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44 Clever Inventions On Amazon That Would Make Inspector Gadget Jealous

Amazon / Bustle

Good old Inspector Gadget. Has there ever been a cooler guy in an overcoat? Truly ahead of his time, the zany '80s cartoon character was always coming up with ridiculously futuristic gadgets and bizarre technical gizmos to help him in his crime-busting capers.

At the time, however, he couldn’t have predicted that half of the things he was inventing would one day become part of everyday life. Yet loads of the clever inventions on Amazon originated in Inspector Gadget’s cool lab. Beyond that, some of the most basic technology of our era was first thought up by the quirky police investigator — things like laptops, Bluetooth, and smartwatches. Even Siri was an idea previously put forth by the forward-thinking Inspector Gadget.

Yet even being as brilliant as he was, there were plenty of things we have today that the Gadget didn’t think of. Things like remote-control doorbells, tactical hair clips, voice-controlled light bulbs, or umbrellas with flashlights in the base. Many of these products would have made our favorite inspector absolutely green with envy. I mean, can you imagine what he would have done with a pen that worked as a secret voice recorder, or a paracord bracelet equipped with flints and a compass? The internet is overflowing with brilliant products on Amazon like these that would make him jealous beyond belief.

1. A Moldable Glue That Turns To Hefty Silicone Rubber Overnight

Sugru, Moldable Glue, $22 (8 Pack), Amazon

Literally everyone would benefit from owning a pack of Sugru, it's incredibly versatile. But if your living room is full of rolls of duct tape and half-completed DIY projects you saw on Pinterest, then you're really going to appreciate this genius invention. This moldable glue lets you stick the adhesive onto the item you're working with and shape it to your will with your bare hands. It isn't goopy or sticky like most glues and bonds overnight, morphing into strong silicone rubber. Sugru is fully waterproof and works on glass, ceramic, wood, metal, and most plastics.

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2. An Affordable Activity Tracker That Lets You Monitor Everything You Eat And Drink

Jawbone, Up Move Activity Tracker, $9, Amazon

Why spend hundreds of dollars on an expensive smartwatch when you can get most of the same benefits for under 10 bucks? This ultra-motivating activity tracker monitors steps, calories, exercise, and sleep, showing you exactly how much you are moving each day. It syncs with a companion app that lets you track the food you eat, how much water you're drinking, and what degree of nutrients you are receiving.

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3. An Automatic Egg Cooker That Makes Instant Omelet Tubes

Rollie, Automatic Egg Cooker, $30, Amazon

When you're in a hurry to get out the door in the morning, this automatic egg cooker will be a godsend. Just crack an egg or two into the Rollie and push a button. Six minutes later, a bizarre but delicious tube of cooked egg will pop out the top like a piece of toast. There are dozens of recipes for omelet-style creations you can make with the device and it comes with a recipe book to show you how.

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4. A Set Of Ear Buds That Magically Play Music Without Any Cables

Soundmoov, 316T Wireless Ear Buds, $38, Amazon

Imagine a world where you're listening to music in your headphones without cords tangling and twisting. These amazing wireless earbuds are built with TWS technology that syncs with your device almost instantly and delivers exceptional sound quality. The 450 mAh battery will play 3 hours of continuous music or podcasts on a single charge.

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5. A Robot-Like Contraption That Holds Your Phone While You Work

Aduro, Adjustable Gooseneck Phone Stand, $11, Amazon

This weird, bendable phone stand may look like the futuristic robot in Flight of the Navigator but it will hold your device like a boss. With a pliable gooseneck base, you can twist the 360-degree stand vertically, horizontally, sideways, or upside down, using it to keep your device handy while you work or study. It is compatible with smartphones, GPS devices, cameras, or any other electronic devices that measure up to 3 inches in thickness. It has a strong, durable clamp with a secure, rubberized grip.

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6. A Ballpoint Pen That Doubles As A Secret Voice Recorder

Alworth, Digital Voice Recorder Pen, $43, Amazon

Whether you're an aspiring secret agent or just want to take notes in class, this covert voice recorder pen is the perfect way to discreetly record conversations, lectures, speeches, and more. All you have to do is tap the button at the top while you're writing and your pen will start recording all of the noise around it. The pen works perfectly as a writing utensil with a sharp ballpoint and refillable ink cartridge. Yet the voice recorder function is crisp and clear, holding up to 192 hours of files and 16 GB of memory. Simply upload the files to your computer via USB to review.

