34 Ingenious Products You’ll Wish You’d Ordered Long, Long Ago
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Do future you a favor, and add these items to your cart asap.
1.
A transparent mouse and memo pad so you’ll always have your to-do list ~on hand~ when you’re at your desk.
Amazon
The pad itself is split into three sections: weekly plans, to-do items, and notes, and the top transparent cover for your mouse is non-slip and waterproof.
Promising review: “What you see is exactly what you get. There are two transparent sheets to keep notes/cards and such separated. Writing on the mat is very comfortable, and I love being able to use it as a mouse pad as well. This uses a plastic-type sheet so you can just wipe them off. Since this mat can be cleaned, I don’t see having to ever buy a replacement unless this one becomes torn. Of course, I did end up buying another one because I originally purchased this mat for work, and loved it so much that I purchased one for home use.” âJC
Get it from Amazon for $13.88 (available in two colors).
2. A tiny, portable doorstop with a built-in security alarm designed to 1) emit a loud, high-pitched sound when door pressure is applied and 2) prevent the door from opening or being pushed in. The alarm is loud enough to wake you and possibly even neighbors so you can feel extra secure while staying in an unfamiliar place.
No wiring is required, either, just pick up a 9V battery.Â
Promising review: “Travel must-have. I use this traveling, and it provides extra peace of mind in motel rooms, considering I’m a cheapskate and stay in dives and my dog is getting so old he is likely to refer any criminal who breaks and enters to me for further processing. Works well, as a startled maid in a West Virginia motel can attest when she thought I had checked out and unlocked the door to clean. I gave the second one to my sister, who uses it at home.” âQuintessentiallyYours
Get it from Amazon for $13.25+ (available in two colors).
3.
A slim webcam sliding cover that makes it easy to jump from privacy-mode straight into a video call so you can stop taking that old, worn out Post-it Note on and off of the lens every time you have to hop into a meeting. Plus, it’s thinner than a credit card, so it won’t keep your laptop from closing all the way.
amazon.com, amazon.com
Promising review: “These are great. For years I have had a post-it covering my laptop and tablet webcam lens (like most other reviews have), so when I came across these I decided to give them a try. They are very small and thin, so discreet that I can’t even tell it’s on my device unless I’m looking for it. The little lens cover moves effortlessly and doesn’t feel like it’s going to break or come off. I’m very pleased with this webcam cover.” âT
Get three from Amazon for $6.98.
4.
A wine purifier â it removes histamines and sulfites (aka HEADACHE INGREDIENTS) from red, white, or sparkling vino. Just swirl it around in your glass before drinking to help alleviate wine-induced headaches and hangovers!
amazon.com, amazon.com, amazon.com
And don’t worry, it won’t change the taste or the color, so even wine connoisseurs can enjoy using it. In fact, it’s also a great way to restore opened, oxidized wine to its natural state so you can save the rest of that bottle you thought was gonna go to waste.
Promising review: “OMG!!!! This works. I love wine, but have terrible allergies to the histamines, sulfites, and preservatives in wine. I actually use one wand for two glasses of wine. I was very skeptical, but it works like a dream! Thank you PureWine. This is really a breakthrough for me.” âPenny Froh
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in larger packs).
5. A portable, cordless electric razor â it’s the perfect compact option to travel with. You can use it on both wet *and* dry skin, and the blades are specially designed to capture hair at all angles while helping to prevent cuts and skin irritation.
Promising review: “I love this thing so much! If you are in a rush or if you donât want to shave your armpits or the hair on your armpits is too short to shave, this thing is perfect. I wear tank tops to work every day so I always make sure that my underarms are shaved and this has saved me so much razor burn. You can also use it on your bikini line, legs, and your arms! Itâs super easy to clean, too, and I have taken it on multiple airplanes. Extremely happy with this purchase, I actually just got my coworker the same one!” âKasey
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
6. A speedy oven cleaner designed to blast through baked-on crud. Then all you have to do is simply wipe it clean!If your oven is in need of a deep, deep clean, you may need to let this cleaner sit longer, but it’ll do a heck of a job lifting all the barnacles of food bits that are crusted on your oven.
