60 ass-backwards things that are actually so damn genius
These things are super strange but totally worth it.

It’s not a surprise that some of the most genius, incredible, life-changing products come with a “this is super weird” caveat. After all, a product needs to be pretty unique and inventive to fill a very specific need in your life. From incredibly useful storage hacks that double as hilarious home decor to must-have fidget toys that help calm your brain and hands, we’ve rounded up the best problem-solving and just-for-fun picks you need. This list is bursting at the seams with ass-backwards things that are actually so genius, you won’t believe you didn’t give them a chance sooner.
01A car charger that projects a starry scene onto your interior
Charge your phone and set a real vibe in your car with this charger that doubles as a projector. When it’s plugged into the car’s 12-volt port, it not only charges one USB-C and one Lightning device, but it also projects a starry lightscape all over the interior of your car so you can drive — and keep your devices in the green — in style.
02A magnetic goose that can hold your keys, pens, & other small items
If you want a go-to place for your keys, pens, or other small items but don’t want to settle for boring, check out this fun goose. The mouth is magnetic so it can hold any small metal items in a fun and eye-catching way that’s guaranteed to have guests asking, “Where did you get that?” The novelty key holder is great in your entryway, on your desk, or on your nightstand.
03A plush reading pillow that’s shaped like a kitschy cartoon fire
What makes this pillow a must-have is that it’s not only super useful and comfortable, but it’s also designed to look like a fun little fire with logs for arms. It’s made of faux fur, so it’s unbelievably soft and plush, and it’s stuffed with cotton so it maintains its shape to give you support whether you’re reading or lounging.
04A small & portable squeegee that keeps car mirrors sparkling
This small and portable squeegee is a brilliant solution to removing water droplets from your side mirrors while you’re parked. The handle expands from 8 to 38.5 inches so you can reach the passenger’s mirror without leaving the driver’s seat. All you have to do is dry it with a paper towel between uses to keep it working good as new. And, when compressed, it can even fit in your glove compartment.
05A sleepy panda night-light with 3 adjustable brightness levels
Who says night-lights need to be boring? This one is shaped like an adorable sleepy panda that lies on your nightstand, desk, or bookshelf to give your room the perfect warm white glow while you read at night. It has three adjustable brightness levels and can work for 12 hours on a single charge to keep your room subtly lit all night long.
06A mesh hood that protects shirt collars from makeup stains
Okay stay with me for this mesh hood — have you ever done a full face of makeup and then realized you wanted to change clothes? Then, when you put on that new T-shirt or sweater, you notice a giant makeup stain all over the collar? That’s where this mesh hood comes in. Secure it around your face after you do your makeup and it protects your over-the-head clothes from getting stained and becoming unwearable the second you put them on.
07The tiniest travel scissors for quick snips on the go
These might just be the tiniest scissors that have ever existed. They’re the perfect size to attach to your key chain so you have mini scissors with you anywhere you go. They’re great for everything from cutting yarn to removing plastic tag fasteners. They even come with super-tiny safety covers to protect the blades when you’re not using them.
08Squirming fidget slug toys that are great for keeping your mind occupied
Okay, the idea of a toy slug is kinda weird, but these were made specifically to worm around, squirm around, and help your brain stay engaged. Their flexible bodies are so satisfying to fiddle with — they even make a crisp sound while they stretch — and they can help ease stress while improving focus and concentration.
09A low-effort cookbook for beginners who don’t love cooking... yet
If planning three meals a day for yourself for the rest of your life feels daunting, this cookbook is for you. Made with beginners in mind, the book features 100 quick and easy recipes — from fried eggs to tuna melts to a microwave mug cake — that will keep you eating like an adult without spending hours and hours on meal prep.
10A retro handheld arcade game that offers entertainment on the go
This mini handheld arcade game features nostalgic classics like Pac-Man that will keep you entertained and make you long for the good ol’ days of gaming. It has a full-color screen and plays some of the authentic Pac-Man music that gaming enthusiasts will recognize and love. Plus, it’s small and compact, so you can take it with you anywhere.
11A handheld detector that finds hidden cameras & bugs when you travel
If you frequent hotels and Airbnbs, you need this handheld detector. Move it around your hotel room or vacation rental and it will emit a super loud sound if it finds any hidden cameras, bug transmitters, listening devices, or other things you you wouldn’t want to find in a new space. Plus it’s so compact, it’s easy to throw in your carry-on and take with you whenever you travel.
