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Amanda Pellegrino

60 insanely clever things under $25 that are so strange

Amazon

There are some products on Amazon that are so strange and unconventional that they veer into totally-brilliant, can’t-live-without-it territory, making you want to add them to your cart instantly. There are funky spins on ordinary objects like storage containers, soap holders, and decor to brighten up your day. There are reinvented ways to do everyday things. And there are brilliant travel hacks that let you have all your essential comforts everywhere. Best of all? These strange, clever finds are all under $25.

A refrigerator deodorizer shaped like a mushroom

All you have to do is add baking soda into the base of this mushroom-shaped deodorizer and put it in the back of the refrigerator to absorb odors and eliminate them. It’s the kind of set and forget kitchen tool that packs a big punch — I mean, your fridge won’t smell like fish, onions, or yesterday’s dinner anymore — but is so cheap, easy, and cute.

Microfiber blind dusters that make cleaning go so much faster

These blind dusters are an ingenious way to cut down the time it takes to clean your windows. Each duster has a long handle with three slim and narrow prongs covered in microfiber sleeves. Stick each prong between the blinds and slide them down the length of the window to clean the top and bottom of each simultaneously. Then, the sleeves can be removed and washed.

A ballpoint pen with magnetic pieces that double as a fidget toy

This pen comes with magnetic balls and straight pieces that can be used to create a ton of different shapes and characters. It’s great for not only writing — it is a functional ballpoint pen after all — but also as a fidget toy which can help relieve stress, ease tension, and improve concentration.

A portable bidet that works with just a squeeze

The brilliance in this portable bidet is that it doesn’t require any batteries or electricity — all you have to do is add water, position it where you want it, and squeeze. It has a targeted top for high-pressure water that flows out to gently clean like a high-priced version, but this is a discreet bidet you can take with you anywhere.

A curved massage cane with 3 tips to target hard-to-reach muscles

This massage tool features a unique cane-shaped design with an extra firm drip tip and a double massage ball bottom design that helps target precise and hard-to-reach pressure points around your back, neck, and shoulders, and spine. Whether you’re an athlete or sit at a desk all day, it’s a great way to provide an easy and effective massage.

Best-selling toilet bolt caps that elevate your space without any tools

These toilet bolt caps don’t require any kind of installation to instantly elevate your space by covering up the unsightly — and, sometimes rusty and grimy — bolts at the base of your toilet bowl. Made of durable ceramic in the shape of aesthetic fish, they simply sit on top of the bolts, hiding them and making them look way cuter.

A furry yet breathable cover for your car’s center console

This furry cover straps onto your car’s center console to not only spice up your interior but also give you a soft and plush place to rest your arm while you’re driving. It’s made from wool that’s sweat-wicking, warm yet breathable, and super expensive looking. And it’s so easy to install, your car will look refreshed in minutes.

A squishy chicken lamp with 3 brightness levels

This night-light is made of BPA-free, food grade, water-resistant silicone that’s soft and squishy. It can be controlled via remote or by tapping the chicken’s big, round tummy. It has three brightness settings and a 30-minute auto-shutoff feature. It charges via USB and has a battery life of over a week on a single charge, so you can put this quirky piece anywhere.

A portable can chiller that works in 60 seconds flat

Simply add ice and a 12-ounce can into this beverage chiller and it can take your drink from room temperature to ice cold in just 60 seconds. It uses a manual pump to spin the can around in the ice without causing any fizz, foam, or explosion when you open it up. It’s great if you’re spending time on the beach or tailgating to keep your drinks cold.

Shaggy & absorbent hand towels shaped like hedgehog balls

These hedgehog-shaped hand towels are made of a plush chenille fabric with a shaggy design that works great to get between your fingers and into the creases of your hands to dry them quickly. They’re wildly absorbent, and they come with a built-in hook so you can hang them near your kitchen or bathroom sink.

A neck pillow attached to an extra-large hood

This travel pillow is great because it not only has a classic neck support design that’s a must-have if you’re trying to fall asleep sitting up, but it also has an extra large hood that covers your eyes, providing extra shade and privacy all while encouraging relaxing. It has a drawstring closure that adjusts the fit to your needs, and the pillow is made of cushioned memory foam that’s super comfortable.

