Shopping

People Will Use The Crap Out Of These 50 Clever Gifts From Amazon

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

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

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for others, it always pays to spend your money wisely. What’s the point in spending your hard-earned cash on something that’ll just end up gathering dust? In my opinion, there isn’t one. But if you’re in the habit of going over budget every month, don’t worry — I’ve come up with this list of clever products that you, your friends, and your family will actually get a ton of use out of.

If you’re in need of examples, let me direct your attention to this bagel slicer. Not only is it perfect for cutting bagels evenly, but it also works with all types of bread rolls. Or, if you’re always cold when trying to sleep at night, check out this heated blanket. It’s made from soft faux sherpa, with ultra-thin wires that are hardly noticeable. There are also knife sharpeners for dull blades, mini GPS trackers for peace of mind, and even a camping-friendly pot and pan set.

If you ask me, the best purchases are the ones you end up using all the time — and with so many clever products in one list, don’t be surprised if you add more than a few things to your cart. Keep scrolling for more.

1This HD Tablet That Won’t Break The Bank

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to get a quality tablet, and this one that costs less than $50 is proof. The high-definition display delivers crystal-clear video quality when watching movies, and the battery even lasts for up to 12 hours. Choose from two sizes: 32 or 64 gigabytes.

2A Tub Of Pink Stuff That Erases Grime & Dirt

Stovetops, grills, glass — this tub of pink stuff can be used to get all of those clean, and more. It won’t leave behind any scratches, yet is still powerful enough to remove rust. Plus, the formula is also nontoxic and it has over 13,000 customer reviews with a 4.5-star rating.

3The Throw Blanket That Heats Up For Cozy Nights

You’ll be glad you grabbed this heated throw blanket the next time temperatures dip down low. The wires on the inside are ultra-thin so that they’re hardly detectable while you’re snuggling, and the faux sherpa fabric feels incredibly soft against skin.

4A Case That Keeps Your Vaccine Card Safe

If your vaccine card is too large to fit in your wallet, why not slip it into this case instead? It’s made from tough faux leather that helps keep your card safe from damage — and if you aren’t into grey, it’s also available in five other colors.

5This Smart Plug That Works With Alexa

Amazon knows a lot about smart devices — and, their smart plug is no different. This plug will allow you to use your voice to activate lights, fans, and appliances. A smart hub isn’t required for this, meaning it’s great for beginners who want to start to make their whole home voice-activated.

6The Tools That Help You Open Tough Lids

Soda bottles, cans, pull tabs — this handy tool can be used to open all of them and more. It’s ideal for anyone with limited mobility in their hands, as it does nearly all of the work for you. Plus, many reviewers wrote about how it’s “easy to use.”

7A Wine Aerator That’ll Make Every Glass Taste Even Better

These aerators will ensure that you get just the right amount of oxygen in every pour. While wine is fine straight from the bottle, an aerator like this one can add more flavor and enhance specific notes when you sniff your wine. They’re small enough for someone to bring to a party, and based on the design of each aerator — as you get two per pack — you can ensure that your wine won’t leak out of it when it’s not in active use.

8This Cutting Board That’s Perfect For Charcuterie

Nothing says “party” like a wooden board that can be equipped with plenty of snacks. This board is perfect to display but is also functional for everyday use. It’s made from acacia wood and is easy to clean with mineral oil. It’s also a gift that’s perfect for any occasion, from a housewarming to college graduation. With a 4.7 out of five-star rating on Amazon, you know you’re getting quality.

9An Air Purifier That Powers Through Allergens

If the air in your home could use a little refresh, try grabbing this air purifier. The powerful HEPA filter absorbs unwanted odors, pet dander, as well as other allergens — all while the motor runs at a whisper-quiet level. Plus, the compact size is perfect for bedrooms.

10The Car Seat Cushion That’s Heated

You don’t have to get a new car in order to have heated seats — just grab this cover. Not only is it heated, but it’s easily powered by plugging it into your cigarette lighter. And with its universal design, it’s made to work with nearly any seat.

