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Jessica Booth

Genius things you'll use again & again that you might not know existed

Amazon

If you’ve ever struggled to complete an annoying task and thought to yourself, “I wish there were something that could make this easier,” well, there probably is. Amazon offers a plethora of clever products that can help with just about any task, making your daily routine more convenient and offering solutions to all sorts of problems you might be facing. I did extensive searching on the site and came up with a list of genius products you’ll get tons of use out of, from kitchen tools for faster meal prep to functional home upgrades that can really transform a room.

A convenient wedge that makes changing bedsheets so much easier

Changing bedsheets can feel like a bit of a workout, between lifting a heavy mattress and trying to maneuver your sheets around it properly. This mattress lifter wedge makes the chore less labor intensive — it props the mattress up so you don’t have to lift it yourself, giving you space to tightly tuck the sheet in with two hands instead of just one.

An adjustable fridge organizer that rolls out for easy access

When organizing and tidying up your fridge, this rollout drawer may be a necessary item. Wheels on the bottom allow you to pull it in and push it out as needed, offering easy access to contents you would otherwise have a tough time reaching. Plus, the adjustable dividers are great for keeping things neat.

A compact water dispenser that is so simple to use

This electric water pump is compatible with almost any 5-gallon jug of water and is so easy to use — a press of a button delivers clean water into a glass or bottle, meaning you never have to lift the heavy jug into a dispenser. The battery lasts up to 40 days per charge, and the pump’s compact size makes it conveniently portable.

A sliding tray that adds space & organization to any drawer

This sliding tray is one of the easiest ways to make almost any drawer feel more organized. It maximizes space inside by sitting on top, meaning you still have storage space underneath. The tray itself comes with adjustable dividers you can move around as needed, allowing you to create little compartments to keep smaller items organized. It slides back and forth so you always have access to everything underneath as well.

The dimmable night-light that’s easily portable

With a compact design and a long, easy-to-carry handle, this table lamp can be easily moved inside and outside. Three color temperatures and dimming from 5% to 100% make the lighting adjustable, so it works as a bright source of light and a comforting night-light. It also has a rechargeable battery that lasts for hours.

An automatic trash can great for small spaces

The standout feature of this battery-operated trash can is easily its touchless lid which has a sensor that automatically opens it up when it detects your hand over it. It also has a narrow design that makes it ideal for smaller spaces, like in a bathroom, but it’s still large enough to be used in a variety of spots in your home. Color options include white, gray, and black.

A compact power bank that charges multiple devices

Small enough to take on the go and powerful enough to deliver a super-fast charge, this power bank is a must-have for travelers and commuters. It features a built-in USB-C cable, a USB-C port, and an AC plug, so it can charge various Apple and Samsung devices. The wrist strap makes it comfortable to use even if you’re holding your phone and charging it at the same time.

A smart plug that tracks how much energy an outlet is using

This handy smart plug lets you keep a close eye on the energy usage in your home. Once plugged into an outlet, it connects to an app on your phone and delivers easy-to-read stats on the energy output and cost visualization that can help you stay on budget for your energy bill. You can also have it cut off power to devices once they’ve charged to a certain level. “Excellent addition to a smart home,” one reviewer writes, adding, “They only take a minute or so to set up and integrate with most smart home systems.”

The clever tool that simplifies veggie prep in the kitchen

Anyone who eats a lot of cauliflower and broccoli will find this prep tool useful. The curved, stainless steel chopper is designed to fit underneath the head of the vegetable, hug the core, and make it easy and fast to pop the florets off — meaning no more messy chopping necessary. It’s efficient and also works well for scraping out pumpkins.

A versatile solar sconce light that brightens up your yard

This solar sconce light is decorative and functional, offering much-needed brightness for your front door, patio, or yard, with a versatile application that makes it easy to place just about anywhere. It charges in the sun throughout the day and automatically turns on at dusk and off in the morning, giving you one less thing to think about.

