60 Strange things that have near-perfect Amazon reviews because they're insanely clever

Quirky & seriously useful.

60 Strange things that have near-perfect Amazon reviews because they're insanely clever
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Looking for items outside the ordinary? I've tracked down 60 fun finds that are, admittedly, kind of strange at first glance, but they’re all so clever that they’ll seriously improve your day-to-day. And best of all — they all have stellar reviews, so you know they're tried and tested to be just as clever (and useful) as they seem. Check out my curated list below for inspiration — just don't be surprised if you end up wanting it all. 

01A super easy dryer lint cleaner with over 12,000 5-star reviews

This budget-friendly gadget has earned over 12,000 five-star ratings for just how easy it makes it to deep clean your dryer. Its bendable design pops right onto your vacuum cleaner, so you can quickly grab all of the lost lint from underneath the lint catcher. One reviewer raved, “Super easy to attach to my handheld vacuum to access all those inaccessible parts of my dryer. Cleaned out so much lint I couldn't reach any other way.”

02A one-way mirrored window film to add privacy & block intense sunlight

Add some clever privacy to your home with this tinted window film that looks like a mirror on the outside but still lets you see from the inside. It’s made without sticky adhesives, so you can pop it on your window or remove it in just minutes. It also blocks 99% of UV rays and can save on cooling bills, and it boasts over 5,200 five-star ratings.

03A best-selling fridge deodorizer that can last for up to a decade

Keep spaces smelling fresh for up to a decade with this best-selling stainless steel deodorizer (think: your fridge, closets, car, and more). Its clever design doesn’t need batteries, electricity, or filters to operate, and it’s also chemical-free. Pop it into any small space and it’ll get to work immediately — no replacements or baking soda needed.

04A socket & cord concealer reviewers love for a more streamlined home

Streamline unsightly or cluttered electrical outlets with this clever socket-concealing kit. The kit includes a slim socket plate, 3-foot extension cord, and an outlet with three sockets and two USB ports. The kit also includes clips and adhesive for tucking the extension cord out of the way. One reviewer raved, “These are great for those outlets behind a bookshelf, bed or couch. It creates a flush surface and provides extra outlets out of sight. We use these all over our home.”

05A lightweight cooling blanket that can prevent overheating

This highly rated lightweight cooling blanket is designed to lower your body temp up to 10 degrees if you tend to overheat at night. It’s dual-sided, with cooling fibers on one side and a cotton option for year-round use on the other. It has silky smooth edges for extra comfort and it's machine washable for easy maintenance.

06These mushroom night-lights that fill your space with a cozy, colorful glow

These mushroom night-lights will look like they’re growing out of an outlet in your home and fill your space with a cozy, colorful glow. The set of three night-lights cycles through seven different colors, and they have a built-in dusk-to-dawn sensor. These LED mushrooms also only take up one outlet to leave room for a charge. One reviewer raved, “These are whimsical. I put one in the hallway, the kitchen and the living room. Guests are tickled when they see them.”

07An adjustable toilet stool that actually looks nice folded up in the bathroom

This adjustable toilet stool is designed to make using the restroom more comfortable, and it can fold up neatly next to the seat when not in use. It features two heights that can accommodate an array of toilet sizes, and it’s finished off with a nonslip top. One reviewer raved, “It's great that it folds up, and comes with pieces to make it taller if you need it to be taller. It's also aesthetically quite nice with its bamboo look.”

08These solar-powered mason jar lights reviewers *love* for their outdoor space

Add these solar-powered mason jar lights to your garden or patio for some whimsical illumination. The jars feature long-lasting fairy lights that are powered by the sun. The lanterns are waterproof so they’re ideal for using outdoors and they have a wire loop for easy hanging. You can even bring them inside to illuminate a bookshelf or a bathroom at night.

09This tiered egg tray that uses gravity to dispense eggs

Organize eggs and save refrigerator space with this slim dispenser that will automatically roll a new egg to the front when you grab one. It accommodates 12 to 14 regular, large, or jumbo eggs, and the two-tiered design maximizes shelf space. One reviewer also calls it a “game changer if you’re looking to save space.”

10The “coolest” digital alarm clock that projects the time

If you want to keep an eye on the time from anywhere in your bedroom, this digital alarm clock features a projection arm that shows the time on your wall or ceiling. It charges via a USB and has an alarm sound that starts quietly and gradually increases in intensity. The five brightness levels are easy to adjust, and one reviewer raved, “It took just a few minutes to set up. It has a dimmer button for the clock if you prefer a softer light, the projection is great, you can set for 12 or 24 hour times. Well worth the money!”

