Shopping

50 Weird but Brilliant Things on Amazon That Are Insanely Cheap

Somewhat odd, utterly useful.

Written by Claire Epting
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

In my line of work, I come across a lot of weird — but brilliant — Amazon products. From clever, space-saving hacks to quirky gift ideas, there are so many genius inventions that make life so much better. What’s more, these bizarre little curios don’t cost a ton of money. In fact, you’ll be pleased to learn that my picks below are all ridiculously cheap. If you’re in the market for some weirdly useful items on Amazon, then keep reading — I’ve got you covered.

01These Ultra-Absorbent Dishcloths That Are More Cost-Effective Than Paper Towels

You can use these absorbent dishcloths over and over again — making them a less expensive (and more eco-friendly) alternative to traditional paper towels. With a little bit of water, the cloths soften up enough to mop up household spills. When dry, they’re stiff enough for scouring the tub. Each versatile dishcloth is suited for a wide range of surfaces, including tile, marble, stainless steel, and wood. Just throw them in the wash when they need a refresh.

  • Available multipacks: 10

02This Leakproof Trash Can That Keeps Your Car Litter-Free

Keep your car free of messes by investing in this leakproof trash can that attaches to the back of your seat with a set of adjustable straps. Designed with a magnetic lid and reinforced, padded walls, the 4-gallon bin ensures that trash, crumbs, and even liquid spills stay off your vehicle’s interior. A mesh side pocket provides extra storage for a pack of wet wipes, tissues, or hand sanitizer.

03These Flexible Silicone Lids That Keep Your Leftovers Fresh

Stretchy and flexible, these silicone lids fit over a wide array of food containers, pots, and even halved fruit. You get seven different sizes in a pack, ranging from 2.6 inches to 12 inches — so you’re completely covered when reaching for a lid. Each lid is safe to go in the freezer, microwave, oven, and perhaps most importantly, the dishwasher.

  • Available sizes: XX-Small — XX-Large

04These Magnetic Cable Ties That Are So Freakin’ Useful

From keeping your earbud cords tangle-free to sealing an open bag of chips, these nifty magnetic cable ties have so many different uses. Clip one onto your page as a bookmark, or use another to hang a set of keys from from your refrigerator. You get five brightly colored silicone ties in a pack — perfect for color coding your belongings.

  • Available multipacks: 4

05These Silicone Oven Rack Guards That Shield Your Hands From Burns

Made from heat-resistant silicone, these oven guards slip right over the edges of your metal racks, where they work to protect your forearms and hands from accidental burns. Measuring 14 inches in length, they’re designed to fit most oven racks, but you can always cut them down to size with a pair of scissors. Choose from high-visibility red or neutral gray colors.

  • Available colors: Red, Gray

06These Ingenious Dip Bowls That Clip Right Onto Your Plate

A game-changer for barbecues and picnics, these clip-on bowls provide the perfect spot for your ketchup, salsa, and all the rest of your favorite dipping sauces. The ingenious design allows your guests to dip their fries, chips, and hot dogs from any spot in your backyard, without getting condiments all over the plate. You get three different colors in this variety pack, so everyone can remember whose plate is whose.

07This Stainless Steel Screen That Protects Your Arms From Hot Oil Splatters

Any avid home cook would benefit from this handheld splatter screen. Constructed from fine stainless steel mesh, the tool protects your forearms from hot, spitting oil as you fry your food — and it also protects your stove and walls. The screen also doubles as a cooling rack and a pot strainer. Once you start using it, you may wonder how you were ever able to cook without it.

  • Available sizes: 9.5 inches — 15 inches

08The Detangling Brush That Glides Through Knots Painlessly

With a unique wave shape, this ergonomic hairbrush glides through knots and tangles without any snags. The wide-set, conic bristles are soft and flexible, working to separate strands sideways (instead of down), which proves a gentle enough process for even for wet hair. Plus, this detangling brush is suited for all hair types, whether your strands are curly, coarse, or fine.