Promising review: “Oh man, this stuff is awesome! I sprayed and left it on overnight. I had no idea what to expect. I took a paper towel and started wiping out the oven. The grime just melted away. It was awesome! I am VERY pleased! And it is truly odor free. I was shocked! âKsGrl444
Get it from Amazon for $8.98.
7.
A durable reusable cotton swab so you can say good riddance to wasteful single-use ones. It’s easy to clean with soap and water, and comes with a handy travel case so you can conveniently take it on the go.
amazon.com, amazon.com
Promising review: “OK I admit it’s not soft and plushy, but it cleans perfectly and youâre producing less trash, considering I use one and so does my whole family daily!!!” âJannette N. Joly
Get it from Amazon for $11.95+ (available in six colors and in a set of three).
8. A powerful, but gentle silicone paw cleaner â just add water, insert filthy paws, give ’em a little twist, and dab till dry! No scrubbing, no pain, and no more dirt, mud, sand, ice melt, and other grime getting tracked around your otherwise spotless home. Sounds like a win-win!
Promising review: “I have to admit that I was skeptical… but this is worth EVERY PENNY and more! Our Great Dane’s paws would track in huge amounts of dirt/mud, and wiping them down with a towel was never good enough. This is definitely big enough for his huge feet, and he doesn’t even fight it. I wonder if it feels good on his paws? The fact that the rubber ‘bristles’ are removable for cleaning out afterward is an awesome bonus, too. You can actually see all the dirt it’s cleaning off. Thanks for a great product!!!!” âBitsy C đ
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in three sizes, nine colors, and with or without a lid).
9. And some waterproof dog shoes to protect your puppers from irritating their paws on hot pavement. The shoes expand to fit their specific paw size and have two adjustable and reflective straps to ensure a tight fit.
Promising review: “I was so skeptical that my dog would actually wear these, but I put them on and immediately took him out to play fetch. Once he realized that he could run and jump with them on, he was sold. It snowed a few days later and we put them on again and ended up walking six miles without any sore or red spots on his feet after. I did make it a point to not laugh at him and only put them on for fun stuff. Heâs getting to the point where he knows they mean fun and will even give me his paws so I can put them on. You have to make sure that you tighten them enough, but once they are on, they should stay. I will be ordering another pair if these get run through.” âemiliey
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in eight sizes and seven colors).
10.
A garbage disposal cleaner that requires basically zero work on your part and even puts on a bubbly little show while getting rid of that vom-inducing smell you thought would never leave your sink.
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Here’s what you do: Run some hot water, pop one of the packets in your disposer, let it foam, then wait for the foam to fully disappear. Garbage disposer = clean and ickiness free.
Promising review: “Works like a charm! These are pretty cool! I was a little skeptical, but I followed the easy-to-use directions and it worked just like the product said it would. Foamed up and cleaned the drain!! Smell removed!!” âJennifer K
Get two packs of four from Amazon for $12.17Â (also available in other multipacks).
11.
A bidet toilet attachment because the time has come to ~bidet~ sincere farewell to fully relying on toilet paper. This attachment is easy to install (no plumber needed!), will help you cut down your TP usage, and will make you feel so much cleaner and refreshed after going #2.
amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: “I was a little skeptical about transitioning to this type of bum cleaning, but now I don’t know what took me so long. It just wasn’t on my radar until COVID-19 and the toilet paper rush made me start wondering what I would do without TP. Now that TP is back on the shelves, I am staying with my TUSHY! It is a great product. Easy to install. Very cost effective. Regular water temp is not an issue at all. I was worried about cold water, but no problems. I used to be one of those people who thought this was just weird, but not anymore. Use the TUSHY then pat dry. Wash your pat cloths with the laundry.” âCharles
Get it from Tushy on Amazon for $89.
