43 Genius Inventions That Make Life’s Annoying Tasks Way Less Frustrating

Toplus Car Headrest Hooks, $10 (4 Pack), Amazon

You're driving on the highway and someone stops short in front of you. Luckily, your reflexes were fast enough, but your bag tumbles forward off the seat anyway. These Toplus hooks easily attach to your headrests to keep your purse or grocery bags from spilling out everywhere. They can be rotated around for use in the front seats or back, and they're also great for umbrellas, water bottles, coats, and trash bags.

Xpand No Tie Shoelaces, $10, Amazon

Never tie your shoes again with these Xpand shoelaces. They're made from a strong elastic that fastens at the top with your desired tension, so any pair is as secure as you want them to be — which makes your run or workout more secure, too. Still, when it's time to go barefoot, they slip right off without any knots or untying. They're available in dozens of colors, some of which are even reflective to keep you safe at night.

AYL Silicone Cooking Gloves, $15, Amazon

These AYL silicone cooking gloves have a seriously smart design because they offer heat protection with double layers, optimal dexterity with five individual fingers, and a non-slip grip texture for security. They're way more secure than traditional oven mitts, and have a soft inner lining. They're also easy to rinse clean if you spill something on them.

IFORK Combo Box, $23 (32 Pieces), Amazon

As if walking around a party while eating isn't awkward enough — if someone tries to shake your hand, things are bound to spill. This IFORK combo box is a must for any gathering without a sit-down table. The utensils clip onto your plate and your cup secures underneath all of it to create a handle, so you can carry everything in one hand. It also comes with enough for eight settings, and you can wash them (in the sink) and use everything all over again.

Mee'life Soap-Dispensing Brush, $15, Amazon

The Mee'life brush has a special compartment that holds your favorite dish soap and dispenses more at the press of a button — which equals fewer messes. The long ergonomic comfort handle keeps your fingers far away from any gross stuff, and it even comes with an interchangeable scrubber sponge for more delicate kitchenware.

Vogue Effects Winged Liner Stamp, $13, Amazon

People are freaking out over this Vogue Effects winged liner pen, and I don't blame them. One side has a fine tip for above the lashes, and the other side has a ready-to-go stamp for the perfect winged liner look every time. "This is a miracle product!" one reviewer raves. "It is so easy and nearly fail-proof." It's also waterproof and won't smudge, and comes off easily with an oil-based cleanser.

REFAGO Cake Server, $13, Amazon

Who hasn't lost a piece of cake on the way from the serving platter to the plate? This REFAGO cake tool cuts and serves simultaneously — simply press down into a pie, cake, or pastry to cut a consistently-sized slice every time. Then squeeze the handle to pick it up and transfer it to a plate without anything toppling over. It's also sleek, durable, and durable because of its stainless steel design.

O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop, $30, Amazon

I'm going to say something mind-blowing right now: I actually enjoy mopping the floor with this O-Cedar spin mop. It's really simple to use, and best of all, you don't have to touch anything nasty. The easy-to-transport bucket has a built-in spinner that wrings the mop with the press of a pedal, so you can control the amount of water and wring it out when you're done. It even has a splash-guard to keep everything dry, and the triangular-shaped mop fits in corners and has quality microfiber material that absorbs dirt and grime.

Apriller Rechargeable Lint Shaver, $25, Amazon

When lint rollers aren't cutting it, make all your coats, sweaters, and leggings look like new with the Apriller lint shaver. The six powerful stainless steel blades remove fuzz, pills, and lint while the guard cap prevents any damage to your clothing. It's totally rechargeable, so you can plug it into any USB port or use it wirelessly, and it has three settings for different fabrics.

Ambiance Dry Shampoo Brush, $16, Amazon

This brilliant dry shampoo absorbs grease, freshens up the scalp, and creates volume — and it's all in an easy-to-use brush that evenly distributes it throughout your roots. It doesn't contain any alcohol or drying ingredients, and it's formulated for all hair types and textures. This one's specifically made for darker colored hair, but there's one for blonde and grey shades here.

LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls, $28 (3 Pack), Amazon

Made with 100 percent domestic wool from Maine, these LooHoo dryer balls are a chemical-free alternative to dryer sheets. Not only do they soften clothes and prevent static, but they break up items in the dryer to shorten the drying time and save energy. They're also totally reusable, and come in bright colors that regularly attract the attention of my cat, who then steals them and plays with them for hours on end. Reviewers even like to use them with natural essential oils for a scented kick.

Tile Mate, $19, Amazon

Attach the Tile Mate to any item (whether it's your keys, luggage, wallet, remote, or dog) using a key loop or adhesive. Then when you inevitably lose it, you can make it ring or track its exact location via a GPS app on your phone. Lost your phone? No problem. The tracker works both ways, and you can just press the Tile to make your phone ring wherever it is — even if it's on silent.

Guisee Automatic Hair Curler, $45, Amazon

Get gorgeous, uniform curls with the press of a button using this Guisee hair curler. Sections are automatically drawn into the ceramic curl chamber where they're held, timed, and heated from all directions. When it's time to release, it beeps, and out comes a tighter curl or a larger wave, depending on your preference. It's made with tourmaline to reduce damage, and it has four heat settings to suit any hair type.

LectroFan Kinder Sleep Sound Machine, $80, Amazon

In my opinion, sleep is the greatest, least-frustrating task ever — until unexpected sounds come along. I'm in love with the LectroFan Kinder when it comes to covering up background sounds with soothing, sleep-inducing white noise. It plugs into any wall outlet and hooks up to an app on your phone, which lets you choose between dozens of sound and volumes, and it customizes your nightlight color. Sounds range from white noise and lullabies to natural sounds and man-made background settings.

Mighty Patch Spot Dot, $13, Amazon

These brilliant Mighty Patch Spot Dots turn your acne care routine from frustrating to effortless. They're tiny round stickers filled with hydrocolloid, which absorbs all the liquid to speed up the healing process. They also protect the blemish without causing any irritation, and they're totally clear, so they're discreet for any skin tone.

Carrywell Reusable Shopping Bag Set, $28 (10 Pack), Amazon

If you have enough used plastic bags to start your own grocery store, consider this Carrywell reusable set instead. It comes with six quality-stitched canvas bags that won't fray, rip, or leak, all in a multi-purpose carrier that can also be used for wine bottles and baguettes. It also includes two large mesh produce bags and an insulated carrier for things that need to be kept cold.

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker, $23, Amazon

Breakfast doesn't have to mean countless dirty pans. Whether you have company or a New Year's resolution to start the day on a full stomach, the Hamilton Beach breakfast sandwich maker creates the perfect bacon, egg, and cheese in under five minutes. There's a different section for your bread, meat (or vegetables), and eggs, and all removable parts are non-stick and dishwasher-safe for an easy clean-up.

Cilio Champagne Sealer, $9, Amazon

Unless you plan on drinking the rest, an open bottle of champagne is super annoying. The Cilio champagne sealer creates an airtight seal for simple storage, travel, and preservation. It's made of sleek stainless steel, and all you have to do is secure it on the bottle, press the button, and let go. "STILL bubbly and fresh," says one reviewer about a three-week-old bottle.

The Dipr the Ultimate Cookie Spoon, $6, Amazon

Rather than getting your fingers milky and your milk filled with crumbs, there's the Dipr spoon. This genius utensil holds your sandwich cookie while you dip it into milk or coffee. It's free of BPA, and it's top-rack dishwasher safe.

Pop Fashion Hidden Pocket Scarf, $14, Amazon

Whether you're traveling or insistent on bringing your own liquor, this Pop Fashion scarf ensures that your essentials are always safe and close by. It has a built-in pocket and a zipper closure for your cash, passport, or flask. The fashionable arrow pattern comes in nine gorgeous colors, and it's soft and lightweight for any season or weather.

Berco Kitchen Heat-Conducting Ice Cream Scoop, $15, Amazon

"Everyone who has a kitchen needs this," one reviewer raves, while another comments, "Works great, even on hard frozen ice cream." The Berco ice cream scoop works so well because it's made of heat-conducting aluminum that uses the warmth from your hands to soften your dessert. It creates perfectly round scoops, is virtually indestructible, and comes in three colors.