12A light switch cover inspired by classic arcade games
Personalize your space and swap out old or builder-grade light switches with this arcade-inspired cover to add some whimsy to your bedroom or living room. Designed to look like classic arcade-style buttons, this light switch cover is so easy to install — you can do it yourself with just a screwdriver — and it works just like the boring one already on your wall.
13Slanted nail clippers specifically designed for ingrown nails
No one likes the thought of ingrown toenails, but if you happen to be dealing with them, this nail clipper is going to change your life. The tip has slightly angled jaws that make it easy to trim into the nail groove, gently tackling ingrown nails with a little more safety. The blade is super sharp and it has a comfy, ergonomic grip.
14A giant goose plush that’s the best — & weirdest — cuddle buddy
This giant goose plush might just be bigger than you are, making it the coziest — and potentially weirdest — thing you can cuddle up with. The outside is covered in faux fur so it’s velvety soft and feels amazing against your skin. And the inside is filled with fluffy cotton that can be squeezed and prodded while still maintaining its shape.
15Invisible ink pens with built-in purple lights to reveal the hidden text
There’s nothing more fun than writing secret notes and these invisible ink pens make it easy. The ink goes on invisibly and each pen cap has a built-in purple light that you can use to illuminate the paper and discover your hidden messages. The vibrant pen casings add a fun pop of color to your collection, too.
16Clinical antiperspirant that helps stop unwanted sweat for days
Raise your arms without worry: This clinical deodorant works to stop unwanted sweat for up to five days, keeping you comfortable and dry for way longer. The prescription-strength deodorant stops sweat at the source so you can wear whatever color shirts you want without worrying about staining or soaking them.
17A money gifting box that makes you complete a puzzle before you can open it
This money box makes you work for your gift in that you have to complete a puzzle before you can access it. Stick some money inside, lock it up, and then guide the small ball through the maze into the final hole to unlock the money inside. It’s reusable, too, so once your recipient completes it, they can gift it to their friends or family.
18A novelty emergency box that can hold mementos, cash, snacks, & more
This novelty emergency box is a hilarious addition to your decor. It can act as your piggy bank, prompting you to “break in case of emergency” when it’s full. Or, use it store candy, mementos, photos, or anything else. It can be mounted on a wall or displayed on a bookshelf or table — and it’s practically guaranteed to make whoever spots it laugh.
19A 3D cube puzzle designed to support spatial awareness & problem solving
This 3D cube puzzle is a must-have fidget toy if you need something that not only eases stress and encourages focus but is also genuinely entertaining and challenging, too. Just rotate the cube to guide the small metal ball inside all around the inner maze to the finish. It’s so fun and a great way to keep your brain occupied.
20A hilarious night-light shaped like a hen laying a light bulb
This night-light is an absolutely hilarious addition to your whimsical home decor. To point out the obvious: It looks like a hen laying an egg that’s actually a light bulb. The resin material gives it a really lifelike texture that makes it feel like something unique and vintage you might have found at a thrift store. And it produces a soft, warm, glare-free glow that’s great for early mornings and late nights.
21Teeth wipes that are individually packaged for a refresh on the go
These teeth wipes are the kind of thing you can keep in your purse, backpack, car, or gym bag to refresh your breath no matter where you are. They’re individually packaged so they’re easy to take with you anywhere. Simply slip one on your finger and they work to remove the film that builds up on your teeth during an average day.
22Disposable shower hair catchers that keep collected hair out of sight
These hair catchers are absolutely brilliant because they store all the gross and gooey collected hair out of sight and out of mind so your bathroom still looks clean. They feature a flower stopper that sits on top of the drain and a long chain with thorns that drops into the pipe and collects hair as it falls. When it’s full, you can throw the whole thing out so you don’t have to deal with touching it.
23An aromatherapy diffuser that fits in your car’s cupholder
Keep your car smelling fresh with this aromatherapy diffuser. About the size of an iPhone, this diffuser plugs into the car’s 12-volt outlet and uses essential oils to create a refreshing vibe in your car. It even has seven LED light effects to help set a vibe while you drive.
24Colorful animal sensory toys you can squeeze & squish
If you’re looking for satisfying sensory toys that are also adorable, these animal squishies are for you. They’re made of elastic material that compresses down to a small size and then slowly rises, returning them to their original shape. They’re the perfect size to carry in your purse or pocket to bring out when you need release the most.