11A neck fan that feels lightweight & keeps you cool

Wear this game-changing portable neck fan to keep cool during hot and humid weather. It features a 360-degree air outlet, and the blade-free design won’t snag hair. The rechargeable design can run for up to nine hours, and it weighs just about half a pound and operates quietly, so you can bring it anywhere.

12A kitchen gadget that chops garlic when you roll it around the counter

This rolling kitchen gadget quickly chops garlic while keeping hands clean and odor-free. Load up the garlic chopper’s chamber with cloves and roll it back and forth — more rolling will mince the garlic, while less rolling will produce a courser chop. And the tool can go right in the dishwasher when meal prep is finished.

13A clever bottle-emptying kit that squeezes out every drop

Reduce waste with this bottle-emptying kit. The kit comes with two base caps and a number of adapters so you can fit them to a range of bottle sizes. They’re designed to attach to most screw-top containers and easily dispense liquid thanks to gravity and a quick squeeze of the cap’s valve. Plus, they’ve earned a 4.5-star average rating after over 15,000 ratings.

14A sleepy panda night-light that’s a breeze to customize

This adorable panda night-light flops over on your nightstand or wherever you could use a cozy, warm light. It’s completely dimmable and comes with timer settings — all you have to do is tap the top of the adorable, squishy night-light. One reviewer even raved, “I’m obsessed with it. It's not just a lamp – it's a cute decoration that adds a touch of whimsy to any space.”

15These light-blocking stickers that are “lifesavers” for sleep

Dim the harsh glare from LEDs (especially at bedtime) with these highly rated light-blocking stickers. They come in a pack of four sheets, with two sheets that are precut and two sheets that can be cut in any shape you might need. The stickers block light from things like alarm clocks and internet routers, and multiple reviewers call them “lifesavers” for sleeping.

16A pasta spoon & cheese grater combo adorned with a monster eyeball

This clever pasta spoon and cheese grater combo has 4.7-star average rating after a ton of glowing reviews for how cute and practical it is. It features a stainless steel cheese grater, a pasta spoon with serving teeth, and a quirky monster eye on the handle. It’s dishwasher-safe and one reviewer raved, “He adds just the right amount of fun to our spaghetti. He stands up great, he scoops great, he's super cute. I have all positive things to say about this guy.”

17A sleek tumbler that collapses into a disc when you’re done sipping

This collapsible tumbler goes with you anywhere because you can simply flatten it into a little disc when you’re done sipping. It holds 16 ounces when extended but collapses down to a 1-inch profile for compact storage. The tumbler features an insulating foam sleeve to keep beverages hot or cold, and it comes with two different sipping lids.

18This toilet light that makes nighttime bathroom visits easier

Illuminate nighttime bathroom visits with this clever little LED toilet light. The motion-activated lights feature an adjustable arm that securely attaches to the toilet rim and five brightness settings, so you can customize your nighttime bathroom lighting. You can also choose from 16 colors in either stationary or carousel mode.

19This funky mushroom acrylic lamp with customizable colors

Add some colorful ambiance to your space with this trendy acrylic mushroom-shaped lamp that’s easy to recharge. It has a ton of fun lighting colors to choose from to illuminate its transparent base, including cozy, warm-white light, and even has dimmer options. The remote control allows you to customize colors and other settings from across the room. One reviewer raved, “The color are so vivid and bright. It doesn't take up a huge amount of space so perfect for a desk or even to put on a bookshelf to add ambiance to the room!”

20A clever gadget that helps hats keep their shape in the washing machine

Protect hats in the washing machine by simply popping them in this plastic shell that has a 4.5-star average rating after over 24,000 ratings. It features a rigid design that helps ball caps keep their shape throughout the washing and drying process. They fit a ton of hat sizes, and they’re even handy for protecting hats in your suitcase.

21This custom-looking bed light that turns on when it senses motion

Install this light strip underneath your bed, along stairways, or near cupboards to subtly illuminate your space during the night. The lights are motion-activated, so they’ll automatically turn on when they detect movement and you can adjust the turn-off timer based on your preferences. They also come with 3M adhesive so installation is quick and easy.

22These cute pup-themed oven mitts that seriously protect your arms

These adorable oven mitts look just like a hot dog pup, and the wrap-around design is also practical for protecting wrists and forearms from burns. They’re heat-resistant up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit and can also be used as a dish trivet. If this quirky mitt gets dirty, just add them to your next load of laundry for a low-maintenance clean.

