Jun 09, 2024
50 Strange Things Skyrocketing in Popularity on Amazon That Are So Damn Clever
Useful products for your home, car, & beyond — but make it weird. Amazon is a great place to pick up the basics, but it’s even better when you’re looking for something too unusual to be sitting on a
Useful products for your home, car, & beyond — but make it weird.
Amazon is a great place to pick up the basics, but it’s even better when you’re looking for something too unusual to be sitting on a store shelf — like a portable sauce tray, cactus-shaped plunger, or shower cup holder. This list has 50 things that are skyrocketing in popularity thanks to their high ratings, impressive quality, and affordability. These clever niche products are selling quickly on Amazon, so you’ll want to grab them before they sell out.
This reusable swab can take the place of 1,000 disposable cotton swabs. It has a soft tip that is gentle on the skin (and simply cleaned with water and soap), and it comes in a protective case made from corn-based plastic.
Whether you’re working with frozen or fresh vegetables, this BPA-free mini steamer can cook them to perfection right in your microwave. It has a built-in colander for quick draining and has a non-stick surface for easy washing — it’s dishwasher safe, too.
You no longer have to sacrifice using your favorite tumbler on the go thanks to this adjustable car cup holder. A simple twist can extend the diameter so that large mugs and tumblers can all fit securely. One fan raved, “I absolutely love the fact that it has two places to place the screw so that it adjusts out or can sit directly above your cup holder. I was also really impressed with the quality of the materials, this thing is solid. Even with 40 oz of water in it it is not tippy.”
With this burger press, you’ll be able to mold out 1/3 or 1/4 pound patties in an instant. Use the indicator lines to fill up the right amount and simply push. The tool even comes with 200 square pieces of parchment paper so you can stack and freeze patties for future use.
Whether you want to get your sports gear off the floor or want to get a hose or long cord organized, this storage strap can help store heavy items on your walls. This pack comes with two 28-inch straps that can each hold 50 pounds and are made of nylon that can be used indoors and out.
This slush maker can create milkshakes, slushies, and frozen cocktails in as little as seven minutes. All you have to do is freeze its inner core, fill with juice, chocolate milk, blended fruit, and more, then stir. It comes with a specially designed spoon to keep things smooth.
To keep all your wrappers and receipts off the floor, make sure this car garbage bag is hung from your seat, console, or door. The exterior is made of waterproof oxford material while the interior has a leakproof lining that can be removed and washed. And if you’d like to use disposable liners for added protection, use the side hooks to keep them in place.
Organize any cord with these cable organizers by wrapping the silicone body around as many times as needed. The two ends are magnetic to stick both to each other and onto your fridge or appliances for easy access. They come in a pack of five and are extremely lightweight.
This foot massager is made of genuine wood and has five rows of two different kinds of nubs and grooves. By improving blood circulation, the tool can help relieve discomfort like plantar fasciitis and sore arches. And since the bottom is covered in non-slip strips, it will stay in place as you use it.
The 1-inch stainless steel blade on this butter knife is perforated to create curls of even the coldest butter. By breaking it up, it will be easier to spread. “It's a 3-in-1 gadget. Not only does it spread butter, but it can also cut and serve it. Talk about efficiency,” noted one shopper.
With handles that look like cacti, this toilet plunger and brush set will add to the look of your bathroom decor. One reviewer wrote, “It looks great and works great. I've had the need to use the plunger, and it worked perfectly. The scrubber is super scrubby! It looks so cute sitting in my bathroom and matches my new shower curtain!”
Offering over 10 hours of illumination, you’ll always be prepared when wearing one of the LED head lamps that come in this set. Each has a 45-degree angle head that can be adjusted as needed. Use it when biking or walking the dog at night, camping, or working on your car.
This itch relief stick aims to ease the discomfort caused by mosquito bites by heating up to 124 degrees Fahrenheit to offer instant relief from itching and swelling. It can be used 300 times and won’t leave behind any residue. One fan wrote, “I have paid for so many different treatments over the year and the results were underwhelming. This is a game changer.”
Whether you wish you had your drink with you in the shower or need a sturdy place to keep your can while boating, this portable cup holder will do just the trick. It has a strong suction cup that can hold up to 7 pounds and it can even be used to hold your shampoo or conditioner bottle inverted to get the last drops out. It can stay in place for weeks on non-porous surfaces.
To enjoy a warm treat without dealing with sticky fingers or a messy appliance, pop your pastries and sandwiches into these nonstick reusable toaster bags. They’re a near-perfect square and can be washed by hand or in your dishwasher up to 100 times.