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7. A Lightning Charger Adapter That Has A Super Strong Magnetic Connector

Anchenle, Magnetic Lightning Charger Adapter, $10, Amazon

This high-tech lightning charger adapter features a magnetic connector that ensures it will stay together while you juice up your device. The detachable gadget snaps on easily, reducing the wear and tear on your electronics that are typically created by repeatedly plugging in and unplugging of the cables. On top of offering a firm grip, the magnetic properties make it swifter to connect, allowing you to easily plug it in while in the car or driving.

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8. A Cool Gadget That Lets You Unlock Your Front Door With Your Phone

August, Smart Lock, $47, Amazon

Ever get halfway to work and wonder if you remembered to lock the door? Never worry again with this amazing smart lock that allows you to remotely lock and unlock your door from your phone. Use it to let friends into the house so you don't have to hide a key under the mat, or give access to house sitters and dog walkers. It's also a super convenient way to avoid fumbling with your keys forever — just tap your phone to open the door as you're walking up the steps. It will automatically lock behind you. As an ultra-futuristic bonus, the video-equipped device lets you view your doorstep from anywhere, making it a great security assistant, too.

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9. A Colorful Multi-Gadget That Cuts And Squeezes Every Fruit In Your Kitchen

NEX, Fruit Slicer Tool, $17, Amazon

Versatility acquires new meaning with this 10-in-1 fruit slicer that allows you to slice, dice, cut, and squeeze just about anything you could dream of putting in your fruit salad. It has an apple cutter, orange and citrus slicer, lemon and lime squeezer, avocado scoop, kiwi and strawberry mesh cutter, grapefruit squeezer, general fruit masher, zest grater, and five fruit picks. The grater can pulverize apples, fresh ginger, and citrus peels while the masher blends the ingredients. All of the gadgets nest into a unit that doubles as a serving bowl.

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10. A Genius Hair Barrette That Can Be Used To Open Your Beer — And SO Much More

Monkewy Business, Multi-Tool Hair Clip, $10, Amazon

Rather than carrying bulky knives and multi-tools in your purse, why not stash them in your hair clip? This genius hair barrette is the ultimate spy gadget, hiding everything you need to be handy in a small hair clip. The tiny tool functions as a serrated knife, box opener, screwdriver, ruler, and bottle opener, meaning that on top of cutting and unscrewing things, you can also use the beauty accessory to crack open a beer.

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11. A High-Tech Cooking Spoon That Stirs Itself Like Magic

StireMATE, Smart Pot Stirrer, $45, Amazon

Forget standing over a pot of stew monotonously stirring while your life ticks away. This brilliant automatic pot stirrer is the ultimate gadget for kitchen multi-tasking, ensuring that your food won't stick to the pot or burn at the edges so you can focus on other cooking to-dos like chopping, measuring, and blending. The self-adjusting gadget, which features a strong, high-torque gear motor, is compatible with any pot sized 6 to 12 inches in diameter.

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12. A Portable Bluetooth Speaker That Straps To Your Wrist Like A Watch

SVPRO, Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Watch, $12, Amazon

Bluetooth speakers are cool if you're staying in one place the whole time but what about when you're walking in and out of rooms as you do house chores or straighten up? This Bluetooth speaker watch straps onto your wrist, bringing the music with you wherever you go. Use it to listen to podcasts or crank music while you go for a run, walk the dog, drive around town, ride your bike, take a hike, or participate in other on-the-go adventures. The watch comes in nine colors and can also be used to take selfies or answer phone calls.

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13. A Futuristic Umbrella That Converts Into A Flashlight

Shangdongpu, Automatic Umbrella With Light, $18, Amazon

This fancy umbrella would make Inspector Gadget jealous and Mary Poppins, too. Built with an automatic flashlight at the bottom, the high-tech umbrella can be used to protect you from the wind and rain while illuminating the path ahead of you. It is super lightweight at just 360 grams, providing a slim, compact option you can slide in your purse without taking up much space. The high-quality metal frame is fully wind-proof and guaranteed not to flip inverted as soon as a small gust blows your way.

