Life

37 Weird But Genius Things on Amazon That'll Fascinate Every Practical Person

I try really hard to live as simply as possible. To me, this means clearing out the clutter and keeping only the most useful, practical products that genuinely improve my life in one way or another. The items that I opt to keep need to have multiple functions or solve an everyday problem, and if they don't, they're going straight in the donation pile (I'm talking to you, Beatles bobblehead set).

If you're the type of person who only likes functional products, or if you're currently shopping for someone who falls into this category, Amazon is an awesome place to start. Sure, they've got their fill of jokey novelty items — like the infamous bologna sandwich wall decal — but they've also got things that are extremely genius and practical, so you'll actually get some use out of your purchases.

Best of all, Amazon also has a category called Launchpad, which highlights innovative and technologically advanced inventions from startup companies. Here, you'll find products that began with an "I wish something like that existed," and so they went ahead and created it for your convenience. Whether you're into fitness, travel, tech, beauty, or cooking, here are some of the coolest and most dynamic inventions, so you, too, can cut down on clutter.

1. Never Lose Your Car In The Parking Lot Again

Smart Car Charger with Car Locator, $14, Amazon

Most people have a car charger, but few have one like this. The smart car charger syncs up to an app on your phone to help you find your car in a busy parking lot. It's also got a USB ports to deliver a fast charge possible to any of your devices, and it allows you to control the radio and make calls on your phone.

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2. A Motion Activated Glow For Nighttime

Vansky Motion Activated Bed Light, $22, Amazon

How many times have you gotten out of bed at night and promptly collided with the corner of your dresser? This genius motion activated bed light guides you safely across the room with a soft glow as soon as your feet touch the floor. You can also set your allotted time, and you can put it anywhere from staircases to bathrooms.

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3. Finally, Portable WiFi That Actually Works

eero Home WiFi System + eero Beacon, $299, Amazon

The eero home WiFi system is definitely something innovative. It replaces your wireless router and any range extenders for broad, no-dead-zone coverage all over your house. It gets better with regular software updates, and it's Alexa-friendly for voice control. Best of all, it's insanely simple to use, and just plain works.

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4. This Strange Soap That Tackles Everything

The Yellow Bird Activated Charcoal Soap, $9, Amazon

People are flipping over this The Yellow Bird Activated Charcoal Soap, because it's entirely all natural and fixes so many skin issues at once. The absorbent charcoal detoxifies and clears up breakouts while ingredients like shea butter moisturize and soften. Basically, concerns like acne and eczema don't stand a chance.

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5. Your Reading Glasses Are Never Too Far Away

ThinOPTICS Keychain Reading Glasses, $25, Amazon

These ThinOPTICS keychain reading glasses are all over Amazon because of how simple and useful they are. They're made from ultra-flexible titanium alloy that allows you to fold up these frames and stick them in the keychain holder, so you have them with you wherever you go. You can also choose between three different lens strengths and six different colors.

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6. The Most Innovative Ear Buds You'll Ever Hear Through

1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones, $80, Amazon

Headphones are headphones, right? Not so much. These 1MORE in-ear headphones are extremely innovative. Not only do they have three drivers for the clearest sound you've ever heard, but they have oblique angled ear fittings that naturally match your ear canals and nine sets of cushions to ensure a proper fit. They have a three button remote on the wire for music control and calls, and one reviewer puts it simply: "LOVE. THESE. BUDS."

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7. The Best Addition To Your Skin Care Routine

SOLO Mio Sonic Face Cleanser and Massager Brush, $38, Amazon

This silicone face cleaner uses sonic pulses, meaning it vibrates thousands of times per minute to clean your face more efficiently and more effectively than the old-fashioned way. The silicone material keeps things cleaner compared to washcloths and sponges, and the device easily recharges via a USB cable.

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8. This Little Sleep Sound Machine That's Also A Speaker

LectroFan Wireless Sound Machine, $20, Amazon

If you have any trouble sleeping at night, this LectroFan wireless sound machine could very well change all that. It has five different fan sounds, four white noises, and the sound of ocean waves, and it's wireless and rechargeable for up to 16 hours of sound. This little gadget also syncs to your device for use as a Bluetooth speaker, and the top pops off and rotates in any direction.

