37 Inventions That’ll Make You Say, “Dang, That’s Clever!”

You might have the practical basics around your home, but when’s the last time you bought an exciting product? Something niche, beautiful, simply brilliant? Maybe all three? Well, Future You is about to have an aha moment with this roundup of gadgets and gizmos aplenty.

Editorial Note: We review everything independently. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission.
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These Reusable Straws

  via : Amazon  

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year or so, you know that plastic straws have become the latest ecological enemy. Reduce your carbon footprint by picking up this set of stainless steel straws. The angled straws are comfortable in the mouth and the included flexible brush makes for an easier cleaning process.

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This Sink Attachment for an Instant Fountain

  via : Amazon  

Whether you’re constantly washing cups, using your hands, or just sticking your head under the tap, rinsing your mouth can be, at the very least, uncomfortable. This gadget attaches to your faucet and doesn’t interrupt the regular flow. When you turn it, however, the water flowing through the tap is diverted into a spout for a little water fountain. It attaches to any straight faucet, so you can get have a fountain in your kitchen too.

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This Thin, Durable iPhone Case

  via : Amazon  

If you’re looking for something edgy to protect your very expensive phone that’s also sleek, check out this case. This case comes in seven different colors and each version has a pop-out kickstand for enjoying videos in landscape mode. The case itself passed military grade drop tests so you can be sure your phone’s delicate glass isn’t doomed when it falls. Just make sure you put it on the right way!

This Handy Universal Socket Wrench

  via : Amazon  

Tighten or loosen just about any screw with this neat socket wrench. From nuts to hooks to hexes, this wrench puts a spell on any DIY project. It comes with a power drill adapter to save your wrists and contains 54 steel spring pins for the perfect fit every time.

This Grape Cutter

  via : Amazon  

Congrats, your little one is eating solid food! It still needs to be small and on the mushy side, but what a milestone! Introduce foods like seedless grapes and grape tomatoes into their diet with this safe cutter. The cutter quickly slices grapes into quarters, saving you time and energy which we’re sure you’d like to have more of right now.

These Incredible Oil Blotters

  via : Amazon  

Whether you’re prepping to brave the outdoorsiness of summer or you just have naturally oily skin, it’s time to try something new for your matte look. These rice paper blotting sheets are translucent and actually apply trace amounts of rice powder to your face. For a quick touch-up during the day, they come in a compact set of 40.

A Tiny Waffle Maker

  via : Amazon  

If you love waffles, but don’t have the room in your kitchen for a full-sized waffle maker, there’s a smaller version for you! This appliance weighs less than a pound and it’s only half a foot in the longest dimension. It comes in nine different finishes to match your style. You can make as many waffles as you want or get creative with hashbrowns and paninis.

This Compact Food Processor

  via : Amazon  

While we’re thinking small in the kitchen, shave some time off your meal prep and scoop up this food processor. The bowl holds up to 3 cups so you can chop, grind, or even make some cool sauces and soups. The bowl and blades are dishwasher-safe, so you don’t have to worry about clean-up. The processor also comes with a spatula to help you get every last bit of your latest culinary creation!

These Stealthy Nightlights

  via : Amazon  

Walking around your home at night can be a bumbling nightmare. Most of the solutions require you to plug in a nightlight or more recently, a multifunctional nightlight. But outlets can be scarce and sacred, so why not just transform the outlet itself? These outlet faceplates are easy to install and have little LED lights at the bottom. They even have a sensor that turns the LEDs off during the daytime or if you turn on a light.

This Frozen Drink Maker

  via : Amazon  

Do you want a slushy or margarita without dealing with the added water of ice or the inconvenience of a blender? This little cup can help. You just leave the internal cup in the freezer, take it out and place it in the insulated outer cup, and add your ingredients. A special straw helps the freezing process which takes about eight minutes, but it’s mostly a “set it and forget it” experience.

This Portable Smoker

  via : Amazon  

When they said “smoking is cool,” they definitely had culinary smokers in mind. These cool machines tend to be on the expensive side, but you can get this small version for a steal! Don’t let the size fool you, the smoker creates plenty of smoke for everything from your dramatic cocktails to your barbecues.

This Portable Pour-Over

  via : Amazon  

If you find yourself in a mad dash to head to work every day, let your coffee brew in your thermos. Pour-overs are notoriously time-consuming, so let the included steel filter work on your coffee while you get ready. Once you’re good to go, pop out the filter, throw on the thermos lid and you’re out the door! The coffee stays hot for hours, so you can enjoy in between any morning catastrophes.