  • Available multipacks: 15

09A Trio of Ultra-Sharp Knives For Slicing, Dicing & Mincing

Level up your kitchen game with this trio of ultra-sharp knives from Little Chef. The stainless steel blades effortlessly cut through vegetables, fruit, and raw meat, removing the hassle out of your meal prep process. You get three different sizes in a set, allowing you to tackle a wide range of chopping, slicing, and mincing tasks.

10These Heat-Resistant Baking Mats That Make Post-Meal Cleanup a Breeze

These heat-resistant baking mats make cleaning up after a big meal so much easier. Instead of scrubbing away cooked on grease and residue, all you have to do is peel the silicone mat away and rinse it with some soapy water. An added bonus? Each reusable mat features a set of circular stencils for creating perfectly round cookies and macarons.

11These Car Organizers That Fill the Gap Between Your Seat & Console

If you’ve ever accidentally dropped your phone or wallet into the gap between your car seat and console, you know what a pain it can be to fish it out. These slim organizers are designed to fit snugly inside those small spaces, allowing you to store your small essentials right next to you as you drive. Made out of faux leather and Oxford cloth, the durable storage units come in neutral shades of black, brown, tan, and gray.

  • Available colors: 5

12A Pair Of Metal Claws That Shred Meat With Ease

Shredding chicken, pork, or brisket for your next barbecue or taco night? These strong nylon claw-shaped tools make easy work of this once-laborious task. The sharp prongs rip through cooked meat with ease, while simultaneously making you feel like Wolverine. You can also use the claws to transport hot meat from the grill or oven to your serving tray.

  • Available colors: 4

13This Swiveling Vegetable Peeler With So Many Different Uses

Besides removing the skin from your potatoes, zucchini, and carrots, this vegetable peeler can be used in so many different ways. The swiveling stainless steel head creates long, even peels, making it ideal for shaving a bar of chocolate or grating cheese. Not to mention, each Cave Tools purchase includes a downloadable recipe book with dozens of hassle-free meal ideas.

14The Sturdy Metal Rack That Evenly Cooks Your Chicken Wings & Legs

Whether you prepare your chicken wings over the grill or in the oven, this sturdy metal rack ensures your poultry cooks to juicy perfection. An included grill tray even catches the drippings from your chicken as it cooks, so you can reserve it for an extra-tasty gravy. The cleverly designed rack holds up to 12 pieces of chicken — besides wings, it also accommodates drumsticks, thighs, and legs.

15This Microwaveable Ramen Bowl With an Aesthetically Pleasing Design

Available in vibrant hues of forest green, bright yellow, and rose pink, this might just be the most aesthetically pleasing ramen bowl ever. The microwave-safe bowl even includes a locking lid and heat-resistant handle for preparing your meal at the office or in your dorm. The lid is designed with extra helpful features, including sealable air holes and a set of collapsible metal chopsticks.

  • Available colors and patterns: 18

16A Pack Of Portable Chargers For Your Phone

Keep one of these portable chargers in your car and the other in your bag so you’ll never be without juice when you need it. Each one boasts dual USB-A ports and a USB-C port and has a 10,000mAh capacity to fully charge an iPhone 14 approximately two times and a Galaxy S23 twice. They also come with high voltage and short-circuit protection and weigh less than 8 ounces each.

  • Available colors: 6

17The Handy Condiment Fork That Grabs Pickles, Olives, Peppers & More

Where ordinary forks fail, the Chef’n FridgeFork succeeds. Designed with three long metal prongs, this little condiment fork is perfect for pulling pickles, olives, peppers, and other preserved foods out of the jar without getting your fingers messy. Even better, it has an accompanying caddy that secures around the mouth of your jar with an elastic band.

18A Key Chain-Sized Charging Cable That’s Compatible With Most Devices

Never find yourself stuck with a dead phone battery again. This ultra-compact charging cable is small enough to fit on your key chain, so you can carry it with you wherever you go. The universal cord is designed with six different types of outlets, so it’s compatible with a wide range of electronic devices — it’s basically the Swiss Army knife of chargers.