23These highly rated bottle string lights for fun custom lighting

These battery-operated LED string lights can be added to empty bottles and mason jars for custom, stylized lighting in your space. Each string features 20 LED bulbs and comes with batteries already included. The cork on the end has an easy-to-use on/off switch, plus you can choose from colorful or warm-white lights. One reviewer loved how the lights help with up-cycling glass bottles. They said, “A great way to beautify the deck with those empty wine and liquor bottles. Nice ambiance!”

24A stick-on handle to make lifting the toilet seat more hygienic

Make lifting and lowering the toilet seat a little less yucky with this clever, stick-on handle. It keeps your hands clean, is made from recycled ocean plastics, and is low profile enough to blend in with the seat. It comes with two different types of 3M adhesive, so you can get the perfect fit for your seat. Plus, multiple reviewers call it a “lifesaver.”

25These fan-favorite washable markers to help keep track of your wine glass

Label your drinks and plates with these food-safe markers that reviewers call “fun” and “functional.” They come in eight bright colors and dry quickly. The nontoxic ink is an ideal way to keep track of which wine is yours or for labeling things like cheese plates or buffet dishes. When the event is over, the ink washes off easily and cleanly.

26This grocery bag carrier that cushions your hands

Give your hands a break with this lightweight and portable bag carrier. This highly rated carrying handle helps to evenly distribute weight from grocery bags, paint cans, and other heavy objects. They also feature two side chambers that each hold 50 pounds and a cushioned pad to protect your palm.

27These tablets that can deep clean the washing machine for you

Clean and descale your washing machine’s inner parts by simply poping in one of these highly rated tablets. They’re designed to work on multiple washer types to scrub away limescale and grime from all parts of the machine, including gaskets. Each box provides a year’s supply of cleaning, and one reviewer raved, “It got rid of the musty odor and cleaned out all the grime and build up, even in a tricky spot like the detergent drawer and rubber seal.”

28This useful food funnel that looks like a giant mushroom (yes, really)

This funky-looking funnel has an impressive 4.8-star average rating and can make transferring kitchen liquids mess-free. To use, put the mushroom’s stem inside the bottle neck, flip up the mushroom head, and begin pouring liquid inside. And this little mushroom is BPA-free, so it’s ready for the kitchen.

29An “absolutely amazing” electric racket that zaps pesky insects

Eliminate annoying flies and mosquitoes with this lightweight zapping racket that a reviewer calls “absolutely amazing.” The USB rechargeable design features a 4,000-volt grid to instantly zap bugs. Meanwhile, the activation button, indicator light, and triple layer of safety mesh protect against accidental zap.

30A clever reverse umbrella that prevents drips when folded

This inverted umbrella, with 4.6-star average rating after almost 4,000 ratings, will seriously elevate your next rainy day. The umbrella is designed with a reverse folding frame that can keep water droplets from dripping in your car or home when you fold it up. Meanwhile, the handle features a C-shaped design that allows for hands-free use, and it’s designed to withstand even the windiest days.

31These bunny-shaped toaster tongs that can protect hands

These adorable bunny-shaped tongs can protect your hands while handling toasted bagels and breads. They feature a nonslip grip and this little wooden rabbit has a number of uses — remove piping hot foods from the toaster or set them out when serving family-style meals. One reviewer raved, “They are nicely crafted, and the long-eared bunny design is adorable. Perfect tongs for my toaster and waffle iron.”

32These meat-shredding claws that keep hands clean & cool

These highly rated meat claws can keep your hands clean while you shred pork, chicken, and other foods. The handles feature wide grips for easy maneuvering, and the teeth can quickly and efficiently prep meat into bite-size pieces. Plus, the claws are dishwasher-safe, so clean-up is a breeze.

33These highly rated essential oil sticks that can clear your nasal passages

These aromatherapy inhalers are designed to soothe sinuses and open up nasal passages, and they’ve earned over 1,200 five-star ratings. They’re made with 100% eucalyptus oil for an invigorating scent that may clear things out if you feel a bit stuffy. Plus, they’re compact, so they’re easy to toss in your bag or car.

34A cupholder expander to fit even your biggest water bottles

This cup holder expander can accommodate your favorite tumblers and mugs — even if they're on the larger size. It features an adjustable base that works with most vehicles and has retaining tabs that allow you to remove your cup without yanking out the expander. Plus, the base can be offset so you can have two expanders side by side, and multiple reviewers call it a game-changer.

35A stylish solution for keeping extra toilet paper out of sight

Store extra rolls of toilet paper completely out of sight in this stylish and lightweight container. It comes in five colors, and it has a durable bamboo frame to keep its shape. You can also assemble it in under three minutes, and you can grab more than one and stack them for even more storage.

