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Hands Down The 65 Strangest, Most Genius Things On Amazon Under $30

Bizarre (but worth the buy).

Written by Alexandra Elizabeth
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Originally Published: 
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When you have unique shopping problems, sometimes you need strange solutions. Whether you’re looking for lamps that double as phone mounts, couch pillows that prevent coffee spills, or scrubbing brushes that turn your power tools into cleaning tools, there’s a bizarre yet genius option on this list. Better yet, all these clever selections are reasonably priced, with everything ringing up at $30 or less. So scroll on for all of the weird but wonderful housewares, skin care, and gadgets that check all the boxes and won’t overtax your wallet.

1A Cooling Under-Eye Stick That Helps With Puffiness

Give your eyes the TLC they deserve with this adorable hydrating eye stick. It rolls onto your under-eye area like a lip balm and uses ingredients like Icelandic moss, aloe vera extract, and hyaluronic acid to leave skin feeling soft, while diminishing the look of puffiness and dark circles. The Icelandic mineral water in the formula offers up a cooling sensation, too.

2A Sloping Splash Guard For A Neater Sink

Banish unwanted splashes and splatter with this kitchen sink guard. The waterproof silicone tray features a 5-degree slope toward the sink along with two front spouts, so any splashes flow directly toward the drain, thereby eliminating wetness and pooling. It’s easy to install, too, thanks to the flexible pre-cut slots.

  • Available colors: 3

3These Universal Lids That Stretch Over Nearly Anything

Gone are the days of searching for your container’s perfect match, because you can keep your leftovers fresh with these reusable silicone lids. These flexible lids stretch to fit over a variety of round and even square containers. They create an airtight seal for freshness while also preventing leaks. Better yet, they’re safe to use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.

4The Flexible Dryer Cleaner Kit That Keeps Homes Safer

Poorly maintained dryers can be a fire hazard, so keep yours in tip-top shape with this dryer vent cleaner kit. It comes with a two-part vacuum adapter and flexible hose, and the maneuverable design means it can get deep into even narrow dryer vents to suction away lint and other debris. Another bonus? Keeping your dryer lint free will help increase efficiency and drying time, too.

5This Overnight Mouthwash That’s A Game-Changer

This dentist-formulated mint mouthwash works overnight to rebuild enamel, prevent cavities, and most importantly, address any bad breath. Its light chamomile and mint flavoring is subtle, and some reviewers say it helps with their dry mouth, as well.

6The Wedge Traction Pillow That Helps Release Neck Tension

Take care of your neck and spine with this cervical wedge pillow. It helps to create traction and reduce stiffness, tension, and discomfort in the neck and shoulders thanks to its unique shape — simply place your neck inside the concave section and let gravity do the rest. It’s comfortable, too, owing to the supportive latex foam construction and soft, hypoallergenic cover. Just lie on it for a few minutes a day for relief.

7This Multifaceted Chopper That Has Tons Of Different Functions

Make meal prep so much easier with this vegetable chopper and spiralizer. It comes with stainless steel blade plates which you can swap out to dice, chop, and spiralize produce. The bottom container holds up to 5 cups (enough for a healthy batch of pico de gallo) and the included finger guard helps keep you safe from nicks.

8A Unique Toilet Scrubbing Stone That Removes Hard Water Stains

Say goodbye to hard-to-scrub mineral stains with this pumice stone toilet bowl cleaner. All you have to do is dampen the stone to scrub away hard water buildup from the bowl. And even though the stone is tough enough to get the job done, it won’t scratch fragile porcelain. When you’re done, just leave it to dry in its included case.

9The Magnetic Air Vent Covers That Can Help Reduce Your Energy Bills

Want to know a secret to lowering your energy bills? These magnetic vent covers. They adhere to steel vents (on the floor, ceiling, and wall) and block airflow in the rooms where you don’t want it. This means you’re only heating or cooling the rooms that are occupied. They’re strong, flexible, and create a firm seal without any gapping.

10A Luxurious Collagen Hair Mask For Damaged Hair

Give your hair some pampering right at home with this K-beauty hair protein treatment. Simply shampoo your hair as usual, apply the mask, and let it sit for anywhere from five to 20 minutes, then rinse it all away. The collagen-enhanced formula helps even damaged and over-processed hair look and feel soft and silky smooth.

11A Running Pouch That’s Way More Streamlined Than A Fanny Pack

Say goodbye to bulky fanny packs by subbing in this magnetic running pouch that keeps things streamlined as you exercise. Just tuck the back flap inside your waistband and the magnets will secure the pouch into place. The breathable, moisture-resistant mesh construction will keep your phone, keys, and other essentials safe on your run.