19An LED Neck Light For Reading, Crafts, & Repairs

Earning best-seller status on Amazon, this neck light is great for nighttime reading or simply shining some extra light on your repair or craft project. The rechargeable light has bendable arms for the perfect angle and boasts six brightness settings and three light color options, including yellow, warm white, and cool white. Enjoy up to 80 hours of use on a single charge.

  • Available colors: 8

20This Outlet Extender With a Built-in Shelf for Your Charging Device

Equipped with six AC outlets, two USB ports, and one USB-C port, this outlet extender makes it oh-so easy to charge multiple devices at once. For added convenience, a built-in shelf above the outlets provides the perfect spot to place your electronics while they power up. A slot at the center of the shelf even allows you to run your charging cord directly through.

  • Available colors: White, Black

21The Microwaveable Tortilla Warmer With a Rustic Granite Look

Keep your tortillas — as well as your pita bread, biscuits, and even pancakes — toasty over the course of your meal with this microwaveable warming plate. Featuring a rustic granite pattern, the tortilla holder also looks great on any dining table. The lid features a handle made of heat-resistant silicone, so you can easily access your food as soon as it comes out of the microwave.

22A Whimsical Bug-Shaped Light With Flexible Legs

This itty-bitty LED light is shaped like a bug, with four flexible arms that allow it to wrap around your belt, camping tent, backpack, and more. The hands-free gadget is powered by two lithium batteries, and it’s also resistant to sun and rain. Set it up wherever you need a little extra light — the bug goes wherever you do.

  • Available colors: 5

23A Pair Of Magnetic Grill Lights That Keep the Barbecue Going Well Into the Evening

Designed with flexible necks that bend any which way, these LED lights secure to the hood of your barbecue with a magnetic base. Their bright bulbs shine down on your grill as the sun goes down, so you can keep flipping burgers well into the evening. You can also use these genius tools to illuminate the space underneath your car’s hood or around your campsite.

24This Adjustable Running Belt That Keeps Your Essentials Close By

This adjustable running belt has plenty of space for all your small essential items, including your phone, wallet, keys, and cash. It’s made out of moisture-wicking, durable neoprene, so you can rest assured your things will remain safe and dry during your jog. Other helpful features include reflective safety lining, a rainproof zipper, and an opening for your headphone cord.

  • Available colors: 7

25A Unique Cleaning Brush That Gets Knife Blades Squeaky Clean

With its unique, wrap-around design, this knife brush ensures that both sides of your blade get clean at once. In fact, you can scrub all of your cutlery down with the double-sided brush — it stays securely in your hand thanks to a textured grip. The brush can be easily stored on the side of your drying rack or dish basin.

26This Nonstick Meat & Potato Masher With 5 Angled Blades

Whether you’re chopping up hamburger meat or mashing potatoes, this handheld tool makes your life so much easier. The five angled blades effortlessly work through soft foods — and, since the tool is heat-resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit — you can even use it to mash cooked foods straight out of the pot.

27These Self-Draining Soap Dishes That Keep Sogginess at Bay

The curved, concave design of these soap dishes allows excess water to drain as soon as you place your bar next to your sink. No more moist, slippery soap in between uses — each self-draining dish ensures the bar dries quickly. Place one in the bathroom, another in the kitchen, and the last one in your shower.

28This Telescoping Light With A Magnetic Base

Not only does this telescoping light have a bright LED light on the end of a bendy extendable wand, but it also boasts a magnetic base that lets you attach it to your grill, car, refrigerator, or toolbox. The magnet is even helpful for retrieving nails, bolts, and screws from behind appliances or in hard-to-reach spots.

29A Mini Fridge Container for Your Deli Meats & Cheeses

Designed with a silicone-seal snap lid and a grooved bottom for catching excess juices, this mini food storage container is ideal for keeping your sliced meats and cheeses fresh in the fridge. Measuring just 5.75 inches wide, it barely takes up any space on your shelf. The transparent lid is even compatible with dry-erase markers, so you can easily jot down expiration dates.

