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45 Things On Amazon That Are Seemingly Ridiculous But Tons Of Users Swear Are Genius
Sometimes, it's the silliest products that stick with us — but on those rare but special occasions, the weirder something is, the more genius it just may be. Of course, Amazon is packed with seemingly ridiculous products that users swear by, and are the kind of genius items that rapidly become cult-favorites.
On first glance, you may find an alarm clock that shakes people awake (literally) to be a bit excessive. But once that alarm clock saves you from sleeping through an important interview, you're likely to change your tune.
Or, you may turn your nose up at the idea of a shampoo formulated with craft beer, but that's probably before you learn that hops, barley, and malt all contain vitamins and minerals that give your hair extra body and strength.
Similarly, you might wonder how possibly needs cut-resistant gloves, until you look down and remember the huge scar on your thumb from that time you got a bit too sloppy with veggie prep a few years ago.
These genius Amazon products have gained a following with users for reason. They're kind of odd, but they work. From household cleaning products to travel essentials, these ridiculous but brilliant products may become your new faves.
1. A Set Of Exceptionally Soft Charcoal Toothbrushes
Dental Expert Charcoal Toothbrush, $8 (5 Pack), Amazon
The bristles on these toothbrushes are some of the softest you'll ever use, but they work just as hard to remove debris and stains from your teeth — and the bristles are infused with charcoal to add a little extra cleaning and whitening power. They're designed to easily reach all areas of your tongue and upper mouth, and their bristles won't irritate your gums. Each toothbrush should last you for about three months.
2. A Bug Repelling Device That Doesn't Harm Pests
Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repellent, $20, Amazon
This bug repelling device uses electromagnetic technology to keep pests away, including mice, ants, mosquitos, spiders, and rats. It's entirely chemical-free, unlike most products used to get rid of bugs, so you won't have to worry about any harmful impact the device could have on the environment. And while the repellant keeps pests away, it doesn't kill them — instead making the space you put it in (up to 1,200 square feet) inhospitable for any of the creatures to want to live there.
3. A Survival Tool With 11 Functions That Fits In Your Wallet
Survival Pocket Tool, $10 (5 Pack), Amazon
This survival tool is made from durable stainless steel and offers 11 functions, including a can opener, a bottle opener, multiple wrenches, a knife edge, a saw blade, a screwdriver, a ruler, and a keychain hole that makes the tool convenient to carry around. Not only does it slide right into a pocket in your wallet, but also comes with a fitted leatherette carrying case.
4. A Spiral Notebook That Won't Turn To Sludge In The Rain
Rite In The Rain All-Weather Notebook, $7, Amazon
There's no need to fear the weather with this waterproof, 7-inch spiral notebook. It has 32 double-sided pages that stand up to rain, mud, snow, and even the laundry machine. You don't even need a special writing utensil, as a standard pencil will do the trick. The notebook also has a special binding that prevents it from losing its shape in your book bag, and the entire notebook is recyclable.
5. A Wild Card Game That Features Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens Card Game, $20, Amazon
This goofy card game is the ultimate way to punch up a party — and while it's family-friendly enough to play with grandma, it's also great with a group of friends. Up to five people can play with the standard edition, though there are expansion packs available that extend that number to nine. It's the most backed project in Kickstarter history — and when the point of it is to avoid the exploding kittens, and the illustrations are all done by the people over at The Oatmeal, are you really that surprised?
6. A Set Of Dish Cloths That Last Forever Without Smelling Weird
Crown Choice No Odor Dish Cloth, $15, Amazon
Just one of these dish cloths lasts longer than seven standard kitchen sponges, and the cloths won't become smelly over time, because they dry quickly, which prevents the growth of bacteria that causes unwanted odor. You can even toss the cloths in either the dishwasher or washing machine to thoroughly disinfect and wash them in between uses. The clothes are also gentle enough to use on any surface without scratching it.
7. A Tool That Separates And Strengthens Your Toes
YogaToes Toe Stretcher, $30, Amazon
More than 1,500 Amazon users have found relief from toe pain with these toe stretchers. They strengthen toes, increase their flexibility, and can even help improve your posture. All you do is walk around while wearing the stretchers to get the benefits — and will fit your feet if you wear a women's shoe size 6 through 11. Ultimately, the stretchers can prevent bunions, chronically crooked toes, and more.