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9. Plan Your Way To An Ideal Life

Law of Attraction Success Planner, $30, Amazon

The Law of Attraction planner breaks down each of your goals into easy steps with vision boards, to-do lists, and other unique roadmaps that'll guide you to success. Unlike boring traditional planners, this one gives you tools to help you be more productive, efficient, and attract positivity in any area of your life.

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10. The Best Tools To Clear Your Skin

ElleSye UBeauty 5-in-1 Blackhead Remover Kit, $6, Amazon

Whether you want to live out your wildest Dr. Pimple Popper dreams or simply need to take care of a few blemishes, this multifunctional, dermatologist-grade extraction tool kit will help you clear your skin safely and effectively. The stainless-steel tools feature an antibacterial coating to keep things sanitary, and the surgical precision of the tools can help minimize scarring.

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11. This Flexible Tripod That Suits Your Mobile Lifestyle

LOHA Flexible Tripod, $25, Amazon

Your life demands many angles, and it's ridiculously lame that tripods only stand on the floor. Not this one. It has three flexible legs that can lower the angle or wrap around poles, and it works with smartphones, digital cameras, and webcams up to 3.75 inches wide.

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12. Keep Your Shoes and Socks Smelling Fresh

Charcoal Deodorizing Bags, $16 (12 Packs), Amazon

Exercise is great for your mind and body, but your feet? Not so much. Fortunately, stinky shoes are no match for the odor-eliminating powers of these deodorizers, which use odorless charcoal to keep things smelling fresh and inhibits bacteria growth. These work on nearly anything that can retain odors, so think about snagging one for your laundry basket, gym bag, or even refrigerator.

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13. This Practical Phone Case And Wallet

iPhone 6 Wallet Case, $20, Amazon

For a night out when you really don't feel like carrying a bag, you can keep all your essentials in one place with the iPhone 6 wallet case. It has a hinged back that holds your money, cards, and ID, and it doubles as a kickstand for watching videos or FaceTiming.

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14. Boost Your Mood And Relax With Essential Oils

Your Spirit Space Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser and Humidifier, $21, Amazon

Looking to elevate your Me Time? A soothing aromatherapy diffuser may be just what you need to add some spa-like serenity to your home. When paired with essential oils (sold separately), this quiet diffuser releases a restorative, rejuvenating mist into the air to help you breathe easier, sleep better, boost your mood, and improve cognitive function. It manages to do all of this at an affordable price point and while looking stylish.

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15. Treat Yourself To A More Comfortable Seat

Perfect Posture Memory Foam Cushion, $40, Amazon

Whether you're a road warrior, a desk dweller, or just a lover of streaming video, you most likely spend a lot of time sitting down. Treat your tush to a more comfortable seat with memory-foam cushion, which coaxes your body into having better posture while simultaneously reducing pressure on your lower back, tailbone, and hip bones. The outer shell can be machine washed, so you're cleared to bring it along with you on long car rides, plane trips, or even to a stadium. No matter where you go, you'll be sitting comfortably.

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16. A Mask for Each Day of the Week

Reskin Cosmetics Monday to Sunday One Week Treatment Sheet Masks, $17, Amazon

Take the guesswork out of skincare with this week-long, mask-treatment regimen. Each day's mask is designed to give your skin the love it most needs on that particular day: Think soothing (Tuesday, because...Tuesday), vitalizing (Fri-yayyy!), and energizing (Sunday, when it's time to charge up for the week to come). The 100% pure cotton sheet mask is gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin.

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17. This Effective And Efficient Tool

Tweezerman Facial Hair Remover, $17, Amazon

Peach fuzz is a part of life, but dealing with it can be easy with this facial hair remover by Tweezerman. It uses coil-spring technology to remove any hair that plagues you with ease (Think: upper lip, chin, or cheeks — leaving your face feeling soft and smooth). Unlike tweezers, it removes multiple hairs at once, and it does so with less pain. Backed by the reputable Tweezerman name, your order will also include a pair of tweezers for precise plucking.