12.
A stealthy storage ottoman no one will know is secretly extra storage for blankets, toys, and anything else you don’t want cluttering up your living room.
Amazon
Promising review: “Needed storage for puzzles and throws. The size is great and both items fit in perfectly. Plus a good spot to sit and put on my shoes before going out. Love the linen fabric covering, it looks great in front of the bookcase.
UPDATE: The storage space in my original purchase was so perfect I bought a second one for my bedroom. The space is perfect for storing my extra bedding and sheets. I just love the extra storage it gives me, and it looks good too.” âGranny
Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in four colors and two sizes).
And if you like the look of this, head on over to our picks for the best storage items disguised as decor.
13.
A leakproof pet water bottle that makes it easy to keep your pooch hydrated on walks or long drives. The top even seals shut so you can throw it in your bag without worrying about spills.
amazon.com
Promising review: “My little guy loves this thing. I love how easy it is to use and easy to carry. I have an extra small dog so the small size is more than plenty for him. I love that the unused water can go back in the bottle without spilling everywhere.” âMarie Rich
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors).
FYI, we also have a roundup of pet products that must’ve been designed by geniuses.
14. A bottle of natural nail and cuticle repair oil â it can help soften cuticles and strengthen nails when used daily.
Promising review: “This really works. Itâs like a miracle in a bottle. The skin around the nails and the cuticles have always been dry and tough, but no more. My nails look nourished, and the skin and cuticles have softened and moisturized. Will keep using forever!” âNechan
Get it from Amazon for $9.54+ (available in three sizes).
15. A cruelty-free Glossier eyebrow gel for anyone who wants an easy and amazingly effective way to thicken, fluff, fill in, and groom their brows *without* them getting stiff and flaky. All it takes is one quick swipe to make everyone jealous of your eyebrows, thanks to the tinted gel formula and mascara-like wand!
Glossier
Promising review: “Iâve always wanted something mild to enhance my brows as my hair is dirty blond and my eyebrows are thin/light. This product is PERFECT! I used the blond color and it is the perfect shade for everyday use along with wearing it to go out. Extremely happy with this purchase!” âKim
Get it from Glossier or Sephora for $20 (available in seven shades).
Check out one BuzzFeeder’s full review of the Glossier brow gel.
16.
A Grace Eleyae satin-lined cap that just looks like a stylish and cozy hat until you realize it has a special satin interior that’ll actually protect natural hair instead of damaging it. Its signature elastic band helps it stay on your head at night to help eliminate bedhead and fight frizz, plus it’s fashionable enough to wear out!
Grace Eleyae
The satin helps retain moisture and reduce breakage-causing friction, and can even help distribute the natural oils in your hair. The brand, Grace Eleyae, is a Black woman-owned business that specializes in accessories that are both protective and stylish! Check out more Grace Eleyae caps here.
Promising review: “I love wearing my slap caps! I purchased a few of them in different colors. I enjoy matching them with various outfits of the same colors. They are very comfortable on my head inside and out. They fit just right. I have enough room all around. They are not tight, nor too large. I wear them outdoors and at bedtime. They were great purchases. I am glad I brought them!” âMerlene J.
Get it from Grace Eleyae for $24 (available in two sizes).
17. A fast-acting carpet-spot-removing spray to remove those stains you thought would never ever come out.
Messes from pets, wine, dirt, coffee, oil, and more are no match for this stuff!
Promising review: “This stuff is AMAZING! I was a little skeptical, because I have some carpet stains Iâve let sit for a while because I didnât have any cleaner at the time of the accident. The accidents have included coffee spills and poorly cleaned cat barf stains. I ordered this because I didnât want to spend the money on a carpet cleaning service, plus you have to be out of your house for too long. This stuff was INCREDIBLE. You just spray a concentrated amount and then scrub the stain away. It worked in every single stain I had and was super quick and easy. 100% recommend if you need a good spot cleaner!” âKimberly
Get it from Amazon for $6.65 (available in three sizes and multipacks).Â
18. A handy Dip Clip â it fits on horizontal or vertical air vents *and* can hold sauce packs from popular fast food chains to make eating in the parking lot wayyyy easier!They’ll fit onto horizontal or vertical air vents *and* can hold sauce packs from all popular fast food chains!