25Stainless steel soap that removes garlic & onion smells from your hands
This stainless steel bar of soap works hard to remove smells like garlic, onion, fish, and other lingering odors from your hands. Use it just like a regular bar of soap and rub it between your hands with or without water. It helps you stay fresh whether you just meal prepped or you ate something super potent at a restaurant.
26Ceramic caps that cover the ugly bolts on the base of the toilet
These toilet bolt caps are the perfect way to instantly elevate your bathroom and add some fun whimsy, too. The ceramic narwhals sit right on top of the bolts to hide the ugly rust, grime, and stains that don’t seem to come off no matter what you do. They don’t require any work to install and they’re a cute addition to your bathroom.
27A shower footrest that has a built-in toiletry holder
This footrest has a genius design that not only elevates your foot and leg to an angle that makes shaving so much easier, but also gives you the perfect spot to store all your shaving accessories. The grippy, textured surface helps keep you secure and the whole thing can support up to 270 pounds. Use it to prop up your foot for home pedicures, too.
28A waterproof endoscope camera to explore inside pipes & more
If you’ve ever had the desire — or need — to inspect the inside of your pipes, this endoscope camera was made for you. It has a 16.5-foot cord and is equipped with eight LED lights with an adjustable brightness to make sure you can see what the camera is capturing. It’s also totally waterproof and runs smoothly, even without Wi-Fi.
29A smiley face planter relaxing in an adorable rocking chair
Why settle for ordinary planters when you can have one that actually adds to the decor of your space? This adorable planter has a smiley face design and is perched on a rocking chair that actually sways back and forth. Best for succulents, snake plants, and spider plants, this planter has a drainage design to keep your plants optimally hydrated.
30An axolotl hand towel made with super-absorbent chenille fabric
For everyone obsessed with strange creatures of the sea, this axolotl hand towel was designed with you in mind. It’s constructed from a shaggy chenille fabric that gets in between your fingers and all around your hands to keep things dry and soft. The towel is super absorbent and quick drying to prevent a mess in your kitchen or bathroom.
31A cushy, supportive mouse pad that looks like a cat’s paw
Your desk will be the cat’s meow once you’re working with this mouse pad that looks suspiciously like a paw. Available in fun colors, it features little gel cushions that support your wrist and are also just fun to play with. The bottom is slide resistant and the top surface is made from silky Lycra for smooth, accurate mouse movements.
32Ballpoint pens with hilarious sarcastic messages
If you want a pen that makes fun of you while you write, check out these hilariously sarcastic pens. The ballpoint pens move across the page smoothly and the tops have built-in touch screen styluses, but it’s their messages that really set them apart, like, “That idea is garbage” and “Blah blah blah.” They’re bound to make you laugh while you’re grinding through busy work.
33The tiniest pocket knife with a shockingly strong steel blade
If your normal pocket knife is too cumbersome and you want something even tinier, you need to check out this ultra-mini pocket knife. At less than 2.5 inches long, this knife is so easy to carry in your purse or pocket and even comes with a small ring to attach to a key chain for easy access whenever you need it.
34A wall-mounted shower hair catcher that removes loose strands from your hands
Instead of leaving loose hair all over your tile wall like a crime scene, this hair catcher easily traps any loose hair that’s stuck to your hands while you’re scrubbing up to keep your space looking neat and clean. It has all these silicone bristles that you can swipe your fingers through to gather loose strands. Then swipe your finger in the opposite direction to remove the hair and get rid of it.
35Face magnets that add playfulness to your plant collection
These plant magnets are such an adorable way to add some personalized playfulness to your plant collection. The set includes a bunch of eyes and mouths that can be mixed and matched to form various emotions — from angry to surprised to giggly — to bring your plants to life. The best part is that they’re super gentle and won’t hurt your plant’s leaves.
36A travel pillow with a built-in hood & a playful shark design
This isn’t an ordinary travel pillow. It has a built-in hood that’s just oversized enough to come all the way down over your eyes, helping you get better, darker sleep while you’re flying. And perhaps the most fun part, it’s designed to look like a shark with teeth, eyes, and gills to make traveling way more fun and engaging, even on those long-haul flights.
37Small, easy-open pill cases that hold 28 small tablets each
These super-small pill cases are perfect for anyone who needs to take some supplements or meds on the go. They have a really compact, squeeze-to-open design but they can still hold up to 28 small or medium tablets. They’re perfect for sticking in your pocket or purse so you can travel with your essentials whether you’re headed on vacation or to lunch with friends.