8. A Travel Pillow That Supports Your Head, Chin, And Neck
J-Pillow Travel Pillow, $20, Amazon
This pillow is the ultimate travel accessory, supporting your head, chin, and neck while you sleep or rest. Whether you're on a plane or on a long car ride, you'll notice a huge difference in sleep quality — and how quickly you fall asleep. The pillow rolls up into a compact ball that's easy to take with you when you travel, and it's machine-washable. One reviewer writes: "The first time I actually used it, was taking a nap in my car, and I slept so well. It supported my head and kept my chin from drooping. I woke up from a car nap feeling refreshed - unheard of!"
9. A Microwave Cleaner That Eliminates The Need To Scrub
OIF Microwave Cleaner, $9, Amazon
This cute microwave cleaner makes it beyond easy to keep your microwave oven spotless. All you do is fill the "mama" with water and vinegar (and optional lemon juice for a fresh citrus scent) and put it in for a spin in the microwave. The steam that follows will soften any debris or grime that's accumulated, so you can wipe down the microwave in less than a minute afterwards, no scrubbing required. The cleaner is also heat-resistant and can be put in the dishwasher.
10. A Glitter Gel That Gives You Ethereal, Unicorn Vibes
Unicorn Snot Glitter Gel, $13, Amazon
If you can't get enough glitter, then this glitter gel is a must-have. It applies perfectly, without the need for makeup primer or setting spray, dries quickly, and leaves unicorn-levels of glitter behind. Once dry, the gel is lightweight and totally clear, so only the glitter is visible. And at the end of the day, it rinses right off with water. The product is also vegan and cruelty-free.
11. A Long Back Scratcher That Collapses For Storage
WOVTE Bear Claw Back Scratcher, $8, Amazon
You'll always be able to reach that itch with this stainless steel claw back scratcher. It will never bend, rust, or fall apart, giving you years of relief from itchy skin on your back. The handle on the scratcher is made of rubber that won't slip and fits comfortably in your hand. Plus, it collapses to become smaller, making it easy to store anywhere.
12. A Workout Product That Improves Blood Circulation
Sweet Sweat Stick, $26, Amazon
Adding this workout product to your routine can make your workouts easier, keeps you cooler, and even helps to prevent injury. Basically, all you do is apply Sweet Sweat to your body before you start exercising, and it immediately keeps you nice and cool and encourages blood circulation. This increase accelerates warm-up and recovery time, in addition to stopping lactic acid from building up, which allows you to comfortably workout longer.
13. An Essential Oil Inhaler That Puts Aromatherapy In Your Pocket
MONQ Aromatherapy Inhaler, $20, Amazon
This personal essential oil diffuser pen gives you about two weeks of aromatherapy, balancing the effects of frankincense, orange, and ylang ylang. The device produces a safe, nicotine-free vapor made from coconut-derived vegetable glycerin, and it's safe to dispose of once it runs out of juice. Each unit offers about 150 "gentle puffs," and you can get one of these aromatherapy inhalers with a variety of different essential oil blends.
14. An Alarm Clock That's Mega Loud And Shakes You Awake
SonicAlert Bunker Bomb Alarm Clock, $38, Amazon
There is no way you'll sleep through your alarm with this extremely loud clock and its accompanying bed shaker. Yep — it comes with an attached 12-volt shaker that that will literally shake your bed to keep you from falling back asleep. You can alter your alarm to last from anywhere between one and 59 minutes, and you can adjust the amount of snooze time you get, too. The alarm clock also has a battery backup, so you'll still wake up on time if the power goes out at night.
15. A Cute Tea Infuser That Looks Like A Deep-Sea Diver
Fred Deep Tea Diver Infuser, $9, Amazon
This adorable silicone tea infuser looks like a deep-sea diver in your mug, gently brewing loose leaf tea of your choice. It won't affect the taste of your tea in any way, and it's made of BPA-free silicone that is easy to clean. You can even pop the deep tea diver into both the microwave and the dishwasher because it's totally heat-safe. While your tea is brewing, it has a long attached "air tank" that hangs out of the side, so it won't fall into the cup.
16. A Body Wash That Kills Bacteria With Tea Tree Oil
Purely Northwest Anti-fungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash, $15, Amazon
This tea tree oil body wash soothes dry skin while eliminating bacteria, ideal for athletes or anyone struggling with itchy, inflamed skin. In addition to tea tree oil, it's also packed with moisturizing aloe vera, dead sea kelp, and other botanicals that offer all sorts of vitamins and nutrients — while leaving skin soft and refreshed. And while the anti-fungal properties are tough on bacteria, the body wash won't irritate sensitive skin.
