Weird, Genius Things Under $25 That Are Actually Essential To Have in Your Home

Traditional tape measures can be frustrating to use when you’re trying to get the measurements of an odd-shaped or cylindrical object, and that’s where this digital tape measure comes in. Simply roll it along the object you’re trying to get measurements for, then read the results on the LCD screen. It can measure up to 324 feet and the lightweight, portable size makes it easy to take along with you as needed.

Grab a pack of these self-gripping cable ties to ensure every cord in your house stays neat and orderly. They have a hook and loop closure that is not only easy to use but also stays firmly on the cable, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off when the cable is wrapped. The bright hues make them easy to color coordinate and spot, and you can use these on everything from chargers to appliance cords.

Don’t ignore marks or nicks on the walls in your home — this leads to a messy and unfinished look. These refillable paintbrush pens are a fast and convenient way to do touch-ups that can instantly improve the look of a room. Fill them with your paint of choice, then use them for mess-free precision touch-ups. One reviewer loves them “for small jobs, noting the price is “worth the convenience.”

These heavy-duty storage straps are capable of holding up to 50 pounds, making them a perfect organizational item for tools, large cords or hoses, and other bulky items that can be difficult to store neatly. They have a hook on them that makes them easy to hang, with a rust-resistant stainless steel grommet that makes them even more durable.

A rip or tear in the screen of your window or door doesn’t automatically mean you need to buy a new one. Instead, try this mesh repair tape. It has a strong adhesive backing that makes it incredibly easy to install, bonding it to your screen to keep it firmly in place. It’s also weather-resistant and very easy to cut down to the size you need.

You never know when you’re going to lose power in your home and be stuck in the dark. In those moments, it’s essential to have a light you can rely on, like this survival camping lantern. While made to withstand all the outdoor elements for campers or hikers, it’s also great to use indoors, with a bright LED light, three light modes, five brightness levels, and a long-lasting battery (a full charge should allow this to go for 120 hours). The lightweight and portable size makes it easy to store until it’s needed.

Say goodbye to visible power strips and outlets that look cluttered and feel clunky. This slim outlet cover plugs in and offers a much more discreet and subtle look, with a cord you can adhere to the wall that ends in a power strip with three AC outlets. This creates a functional outlet that is much easier to use behind furniture and looks much less messy.

Add this universal socket wrench to your toolbox, especially when you’re on the go and can’t bring everything with you. Adjustable and made with 54 strong steel rods that are spring-actuated to instantly conform to the shape of any bolt, nut, or fastener, this can definitely come in handy in a variety of situations. “Very durable,” one shopper writes, while another adds, “I have a large set that [weighs] a ton. This one gadget replaces all of them.”

Standard dish brushes are boring compared to this gnome-inspired dish brush. The bristles end up looking like the gnome’s beard, while the hat makes an ergonomic handle you can grip while scrubbing your dishes and pans. The bristles are sturdy and able to handle tough stains while still being appropriate for more delicate surfaces.

This retractable dust brush is a must-have for cleaning in all of the little spots of your home that are hard to get to otherwise: think under appliances like the stove and fridge, between couch cushions, and on top of high cabinets. The long stainless steel pole can be adjusted from 31 to 61 inches, with a telescoping handle that makes it easy to move around. A microfiber cleaning cloth is gentle enough for any surface and easy to take off to wash.

Every bathroom needs a toilet brush, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants it in full view. This hidden toilet brush can be kept conveniently close by but still hidden out of sight. The compact caddy hangs from the toilet tank and stays at the back of the toilet, with the brush inside so you can easily grab it. Installation is very simple and this is a great option for small bathrooms with limited floor space.

This wall-mounted rack makes it easy to declutter and organize your larger cleaning tools. It offers 11 storage spots in total, with five slots for brooms and mops, as well as six extra hooks for brushes, gloves, and other small objects. Included screws and anchors make for easy installation and also keep this rack sturdy.

The long cords from small appliances and electronics can quickly create a cluttered look. These cord holders are a simple solution: they have adhesive on the back, so you can stick them to your appliances, on a wall, or on furniture, then wrap the cord around to keep it neat and protected. Even better? These are shaped like sharks, which is just fun.