Blade Buddy Razor Sharpener, $11, Amazon

I find shaving moderately annoying, but I find the price of replacement razor heads even more annoying. The Blade Buddy sharpener works on any type of razor (straight or disposable) to bend the blades back into place and keep them clean. It protects your skin against cuts, ingrown hairs, and dull razors, and some reviewers have been using the same blade for months and it's still "like new."

Squatty Potty Porta-Squatty, $30, Amazon

Unfortunately, even the most natural of tasks can get a little frustrating sometimes. The Squatty Potty is a toilet stool that lifts your legs into a squatting position. This straightens out the kink in your colon, which makes it easier to go without all the excess straining. Unlike the original, this one is made of durable plastic that folds flat, so you can store it away when you have company.

ILIFE A4s Robot Vacuum Cleaner, $200, Amazon

I'm going to make an assumption here, but I'd say that vacuuming (especially under furniture) is no one's favorite task. The ILIFE A4s robotic vacuum cleaner has all of the best features, and it's available for a way cheaper price than some of the other brands. The three-step cleaning system provides strong suction on multiple floor types, the rechargeable battery lasts longer than two hours, and the multiple smart sensors avoid bumps and falls. It's also quiet, docks and charges itself automatically, and comes with a remote control. One reviewer writes: "It picked up dirt, dog hair, small twigs, tree bark, and grass...all tracked in by kids/dogs/me. It's fascinating to watch it work...im wonderstruck. I have all wood/tile floors with transition pieces, with a few rugs. It managed all surfaces well."

ZYLISS FastCut Herb Mincer, $16, Amazon

Cooking with fresh herbs? Classy AF. Prepping those herbs? Not as fun. The ZYLISS FastCut herb mincer rocks back and forth over stuff like basil, parsley, ginger, and even garlic with multiple blades to cut it quickly and evenly. The soft ergonomic handle keeps your fingers out of the way, and it's dishwasher-safe.

DANCINGNAIL Nail Protectors, $13 (100 Pack), Amazon

Whether you're using a marbling or a sponge technique, or you're just a little sloppy with your polish, these DANCINGNAIL protectors are an easy way to ensure a professional-looking manicure every time. They're made of a soft, latex-free material that wraps around your fingers so just the nail is exposed. After you've painted, peel them off for neat nails without any color on the cuticles.

NORPRO Funnel Pitcher, $6, Amazon

Why isn't every single measuring cup shaped like this? The NORPRO funnel pitcher has an elongated spout to prevent spills, and it pours effortlessly into bottles, jars, and muffin tins. The handy kitchen tool measures your amount of liquid, holds up to two cups, and reviewers say it's "indispensable" and they "use it constantly."

Travelrest 4-in-1 Travel Blanket, $30, Amazon

Sleeping on a plane is hard enough — but it's so much more frustrating when it feels like an icebox. The Travelrest 4-in-1 blanket is made from warm, ultra-plush material that wears like a poncho, so it stays on no matter what. It also functions as a pillow or lumbar support tool, has a front pocket to keep all your valuables safe, and comes in a carrying case for convenient transporting.

HomeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock, $28, Amazon

If getting out of bed is a pleasant experience for you, then I envy your morning person tendencies. For everyone else, there's a sunrise alarm clock. Rather than an annoying beep, it uses gradual sunlight-mimicking illumination and nature sounds to hack your circadian rhythm and wake you up in a much more gentle way. It also has cool features like colored night lights, FM radio, adjustable brightness levels, and a USB-rechargeable design.

BLOM Headband, $15, Amazon

If holding hair out of your face seems like a simple task, then you've never tried doing yoga with bangs. The BLOM headband is revolutionary for two reasons: 1) It has a foldable design and a sliding knot so you can wear it more than 12 different ways, and 2) It actually stays on your head during workouts. Not only is it washable and sweat-wicking, but it's available in tons of different colors, including a few reversible options.

KOODER Shoe Odor Eliminator, $17, Amazon

Rather than risk damp shoes turning into moldy ones, there are these KOODER heated shoe inserts. They plug in to provide 360-degree all-around heat that sanitizes your shoes and dries them from the inside-out. Whether you get caught in a rainstorm or need to dry after washing, these are a must. "I have used it on boots, cons, cleats and even gloves," says one reviewer. "Worked like a charm."