17. A Face Massager That Ices Away Headaches
Esarora Ice Roller, $12, Amazon
All you have to do is keep this ice roller in the freezer to have an immediate massage tool at your disposal that soothes your face, preps your skin for makeup, and even reduces the effects of too much sun exposure. It's safe to use on the area around your eyes, eliminating puffiness and promoting blood circulation to delicate skin. It's also great to help calm the symptoms of migraines.
18. A Maintenance-Free Terrarium To Add Some Greenery To Your Life
Orchid Gene Venus Flytrap Kit, $8, Amazon
This Venus flytrap kit is a self-sustaining terrarium, and requires no watering, sunlight, or re-potting — and no matter how many houseplants you've killed in the past, this kit guarantees the life of a small, carnivorous plant. Once your mini terrarium is situated, the plant will slowly begin to multiply, filling the bottle. The kit is shipped with a free heat pack to keep the plant alive during transit in cold climates.
19. A Hair Curler That Does All The Work For You
Kiss Ceramic Hair Curler, $39, Amazon
This hair curler rotates on its own, giving you salon-level curls without all the work involved with curling. All you have to do is put a section of hair in the curler, press a button, and it produces a perfect ringlet. The curler itself is covered in ceramic to protect your hair from heat damage, and it'll also help make your hair extra-smooth and frizz-free. The iron heats up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit and will work on all hair lengths and textures.
20. A Shaving Oil That Eliminates Razor Burn With Minimal Product
Shave Secret Shaving Oil, $15, Amazon
You can radically reduce ingrown hairs, shaving bumps, and stubble in general by adding three to five drops of this shaving oil to your routine, right before you go in for a close shave. It can be used in or out of the shower, whichever you prefer, and the shaving oil also moisturizes your skin. One Amazon user raved, "If you want a close shave — whether you are a woman or a man — this is the product to handle it."
21. A Shampoo That Harnesses The Nourishing Power Of Craft Beer
Duffy's Brew Craft Beer Shampoo, $20, Amazon
This shampoo is made with craft beer — an IPA, specifically — making it extra-rich in amino acids, vitamin B, proteins, and minerals. You'd be surprised by just how many of these nutrients come straight from hops, barley, and malt. The entirely vegan beer shampoo is also sulfate-free, ideal for anyone with a dry scalp or sensitive skin concerns. And rest assured, the shampoo smells like a yummy vanilla mix, not beer.
22. A Set Of Charcoal Bags That Destroy Unwanted Odor
Freegrace Air Purifying Carbon Bag, $14 (4 Pack), Amazon
With these coconut shell carbon pouches, you can freshen up any area of your house, the depths of your car or closet, and even a pair of shoes. Coconut shell carbon absorbs moisture and destroys unwanted odor, so you can basically clean up the air anywhere you can stuff one of these bags. The pouches can even eliminate formaldehyde, ammonia, and other things you wish weren't present in everyday household items.
23. A Pair Of Kitchen Gloves That You Can't Cut Through
NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves, $11, Amazon
These gloves are made of a cut-resistant material that will stop you from accidentally nicking yourself while you're prepping food. In fact, the material is four times stronger than leather. The lightweight gloves are available in four sizes instead of just one, ensuring a proper fit on your hands. They're also food safe and machine-washable, so you never have to worry about them getting gross over time or coming in contact with your food.
24. A Pair Of Thermal Socks To Keep Your Feet Warm All Winter
Heat Holders Thermal Socks, $19, Amazon
You can keep your feet nice and toasty no matter how cold it is outside with these heat-regulating thermal socks. They are designed to keep warm air close to the skin, keeping your feet cozy for longer, and they look just like standard socks. The socks are super comfortable in addition to their warm properties, with a soft, brushed interior and long pile cushioning. They're also available in a ton of colors and patterns.
25. A Truly Natural Solution To Teeth Whitening
Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit, $20, Amazon
It literally doesn't get more natural than a miswak club: a piece of branch from an Arak tree that naturally brushes, cleans, and whitens your teeth while getting rid of bad breath. If you're looking for a gentle way to whiten your teeth without causing irritation, a miswak club is the way to go. This set comes with two sticks and a case for each, keeping you supplied for about six weeks. One reviewer writes: "I love miswak sticks! They make my teeth feel so much cleaner than just regular brushing. They also make my teeth whiter."
26. A Bright, Tactile Toy To Occupy Fidgeting Hands When You're Trying To Focus
Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty, $15, Amazon
Amazon users swear by this thinking putty that can help you focus and, if nothing else, is super fun to play with. The putty is available in a wide range of cosmic, hypnotic colors, ranging from "Super Lava" to "North Star" — and this clear glass one that looks practically invisible on any surface. You can even get a version of the putty that glows in the dark. If you tend to fidget, keeping your hands busy with this colorful putty can help you focus.
