I write a lot of lists, things like “37 Things You Need For Your Bathroom” or “37 Fitness Items To Help You Get In Shape.” But, none of them give me the same thrill as a list that’s a complete mish-mash of products … an eclectic mix, if you will. Sure, there are a lot of benefits to really targeted lists. You don’t want to have to sort through sheets and towels if you’re looking for a list of new kitchen gadgets. But, if you just like sorting through the bargain bin, this list today is for you.
I’ve found everything from clever bottle openers to hands-free drink dispensers to a kit that will straight up let you steal Outback Steakhouse’s best-selling appetizer. I’ve also got peel-away bedsheets (who knew that was even a thing?!), a mirror to let you reflect on your putt game, and even low-acidity coffee because a sensitive stomach should not stop you from enjoying that magic elixir. Go on and check out my random finds and snag your next favorite thing!
Coffee Break
A sensitive stomach should not get in the way of drinking that delicious bean water (that’s coffee, in case you didn’t know). This low-acidity ground coffee from VitaCup is pure and smooth, fair trade, and organic. Beyond that, it just tastes good. One reviewer said, “… a really good cup of coffee that doesn’t hurt my stomach.” Try it hot, try it cold, just try it.
Pull The Plug
Replace those ugly plastic chrome handlebar caps on your road bike or mountain bike with these carbon handlebar end plugs. These bicycle bar ends work with most types of bicycle handlebars to complete the look of your ride with quality material and a sturdy sitting. Your purchase comes with a money-back assurance, too, so you can buy with complete confidence.
Mask Up
“Functional, durable and refreshing” is how one reviewer described these gel bead eye masks and I couldn’t agree more. I have one similar to this that I keep in my refrigerator, which makes it especially cool and invigorating. This one does double-duty because you can also heat it up in the microwave for warming relief. This one comes with a fabric cover and a travel bag.
First Of All
A first aid kit is one of those things you never think to buy … until it’s too late and you need it. Be prepared with this nearly 300-piece set that includes a variety of bandages and dressings, scissors, gloves, tweezers, and more. It even had an emergency blanket just in case. Stay ready for the unexpected for less than $43.
House Of Pain
Alright, I’m not done with the cold therapy and heat pads … yet. Probably because I’ve found myself using them a lot lately. This flaxseed option is perfect for your neck, back, shoulders, or knees that’s both microwavable and designed with weighted technology to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling. Use it cold, too, by placing it in your freezer.
Chill Out
Here’s one more “cool” option that I suppose you could use for an achy neck but is more likely meant for keeping food and drink cool. These reusable cooler ice packs are great for throwing in a lunchbox or tossing in a cooler when you’re headed to the pool or the beach. They come in a variety of colors and patterns that your little dinosaur- and unicorn-lovers will appreciate.
UFO Sighting
Put your quirkiness on full display with this alien pin that lets everyone know you have a Ph.D. in UFOlogy (which I’m sure is a totally legitimate degree program). I love pins like this on handbags or denim jackets. If you believe there’s life out there somewhere, you simply need this pin, and if you don’t, well, maybe it’s time to work on your “degree.”
Open Up
I know, I know, you probably know a party trick you learned in college for getting into a bottle without an opener but if you had an opener as cool as this Thick-Fil-A opener, wouldn’t you rather use it? This one has a magnet on the back so you can stick it to your fridge and never worry about losing it.
A Basic Witch
More “basic witch” than “Thick-Fil-A?” I get it. That’s why I threw in this Starbucks-esque basic witch bottle opener, too. This one also has a fridge magnet to help keep it handy. One reviewer called it a “cute housewarming gift” while another said, “Sturdy. Good quality. Nice looking. Overall happy.” Ultimately, it gets you into that bottle of soda or beer and that’s the truly “happy” party.
Unicorn Sprinkles
Does it get any better than a unicorn sprinkler? Your kids (and maybe your dog) will love playing with this splash pad when the temperature goes up. Sixty-five inches in diameter, it’s plenty big for the entire family and can double as both a pool and a ball pit. One reviewer called it a “great addition to summer fun.” The purchase includes two unicorns tiaras because, well, just because.
Give It Your Best Shot
Serve bomb shots in style with the original double bubble shot glass. Its patented layered shape is a party on the top (the shot) and business on the bottom (the chaser). And, before you ask, there’s no special voodoo involved that makes this work. The simple laws of physics help the liquids separate to create not only a unique look but a cool experience, too.
