Bizarre Things Under $30 That Are Seriously Genius

Bizarre Things Under $30 That Are Seriously Genius

Shopping

Bizarre Things Under $30 That Are Seriously Genius

Weird and wonderful.

by Rebecca Martinson

1 hour ago

Bizarre Things Under $30 That Are Seriously Genius
Amazon

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Being “normal” is overrated. Luckily, there are tons of bizarre things out there that’ll let you embrace your inner weirdo in an acceptable manner, and the ones I’ve gathered for you below cost $30 or less. Everything here is surprisingly genius, too, so there’s a good chance you’ll get a ton of use out of it. The screwball inside of you is practically begging for a few of these to be added to your cart.

01This extra-long silicone brush that makes it easy to scrub bottles clean

Trying to scrub bottles using a sponge is rarely ever effective. Instead, use this brush. Its extra-long handle makes it easy to reach deep into tall bottles, while the silicone bristles make quick work scrubbing away of all sorts of grime. Plus, a loop at the end of the handle lets you hang it up in storage.

02A ceramic plate that takes the work out of grating garlic, chocolate, & more

Garlic, chocolate, ginger, cheese — this grater plate makes it easier than ever to grind up all sorts of ingredients. A moat running around the center holds onto all your gratings until you’re ready to cook them. And since it’s made from sleek ceramic, you can go ahead and toss it into the dishwasher whenever it needs a quick clean.

03The weird little disc that helps keep brown sugar soft

Few things are as annoying as discovering your brown sugar has turned into a hard brick. Luckily, this weird little disc is an easy fix. Simply soak it in water, pat it dry, place it inside the bag, and it’ll help keep your brown sugar soft so that it’s always ready to use. Though if you don’t cook with a ton of brown sugar? Keep it dry, and you’ll also be able to use it to help keep salt, spices, crackers, and other dry ingredients fresh.

04A heat-resistant scraper that’s perfect for scouring away baked-on crud

Whether your stainless steel baking sheets are layered with crud or that nonstick pan could use a thorough cleaning, this scraper is a solid pick. It features two types of edges: one made with silicone that’s suitable for nonstick cookware, as well as a second one made from tough nylon that’s better suited for tough pans. And since it’s heat-resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you can even use it on hot pans without having to worry about it melting.

05A helpful magnetic pad that keeps your cables conveniently within reach

You won’t have to go hunting around for a charging cable if you keep it on this pad. A strong magnet in the center keeps cables held in place so that they’re always within reach when you need them — no adhesives required. Plus, the nonslip base helps keep it from shifting around on your desk or nightstand.

06This multitool card with a bottle opener, screwdriver, phone stand, & more

You never know when you’ll need a bottle opener, so why not keep this multitool card in your wallet? It combines 18 different tools into one convenient place, including a bottle opener, cellphone stand, eyeglass screwdriver, hex wrench, and more. The steel frame has been treated with heat for added durability — and unlike some multitools, this one is TSA-friendly.

07The sturdy clips that let you hang things on bricks without any nails or hammers

You don’t have to pound a nail into that brick wall if you want to hang up a wreath. Instead, use these clips. They’re so sturdy that each one can hold up to 25 pounds — though you can easily use two clips if the wreath you’re hanging up is on the heavier side. The best part? Their antique finish is perfect for the holiday season.

08These silicone lids that can fit overtop of nearly any pot or pan

Got an overflowing collection of mismatched pot and pan lids? Try downsizing to these universal ones. They’re designed to fit overtop pots and pans of nearly any size — and the silicone material is even heat-resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use them on bowls to store leftovers, as they’ll create an airtight seal simply by pressing the centers down.

09This over-the-sink cutting board with a handy built-in strainer

This cutting board is a must-have for anyone whose kitchen is low on counter space. Not only does its over-the-sink design help save space, but it also features a built-in strainer so that you don’t have to remove it from the sink in order to rinse your greens. Plus, the nonslip edges help keep it from shifting around.