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14. A Strange, But Super Versatile Phone Stand That Looks Like A Spider

Rienar, Multi-Function Smartphone Holder, $5, Amazon

This bizarre smartphone holder, which looks like the Mars Rover, is made of alloy metal encased in flexible, soft-touch rubber. The contraption provides an extremely versatile way to hold your phone that won't scratch your desk or poke any surfaces. It is compatible with Apple, Nokia, and Samsung, as well as other electronic devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, and small e-readers.

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15. A Clever Measuring Gadget That Compresses All Of Your Teaspoons Into One Compact Utensil

AUS, Adjustable Measuring Spoon, $7, Amazon

Unlike bulky measuring cups and spoons cluttering your drawers, this fabulously convenient adjustable measuring spoon allows you to have an entire set in one sleek apparatus. Just use the slider, which features grooved thumbprints for an easy grip, to move the measurements back and forth.

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16. A Smart Notebook That Backs Your Sketches Up To The Cloud

Rocketbook, Everlast Reusable Notebook, $32, Amazon

When you're taking notes, there is something about writing with a pen that just feels better than typing. Plus, if you're drawing or sketching it is basically imperative. This cool smart notebook allows you to have the best of both worlds, writing and drawing with a regular-looking pen but still being able to save your projects to the cloud. With 36 reusable pages, you can sync everything to Google Drive or Evernote and once you've filled it up, simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth and start over.

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17. A Neon Green Overing Clock That Also Operates As A Fan

One Two, USB LED Clock Fan, $14, Amazon

This rotating clock fan looks like something out of a sci-fi movie with a neon green LED light and bendable USB neck that makes it hover next to your laptop while you work. The flexible gooseneck lets you aim the fan is whichever direction you please, offering blissful coolness while also keeping you aware of the time. "Works just like the picture," said one Amazon reviewer. "Even the second hands moves around. Good air movement too."

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18. An Automatic Callus Remover That Uses Micro-Minerals To Make Your Feet Silky Smooth

Emoji, Micro-Pedi Callus Remover, $13, Amazon

Never again deal with tediously filing down calluses with a pumice stone — this micro-pedi callus remover does the job for you in practically a second. With smooth, gentle vibrations, the small device buffs away dry skin and dead cells, leaving you with soft and silky feet. Best of all, it is blade-free, using instead micro mineral particles that pulverize dead skin upon contact.

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19. A Blissfully Toasty Set Of Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Zippo, Rechargeable Hand Warmers, $32, Amazon

There is nothing more heavenly on a freezing cold say that reaching your hands into your pocket and finding a warm, silky inferno waiting for them. These rechargeable hand warmers showcase powerful 5,200 mAh lithium-ion batteries that offer five adjustable heat settings up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The material is smooth to touch and feature ergonomic designs that fit your hands like a glove. When you're done using them, simply recharge the devices with a USB cable.

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20. A Hair Styling Device That Dries And Brushes Without Tangling

Vidal Sasson, Hot Air Brush And Dryer, $19, Amazon

With a 1-inch barrel featuring soft bristles that won't tangle your hair, this brilliant device is perfect for drying, brushing, and styling your lovely locks. You can lock the barrel into place to add volume or unlock it to release your hair, alternating between high and low heat settings. "I've been buying this hot air brush for about 5 years," said one Amazon reviewer. "Easy to use and adds a lot of bounce to your hair. Eliminates the need for a blow dryer in one hand and a brush in the other."

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21. A Set Of Tactical Bracelets To Make You A Survival Queen

X-Plore Gear, Emergency Paracord Bracelets, $10, Amazon

During an emergency, rope is everything — you can use it to bundle firewood, build shelters, repair fabric, dry clothes, build traps, fish for food, and a million other things. These awesome Bear Grylls-style paracord bracelets are the ultimate thing to keep you prepared, whether you like to camp, hunt, fish, or prepare for the zombie apocalypse. Each bracelet is constructed with a built-in flint fire starter, whistle, scraper, and compass to boost your survival tools. The bracelets come in three sizes and 37 color combinations.

