These 41 strange products really do make life better

Amazon
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Life can be tough sometimes. With balancing work, family, friends, and other responsibilities, you have more than enough to do. So, wouldn’t it be nice to find a few helpers that remove the hassle and maybe even help you get things done faster? Well, you’re in luck. I’ve put together a list of strange products that really do make life better.

These clever gadgets have been tested and approved by customers for being much more than a gimmick — they're actually helpful. If you’ve been having trouble sleeping lately, a Bluetooth sleeping mask might be just what you need to block out noise or to put on sound relaxing noise. Or, consider a set of clever S-shaped hangers so you can say goodbye to wrinkles in your pants (and save a lot of space in the process). And for all those outdoor excursions, consider a durable nylon blanket that's resistant to water and sand.

So keep scrolling to find a few things that could help you solve some of life’s trickiest little problems.

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

01This portable lounger that's easy to inflate

Ideal for camping, lounging, or hanging out at your next backyard barbecue, this inflatable lounger is easy to tote and set up. Even better — you don’t have the hassle with difficult pumps, simply inflate the lounger by waving it in the air. This lounger is lightweight and durable, and it’s equipped with a comfy headrest and a bottle opener to boot.

02These Bluetooth sleep headphones that block out noise & light

Block out street noises and snoring while falling asleep to your favorite tunes, an audiobook, or the sounds of nature with these Bluetooth sleep headphones. These can run for 8 hours on a charge and also keeps light out of your eyes.

03This touchless keychain tool that keeps germs at bay

Press buttons, type in codes, and even open the door, all without making direct contact with those surfaces. This little gadget even works on touchscreens so you can sign your name easily and more. Use it as a keychain to make it even easier to tote around.

04These S-shaped hangers that maximize closet space & minimize wrinkles

These S-shaped hangers are thoughtfully designed to maximize precious closet space. The smooth surface prevents creases and wrinkles, and a plastic tip on the end prevents your pants from slipping off. Each hanger in this three-pack holds five pairs of pants, scarves, towels, and more. Plus, they’re made of stainless steel so they won’t rust.

05This magnifier that doubles your phone screen size

This screen magnifier is essentially a projector for your smartphone, magnifying the screen to twice its size. It makes watching videos with more than one person much easier, and it works with all smartphones. Plus, it’s easy to set up, and there are no batteries to worry about.

06A neck fan that lets you stay cool wherever you go

Whether you're inside or out, this hands-free neck fan can offer a welcome reprieve from heat. Designed to be worn around your neck, this doesn’t tie up your hands, so you’re free to go about your activities. On a single charge, this fan can run for 2 to 5 hours (depends on which setting you choose), and the fan heads can rotate a full 360 degrees for optimal cooling. What’s more, there are seven LED lights that you can have a little fun with.

07This mask-strap extender so you can get the perfect fit

If your mask is uncomfortable or won't stay on, try these mask strap extenders. Anti-slip silicone bands allow you to secure the mask around your head, relieving the pressure and discomfort on your ear. These mask extenders are adjustable, and they work with any type of earloop mask.

08This umbrella hat that keeps your hands free

This umbrella hat offers plenty of coverage on a rainy (or sunny) day, and it leaves your hands free whether it’s working outside, gardening, or participating in some outdoor fun. Although this umbrella hat is generously sized at 36 inches in diameter, it folds down to the size of a travel-size umbrella. The headband is adjustable for a customized fit, the silver-coated top reflects heat to keep you cool. Choose from three colors.

09This pup soother for dry, cracked snoots

Dry, cracked skin on your dog’s snout can be terribly uncomfortable. Soothe your pup's snout with this all-natural snout cream made with a blend of coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E. With a 4.6-star rating after more than 3,000

10This baggy rack that's like another set of hands in the kitchen

Like an extra pair of hands in your kitchen, this six-pack of baggy racks keep your baggies open as you fill them for fewer spills and cleanups. The arms of these racks are adjustable to accommodate different sized bags, and if you rinse and reuse your bags, they can double as a drying rack.

11These pads to keep your screens clean

These screen-cleaning pads work with almost all screens, including laptops, smartphones, and e-readers. Each pad is made of scratch-resistant faux suede, and you can use it to remove dirt, dust, and fingerprints. The handle strap on the back allows for ease of use, and users can choose from a multicolor pack or all black.

12This solution that reduces irritation caused by hair removal

If you choose to remove hair on your face or body, this cult-favorite solution soothes razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and other discomfort. Just apply a thin coat after shaving or waxing to soothe irritated skin. One Amazon reviewer had this to share: “This stuff is AMAZING. You would never believe it but it works wonders. One of the worst parts of summer for me is razor burn and chafing/irritation, particularly at the beach when my hair follicles on my legs dry from the saltwater. This stuff prevents ALL of that. No bumps, no pain, nothing.”