10A bamboo tray with flexible sides that go over furniture arms

Don’t have space for a coffee table inside your living room? Not a problem when you have this tray. The flexible sides contour overtop of furniture arms, keeping it held in place so that you have somewhere convenient to place drinks, snacks, and more. Choose from 10 finishes: natural bamboo, black, white, and more.

11These silicone scrubbers that won’t latch onto funky odors or grime

Unlike regular sponges, these scrubbers are made from food-grade silicone that won’t latch onto funky odors, grime, or develop mildew over time. A loop at the top of each one lets you hang them up to dry. And unlike some scrubbers, these ones are completely BPA-free.

12An odd little bag that lets you bake potatoes inside your microwave

You don’t have to heat up your entire oven just to make one baked potato. Enter: this weird little bag. Simply place your potato inside, then heat it up inside the microwave for four minutes. It works by creating a steam pocket — which means you can also use it to prepare corn on the cob, or even heat up tortillas.

13The pre-moistened sponges that let you detail your car anytime

Getting your car professionally detailed is rarely ever cheap, making these sponges a smart investment. They’re pre-moistened so that you can use them right out of their package — and they work just as well scrubbing away grime from your interior panel as they do on your rims. And if they ever dry out? Simply get them damp with water to get them back to working condition.

14This unique glass dispenser that lets you store oil & vinegar in 1 bottle

Olive oil, vinegar, red cooking wine — this dispenser bottle is great for holding all sorts of cooking liquids. It’s divided into two chambers so that you can store multiple liquids inside, while cork stoppers work to keep everything fresh. And since it’s made from sleek glass, you can rest assured that it’ll look good sitting out on your counters or table.

15A stainless steel sink organizer that stretches to fit over sinks both large & small

Leaving wet scrubbers in the bottom of your sink is an easy way for them to develop mildew. Enter: this organizer. It expands from 15 out to 20 inches, allowing you to rest it overtop of your sink so that your scrubbers stay high and dry. But if that isn’t enough? Since it’s made from stainless steel, there’s no need to worry about it rusting over time.

16This waterproof light rope that instantly brightens up any campsite

You won’t be stumbling around in the dark once you’ve brightened up your campsite with this LED rope. The waterproof design ensures that it’ll stay working come rain or shine — and the battery lasts for hours before you’ll need to recharge it. The best part? If you decide to go for a nighttime stroll, you can also roll it up inside its drawstring bag to use it as a portable lantern.

17The self-watering pots that can keep your plants hydrated for up to 2 weeks

If your thumb is more black than green, these self-watering pots are absolutely worth their weight in gold. A water reservoir inside of each one helps keep your plants hydrated for up to two weeks — and the small spout on the bottom makes it easy to fill the reservoir without making a mess. Each order comes with six pots in six different sizes.

18A “seatbelt” that helps keep your dog safer in the car

You put your seatbelt on whenever you get into a car, but what about your dog? Enter: this seatbelt that’s specifically made for dogs. It’s made from tough steel rope, with a nylon coating that helps protect it from damage if your dog decides to chew on it. Plus, the universal design makes it suitable for use inside of just about any car.

19This quirky lil’ hedgehog planter that lights up for 8 hours at night

There’s no denying that this quirky lil’ hedgehog planter will be a cute addition to any garden or entryway. A built-in solar panel keeps his eyes lit for up to eight hours at night — and since he’s made from tough resin, there’s no need to worry about how he’ll hold up from season to season. Though if you aren’t into hedgehogs? You can also grab it as a pig, chicken, duck, and more.

20A sleek acrylic flower vase that’s designed to look just like a book

Add a pop of green to any bookshelf with this flower vase. Not only is it designed to look just like a book, but it’s also made from sleek acrylic — not plastic. The acrylic material also looks just like real glass, yet won’t shatter if it’s ever accidentally dropped.