This Nature-Friendly Floss

  via : Amazon  

Look, no one’s gonna tell on you to your dentist, but you should floss more. And if you’re already a consistent flosser, you might just want a more eco-friendly option. This charcoal floss is made of biodegradable polyester and grapefruit seed extract for a natural, clean-teeth feeling. The floss comes in a glass jar, so the entire packaging is good for the planet.

Have A Splash With This Princessea Baby Water Pad!

  via Amazon  

Tummy time has never been so bubbly! Take your baby on a deep sea adventure with this 100% leak-proof Princessea baby water pad that was mer-made to learn. This travel-friendly set is built with BPA-free materials, making it the perfect baby shower gift. It comes with sensory toddler-safe toys that boost brain development and plenty of colorful space to strengthen their arm muscles. Did I mention it also comes with 1 hairband and 1 fruit pacifier feeder? They truly thought of it all. Better grab yourself a few sets while you can!

This Time Management Cube

  via : Amazon  

Focusing on a task and getting it done within a certain time frame can be difficult. Whether you need to better organize your time or just want to track time in a more fun way, this cube is for you. Preset sides and times include 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes and a digital timer shows you how much time you have left. Just turn the cube so the preset time is on the top and the cube will start counting down. The alarm is on the loud side, but comparable to a simple alarm clock.

These Salty Shot Glasses

  via : Amazon  

These pretty shot glasses are completely made out of Himalayan salt. The natural salt helps you avoid the mess associated with tequila shots. Unlike other salt shot glasses, these have a plastic liner to prevent your booze from getting too salty. So while you’re waiting for your friend to admit that they do, in fact, want a shot, everyone’s shots are still tasty!

This Watermelon Slicer

  via : Amazon  

Nothing is quite the sound of summer like people enthusiastically thumping watermelons at the grocery store. Once you’ve found your prized melon, chop it up in no time with this tool. The curved blades allow you to remove one wedge at a time. You can leave the watermelon as is or dice it up for easier snacking.

This Popcorn Maker for Your Microwave

  via : Amazon  

Okay, so you might be thinking “I already make popcorn in the microwave.” Now, you can make popcorn your way without using the stove or an expensive machine. Use the kernels you want, oil, flavoring, and more in this silicone popper. You’ll get fresh natural popcorn in no time and the silicone handles will remain cool to the touch for instant enjoyment.

This After Sun Spray

  via : Amazon  

From beach days to hikes to long days of outdoor work, sun exposure can cause serious damage to your skin, even if you don’t get sunburned. Soothe your skin with this refreshing spray. Ingredients like aloe vera and mint cool and repair your skin, plus, thanks to the witch hazel, you can use it as a toner in a pinch. You can also pop it in the fridge for an added cooling effect after a lengthy day in the sun.

This Fire Extinguisher That’s a Lighter

  via : Amazon  

This novelty lighter will be a conversation piece whenever you whip it out. Enjoy the irony of lighting up with a mini fire extinguisher. The flame can be adjusted so you’re not lighting cigarettes with a massive fire nor a broken-in candle with a little ember. The refillable butane lighter also has a little LED light for safety and emotional concert moments.

This Bag Sealer

  via : Amazon  

Save those chips for later and make sure they don’t go stale with this bag sealer! This gadget uses a little heat to reseal bags or seal new ones. Keep your veggies fresh or create an airtight marinade bag. This pack of two handheld sealers also has magnets on the back so you can keep them within reach on your refrigerator or dishwasher.

This Scratchable Wanderlust Poster

  via : Amazon  

Got the travel bug? Instead of crossing destinations off your bucket list, scratch them off! With this scratcher, you lose money, but you gain valuable experiences and exposure to different cultures. You can also scratch off country flags and individual states in the U.S. Don’t worry about the smaller countries; there’s a magnifying glass for scratching precision on this massive poster.

This Pet Toy That Cleans Your Floors

  via : Amazon  

This little robot rolls around on the floor, to the delight of your furry friends. The microfiber covers pick up dust and dander while your pet chases the ball around. The ball comes with four covers that should be hand-washed to avoid shedding. The ball is about 3 inches in diameter so if you have a larger dog, maybe don’t leave them alone with it. For chomping reasons.

A Compression Sleeve for Your Arches

  via : Amazon  

You can now have the benefits of compression socks for your arches without committing to a whole sock. These sleeves help relieve arch and heel pain while allowing you to wear sandals or flip flops. They can also be worn at the beach or in the pool to keep you pain-free while you go for a swim.

This Light Therapy Lamp

  via : Amazon  

From late night shifts to jetsetters to those in windowless offices (are you okay?), there are tons of people not getting enough sunlight in their life. This full spectrum light therapy lamp mimics the sun to give a natural boost of energy and serotonin. Unlike other light therapy lamps, this model is compact enough to throw into your work bag or carry-on.