This double-sided dishwasher magnet is the perfect way to keep members of your household updated on the status of your dishware. One side says “dirty” and the other says “clean,” letting others know (or reminding you) what needs to be done with whatever is inside. It also comes with a magnetic plate, which means it can work on non-magnetic dishwashers as well.

Lint buildup left in dryers can make the machine run inefficiently and potentially cause a fire. However, it’s easy to keep the dryer clean with this vacuum attachment featuring a long, flexible hose that gets inside the vent for a thorough cleaning. It should work on most vacuums and takes just minutes.

Upgrade your baking tools with this set of stackable measuring spoons. Magnets keep them together for easy and compact storage, ensuring you won’t lose one. They’re also double-sided — one end is narrow to get into even the smallest spice jars, while the other is round and designed for liquid ingredients. They’re also made of durable stainless steel, so they’re built to last.

Easy to use and handy in so many different situations, this flashlight has a magnetic end and a telescoping handle. The flexible handle allows you to shine the light into various spaces, while the magnet is great for picking up dropped bolts, screws, and other hardware. Shoppers call it “very useful” and “well built,” and it has 16,000 five-star ratings to back it up.

Made of natural diatom mud and plant fiber, these stone plates have tiny holes that allow for impressive water absorption — any water stains should disappear in minutes. That makes these great for the sink area in the bathroom or kitchen. The minimalist, elevated design offers versatility and allows airflow underneath to prevent moisture buildup on your counters.

The rotating plug on this rectangular outlet extender is what really makes it stand out. It allows the extender to be moved around as needed; if it’s in the way of an appliance or furniture, you can simply rotate it in any direction. It includes six AC outlets spaced to allow you to use multiple at once, and the small size makes it great for traveling.

This handy gadget features a tape measure, a triple-positioned leveling bubble, and a laser level, all of which help you get exact measurements to hang things perfectly straight. One shopper calls it a “fantastic, lightweight tool,” writing, “This has been helpful for installs of decorative molding and panels, making picture frames, and other woodworking projects.”

Kitchen sink drains inevitably become a spot for leftover food to collect as you wash your dishes, and honestly, it can be pretty gross. These disposable strainer bags are made of a super fine mesh that captures everything while still allowing liquid to drain through. The elastic keeps them firmly in place and makes them easy to take out to toss in the trash.

This paper towel holder pulls double duty as storage space for a spray cleaner, making it easy to grab both items at once when you’re cleaning. It comes with a slim spray bottle that fits neatly inside the rack and can be filled with your cleaning solution of choice. This is a great piece for small spaces but is convenient with any kitchen.

Made of tight-knit fabric and strategically reinforced with stainless steel thread, these cut-resistant gloves protect your hands whether you’re chopping food in the kitchen, crafting, or working on a construction project. They are available in several different sizes so you can find the best fit for your hands and they’re food-safe for use in the kitchen. They are also machine washable for easy cleaning.

This jar opener is a game-changer for two reasons. One is that storing it is so simple, even in a small kitchen — it can be placed underneath a cabinet so you just have to reach up whenever you need a jar opened. The other reason is that it requires almost no effort to use. Slip a jar under there with just one hand to loosen the lid so you can get it open.

This set of three drawer organizers is great to use in your bedroom for keeping things like underwear and socks neat. Two of the boxes have 24 cells, while one has 16 cells for slightly larger items. This makes it so easy to find the item you’re looking for while cutting down on clutter. When not in use, these fold flat for easy storage.

These cleverly designed wall-mounted hooks are a great addition to any room. Made of waterproof silicone, these feature four little knobs that grip objects like toothbrushes, razors, towels, utensils, cables, and more. An adhesive backing makes them easy to install anywhere.

If your fitted sheet is always slipping off the mattress, these bedsheet fasteners are a game-changer. The durable straps clip onto your sheet at the corners and sit underneath the mattress, keeping the sheet firmly in place no matter how much you toss and turn. Designed to work with all types of bedding, the straps have adjustable lengths for the ideal fit.

Level up your water game with this convenient desktop water dispenser. A flexible silicone hose connects the dispenser to any water jug (which you can hide underneath the desk), and dispensing the water is quick, simple, and quiet. It’s easy to operate at the touch of a button and charges via USB.