38A fire-starter rod that every camper, backpacker, & hiker needs ASAP
If you love camping, backpacking, or hiking, you shouldn’t leave the house without this fire starter rod. It’s small and light, so it won’t weigh down your pack, but it can make a huge difference when you’re cold, tired and need to warm yourself up in a flash. The striker is made from steel to create a spark, giving you a better chance of starting a controlled fire quickly. Plus the whole thing is waterproof and weatherproof to work even when conditions are against you.
39A shape-shifting fidget box that’s great for stress relief & improving attention span
This shape-shifting box is a great fidget toy option to help reduce stress, stimulate your mind, increase attention span, and encourage concentration, whether you’re at work, at school, or at home. The eye-catching design transforms into over 70 shapes to keep things fresh and interesting while giving you something to do with your hands. Compact and quiet, it’s also a smart choice for traveling or using at the office.
40An AirPod cleaning kit that gets into all the nooks & crannies to remove gunk
It doesn’t take much to see all the gunk and wax that’s built up on your AirPods, but this cleaning kit takes care of it all for you in a jiffy. It comes with a microfiber brush to clean the tip, a flocking sponge to get deep into the case, and a metal pen to gently scrape out the speakers. Plus it’s so compact, you can take it with you to get everything clean on the go.
41A funny kitchen towel made of 100% cotton
If you want a dish towel that’s going to make you laugh while you cook and clean up in the kitchen, this dish towel is for you. Made of 100% cotton, the funny hand towels are lint free, highly absorbent, soft, and perfect for cleaning up and drying delicate glassware. It’s screen printed with food-safe material for long-lasting color that won’t fade or distort over time.
42Small sensory fidget toys that are easy to keep in your pocket on the go
What makes these sensory fidget toys genius is their size — they’re small enough for your pocket, so you can truly take them anywhere you might need a little mental stimulation or extra focus. The set comes with eight toys that are super satisfying to play with to help improve concentration, ease stress, and support your mental health while you’re working or at school.
43Fish-shaped snack bag clips that come in a funny sardine can
Whether or not you like sardines, these bag clips are a spin on the tinned fish trend to give you a playful way to store your chips, cereal bags, leftovers, and more. The set comes with four plastic chip clips that sit in a sardine tin when you’re not using them so they don’t get lost or misplaced. They all have stainless steel springs for a sturdy hold on large and small bags alike.
44Dino-shaped taco holders that keep all the stuffing inside while you eat
These dinosaur-shaped taco holders are the perfect Taco Tuesday accessory. Not only do they bring some playful fun to your dinner table, they’re also built to keep all the stuffing inside your hard shell taco instead of spilling out all over your plate the second you’re done constructing it. The triceratops is even dishwasher safe so you don’t have to worry about scrubbing it down after dinner.
45A pirate bottle opener that doubles as a corkscrew & foil cutter
Tell bottle caps, foil wrappers, and corks to walk the plank with this pirate-shaped bottle opener. It’s everything you need for your home bar in one adorable and hilarious design. It has a stainless steel eye patch that opens beer bottles, a peg leg that doubles as a corkscrew, and knives for arms that cut foil and remove the cork easily and smoothly.
46A super realistic rock that hides a spare key in your yard
If you have to keep a spare house or garage key outside your home, there’s no better way to do it than using the classic “inside a rock” trick. This rock has a super realistic texture and color scheme with a hollow design that can store most keys easily while blending into your garden, pathway, or yard. It’s weather resistant so you don’t have to worry about it in the cold, heat, or snow. Simply set it and forget it until you need to tell a guest how to get in.
47A basketball hoop trash attachment that makes cleanup a game
Turn cleaning up and tossing trash into a game with this garbage can basketball hoop. It uses a secure clip to clasp onto the side of your bin, giving you the backboard you need to turn every piece of scrap paper into a nothing-but-net shot. It even comes with an inflatable ball and air pump so you can practice your shot even when you don’t have any garbage to throw out.
48Mountable hooks that look like rock climbers scaling your wall
These hilarious people-shaped hooks not only store your stuff but are also a conversation-starting piece of art. Made to look like people rock climbing up your wall, these hooks can each hold up to 5 pounds each — great for jackets, purses, keys, umbrellas, and anything else you need easy access to in your entryway.
