Life
22 Multifunctional Products You Never Knew You Needed To Make Life Easier
I’m the kind of person who’s always looking to get a little more bang for my buck. A blender with that charges your phone? A coffee that’s a meal? Count me in — nothing’s better than one new purchase actually being brilliant multifunctional products designed to make life easier.
Shopping with an eye towards products that have more than one kind of use can be a great way to save time and save money — both of which I'd love some more of. In the past, I’ve whittled away countless hours doing basic things like fumbling around for a phone charger or searching through cabinets for the right measuring cup, which can be sneaky time sucks that really add up over time if you're not careful.
Thankfully, you don’t have to be a super-organized task wizard to start managing your time in more efficient ways. Whether you’re looking to cut back on how long it takes to straighten your hair, or you want a device that will charge and clean your phone simultaneously (hallelujah!), multifunctional products like the ones on this list have the potential to completely change your life, freeing you up to do more important things — like procrastinate.
1. This Over The Sink Cutting Board With A Strainer
Dexas Over The Sink Strainer Board, $20, Amazon
Slice through the time you normally spend on prep work with this over the sink strainer board. It's got a removable basket you can use as a colander or strainer, plus rubber edges that grip surfaces and help keep it in place even when you're chopping things up. It's a great addition to small kitchens.
2. This Personal Blender That Has A USB
Towabo USB Blender, $36, Amazon
If you're always on-the-go, this USB-enabled blender makes it easy to have nutrient-dense beverages wherever you are. Portable, BPA-free, and great for making smoothies, protein shakes, or even baby food, this blender also has quick-charging capabilities, so neither you nor your phone's battery will ever be running on empty.
3. This Refreshing Setting Spray With SPF 50
Supergoop! SPF 50 Defense Refresh Setting Mist Sunscreen, $28, Amazon
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with this three-in-one mattifying mist with SPF 50. Featuring antioxidant-rich rosemary and cooling mint, this mist works to control oil, support healthy complexions and keep skin looking and feeling radiant all day long.
4. A Device That Charges Your Phone And Sanitizes It
PhoneSoap 2.0 UV Sanitizer and Universal Phone Charger, $50, Amazon
No matter how careful we are with our things, phones are going to get gross. With the innovative, bacteria-zapping technology offered in this UV sanitizer and universal phone charger, phones can get a whole lot cleaner. This device can disinfect phones and eliminate up to 99.9% of common household germs in less than five minutes, while also giving phones the charge they need to keep lasting throughout the day.
5. This Brush That Straightens And Detangles Hair
Hiraliy Portable Electric Hair Straightening Brush, $28, Amazon
This ceramic hair straightener is about to make life easier for anyone who struggles in the morning to get their hair styled for the day — it straightens while it detangles, saving you a precious step. With high heat, auto shut-off protection, and an easy-to-read LCD display, this nifty styler can help you show off smooth, shiny hair.
6. A Water Bottle That Also Sprays A Mist
O2COOL Power Flow Grip Band Bottle with Classic Mist 'N Sip Top, $12, Amazon
Keeping cool during the summer months is vital, and this water bottle can help you along the way. Featuring a leak-proof top, side grips for easy holding, and insulating double-wall design, this hydration and mist system is a terrific option when you're looking to beat the heat.
7. This Essential Oil Diffuser That Has An Alarm Clock
ArtNaturals Essential Oil Diffuser and Humidifier with Bluetooth Speaker Clock and Alarm, $37, Amazon
Having a quiet space of your own to relax can be important, especially with everything crazy going on in the world right now. Something like this oil diffuser and humidifier can really cast a peaceful vibe over everything, and best of all, this device also comes equipped with an LED light/nightlight, music player, clock, and alarm, so you can still stay in tune with the outside, but on your terms.
8. The Only Wallet Tool You'll Ever Need
Wallet Ninja, $18, Amazon
When it comes to multifunctional products that really make things easier, it's hard to think of something that's as simple and versatile as this flat multi-tool, which can fit inside most wallets and is great for everything from opening bottles to unscrewing screws. It's got 18 functions and it's made from specially treated steel that won't rust or dull — meaning this tool is a trusty companion no matter where you're headed.
9. A Clay That Works As A Mask For Hair, Skin, And Face
Molivera Organics Bentonite Clay, $12, Amazon
Whether you want to soothe troubled skin, soften hair or improve blood circulation, this Indian healing clay can help you along the way. Made from pure Bentonite Clay from Wyoming, this all-natural clay can detoxify skin, replenish vital minerals, and works to restore skin's all-over radiance.
10. A Kitchen Device That Does It All
Instant Pot Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, $100, Amazon
If your struggles in the kitchen are real AF like mine, this multifunctional programmable pressure cooker is the thing you've been waiting for your whole adult life. It's basically seven standard kitchen appliances (think rice cooker, crock pot, steamer, and more) but with a key difference: it's all wrapped up in one little stainless steel device, and features adjustable temperature settings for easier control.