  • Available styles: 4

30These Drawer Dividers That Keep Your Undergarments Organized & Tidy

Tired of rifling through your top drawer looking for that missing sock? These fabric dividers work wonders in keeping your undergarments organized. Each bin varies slightly in size and shape, so your underwear, bras, socks, and belts each have a designated spot. When the bins aren’t in use, they fold flat for compact storage.

  • Available colors: 7

31An Adjustable Tablet Stand That Always Comes in Handy

You’ll find so many uses for this versatile tablet stand, whether you’re watching TV, video chatting with a relative, or scrolling through a recipe. Compatible with devices measuring from 4 inches to 11 inches, the sturdy metal stand can be adjusted to any angle for comfortable viewing. Its foldable design also makes it incredibly portable.

  • Available colors: Black, White

32This Brilliant Vegetable Chopping Tool With So Many Different Uses

Why waste time slicing veggies when you could chop them up in one swift motion? This vegetable chopper comes equipped with four different blades: two for dicing, one for spiralizing, and one for creating ribbons. Whether you need to chop up an onion or create long zucchini spirals for homemade “zoodles,” this tool has got you covered. A large catch tray beneath the slicer stores your prepped vegetables until you’re ready to cook with them.

33A Rocking Pizza Cutter For Easy Slicing

With a curved stainless steel blade and a thick rounded handle, this rocking pizza cutter makes easy work of slicing your favorite pizza, sandwiches, and quesadillas. The 14-inch blade is great for small and medium pies, it can be cleaned easily in the dishwasher after use, and it comes with a protective cover for storing.

  • Available colors: 2
  • Available sizes: 4

34This Meat Tenderizer With A Dual-Sided Design

This meat tenderizer boasts a flat side for creating extra-thin cutlets and a spiky side for tenderizing and infusing flavor into your favorite beef, pork, and chicken. The mallet end of the tenderizer is made of strong, weighted cast aluminum for near-effortless use, while the handle features an ergonomic and nonslip grip.

35This Cocktail Muddler & Stirring Spoon for the Aspiring Mixologist

Two essential pieces of cocktail-making equipment — one wallet-friendly price. Made from sleek stainless steel, this muddler and mixing spoon set makes a fantastic addition to any bar cart or liquor shelf. The grooved muddler is designed with a scratch-proof nylon head to effortlessly mash herbs, fruit, and spices without damaging your shaker or glass. Meanwhile, the dual-ended spoon features a trident fork on one end for picking up pieces of fruit and garnishes.

36A Clip-on Strainer That’s Great for Compact Kitchens

Tight on kitchen shelf space? This snap-on strainer is a fraction of the size of a traditional colander, and it works just as well — maybe even better. Just clamp it onto the edges of your pot, then pour the boiling water directly into the sink. Your pasta or veggies stay in the pot, so you can easily add butter, olive oil, or your favorite sauce. When not in use, the silicone strainer lies flat inside your drawer.

37This Stainless Steel Container That Holds Your Bacon Grease

Before you toss that leftover bacon grease, consider storing it inside this stainless steel container. Thoughtfully designed with an easy-pour spout, stainless steel filter, and wide handle, the grease holder stores your leftover drippings until you’re ready to use them again. And what can you use them for, you might ask? Try adding a little bacon grease to your eggs, pancakes, or even your popcorn for a delicious treat.

38The Handheld Fan That Keeps You Cool Wherever You Go

Hot days call for a bit of backup in the cooling department — this handheld mini fan is great to have on hand. Whether you’re on the subway or at an amusement park, the USB-rechargeable fan provides you with a blast of cool air wherever you happen to be. Its folding design allows you to set it up on your desk or store it away in your pocket.

  • Available colors: 5

39A Massaging Brush That Can Be Used On Wet Or Dry Hair

Use this silicone hairbrush on both wet and dry hair to deliver a soothing massage while also exfoliating and invigorating your scalp. It features a wide handle that slips over your hand for comfortable use and two massaging heads (one with long silicone spikes and one with shorter knobs) that you can swap out, depending on your preference.