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18. Get Smoother And Softer Skin, Naturally

My Konjac Sponge With Pink Clay, $10, Amazon

From the damaging sun to the blistering cold, the elements can wreak havoc on your skin. This all-natural sponge is made from pink clay and fibers from the Konjac plant, which work together to rejuvenate dry, tired-looking skin. The gentle exfoliation helps remove dead cells and other impurities from your skin, improving its texture and adding brightness and life back into its appearance. Use with your favorite facial cleanser, or you can actually just use it on its own (which is pretty cool!).

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19. A Reading Light That Harnesses The Sun's Power

Sun King Portable Solar Lantern, $20, Amazon

Simple and easy, this portable solar lantern powers up with the sun and can be removed from its stand, making this an awesome reading light or emergency lamp. You get 70 plus hours off of one single charge, and it's rugged and durable for use during camping or backpacking.

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20. Cleaning is a Breeze With These Brilliant Slippers

Evriholder Microber Slipper Genie, $12, Amazon

In a perfect world, we'd all come home after a long day of work or school and have enough energy to deep-clean our homes until they sparkle, but somehow that's never the reality. Sliding on a pair of microfiber, floor-cleaning slippers, though? Now that's doable. Dirt, dust, and hair cling onto the washable soles, so even if all you have the energy for is a few trips to the fridge, you can still have clean floors.

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21. This Genius Rolling Pin That Measures And Adjusts

Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin, $20, Amazon

If you're a baker, you know how annoying it is to get an even roll out of your dough. The Joseph Joseph adjustable rolling pin has four removable disks that let you choose your dough's thickness, and it's made from solid beech construction with measurements etched on the wood.

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22. Sleep In Spa-Like Surroundings Every Night

Cosy House 4 Piece Bamboo Bed Sheets, $38, Amazon

You spend about a third of every day curled up in your bed, so if there were ever a time to treat yourself to something nice, this would be it. A silky-soft set of bamboo sheets can help you catch better zzz's by keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer – plus, the naturally hypoallergenic material keeps the allergens at bay. The sheets are even wrinkle-resistant to help you rock that sophisticated-adult look.

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23. Naturally Detoxify Your Skin

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, $15, Amazon

If your modern-day mix of beauty products isn't cutting it for you, a detoxifying clay mask may be what you need. It may sound counterintuitive, but yes, putting clay on your face can give you a radiant glow, shrink pores, and even improve your circulation. The clay mask works to rejuvenate hair, as well, and add some life back into your locks.

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24. Handles Like Putty, Sticks Like Glue

Sugru Moldable Glue, $22, Amazon

Whether you're sticking things together or creating a casing for something, Sugru moldable glue starts off like a putty and hardens into a reliable and durable glue. It's UV resistant, waterproof, and electrically insulating, so you can use it on everything from ceramics to wires.

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25. Organize Your Cords And Keep Chargers From Slipping

iGotTech Cable Clips & Cord Management System, $10, Amazon

The iGotTech cable clips and cord management system comes with six multicolored two-wire organizers that can stop chargers from slipping off your bedside table and wires from tangling on your desk. They have ultra-sticky pads that adhere to any surface, and people are saying things like, "I love these things! My desk would literally be a jungle of cables if not for these little guys."

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26. For A Mild Workout While You're Working

Platinum Fitness Pedal Exerciser Leg Machine, $45, Amazon

If you spend all day at a desk, the Platinum Fitness pedal exerciser leg machine pretty much turns your computer chair into an exercise bike. It folds up for easy travel, has a strap that secures it to your chair, uses a 5 function LCD display to track your progress, and actually delivers a moderate workout.

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27. This Beauty Staple That Covers Tons Of Bases

Schizandu Organics Activated Charcoal Powder, $16, Amazon

If you're the slightest bit into beauty, this Schizandu Organics activated charcoal powder covers a whole lot of bases. Because it's naturally super absorbent, it works to whiten your teeth, clear up breakouts, unclog pores, and (since it's food-grade) even help with stomach aches or hangovers.