Saucemoto is a small business established in 2018 that specializes in unique car accessories.Â
Promising review: “I donât like to admit it, but sometimes I eat fast food in my car, particularly on long road trips. This holder is exactly what I would have designed if I had thought of it. There really is nothing I would change. Itâs sturdy and I havenât found a sauce yet that doesnât fit; but if I do, there is a cup it comes with to hold ‘loose’ sauce.” âJr High Teacher
Get two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three colors and in multipacks).
19.
An Ecotools makeup-removing shampoo that’ll make your dirty brushes, applicators, and sponges look brand new instead of being covered in a bunch of leftover residue you’d rather not rub all over your face.
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Promising review: “Well, I can happily say that this cleaner does a bang-up job! My brushes were saturated with old color, to the point that I thought I might need to spring for a new set. Aside from just looking bad, though, all that old color was probably affecting pigment and application any time I used them. A little of this cleaner, a handful of seconds working it in and rinsing, and my brushes look practically as good as the day I bought them! Saved me a ton of money in new brushes, and it didn’t take away from my being-lazy time!” âJD
Get it from Amazon for $6.96.
20. A versatile clay mask to give those pores a *deep* cleansing, help clear breakouts, accelerate healing, and nourish your skin so it feels nice and refreshed. Some reviewers even use it on their hair!
P.S. this stuff works best when mixed with apple cider vinegar!
Promising review: “I bought this because of TikTok and do not regret it. I have really sensitive skin so I was a bit skeptical at first. I used it for about the minimum time and I could not move my face. When I took it off I was shocked and worried because my entire face looked like it was burned and I had welts on my outer cheeks. If this happens to you, donât freak out! It goes away in less than 30 minutes. The next day my acne had completely disappeared and my skin looked glowy. Normally when I do a face mask I canât tell any difference, but with this it was super noticeable. This will be my go-to face mask from now on.” âkk
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+Â (available in two sizes).
21. An easily-washable drip catcher for anyone whose sink area is always drenched after a dishwashing session.Â
Hustle Sew Shop/Etsy
Hustle Sew Shop is a small Etsy shop based in Saint Helens, Oregon.
Promising review: “LOVE these splash catchers! They save me from having to chase the puddles that form around the base of our faucet before they start creeping over the counter. So reasonably priced, made well with neatly finished edges, and packaged with gift-ready care.” âAlina
Get it from Hustle Sew Shop on Etsy for $13.50+ (available in four sizes and five colors).
22.
A super cool floating bedside table â it takes up less space than a regular nightstand and easily attaches to your bed frame so you can keep your essentials within reach at all times.
BedShelfie / Etsy
Think Smallish is a POC-owned small business based in Los Angeles that focuses on space-saving minimalist nightstands.
Promising review: “I love this thing! I made myself a loft bed to save space but then I didn’t have anywhere to put the things that would normally be on a bedside table. This is an awesome, easy-to-use, super sturdy solution. And it even looks nice! I highly recommend it.” âMeghan Jimenez
Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in two sizes and styles) or from Think Smallish on Etsy for $39.99 (available in more styles here).
23.
An innovative knit weighted blanket that’s weighted naturally due to its chunky knit, unlike other weighted blankets that use artificial filling. It’s super stylish and snuggly!
mybearaby / Via instagram.com, Bearaby
Promising review: “This blanket is great. The material is soft and comfortable. The weight is perfect. What I love the most is that there are no beads used for the weight. I had a previous weighted blanket that the beads came loose after just a few weeks making the blanket useless. This blanket makes you feel like you are wrapped in a soft hug. I sleep so much better and do not wake up as often. I highly recommend this blanket.” âJennifer M.
