDEN WORKS Outdoor Garden Tool Set (7 Pieces)
Buying individual gardening tools will likely wind up being way more expensive than grabbing this set. The seven-piece set comes with everything you’ll need to dig, weed, and grow your garden — including trowels, a weeder, shears, and garden gloves, as well as a handy tote bag for storage. Plus, each tool is resistant to rust.
This soft wedge pillow that fills the gap between your mattress & headboard
Vekkia Wedge Pillow Gap Filler
If you’re tired of losing items in the gap between your mattress and headboard, then this wedge pillow is worth a look. Its triangular shape allows it to fit neatly against your headboard, while a pocket on both ends gives you somewhere to stash small items. Choose from three colors: white, gray, or navy gray.
The ice cream scoop that’s perfect for making ice cream sandwiches
Dreamfarm Ice Cream Sandwich Scoop
Not only is this ice cream scoop designed to easily push into all types of ice cream, but the half-cup portion that it scoops is also the perfect size for creating an ice cream sandwich. It’s made from durable stainless steel that won’t rust over time — and a slider button on the side lets you push the ice cream out of it so that your hands stay clean.
A smart cabinet lock that works with the tap of an app
eLinkSmart Smart Cabinet Lock
Keep kids and nosy adults out of your cabinets and drawers with help from this smart lock. Once locked, you can only unlock it using either your smartphone or one of the two included RFID cards — no need to remember any passwords. Plus, installation is as easy as pressing it into place using the included adhesive.
This bed vacuum cleaner with a powerful HEPA filter on the inside
JPHYLL Bed Vacuum Cleaner
Dust, skin flakes, pet hair, pollen — the powerful HEPA filter inside of this bed vacuum cleaner can suck up all sorts of crud from your mattress. It also features a UV-C light that helps eliminate germs, while the extra-wide roller brush makes quick work of mattresses both large and small. “After I started vacuuming my bed and pillows with this I have had such an improvement in quality of sleep,” wrote one reviewer. “I'm not tossing and turning from being itchy from the dog hair anymore [...].”
A drink holder that won’t spill as you walk around
SpillNot Drink Carrier
Place your drink on this holder whenever you’re walking around, and it’ll help prevent it from spilling through the power of inertia. A nonslip coating on the platform works to keep your cup from falling off. The compact size also takes up very little space inside a desk drawer or cabinet — and many reviewers even described it as a “game changer.”
A shiatsu foot & calf massager that can help soothe tired muscles
Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine - Increases Blood Flow Circulation, Deep Kneading, with Heat Therapy- Deep Tissue, Plantar Fasciitis, Diabetics, Neuropathy (with Remote)
Sore, aching feet or calves are no match for this shiatsu massager. The base can be adjusted so that it massages your feet or calves — it all depends on what you’re feeling. And if you prefer a lighter touch you can make it happen, as five different modes give you options on just how intense of a massage you receive.
These cable wraps that you can label to help stay organized
Wrap-It Storage Cinch-Straps (16-Pack)
If you can’t remember what that random cable is for, it’s not an issue when you have these wraps. Each reusable, hook-and-loop wrap features a white tab so that you can label your wires, making it easy to keep track of what they’re used for. Choose from six colors: black, red, orange, yellow, green, or multicolor.
A safety hammer that can help you escape your car during an emergency
Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Car Safety Hammer
This safety hammer is one of those rare items that’s best to have and not need, than need and not have. The spike on the front is made from durable tungsten steel, making it easy to shatter your car’s windshield or windows so that you can escape in the event of an emergency. Plus, the bottom also features a seatbelt cutter — just in case you get stuck.
A giant dog bed that you can fit inside of as well
Cozzze Human Dog Bed
This giant dog bed is great for anyone who wants to snuggle with their pup while also keeping their furniture clean from pet hair. It’s large enough to fit yourself as well as your dog — and the cover easily zips off for easy cleaning when dirty. Plus, the nonslip base helps keep it from shifting out of place on smooth floors.
This clip-on strainer that takes up very little space
Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Strainer
Whereas traditional strainers can take up a ton of cabinet space, this clip-on version is a fraction of their size, making it great for cramped kitchens. The clips fit nearly any pot or pan — and since it’s made from tough silicone, it’s also heat-resistant up to 440 degrees Fahrenheit.