  • Available colors: 3

12The Absorbent Wristbands For A Skin-Care Routine That’s Less Messy

If you’re tired of water streaming down your arms as you wash your face, give these towel wristbands a try. They’re made from absorbent microfiber wrapped around a stretchy elastic band for a comfortable fit, allowing them to soak up any excess water as you cleanse. They can also be used during your exercise routine for sweat.

  • Available colors: 20

13These Soothing Gloves For Deep Moisture Treatments

Your hands go through a lot in a day, so treat them right with these repairing hand masks. Made with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and coconut oil, these gloves leave your hands feeling softer after just 20 minutes. And yes, the gloves are touch screen-compatible, so you can keep scrolling as you moisturize.

14This Clever Duster With A Practical Flat Shape

For cleaning narrow places where vacuums won’t reach, try this microfiber duster with a flat silhouette that’s perfect for dusting underneath and in between furniture. The microfiber sheath sits atop a flexible blade so you can angle it just right. When it needs a cleaning, just slip off the cover and throw it in the wash

15This Whimsical Duck That Makes The Perfect Night-Light

For a little extra ambient lighting, try this charming yet beleaguered-looking duck night-light. Thanks to its flat-lying position, not only is it a visually appealing source of illumination, it also doubles as a phone mount — just nestle your device between its feet and tail. The lamp is touch activated, has three different brightness settings, and is easily rechargeable via USB.

16A Set Of Vertical Hangers To Help You Save Closet Space

Snag these space-saving hanger holders, which come four to a pack for plenty of storage inside your closet. Each hanger latches onto your closet rod, and features five cascading hooks so that you can hang more items and take advantage of otherwise unused vertical space. They’re super lightweight, too, weighing just under 6 ounces each.

17The Portable Chargers That Work With Both iPhones & Androids

Never face the peril of a dead phone again thanks to these portable chargers. They come with USB, micro-USB, and USB-C ports to power up a variety of devices. They’re incredibly efficient, too, since when fully juiced, each battery pack can provide up to two charging cycles to even late-model smartphones.

  • Available colors: 6

18This Ultra-Secure Car Organizer With Waterproofing For Groceries

This collapsible organizer is speicifically designed to pop in the backseat or trunk of your car and wrangle all of the clutter. It has clip-on straps to prevent it from sliding while you drive, and the entire thing has a waterproof lining if you plan to secure your groceries in it.

19These Glow-In-The-Dark Remote Control Skins That Are Easy To Spot

Snag this pair of glowing remote control covers for a fun and practical way to spot your remote with ease in low lighting. They’re made from silicone, so they easily stretch over your remote without obscuring any buttons or sensors. They have a textured surface for a better grip and even provide some shock absorption, too.

  • Available colors: 5

20The Smart Way To Store Leggings

When your legging collection achieves the kind of volume that makes storage a challenge, hang this storage hanger in your closet. It holds 24 pairs of leggings (or any garment you can roll) in the space of a single hanger and lets you see your entire collection at once. It comes in 13 colors.

21A MagSafe Phone Mount For Your Car

Tap the power of the MagSafe technology in your iPhone and update your in-car phone mount with this MagSafe car mount. When you get into the car, stick your phone to it and it will hold firm, allowing you to turn the screen the way you like. Then grab and go when you arrive. It’s a minimalist and elegant solution.

22These Genius Gloves That Protect Your Hands In The Kitchen

Shield yourself from nicks and pokes with these cut-resistant gloves. They’re made with glass fibers for ultimate protection, whether you’re slicing vegetables or shucking oysters. They’re well liked by reviewers, too, over 38,000 of whom have weighed in to give them an impressive 4.5-star overall rating. Plus, they’re machine washable whenever they need a cleaning.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 2

23These Fan-Favorite Tablets That Keep Your Washing Machine Clean

If you want clean clothes, you’ll need a clean machine to get the job done, and this washing machine cleaner can help. These highly rated tablets work in both top- and front-loading machines. Not only do they clean deep into the filter and pump, but they can also help eliminate odors as well as buildup.

24The Star-Shaped Food Masher With Sky-High Ratings

Snag this nylon masher for a variety of food prep tasks, from browning meat to whipping up a batch of guacamole. It has a five-blade design for a wide area of coverage, and thanks to its heat-resistant construction (which is safe for temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit), you can use it on hot dishes on or off the stove. It’s a favorite of home chefs, with a 4.7-star overall rating on Amazon.

