55 Weird, Clever Things For Your Home That'll Impress The Hell Out Of People
You’ll be itching to invite people over.
When my friends come over to visit, I love to serve snacks in fancy dishes, pour wine in pretty glasses, and otherwise elevate the experience. Sometimes a clever lighting element, a piece of decor, or an unnecessarily adorable kitchen tool is all it takes to make an event feel like more than a few people standing around awkwardly consuming food and beverages. Bonus points if that slick item serves to break the ice and get the party started. Here are 55 weird, clever things for your home that’ll impress the hell out of people.
01This Strange & Cool Lamp
Create mood lighting and visual interest at the same by setting this magnetic filament light on the dining or bedside table. It’s rechargeable so it can move with the party — and go on a picnic — and it creates a delightful pool of light while looking like it escaped from a science lab. “The light is like a string,” said one reviewer. “It's so cool!”
02A Cleaning Kit That Has Thought Of Everything
Could this paper towel holder solution be any more helpful? It keeps a roll of paper towels handy and the spring-loaded arm makes it easy to grab a paper towel one-handed. When you decide to hit some chores, though, grab it and take it with you. It has a spray bottle secreted in the center and a phone holder so you don’t miss a call.
03This Animated Trash Can For Your Desk
Instead of littering the top of your desk or bedside table with tissues and wrappers, you will have to clean up later, stash them all in this adorable desktop trash can that looks like a robot cat. It has a motion sensor so that when you want to toss trash, its expression changes and the lid opens. “Just adorable,” said one reviewer. “A cute and functional trash can.”
04A Pasta Spoon & Cheese Grater Shaped Like A Monster
Your next dinner party will be so much more fun (and impressive), when you bust out this multipurpose pasta spoon. It is great for serving pasta, has a back that allows you to grate cheese, and also doubles as a conversation piece. “It’s a spoon with an eyeball as a handle, cant get any cooler than that,” says one reviewer.
05The Trick For Turning Books Into Shelves
Turn your books into functional art with this floating bookshelf. Once you load a volume or two onto the shelf, it looks as if the books are the shelf. Set a piece of art on them. Or create curated literature collections and turn the books themselves into a display. “I used these on the side of my bed to make bookshelves, literally,” said one reviewer. I [...] use the hanging books as my nightstands.” They come in two sizes and two colors.
06Magical & Magnetic Slender Vases
Put a single rose in this flower vase to create a table layout that is elegant and mysterious. How does that slender vase stand on its own? (Spoiler: The powerful magnetic base is hidden under the tablecloth.). This is a set of five so you can get creative with the table layout. Choose gold or silver.
07A Solution To Your Wet & Messy Sink Area
Nestle this stone sink tray around the kitchen faucet to elegantly eliminate the mess that accumulates there. Set the sponge and soap dispenser on it and enjoy the look. It is made from diatomaceous earth, which rapidly absorbs water and dries astonishingly fast so that sink area will stay dry. It comes in three colors and two sizes. This one is a favorite amongst Bustle editors.
08A Bath Mat That’s Made Of Stone
Set this diatomaceous earth bath mat next to the shower to create a modern, minimalist effect in your guest bathroom while eliminating one repetitive chore from your life. It absorbs water quickly and then dries at an astonishing rate, making this stone substance perfect for this task. It won’t collect water so there is no worry about mold. And that means you rarely have to wash it. It comes in three colors.
09This Frog That Brews Tea
Every cup of tea can be a fun aquatic adventure once this tea frog infuser is in your tea kit. Fill its belly with leaves and drop the adorable amphibian into hot water. You will have someone to talk to while your tea brews and every teatime will have character. There are five aquatic creatures to choose from.
10The Mason Jar Night-Light
Go all in on your love of Mason jars and farmhouse decor by plugging this Mason jar night-light into any outlet. It evokes summer evenings and fireflies trapped in jars to illuminate the bathroom or kitchen in the night. It comes on automatically at night and turns off again when the lights are on.
11Flowers Made Of Cotton Swabs
This clever four-pack of Q-Tip holders turns an everyday item into an adorable display. Keep a few cotton swabs on the bathroom counter for guests to find and use. Those everyday tools will be transformed into what looks like the stamen of a lovely Lotus flower. You can use toothpicks, too, on a table setting. “Such a clever idea!” said one reviewer.
12A Serving Dish On A Lazy Suzan
This appetizer set quickly turns a few condiments and snacks into a small-plate meal. The bowls fit neatly together on top of a bamboo lazy Susan, making it the perfect accessory to pair with a charcuterie board or to set on the table during a meal. “Love this serving tray,” said one reviewer. “The sections come apart for easy filling and cleaning.” There are seven configurations to choose from.
13A TP Holder With A Secret Stash
This toilet paper holder adds a secret stash to the bathroom and makes it easier to keep toilet paper on hand. With two TP dispensers, you lessen the risk of panic moments when there is no toilet paper within reach. And the cute bamboo box with a slide-out lid is the perfect place to stash wipes. When closed, you have a place to set your phone. It comes in three colors.