This versatile hammer is great to have on hand whether you’re at home or on the go. It works as a mini hammer, nail claw, pliers, screwdriver, knife, saw, file, bottle opener, and more, all in a compact size that makes it very portable. “This is a great gadget to carry with you in your car or to take camping,” wrote one shopper. “I’m glad I took the chance on it.”

Versatile and compact, this mini cordless lamp can be used in a variety of situations. Thanks to its modern design, the lamp can be used on a tablescape or put out as decor, while also being functional enough to use for extra light by your bed or as a night-light. Adjustable brightness and a cordless design make it so convenient to use.

This touchless trash can is a great upgrade, especially in small rooms like the bathroom or near the laundry. It works on a motion sensor that allows you to get the lid open and closed without actually touching it, with a waterproof design and sealed lid that makes it durable and less stinky. You’re also able to manually keep the trash can open for longer by pressing a button.

This wrap dispenser box is probably something you never knew you needed until now. It has space to hold two wraps at once, such as plastic wrap, aluminum foil, parchment paper, or wax paper. Once the rolls are inside, you can toss the boxes they came in, freeing up a little bit of space. A safety cutter with a steel blade (that’s not exposed) allows you to cut neat, even pieces every time you need one.

Create plenty of space for seasonal decor on the outside of your home by using these vinyl siding hooks. Made of strong stainless steel, they are weather-resistant and can hold up to 12 pounds each. They slide on easily, making them a breeze to use, and can be removed when no longer needed. One shopper noted these are simple to install, adding that they were “removed with no damage” to the siding on their home.

Made of flexible, food-grade silicone, this cabinet mat is available in a variety of sizes and is great for the cabinet under the sink, whether that’s in the kitchen or bathroom. It has a smooth, waterproof, and oil-resistant surface that is so easy to wipe clean, with a raised edge that helps capture any spills. Plus, a honeycomb pattern makes it look just a little nicer.

Stray hairs can quickly lead to an annoying clog in the sink or the shower. Add this drain protector, which is designed to sit inside the drain and not just outside of it, catching and collecting stray hairs as they come through. Cleaning it means just pulling it out and emptying it into the garbage. “Easy to clean and it doesn’t get moldy,” raves one shopper, while another adds, “There was no obstruction of water flow even with all the hair on there.”

A jumble of cables and cords not only looks messy but can also be annoying to untangle as needed. Prevent the clutter with this cable management box. Designed to sit on your desk or the floor, it has plenty of space for a power strip and the cords that come from it, with notches along the sides for the cables to come out. You can also prop devices on the wooden top while they’re charging.

If you’re constantly misplacing your remote controls, slip these flexible silicone remote covers over them. The neon colors alone make them easier to find, but they also glow in the dark, allowing you to spot them much faster under or inside furniture. They also protect the remote control in general and thanks to their flexible feel, they are easy to put on and line up properly.

The commonly found gap between the stove and the countertops in your kitchen is a place where crumbs, dust, and food particles inevitably wind up, no matter how clean you are. To prevent the mess, use these gap covers. They are easy to install and remove as needed, can be put in the dishwasher for easy cleaning, and are made of a flexible silicone that repels dust.

Perfect for shared spaces or small bathrooms, this shower curtain has built-in storage pockets for your toiletries. It’s made of a water-repellant material and has nine mesh pockets for shampoo, body wash, and other essentials. When the shower curtain needs to be cleaned, just toss it in the washing machine.

Say goodbye to teetering stacks of canned goods in your pantry or cabinets when you start using this can rack organizer. Made to hold up to 36 cans, the durable rack is great for use on a wide shelf, in a cabinet, or even on the floor. It’s easy to assemble and the sliders along the shelves can be adjusted as needed to fit cans of various sizes.

This multifunctional toilet paper holder is so smart for small bathroom spaces (or any bathroom at all). Aside from keeping your toilet paper handy, it also has a small shelf that can be a good space for placing your phone, a candle, or even a small washcloth. The wall-mounted installation process is simple and the necessary hardware is included.