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22. A Mini Humidifier You Can Take Anywhere To Moisturize The Air

Walkas, Mini LED Mister, $17, Amazon

If you'd like to have extra moisture in the air but don't want to lug around a giant humidifier, this mini mister is just the ticket. Perfect for folks who tend to get dry skin or raspy throats, the portable mister features an auto shut-off and the ability to spray for a continuous 4 hours. Powered by a rechargeable USB, it has seven color-changing LED lights you can either cycle through or select one of. The mister is ideal for cars, office desks, bedside tables, and small rooms.

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23. A Portable Natural Sunlight Lamp To Boost Your Energy With Light Therapy

Spehere Gadget Technologies, $40, Amazon

Do you start getting to feel a little down mid-winter, or lack energy due to the grayness and lack of sunlight? With a whopping 72 eye-optimized LED lights, this light lamp is the perfect solution, offering 10,000 lux of energy-inducing wide-spectrum white light. Mimicking natural sunlight, you can place it on your desk while you work, or set it down nearby as you read, breakfast, watch TV, or getting ready in the morning. Just 20 to 30 minutes of lamp use each day will boost your energy levels and help you sleep better.

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24. A Brilliant Hamburger Chopper You Can Use To Stir Your Meat

Good Cook, Hamburger Meat Chopper, $10, Amazon

With a soft nylon head that won't damage non-stick pans and a surface that's safe to heat up to 400 degrees, this fantastic hamburger smasher will help you make the best beef hash of your life. You can also use it for pork, poultry, and other foods. "Use this meat chopper almost daily and find that it has many uses in cooking," said one Amazon reviewer. "We have used it for breaking up ground chicken, hamburger, boiled eggs for egg salad, chopping tater tots for breakfast potatoes, etc. This little tool has made cooking and chopping so much easier and quicker. We love it!"

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25. A Refreshing Facial Mister To Cool You Down In The Summer And Keep Your Skin Hydrated

KINGDOM CARES, Facial Mist Sprayer, $25, Amazon

On a hot day, this portable facial mister will feel like a cool, refreshing spray from heaven. Using nano-mister technology, the device creates tiny nanometer particles via its portable atomization sprayer to penetrate your skin with deep moisture. The hydration also keeps your skin soft, supple, and blemish-free as the water molecules open your pores, clearing out trapped dirt and freeing excess oil. Best of all, the mister will provide hydration without ruining your makeup.

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26. A Stunningly Relaxing Facial Massager For At-Home Spa Treatments

Arishine, Golden Pulse Facial Massager, $19, Amazon

You don't need to pay a gazillion dollars for fancy spa treatments — this miraculous facial pulse massager gives you at-home relaxation, soothing your skin while keeping it hydrated. Built with a powerful motor that delivers roughly 6,000 pulsations per minute, the vibrating beauty bar moisturizes your skin while stimulating blood circulation and bolstering elasticity. It is fully waterproof so you can use it in the tub while you soak in your evening bubble bath and sip a glass of Cabernet.

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27. A Genius Pot Gripper To Keep Yourself From Getting Burned

TOPOKO, Gripping Pot Holder Clip, $10, Amazon

Forget oven mitts and terrycloth pot holders — this genius kitchen gadget provides an easier, more durable way to transport hot cookware. With a robust stainless steel head and frame, each tough pot gripper is capable of lifting up to 5 pounds with a single hand (or for heavier pots you can use both of them as a pair). The colorful devices clip on to the side of various sized pots, allowing you to safely lift hot plates, steamer baskets, air fryers, boiling pots, and microwave plates or bowls.

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28. A High-Tech Chamber That Cleans Your Phone By Zapping It With UV Light Rays

Phonesoap, UV Cell Phone Sanitizer, $60, Amazon

Instead of using sticky wet wipes or spraying your screen down with gross chemicals, simply put your device in this sanitizing UV chamber, shut the door, and 10 minutes later your phone is clean. The UV phone sanitizer uses UV-C light rays to kill bacteria, eliminating 99.99 percent of the germs found on electronics.