Get it from Bearaby for $199+ (available in 10, 15, 20, or 25 pounds and six colors).
We’ve got you covered with a roundup of the best weighted blankets available on Amazon, BTW.
24.
A creamy deep conditioner for anyone with 3aâ4c hair looking for something that’ll moisturize, add shine and smoothness, and leave curls feeling soft as a cloud!
Kayla Boyd / BuzzFeed
Bread Beauty Supply is a Black woman-owned business that was founded by Maeva Heim in 2020.
Promising review: “LOVE this product! My hair is very dry and frizzy but this product made my hair so much more manageable and soft. I will definitely be getting more once Iâm out!” âNivedhitha
Get it from Sephora or Bread Beauty Supply for $28.
25.
A bottle of Thayers witch hazel toner to tone and hydrate your skin with fresh-smelling rosewater, organic witch hazel extract, and soothing aloe vera. It can help keep acne under control while reducing redness and inflammation â but be sure to do a patch test before applying it to your entire face just to be on the safe side.
AnaMaria Glavan/BuzzFeed
Here’s what previous BuzzFeed editor AnaMaria Glavan has to say about it:
“I have combination skin that’s prone to redness (especially around my cheeks and nose, with the latter being really annoying), plus the occasional pimple. After two weeks of regularly using this toner in my evening routine, I barely need concealer to cover the Crayola redness under my nostrils. PLUS! It’s super effective as spot treatment. This stuff attacks your pimples with the same vendetta that Buffy used to destroy vampires: It works that well.”
Get it from Amazon for $10.95+ (available in six scents and unscented).
Check out AnaMaria’s full review of Thayer’s alcohol-free original witch hazel toner here. Also, if you’ve got peeling or flaking skin that you can’t rid of, check out these underrated products for dry skin that actually work.
26. A bottle of plant-powered vitamin C serum that could make your skin look radiant! It can help lighten dark spots, fight off wrinkles, prevent UV damage, and increase skin firmness and elasticity.Promising review: “Love, love, love this product! Iâm completely 100% forever a customer! Iâm nearing 30 and needed a good skin care regimen, as Iâve NEVER had one. I canât believe my results! Not only has it taken away all dullness, it has reversed some sun damage! Iâm HIGHLY SATISFIED!!!!!” âHeather C.
Get it from Amazon for $35.09+Â (available in two sizes).
27. A stick-anywhere motion sensor light bar â now you won’t have to pay an electrician to install extra lighting in dark closets and pantries. No tools required!
These ingenious little lights are magnetic, so they can stick directly onto any magnetic surface. They can also be installed using the included adhesive magnetic strip. Plus, batteries are included!
Promising review: “I LOVE these! The magnet is a great way to install these, but I rent so Command strips are working very well for me. I have one over the bedroom door (in a dark hallway) and another in my closet. The motion detection is so convenient and works perfectly. Everything about these is designed so perfectly, from installation to their perfect size for any location. the best part, though? They’re rechargeable! Couldn’t be better designed or more perfect!” âSibelius
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in warm and pure white and with or without a charging station).
28.
A tube of Grip Clean perfect for anyone who works with their hands all day long and needs something a little more heavy-duty than regular soap. It’s tough on grease, oil, ink, odors, and more â without relying on harsh chemicals.
amazon.com
This stuff is made from only natural ingredients like coconut and olive oils, so even those with sensitive skin can use it regularly without winding up with dry, cracked, or irritated hands.
Promising review: “I work for the railroad and I am always getting my hands dirty! I could never seem to find anything that worked. Also, I live in Utah so when it starts getting cold my hands dry out. Well, with Grip Clean that doesnât happen! I have my coworkers coming to my locker asking to get some soap since the soap we have at doesn’t work as well as Grip Clean!” âNick
Get it from Amazon for $9.97+Â (available in two sizes).