A pillow wedge that fills the gap between the mattress & headboard

A gap between your mattress and headboard can lead to an uncomfortable pillow position that might negatively affect your sleep. This bed wedge is meant to solve that issue, with a triangular shape that allows it to fill the gap while also propping your pillows up a bit, making you more comfy and preventing items from falling in the gap. It’s made of plush foam, and as a bonus, has a little side pocket that’s a good place to stash a phone or remote control.

Silicone lids that can fit over almost any can

Saving leftover food in a can? Help keep the contents fresh with these silicone can lids. The set includes three sizes to fit almost any type of can, with a flexible lid that offers a secure fit. These are more sustainable than plastic wrap and will end up saving you money in the long run, and they’re also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

A compact hand warmer & power bank in one

This portable hand warmer doubles as a power bank, making it an extremely useful item to have when camping, hiking, jogging, or spending time outdoors in chilly weather. It offers three warmth levels to keep your hands cozy, as well as fast charging that can give some much-needed power to your phone or earbuds. The compact size means it can easily fit in your pocket and the wrist strap is another convenient way to tote it around.

Hanging clips for space-saving athleisure storage

Save space on your shelves and in your drawers by hanging your collection of leggings. Bonus: This means you don’t have to worry about folding them. This pack of 20 hanging clips can hang individually on a rod or be stacked on each other to maximize storage. They’re great for leggings, but can also be used for shorts, skirts, bras, socks, and bags.

A sturdy couch tray for keeping the essentials close by

With a flexible design and anti-slip bottom, this bamboo couch cup holder is made to be placed on the arm of a sofa or chair. It’s crafted from sturdy bamboo for a versatile finish and includes a cup holder space to keep drinks from spilling and a separate compartment that can easily hold a phone, remote control, or small snack.

A water bottle bag that holds your phone, cards, & keys

Easily tote your drink and essentials with this water bottle carrier bag. It’s available in two sizes to hold 30-ounce or 40-ounce bottles and includes a keychain and two zippered pockets to store your phone, cash, cards, and other small items. Use the adjustable strap to carry the bag on your shoulder, across your body, or by hand.

Exfoliating bags that help you use every last bit of bar soap

Make your bar soap work smarter, not harder, with these clever soap-saving bags. Made of nylon fiber with an exfoliating texture, the bags are designed to hold bar soap while you wash up, making the soap less slippery and removing dry skin. Built-in hanging loops make the bags easy to store after each shower, allowing them to dry out.

Expandable packing cubes that double as travel shelves

An ideal item for anyone who travels often, these portable hanging shelves make it easier to pack and store clothes. In the suitcase, they act as a packing cube to save space and keep clothes wrinkle-free. Once you arrive at your destination, they expand into three shelves for neatly stowing clothing and accessories, which can be great in small hotel rooms or rental spaces. There’s also a separate compartment for stashing dirty clothes.

Foot sleeves that offer arch support & added comfort

These padded, stretchy foot sleeves offer arch support and compression, helping prevent aches and pains. The copper fabric helps wick away sweat, making these easy to wear for hours on end. Shoppers also love them, and they have over 16,000 five-star ratings. “Seriously impressed by this product and the best money ever spent,” one reviewer writes, noting that they relieved most of their pain “immediately.”

A sturdy clip that makes it easier to carry heavy bags

Alleviate the discomfort of toting heavy shopping bags with this cushioned carrier that holds up to 50 pounds. Simply place bag handles in this lightweight carrier and it will evenly distribute the weight and make the bags more comfortable to carry on your shoulder or in your hand. One shopper calls it a “simple but genius product,” while another says it is “hands down by far the most useful tool for groceries.”

A heat-resistant shelf for adding storage space to your stove

Turn part of your stove into extra storage space with this durable stovetop shelf. Made of silicone, it’s heat-resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and the magnetic base and raised edges will keep everything in place. A great spot for seasonings and small kitchen gadgets, it’s easy to wipe clean and dishwasher safe if more cleaning is necessary.