11A Meat Thermometer That Helps Prevent Raw Meals

Few things are as mortifying as serving guests raw meat, so why not grab this thermometer? The bright LCD screen lights up so that it’s easy to read when you’re grilling at night, while the water-resistant design means you can also wash it without having to worry about damage.

12This Kitchen Knife Sharpener That’s Small & Compact

Some kitchen knife sharpeners take up tons of storage space, whereas this one is small enough to be stashed away inside of a drawer. Patented edge-grip technology helps keep your blade from dragging across the counter once it’s pulled through — and the nonslip base helps keep it in place while you’re sharpening.

13These Tongs That Double As Spatulas

With a silicone hammock that spans the middle, these tongs are a versatile tool to have in any kitchen. They’re heat-resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making them perfect for flipping pancakes as well as grilling burgers — and the pull ring at the end keeps them locked for compact storage.

14An Electric Whisk That Whips Up Frothy Milk

Milk, egg whites, protein shakes — this electric whisk can handle it all. The motor runs at an ultra-quiet level so that you can use it at the office without disturbing your neighbors. Plus, one reviewer even wrote that “It is a lot quieter than the blender, and I can use any size cup I want because the frother is so small.”

15A Floor Mop That’s Lined With Microfiber

Got dirty floors, but don’t want to spend $40 on a reusable floor mop? Then make sure to check out this affordable option that costs less than $25. It still comes with reusable pads so that there’s no need to buy replacements — and the mop head even rotates 360 degrees so that it’s easy to maneuver around.

16This Countertop Slicer That Cuts Even Bagels

Slicing rolls with knives is an easy way to wind up with an uneven bagel, so why not use this slicer to make sure your halves are even? The built-in safety shield helps protect your fingers from accidental cuts, and the slicing blade is coated with a nonstick layer so that it glides easily through bread.

17A Heated Coaster That Helps Coffee Stay Home

Coffee always going cold before you can finish drinking it? Grab this heated coaster. The temperature is adjustable so that your drinks don’t wind up getting too hot — and if you ever spill on it, simply wipe it off with a damp cloth to clean it up.

18The Air Fryer That’s Shockingly Affordable

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to walk away with a quality air fryer — and this affordable model is proof. Not only does it cost less than $60, but the non-stick basket on the inside won’t latch onto your foods as they fry. Plus, the temperature is adjustable up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

19This Gap Cover That Helps Prevent Messes Next To The Stove

Ever notice how spills can drip down the sides of your stove? This gap cover helps stop the drips so that your stove stays clean. They’re made from heat-resistant silicone that can withstand high temperatures, and they’re more than 30 inches long to make sure everything is fully covered. After buying, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these.

20A Wireless Charger That Also Works With Apple Watches

Most wireless chargers only work with smartphones — but this one also has a ledge where you can let your Apple watch power up. The best part? It’ll work with any Qi-enabled smartphone, regardless of whether you have an iPhone or an Android.

21This GPS Tracker You Can Keep In Your Car

Cars, bikes, dog collars — you can put this little GPS on nearly anything you want to track. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to five days, while the smartphone app refreshes every five minutes to give you an up-to-date location. “Everything was easy to set up and customer service is fantastic,” raved one reviewer.

22The Spray That Gives Your Bathroom A Quick Refresh

You don’t have to put up with unwanted odors in the bathroom — just give the air a few spritzes of this spray that smells like lavender, eucalyptus, and aloe. You can also spritz it into the toilet before you go, and it’ll eliminate any unwanted odors before they can hit the air. Each bottle comes with about 400 uses inside.

23These Elastic Covers That Fit Overtop Of Bowls

Instead of struggling with plastic wrap, why not save yourself some stress and top your bowls with these covers? They stretch to fit nearly any bowl, and the translucent material makes it easy to see what’s inside without having to take them off.

24The Pot & Pan That Are Made For Camping

Packing a separate pot and pan can take up a ton of space in your backpack — so take these compact ones with you when you’re camping. The handle detaches so that they’re easy to pack, while the nonstick surface won’t latch onto your meals while they’re cooking.

