What’s your definition of “weird?” The “official” definitions are all over the place: “Something supernatural or uncanny,” “a person’s destiny,” and even “inducing a sense of disbelief in someone.” I prefer to keep it simple — “weird” to me is something strange or fantastical, and it has a host of applications from people to places to things.
As you’ve probably guessed (you did click the link, after all) “weird” in this case applies to some of the most interesting Amazon gadgets I’ve seen in a while. Hate traditional towels? You’re going to have a “ball” with this one. Need help making your bed? I’ve got you covered. Wish you had a “hug” that lasted all night long? Say no more, fam. Give these “weird” gadgets a glance; you might just be surprised how useful they are!
Have A (Towel) Ball
You’re going to have a ball with these — literally. These are fuzzy ball towels, which are exactly what they sound like. Hang these in your half baths and powder rooms to give guests a place to dry their hands, although they might ask if they’re allowed to use them. These come in two sets: White and gray or light and dark blue.
In The Groove
You know all those hard-to-reach cracks and crevices in your house? This cleaning brush is designed specifically for grooves and gaps you can’t easily get to any other way. The ergonomic handle keeps your hands safely out of the way while the two-pack of brushes does all the dirty work. You’re going to want to clean all the crannies with these.
Copy And Paste
Surely you aren’t still squeezing toothpaste from the tube like some kind of peasant. This toothpaste dispenser is a small (but inexpensive) luxury that features hands-free dispensing as well as a wall-mounted toothbrush organizer that keeps your bristles free from dust (and other weird bathroom things). This gadget requires no batteries and always dispenses just the right amount of paste without waste.
Make Things Gel
What do you do at red lights? Scroll through your phone? Stare out the window? Clean your dashboard? Oh, hey, it’s me on that last one. This dust cleaning gel is the most fun you’ll ever have cleaning anything but it’s especially useful in the car where you can get all that dust and junk out off of your dash and out of your center console. It’s the best $7 you’ll spend today.
Soak It Up Like A Sponge
If you’re looking for an all-in-one soap dispensing set, look no further. This one is a sponge holder, double liquid soap dispensers and a silicone tray that holds it all. You’ll keep your sink area organized with this set and have plenty of liquid soap on hand for cleaning dishes and washing hands. I especially love the one-handed design of this one.
Run With Scissors
I own a pair of these strange-looking herb scissors and they are wonderful for thinly slicing and dicing everything from cilantro to basil. These have a whopping 10 blades and a comfortable, ergonomic handle while you’re chopping. The included blade guard cleaner is a must-have and makes quick work of getting tiny bits of chives, scallions and the rest from between the narrow blades.
Break The Mold
Mold has a way of creeping in anywhere it wants. Stop it in it tracks with this mold remover gel. Simply apply in a few minutes, wait a couple of hours and then wipe the surface clean. This works wonders on all types of surfaces like your refrigerator, washing machine, sinks, toilet bowls and more. Application is as simple as a good squeeze.
Don’t Strain Yourself
Even if I had the world’s largest kitchen, I don’t think I’d ever have enough room for all the gadgets I want (or have). This pot strainer saves me a ton of space because it sort of folds up when not in use and snaps onto any pot or pan I’ve tried. When you’re working with limited storage space, you’ll definitely appreciate this one.
Open And Shut
You can buy yourself flowers … and you can open your own jars with these rubber jar grippers. As someone who has weaker hands due to autoimmune issues, these save me every time. The best part is that you can use these in others ways, too, like as a coaster for a beverage or as a trivet for a hot pan. You can do all of that since you’re getting four for less than $11.
Vac Attack
All vacuum cleaners are not created equal and they’re not all as cute as this little gal either. This mini desktop vac is perfect for sucking up dust and crumbs without having to dig out your big boy. Personally, I use this on my makeup table to collect nail dust. This works with two AA batteries and has a 360-degree blade and strong suction power. It might also be perfect for your car.
Brush It Off
Everybody loves to grill but not everyone loves to clean up said grill. This bristle-free grill brush is a safe and efficient option with two sides: One for cleaning stubborn stains and another for cleaning up behind yourself. Whether you have a charcoal, porcelain or infrared grill (or even a smoker), this brush will keep your cooking surface clean as a whistle.
Slice Of Life
As expensive as groceries have become, I’m about to snag one of these food slicers myself for things like deli meat, bread, fruit, vegetables and more, to get more mileage out of my food budget. This has a built-in thickness control knob just like the one at your grocery store and can cut almost anything, saving you time and energy.
Magnetic Personality
Life is too smart for boring refrigerator magnets and these oval “refrigerator rocks” are both beautiful and functional. Made of hematite, these have a smooth surface with a color scheme that won’t fade over time. Use these anywhere, from your fridge to a whiteboard to a school locker or file cabinet. They’re sure to draw more than a couple of glances from jealous friends and family.
Make Your Bed
Two years ago, I put one of these bed sheet tucker tools in my Mom’s Christmas stocking and it might have just been her favorite gift. (You should get a load of how heavy her mattress is!) These protect your back, nails and more, and work for fitted and flat sheets as well as duvet covers. This extra-long version tidies your bed without a wrinkle.
Behind Closed Doors
My favorite storage solutions are the ones that make use of space where there was no storage opportunity. This over-the-cabinet door organizer lets you tuck away things like your cutting boards, cookie sheets and even rolls of plastic wrap and aluminum foil right out of sight but well within reach. Choose from brown or silver but does it matter? It’s hidden neatly away.