21The foldable trivet that takes up hardly any storage space in cramped kitchens

The trivets your grandmother used to have likely took up a ton of cabinet space. Enter: this folding version. Not only does it take up hardly any room, but it’s also made from high-quality silicone composite that can withstand temperatures up to 464 degrees Fahrenheit. One reviewer also described it as “compact, easy to store, holds up to 2 smaller pots/pans or 1 large one.”

22The stainless steel bar of “soap” that eliminates all sorts of stubborn odors from skin

Garlic, fish, onions — this bar of “soap” can eliminate all sorts of stubborn odors from your skin. You can rub it between your hands with or without water, as it’ll be just as effective either way. But if that isn’t enough? Since it’s made from stainless steel, you won’t have to worry about it corroding over time.

23A magnetic dashboard mount that also charges your phone wirelessly

Staring down at your phone screen while driving can be dangerous. Instead, pop it onto this mount. A strong magnet on the inside keeps it held in place, while a MagSafe charger powers it up wirelessly. Plus, the magnet is so strong that your phone won’t jostle out of place if you drive on a bumpy road.

24This 3-tier plate organizer made from oh-so-stylish bamboo

Stacking your plates in a pile looks alright — though I think we can both agree that storing them on this organizer will look way better. Three tiers give you ample room to store a variety of plates. The stylish bamboo frame also comes in four finishes: natural bamboo, white, black, or gray.

25An LED makeup mirror that can magnify your face up to 10 times

Doing your makeup in poor lighting can easily lead to less-than-desirable results. Luckily, this makeup mirror features an LED bulb so that you can match your foundation perfectly. Dual panels offer one- and 10-times magnification. Plus, the small size makes it easy to take with you when traveling.

26The collapsible strainer that expands to fit overtop of your sink

It’s almost too easy for regular strainers to tip over and spill all that food out into your sink. Enter: this unique strainer with arms that expands to sit overtop of your sink. The center also collapses down to a fraction of its size so that it’s easy to store inside a cabinet — and since it’s made from premium silicone, you can easily pop it into the dishwasher for a quick clean when dirty.

27A miniature vacuum that easily sucks up dust, pencil shavings, & all sorts of desktop messes

From dust to pencil shavings, this miniature vacuum is great for sucking up all sorts of annoying little desktop messes. It only needs two AA batteries (which are not included) in order to deliver up to 90 minutes of use. And since it runs at a super-quiet level, you likely won’t disturb your co-workers if you decide to use it at the office.

28This airtight container that helps keep your bagels from going stale

Leaving bagels inside the plastic bag they came in does an alright job at keeping them fresh — though this container is certain to do a much better job. Not only is the lid airtight, but there’s also enough space inside for up to six bagels. And if you don’t eat many bagels? You can also use it to store rolls, pastries, and more.

29A memory foam arm pad for your office chair that’s filled with cooling gel

The seat and backrest on your office chair are cushioned, but what about your arm rest? Enter: this cover that’s designed to fit onto nearly any arm rest. It’s made from a blend of plush memory foam and cooling gel, both of which work together to help keep you oh-so comfortable when working from home. “If you sit in an office chair all day, this is for you,” wrote one reviewer “Helps with elbow and wrist pain.”

30The weird silicone tool that helps you pull hot oven racks forward

Don’t risk burning yourself when pulling that hot oven rack forward. Instead, use this tool. It’s made from tough silicone that’s heat-resistant up to 645 degrees Fahrenheit — so there’s no need to worry about it melting when it touches your rack. The best part? The head features three notches so that it can be used with nearly any type of oven rack, including toaster ovens.

31A genius water bottle that doubles as a tripod for your iPhone

As long as you have an iPhone 13 or newer, you’ll be able to mount it to the top of this water bottle and use it as a tripod. The narrow base easily fits inside of most cupholders — so feel free to use it to follow your phone’s GPS while driving. Plus, its insulated walls help keep cold drinks chilled for up to 24 hours, whereas hot drinks can stay warm for up to 12 hours.