25A Discrete Caddy That Hides Dirty Plungers

If you’re hoping to conceal your plunger, you can keep it hidden inside of a subtle caddy (like this one). Each order also comes with a plunger that’s designed to fit any standard-sized toilet. Plus, the drip-free design helps keep your floors clean from excess water.

26This Hot Air Brush That Volumizes Flat Roots

If you’re seeking more hair volume, curl this hot brush into your roots and then give them a blast of warm air to help lift them up. The tufted bristles help keep your scalp safe from the warmth when you curl in close — and with three heat settings to choose from, it’s suitable for many types of hair.

27A Cushion That Stops Stuff From Falling Between Car Seats

If you’re always losing stuff between your car seats, try filling that gap with these cushions. They’re sized to fit around your seatbelt buckle, and will work with most vehicles. The best part? One reviewer even raved that “it has really saved a lot of things from disappearing into that black hole.”

28The Smart Light Switch You Can Control Remotely

Can’t remember if you turned your lights off? Not a problem when you have this smart light switch. The downloadable app lets you control them remotely, as well as set schedules so that they’re on when you come home from work. And if you pair them with Alexa, you can also use voice commands.

29A Notebook You Can Use Over & Over

Stop wasting money on new notebooks when your pages fill up — grab this reusable version and save yourself some money. Not only do the pages wipe clean once you’re done, but you can also upload them to Slack, iCloud, Google Drive, and more. Choose from two sizes: executive or letter.

30An Insulated Coffee Mug That’s Great For Parents And Early-Risers

For the poor souls who can’t get a sip of their coffee in before it needs to be microwaved, this insulated mug is bound to bring some relief. Available in a myriad of different colors, this cup is made from breakproof stainless steel. The wide handle helps set it apart from other travel mugs, and also makes it easier to grasp during colder seasons when you may be wearing bulky gloves.

31This Weighted Hula Hoop With Comfortable Padded Edges

This weighted hula hoop has smooth, padded edges that can be easily taken apart or put back together in between workouts. It comes in two different weight options — 2 pounds and 3 pounds — and many reviewers wrote that they “highly recommend” it.

32These Light Bulbs That Are Compatible With Alexa

Buying smart light bulbs can add up over time, so why not save yourself some money by grabbing this pack of four for $30? They’re compatible with Alexa, which means you can control them using voice commands once synced. Or, if you don’t have Alexa, you can also use the downloadable smartphone app to turn them on/off, set schedules, and more.

33A Pack Of Sticky Notes That Are Reusable

Think of these little sticky notes like small whiteboards. They work with any dry erase marker, and easily wipe clean once you no longer need what you wrote. “They stick to any surface and are easy to remove, clean, and use again,” wrote one reviewer. “They come with a folder to store and carry them in, which is very helpful since I’m taking mine to the gym.”

34This Little Tool That Can Help You Exercise At Home

You can squeeze this little tool between your legs to activate your thighs, or even squeeze it between your hands to give your chest a quick burn. The manufacturer claims that you only need to use it for 10 minute a day for the full physical benefits, and each order comes with a workout guide to get you started.

35The Cream That Helps Hydrate Dry, Cracked Feet

When no amount of lotions or scrubs will get your feet feeling smooth, it might be time to whip out this cream. It’s loaded with allantoin, which penetrates deep into tough skin to deliver a nourishing dose of moisture. And with more than 30,000 positive four- and five-star reviews, it’s clear that it truly gets the job done.

36This Fabric Shaver That Gives Tired Clothes A Refresh

Whether your leggings have started to pill or your sofa has a ton of fuzzies on it, this fabric shaver can help. Stainless steel blades quickly slice through little bobbles, while the rechargeable battery provides more than 60 minutes of runtime. Plus, each order comes with two replacement blades.

37A Makeup Brush That Won’t Shed

This makeup brush is a must-have for the person in your life who’s well-versed in beauty products. This dense, flat brush will help you accomplish streak-free makeup blending. And, you don’t have to worry about stray hairs making their way onto your face. This brush, which has synthetic bristles, doesn’t shed.

