37 Surprising and Delightful Items from Amazon

I delight in the small things and, not to sound like a cheesy dating site profile, but I’m talking about things like long walks on the beach or a cup of coffee in the stillness of an early morning. I know, I know, you’re ready to “swipe right” on me already, aren’t you? But, listen, it’s not just the corny stuff that delights me. I revel in cool gadgets and gizmos that not only make my life easier but do surprising, magical things — and that’s what this list is all about.

I found the best tool for making an easy Black and Tan, a plastic “apple” that extends the life of your produce and liquid vitamins for those of you who just can’t force down those chunky pills. But wait! There’s more! How about tiny patches that zap pimples overnight or a Bug Bite Thing (yes, that’s its actual name) that takes the sting out of, well, a sting. Read on to find your favorite new delight from among these 37 surprising finds!

Editorial Note: We review everything independently. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission.
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This Smell-Proof Bag has So Many Uses

  via Amazon  

Got something stinky? Your smelly stuff is no match for this smell-proof bag from Enjoy Native. This durable bag has a dog-tested design that guarantees complete odor protection. Plus, the lock closure makes it perfect for travel.

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This Skateboard Has a Unique Size

  via Amazon  

This micro cruiser skateboard from Magneto is sure to be your newest obsession. The mini size makes it easy to cruise around town since it fits into spaces that traditional skateboards or longboards can’t. Bonus: the high-quality maple construction is as durable as it is beautiful.

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This Dog Leash is Tough Pup-Approved

  via Amazon  

Ditch your flimsy dog leash and upgrade to this one from Embark. Made from climbing-grade rope, this durable lead can support up to 2,700 pounds of weight. So if you’re looking for a leash that can handle a serious trek, look no further. Bonus: it comes in a variety of vibrant colors.

These Liquid Chalk Markers That Kids (and Adults!) Love

  via Amazon  

With rich, vibrant color and an easy-to-control design, these liquid chalk markers from Crafts 4 ALL put traditional chalk to shame. They’re water-based, non-toxic, and easy to wipe off surfaces in case things get messy.

The Best Tool For Beer Cocktails

  via Amazon  

I’m not a beer drinker, but I love the idea of a classy-ish-looking beer cocktail that requires only a $10 tool you can snag on Amazon. This layering tool for Black and Tans is made of stainless steel and lets you create layered drinks simply. Not sure you have an inner mixologist waiting to get out? This tool also comes with an instruction book to get you up to speed in no time.

An Apple A Day Keeps The Ethylene Gas Away

  via Amazon  

You probably don’t keep apples in your refrigerator (or maybe you do and I’m the weird one). This is an apple of a different sort, though — the Bluapple. Pop it open and insert a packet and then toss it in your crisper drawers. It promises to extend the life of your produce by two to three months. This Amazon find provides two Bluapples and enough refills to get you through the next 15 months.

The Best Soap For Dudes

  via Amazon  

If I had a dollar for every guy I’ve seen in my social media newsfeeds talking about this soap, I’d have a lot of dollars. And, apparently, the praise on Amazon is consistent with the accolades I’ve seen people I know in real life throwing around. This exfoliating soap bar by Dr. Squatch has a refreshing cedar and orange fragrance and is handmade using a cold process method. Guys won’t care about all of that; just know it smells good and works well.

Nail The Perfect At-Home Mani

  via Amazon  

I know a lot of people who started doing their own manis during COVID out of necessity. Personally? I’ve been on the self-mani train for a while and I have no regrets. One essential tool for me has been a UV LED nail lamp. I was convinced a nail lamp would cost mucho dinero, but this one is less than $20. This helps cure my topcoat to a rock-hard, uber shiny finish and protects my nails … until the next mani pops up.​

No Pills, No Problem With This Liquid Multivitamin

  via Amazon  

I’ve never had an issue swallowing pills but I know a lot of people who do. Don’t skimp on essential vitamins and minerals because you struggle with choking down those horse pills. You can still get the supplements you need in a tangy liquid format with MaryRuth’s liquid morning multivitamin. Choose from raspberry, strawberry, or “fruit” flavorings to benefit your overall health and give you an immunity boost.

Smart Watch On The Cheap

  via Amazon  

We’ve all been conditioned to think of smartwatches as being an investment of a few hundred dollars. Amazon is challenging that assumption with this Android- and iOS-compatible smartwatch for less than $30. This model offers activity tracking; sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure monitoring; and, convenient functions like message notifications and music controls. It looks just like an Apple Watch for less than 10 percent of the Apple price tag.

Bento Box For Lunchtime

  via Amazon  

Even if you eat a sandwich for lunch seven days a week, you can jazz up the presentation with this adorable bento box. Made of stainless steel, it has two sections and a removable mini container to keep your chips quarantined from your sandwich. And, hey, you can feel really good about doing your part for the environment by scrapping the need for disposable baggies.

Achieve The Perfect Temp

  via Amazon  

I’ve been cooking meat for a long time, but never better than when I’m using a meat thermometer. Why did I wait so long to invest in one of these? This one, from ThermaPro, is digital and waterproof as well as motion-sensing so it’s awake and ready to go when you are. It doesn’t just work for meat temperatures, though. You’ll find it to be super handy when baking or candy-making, too.