This Automatic Toothpaste Dispenser

  via : Amazon  

Get a perfect dollop of toothpaste every time with this automated dispenser. The exterior is made of wheat straw material, a nice departure from the plastics involved with toiletries. In addition to always being ready for you to brush your teeth, there are settings for kids and adults. If your young ones are constantly making a mess with toothpaste, take it out of their hands — literally!

This Silicone Splatter Screen

  via : Amazon  

Love frying food but hate cleaning the stove afterward? Protect your stovetop (and yourself!) from oil splatters with this silicone guard. It’s heat safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and unlike metal mesh screens, it won’t rust. This screen fits over any 11 to 13-inch pot or pan and is totally dishwasher safe.

This Bathroom Wall Storage

  via : Amazon  

Not all bathroom storage space is considered equal. If only have a pedestal sink, keep your toothbrush and razor out of the cabinet and within reach. These mountable silicone holders have enough space for a couple of toothbrushes and some toothpaste as well as a razor. There’s even a little shelf for your rings or body jewelry.

This Cup and Bottle Cleaner

  via : Amazon  

Clean your glassware faster and better with this helpful brush. This double-sided brush suctions onto whatever smooth surface is the most practical for you. With two sets of flexible bristles, you can get into the deep corners of pint glasses while also scrubbing away the oils on the outside of the glass.

This Pancake Spatula

  via : Amazon  

You can finally get that perfect flip every single time with this spatula. The flexible nylon head had the right amount of leverage and give to flip pancakes, omelets, and more! Live out your home cooking show dreams with this brilliant breakfast tool.

This Batter Dispenser

  via : Amazon  

Speaking of pancakes, why not pour the perfect pancake too? This batter dispenser holds up to 4 cups of batter that pours out of the bottom. The spout opens when you squeeze the handle, so you get the right amount of batter without any spilling all over. This is also an excellent tool for bakers looking to make uniform muffins and cupcakes.

This Safe Q-Tip

  via : Amazon  

We all know using cotton swabs in our ears is bad for us, but it hurts so good. Scratch that itch in a safer way with this silicone swab. The twisted head grabs at built-up earwax so can pull it out without leaving any cotton fluff behind. Thanks to their long handles, cotton swabs are often pushed too far in the ear canal, but the fixed length of this swab removes that danger.

This Makeup Remover Stick That Erases Stubborn Mistakes

  via : Amazon  

I’m pretty much addicted to watching beauty vloggers on YouTube, and I’m always amazed at how easily they glide makeup onto their faces without making any mistakes. This Makeup Remover Stick makes you look like a makeup expert even when you have no idea what you’re doing. It flawlessly erases mistakes so you can re-do without having to start over.

This Ice Cream Lock

  via : Amazon  

From roommates to your spouse to your own kids, your pint of ice cream reserved for bad days at work, diet cheat days, or just plain dessert can go missing. When a sticky note won’t do, put a lock on it. This easy-to-use lock from Ben & Jerry’s fits comfortably around the classic duo’s ice cream pints as well as pints from other companies.

This Illuminating Umbrella

  via : Amazon  

Despite branding that swears this is a lightsaber umbrella, those in the know are geeking out over this “Blade Runner” umbrella. The acrylic shaft allows you to choose one of seven colors to light your way on a rainy night. For particularly dark areas, there’s also an LED flashlight in the bottom of the handle.

These Hip Measuring Cups

  via : Amazon  

Despite the hipster to basic pipeline, mason jars are still too cool for school. This ceramic jar can sit out as a display piece and be broken down into four measuring cups. There are lines in each cup indicating the capacity, so don’t fill them to the top if you want your recipe to work out!

These Fart Absorbers

  via : Amazon  

From dietary changes to a growing number of gastrointestinal problems to ignoring that we are lactose intolerant, we are gassier than ever. These charcoal pads stick to the inside of your pants or underwear and neutralize any odors that come out your backside. Just make sure your placement is on point. Otherwise, the pad might not catch it all!

This Slim Storage Solution

  via : Amazon  

Make the most out the tiny crevices in your home with this narrow, rolling cart. It comes in a three-tier and four-tier version with both only 5 inches wide. Stow pantry items, bathroom toiletries, or even create a hideaway bookshelf. Use your imagination to unlock the possibilities for this genius storage rack.

This Personal Air Conditioner

  via : Amazon  

Thanks to global warming, each summer is a new hellscape. Personal fans just aren’t cutting it anymore, so why not look into a mini air conditioner? It’s technically an evaporative air cooler, but when you’re in front of it, you can barely tell the difference. This is also a great solution for couples who sleep at different temperature comfort zones, depending on where you choose to place the cooler.