27. A Magnesium Supplement Spray That Absorbs Through The Skin
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Spray, $19, Amazon
This topical magnesium spray is designed for maximum absorption through the skin, so you can get all the benefits of magnesium with just a quick spritz. The pure magnesium oil has been known to help people fall asleep naturally, keep them relaxed, and maintain nerve, joint, and muscle health — without the laxative effect that sometimes comes from taking an oral magnesium pill.
28. A Relaxing Tool That De-stresses Your Neck And Shoulders
Real Ease Neck And Shoulder Relaxer, $32, Amazon
Nearly 1,000 Amazon users have found relief from neck and shoulder pain with this relaxing gadget that completely releases the tension in your neck, shoulders, and jaw. Allowing your head and neck to rest in the relaxer for 10 to 15 minutes a day can help you de-stress and possibly even address chronic pain. One reviewer writes: "After using it once I could feel the difference; it feels odd because your head feels like its floating. In 3 days after using it twice a day, I was able to wake up and not be in pain and work the entire day without pain (on most days depending on extra stresses during the day). It helped greatly with my headaches too."
29. A Nail Polish Base Coat That Lets You Peel Everything Off Later
UNT Ready For Takeoff Peelable Base Coat, $13, Amazon
This peelable base coat polish allows you to peel old nail polish off without a struggle, no matter how many layers of glitter and nail art you layered on top of your fragile nails. It functions properly as a base coat, protecting your nails from polish and creating a ridge-free surface to paint on, and then, the peelable base coat makes it a breeze to switch to your next color. Gone are the days of scrubbing at glitter for what feels like forever.
30. A Toilet Spray That Keeps Unwanted Odors Concealed
Squatty Potty Unicorn Gold Toilet Spray, $10, Amazon
Armed with this toilet spray in your bag, you'll never again have to worry about stinking up someone's bathroom. All you do is spray a bit of Unicorn Gold on top of the water in the bowl before you do your business, and the essential oils completely trap the unwanted odors below the waterline. The only smell that will permeate the bathroom is that of cherries and mixed berries. That said, the spray is available in multiple scents, and each bottle offers 200 uses.
31. A Set Of Food Saving Lids That Protect Your Produce
Farberware Food Huggers, $8 (4 Pack), Amazon
These food huggers preserve your lemons, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables so you get more use out of fresh produce without having to waste plastic wrap or dirty up a container. You can also wrap the food huggers around open jars and cans. Plus, they're dishwasher-safe, so you can toss them right in the dishwasher when you're done and continue to re-use the food huggers indefinitely.
32. A Set Of Sponges That Scrub Away And Absorb Anything
Nano Sponges, $11 (2 Pack), Amazon
NanoSponges seriously clean everything, from light messes to intense grime, thanks to a tough scrubbing side that gets down to business without leaving marks behind on any surfaces. The sponges are also mega-absorbent, so you can use them in place of paper towels to mop up small spills. Then, the sponges dry quickly to prevent the growth of mold. While one side scrubs, the other side absorbs.
33. A Garlic Crusher That Has A Mincing Grate, Too
Joseph Joseph Garlic Rocker, $10, Amazon
This garlic rocker allows you to safely crush a clove of garlic without having to dangerously smash the clove under a knife. It also has a stainless steel grate center, so you can mince your freshly crushed garlic (or ginger) with the same tool. The whole thing is dishwasher safe, easy to use, and durable.
34. A Set Of Dryer Balls That Reduce Your Laundry Time
Life Miracle Dryer Balls, $11, Amazon
You can fully replace dryer sheets in your laundry routine with these aerodynamic dryer balls that actually make your clothes dry faster. Their oblong shape creates more space in between clothing so that they air out ASAP, which can cut down on your electric bill. The dryer balls also have massage nodules that soften clothes, reduce lint, and prevent wrinkles. You can even add essential oils to the dryer balls to add your favorite scent to the laundry.
35. An Exfoliating Pumice Stone Made Of Actual Lava
Zenda Naturals Lava Pumice Stone, $10, Amazon
Unlike most synthetic "pumice" stones, this lava pumice stone is made from all-natural, volcanically-formed lava, softening your feet without any harsh chemicals or weird, scratchy surfaces. The lava stone can do more than just remove dead skin — it also buffers away corns and calluses over time. You can use the lava stone in the shower, and it dries quickly without harboring bacteria. It even has a strap for your hanging convenience.