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28. This Practical Tool For Emergencies And Campers

Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio, $33, Amazon

Amazing when it comes to power outages or camping trips, the emergency solar hand crank radio is a practical person's best friend. There are three ways to charge it (crank, solar, or USB), and it gives you access to a radio, a bright LED light, and a USB port phone charger.

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29. This Genius Personal Blender With A To-Go Mug

Oster My Blend 250-Watt Blender With Travel Sports Bottle, $18, Amazon

Smoothie for one? Don't waste your time dirtying the entire blender. This Oster blender blends fruits and shakes directly in a 20 ounce sports bottle, so you can grab it and go. It has a powerful motor and durable stainless steel blades, so everything gets pulverized, including your daily fruit and veggie intake.

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30. A Travel-Friendly Blanket For Whenever You Need A Seat

TheCozy Adventures Sand Free Compact Beach Blanket, $18, Amazon

This compact blanket is an innovative and durable mat that's waterproof, sand proof, dust proof, quick-drying, and includes a stainless steel carabiner and stakes so that you can secure it. The mat accommodates up to four people and folds up into a pouch that fits in the palm of your hand. That means that it's a great addition to your car's trunk for all those times you said to yourself, "Man, I wish I had something to sit on for this concert/camping trip/impromptu beach visit."

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31. Get Glowing Skin With The Help Of Green Tea

Neogen Gauze Peeling Green Tea Pads, $25, Amazon

These unique gauze pads are made with wine to exfoliate your skin to help it look smoother and clearer. Simply swipe the gauze pad across your face after cleansing to reveal the glowing, healthy-looking skin underneath. (Use two to three times per week for best results!)

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32. This Five In One Indoor Grill For Any Meal

Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler, $69, Amazon

Bring the barbeque indoors with this Cuisinart 5-in-1 griddler, which functions as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle. It can make everything from steaks to pancakes, it's got removable plates for easy clean-up, and it's got adjustable temperatures for any meal. "I use this almost every day!" says one thrilled reviewer. "It's perfect for just about everything. And oh my god, the Paninis are so good!"

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33. For Travelers Or Bug-Out Bags

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, $17, Amazon

Whether you're an avid traveler or just prepared for the zombie apocalypse, the LifeStraw personal water filter is a necessary addition to your car or suitcase. It removes almost 100 percent of waterborne bacteria and parasites, all without chemicals and using only a simple sipping motion.

34. This Kitchen Gadget For Stripping & Chopping Veggies

Chef'n Kale, $8, Amazon

This cute little kitchen gadget called the Chef'n Kale is awesome if you love your vegetables. It has multiple sized holes that make it super easy to strip the stems from kale, collards, chard, and herb leaves, and the bottom is a functional rocking knife that helps you chop all of it.

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35. A Utility Rack That Adjusts To Your Tools

Anybest Utility Rack, $10, Amazon

For convenient, reliable storage for just about anything, there's the Anybest utility rack. It holds everything from brooms to screwdrivers with its 16 slots and automatic ball-adjustments that firmly grasp handles of every size, and reviewers are saying things like, "This is a very good, simple to install, simple to use storage solution."

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36. A Pair Of Workout Gloves With A One-Year Warranty

Trideer Workout Gloves (Sizes XS - XXL), $13-$15, Amazon

These workout gloves come in tons if sizes, so they'll fit just about anyone. The company will also replace them within 12 months, making them a pretty safe bet — even for people who are notoriously hard on their stuff.

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37. This Voice-Activated Companion For Daily Tasks

Echo Dot, $30, Amazon

The Echo Dot is a voice-activated speaker (also known as Alexa) that can control your music, Bluetooth devices, and smart hook-ups. With a few words, you can play your favorite playlist, turn on any smart lights in your home, check the weather, make a to-do or shopping list, order a pizza, or get your daily news.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

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