Pop On This Wallet Attachment

  via Amazon  

I’ve never purchased a PopSocket, mostly because I have an issue with commitment. What if I want to change colors or designs? This PopWallet+ with swappable PopTop has room for your ID and debit card and — get this! — can be removed and interchanged easily. It comes in loads of fun colors, too, like the blush pink pictured above, a bright neon yellow, and an ultra mint shade that gives me all the 90s vibes.

Ain’t No Thing Like A Bug Bite Thing

  via Amazon  

Bug bites don’t stand a chance with this suction tool, dubbed the “Bug Bite Thing.” I suppose it’s hard to name a device that removes insect venom and other irritants left under the skin and stops your body’s negative reaction in the process. See? “Bug Bite Thing” works pretty well, doesn’t it? This gadget is reusable and so easy to use that even kids can do it safely.

Add Some Color To Your Knife Block

  via Amazon  

Nobody ever tells you that a lot of you’ll buy as an adult are necessary, but kind of boring. Knives are one of those things. They typically come with a plain black or brown handle and very little personality. Unless, of course, you purchase this 12-piece knife set with an assortment of bright colors. This rainbow set includes a chef knife, bread knife, slicer, santoku, utility knife, and paring knife.

I Spy With My Little (Camera) Eye

  via Amazon  

Before you start thinking of all the sneaky ways you could use this mini spycam, think about the totally reputable ways you can use it such as turning it into a nanny cam or using it for security at your house. Of course, you can also use it to get the deets on someone or something you have questions about. I’m not saying you should, but I’m not saying you shouldn’t either. It’s a discreet option with a price tag as small as the camera itself is.

This Retro Boombox Is Totally Rad

  via Amazon  

The 80s child in me flipped out when I saw these retro boomboxes on Amazon, but it’s not just an old-school design with accompanying features. These boomboxes come complete with traditional features like a CD player and radio, but more advanced components like built-in Bluetooth and both AUX and USB modes. As my mom always said, “Everything old is new again.” Wonder where my circa-1980s boombox disappeared off to?

Throw All The Shade

  via Amazon  

​There’s no denying it: I love the look of shades like Ray-Bans, but I don’t love the price tag and do you know why? Because I inevitably lose them or scratch the lenses … or both. That’s why I prefer buying inexpensive shades like this polarized set from Amazon. Available in a variety of frame and lens colors, you can snag a pair for less than 30 bucks with great features like polarized lenses, anti-glare, and UV protection.

These Bands Will Make You Dance

  via Amazon  

I love dressing up my Apple Watch and I’ll let you in on a little secret, there are hundreds of options out there (including many on Amazon) that won’t set you back more than seven or eight bucks. This stretchy strap loop in a snow leopard print fits all Apple Watches from the oldest to the newest. I prefer this style to the traditional buckle style because you can pull these off and on in a flash.

Shortcuts At Your Fingertips

  via Amazon  

The older I get, the more Mac shortcuts I forget. This Mac shortcut sticker is a must-have if you want to speed up your productivity without having to Google the simplest way to complete tasks on your computer. This clear vinyl decal is created to be compatible with any MacBook Air Pro. Just Command + C and then Command + V and get it in your Amazon cart ASAP.

Turn Your Mixtapes Into MP3s

  via Amazon  

Just the sight of this Walkman-esque gadget transports me back to my childhood … andddd, it makes me feel super old because I know some of you reading this have no idea what I’m talking about. If you still have cassette tapes in a box somewhere, grab this USB-cassette-player-to-MP3-converter and start bringing all of your tunes into the 21st century. PC- and Mac-compatible software are included as a guide.

Exfoliate Your Way To Baby-Soft Feet

  via Amazon  

My latest ongoing Amazon obsession is these foot peel masks and for good reason. For starters, they’re less than $10. Secondly, you get three, which means you can peel, peel, peel ’til your heart’s content. Lastly, I just really enjoy how soft and smooth they make my feet. And, if I’m being honest, the weirdo in me appreciates seeing the dead skin peel off.

Treat Yourself To After-Sun Care

  via Amazon  

Life at the beach requires a couple of really important things: Patience with tourists and a really good after-sun moisturizer. I love this body butter (I love anything that’s called body butter, to be honest) from the sun gods themselves at Hawaiian Tropic. It has a delicious coconut fragrance and a slew of ultra-rich moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil.

These Fish Bowls Are Not For Swimming

  via Amazon  

You’re used to seeing actual fish in fishbowls, aren’t you? There aren’t any fish here, but these fishbowl party cups are a unique way to serve a beverage. With a 22-oz. capacity, you’ve got plenty of room for liquids here with space left over for ice, fruit slices, and more. With your purchase, you’ll get a set of four with straws included. Fill them with water or, ahem, adult beverages — I’ll never tell.

Pimple Patches That Work Overnight

  via Amazon  

It looks like a sticker, it sticks like a sticker … but, it’s not really a sticker. Meet the Mighty Patch, a hydrocolloid “sticker” that improves the look of pimples overnight. I first heard about these patches in a magazine and then started reading reviews on them on Amazon and holy zit, are these things fantastic. Put one of these on a trouble spot at night and by morning, you’ll see a significant reduction in the size of your blemish.