A self-stirring mug made from tough borosilicate glass
FOXNSK Self-Stirring Mug
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate — this mug is great for sipping on all of them and more. An automatic stirring mechanism in the center ensures that your drinks don’t separate while they sit. There’s also no need to worry about it shattering when filled with hot liquids, as its borosilicate glass walls are temperature-resistant. Just supply two of your own AAA batteries and it‘s ready to get to work.
The salt & pepper grinder that you can fill with practically any spice
FinaMill Salt And Pepper Grinder Set
Unlike the salt and pepper grinders you’ve been using, this grinder features two interchangeable pods that you can fill with salt, pepper, coriander, mustard seeds, or nearly any other spice that you can think of. A knob on the bottom of each pod lets you adjust how coarse your spices come out.
A party cup holder that’s made from solid wood
NaiCeay Disposable Cup Holder
Don’t leave those party cups sitting in a stack on your drink table. Instead, place them in this holder. It’s made from solid wood, with extra space where you can place a marker so that people can label their cups. And, conveniently, it works just as well with those ubiquitous red plastic cups as it does with paper coffee cups, plastic shot glasses, and more.
The sturdy folding table made from lightweight aluminum
TrailBuddy Folding Camping Table - Small, Aluminum, Foldable Tables with Carry Bag Included - Lightweight and Portable for Beach, Picnic, Tailgate & Outdoor Use, 28in x 28in x 28in
Throw out that crummy plastic folding table in favor of this aluminum one. It’s great for camping, tailgating, or even just eating meals in your backyard, as the aluminum frame is just as sturdy as it is durable. The best part? At less than 12 pounds in weight, carrying it around is a total breeze.
A paper plate dispenser that helps save cabinet space
Camco Paper Plate Dispenser (2-Pack)
There’s no need to waste precious cabinet space storing paper plates when you have this dispenser. It mounts underneath your cabinets, keeping your paper plates easily within reach in one convenient location. Plus, installation is as easy as screwing it into place using the included screws.
The portable charger that powers your Apple watch wirelessly
LISEN Portable Charger for Apple Watch
Not only is this charger small enough to fit inside your pocket, but it can also wirelessly power up an Apple watch one time or more depending on the version you own. And if you don’t have an Apple watch, each order also includes an adapter so that you can still use it to power up any type-C device.
This cushioned handle that helps you carry heavy grocery bags
Click & Carry Grocery Bag Carrier
I’m a huge fan when it comes to this handle — and not just because it makes it so much easier to carry all my groceries inside in a single trip. It distributes the weight of heavy grocery bags across its entire frame so that you can carry multiple bags at the same time. The cushioning makes it comfortable to hold, and the sturdy plastic frame can support up to 100 pounds.
The Oscar Mayer toaster oven that’s made for hot dogs & buns
Nostalgia Oscar Mayer Hot Dog Toaster Oven
Anyone who loves a good hot dog can appreciate this Oscar Mayer toaster oven. The top level features five heated rollers that gently cooks your hot dogs, while the bottom oven compartment gets your buns deliciously toasted. Plus, its small size makes it easy to take with you when glamping.
A storage mat that makes cleaning up after playtime a total breeze
Creative QT Toy Storage Mat
Legos, dolls, arts and crafts supplies — this mat makes it easier than ever to clean up whatever your kids are playing with. Once playtime is over, simply fold up the mat into its attached bin along with all the toys that are on top of it. There’s enough space inside for up to 9 pounds’ worth of toys.
These ceramic salad bowls that nest inside each other to form a gorgeous lotus flower
Notakia Lotus Salad Bowls
These salad bowls are a functional and fashionable addition to any kitchen. Once nested inside of each other, they form a gorgeous lotus flower that looks good sitting out on your table or counters — and each one is even made from sleek ceramic. Choose from three colors: purple, orange, or green.
This TubShroom that helps keep your drain clog-free
TubShroom Drain Protector
A visit from the plumber can set you back hundreds of dollars, whereas this TubShroom is currently available for less than $15. Its tower-shaped design allows water to flow through even if it’s clogged with hair — and cleaning it out is as easy as giving the base a quick swipe with your finger.
A tabletop fire pit that comes with 2 roasting sticks
Houswise Tabletop Fire Pit
If you don’t have enough outdoor space for a full-size fire pit, this tabletop version gives you fiery fun in a compact package. Not only is it suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use, but each order also includes two roasting forks that you can use to make s’mores, hot dogs, and more.
