From Star Trek to Star Wars to the kind of people who know every secret combo on the In-N-Out menu, I’m always tempted to try out things with a cult following. This includes the lesser known products on Amazon with thousands of reviews. Unless you spend day in and day out lurking around everyone’s favorite online retailer, you probably didn’t know some of these products have such a rabid fan base of reviewers — yet people are buying them left and right, and there’s a damn good reason for it, too.
These are the products that walk the line between “that’s kind of weird,” and “but I’m strangely intrigued.” Sure, they’re bizarre, but the real reason so many people are purchasing them is because of how well they work. You might not think you need a mat with tons of pointy spikes that dig into your neck and back, but when thousands of people rave about their pain-free muscles and insomnia-free nights, you’ll start to reconsider.
However, aside from the slight head-tilting confusion, there’s another common thread throughout these products: They’re all undeniably useful, and add a bit of practicality to your life in ways you never even knew you needed.
1
This Odd Massage Tool That Hits All The Right Spots
Body Back Buddy Trigger Point Massage Tool, $30, Amazon
The Body Back Buddy looks a little bit like a deformed neon tree branch, but reviewers swear that "it hits any spot you need it to" so you can "watch the knots melt like ice cream." It's extremely durable because it's made from high-density materials, and it uses leverage from your own body and 11 accurately placed therapy knobs to help relieve with pain in any area.
2
This Bizarre Yet Highly Entertaining Strategy Card Game
Exploding Kittens Card Game, $20, Amazon
From the makers of the webcomic The Oatmeal comes Exploding Kittens — a bizarre yet oddly intriguing card game that features kittens, explosions, laser beams, and sometimes goats. Not only does it come with back of more than 5,000 positive reviews on Amazon, it was also the most backed and most funded Kickstarter in history.
3
This Planner Organizes Your Schedule While Boosting Happiness, Gratitude, And Productivity
Panda Planner, $26, Amazon
In addition to providing space for you to organize your dates and daily priorities, the Panda Planner also utilizes scientific strategies that improve productivity, boost happiness levels, and help you cultivate a feeling of gratitude. The reviews section is loaded with people who are raving about how useful and uplifting it is, and it even comes with seven free e-books and a video mini-course to help you reach all your goals.
4
This Toilet Spray That Erases All Traces Of Your #2s
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, $9, Amazon
This humble toilet spray has garnered nearly 5,000 positive reviews on Amazon. Made with a natural mix of essential oils, this adorably (and aptly) named Poo-Pourri toilet spray coats the water in the bowl with an invisible layer to traps smells under the surface so it gets flushed down with the rest of the evidence.
5
This Organic Soap That Creates A Protective Barrier Over Skin
Vi-Tae Organic Coconut Oil Soap, $11, Amazon
Made with only USDA-certified organic ingredients, Vi-Tae soap creates a protective barrier over the skin using healing coconut oil. This barrier allows your skin to better absorb nutrients, hold in moisture, and remain soft and elastic. Even though it lathers, it’s gentle and non-drying, and reviewers say it works wonders on things like rashes, acne, scars, and eczema.
6
This Tub Of Clay With 12000 Reviews And Dozens Of Uses
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, $11, Amazon
This jar of Aztec Secret Indian healing clay has a whopping 12,000 plus reviews, and that's because it's versatile and effective. It contains nothing but natural calcium bentonite clay which can unclog pore, treat blackheads, heal blemishes, improve acne, soothe insect bites, moisturize feet, and even nourish hair.
7
Soak Your Feet With These Booties And Watch The Dead Skin Melt Away
Grace & Stella Dr. Pedicure Foot Exfoliation Mask, $13, Amazon
This Grace & Stella Dr. Pedicure foot exfoliation mask uses 17 natural plant extracts to get rid of the dead, coarse skin on your feet -- in fact, it literally peels off within a few days. Put on the included booties, soak your feet, and then rinse them. Then watch as the old skin peels away to reveal new, baby-soft skin underneath. “The process was so easy, pain-free and honestly, amazing to witness,” says one reviewer.
8
Comfortably Hold Your Phone In Your Hand, Mount It In The Car, Or Stand It Up On A Table
Spigen Style Ring Grip, $14, Amazon
People are loving the Spigen Style Ring Grip because it attaches to any flat, non-textured phone and triples as a stand, car mount, and finger grip. It pops out and swivels so you can comfortably hold your phone from any angle (like when you’re taking selfies), and it includes a hook mount for docking on your dashboard. It even comes in five awesome colors.
9
The Singer-Serve Coffee Maker That Caffeine-Addicts Swear By
Aeropress Coffee And Espresso Maker, $30, Amazon
Aeropress coffee and espresso maker has over 4000 reviews with phrases like, "best cup of coffee," "damn fine," and "game changing." It only takes one minute to make one of the smoothest, richest cups you've ever had, and that's because it uses the perfect temperature and gentle air pressure without any grit or bitterness.
10
This Mini Elliptical So You Can Get A Workout Anywhere
Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper, $40, Amazon
The Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper is basically a tiny elliptical that takes up minimal space in your home. It’s got built-in resistance training, a twist action to tone your legs and buttocks, and retractable bands that work your chest, shoulders, and arms. Keep track of your workout with the LCD display that shows total time, calories burned, and rep count. “Small enough to use while watching tv or store under desk at work and use while talking on phone or using elevated desk,” says one reviewer.