Zenna Home Curved Shower Rod, $17, Amazon

If you're dealing with limited space, this Zenna Home curved shower rod has reviewers psyched about all that "extra elbow room in the shower." The rust-proof aluminum is durable and installs without tools, drilling, or damage. It expands to fit any tub from 50 to 72 inches, and it provides some much-needed space for bottle storage and elbows while shampooing.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine, $200, Amazon

Nothing's changed since elementary school — cutting is still the worst part of any art project. If you're a crafter or DIY person, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is your holy grail. It hooks up to digital software so you can design any text or graphic and then cut it into materials like paper, cardstock, vinyl, faux leather, and foil. It's made with embedded Bluetooth for wireless cutting, works alongside almost any device, and comes with free access to its design software. One reviewer raves: "If you have any interest in arts and crafts, this is the machine for you! I've only had my machine for a few short days, but I've already made my first few projects and know that I'll be making them with very little in the way of training."

ENVISIONED Weighted Desktop Cable Organizer, $16, Amazon

This Weighted cable organizer sits securely on your desk to keep all your wires neat, ready, and right where you need them. It supports small and large cables, works without damaging adhesives, and allows for easy wire movement and removal. It also comes in seven color options, both bright and subtle.

Radmire Buckleless Belt, $17, Amazon

Rather than wrestling with your buckle every time you need to use the bathroom, there's this Radmire buckleless belt. It secures around your belt loops to either side of your fly, so you don't even need to take it off to undo your pants. The elastic design provides both comfort and security, and it comes in multiple colors to match any outfit.

Wasserstein Purse Light Power Bank, $15, Amazon

Finding keys in your abyss of a purse is a drag. So is a dead phone. Solve both of those issues with the Wasserstein purse light power bank. Not only does it automatically illuminate when it senses movement in your bag, but because it gets its juice via a USB, it also doubles as a 500 mAh battery so you can charge your devices on the go.

Maria Shireen Hair Tie Bracelet, $25, Amazon

I positively need to have a hair tie on me at all times, but I don't always love the lack of circulation and the way it clashes with your outfits. The Maria Shireen bracelet displays your hair tie as a sleek piece of jewelry on your wrist — the uniquely engineered channel securely holds it in place without pinching your skin, and it comes in five different colors to match all your other jewelry.

Mini-Factory Bag Holders, $11 (2 Pack), Amazon

Rather than making two or three trips from the car to the house, this Mini-Factory handle hook lets you carry all the bags at once. It's lightweight and comfortable on your hand, but it's also capable of holding up to 60 pounds in grocery bags, purses, or diaper bags. It's wrapped in a foam-like cushioning, and it clips onto straps and strollers for convenience.

Joseph Joseph Rinse And Chop Plus Cutting Board, $15, Amazon

Wash, prep, and pour on the same board with this genius tool from Joseph Joseph. It folds to create a curved colander for rinsing herbs, vegetables, and fruits, and then it opens flat to provide a knife-friendly cutting surface that also protects your counters. The folded shape also doubles as a chute that allows you to easily transfer food into jars, pans, or bowls.

The Magic Tap, $5, Amazon

With the Magic Tap, you no longer need to worry about spills or pouring from heavy, clunky bottles. The universal cap fits most containers, so all you have to do is press the trigger and the liquid comes out. Use it for water, juice, milk, or iced tea, especially in households with children or people with limited movement.

Cupsy Sofa Caddy, $25, Amazon

The Cupsy Caddy puts sturdy storage anywhere you need it, whether it's the sofa, car seats, the beach, or your bedroom. The flexible legs bend in all different positions to secure between cushions, under your mattress, or in the sand, and the two cup holders fit everything from coffee cups and water bottles to wine glasses and mugs. There's also an extra compartment for phones and remotes, and it's available in three colors.

Crock-Pot Lunch Food Warmer, $17, Amazon

Rather than waiting in line for the staff room microwave that no one ever cleans, there's this Crock-Pot lunch warmer. It has a travel-friendly lid so you can go to and from work without spills, and it plugs in and heats up for hot food anywhere. The removable interior is dishwasher-safe, and the outside stays cool to avoid burns.

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