36. An Alarm Clock That Wakes You Up With A Sunrise
Demeao Sunrise Digital Alarm Clock, $40, Amazon
This alarm clock aims to wake you up naturally in the morning, mimicking the sunrise with its warm light and a gradual increase in brightness. You can set it to slowly dim its way into a sunset at night, too. The alarm clock also has a variety of natural wake-up sounds, such as chirping birds, to lull you out of your sleep in the morning without any harsh beeps or tones.
37. A Soap-Shaped Bar That Gets Rid Of Food Prep Smells
Amco Rub-A-Way Bar, $8, Amazon
The kind of food odors that just won't seem to go away — such as garlic, fish, and onion — can be completely removed with this stainless steel rub-a-way bar. All you do is rub it between your hands like a bar of soap (water optional), and the smell will be gone. One reviewer writes: "LOVE LOVE LOVE this thing! I chop garlic and onions all the time, but hate that the scent would linger on my hands for hours, even days after. I just wash my hands with soap and water, then grab this thing and rub my hands on it under the water, and BAM, no more scents :). Truly a must have in the kitchen."
38. A Dry Body Brush That Preps Your Skin For A Shower
Wholesome Beauty Dry Skin Body Brush, $10, Amazon
A quick rub of this dry brush over your skin before you hop in the shower can improve blood circulation, exfoliate dead skin, get rid of clogged pores and ingrown hairs, and basically prepare your skin to absorb all the nutrients and goodies in your body wash. It's made of natural bristles and polished wood, with a loop around the back that makes it easy to hold the brush in your hand.
39. A Tooth Whitening Powder That Supports The Natural Process
The Dirt Natural Tooth Whitening Powder, $20, Amazon
This tub of all-natural whitening powder brightens your smile without irritating sensitive teeth and gums. Its combination of ingredients aims to kickstart your teeth's natural mineralization process, keeping them strong and stain-free. Bentonite clay, cinnamon, baking soda, and essential oils make up the ingredient list, so you can feel confident knowing you aren't putting any bizarre chemicals in your mouth. It's available in both a cinnamon and a minty flavor, too.
40. A Nail Polish Holder You Wear On Your Finger
Tweexy Nail Polish Holder, $10, Amazon
With this nail polish holder, you can paint your nails literally anywhere, without needing a balanced surface to place your open bottle of polish on. It's super small, flexible, and lightweight, and it's easy to pull off your finger without disturbing the fresh polish. And if you do spill nail polish on it, the holder is made of silicone, so it's easy to wipe down.
41. A Back Shaver That Anyone Can Use Without Razor Burn
Bakblade Body Shaver, $23, Amazon
This back and body shaver makes any area of your back easily accessible for shaving, without having to contort your body awkwardly or worry that you might cut yourself. The shaver can be used wet or dry, and it has a guard in place to keep your skin safe while still providing a close shave. You won't need any shaving cream to have this work properly, and the shaver doesn't leave razor burn or razor bumps behind.
42. A Steaming Lid That Has A Mega Cute Design
Marna Pig Cooking Lid, $12, Amazon
Quite possibly the cutest way to keep your food warm and allow it to steam, this cooking lid can be placed on top of any bowl or pot, or directly on top of food, letting the food cook while releasing steam through a pig snout design. It's safe to use in the microwave, too, and the cooking lid is dishwasher safe. You can also use it as a jar opener when you need some extra traction.
43. A Little Squeezy Tool That Separates Egg Yolks
Joie Eggy Egg Squeeze Separator, $8, Amazon
This nifty tool lets you separate the egg yolks from the egg whites without making a huge mess, whether you're cutting down on yolks in your diet or if a recipe calls to separate the eggs. The tool is made of silicone and is super satisfying to use, as you watch suction pull the yolk right out of the egg. It's easy to use, and easy to clean, too.
44. A Nose Wax Kit That Gives You Salon-Tier Results At Home
NAD's Nose Wax Kit, $18, Amazon
This complete nose wax kit lets you get all the long, unwanted hairs out of your nose without disturbing the important, smaller hairs that are higher up. The kit has easy to follow instructions, its results last for up to a month, and it's far less painful than plucking. One Amazon user happily said, "It works surprisingly well, and it's less expensive than a single wax from a salon."
45. A Set Of Shot Glasses Made Of Himalayan Rock Salt
Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses, $20 (4 Pack), Amazon
These Himalayan salt shot glasses are hand-carved and unique, made of pure Himalayan salt that naturally resists the growth of bacteria. Each shot will add a slightly salty flavor to any spirit — tequila, anyone? — and the glasses are easy to clean and dry out quickly in between uses. With proper care, you can rely on them for years.
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