38The Hand Warmer That Doubles As A Power Bank

Many disposable hand warmers quickly start to lose their warmth once activated, whereas this reusable one stays toasty for up to 15 hours. The heat is adjustable up to three levels — and you can also use it as a power bank for when your phone needs a charge.

39A Set Of Planters That Water Plants For You

If you often forget to water your house plants, you might want to give these self-watering planters a try. You only need to water them once every two weeks, as the hidden reservoir in the bottom keeps your plants hydrated with minimal need for maintenance. Choose from five colors, including a sleek white option.

40This Snail Repair Cream That Can Brighten Your Skin

I know — snail cream might not be for everyone. But for people who are into beauty products, the somewhat polarizing ingredient can make a noticeable difference on your skin. This cream is organically harvested using snails that live in a cruelty-free environment. It’s also packed with plenty of nutrients that won’t clog your pores.

41This Glass Teapot That’ll Make Quite The Impression

This glass teapot proves that teapots can, in fact, look really cool in your kitchen. Not only will it inspire you to make more tea, but it’ll simplify the entire process. It’s stovetop, microwave, and dishwasher safe, and you can also create iced tea with it that’ll serve up to five people. “Light and easy to handle,” raved one reviewer. “Great for sharing and can’t stop having tea parties with my family.”

42These Earbuds That Play Music For Up To 100 Hours

You read that correctly: These wireless earbuds have such a powerful battery that — when used with the charging case — they can provide up to 100 hours of playback. They’re also waterproof and are available in three colors: black, grey, or pink.

43These Packing Cubes That Are Perfect For Every Traveler

While travel is amazing, packing can sometimes be somewhat of a pain. Enter these packing cubes, which help bring a little bit of order to that suitcase that’ll barely zipper up. Available in 10 colors to match your aesthetic, these nylon zippered cubes make it easy to find everything you’re looking for once you hit your hotel room, offering enough storage for up to a 14-day vacation.

44This Smart Jump Rope That Lets You Know Your Progress

In my experience, jumping rope gets my way more tired than jogging — and this smart one even tracks your data as you jump. Once connected to your smartphone, you can check your number of skips, and more. Or, just give the LCD screen on the handles a quick check to see how far along your workout is.

45A Weighted Blanket With Box Stitching & Glass Beads

This weighted blanket is made with box stitching that keeps the weighted beads on the inside from bunching up, and you can even use it as a duvet insert if you like. However, it’s available in multiple color combinations as well as sizes, so you can customize a blanket that’s best for you.

46A Skin Therapy Wand That So Many Reviewers Adore

Not only are thousands of reviewers in love with this skin therapy wand, but it can also help brighten your complexion as well as heal unwanted blemishes. Using it prior to your skincare routine can also help prime your complexion to receive serums.

47This Mini Printer That’s Compatible With Smartphones

Ever wish you could print out that photo you just took? Then grab this miniature printer. It’s compatible with iPhones, Androids, as well as some other Bluetooth devices — just sync it with your device and you’ll instantly be able to print out that selfie. Plus, the included ink is even smudge-resistant.

48An Essential Oil Diffuser That Doubles As Decor

Not only does this diffuser have a gorgeous faux wood grain, but the water reservoir is also large enough to provide up to eight hours of mist. It also features eight different soothing LED colors, and it’ll automatically turn off when the water runs dry.

49The Caddy Tray That Helps You Relax In The Tub

With space for your tablet, candles, soaps, and more, this caddy is a must-have for anyone who likes to relax in the tub. It’s made from solid bamboo, with a protective lacquer to help keep it from deteriorating in humid bathrooms. Plus, it’s available in multiple colors.

50A Pet Scrubber That Attaches To Your Shower

You don’t have to get into the tub to wash your pet — just attach this scrubber to your shower faucet, and you’ll be able to use them down while staying high and dry. The silicone nubs gently massage pets as you scrub, and the water pressure is adjustable up to two levels.

This article was originally published on