36These clever magnetic weights to keep your shower curtain in place

Add these magnetic weights to your shower curtain liner to prevent billowing and keep things in place while you shower. These rustproof magnets are fully encased in silicone, so they won’t cause stains or noise, and they’re powerful, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off. You can also use the magnets to secure other fabrics like flags or tablecloths.

37A burger press that creates perfectly circular & juicy patties

This aluminum burger press can create perfectly uniform patties without getting your hands dirty. It features an indicator line for both 1/4- and 1/3-pound patties, and the palm-shaped handle makes it easy to press. The tool also comes with 200 square parchment papers for easy separating and a recipe book for burger inspiration.

38These adhesive grippers that keep rugs in place between vacuuming

Prevent unsightly rug curling with these V-shaped corner grippers. They feature a weatherproof adhesive that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor rugs and is cleverly designed to stay firmly in place until you need to pull them up to vacuum. Plus, the gripper's rubber bottom won't leave marks or scuffs on floors.

39This pet hair remover that has over 100,000 5-star ratings

Use this best-selling pet hair roller to quickly pick up pet fur and lint all over carpets, clothes, and upholstery. The roller is gentle on surfaces and uses electrostatic charge to attract hair, so it's reusable (AKA — there's no need for sticky papers). When it's time to clean, the press of a button empties out the collection compartment. One reviewer even raved, “Get one and watch your fur-ridden life transform!”

40A collapsible popcorn popper that can go right in the microwave

This silicone popcorn maker can create the perfect puffy kernels in just a few minutes in the microwave. The popper holds up to 15 cups of popcorn and features built-in handles and a lid. It also collapses down for compact storage, can go in the dishwasher after movie nights, and comes in 15 colors.

41A super highly rated reading light that won’t disturb bed partners

Illuminate small tasks or your favorite book with this cleverly wearable neck light with a whopping 4.7-star average rating after over 128,000 ratings. The LED light features three temperatures and six brightness levels, and it's rechargeable. The flexible neck can be adjusted for the perfect angle, and the narrow beam of light shines exactly where you want it to go.

42This carafe that can make barista-level cold brew

This easy-to-use cold brew maker can create delicious-tasting coffee at home. The borosilicate glass carafe features built-in measuring marks and the filter keeps grounds separate from the brew for a crisp taste. And the airtight seal prevents spills and ensures freshness. The carafe fits in the fridge, but would also be great for travel or camping.

43A best-selling veggie chopper to speed up prep work

This best-selling veggie chopper might look a little different than your cutting board and knives, but it will seriously help you speed up prep work. It comes with two dicing options, two spiralizing options, and a dishwasher-safe container to catch all of your perfectly prepped veggies — so they’re ready to cook.

44This highly rated storage case that can also test for dead batteries

Organize your batteries and keep them ultra-accessible with this transparent storage case that boasts 4.6-star average rating after more than 21,000 ratings. It holds up to 93 batteries of various sizes and can be wall-mounted or tucked away in a drawer. The clear hinged cover allows you to see what's on hand, and the included power tester ensures your batteries are fresh.

45A relaxing & scalp-stimulating massager that reviewers stand behind

This lightweight scalp massager is designed to produce a relaxing sensation while stimulating the scalp, and over 4,000 five-star reviewers back it up. It features 20 flexible arms topped with nubs that glide easily through hair. The brand says it can also increase blood flow, which may lead to more hair growth.

46A versatile collapsible lantern that also charges your phone

This collapsible solar lantern has nearly perfect ratings after over 6,000 Amazon ratings, and you’ll find a ton of cozy lighting uses for it. Simply charge it via the solar panel or USB port, and it provides up to 10 hours of light. Choose from three modes, and if your phone battery gets low, this little lantern can also be used as an external power bank. Reviewers especially love them for camping, power outages, or as patio lighting.

47A charging dock that tidies up four devices while they charge

Organize your devices while powering them up with this nonslip charging dock that’s an all-in-one tidy charging spot. It features four smart USB ports that can accommodate a number of devices and indicator lights to show when devices are fully charged. This sleek dock also has built-in protections to guard against overcharging and short-circuiting. “This charging station works great for all of our devices. Keeps us from having cords everywhere on the counter,” one reviewer raved.

48These colorful wraps you can use to corral cords inside & outside the house

Organize cables, cords, and wires with these top-rated rainbow-hued wraps that work indoors or outdoors. They come in a range of sizes and feature a clever hook-and-loop closure, so you can reuse them on other chargers. Need to wrap up bulky cords? The wraps can be connected to each other to contain bigger items.