14The Album Stand To Display What’s Playing
Turn your living room into a hipster heaven with this vinyl stand that displays the LP that’s currently spinning. The stylish wooden stand has a light-up acrylic sign that reads, “Now Playing,” so everyone can see what’s up. There are eight style options to choose from. “This a perfect addition to our ‘lounge’!” said one reviewer. “I love displaying the album we are playing while enjoying a cocktail.”
15A Chair Cover That Deliciously Fuzzy
Turn any chair into the lap of luxury by covering the seat with this sheepskin chair cushion cover. Cozy year round, this sheepskin regulates your temperature and is deliciously soft. “It fits perfectly on my office chair and stays put when you sit on it and when you get up,” said one reviewer. It comes in 14 colors and three sizes.
16Flowers That Are A Lamp
Flowers are great but can they also serve as lighting? This flower table lamp can. It creates a soft, warm ambiance on the mantle, as part of a table setting, or in your entryway. The flowers look beautiful when the light is off, too. It comes in two colors.
17This Adorable, Pensive Lamp
Set this adorable table lamp on a shelf, bedside table, or mantle, and tap him to turn on the light. Choose from several contemplative postures to evoke the right mood for your room. Or invest in a small army of them, in different poses, to create humorous vignette lighting. There are 17 options.
18Cute Toast Tongs Shaped Like A Bunny
With Bernie Bunny on the job, you will never burn your fingers on toast again. These bamboo tongs can handle the heat for you. And the long ears stick up from the bunny base so you can set it on the counter next to the toaster. “So cute and they work like a charm!” said one reviewer.
19A Beautifully Engineered Butter Dish
This butter dish is a genius innovation that completely solves the butter situation. The butter ramps make it easy to catch a slab of butter. The dish sits on raised feet so your counter won’t get buttery. And the magnetic lid keeps the butter knife always at hand. It comes in seven colors and two sizes. “The magnetic feature to hold the butter knife is pure genius!” said one reviewer.
20A Kitchen In A Box You Can Take With You
This collapsible colander is like a kitchen in a box. Keep it stashed in your camper or in a drawer in your house so you are always ready for an impromptu meal. Use the colander to wash fruits and veggies. Then use the knife and grating kit built into the lid to prep the meal. “It's incredibly convenient to have a two-in-one solution that ensures no wasted water and less mess to clean up,” said one reviewer.
21A Fitted Sheet With Pockets
Where has this fitted sheet with a pocket been all my life? No more losing the phone or remote in the bed while bedrotting. And the silky microfiber of the sheets is delicious to the touch. It comes in 11 colors and every imaginable bed size. “The pocket is genius, plus it fits perfectly on the mattress, [and] feels good to sleep on,” said one reviewer.
22Slippers That You Can Give Out To Guests
If you plan to entertain weekend guests — or travel yourself — keep this big pack of disposable slippers on hand. Offer a pair to a guest. Toss a pair in your suitcase when you travel. They are soft and comfortable and have a textured EVA sole for safety, even on slippery floors. They come in two sizes and two colors.
23This Wearable Blanket With A Big Pocket
When the popcorn is ready and your movie is cued up, pull on this clever blanket with marsupial pocket and get cozy. Tuck your feet in and they won’t stick out again and get cold. Put your hands into the front pocket. You will be so deliciously warm, no matter how cold it is outside. It comes in four colors.
24This Candle That’s A Dr. Pepper
Wouldn’t you like to be a pepper? You don’t have to drink a sugary beverage to join the pepper crowd. You can be an interesting breed simply by lighting this Dr. Pepper candle. It looks like a 12-ounce can of Dr. Pepper and smells exactly like the soda. You will no longer feel alone in a crowd.
25Handy Rolling Plant Stands
This planter caddy makes it so easy to move your large houseplants around you will wonder why you ever struggled with them. It works well for plants on the porch or deck, too. The metal base is sturdy and four casters slide easily over the floors. This is a pack of four.
26A Tree That Transforms Into Trivets
Set this cute wooden tree on the counter or dining table as decoration. When someone threatens to destroy that surface by setting a hot pan or serving dish on it, grab a leaf. Each row of leaves opens up to form a star-shaped trivet. It’s like a transformer but for home decor. “I love when decor and function blend together perfectly,” said one reviewer. “I love how they lay flat when you put anything on them and store away to look like a beautiful tree.” There are two colors.
27This Swivel Stand For The TV Or Your Monitor
Do you wish you could turn the TV or a monitor to face the chair you are sitting in? Set it on this clever swivel base stand and it will turn easily. It requires no installation. Just set the TV on the heavy-duty lazy Suzan. It has grippy feet so it will stay put and the TV will rotate easily without damaging your furniture.
28A Tissue Box Cover That Looks Like A Stack Of Books
Turn that ugly tissue box into a fun conversation piece by loading it into this decorative tissue box cover that looks like a stack of books. It opens at the top so you can slot a box of tissues inside. Choose from three different colors to match your space.