In A Pickle
Pickleball sounds like something you would take to a barbecue but in reality, it’s something you might do at a barbecue. This is sport that’s sort of a cross between tennis and ping-pong and has been taking social groups by storm lately. So I reckon it’s time you snap up your own pickleball set. This purchase includes four paddles, four balls and a mesh organizer bag. Now you just need to find a net.
Grate Expectations
If you’re looking for a great buy for your pool this summer, this basket buddy grate is the best buy you’ll make that you’ll probably set and forget. This grate covers the skimmer pump line holes to prevent everything from toys to debris to frogs to leaves from clogging your pump line. A $13 purchase is a small investment to prevent a much larger problem.
High Roller
I’ve heard of lint rollers for clothes but never floors so this sticky mop version is definitely intriguing. It comes with three extendable handles so you can clean everything from carpet to your car’s interiors without a lot of bending and kneeling. It features 360 sticky adhesive sheets and a wide roller surface that’s six inches longer than a standard lint roller.
Fur Real
Pets are our lives but their hair gets everywhere — furniture, carpet, clothes, the whole nine yards. This pet hair remover roller uses electrostatic adsorption instead of pricy paper refills or batteries. Simply roll the remover back and forth across the surface. It’ll pick up the pet hair and fill the dustbin that you can empty by simply opening the lid.
Look, Ma, No Hands
Got fiercely independent little ones who insist on pouring their own beverages? This automatic drink dispenser will keep you from constantly cleaning up messes (of the drink variety, anyway) and is sized to work on most bottles and cans. Simply put the dispensing tube into the bottle and adjust the length. Then, tighten It, press the trigger and enjoy an easy drink — with no heavy lifting.
One-Pot Wonder
This tagine cast-iron cooker reminds me of a hat on a garden gnome. Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, this really is a cool gadget for one-pot cooking. Tagine cookers are used in traditional Moroccan cooking but have myriad uses besides that. One reviewer said, “It’s fun to use and everything I make in it comes out tender and delicious. I enjoy cooking Moroccan and other Middle-Eastern dishes and this is the right tool for it.”
Waffle House
You’ll never buy another waffle cone after you get your hands on this mini waffle ice cream cone maker. Able to make up to four mini waffle cones at a time, it features non-stick plates for easy cleanup and a cone roller to turn out perfect waffles every time. One reviewer said it was a perfect gadget for an at-home ice cream party.
Get Twisted With This Story-Telling Party Game!
I have a pretty twisted mind so this fun story-telling game feels tailor-made. It includes 175 story cards with original artwork and 50 voting cards. Each story card gives you a silly idea you can elaborate on and then your friends get to decide how good or bad you are using the rating cards. Put your story-telling skills to the test and see if you can be a top player!
Back From The Dead
Little green army men need someone to fight, don’t they? These zombie action figures are the villains the doctor ordered. Complete with 15 figurines, this set features white and gray pieces and is great for everything from playtime to favors for birthday parties. You’ll get ten pieces total so you may want to purchase two sets if you’re going to wage a true zombie battle.
Peel Off
My mind was blown when I came across these disposable sheet protectors because 1. What genius thought these up? and 2. How handy would these be if you’re dealing with potty training or an elderly parent? These come in various sizes and offer between three and seven layers of protection. It works just like you’d imagine: When the top sheet is soiled, peel it off and a clean sheet awaits.
This One Is For The Chefs
We all have at least one friend who loves to cook or grill. Maybe that one friend is you! This professional-grade chef apron is the perfect gift for anyone who has a passion for making food. It’s built to last using heavyweight, yet soft and breathable cotton and comes in 4 colors. Not to mention its handy pockets and adjustable straps.
All Dolled Up
If you’ve ever been tasked with buying doll clothes for American Girl-sized dolls, you know just how tricky (and expensive) this undertaking can be. Amazon is full of unique things like this 20-piece set of handmade clothes for 18-inch dolls. This set includes 10 full outfits including fun things like a swimsuit, mermaid costume, gameday wear, and more. At $24.95, it’s basically $1 per piece.
A Short Leash
Dilemma: You awaiting an important call but you need to take Fido on his walk. What to do? This hands-free dog leash gives you the power to do both by keeping your pup safely tethered around your waist and your hands free to talk, text, hold a coffee, or any number of things. Strong, durable, and weather-resistant, the waistband fits up to a 48-in. waist.