This Scale Is Smart

  via Amazon  

Nobody likes getting on a scale, O.K.? I don’t, you don’t … nobody does. But, this smart scale from RENPHO is pretty cool, I must say. It has a minimalist-type design with only a small display screen for your weight. The awesome part comes with the connected smartphone app that displays information like BMI, body fat percentage, and nearly a dozen other essential body measurements.

Clean All Your Tumblers With Ease

  via Amazon  

You can ask anyone who knows me, I don’t go anywhere without a water bottle. Whether that’s a work meeting, a trip to the salon, or a quick drive to the post office, I always have a beverage with me. But, man, cleaning those bottles is a nightmare. Bottle Bright tablets eliminate a lot of that aggravation, removing stains and odors, giving you a fresh look and smell. Even better, a pack of 12 tablets will only cost you eight bucks.

Supercharge Your Cleaning With Drill Brush Attachments

  via Amazon  

If you can’t look at this gadget and imagine all the fun possibilities, I don’t think we can continue this friendship. If, however, you can totally see yourself popping these attachments onto your existing cordless drill, we might be BFFs. This drill brush attachment set won’t make you love cleaning more, but you’ll at least be able to do it more quickly so you can get back to binge-watching Netflix.

Show Off Those Pearly Whites

  via Amazon  

Have you ever looked at the prices of professional teeth whitening services? If not, don’t, because then you’ll need cardiac help as well. These teeth whitening pens are highly effective and cost a fraction of what professional services will cost you. Easy to use with a minty flavor, they’re also perfectly portable so you can throw one in a travel bag for quick, on-the-go results.

Accelerate And Hydrate

  via Amazon  

As I sit here writing this after downing a venti cold brew and an energy drink (not at the same time, I promise), I’m realizing I don’t drink enough water. I could make up for it with these hydration sticks from DripDrop ORS. The variety pack includes berry, lemon, and watermelon flavors plus three times the electrolytes and half the sugar of that Gatorade you grabbed from the convenience store.

Your Dinner Guests Will Be So Im-Pressed

  via Amazon  

Burgers, paninis, and grilled cheese — oh my! This cast iron grill press from Cuisinart weighs just under three pounds and adds a hefty press (plus grill marks!) to your culinary creations. If you prefer to expel extra fats and oils from your meat, this is a must-buy. The wooden handle makes it safe to grab, whether you’re using it on a stovetop or outside on your Big Green Egg.

Your Very Own Wrap Star

  via Amazon  

If you’re short on kitchen space (and who isn’t?), you’re going to love this one. The WRAPdock is a genius invention that stores and dispenses wrap directly from the drawer. Did you catch that? Directly. from. the. drawer. This guy holds two rolls of whatever type of wrap you have, from aluminum foil to plastic wrap to wax paper. Just load it and then remind yourself what an amazing shopper you are to have found this deal.

They See You Rollin’

  via Amazon  

I have a load of facial beauty tools including this jade face roller and gua sha set because, well, it’s for science, O.K.? How can I tell you that you can’t live without something I haven’t tried myself? Ahem. It really has done wonders for my face, though, energizing my skin and reducing puffiness so it appears firmer. Pro tip: Put it in a skincare fridge (or your regular fridge) for a cool burst along with its great results.

Stick It To Big, Bulky Blenders

  via Amazon  

I have three mixers and two blenders, which is really pretty ridiculous now that I type that out, but my absolute favorite is my immersion blender a la this one from Mueller. Why? Because I love how it doesn’t require me to dirty another dish because I can mix, blend or froth in whatever dish I’m already using. This one is a steal at less than 30 bucks and the reviews are great: “I am impressed with how fast it is and clean-up is super easy.”

Ice, Ice, Bento

  via Amazon  

I love the look of bento boxes for lunchtime (see item No. 7 above), but how do you keep anything cold in those things? Enter these slim ice packs that work as well for lunch boxes as they do bento boxes. Oh, you say you’re not into carrying dino ice packs into the office? Fine, party pooper. These also come in pineapple and rocket ship designs for yourself or your little ones who’ll be too cool for school.

Fill These Reusable Baking Cups Up

  via Amazon  

These silicone baking cups are a delightful treat that also holds delightful treats. Win-win, eh? You’ll get a multicolored pack of 12, sized in a way that works flawlessly with your existing cupcake tins. Plus, you’ll be saving big bucks by not buying disposable paper cups every time you get a hankering for a cupcake. These cuties are freezer-, microwave-, oven- and dishwasher-safe, so, essentially baking unicorns.

We Shaved The Best For Last

  via Amazon  

I know what you’re thinking: I purposefully saved this shaved ice machine for last just so I could use that headline. You are so wrong, honestly, it was just a happy accident. Either way, you’re going to want to grab one of these to get through the remainder of hot girl (and guy) summer. Whip together snow cones (or frozen margs, who am I to judge?) in a flash and then get creative with your syrups and add-ins.​