Not only will this banana holder save counter space (because it’s hung from your cabinets) but it will also extend the life of your fruit. By promoting airflow, the hammock slows down the ripening process. And because they won’t be piled on top of one another, there will be less bruising as well.
Slip these car coasters in your car cup holders to keep them clean. Made of stone ceramic and equipped with a cork base, they can absorb moisture and be hand washed when needed. They feature a cutout so they can easily be lifted out.
Say goodbye to dropping your sauce or trying to balance it on your knees and hello to this dip clip. Pop it into any car air vent for a secure place to either pop in a disposable sauce cup or fill up the reusable tray with your own from home. The washable container can hold up to five ketchup packets.
Made of breathable cotton, these shoe insoles are handcrafted in Germany to resist odor and even absorb sweat so that you stay as dry and comfortable sock-free in shoes as you would when wearing socks. Their bottom is covered in silicone grips that will keep them from popping out of your loafers, boat shoes, and slip-ons.
Long gone are the days when you had to bang on the side of sauce in order for the lid to pop off thanks to this jar opener that hides underneath your cabinet. It can work with everything from a water bottle cap to a container of pickles. Install it with the included adhesive or screws.
You don’t have to buy new furniture for a more comfortable spot to sit — just add this orthopedic seat cushion to your cart. It’s filled with plush memory foam to relieve pressure and provide support. It has a cooling top layer to make it even more comfy.
Each of the blends in this coffee bean box set has a deep flavor and interesting flavor profile thanks to aging in wine barrels for 45 to 60 days. The beans come from Costa Rica, Rwanda, and Kenya and are each individually crafted by artisan roasters. One shopper wrote, “This coffee was so smooth and amazing tasting that I drink it black.”
Made of durable diamond ripstop polyester, this set of three floating dry bags is surprisingly lightweight. The material won’t rip and keeps out water so that you can take it along when kayaking, hiking, or on a boat. The set includes a 5-, 10-, and 20-liter bag.
When you’re done doing the dishes, put your sponge to bed in this sponge holder. It’s designed to drain thoroughly so that your scrubber dries completely between uses. The tiny pillows are attached to the bed so any sponge, steel wool, or other scrubber can be tucked in with ease.
It’s easy to make Manhattans on the go or at home with this compact cocktail kit. In addition to containing all the necessary ingredients to make six Manhattans (except for alcohol), the kit comes with picks and a muddler spoon so you can serve your guests like a professional. It’s even TSA-friendly for packing in your carry-on luggage. Other cocktails are also available in the listing.
It will be easy to catch bugs with this electric fly swatter. It uses a 4,000-volt grid to instantly eliminate mosquitos, flies, gnats, and more. It can be used up to 10,000 times and recharged by USB. And because there’s a triple-layer safety mesh, your hands will be protected from the zaps.
This cell phone lanyard features silicone straps that can stretch around the corners of any size device. It also has a webbed design on the back that will hold your cash and credit cards in place as you move around hands-free on a hike, at a festival, or any other adventure.
With five spring-loaded slots (that have a non-slip coating) and six hooks, this tool mount can quickly clear your garage floor or broom closet. You can also use it outdoors thanks to its weatherproof design. It’s also available in several colors within the listing.
Each of the reusable dishcloths in this 10-pack replaces 15 rolls of paper towels. They’re made of a cotton and cellulose blend that can absorb up to 20 times its weight. Use wet to wipe down surfaces or dry to scrub stubborn stains.
This 1-gallon water bottle will help you reach your hydration goals thanks to its time and measurement labels. Two lids are included — one of which has a silicone straw and another with a spout opening. Both are equipped with a strap so you can keep it on your wrist or attach it to a bag.
This silicone strainer is half the size of an ordinary one, meaning it takes up half the drawer space, too. It has a hands-free design with strong clamps that can securely attach to pots and pans of any size so you don’t have to transfer your food between different bowls. Plus, the built-in spout makes it easy to drain water without making a mess.
With a non-slip grip and wide handle that’s comfortable to hold, you’ll be able to shred brisket, chicken, pork, and more with these meat claws. They can also be used to grip hard to hold foods like whole watermelons and they’re a great gift for the host who loves to barbecue.
With 70 different poses printed right on this instructional yoga mat, you’ll have extra guidance and inspiration as you go through a session. It’s made with 5-millimeter-thick cushioning that provides a nonslip surface. It’s also super lightweight (2.6 pounds), so it’s not a burden to carry to class.