11. A Nail Polish That Treats Your Nails
Julep Oxygen Nail Treatment, $18, Amazon
For strong, vibrant nails, this unique two-in-one polish and nail treatment blend can really work wonders. Formulated without carcinogens and with advanced oxygen technology, this nail treatment works to restore dry, brittle nails by penetrating nail beds, giving them the space to finally breathe.
12. A Weird But Handy Shelf For Your Toilet Paper
APL Life Toilet Paper Holder, $25, Amazon
I'm not gonna lie — I've definitely taken my phone into the bathroom with me plenty of times, and chances are you have, too. We're only human, right? This stainless steel toilet paper holder comes equipped with a little shelf on top of the roll, perfect for perching that phone while you take care of business. Who doesn't love a phone stand and toilet paper holder in one?
13. This Light Bulb That Helps You Fall Asleep
Saffron Lighting Drift Light, $36, Amazon
Counting sheep is no way to lull yourself into a restful slumber, but with this light bulb, you'll be snoozing like a baby in no time. With multiple settings including daylight, midnight and moonlight mode, this funky light was designed to replicate a sunset by slowly dimming over 37 minutes. You can activate it to set off in one of the different modes with the flip of a switch too — pretty neat, right?
14. This Nifty Dual Curling Iron And Straightener
Berta Ceramic Hair Straightener and Curler Iron, $30, Amazon
Many of us who use hot tools like to have the option of curling and straightening their hair — but that takes up lots of space, and isn't easy to travel with. This two-in-one straightener and curling iron was designed to make it easier. With temperatures that go up to 425 degrees, plus tourmaline technology and ceramic coated plates to help minimize frizz, this device is the ultimate timesaver.
15. A Plug-In That Actually Sanitizes And Deodorizes Air
GermGuardian Pluggable UV-C Sanitizer and Deodorizer, $32, Amazon
If you're feeling sniffly or just generally congested, this dual sanitizer and deodorizer plug-in can help you catch a fresh breath of air. It works to reduce odors (especially from pets) in small spaces, and comes equipped with a USB port, so you can charge smartphones and devices while simultaneously ridding your home of bacteria and harmful air pollutants.
16. This Two-In-One Coffee and Meal
Soylent Meal Replacement Drink, $38 (6 Pack), Amazon
So maybe it's kind of weird, but apparently this breakfast in a bottle blend can be a solid substitute if you can't get coffee or a bite to eat on your way into the office. At 400 calories a bottle, this two-in-one meal substitute also packs a nice helping of caffeine, so you'll still get the same early morning pick-me-up you're used to, but with more nutrients to go along with it.
17. This Mascara Set That Has Growth Serum
Simply Naked Beauty 3D Fiber Lash Mascara with Growth Enhancing Serum, $20, Amazon
If you want big, bold lashes but don't want to go for extensions, this mascara with a special growth-enhancing serum could be a choice addition to your beauty regimen. Using a black mascara gel base and natural green tea fibers, this mascara nourishes lashes and helps pump up the volume in unforgettable ways — and it also comes with an organic growth serum to help them grow thicker and stronger.
18. A Cutting Board And Chopper Set In One
Clever Cutter 2-in-1 Food Chopper, $7, Amazon
Go to town on fruits, meats, veggies and any other kind of food you want with this versatile food chopper with stainless steel blades, which also doubles as a cutting board. It'll make both prep work and cleanup a lot easier.
19. This Bottle Opener Fidget Spinner
Finger Spinner Bottle Opener Fidget Spinner, $3, Amazon
You're probably asking yourself, how in the world have I gone so many years without a stress reliever and a bottle opener in one? Well, wait no longer — this fidget spinner and bottle opener is a prime example of one of those multifunctional products that is as much fun to use as it is practical. And it's glow-in-the-dark!
20. A Spice Rack That Measures Out Portions
Kitchen Art 25000 Select-A-Spice Auto-Measure Carousel, $28, Amazon
My grandmother had one of these space-saving spice rack carousels when I was younger they're as useful today as they were back then. Featuring 12 spice dispensers on a rotating base and an auto-measure dial, so you never have to worry about getting the wrong portions with this. The carousel is also easy to mount under surfaces or stack, and includes 55 labels.
21. This Adorable Shower Curtain That Has Pockets
Maytex Mesh Pockets PEVA Shower Curtain, $20, Amazon
So simple, yet so perfect: this vinyl shower curtain has nine mesh pockets that hold all kinds of things you might need in the tub, from kids toys to shampoo and conditioner to anything else you fancy. Fun and definitely super functional, this shower curtain can get rid of clutter around your tub, but also adds a pop of personality to your bathroom overall.
22. A Cooling Mattress Topper That Delivers Much-Needed Support
Zinus 2 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper, $70, Amazon
Mattresses toppers can ensure you get a good night's sleep, but sometimes they can be tricky and trap in heat, making sweat accumulate. This gel memory foam mattress topper is designed to be cooler, making for a more comfortable rest.
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