Handbag clips that keep your keys within easy reach

These useful key clips will prevent you from digging through your seemingly bottomless bag or backpack in search of your keys. Made to hook inside a bag, belt, or pocket, these clips keep your keys in sight and within easy reach. They can be moved around as needed, won’t damage the interior of your bag, and come in bright colors that make them simple to spot.

A stitch tool you’ll want on hand for fashion emergencies

You don’t need to learn how to sew to use this convenient stitch tool. Lightweight, small, and easy to use, it’s a quick fix for rips, temporary hems, and more, making it great to have on hand whenever you’re experiencing a fashion emergency. “This is my new favorite little hack when I don’t want to pull out the needle and thread,” one shopper writes, noting that the stitches can also be removed easily if needed.

The leash coupler for comfortably walking 2 dogs at once

Trying to wrangle two dogs and two leashes at once can easily turn into a tangled mess, but this leash coupler makes it a lot simpler. With a 360-degree swivel, this tandem leash eliminates tangles and offers both dogs plenty of space while ensuring you only have to worry about gripping one leash. Made from durable nylon with reflective stitching, the coupler comes in several colors and two sizes for medium and large dogs.

A warming plate that keeps your coffee hot for hours

Coffee and tea can cool down fast, especially when you’re too busy to enjoy it quickly. If lukewarm beverages aren’t your thing, this mug warmer is a great solution. It acts as a warming plate for your mug, with three temperature options and an automatic shut-off feature for added safety. The compact size makes it portable enough to bring to the office, and it can also double as a candle warmer.

Durable & colorful cord savers that keep cables in great condition

Whether you want to avoid breakage from regular use or mishaps involving nosy pets, these cable protectors are a great way to keep your cords in excellent condition. Made of durable PVC, these spiral-shaped protectors go over your cables, where they act as a shield and are just as flexible as the actual cord. The bright colors are fun but also make cords easy to spot when you’re searching for them.

A sunglasses organizer that keeps them easily accessible

Keep delicate eyewear organized and easily accessible with this sunglasses holder. The metal rack can hold up to 12 pairs of glasses, allowing them to hang so it’s easy to grab the pair you want. With a tray on top, this organizer is also great for small items like jewelry or keys.

A convenient tissue holder for the car

Made to be placed in your car, this tissue holder can help keep things organized and ensure you’ll never search through the glovebox for a spare tissue again. It has straps that allow you to hang it on most car visors, seat back pockets, and doors. Tissues are included, and it’s easy to refill as needed.

Wooden trivets that protect tabletops & act as decor

Use this wooden trivet tree as a piece of functional decor in your kitchen or on your dining room table. The set includes four stacked trivets that help protect your countertops and tables when taken off the stand, raising hot plates and pans to prevent heat damage. And when the trivets are back on the stand, they form a tree shape for rustic decor.

Squat wedges that can help improve stability & balance

Whether you’re exercising at home or the gym, you’ll want to have a set of these squat wedges on hand. Made with a grippy, nonslip foam, these wedges elevate the heels to help improve form, balance, and stability as you perform squats. “A must for squats,” one shopper writes, while another adds, “If you struggle with ankle and hip mobility, this is a game changer.”

Flower pots that keep your plants watered so you don’t have to

These self-watering pots make house plants a lot less high-maintenance. Once filled with water, they provide just enough moisture into the soil to keep your plants hydrated for around two weeks — meaning you don’t have to worry about watering them every day. Drainage holes prevent overwatering and watering lips provide airflow and make the pots easy to refill.

Silicone bookmarks that automatically hold your place

Practical and functional, these silicone bookmarks are more durable than your standard paper bookmark. Once clipped onto the back cover of the book, they automatically save your place on the page you’re currently reading. Each set includes three bookmarks with various colors to choose from in the listing.