  • Available colors: 2

25This Ultra-Strong (& Lightweight) UV Light For Pet Stains

This black light flashlight is covered in an impressive 68 LEDs, so you can easily see pet stains around the house, bugs, and more. It’s an ultra-strong UV light, but it’s also surprisingly lightweight, so you can carry this nonslip flashlight around the house on cleaning day.

26The Outlet Extender That Doubles As A Phone Rest

Increase your charging capabilities with this outlet extender. Simply plug it into your existing outlet and you’ll get three AC sockets plus two USB ports, so you can power up a variety of devices with ease. This clever extender also features a small cradle on the top, so you can rest tablets or phones as they power up.

27A Minimalist Remote Holder You Can Stick-On Wherever You Need It

This adhesive (screws optional) holder is a minimalist and super sleek solution for keeping up with the remote. Simply pop it on your wall, the side of your coffee table, or wherever you could use a tidy spot for your remote. The stick-on design is also a breeze to remove if you want to move your remote spot.

28These Drill Attachments That Make Your Home Sparkling Clean

If you’ve never considered your power drill to be a cleaning tool, think again, because this set of drill brush scrubbers is here to set the record straight. Each of the three brushes attaches to your existing drill with the included adapter bit to help you harness the power of your tool for a deeper clean. Choose from flat, round, and detail brushes depending on the job.

  • Available colors: 5

29This Leave-In Hair Treatment That Also Protects Against Heat Damage

Make sure you’re adding products to your beauty arsenal that pull their weight, like this leave-in treatment with tons of benefits. Not only does this herbal extract formula help repair damaged hair, it also hydrates for a smooth finish, and even serves as a heat protectant. Simply apply it to damp hair and work it through from the mid-section down to your tips.

30The Clever Outlet Cover That Doubles As A Night-Light

Add a touch of practicality and safety to your home with this guide light. It has a unique design that doesn’t require any screws or brackets for installation: Just remove your current plate and snap it in place over your existing AC sockets. The bottom boasts a concealed LED night-light that has an auto on-and-off sensor.

  • Available colors: 4

31A Hydrating Snail Mucin Repair Cream That’s Packed With Vitamins

Brighten your complexion and give your skin a generous boost of hydration with this snail mucin repair cream. It may sound strange, but this holy grail of Korean skincare is formulated with 97.5% snail extract in addition to vitamins E, B5, and organic green tea. It’s designed to tighten skin and fight dullness and dark circles within just a couple of weeks, and unlike comparable high-end versions, it won’t break the bank.

32This Pour-Over Coffee Maker For A Delicious Daily Cup

Extract every bit of nuance and flavor from your beans when you use this pour-over coffee maker. The glass carafe features helpful measurement markings while the stainless steel mesh filter allows for a clean cup — no paper filter required. Slowly add water to the grounds and use the handle to pour the finished coffee directly into your cup.

33This Brilliant Deodorizer That Will Help Reduce Litter Box Smells

Think the odor emanating from your cat’s litter box is just something you have to endure? Think again. This cat litter deodorizer can be sprinkled right on top of the litter, as well as other areas in your home such as a garbage can, kennel, or pet carrier. It’s fragrance-free, safe for your kitty, and extends cleaning intervals—which is definitely a win!

34A Slime-Like Gel That Helps Clean Hard-To-Reach Places

Evoke the fun of grade-school science glass with all the adult satisfaction of cleaning your car with this gel cleaner. Its squishy consistency won’t stick to hands but does get deep into hard-to-reach crevices like car vents and cupholders to trap dust in seconds. Plus, you can use it to clean other tight spaces too, like your computer keyboard. Simply keep reusing the gel until the color darkens.

35This Korean Toner With Marine Minerals

Use this facial essence to tone, plump, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin. Loaded with marine minerals, aloe, cucumber extract, and tamarind, it is the perfect spritz for under lotion or to use solo. It hydrates while preventing breakouts and it does it without hurting animals or putting chemicals on your skin.

36A Drying Rack For Your Makeup Brushes

Cleaning your makeup brushes is much easier if you have this brush holder to set them in to dry. It organizes them, holds them upside down so the water doesn’t run into the handle, and keeps them clean till you use them again.

37This Hydrating Cuticle Cream That Conditions Your Nails

For weak nails and ragged cuticles, look no further than this cuticle cream. It’s packed with nourishing, moisturizing ingredients like Japanese seaweed, mineral spring water, and aloe vera to leave hands looking and feeling soft and healthy. And thanks to the precision applicator, you’ll be able to dispense just the right amount of product without drips and messes.