11
This Weird Spiked Mat That Works Wonders
Nayoya Acupressure Mat, $40, Amazon
This Nayoya mat uses 6,210 acupressure points that press into your skin to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, release endorphins, and promote a soothing sense of calm and relaxation. Reviewers use it for everything from headaches and back pain to insomnia and meditation, and it comes with a flat mat and a neck roll. "I am still a bit unclear about the concept," wrote one reviewer, "but darn, this mat works like magic for stress relief and the aches and pains."
12
This Eye Gel That Plumps, Hydrates, And Brightens Under Eyes
Baebody Eye Gel, $24, Amazon
This Baebody eye gel uses plant stem cells and hyaluronic acid to brighten, plump, and hydrate the sensitive skin around your eyes, and thousands of reviewers say it does just that. It's also lightweight, provides protection from the sun, and absorbs easily into the skin for use under makeup.
13
A Miracle Serum That Helps Your Lashes Grow
Organyc Eyelash & Eyebrow Growth Serum, $35, Amazon
Tons of people are defying their genetically short lashes with this Organyc eyelash & eyebrow growth serum. It's made with gentle ingredients (like vitamins and amino acids) that stimulate growth and nourish follicles, creating "long full lashes," according to reviewers. "And....I have my beautiful full brows back!"
14
This Odd Pillow That 7000+ People Are Obsessed With
Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow, $44, Amazon
This odd C-shaped bunch of fluff is called the Leachco Snoogle total body pillow, and its target demographic is pregnant ladies. However, avid cuddlers and temperamental side-sleepers also swear by it. It cradles your head, back, and knees without the extra heat, and it's even got a removable machine-washable cover. "It took 5 pillows to accomplish what this does," says one reviewer. "I've never had a bad night of sleep after purchasing this bad boy."
15
A Sleep Mask That’s Contoured To Your Face (And Free Ear Plugs)
Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask, $13, Amazon
Soft, comfortable, and ergonomically designed, the Bedtime Bliss sleep mask entirely blocks out light without putting excess pressure on your eyes or cheeks. It’s contoured and lightweight for daytime naps, light sleepers, or meditation, and the adjustable velcro straps mean that just about anyone can use them. They also come with Moldex ear plugs that comfortably block out sound, and reviewers are saying things like, “This lovely little mask has kept me sleeping deep since I've owned it. I've bought another pair for my mother. Too good not to own.”
16
This Heated Massage Pillow With 6000+ Reviews
Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager, $45, Amazon
Equipped with soothing heat, 3-D deep kneading Shiatsu knobs, and multi-directional movement, people are flipping over the Zyllion Shiatsu pillow massager. It's wonderful for necks, backs, and even wrists, and it's got a strap that attaches easily to your car's headrest or office chair. "The mobile car masseuse - Better than a message therapist!" says one of 6000 plus reviews.
17
This Is Not Your Average Travel Mug
Contigo Autoseal Travel Mug, $16, Amazon
At first glance, this Contigo autoseal travel mug looks like your average coffee tumbler. It's not. It's made with a brilliant vacuum-seal technology that's both spill-proof and leak-proof, and even automatically closes between sips. The whole thing is dishwasher safe, and has a mechanism that twists open so you can clean the interior of the lid. It also keeps your beverage hot for up to five hours, and cold for up to 12. "This is the best coffee mug I have ever owned. bottom line: lives up to its promise," says one reviewer. "I actually forgot this mug in my office before a meeting and when I came back for it six hours later the coffee was still STEAMING."
18
This Natural Deodorant That Actually Works
Primal Pit Paste, $11, Amazon
More and more people these days are saying no to harmful chemicals and aluminum in their deodorants. Primal Pit Paste fills their need for a safe and effective alternative with natural ingredients that absorb moisture and fight bacteria without aluminum, parabens, or sulfates.
19
This Bluetooth Speaker That Amps Up Your Shower Experience
SoundBot Water Resistant Bluetooth Shower Speaker, $16, Amazon
The SoundBot shower speaker has almost 4,000 reviews because it's wireless, Bluetooth enabled, waterproof, and has a suction cup on the back that attaches it to your glass or tile shower. It also has a built-in microphone and on-device controls for the volume and song selection.
20
This Must-Have Emergency Charger For Your Phone
Anker PowerCore+ Mini Portable Charger, $18, Amazon
Powerful, fast, and the size of a tube of lipstick, the Anker PowerCore+ portable charger has more than 25,000(!) reviews. It provides up to 14 hours of extra talk time on one charge, comes in your choice of five sleek colors, and even has its own travel case. "I have one in my purse and one in my backpack ALWAYS," wrote one reviewer. "These little chargers are a life saver, especially while traveling!"
21
This Weird Bubbly Mask That People Are Obsessing Over
Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask, $10, Amazon
There's nothing but pronounceable ingredients in this Elizavecca Milky Piggy carbonated bubble clay mask, and yet it foams up in like crazy to deep clean and exfoliate your skin. It's especially great for sensitive skin, and leaves your complexion soft and glowing. " I have been diagnosed with skin allergy / eczema, which makes it difficult for me to just jump in to any product," wrote one reviewer. "If I only had ten thumbs, I would give it ten thumbs up."
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