32This ultra-slim card holder that helps you save space

If your wallet has been getting a little too bulky, consider downsizing to this card holder. A hearty amount of elastic in the fabric allows it to stretch, making it easy to fit cash, as well as multiple cards inside. And with dozens of colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your style.

33The clever little magnets that let you attach reading glasses to your shirt

Glasses can easily slide out of that roomy chest pocket. Instead, use this clever magnet to hook them onto your shirt. Each order comes with two: one that’s plain black, as well as a second with sparkling rhinestones. And if you don’t wear glasses? You can also use it to hold wired headphones, ID tags, and more.

34This stainless steel container that lets you save fresh bacon grease for later

Incorporating bacon grease into your recipes is a clever way to give your meals an added depth of flavor, so why not grab this container? It’s made from tough stainless steel that won’t melt when filled with hot grease. Plus, a removable strainer at the top removes any burnt bits so that all you’re left with is pure grease.

35A cat-shaped bottle stopper that keeps wine fresh for later

You won’t have to finish that entire bottle of wine when you have this quirky stopper at your disposal. It’s made from food-safe silicone that creates a tight seal, helping keep that open bottle fresh for later — and it works just as well with reds as it does whites. Though if you aren’t into that curious cat you see pictured? You can also grab it as a banana, pickle, as well as two other styles.

36The LED desk light that can also magnify words up to 8 times

Having trouble reading the small text in that book? Not a problem when you have this LED desk light. Its giant lens can magnify words up to eight times, making them easier to see. The gooseneck can also be adjusted into nearly any position — and there’s even a small lip on the base where you can place your phone.

37These sturdy headrest hooks that keep your bags safe in the car

Placing your purse on the floor of your car is a quick way to get it dirty. Luckily, these hooks attach to your headrest so that you have somewhere to hang it up. They also work great with heavy grocery bags, as each one is so sturdy that it can easily support up to 55 pounds. “I can hang my bags so they don't it get dirty or spill out!” raved one reviewer. “They also are great for hanging little trash bags so they don't roll around on the floor making a mess.”

38A unique ceramic ring holder that’s designed to look like a sleek cat

Need somewhere to store your rings? Search no further than this little holder. The sleek silver cat in the center has an extra-long tail so that you can loop your rings onto it — though you can just as easily place them in the dish underneath. Plus, the ceramic frame makes it look more expensive than it is.

39These quirky throw pillows that add color & texture to your home

Don’t be surprised if guests ask where you found these throw pillows. Not only is the knot shape quirky AF, but the outsides are made from plush, high-quality flannel that feels oh-so soft against skin. And with 20 colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your home.

40A running pouch for your phone that doesn’t bounce around

Few things are as annoying as wearing a running pouch that flops around. Luckily, this one features a strong magnet that keeps it securely in place as you move. The polyester material is also water-resistant — just in case you get caught in the rain. Plus, there’s enough space inside to store your phone, keys, and more.

41This clever spoon holder that’s designed to look like roaring ocean waves

Still wasting a paper towel anytime you need somewhere to rest your stirrers? Then this spoon holder is worth a look. Not only is it a gorgeous addition to any kitchen, but it also features space for up to four utensils. The silicone frame easily rinses clean in the sink when dirty — and a little boat on the base only adds to how cute it is.

42A stick-on phone wallet that also helps shield your cards from digital pickpockets

Digital pickpockets can access your credit card information simply by scanning your pocket, making this wallet a smart investment. It blocks incoming RFID signals to help keep your cards safe from thieves — and the adhesive backing lets you attach it to your phone so that it’s always with you. Choose from more than 10 colors.

43The aluminum pen that combines 8 tools into 1 handy gadget

This pen is one of those rare gadgets that’s sure to come in handy when you least expect it. It combines eight tools into one, including a metric ruler, bubble level, Phillips screwdriver, and more. The durable aluminum frame won’t rust over time — and each order comes with two ink refills to get you started.