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29. A Color-Sensing Lamp That Changes Hues To Match The Environment

ThinkGeek, Huey The Glowing Chameleon Lamp, $25, Amazon

Better than ten million mood rings and all the Hypercolor T-shirts you can handle, this nostalgic chameleon lamp matches the color of whatever it is sitting on. Using color-sensing technology and hidden LED lights, "Huey" morphs into new color palettes to blend in with its surroundings. Place it on a black marble countertop, for example, and watch it go ominously dark; move it to the hardwood floors and see it morph into bright yellows and reds.

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30. A Set Of Silicone Sponges That Won't Makes Your Fingers Smell Nasty

Hush Bear, Silicone Sponge, $9 (3 Pack), Amazon

If your dish sponge gives "gross AF" new meaning, you need to check out these silicone sponge options. Made with textured scrubbing surfaces that are just as tough as any soft sponge, the sensationally fresh cleaning tools lift food and grime without retaining any odor. The antibacterial scrubbers are one hundred prevent mildew free, guaranteed not to leave your fingers smelling like wet kitchen funk.

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31. A Portable Mini Espresso Maker You Can Literally Carry In Your Purse

WACACO, MiniPresso Espresso Maker, $49, Amazon

Imagine being able to have an instant latte literally anywhere you go. This brilliant portable espresso maker is about 7 inches long and barely weighs 10 ounces. That means you can put it in your purse, stash it in your pocket, or keep it in your car or office. The handheld device features ultra-strong extraction pressure and a semi-automatic piston to control the flavor. It brews rich, delicious expresso on command any time your heart desires.

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32. A Small Black Box Containing Everything You Need To Survive

CHANGKU, Emergency Survival Kit, $20, Amazon

There's nothing that screams "go go, Gadget" like a survival kit that has 11 different tools to keep you alive. In one compact case small enough to fit in your glove compartment, the kit includes a flint stone, scraper, flashlight, EDC multi-tool, mini light, compass, tactical knife, whistle, tungsten steel pen, and emergency blanket. The sharp tactical knife has a robust spring-assist folding system and features accessories such as a bottle opener, seatbelt cutter, and emergency glass breaker.

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33. Glue-Free Fake Eyelashes That Go One With Magic Magnets

Arishine, Magnetic Eyelashes, $18, Amazon

Fake eyelashes might make you look feel like a babe but the glue is the absolute worst. Enter magnetic lashes. These lightweight miracle fibers are lined with magnets that make the application a breeze, sparing you the mess of glues and thick adhesives. "Wow, I was surprised at how nice these lashes look," said one happy Amazon reviewer. "The fibers are thin, soft, and feel like real lashes."

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34. A Self-Cleaning Brush With Retractable Bristles To Get The Hair Out Easily

Qwik-Clean, Self-Cleaning Hair Brush, $20, Amazon

Ripping wads of hair out of your brush after using it is not only a little gross but a completely inefficient way of removing them, too. This self-cleaning hair brush is a genius alternative, offering a clean and easy way to rid your brush of excess hair. The patented technology works with simple retractable bristles that slide into the brush, allowing you to wipe the hairs away in one fell swoop. The brush showcases stainless steel suspension, soft nylon bristles, and a firm ABS base.

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35. A Cube-Shaped Fidget Toy That Dissolves Stress Instantly

aSmallfish, Infinity Cube Fidget Toy, $10, Amazon

Melt your stress away and reduce anxiety with this fantastic cube-shaped fidget toy. The pocket-sized gadget is easy to bring to the office, use on the bus or train, or keep by your end table for moments where relaxation is needed. It is sleek and ergonomic with eight geometric blocks linked together with sturdy stainless steel. Flip it, fold it, twist it around for hours to ease anxiousness and improve your focus.

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36. A Portable Power Strip You Can Take With You Wherever You Go

AGPTEK, Portable Power Strip, $14, Amazon

With a 5-foot power cord, you can toss this convenient portable power strip in your bag to take with you to coffee shops, study sessions, or weekend excursions. The universal socket is equipped with four USB ports and powerful, fast-charging capabilities. "Great small package extension cord for those who travel and need to charge multiple devices," one excited Amazon user said. "My wife and I recently went to Europe and this made it so much easier to charge our US devices. One adapter and we could charge both our phones, my iPad, kindle, and run her hair straightener from the same box."