A car phone mount with one-handed operation

The metal hook on this phone mount allows you to easily install it on your car’s air vents, putting the screen in view whenever you need to glance at it. It has an adjustable fit that holds phones up to 7 inches, and the 360-degree rotation allows you to find the most comfortable viewing angle. The clamps let you place and retrieve your phone with one hand, and the silicone pads and shockproof design promise to keep your device stable and protected.

An ingenious straw that helps stop hiccups

Forget all the other tricks out there, this simple straw promises to get rid of hiccups in moments. And according to over 3,000 positive ratings, it really does work. “This is a miracle,” writes one shopper, while another writes, “This stops the hiccups almost immediately.” Using it is a breeze — you just place it in a cup of water and take a few big sips. It works by activating nerves and engaging your diaphragm through excessive suction and can be used by people of all ages.

An emergency flashlight that hikers & campers should have on hand

Consider this solar-powered flashlight something of an essential if you’re hiking, camping, or even just jogging at night. A solar panel in the back absorbs all kinds of light to give it power, but it also has a rechargeable battery that can generate power for at least 10 minutes after you crank it just once. It’s compact and easy to keep in your pocket, but it also has a handle that can be clipped onto a backpack.

A cleaning kit that makes your earbuds look like new again

It’s not surprising that earbuds can get really dirty really fast. This earbud cleaning kit is an easy way to make them look and work like new again. It comes with a cleaning putty that pulls away any ear wax, dust, and grime on your earbuds, along with an array of cotton swabs to get into hard-to-reach areas.

The portable bidet that keeps you clean on the go

Get that freshly showered feeling with this travel bidet that is portable enough to take just about anywhere. The soft squeeze bottle is easy to use, offering an angled spray that lets you comfortably rinse off after using the bathroom. It also comes with a storage bag, keeping the bidet clean and making it convenient to carry.

A slim phone wallet that doubles as a convenient stand

Compatible with MagSafe devices, this magnetic wallet attaches to the back of a phone, no case required. Its slim design with three card slots adds storage without making your phone feel bulky. Best of all, the wallet doubles as a phone stand that can be used in portrait or landscape mode.

A portable white noise machine with 36 soothing sounds

This portable sound machine can help you fall asleep faster even when you’re away from home. The rechargeable device includes 36 sounds such as white noise or ocean waves, muffling the ambient noise that might otherwise keep you awake. “Game changer,” one shopper writes, noting that they love the timer feature and the fact that it doesn’t need to be plugged in to work.

The tiny plug that instantly fixes loose outlets

Loose outlets mean anything you plug in is bound to slip out in seconds — or at the exact moment you’ve gotten comfortable, forcing you to get up to plug it back in. These Snug Plugs offer an instant fix. Place one in the outlet before you plug something in, creating a tight fit and improving the electrical connection. The plugs glow in the dark for increased visibility and are easy to remove if needed.

Lightweight water shoes for swimming & outdoor sports

Whether you’re swimming or partaking in beach games or water sports, these lightweight water shoes help keep you comfortable. Made of super breathable fabric that dries quickly, the shoes are flexible and can be wrung out as needed, with an elastic cuff that makes them simple to pull on and off. The nonslip soles provide traction and protect your feet from rough ground. “They feel close to barefoot but with some protection,” one shopper writes.

  • Available sizes: 5 — 14.5 Women; 3 — 13.5 Men
  • Available colors: 40

A cooling gel wrap that can help ease headaches

If you experience migraines, this head wrap is worth a try. The snug fit offers pressure where you need it most, and it can be used cold or hot for soothing compression all around your head, temples, and even your eyes, easing tension and inflammation. Over 12,000 shoppers give it a five-star rating, with one fan writing it’s “worth its weight in gold.”

Brick clips that let you decorate without causing damage

These brick clips make it easy to add decor outside your home or on your fireplace. With a simple installation — they clip on and off and don’t require any holes — and the ability to hold up to 25 pounds each, these are great for adding floral pieces, lights, or holiday and seasonal decorations. The clips fit most bricks and each pack includes four pieces.

