Life
30 Weird But Genius Items You Never Knew You Needed
The web is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you can get everything you ever needed. On the other, you're introduced to tons of stuff you had no idea even existed, yet now suddenly want with every fiber of your being. Well, if you're in the market for weird but genius products you never knew you needed, you've come to the right place. For better or for worse — better for the economy, worse for my paycheck — I know exactly where to find these things.
More often than not, my first stop is Amazon. They've got a massive selection of crazy yet cool items, and plenty of small businesses even use it as a launchpad to get their new inventions off the ground. That means you've got some of the most innovative and genius new products right at your fingertips. It also means that you'll be hosting the Superbowl this year, so you can casually show your friends the voice-activated strip light that changes colors and illuminates your television. (No big deal.)
Finally, you've got the stuff that solves real every day problems, like getting the last drop of shampoo out of the bottle or taking that perfectly timed selfie when you've got nowhere to prop your phone up. For those and other epic items, check out this assortment of bizarre but brilliant products that will totally improve your life.
1. This Portable Blender So You Can Make Smoothies Wherever
OUTAD Portable Juice Blender, $25, Amazon
This brilliant OUTAD portable juice blender is USB-rechargeable, strong enough to blend your favorite fruits and vegetables into smoothies and juices, and mixes everything right in the travel cup so you can instantly take it to go.
2. Sync Up Your Soundtrack With The People Around You
Wearhaus Arc Bluetooth Audio Sharing Headphones, $200, Amazon
Ever wish you could share your personal playlist with those around you? These brilliant Wearhaus Arc Bluetooth audio sharing headphones provide a clear, crisp sound, and you can wirelessly sync up your audio to other Wearhaus units within range. They're USB-rechargeable, have customization lights, use touch control on the actual headphones, and are entirely wireless.
3. Voice-Activated Mood Lighting In Strip Form
Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus, $84, Amazon
The Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus is one of the easiest ways to add sleek mood lighting to your space. It's voice activated with Alexa, can be set to virtually any color, and is bendable for use under beds, cabinets, or behind televisions.
4. This Light-Up Wireless Speaker That Floats In Midair
NASKY Maglev Levitation Bluetooth Speakers, $77, Amazon
Bluetooth speakers are nothing special these days, but this NASKY Maglev levitation Bluetooth speaker actually floats in midair with innovative magnetic technology. Reviewers say they love the quality, volume, and 360-degree sound.
5. These Brilliant Headphones To Help You Drift Off To Sleep
CozyPhones Sleep Headphones, $22, Amazon
If you fall asleep to music or podcasts, these CozyPhones sleep headphones are a genius idea. They're thin, comfortable, cool, and lightweight, but they deliver clear sound to your ears while you sleep. They also have a mesh lining to stop them from shifting around while you're in bed.
6. A Sleek, Easy Way To Start Composting
Chef'n EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin, $36, Amazon
Adorable yet totally functional, the Chef'n EcoCrock compost bin lets you collect up to three quartz of food scraps right on your counter. It has a charcoal lid that absorbs odors, and it helps you turn excess food into nourishment for your garden. And at this price, you can totally pick up a second one to get your favorite earth lover.
7. Aromatherapy And A Portable Massage All In One
T Spheres Peace & Quiet, $35, Amazon
These T Spheres Peace & Quiet balls are essentially just aromatherapy-infused massage balls for yoga, your home spa, or just a break at work. They use pure essential oils, and reviewers are saying things like, "These T Spheres go EVERYWHERE with me. I suffer from migraines occasionally and the lavender scent truly does help the pain go away."
8. This Adjustable Tripod For A Great Shot Every Time
Bontend Flexible Tripod, $20, Amazon
When your average tripod just isn't cutting it, there's the Bontend flexible tripod. It's got durable, bendable legs that can wrap around poles and secure to most structures, and it comes with mounts for your smartphone and Go Pro.
9. Organize Your Whole Life With This Innovative Goal Planner
Tools4Wisdom Planner, $30, Amazon
The 2017 Tools4Wisdom planner isn't your average notebook. It helps you achieve peace of mind and focus with its seamless planning and goal-setting system. It's got five planners in one that help you to organize your entire life, and feel infinitely better as you do so.