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37. A Smart LED Light Bulb You Can Control With Your Voice

Sengled, Smart LED Light Bulb, $10, Amazon

Compatible with Amazon Echo Plus, SmartThings, Wink Hubs, Alexa, or Google Assistant, this smart LED bulb allows you to control the light in your house with only your voice. Turn the lights on and off, dim them to different hues, and create schedules around your work or school day. On top of voice control, you can also monitor and control the light bulb remotely from your phone, allowing you to turn the lights off after you leave the house on days you rush out in a hurry.

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38. A Powerful Microdermabrasion Machine You Can Use To Give Yourself Facials At Home

Comedo, Microdermabrasion Machine, $65, Amazon

If you're someone who's prone to blackheads and blemishes, your life is going to change once you start using this device. Built with adjustable suction force technology, the astonishingly effective microdermabrasion machine opens pores, smoothes rough skin, exfoliates dead cells, unclogs blackheads, lifts grime, and strengthens your skin's elasticity. On top of all of that, it feels like a blissful massage on your face.

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39. A Mystery Kitchen Timer That Works Without A Switch Or Dial

Datexx, Miracle Cube Timer, $16, Amazon

Available in five colors including purple, green, blue, white, and yellow, this amazingly clever kitchen timer works without any sort of switch or dial. Each side features a number (5, 10, 20, or 30 minutes) and to activate it, you simply turn it on the side you wish. When the time is up, it will sound, making it perfect for cooking, as well as exercise or staying on task at work.

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40. A Drain Cleaner That Clears Clogs With Enormous Blasts Of Air

BAAM!HP, Drain Blaster Cleaner, $22, Amazon

This incredibly innovative drain blaster uses compressed air technology to clear your drain with a giant explosion of air, which means you'll never again have to dump noxious chemicals down your drain or tug at disgusting wads of hair and grime. It's powerful enough to clear food clogs, wadded up paper, and thick mattes of hair. The durable device, which keeps your drains chemical-free, can be used on sinks, tubs, and toilets.

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41. A Clever Gizmo That Morphs A Stick Of Butter Into Perfectly Shaped Cubes

RSVP International, Endurance Butter Slicer, $9, Amazon

Is there anything more annoying than attempting to spread butter on your toast in the morning and shredding it into tiny bits of bread? This genius butter slicer is built with sharp stainless steel wires that cut through hard butter in one fell swoop, leaving a row of perfectly even squares. The clever gadget can be used for breakfast toast, dinners rolls, or even to slice cheese.

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42. A Digital Polaroid Camera That Prints Mini Photos In Under A Minute

Polaroid, Snap Instant Digital Camera, $82, Amazon

Not only does this Polaroid camera delivers instant vintage nostalgia with cool 2-by-3-inch snapshots, it also saves the image on a memory card so you can have a digital copy, too. Take selfies and instantly print out copies for your friends — leave them around parties, stick them on the refrigerator, or give them to people you meet traveling. The camera features a sleek minimalist body and a 10-megapixel sensor to capture high-quality images. The device is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket and prints images in under a minute.

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43. An Impossibly Tiny Speaker You Can Put On Your Keychain And Take Anywhere

Idea Village, Boom Cube Speaker, $4, Amazon

Have music anywhere you go with this handy mini speaker. The tiny portable speaker is small enough to go on your keychain yet provides high-quality sound, which means you can listen to Spotify or stream a podcast from anywhere. The ultra-powerful rechargeable battery lasts up to 5 hours and the compact jack cord is only about an inch and a half in length.

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44. A Three-In-One Survival Tool That Can Start A Fire In Wind And Rainstorms

X-Plore Gear, Firestarter 3-In-1 Tool, $8, Amazon

Prepare to be the queen of the Doomsday Preppers with this effective survival multi-tool. Primarily a fire starter, the magnesium rod, and double-sided metal scraper are capable of starting a fire in wind and rain, allowing you to create a spark amid the roughest storm. It's strong and durable enough to spark thousands of times and compact enough to slide in your pocket. On top of all of that, it's also built with a magnetic compass and 150-decibel emergency whistle.

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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