A Jarring Experience
Bottles and cans are no match for this jar opener, which is a total godsend for weak and arthritic hands. And, believe it or not, it’s actually a six-in-one tool opening small and medium lids, large lids and ring pull-style cans. The long handle gives you plenty of leverage and the rubber lining inside makes certain you have a firm grip.
Roll Call
You guys, I love sushi. I mean, love it. And, I’ve always wanted to try making it at home but I’m not a sadist. So, I order it like a normal human being. This professional sushi bazooka (yes, it’s called a bazooka) transforms sushi-making into something you can easily do at home. Follow the easy five-step instructions for perfect (and customized) sushi rolls at home.
A Hairy Situation
If you’ve pulled a wad of hair out of your drain even once in the past couple of months, you need the TubShroom. This revolutionary drain protector catches loose hairs and snares them in the mushroom trap so they don’t create issues that warrant an emergency call to a plumber. At $13, grab one for each drain you know could be a problem.
Oil Up
I’m in love with this oil dispenser for the simplicity if nothing else. When I need to baste something with a silicone brush, it’s always a struggle to figure out how to do it. Pour oil into a bowl? Drizzle it on the brush from the bottle? This solves all of those issues because it has a built-in brush and a dispenser bottle in one.
Climb The Ladder
O.K., so this one isn’t weird at all but it is actually a potentially life-saving device. This is a two-story escape ladder that’s designed for kids but can accommodate up to 1,000 pounds in a flame-resistant, sturdy and foldable design. It’s also tangle-free so it deploys quickly in the event of an emergency. No assembly or tools are required. If you have a home with multiple stories, this is a must-buy.
Level The Locks
Extra security is added peace of mind and this portable security door lock gives you both for less than $11. No drilling or screwing is required with this device that’s as thin as an envelope. Simply slip it into the door of your hotel room or Airbnb and you’re protected from unwanted visits and attempted forced entries. It’s small and compact for travel, too.
Potty Mouth
Toilet brushes have had one look my entire life … until now. This one has silicone bristles, which help protect your toilet bowls from scratches. The tip of the brush head flexes to make it simpler to clean the edge of the bowl, and ventilation slots help the brain drain better. You’ll get the brush and the holder for less than $13.
Back In Action
Have you ever met anyone who didn’t love to have their back scratched? You scratch your back … and I’ll scratch mine with this two-pack of extendable back scratchers. Portable and lightweight, these have telescopic handles that can reach 27 inches and retract eight inches. Looking for an inexpensive gift your friend or co-worker will love? Grab this; one for you and one for them.
Out In The Open
There aren’t many times in life when picking one product gets you a multitude of results but this multifunction opener is one of those gadgets. Open jars and bottles of all sizes in addition to pull-tab cans with one device. The best part is its magnetic design so it can attach right to your refrigerator. Kitchen Mama gadgets are among my favorite so buy with confidence.
You’re All Heart
Technology never ceases to amaze me, and for all of the nonsense our phones can do, they can also do some pretty remarkable things. This personal EKG monitor detects irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions using just your fingers and a device that’s compatible with most popular phones and tablets. With the press of a button, you can even email your EKG right to your doctor.
Hug It Out
Let’s be honest: Snuggling is great but nobody wants another hot body up against them all night long. This sleep pod is a cooling, wearable (and weighted) blanket that got its start on Shark Tank. Choose from sizes ranging from kids to X-large and three different designs — move, classic and hood. Reviewers rave about the great sleep they get with this unique product.
Should’ve Put A Ring On It
Most of the women I know struggle with their arms and shoulders. Wouldn’t it be nice to wear a tank top with total confidence? (Preaching to the choir here.) These weighted sports hoops help you tone and strengthen your upper body. Small but powerful, according to one reviewer, these are simple exercises that can have a big impact. At $24, it’s cheaper than a gym membership.
Squirrel Around
If this isn’t your favorite product on this list so far, you have no sense of humor and we clearly can’t be friends. This horse head squirrel feeder is good for endless entertainment and laughs but it does serve a purpose by giving those tiny critters some snacks. The real joy will be yours, though, as you spy this scene from your kitchen window with your morning coffee.
Fidget Fun
Fidget toys have come a long way from those spinners that were popular a few years ago. This stress-relieving squeeze toy is encased in mesh that allows little “bubbles” to poke through when you give it a knead. You’ll get a pack of three, which is great for home, the office and even the car. (Seriously, are you a road rager? Buy one of these — stat.)
Cat Got Your Tongue
Cats are a$$e$; can we agree? So, it seems only fitting if you’re going to buy cat magnets that they be images of a cat’s tiny hiney. This six-pack is great for some laughs whether you’re using it on a refrigerator or a whiteboard. It’s a great novelty gift for the cat lovers in your life. Reviewers love the whimsical nature of these and you will, too.
Crab And Roll
I love it when people don’t take themselves too seriously, which is exactly what I’d think of you if I came into your house and you had this Crab N’ Roll paper towel holder. Freestanding so you can place it in your kitchen anyway, this curvy critter’s eyes are adjustable to fit any size roll of paper towel. It’ll be hard to feel crabby with this guy around.
All Hands On Deck
Doesn’t a hand massage sound good right about now? (I’ve been typing for a while so I’d definitely be into it.) This cordless hand massager offers heat and compression, the perfect combination for people with arthritis or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Massage can improve blood circulation and reduce fatigue. This is like having an on-call massage therapist at all times.
Warm As Toast
I’ve purchased my fair share of “weird” gadgets on Amazon over the years but perhaps none are as useful as this rechargeable hand warmer It’s double-sided for delivering warmth more quickly and has a sunset light built in. Even better, it can be used as a power bank for your phone, making it a multipurpose gadget you’ll get a ton of use out of.