38A Dog Shampoo That Doesn’t Require Water Or Rinsing

If you’ve ever loved the convenience of dry shampoo for yourself, you’ll be happy to know this waterless dog shampoo exists. The foam formula gets to the root of your dog’s coat and deodorizes while also absorbing oils. And because it’s sulfate and paraben free, it’s gentle for your furry friend. Just apply, massage in, and comb through.

39The Exfoliating Booties That Give Your Feet A Satisfying Peel

Skip the pricey pedicures and pamper your feet on the couch with these foot peel masks. Simply secure the plastic booties over your feet with the included tape and let them sit for an hour. The fruit acids in the formula will get to work stimulating cell turnover. After the peeling finishes (about a week later), you’ll have smooth, callus-free feet.

40These Sticky Patches That Can Flatten A Zit Overnight

To help minimize a pimple without popping or creams, try these acne patches. They’re made from hydrocolloid, which helps to absorb oil in as little as six hours. And not only can the patches help reduce the size of a zit, but, since they act as shields, they help keep germs out and prevent you from picking at your skin, too. The result? Less redness and irritation overall.

41A Genius Wrap Stand For Organizing Foils & More

Tidy up your countertops or cabinets with this wrap box organizer that’s perfect for cling wrap, aluminum foil, parchment paper, and more. It has eight adjustable wire shelves for tons of storage, plus a convenient rounded top that doubles as a carrying handle. It’s lightweight, too, weighing just over a pound.

42A Multi-Functional Opener To Replace Multiple Kitchen Gadgets

If your kitchen drawers are bursting at the seams, replace multiple gadgets with this clever multi-functional opener. It spares your hands and wrists from excessive strain and effortlessly opens jars, cans, and bottles of different types and sizes. The opener is made from heavy-duty plastic and rubber for durability and has an ergonomic anti-slip design for comfortable use.

43These Nonstick Oven Liners To Prevent Crusty Messes

If you’re tired of spending an inordinate amount of time scraping off crusted mess from the bottom of your oven, invest less than $15 in these oven liners. Made of nonstick Teflon, they sit at the bottom of your oven and catch all falling drips. Cut them to size to suit your dimensions and wash them off in the sink or the dishwasher for a quick clean.

44This Set Of Spatulas To Satisfy Any Cooking Need

Each piece in this silicone spatula set can be used to address a different task in the kitchen from scooping to sauteeing to mixing to scraping. The material can handle temperatures up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit with each of the four spatulas featuring a smooth, bendable blade. The set is available in black, green, orange, and teal.

45These Extra-Long Oven Mitts To Prevent Painful Burns

If you’ve burned your forearms one too many times while pulling out a sheet of freshly baked cookies, get these extra-long oven mitts ASAP. They’re made from heavy-duty silicone for a nonslip grip and are heat resistant, flame retardant, and shield your hands from steam and hot water for maximum protection. The gloves have a soft interior made from a cotton-polyester blend for ultimate comfort and they can easily be cleaned under running water.

  • Available options: 11

46An Exfoliating Brush For Silky Smooth Skin

For the ultimate multi-purpose body care accessory, get this cheap exfoliating brush that has garnered over 22,000 perfect reviews. For best results, use it twice a day on wet or dry skin to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, increase circulation, and give your body a deep cleanse. The silicone brush also prevents razor bumps and reduces ingrown hairs for luxuriously soft and silky smooth skin.

47This Utensil Rest That Has Space For More Than Just A Spoon

To cut down on messes as you meal prep, try this silicone utensil rest that’s so much better than your standard spoon rest. It features four niches for storing cooking tools, as well as a flat surface perfect for catching drips and spills, all with a nonslip base. Thanks to its silicone construction, it’s both heat resistant and dishwasher safe, so it’s super easy to clean.

  • Available colors: 19

48A Windshield Cleaner & Defogger That Requires Zero Spray Cleaners

Simply sweep this clever defogging sponge across your windshield and windows to instantly take care of any fog and grime. You won’t even need to keep a spray cleaner in the car with it. Whenever it gets a little gross, you can simply pop this game-changing windshield sponge in the washing machine.

49These Gloves For Grooming Your Pet

Your pet will love it when you pull on this pair of pet grooming gloves. The palm and fingers are covered in long nubs that feel terrific to your furry friend and that de-shed that pet so you don’t have to clean up as much pet fur. They work well on cats, dogs, horses, or anyone with fur.

50These Shower Hooks To Add Bathroom Storage

Create tons more storage in the bathroom with these waterproof shower hooks that come in a set of four. They mount using self-adhesive and can each hold up to 3 pounds (so they’ll work with a ton of shower essentials). Made of rust-resistant stainless steel, use them to hang razors, loofahs, towels, and more.