10. This Essential Oil Diffuser That Makes For A Gorgeous Statement Piece
SpaRoom FloraMist Essential Oil Diffuser, $28, Amazon
This gorgeous SpaRoom FloraMist essential oil diffuser looks like a ceramic decoration, but it actually provides up to eight hours of your favorite aromatherapy and gives you healthy, hydrated air. It also changes colors and has an automatic safety shut-off feature.
11. This Genius Face Wash Made With Natural Soap Berries
World’s Gentlest Organic Facial Cleanser, $24, Amazon
An incredible option for even the most sensitive skin, the World’s Gentlest organic facial cleanser uses all natural soap nuts from a wild soapberry tree to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities. That being said, because it's natural and healthy, it's "gentle on natural oils, tough on excess grime," raves one reviewer.
12. Make Your Own Fresh Greek Yogurt At Home
Dash Greek Yogurt Maker, $27, Amazon
Why spend three or four dollars a cup on fresh Greek yogurt when you could make it yourself? This genius Dash Greek yogurt maker makes up two quarts of fresh, homemade, probiotic-rich yogurt at a time, no additives whatsoever. All you need is milk and a little bit of plain yogurt. Whether you prefer your Greek yogurt with berries and nuts, chocolate chips, or just plain, you'll be 100 percent satisfied. All the parts are safe for your dishwasher, too.
13. Turn Any Surface Into A Dry Erase Board
Think Board Premium, $35, Amazon
Ever wish you could write on anything like a toddler having a little too much fun during arts and crafts? The Think Board Premium is a clear film that turns any surface into a functional whiteboard. It sticks to anything (desks, doors, walls) without residue, so you can peel it off without damaging your things. This one also comes with a marker, an installation squeegee, and velcro.
14. The Ancient Art Of Cold Drip Coffee In Your Kitchen
gosh! DRIPO Cold Brew Portable Barista Iced Coffee Maker, $30, Amazon
If you're looking for artisan coffee without any plugs or heat, the gosh! DRIPO cold brew coffee maker is it. It takes about two hours for every cup, but it extracts the coffee's natural aromatic flavors without the bitterness of oils or acids. It's also got a travel cup built right into the system.
15. This Cute Little Desktop Humidifier
Veesee Creative Bulb Humidifier, $16, Amazon
This adorable and ultra-portable Veesee Creative Bulb humidifier plugs into a USB port to give you six hours of cool mist and seven relaxing lights. It makes for a super functional desk or bedside decoration that Amazon reviewers are loving.
16. These Adorable Travel Flats When You Just Need Out Of Those Heels
Sidekicks Mesh Foldable Ballerina Flats (Sizes S-XL), $12, Amazon
An amazing thing to have at work or at the end of a long night out, these Sidekicks mesh ballerina flats fold up in their tiny carrying case for easy storage in your bag. They're stretchy and breathable for comfort whenever you need it, yet the mesh lining and gold trim makes them stylish and trendy, too.
17. Organize Your Tablet And All Your Extras With This Genius Case
YIER Multi-functional Storage Bag, $27, Amazon
This YIER multi-functional storage bag fits any tablet from seven to 10 inches, but the really innovative part is the gridlock elastic cables that mold to all your devices or accessories. It's slim, yet supportive, and reviewers are saying things like, "This case helps with organization tenfold. I know where everything is at and don't have to go digging through my bag."
18. This Foolproof Tomato Planter That Waters Itself
Back to the Roots Self-Watering Planter, $24, Amazon
The Back to the Roots self-watering planter lets you grow your own organic tomatoes at home, any time of year and without hassle. It comes with fertilizer spikes, nutrient-rich soil, a clay pot, and seeds. You only need to water it once a week — the pot does the rest.
19. Print Photos Straight From Your Phone
Kodak Mini Mobile Wifi Printer, $100, Amazon
The Kodak mini mobile Wifi printer lets you wirelessly print your favorite photos straight from your phone. They come out detailed and bright, and you can download the app to edit them with filters and stickers beforehand.