49A multi-tasking pen that can do it all for DIY projects

These compact multi-tool pens can be a game changer for DIY projects or making fixes on the go. They have a number of features, including an LED light, stylus, rulers, screwdrivers, bottle opener, and more. The pens come with batteries already installed and also include two ink refills. Plus, they boast a 4.5-star average rating after over 8,000 Amazon users have weighed in.

50A shockingly easy-to-clean tofu press that can remove water in minutes

This cleverly compact food press can efficiently remove moisture from your foods like tofu and paneer in just minutes. It features two pressure levels that can accommodate both soft cheeses and firm tofu, and the drainer is easy to empty. When it’s time to clean, everything comes apart to make it a breeze to pop it in the dishwasher.

51A quirky glass dispenser that prevents sticky messes on the counter

Eliminate syrup or honey drips at breakfast with this quirky honeycomb-shaped dispenser. The glass design features a bottom stopper to prevent sticky countertop spills from leaking out between meals. It also holds up to 8 ounces and can accommodate anything from honey to granulated sugar to chocolate sauce. One reviewer raved, “I didn't know what I was missing before getting a honey dispenser! It is so easy to use and saves the sticky mess.”

52A practical tea infuser that resembles the Loch Ness monster

Make tea time extra fun with this Loch Ness monster-inspired infuser that prevents lost tea leaves. The silicone design features a compartment that can hold powdered tea, ground tea, and herbal infusions. Just fill it up with your preferred tea, add the cover, and the monster’s long neck makes it easy to grip and remove the infuser from hot water.

53This mesh cleaner with deep-cleaning fibers for clearer window screens

Give window screens and upholstery a deep scrub with this microfiber cleaning tool that one reviewer calls a “game-changer.” The cleaning head can be used wet or dry and with or without the detachable handle. The cloth has long fibers that can fit between the holes in screens for a thorough clean. And when the cleaner gets dirty, rinse it out, let it air dry, and it’ll be good as new.

54These compact paint pens that are perfect for household touch-ups

These compact touch-up pens can be filled with any type of latex paint and make fixing scuffs and scratches so much easier. They feature a lightweight design and precise brush head that fits into tight spots such as on baseboards or inside cabinets. Once filled, the paint inside stays fresh for years, and they boast over 4,500 five-star ratings.

55A sink stopper & strainer to prevent frustrating clogs

Prevent sink clogs with this hair-catching SinkShroom that boasts over 15,000 five-star ratings and is a customer favorite on Amazon. The device works by collecting hair around the bottom, while still allowing water to flow through. It’s easy to clean, chemical-free, and it comes with a bonus sink stopper.

56This paper towel holder that has a built-in cleaning spray bottle

This durable metal paper towel holder can save time on cleaning because it has a cleaning spray bottle built right in. It features a special slot that holds the included spray bottle, making it convenient to spritz and wipe. You can use it vertically or horizontally, and one reviewer raved, “It saves counter space and makes cleaning up super quick. Highly recommend!”

57These cleaning brushes that attach to your drill for tiles, grout, & more

Give surfaces a deep scrub with these brush attachments that work with your power drill for powerful scrubbing. The kit comes with brushes ranging from stiff to soft, so there’s a brush that will work on almost any type of surface. The brushes are equipped with a quarter-inch shaft that attaches easily to power drills and impact drivers. One reviewer boasts that they’re handy for “tile, tubs, floors and I also used the little attachment to detail my car.”

58This popular dish drying rack you can roll up to save space

This space-saving drying rack has a durable stainless steel and silicone design that rolls up when it’s not in use. The drying rack supports up to 44 pounds and is both rust-resistant and nonslip. And since the rack is heat resistant, it can also be used as a trivet for hot foods or as a thawing rack for frozen items. One reviewer said, “This is the BEST thing I have ever purchased (and did not realize I needed)!! [...] This rack not only makes it easy to do dishes as I go without taking up my precious counter, but also provides additional counter space while I'm cooking!”

59A dish soap dispenser & sponge holder that has a *ton* of 5-star ratings

This sponge holder and soap dispenser keeps everything you need for washing dishes accessible and tidy. This clever caddy has a tray that holds onto your sponge and dispenses soap with a simple pressing motion. The caddy’s nonslip feet keep everything in place, and it has earned over 27,000 five-star ratings.

60This under-sink caddy that has wheels for easier access

This clever, bus-shaped under-the-sink caddy features large rolling wheels and wide handles that make it easy to move around. The caddy can hold up to 30 pounds and has two adjustable dividers for organizing things like cleaning supplies, makeup, or hair care. The caddy also comes with a removable hanging basket for corralling smaller items.