51A Soft Place To Stand When You Work

Set this anti-fatigue mat in front of your desk, workbench, or kitchen work area so that your feet and legs don’t get tired and sore when you work there. The soft, squishy mat feels great underfoot and you will have more energy after working. It comes in five sizes to fit your space and in 15 colors and patterns so it looks pretty wherever you put it.

52This Handle For Carrying Grocery Bags

When you get your groceries home, this grocery bag holder helps you carry several bags at once into the house without hurting your hands. Loop the grocery bag handle over the hooks and hold onto the soft-grip, ergonomic handle. “I can fit a lot of bags on them and I hardly feel the weight of the bags and the handle is very comfortable,” said one reviewer.

53These Exfoliating Gloves That Feel So Good

Pull on this pair of dual texture bath gloves, lather up, and scrub your entire body. With a different texture on each side, you can choose what suits you best for the most exhilarating and exfoliating shower possible. They come in 16 colors.

54These Nipple Covers That Practically Melt Into The Skin

Joyfully abandon your bra and don these nipple covers that practically melt into the skin for invisible coverage. They come in a range of shades from espresso to crème and are made of soft, flexible silicone that stays in place for up to 12 hours. Peel them off painlessly and reapply with no dip in adhesiveness.

55A Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack To Save Major Counter Space

Free up your countertop space with this dish drying rack that rolls directly over your sink. It’s designed with stainless steel slats that are well-spaced for lots of air circulation with silicone feet on the ends to keep it in place. Available in six sizes, simply roll it up for equally convenient and space-saving storage.

56This Leave-In Conditioner Spray That’s Perfect For All Hair Types

Whether you rock curls, waves, straight strands, or coils, this leave-in conditioner spray is for you. Its cruelty-free formula is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, to name a few, and leaves hair feeling soft, shiny, and free of tangles. Spray it on your clean, damp hair and comb through for hair that feels healthier and more manageable.

57A Foot Rest You Can Pack & Take With You

You don’t have to let uncomfortable seating ruin your travels, this inflatable foot rest will come with you when you go camping, traveling, or to your workplace. You can adjust the height and it’s a soft and comfy place to rest your feet to take the pressure off your back and legs. It comes in four colors.

58These Car Seat Headrest Hooks To Make Your Handbag More Accessible

Easily get into your handbag while you’re on the road by hanging it on one of these car seat headrest hooks. They come in a pack of two and attach to the headrest with the ability to swing around, making your bag or backpack quickly accessible. In addition, they’ll help to store items off the floor or seats, making more room for precious passengers.

59These LED Night Lights That Plug In

Plug this night light into an outlet in the bathroom or a dark hallway and never worry about turning the lights on in the night again. It turns on when it senses motion but only if it's dark. And it throws a gentle light at the wall behind it so you never fave a glaring bulb. This is a two-pack.

60This Iced Tea Maker With A Flash Chill Feature

Made of BPA–free Tritan plastic, this iced tea maker will have you sipping on a cooled brew within seconds thanks to its flash chill feature. After brewing your tea using the included removable filter, fill the carafe with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Your tea will be cooled instantly and ready to go in an awaiting glass.

61This Cute Drain Cover For Deeper Baths

When you want to take a deep bath but the overflow drain won’t let you, pull out this overflow drain cover that looks like a cute sea animal. Suction it over the overflow drain and it stops your hot water from flowing away, giving your bath three to four extra inches of depth. It comes in six colors.

62A Clear Cutting Board That Stays Put

If you wish you could cut foods right on the counter without first hunting down a cutting board, set this cutting board on your counter and leave it there. It’s nearly invisible so you can see your counters through it. It holds steady because there’s a lip clinging to the counter edge. And it’s easy to wash.

63A Neck Reading Lamp With 3 Lighting Modes

Illuminate your reading material, knitting, or circuit repair with this neck reading lamp that offers a yellow, warm white, or cool white light. It’s rechargeable via USB-C and can last for up to 80 hours on just one charge. Available in eight colors such as gray, lilac purple, or light pink, it also features six brightness levels to perfectly suit your task.

64An Ultra-Secure Light Bulb Changer For Tall Ceiling Bulbs

This clever cage-style pole is specifically designed to change out tall ceiling light bulbs without dealing with a precarious situation. It also features a secure grip with little silicone accents to ensure the bulb stays in place the entire time until you get it where it needs to go.

65A Better Set Of Measuring Spoons

Ready to upgrade your measuring spoons? This set of six spoons with a leveler has every unit of measure you will need, all on one ring, and they are shaped into slim rectangles, which are sure to fit easily into every spice jar you have.

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