Self-heating steaming eye masks with a soothing scent

These self-heating eye masks automatically release clean, soothing mist the moment they’re opened which can help relieve dry eyes, fatigue, irritation, dark circles, and more. They work for 40 to 60 minutes and are infused with lavender essential oil to add even more relaxing properties. (If lavender isn’t your thing, these masks also come in camomile, jasmine, unscented, and more varities.)

Quick-drying microfiber hair towels with an elastic band to secure them

These towels are made with gentle and absorbent microfiber that dries hair quickly without pulling, damaging, or causing frizz for your luscious locks. Each one is designed specifically to wrap around your hair, and they even have an elastic band in the back to help keep them in place while you’re putting on your makeup or getting ready.

An nonstick frying pan with a clever 4 compartment design

This four-cup pan is perfect for making fast-food worthy egg sandwiches from the comfort of your own home, though reviewers note it’s also great for meat patties and pancakes — think of it as an all-in-one breakfast station. It has a nonstick coating to evenly cook your food and keep it from getting stuck in the cups.

Mini glitter highlighters with a rectangular shape

Spice up your notes or books by spotlighting important things with these glitter highlighters. They have a chisel tip that can create a broad line for highlighting or a narrow line to underline, and they dry quickly to prevent smudging. They come in eight pastel colors that are infused with metallic glitter for luminous and fun colors.

A geometric elephant cutlery holder that self-drains

While you’re doing dishes, put all your newly-cleaned cutlery into this elephant-shaped drying rack, and it automatically drains any excess water directly into the sink to help dry your utensils while you’re working. It takes up very little space on the counter and is so versatile — it can even be used for your toothbrushes in the bathroom.

A Millennium Falcon-shaped multitool with 8 functions

Everyone should have a multitool at their disposal, and this one was absolutely made for Star Wars fans. Slim, compact, and easy to keep in your purse or back pocket, this multitool has eight different features including a wire cutter, bottle opener, and a screwdriver. It even comes with a carabiner to attach it to a bag or belt loop.

Quirky wooden tongs with long handles to remove toast from a toaster

These wooden tongs have an extra long and slim design that slip into the toaster to remove bread and bagels while protecting your fingers and hands from burning. They have a comfortable nonslip grip, and the tongs are made of heat-resistant beech wood. Plus, they look like a cute bunny to add a fun touch to your everyday cooking tasks.

A gel ice pack specially designed for your neck

This ice pack is like a personal air conditioner you can take with you anywhere you go. It has a C-shaped design that can be cooled in ice water or in the freezer to create a cooling ice pack specifically designed to conform to the contours of your neck. It stays cool for up to 60 minutes and is gentle on your skin.

A hanger to store all your belts & save a ton of space

This hanger features eight prongs that can hold up to 24 belts, saving you a ton of space in your dresser. It’s made of thick metal to remain stable and sturdy, preventing your accessories from falling off if the hanger is tipped to one side. It takes up very little space in your closet, and it rotates 360 degrees for easy access.

Small webcam cover slides with cute cats on them

These itty bitty slides mount above the built-in camera on your computer, phone, or tablet so it’s only available when you want to use it. They feature a sliding cat — how adorable — that can move on top of the camera when you’re not using it, or away from the camera during your next Zoom call. They’re ultra thin and allow the laptop to close completely.

Stainless steel spoons shaped like shovels

These dessert spoons are shaped like square and rounded shovels so you can literally shovel ice cream or yogurt into your mouth — see what I did there? They’re made of food-grade stainless steel with smooth edges and an ergonomic handle. They have a mirror polished design that matches other stainless steel dishware.

A ceramic soap dish that self-drains from the duck’s beak

What makes this ceramic soap dish brilliant is that it features holes in the bottom and a slightly angled design that allows any excess soap and water to fall off the bar of soap and self-drain out of the duck’s beak directly into your sink. It’s designed like an adorable duck and has rubber feet that won’t scratch or damage your surfaces.

A rechargeable filament lamp with 3 light settings

With a stunning, sleek design, this filament lamp is portable and rechargeable so you can have mood-setting lighting wherever you are. It has three modes — constant low light, bright illumination, and a slow breathing effect for added calm. It charges via USB and is easily portable, making it equally great for your home or camping.