20. These Genius Phone Speakers That Don't Require Any Power Source
Bheard Sound Pod Acoustic Speaker, $25, Amazon
When you're looking to amp up your music but there aren't any power outlets in sight, there's the Bheard Sound Pod acoustic speaker. Its innovative shape projects whatever is playing on your phone for a louder, richer sound, and since it's tiny and acts as a stand, you can take it just about anywhere with you.
21. This Travel Coffee Mug Will Never, Ever Tip Over On You
Mighty Mug Biggie Tumbler, $20, Amazon
The Mighty Mug Biggie tumbler is a travel mug for your coffee that absolutely will not tip over. It features a Smartgrip function on the bottom that never wears out, but still allows you to lift the mug vertically to your mouth, and it's got vacuum-insulated stainless steel to keep your beverages hot (or cold).
"I know what you're thinking; it's just a coffee mug," says one reviewer. "But this one is different. It 'locks' to a smooth flat surface, so that a sideways force, such as your hand or arm, cannot accidentally knock it over!"
22. Find Any Lost Items Using Your Phone With These Trackers
Tile Mate Key Finder, $70, Amazon
The Tile Mate key finder is one of the most reliable ways to find any of your lost items in a few seconds flat. It loops onto keychains or sticks to flat surfaces, and this pack of four works great alongside your keys, purse, luggage, glasses, or even your car. They can also be used in reverse to find your phone.
23. Stop Wasting Those Last Few Drops
Waste Not Nut, $17, Amazon
So simple yet so genius, the Waste Not Nut attaches to many different sizes of bottles, from ketchup to conditioner, to drain out the remaining few drops. They're durable and reliably hold bottles upright, so you can seriously reduce waste in your house.
24. Start Making Fermented Foods At Home
Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit, $55, Amazon
I'm a massive believer in the health benefits of fermented foods, but Kombucha and organic sauerkraut can jack up your grocery bill real quick. Make your own at home with this Masontops complete mason jar fermentation kit. It comes with weights, a vegetable pounder, and airlocks — virtually everything you need to get started.
25. This Simple Yet Genius Card Game That Leaves You In Stitches
Joking Hazard, $25, Amazon
I just played Joking Hazard for the first time, and I haven't laughed that hard in months. Made by the creators of Cyanide and Happiness, this witty card game works like Cards Against Humanity, but you get to make your own hilarious comic strips and judge whose is the funniest.
26. Your Dog's Water Bowl Is Always By Your Side
The Original PupCup Dog Bowl, $9, Amazon
With this water bottle accessory, your dog has water whenever you do. The PupCup dog bowl is a tiny bowl that fits on the bottom of most water bottles (glass, plastic, or disposable) so you can serve your dog water on hikes, in the city, or on regular walks.
27. Get Total Control Over Your Lighting
Flux Bluetooth Smart LED Light Bulb, $34, Amazon
The Flux Bluetooth smart LED light bulb gives you total control over your lighting. It has a color palette of over 16 million colors, controlled from your smart phone, and it can be synced to music, put on a schedule, or used as a wakeup light.
28. Stop Squashing Your Ponytail Under A Hat
Peekaboos Ponytail Hat, $37, Amazon
Like hats? Love ponytails? Stop choosing between the two. The Peekaboos ponytail hat is a warm, comfortable, and stylish hat with fleece lining and a hole for your hair. It comes in four different colors (black, purple, ivory, and teal), so you can match it to any outfit of your choice.
29. People Are Amazed By This Multipurpose Towel
Acteon Compact Antibacterial Microfiber Towel, $22, Amazon
This might look like your average wad of fabric, but people seriously can't stop raving about the Acteon compact microfiber towel. It's wonderful for hiking, beach, or even the gym because it's antibacterial, made with silver ions, lightweight, super quick-drying, and surprisingly absorbent.
30. This Remote-Controlled BB-8 Toy
Sphero Star Wars BB-8 App Controlled Robot, $125, Amazon
This tiny Sphero BB-8 App Controlled Robot from Star Wars, which you can guide around from your smartphone or tablet, will be one of your favorite buys of the year if you're a big fan of the series. It works up to 100 feet away, and it's even got expressions and voice-controlled activation.
Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.