13This tactical pen that does more than just take notes

This isn’t just any pen. Sure, you can use it to jot down a quick note, but this tactical pen is also a glass breaker, a bottle opener, and a flashlight all rolled into one. Stash it away in a glove box, purse, or backpack.

14This handy kitchen gadget that effortlessly peels boiled eggs

If peeling a boiled egg sometimes leaves you feeling defeated, try this handy boiled egg peeler. Simply add 1/4 cup of water to the Negg egg peeler, snap on the lid, and shake it free of its shell in seconds. The Negg is available in several color options, and it’s BPA free.

15This toilet light that's motion-activated

Nix the bright lights on your next midnight bathroom run with this motion-activated toilet light. It's easy to install and fits on most standard toilets. Even better, it only turns on when you’re near the toilet, and users can choose between eight colors or cycle through all of them. “Is it possible to love a toilet light? Well, I do! This is a fabulous little gizmo -- simple design, easy to use, and a lot of fun -- a treasure for a very affordable price," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

16This watermelon slicer that keeps sticky messes to a minimum

Cutting fresh watermelon for your family and guests can be a sticky proposition. Keep the mess to a minimum with this handy watermelon slicer. This stainless steel slicer cuts watermelon into bite-size pieces. Just push the slicer in and extract delicious chunks that are ready to enjoy.

17This USB charging station that keep your devices nice & tidy

Streamline your device storage and your ability to charge them with this USB charging station. It has six charging ports, so everything is in one spot, and it comes with five clear separators to keep all your gadgets upright and organized. What’s more, each purchase of the charging station includes five short cables that are compatible with Apple devices.

18This portable shower that's great for camping & the beach

Wherever your next adventure takes you, you might want to grab this portable shower bag before heading out the door. This bag has a 5-gallon capacity, and it comes with a hose and a shower head. The heat-absorbing design heats water to a comfy 113 degrees Fahrenheit, and the bag folds down easily for storage or transport. “This shower is amazing! [...] We have it outside our camper for quick rinses and hand washing. [The] water heats up quite fast too!!!” one Amazon reviewer commented.

19This smart jump rope that lets your track your progress

Jumping rope is a great way to get some exercise in just about anywhere, and this smart jump rope keeps track of your progress. The app (available for iOS and Android devices) helps you keep tabs on your jump count, time spent on your workout, and more. The battery can last for up to 9 months, and there are several color options.

20These smart plugs so you can remotely control lights & appliances

Control your lights, start the slow cooker, or get the coffee brewing even when even you’re not home with these Wi-Fi smart plugs. These work with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, and users can also use the smartphone app to program small appliances and lights to operate on a preset schedule. Plus, they're a lot more affordable than other options without sacrificing any of the quality. One Amazon reviewer shared: “I like home automation things, but some of them [are] just too expensive. These, however, are an excellent product for a very reasonable price! I like that they use the Smart Life App and integrate into Alexa very easily.”

21This solar radio & charger for emergencies

Keep yourself connected to the latest information no matter what happens with this solar radio. While this radio has 2000mAh, it can also be solar-powered, battery-operated, or hand-cranked. This radio has a built-in flashlight, it’s water-resistant, and the drop-proof design is built to last. Plus, you can use it to charge devices via USB.

22This phone ring holder so it doesn't fall out of your hands

This phone ring holder keeps your phone securely in your hands and also works with magnetic car mounts. Made from zinc alloy and stainless steel, this ring holder is exceptionally durable and also makes a convenient kickstand that rotates. Choose from three color options.

23This blooming basket for steaming veggies on the stove

Steaming veggies has never been so simple, all thanks to this "blooming" steamer basket. It's made with materials that can withstand high temperatures, and it works by holding your food above hot water within a pot or pan. It even has a handle you can control with a fork, and it's dishwasher-safe.

24This oil sprayer for precise control

This olive oil sprayer is great for adding just a kiss of oil, juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and more to meals. The glass bottle lets you easily know if it's time to refill, and one Amazon customer found this to be a great alternative to aerosols. One person wrote, "I added olive oil and it took a few pumps to get it pressurized, but once it was, the spray was even throughout and plentiful."

25This multifunctional bottle opener for cans & flip tops

Make opening bottles easier with this multifunctional bottle opener that offers plenty of strength and leverage. This opener works with bottle caps, and it even has a hook for metal tabs. One Amazon reviewer noted, "Such a handy little helper! Finally, we can easily remove those tiny caps that are almost impossible to grip. No more frustration or sore hands. This device will stay in [...] our "gadgets drawer," so it's there when we need it."