29. Some flat, wireless sleep headphones because trying to sleep with regular earbuds in is all fun and games until you roll over on your side. With these, you can stream audio via Bluetooth, block out external sound, and sleep much more comfortably than with tiny pieces of plastic pressing into your ears and tumbling out every time you change positions.
Promising review: “I saw these on TikTok, and since I have so much trouble finding quality headphones I decided to try it. Iâm very happy with the sound quality and comfort of these. Iâm able to fall asleep to my music or podcast without having to limit myself to sleeping on my back or losing an ear bud in my bed in the middle of the night. It makes working out easier as well. The value is worth the quality. I would recommend.” âThunder Muffin
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in a variety of colors).Â
30. Cute magnetic garage handles â they’ll add some serious charm to your plain ol’ garage door for wayyy cheaper than the price of *actual* fancy doors.
Promising review: “Iâve been wanting to upgrade our garage door for a long time and now I have no idea why I waited! The magnets are super strong. Purchased two sets but only used one set of ‘handles,’ I wasnât a fan of how close I had to place each set next to each other with the narrow spacing on the door itself. Paired with the magnetic ‘windows,’ it looks like a brand new door!” âMrsPirate
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in three styles; also check out the fake garage windows).
31. A keychain car escape tool that can cut through seat belts and break car windows because, even though you hopefully never need it, it’s always better to be prepared.
Amazon
Promising review: “I work in the medical and rescue field and have to say this is a great product to have on your keychain. One of the concerns I had when buying this was the breakaway portion of the device itself but that was an unfounded fear. This is something that will save your life if you are ever trapped in your own vehicle, as it will stay connected to your keys in the ignition which means that you will be able to reach it without a major issue. It will not easily detach without you pulling it off which means will be available where you want it when you need it. I have nothing negative to say about this and have bought one for my wife as well to have.” âAizrec!
Get it from Amazon for $9.09.
32. An amazing Cerama Bryte cooktop cleaning kit, which includes a powerful cleaner and helpful tools to make scraping the crust and grime off of your glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic stovetop *much* easier and less frustrating â especially if you’re trying to remove gunk that’s been stuck on there since before you even moved in.
It comes with a bottle of cleaner, a scraper, and a cleaning pad.
Promising review:Â “Works amazing! I hadn’t thoroughly scrubbed my glass cooktop in years. I’d only wiped them down with random multi cleaners, which never seemed to do much. Then a friend recommended this product… AMAZING! The included scrubbers and scrapers really make the difference.Â
“As others have said, it will leave your cooktop shiny and new. Even marks that had been on there for years came almost completely off… 98% better. The key is to use very little product. Let it dry to a haze, and wipe with a clean dry cotton towel (just like waxing a car). If you aren’t getting a mirrored finish, it’s because you’ve used too much product and not enough elbow grease to polish off.” âB. Smartwood
Get it from Amazon for $11.48.
33.
A pop-up collapsible tent â it folds down so small, you can just sling it over your shoulder! When you’re ready to use it, just pull on the cords and the tent will pop right up with *no assembly required*! It works on any surface â including grass and sand â and has a built-in zippered door in case you want a lil’ privacy. Reviewers say it really holds up in wind too.
Outdoor Master
Promising review: “We should have gotten this years ago! With kids playing soccer and baseball, I used to have to find spots to hide in the shade in order not to get sunburn every Saturday. With this easy-to-set-up tent, I can enjoy time outdoor watching the kids. We used this at the beach and it was a breeze to set up!” âGW
Get it from Outdoor Master for $59.99 (available in four colors).
34. And finally, a rechargeable lighter to make running out of lighter fluid a thing of the past!
Heather Braga / BuzzFeed, Amazon
Promising review: “Wow. This thing is amazing. Small and so easy to use. My husband kept saying it wonât actually light anything and was blown away when it did. We lit candles and paper to use as tinder with absolutely no effort. No fuel needed. Just a quick recharging. And no waste in throwing away those huge and never easy-to-use butane sticks. Love love it.” âDiane Bold
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in nine colors/styles).
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