These self-watering planters can make anyone feel like they have a green thumb. Once filled with water, they offer a steady stream of hydration to the plants for up to one week. Drainage holes prevent overwatering, while the watering lip allows air to enter so the plants can breathe. This set of five comes at a great price point and can be used inside or outside.

Create more organized storage space in your pantry, cabinets, or closets with these under-shelf baskets. They’re meant to sit right underneath the shelves, offering extra room for small items. There’s no hardware needed for installation — simply slip them over the shelves — and they can also be used as a regular basket on a tabletop if needed.

The counter space around the faucet of a kitchen or bathroom sink can be a haven for water and soap scum. Clean up that area instantly with this faucet mat. It’s made of diatomite stone, with tiny holes that allow it to absorb water quickly and dry just as fast. It protects your countertops and the minimalist look adds some aesthetic appeal.

Want to leave your curtains open and have privacy at the same time? That’s where this window film comes in. Tinted and reflective, it has a mirrored appearance on the outside that prevents others from seeing into your home. It still allows for plenty of natural light and has a static cling design that is easy to apply and remove.

This set of clear organizing trays is crucial for keeping almost any drawer in your home neat and clean. The set includes a variety of sizes, which can be mixed and matched as needed. Each tray is shallow enough to fit well in slim drawers, offering an organized look and allowing you to easily see the contents from any angle. The set also comes with nonslip stickers to place on the bottoms so the trays don’t move.

This multifunctional hand crank radio is great to keep on hand for emergencies. The battery can be charged through a solar panel, hand crank, or USB port, meaning you can get power with it even if there’s no electricity. While it works primarily as a weather radio to stay informed, it can also be used as a power bank for charging your phone (USB-C port) and a flashlight. About the size of a cell phone, it’s easy to stash in your pocket if you’re hiking or camping, but it’s also great to keep in the house in case the power goes out.

Anyone who prefers to use a bidet will appreciate this bidet attachment, which is easy to install on most toilet bowls and doesn’t require electricity. Three mode settings and adjustable pressure controls allow you to customize the stream of water for whatever feels most comfortable for you. The nozzle can be retracted up or down and a self-cleaning mode makes it super low maintenance.

A slim design and included case means these cutting boards won’t add to a cluttered look on top of your counters. The storage case has a strong adhesive backing that makes it easy to put inside a cabinet door, with a narrow design that won’t take up space and keeps the boards nearby. The set comes with two cutting boards that are colorful, easy to clean, and double-sided, with nonslip feet to keep them in place when using them.

Loose outlets can be a minor inconvenience or so annoying that they’re actually impossible to use. Whatever the case, these Snug Plugs are a quick fix. The little plug is meant to go into the outlet before you plug something else in, offering a tight fit so your other plug won’t fall out immediately. These are tiny but they glow in the dark, so they’re easy to spot.

Adding small organizers to your refrigerator is a great way to create a neat, streamlined look that can help you find what you need faster, cutting down on food waste and keeping you happy. This small rotating tray is like a lazy Susan for your fridge — it offers enough space for some condiments, bottles, and other small food items, and rotates 360 degrees to give you a full view of its contents.

Prevent puddles of water on your bathroom floor with this super absorbent bath mat. It’s made of a soft material that feels good under your feet, with an absorbent, spongey layer for sopping up water quickly and a nonslip rubber backing that helps keep the mat in place. It’s low profile, available in several sizes and colors, and could also be great in a kitchen.

Keep this handheld bug zapper nearby whether you’re hanging out in your yard or inside your home. The 3,000-volt output is powerful and works quickly, zapping flying pests or other insects upon contact and eliminating them fast. It’s safe and easy to use and is a lot more effective and less messy than trying to squash something with your hands or a napkin.

No matter how careful you are with toothpaste tubes, it seems almost inevitable that the cap will get messy, sticky, and clogged — or that toothpaste will end up coming out and getting all over the place. These self-closing toothpaste caps are a great way to solve that problem. They go over your normal toothpaste tube, allow you to dispense the perfect amount of toothpaste, and then seal shut to prevent messy toothpaste overflow.

Attach this draft stopper to any of your doors to prevent cold or hot air from getting in (or flowing out). You can easily cut it down to size, and it’s made of a flexible material that’s easy to install. Additionally, the stopper comes in handy for keeping light and noise out of a room.