49Cushioned pedicure sandals with toe separators to keep your polish pristine
If you love an at-home pedicure but hate that you have to stay put for 20 minutes after or risk smudging the polish, you need to grab a pair of these sandals. With a spa-like feel, a super cushioned sole, and toe separators that are actually comfortable, these sandals make giving yourself a pedicure — or leaving the salon with a fresh one — a total breeze.
50Large clothespins to hang anything from laundry to utensils & shower curtains
These large clothespins have sturdy C-shaped hooks that secure onto a rod or rack to store “hang dry only” clothes in the laundry room, utensils and oven mitts in the kitchen, or your shower curtain in the bathroom. Their design is what makes them so versatile and sturdy, able to keep whatever you need secured without worry.
51A dino nugget pillow that’s plush & buttery soft
This throw pillow combines the childhood nostalgia of a classic dino nugget with the plush and buttery soft aspects of your favorite cuddling pillow. Available in a few favorite dinosaur shapes, the furry brown exterior looks like the texture of a battered-up nugget even though it’s super soft. It’s the perfect addition to your couch, chair, or bed to make you smile whenever you pass it.
52Sock holders to keep pairs together in the washer & dryer
If you’re constantly losing a sock or two to the black hole of the laundry room, check out these silicone holders. They wrap around the center of both socks, securing them together through their journey to the washer and dryer, ensuring you’ll never lose one again. But don’t worry, just because they’re bound together doesn’t mean they won’t get any less clean.
53Iridescent scissors that fold up so you can take them anywhere
Between the iridescent handles, the stainless steel base, and the folding design, these scissors are a must-have for your purse, glove compartment, toiletry kit, or anywhere else. They have a compact design that folds into itself for easy transport while keeping the blades neatly tucked away when not in use to help prevent injuries.
54Self-closing toothpaste caps that help prevent bathroom messes
If you hate seeing messy toothpaste gunk all over your counter every time you go into the bathroom, you need these tube caps. They secure onto the top of most toothpaste tubes and have a self-closing design that automatically seals up when you’re done squeezing. This not only prevents a leaky mess but it also helps keep your toothpaste from getting thick and gunky from being stored in open air.
55Jar grabber tools that keep your fingers dry
If you love olives and pickles but hate sticking your fingers into the jar to reach your favorite snack, you need to check out these grabbers. They secure to the side of your jar with a silicone strap and feature three stainless steel tongs that can reach into the juicy brine to remove as many pickles, olives, or other snacks as you like. The silicone straps even come in two different sizes to fit jars both big and small.
56Teeny elephants that sit on your vase to hold stems & cuttings upright
These teeny green elephants sit on top of the edge of your vase and wrap their gentle little trunks around the stems of your plants, flowers, trailing vines, or cuttings. This keeps them upright and guides them to grow in the right direction. Because elephants come in different shades of green, they basically blend into your bouquet, keeping your flowers looking their best while you forget they’re even there.
57Cleaning & deodorizing pet wipes you wear like gloves
These pet wipes support coat health, remove dirt and odors, and keep your furry friend looking fresh. The best part? You can wear each one like a glove to make doing all that so much easier on you. Made for dogs and cats alike, these gloves are packed with aloe vera, chamomile, coconut oil, and purified water to cleanse, deodorize, and nourish your pet’s coat so you can extend the time between grooming visits and keep your pet feeling fresh.
58A dustpan & brush set with a hilariously millennial mustache design
If you’ve ever drawn a mustache on your finger and placed it over your upper lip — and even if you haven’t — this dustpan set will make you laugh. The dustpan itself has eyes and eyebrows and the mini broom is in the shape of a nose and mustache. When you put them together, they form a display-worthy face. It makes cleaning up crumbs and messes so much more fun that you might even start looking forward to sweeping day.
59An artsy wooden lamp that looks like it’s sitting on your shelf
Get ready to fall in love with this artsy lamp. It has a simple and modern shade with a wooden base that has bendable legs and feet, so it looks like it’s sitting on your bookshelf, desk, or table. It plugs into the wall and has three color temperatures to create cozy and warm vibes in your space. The shade even bends so you can bring some targeted light exactly where you need it.
60Flashlight gloves that light the way while keeping you hands free
These gloves have flashlights built into the pointer fingers and thumbs so you can light the way while you work. They have waterproof on and off buttons and a Velcro design with an adjustable band to fit your wrist specifically. They’re a great way to keep your hands free while still being able to see what you’re doing, whether it’s DIY projects or going for a run in the dark.