A set of pens that double as essential oil diffusers

Why use an ordinary pen when you can use one that’s also an essential oil diffuser to really set the mood while you write? You just use the adjustable tabs to find the perfect level of aroma to create a sensory writing experience that can inspire, boost concentration, and make you feel more motivated. Each pack comes with two pens with ink refills, and the diffusers come in a variety of scents including citrus grove, crisp mountain air, and spice rush.

Aesthetic cloud-shaped rests to support your wrists while you type & scroll

Position these cloud-shape rests beside your computer’s keyboard, and they help elevate your hands and give you more ergonomic access to your keyboard while you’re typing and your mouse while your scrolling. The set is made of high-density memory foam and comes with a large keyboard wrest, a small mouse wrest, and a matching coaster for an aesthetically pleasing workspace.

Wooden coat hooks with adorable mushroom accents

For a cozy, cottagecore vibe in your entryway, check out these mushroom-shaped coat hooks. They’re made of premium solid wood and feature different colored tops that are eccentric and also can be a great tool for organizing. The round wooden base can be screwed into the wall or held with double-sided tape, and each piece can hold up to 50 pounds.

A set of wall-mounted remote holders with a 6.5-foot retractable cable

Say goodbye to losing your remote in the couch cushions or under a chair when you have these retractable cables. All you have to do is use adhesive pads to mount the base to your side table, coffee table, or wall, and attach the end of the cable to your remote. You can pull the steel cable out 6.5 feet for full range of motion while always having a specific spot for your remote to land.

Cylinder tissue boxes that fit into you car’s cupholder

These soft and gentle tissues come in cylinder boxes that fit into your car’s cupholder. They’re an insanely clever way to give you access to tissues while you’re driving. Each cylinder has 50 tissues in it, and they come in cute colors and patterns to spice up your car’s decor at the same time.

Dishwashing gloves with bristles built right into the hands

What’s brilliant about this dishwashing gloves is that they have bristles all over the palm and fingers so they also double as scrubbing sponges. They’re made of BPA-free and flexible silicone with high and dense bristles that will scrub without scraping or damaging your plates and pots. Plus, they dry quickly and they have hooks for hanging.

An adjustable mug warmer that doubles as a phone holder

This mug warmer has three temperature settings — 113, 131, and 158 degrees — to keep your drink nice and hot while you slowly nurse it in the mornings. It turns off automatically after eight hours and works on almost all flat-bottomed mugs. It has a nonslip, cat-shaped silicone shell with little paws that double as a phone holder.

Motion-activated strip lights that can be cut to size

These motion-activated strip lights can be cut to whatever size you need and automatically turn on when they detects movement up to 11 feet away. They’re great for under your kitchen cabinets, around your bathroom, or beneath your bed. They have an auto-timer function that can be adjusted from 30 seconds to six minutes.

Highly rated Scrub Daddy sponges that won’t scratch your surfaces

From fan-favorite brand Scrub Daddy, these sponges are made with clever FlexTexture technology, which means they’re soft and flexible under warm water and firm and scrub-ready under cold water. Each sponge is tough on caked-on stains withouth scraping or damaging your pots, pans, and surfaces. Plus the shape is super functional — spoons can be cleaned with the mouth and you can use the eye holes to hold the sponge inside a glass.

Helmet-shaped toothbrush covers that vent while keeping germs away

Don’t forget to put a helmet on your toothbrush. These cleverly shaped covers sit on top of the bristles and feature a venting hole that allows the brush to dry while keeping the head safe from germs, sprays, and other nonsense you don’t want to put in your mouth. The face shield opens and closes to put your toothbrush in, so it really feels like a motorcycle helmet.

A projector lamp that replicates a sunset in 100s of customizable colors

This projector lamp uses the three primary colors of natural light to replicate a realistic sunset in the comfort of your own home to set the vibe for your evening. It also connects to an app which has hundreds of vibrant colors to choose from and customize your sunset experience. You can even schedule the lamp to turn on during the day’s actual sunset.