A platypus-shaped spatula that easily reaches into jars

There’s no reason that practical kitchen tools can’t also be adorable. This mini spatula is shaped like a platypus, making it especially fun to use. Made from flexible silicone, it also acts as a helpful jar scraper that gets every last bit of food. It’s also great for spreading jam, butter, and dips, and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

A car cleaner that quickly removes dead bugs

This all-purpose bug remover spray saves you a trip to the car wash and makes getting rid of dead insects a breeze. The spray is designed to loosen and eliminate bugs and bug stains on your vehicle, making everything easy to wipe away with no scrubbing required. Use it on the windows, the windshield, or the body of your car for a quick clean.

A phone mount that attaches to your laptop

With this magnetic phone holder, you can keep your cell close by and within view when working on your computer. Compatible with most phones, it mounts to the side of your monitor or laptop screen with a strong magnet. The secure hold keeps your phone exactly where you need it, and the holder itself is slim, compact, and foldable, making it easy to use when commuting.

Floor lights that add ambiance to any room

These floor can lights give you the look of expensive uplighting without any complicated installation process. The lights are meant to sit on the floor with a bulb that shines upward, creating ambiance in any room. They come with a long power cord and are compatible with smart sockets or Wi-Fi outlets for remote control. Plus, a foot switch makes it simple to turn them on and off as needed.

A donut-shaped pillow that relieves pressure on your ear

This donut-shaped pillow with a hole in the center is great for side sleepers. It allows you to rest your head without putting unnecessary pressure on your ear, and the fill is adjustable to your desired firmness. The soft, breathable cover is machine-washable and available in lots of colors.

The lightweight sling bag that keeps your valuables protected

Worn close to the body and featuring five pockets, this sling bag makes it difficult for pickpockets to reach your stuff. While slim and lightweight, it holds an impressive amount of items, from small tablets to wallets and more. The water-resistant fabric is durable (and available in over 10 colors) and the strap is adjustable for a comfortable fit.

Silicone sleeves that disguise what you’re really drinking

Whatever you’re drinking is a secret that stays with you when you use these silicone can sleeves. Made to look like a classic soda can, these fit easily over standard-size cans. They’re reusable and easy to wipe clean, and reviewers call them an “easy solution” when you want to keep your real drink discreet.

A portable table fan shaped like a cactus

Stay cool whether you’re out and about or sitting at a desk with this USB personal fan. The 80-degree wide-angle rotation offers a steady breeze that can help you feel refreshed, and the cactus design is a whimsical touch. There are three fan speeds to choose from, and the battery lasts up to 14 hours on one charge.

A clever tool that makes it easy to remove eggshells

In a perfect world, the shells on boiled eggs would come off in one peel. Unfortunately, that rarely happens, and that’s why this egg topper and opener is so helpful. Placed on the top of the egg, it lifts the shell off cleanly, allowing you to eat your eggs without making a huge mess. Use it on raw, soft-boiled, and hard-boiled eggs.

Durable coasters that keep car cup holders clean

If you haven’t already started adding coasters to the cup holders in your car, consider this your sign to do so. These silicone coasters are flexible enough to easily lift out and durable enough to withstand hot and cold temperatures. Raised edges keep spills contained, and when it’s time to clean them, you can toss them right in the dishwasher.

A space-saving charging stand for your Apple Watch & AirPods

Keep your Apple gadgets fully charged with this sleek stand. It has convenient holders to charge your Apple Watch and AirPods, saving on space and reducing cord clutter. When you’re not using it to charge these devices, it acts as a phone mount for watching videos hands-free.

A tangle-free storage case for your earphones

Earphones that work with a cord can quickly get tangled in your bag or even your pocket. Store them smartly with this earphone case. It allows you to wrap the cord around, preventing knots and breakage while also keeping your earphones contained. It’s easy to use and the lightweight design makes it very portable.

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