Keep your bathroom counter drip-free with this set of two soap dishes. Each is made of thick silicone and has a built-in spout so that any excess water immediately drains into the sink. And because they’re also heat resistant to up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, they can be used as utensil rests.
Trade in your plastic wrap and aluminum foil for these silicone lids. They’re a more eco- and wallet-friendly way to keep leftovers fresh. This pack comes with seven different sizes, all of which will create a leakproof and airtight seal. They are crystal clear, allowing you to easily see the contents.
This surprisingly nice-looking thermos has double-wall insulation made of stainless steel that enables it to keep food cold for up to 10 hours and hot for up to seven hours. It also comes with a clever folding stainless steel spoon. The compact container can hold 16 ounces and is available in 17 different colors in the listing.
This waterproof digital meat thermometer will take the guesswork out of grilling — it takes just three seconds to produce an accurate reading on its large backlit screen. It has a handy temperature guide printed on it and a hole at the end so it can be hung for storage.
These taco holders come in a pack of four and have three slots each so that you can serve yourself and guests after completing your homemade creation. They’ll keep them upright when serving and also make it easier to grill or bake them because their stainless steel construction can withstand heat.
Made of food-grade silicone, this utensil rest can be easily cleaned by popping it in the dishwasher. Prop it on the side of any pot or pan and use the crab’s legs to set down your spoon or fork without having it drip on your counter. It can also be used to vent steam by holding up one side of a pot’s lid.
Sushi nights will be even more fun with these light-up chopsticks. They come in 13 different bright colors, including one multicolored option, and are made of a BPA-free plastic that’s easy to clean. And since batteries are included, you can use them with your next meal.
There’s no more waiting hours for your frozen steak, chicken, fish, and veggies to reach room temperature with this meat thawing tray. Its magic comes from its aluminum construction and it also has a nonstick silicone coating for easy cleaning. Defrost large, thick pieces of meat in as few as 30 minutes and smaller, thinner cuts defrost up to five times faster on its large surface.
Made of flexible silicone, this four-pack of oven rack shields are easy to pop onto any rod, including those in a toaster oven to prevent your skin from getting burned when reaching in to take out food. And if their length needs to be adjusted, they’re easy to trim to fit.
Whether you’re wearing leather, vinyl, nylon, or rubber, these shoe cleaner wipes can free them of scuffs and grime. Use the smooth side to gently wipe and the abrasive side to buff out stubborn stains. Each in this pack of 12 comes individually wrapped so you can bring them wherever you go.
Because of its unique shape, this silicone popcorn maker makes sure that no kernel goes unpopped or ends up burnt. It makes up to 15 cups of popcorn at a time to feed a whole crowd. When it’s time to store, collapse it down to just over 2 inches tall so it takes up hardly any space. It’s easy to clean, too: Just pop it in your dishwasher.
Whether you want to get in the zone as you workout or listen to something calming to lull yourself to sleep, this Bluetooth headband will come in handy. It’s made of stretchy spandex and moisture-wicking nylon, and features a built-in microphone for taking calls. Plus, the battery lasts for over 10 hours at a time.
Use this sponge holder to dispense the perfect amount of soap each time without drips. All you have to do is push down on the top tray. The nonslip base keeps it from moving around on your counter and it holds an impressive 13 ounces. It’s available in three colors in the listing and has earned over 12,000 five-star reviews.
In addition to having six designated spaces for toothbrushes and two mouthwash cups, this bathroom organizer also has a drawer and top shelf that can hold up to 11 pounds. It even has an automatic toothpaste dispenser. It’s installed via included adhesive strips that won’t damage your wall or leave behind a residue.
Able to support up to 500 pounds, you can rest assured this back roller is sturdy enough for stretching and yoga work outs. It comes in three sizes in the listing (6, 10, and 13 inches) and is also available in a pack with all three. One reviewer wrote, “After using is for a week, I don't have back pain in the mornings and my sciatica is improving.”
By clamping this egg separator onto the side of any bowl or pan, you’ll have the perfect edge to crack your eggs and easily separate the yolk from the whites. And because you will no longer be cracking on the actual bowl or counter, your counter will be mess-free.
Don’t go on your next adventure without this camping lantern that runs for 50 hours on a single charge. It’s completely waterproof and shatterproof, making it perfect for hikes and overnight camping. It’s also equipped with a USB port so you can use its power to charge your devices. When not in use, collapse it so that it’s easier to travel with.
Veronika Kero