In Deep Water
As a kid, some of my favorite toys were water toys. This 24-piece set of dive toys means endless hours of pool fun, whether you have one in your backyard or you’re planning a trip. Unlike many pool toys that offer one type only, this set includes a variety: Diving rings, torpedo bandits, toy balls, diving fish, and more. This is your perfect summer purchase.
Heaven Scent
They love slime; you tolerate slime. They want to create scents; you love them enough to buy this six-pack of scented slime oil. (I never in my life thought I’d type the words “scented slime oil” together in one sentence.) This set includes fragrances ranging from fresh linen to lavender fields in 10-ml. bottles that’ll probably last them forever.
In Full Bloom
Do you ever go to a restaurant just because of a particular appetizer or dessert? No? Just me. Alrighty then. The Bloomin’ Onion at Outback Steakhouse is one of those dishes for me but with this onion blossom maker I can crank one out at home and never have to get out of my sweatpants. This also works well with apples, tomatoes, bell peppers, and even hardboiled eggs.
Outside The Box
I’m so intrigued by bento boxes and this lunch tote and bento box combo is straight-up awesomeness. Available in nine colors and patterns, this five-container bento set lets you wave goodbye to expensive baggies and Tupperwear. There’s plenty of room for sandwiches and sides in appropriately-sized containers. You’ll also get a matching ice pack. The entire thing features a slim design and a handle you can attach to a backpack.
A Wild Hair
Hair jewelry? I’m here for it. This rhinestone statement bobby pin lets everyone know who you are and what you’re about. Don’t tell everyone you have swag; simply show it by affixing this clip to your hair. Reviewers love the quality of this Kitsch rhinestone bobby pin and one said she got compliments all night when she wore it. It’s perfect for all hair types.
Put Pen To Paper
No list of random Amazon things is complete for me without a set of gel marker pens and this 96-piece set with matching refills and a travel case is the thing that writing and coloring dreams are made of. Use these for everything from taking notes in meetings (boring) to journaling and doodling (less boring) to coloring (not boring at all).
A Digital Nanny
You may not be able to afford your own nanny but you can definitely afford this “nanny.” This pocket nanny timer helps you keep track of last feedings, changes, and naps in that “we’ve-got-a-newborn-we-can’t-remember-anything” stage of life. This has optional alarms and a built-in nightlight as well. Now you can effectively communicate with grandparents and babysitters without uttering a single word.
Smoke And Mirrors
A smoking gun is one of those things you see being used in fancy restaurants and never consider the possibility of buying one for yourself. But look! They’re not expensive! This one is less than $40, is lightweight, and includes a nearly eight-inch dome. Use a smoking gun to add a natural smoke flavor to meat, cheese, fish, vegetables, and cocktails.
Silky Smooth
A silk pillowcase is my secret beauty weapon that nobody thinks of — not a new cleanser, toner, or makeup. A pillowcase. Silky pillowcases are proven to prevent your skin from creasing and wrinkling and your hair from getting dry, frizzy, and knotted. When I sleep on mine, I wake up the next day with my hair looking exactly like it did when I went to bed.
Putt Along
Perfect your putt with this putting alignment mirror, designed to help you ensure a straight-back, straight-through pendulum stroke. At less than $30, it’s one of the cheaper purchases you’ll make for this hobby. By checking your eye mirror over the ball, you’ll be able to improve your head and shoulder alignment, transforming your putting into a more accurate and consistent experience.
A Big Wheel
I haven’t decided if the girl in the photo looks really relaxed or really miserable but I’m going to go with the first one based on the quality reviews. Yoga wheels are great for a number of things including deep tissue massage, increased flexibility, and better stretching. This purchase includes three wheels of varying sizes, great for beginners all the way to experts.
A Tray-ed Secret
Breakfast in bed? Yes, please. This premium acrylic tray would be ideal for that, used as a storage tray in a bathroom or on a makeup table, or just serving friends and family with a little extra flair. A large 16.5-inch by 10.5-inch size, it’ll more than accommodate a dinner plate and beverage or a whole round of adult beverages.
Nailed It
One of the worst things about painting your own nails is getting to the bottom of a jar of your favorite color and just not being able to get the last dregs from the container. This hinged, untippable polish holder tilts a bottle just enough, without requiring you to hold it, so you can focus on coloring inside the lines.
Don’t Wine About It
Love having friends over for wine but don’t trust the, ahem, sloppy drinker amongst your crew? These unbreakable wine glasses can be used without fear of what might happen to them because — guess what? — they can’t be broken. They look like glass but aren’t so drop them, knock them off a table or throw one against the wall — no worries. The spills are another matter, though.