40This Set of Illustrated Cards to Inspire Your Next Workout

Feeling stuck in a workout rut? These illustrated fitness cards are here to inspire and motivate you. Each card offers clear, step-by-step instructions — simply pull one out of the deck to get started. There are 20 sets available, ranging from barbell workouts to pilates to yoga.

  • Available styles: 20

41A Pack Of Washable Shelf Liners For Your Fridge

Instead of tediously cleaning each shelf in your fridge, use these colorful fridge shelf liners that can be removed and rinsed off for easy cleaning. They’re made out of a durable and food-safe EVA material and can be cut to size to fit your fridge. They also boast a nonslip texture to help keep them in place and can even be used to line drawer shelves and cabinets.

  • Available colors: 2

42These Silicone Ice Stick Trays For Water Bottles

If you ever wished you could cool down your drink with a few ice cubes in your water bottle, you’re in luck. These innovative ice stick trays make thin, 3.75-inch ice sticks that fit perfectly into most water and drink bottles. The trays are made of a flexible silicone material that makes it easy to remove one stick at a time and can make up to 30 ice sticks at once.

43A Pack of Colorful Wine Stoppers That Seal Your Open Bottles

Say you’ve popped open a bottle of wine, but you’d like to save the rest for later — without it oxidizing. Just grab one of these colorful wine stoppers and place it in the bottle’s opening. Made of food-grade silicone and stainless steel, each stopper is designed with ridges that keep it securely wedged in place. This wallet-friendly pack comes with eight pieces, so you can divvy them up among family members or friends.

44This Digital Meat Thermometer That’s So Easy to Use

Instead of guessing when your meat is done cooking, use this digital thermometer to get an accurate temperature read. The large LCD screen clearly displays temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, while a small chart on the front serves as a guideline for different types of meat. You can also insert the metal prong into liquids such as cooking oil or melted chocolate. When you’re not using it, it magnetizes to the fridge or grill for easy access.

  • Available colors: Black/White, Red/Black, Red/White

45A Sophisticated Glass Teapot With a Built-In Infuser

Large enough to hold about 4 cups of tea, this sophisticated glass teapot is perfect for serving small groups an afternoon cuppa. Just heat the teapot on the stove or in the microwave and add your favorite loose-leaf blend to the stainless steel infuser. Then, just kick back, relax, and enjoy your freshly brewed mug of tea.

46This Roll-Up Puzzle Keeper To Save Your Precious Work

Large enough to preserve puzzles with up to 1,500 pieces, this puzzle keeper is a great way to store half-finished puzzles until you’re ready to work on them again. Simply place the inflatable tube on one side of the mat and roll it up to keep everything in place. Hook and loop closures keep it from coming undone, and it comes with a drawstring bag.

47The Callus-Removing Gel With an Invigorating Citrus Scent

Not only does this callus-removing gel exfoliate away the dry, dead skin on your feet, it also perks you up with a lemon and tea tree oil scent. The effective formula works fast — just rub a small amount over your tough calluses, wait five minutes, then follow up with a pumice stone scrubber for ultra-smooth, soft soles.

48This Tray That Helps Make Crispy Bacon In The Microwave

Frying bacon in the oven or on the stove can be a messy and time-consuming process, but this bacon tray can be used in the microwave for crispy pieces in just a few minutes. The unique design promotes crispy bacon by lifting it up out of its grease and keeps drips contained in a deep bowl underneath. Best of all, it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

49A Nonstick Sandwich Griddle for Quick, Easy Lunches

With its nonstick copper grilling surface, this sandwich maker is easy to use and easy to clean. It offers enough space for two whole sandwiches, making it a time-efficient way to whip up a tasty lunch for you and a partner or roommate. Pro tip: You can even use this sandwich press to make a batch of delicious french toast.

50These Lightsaber Chopsticks That Make Eating So Much More Fun

Add a little extra fun to your meals with these lightsaber chopsticks that light up with the press of a button. They’re made of a BPA-free plastic material that’s easy to clean and come with all of the batteries needed for immediate use. One shopper raved: “I love them so much! I even took them to a restaurant and got compliments from other diners.”

  • Available styles: 2

This article was originally published on

Related Tags