Stainless steel hat racks with with bestseller status

What separates these hat racks from others on the market is that they can be installed vertically or horizontally to hold a stack of your favorite 10 to 15 baseball caps. They can be mounted with screws or adhesive tape and you can install it anywhere — on the wall in your entryway, on the inside of your closet door, etc.

An easy-to-use sewing gun with needles & fasteners

If you need to hem jeans, adjust spaghetti straps, repair a broken seam, or tailor a button down in a pinch, check out this sewing gun. It has a fine needle that’s gentle on your clothes and won’t damage them, and it comes with black and white fasteners that allow you to fix clothes quickly and on-the-spot. One reviewer wrote, “Easy to use, works on any material, and will last! I used this for halter dress to take up straps and it worked and stayed! I have taken up the waist of pants and skirts in a few minutes and worked perfect! I recommend try it!!”

An LED bulb that lets off a soothing green light

This light bulb lets off a soft green light that’s specially designed to replicate sunlight as it passes through a forest’s canopy of trees. Known as forest bathing, the brand claims this green light can help ease stress and encourage relaxation, making it great for spaces around the home where you like to rest and chill out.

A bear-shaped trivet made of heat-resistant silicone

This trivet looks like a bear rug, but it’s made of heat-resistant silicone to protect your surfaces from heat stains and water damage. It’s flexible and squishy, which makes it easy to store. It has a nonslip, textured top to keep your bowls secure.

A waterproof dog blanket that’s so soft & plush

This waterproof pet blanket was designed with you and your dog in mind. It’s made of a super plush and soft fleece, so your furry friend will love it. And it also has a waterproof inner lining that protects your sofa, bed, chairs, rugs, and car seats from any accidents, so you’ll love it, too. It comes in a seven different sizes and over a dozen colors to suit your needs and styles.

An ultra lightweight page magnifier with 3 lighting modes

This ultra lightweight magnifier has a 4.5-by-7-inch lens that can magnify an entire page of your next read, your tablet, or your favorite restaurant’s menu up to 500%. It has a built-in light with three color temperatures to help reduce eye strain depending on your reading conditions. It weighs just 4 ounces and is really easy to maneuver and travel with.

A stainless steel drying rack for up to 36 pieces

Hang dry your socks, panties, towels, or cloth baby diapers with this stainless steel rack so you can keep these small items from getting mysteriously lost in the dryer. It features 36 clips to hang up to three dozen individual pieces. Each clamp rotates 360 degrees, and the hanging hook has a metal closure that keeps it extra secure.

Highly rated LED night-lights with 8+ color options

These LED night-lights plug into the wall and feature three lighting modes: color changing through the eight available colors, stagnant color on whichever hue you choose, and soft white for a traditional relaxing vibe. Each light has an automatic dusk-to-dawn sensor to turn on and off exactly when you need it. And the sleek, compact style looks amazing without covering up your other outlet.

An adjustable stainless steel rolling pin with measurement markings on it

This stainless steel rolling pin isn’t just sleek and nonstick, it’s also extremely clever and can help you get evenly rolled dough. It comes with four thickness rings from 1/16 to 3/8 inches thick, and the base of the rolling pin has measurement marks on it so you don’t have to guess what a 10-inch pie shell looks like.

A skull-shaped stand to hold your glasses & other entryway essentials

Put this best-selling skull on your nightstand or entryway shelf to store your glasses for a funky but functional display. The skull wears your glasses on its nose like you would and even comes with an attached tray that’s great for your coins, keys, jewelry, phone, and more.

A flexible power strip with 2 USB ports & 3 outlets

This power strip is insanely clever because each individual outlet is on hinges allowing you to adjust the shape and angle of the strip depending on your needs. It has three traditional AC outlets and two USB ports to charge multiple devices at once. And it has a ton of safety features like heat resistance and surge protection.

A weeding tool specifically designed for cement cracks

This weeding tool is made of strong polished steel in an L-shape that that allows you to cut and pull weeds from all different angles. The narrow and slim design is great for removing weeds from gaps between paving, on the sidewalk, or on brick walls. It has an ergonomic handle that’s easy to maneuver.