44These airtight food containers made from tough, heat-resistant borosilicate glass

Packing lunch instead of eating out is an easy way to save money, so why not grab these food containers? They’re made from durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass — so go ahead and send them through the microwave if you want to heat up your meal. Plus, the airtight lids help keep everything inside fresh until you’re ready to eat.

45A weird, loofah-like bath mat that dries incredibly fast

There’s a good chance you’ve never seen a bath mat like this one. Its loofah-like texture allows air to circulate throughout, helping it dry quickly when wet. The nonslip underside prevents it from sliding around on wet floors. And with five colors to choose from (white, gray, black, beige, or pink), don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to add more than one to your cart.

46The compact sliding discs that make it easy to get a quick workout practically anywhere

You don’t have to hit the gym if you want a quick workout. Instead, bust out these sliding discs. They’re great for training muscles all over your body, including your abdominals, thighs, glutes, and more. The compact size makes it easy to take them with you when traveling — and unlike some sliders, these ones are designed to work on any surface.

47A genius, portable bidet that helps you stay clean while on the go

Whether you’re out traveling or simply away from home, this portable bidet is a genius way to make sure that your behind is staying oh-so clean. Simply fill it with water, then spray your backside down after using the bathroom — it’s that easy. And since the lid is leakproof, the chances of it spilling inside your bag are very, very low.

48These tall vacuum storage bags that are great for compressing bulky winter coats

Bulky winter coats can take up a ton of closet space. Luckily, these vacuum storage bags are extra-tall, making it easy to stash your coats away until you need them. A hook at the top of each one lets you hang them up in storage if you like. “These hanging vacuum bags are an absolute game changers!” raved one reviewer. “Easy to use, clear enough to easily see my clothes.”

49This collapsible electric kettle that’s made from silicone

Unlike the electric kettle you’ve likely been using, this one collapses down to a fraction of its size, making it easy to take with you when traveling. It only takes about five minutes to get water boiling. Plus, each order also includes two drinking cups as well as bowl — all of which are collapsible.

50A unique hammer multitool with screwdrivers, a saw, can opener, and much more

Camping, DIY projects, opening beer bottles — this multitool is great for all sorts of situations. It combines 13 tools into 1, including a hammer, bottle opener, hex wrench, saw blade, and more. The best part? Since it’s made from tough stainless steel, you won’t have to worry about it corroding over time.

51These airtight mason jars that look oh-so-sleek no matter how you use them

Whether you use these Mason jars to sip on smoothies or pickle cucumbers is up to you — but either way, their airtight lids will help keep everything inside fresh. Each one is made from sleek glass that’s dishwasher-safe. Plus, their narrow profile makes it easy to stuff them into lunchboxes, backpacks, and more.

52These colorful mixing bowls that come with lids that are airtight & leakproof

Not only are these mixing bowls a colorful addition to any kitchen, but they also nest inside of each other to help save space. Each one comes with a matching lid that’s airtight as well as leakproof — and unlike some bowls, these ones are microwave- as well as dishwasher-safe.

53The packing cubes that compress clothes so you can fit more in your suitcase

Anyone who likes to bring a ton of stuff with them on vacation can appreciate these packing cubes. They help compress your clothes down, making it easy to fit even more inside your suitcase — and the tough nylon fabric is even water-resistant. Choose from three colors: black, gray, or white.

54This window privacy film that also helps insulate your home

Homes that receive a ton of natural sunlight can run uncomfortably warm. Enter: this privacy film. It can block up to 99% of the sun’s harsh UV rays, helping keep your home at a comfortable temperature. But if that isn’t enough? You can also use it to deal with nosy neighbors, as the one-way mirror effect allows you to see out, yet prevents them from peering in.

55A waterproof mat that helps protect your under-sink area from drips

A leaky pipe underneath your sink can mean disaster for that cabinet. Luckily, this waterproof mat not only helps protect your cabinetry from water damage, but the raised edges also work to keep pooling water from flowing off. And with more than 10 sizes to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your cabinet.

More Like This

Related Tags