26This alarm clock that doubles as a white noise machine

This white noise machine helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer and is preprogrammed with five different sleep modes. It's also equipped with a screen that displays the time (which coincides with an alarm clock feature), date, temperature, and more.

27These bamboo charcoal bags that freshen the air naturally

These bamboo charcoal air purifying bags naturally freshen without chemicals. The deodorizers trap odors and moisture instead of just covering it up. Each order comes with four charcoal bags, so you can use them in your car, kitchen, closet, and more to freshen things up.

28This rapid slicer for small fruits & veggies

Slice a bunch of grapes, cherry tomatoes, or even a bagel in a single pass with this rapid slicer. This smart gadget makes food prep more efficient, and a nonslip handle keeps this slicer stationary, and the top lid protects your hands. This slicer is BPA free and dishwasher safe.

29This cheap spiralizer for quick & easy veggies

This veggie spiralizer turns regular vegetables into medium and thin spirals and ribbons, with just a push of a button. The cup of this spiralizer catches drips and juices, and the lid allows you to store your sliced veggies for later use. This spiralizer disassembles easily, and all parts are dishwasher safe.

30A handy batter dispenser for pancakes, cupcakes & more

Mix and dispense pancakes, muffins, and more with this handy batter dispenser. This kitchen helper holds 4 cups of your favorite mix, and the handle trigger lets you control how much is dispensed for evenly sized treats every time. This batter dispenser is BPA free and disassembles easily for thorough cleaning.

31This natural loofah for silky soft skin

These natural exfoliating loofahs leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. Just add your favorite soap or body wash to scrub dry patches away. What’s more, these loofahs can also be used around the house for cleaning pots, pans, and dishes. Each order comes with four.

32This hammock foot rest for under your desk

This hammock foot rest attaches underneath your desk surface (or rectangular table), and gives your feet a place to rest while helping to improve blood circulation. The cloth is made from canvas and comes with adjustable rope, table clips, and wood to hold it all together.

33This pressure-activated cooling pad to keep your dog or cat comfy

Warm weather can be tough on furry friends. This cooling pad keeps your pet 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the ambient room temperature, and is pressure activated so there’s no refrigeration necessary. there are several color options, and you can even use it in a pet bed or carrier.

34This lumbar support cushion for your office chair or car seat

Whether you're hoping to improve your posture or create a comfier place to sit, this lumbar support attachment can help. In addition to its ergonomic shape that can help ease pain in your lower back, it features a breathable mesh front with a belt that can attach it to both car seats and desk chairs.

35This water filtration system that's good for up 100,000 gallons

This water filtration system removes 99.9999% of bacteria (like including E. coli and salmonella) and protozoa, as well as 100% of microplastics. Take it with you when you’re out camping, use it as another layer of protection for your home’s tap water, or keep it stashed in your preparedness kit. These filters work for up to 100,000 gallons of water, and each two-pack order comes with two filters, reusable drinking pouches, drinking straws, and cleaning plungers.

36This pop-up changing room

When you’re out enjoying the great outdoors, you may want to grab one of these pop-up pod changing rooms for the beach, campsite, and more. This multifunctional pod is fully enclosed, and it works great as a changing room or even a shelter from light rain. This pod is lightweight, and it's easy to assemble and fold down in seconds.

37This water-resistant blanket that doesn't trap sand

This water-resistant blanket is made from durable ripstop nylon, so sand (and other debris) shakes off effortlessly whether you're at the park, the beach, or a campsite. Water beads up and rolls off as well, and if the blanket does get wet, it dries super fast. This blanket is large enough to fit up to seven adults comfortably and comes with a convenient carrying case. Each blanket comes with stakes to keep it anchored.

38These cut-resistant gloves for cooking & house projects

Made from materials that are four times stronger than leather, these cut-resistant gloves help keep your hands safe when you're chopping up herbs or working on projects around the house. These gloves are made from food-grade materials, and they're machine washable to boot.

39These reusable straws that are so easy to transport

Cut down on single-use plastic with these reusable, collapsible straws that fold down into their own carrying cases. These straws are made from stainless steel with silicone mouth pieces, and the four-pack comes with its own cleaning brush, too.

40These color-coded food containers that store easily

Instead of piling your food storage containers, try adding these ones to your kitchen. When they're not in use, they can be nested together to create more room in your cabinets. They also have lockable, color-coded lids that create a leakproof and airtight seal — and they're each made with BPA-free and food-safe plastic.

41These herb scissors that make mincing easy

Herbs are a great addition to any meal, but chopping them finely can be a pain. Keep your herbs looking fresh and delicious with these herb scissors. Five stainless steel blades cut and mince fresh chives, parsley, mint, and more, and the built-in comb helps you get them all into your dish. Plus, they're dishwasher safe.