UV-blocking window film that helps maintain your home’s temperature

This window film is such an inexpensive option if you’re looking to add more privacy to your home without blocking any natural sunlight. It has a mirrored finish that reflects light outside so no one can see in during the day. It also protects against UVA and UVB rays and can even help with temperature control inside your home.

A crochet air freshener that hangs from your rearview mirror

This air freshener has a crochet design that hangs from your rearview mirror with a matching rope that has an adjustable length. Inside, there is a 12-milliliter glass bottle in which can add your favorite essential oils. It has a wooden cap with a hole for the diffuser stick that evenly distributes scents throughout your entire car to keep things fresh.

A sturdy foot rest that attaches directly to the shower wall

This foot rest uses strong, extra-large suction cups to attach directly to the tile, glass, or metal wall in your tub or shower, giving you an optimal place to put your foot while you’re shaving or exfoliating. It can hold up to 300 pounds. Best of all, it can be installed without any additional tools in just about five seconds.

A 3-in-1 cleaning tool specifically designed for your earbuds

This cleaning tool features a metal tip pen, a high-density brush, and a flocking sponge to get into all the nooks and crannies of your earbuds and their container. The sponge is great for the charging case, the brush is great for the outer shell of the earphone, and the pen is great for the stubborn dust stuck in the mesh sound output area.

A microfiber towel that’s super absorbent & travel-friendly

Great for backpackers, beach-goers, and campers alike, this towel is made of plush microfiber that’s absorbent, quick-drying, and easy to travel with. It neatly folds into the compact carrying case that can be attached with a carabiner to your bag or stored inside. It comes in multiple sizes and colors depending on your needs.

Heart-shaped pimple patches that calm & soothe skin

These pimple patches are packed with hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil and can be placed directly on top of a developing pimple to penetrate pores, absorb impurities, and reduce redness and growth. They can be worn overnight for best effects but their heart shape also makes them cute enough to wear all day long.

A wireless light that corks into a wine or liquor bottle

Turn your favorite wine or liquor bottle into a full-on lamp with this wireless light. It’s composed of a shade, light, and cork-like bottom that sticks directly into the stem of your bottles. It has a touch-control top with an adjustable brightness and three color temperatures. It’s rechargeable via USB and has up to 48 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Flowery air fresheners that clip to your car’s vent

These pretty flower clips clip right onto your car’s air vent to add a little personality to your drive. Better yet, you can add fragrance slices to the flowers’ backs to make your car smell so fresh and clean (even if it isn’t). Available in four colors, each piece is made of alloy that’s rust- and shock-resistant so they stay firmly in place while you’re on the road.

A sponge holder shaped like a cute clawing cat

This adorable black cat will work so hard to keep your sponge elevated and self-draining in your sink. It has a suction cup bottom that mounts to the side of your sink or your tile backsplash and grippy paws that keep your sponge secure and elevated so it can self-drain and dry quickly to avoid mold and odors.

Bag hanging hooks to properly store purses

These hooks are specifically designed to hang bags inside your closet, saving space and keeping your purse collection clean and tidy. They have an extra-thick bottom that’s wide enough to hold your purse’s straps and a rack hook that’s slightly angled to keep your bag from falling off. They can each hold up to 30 pounds, and they help keep your bags organized and mess-free.

Dog-shaped door stoppers that are beyond adorable

Available in multiple dog breeds, this door stopper is positively adorable. Made of plastic, it looks like the dog is sprawled out on the floor, holding the door open for you. It has big eyes, a heart-shaped nose, and even boasts a rotating head so you can adjust it to the best angle for the door. It has a rubber bottom that protects your wood and tile floors from scratches.

A travel steamer that heats up in 10 seconds

It’s shocking that a travel steamer this convenient is under $25. It has a 150-milliliter water tank and can heat up in just 10 seconds to start ironing out your clothes. It has three steam levels depending on the type of clothes you’re working with and a digital display so you know what setting you’re on and when it’s time to refill the tank.

A dish brush that looks like a doll

This dish brush has a cute floral dress, red lipstick, pink cheeks, and hair made of dense and durable nylon bristles that can help scrub your dishes until they’re squeaky clean. The brush has a long ergonomic handle that’s easy to hold and can be placed back inside the dress to store it upright and in a way that helps it dry easily.

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