29A Clever Hack For Handling Hangers
This hanger organizer is the closet organization tool that you didn’t know you needed. Instead of hanging the hanger back on the rod when you wear a garment, drop them here. You won’t have to hunt the closet for a hanger when you put away clothes. “Hangers take up so much room when hanging,” said one reviewer. “In a pile, they get messy fast. This product was a game-changer!”
30A Spice Rack That You Can Stick To The Fridge
Turn the side of your fridge into the spice rack of your dreams with these magnetic spice containers that stick right to it. The clear lids let you see what’s in each one and the 96 included labels make sure there is no confusion. Turn the lid to shake out the spice or remove it to scoop. This is a pack of 20.
31A Strainer That Hangs On Your Sink
Hang this diminutive sink strainer from the side of your sink and make it easy to empty dirty plates, rinse vegetables, and more. It sits, waiting, to catch whatever you drop in it and lets liquid drain out the bottom. “Perfect for those without a disposal,” said one reviewer. “[It] saves me from dumping food bits down the drain.” It comes in black or stainless steel.
32A Whipped Cream Creator
Put down the whisk. This cream whipper will turn your heavy cream into delicious whipped cream with much less effort. It has other uses, too. Use it to inject alcohol into fruit, to whip up fluffy eggs, or to make mousse. “You put in liquid, and out comes a cloud of heavenly fluffiness!” said one reviewer. “It's like having a dessert fairy in your kitchen.”
33A Power Strip That Clamps To The Desk
Wouldn’t it be great if you could plug your phone, laptop, and other gear in without crawling around on the floor to find a plug? Meet the desk clamp power strip. It puts five plugs right on top of your desk. They won't slide around and fall off the desk, either. They are clamped on. Genius.
34Adorable Leaf Bowls For Jewelry
Set this leaf-shaped trinket tray on your bathroom vanity or dresser so you have a safe place to put your jewelry when you take it off. They bring a pop of color to the space, look pretty with or without jewelry in them, and are sized perfectly for the task. This is a pack of two.
35A Foaming Soap Dispenser That’s Cute & Fun To Use
Mounting this cute rechargeable, foaming soap dispenser to the wall gets one piece of clutter off your counter while making hand or dishwashing easy and fun. It automatically dispenses a foamy dollop of soap into your hand or sponge when you wave a hand under it. “It's the best for the kitchen sink where I don't want to touch anything with dirty hands. And it looks nice too!” said one reviewer.
36A Hack For Creating Museum Lighting
Elevate your art to museum style with this two-pack of wall picture lights that throw a wash of light over the image. This not only illuminates the art but creates soft, layered lighting in your room. These require no wiring. Mount the base to the wall and stick the rechargeable lights to the base. Use the remote and timer function to set when they come on and turn off. They come in black or white.
37This Clever Way To Store Shoes
This wall-mounted shoe rack is a super clever way to store shoes in your closet or entryway. Dropping shoes into the rack is so easy that you will always do it. And it keeps the shoes off the floor, tidy, yet easy to find. “This is the perfect solution next to our garage entrance,” said one reviewer. “No more stepping on my kids' shoes!” They come in two colors.
38Popcorn Boxes For Movie Night
Sharing a big bowl of popcorn on movie night comes with challenges. Do you let everyone dig into the bowl or distribute the snack into individual bowls? The first option leads to a huge mess. The second means there will be a lot of dishes. This 20-pack of popcorn boxes solves the problem and adds to the cinema experience. “They simply pop open and they’re ready,” said one reviewer. “They’re cute and give the movie room an authentic vibe!”
39Storage Bins That Are Sized Perfectly
These plastic storage baskets are the perfect tool for creating order in an under-sink area, pantry, and on storage shelves. They have handles to facilitate getting them in and out of cupboards and it’s easy to see what’s in them. They nest together when not in use so you can keep a stack of them handy and build your storage solution at your own pace.
40Peelers That Make Fast Work Of Veggies
If you have carrots or potatoes to peel, pull on these finger peelers and turn your hands into tools. They provide a better grip on the peeler, give you better control, and help you work faster. And this is a four-pack so you can easily rope other people into helping. “The best [...] peelers I have ever found for my weak, arthritic hands,” said one reviewer. “They work well for left or right-handed use.”
41Storage For Your Guests’ Umbrellas
The secret to using an umbrella consistently is having a place to put it when you walk in the door. That way you will know where to find it when you walk out the door. This umbrella stand rack is an excellent solution. Not only does it give the umbrellas a home, but it also lets them drip dry without making a mess, fits into tight spaces, and holds 10 umbrellas. It comes in black or white.
42A Better Toilet Brush
Tired of looking at an ugly, utilitarian toilet brush every time you go into the bathroom? Let’s face it. Everyone knows where that thing has been. This cute, wall-mounted wooden toilet brush is just as convenient but you don’t have to stare at that dirty thing. The front of its storage bin easily pops open, though, to let loose a highly effective, curved brush that does the job right. Choose from four color and feature options.
43Matching Casserole Dishes For A Dinner Party
This casserole dish set will help you get dinner on the table. The white ceramic showcases your creations so you can take them right from the oven to the table. The set of four nests together so they are easy to store and the size is perfect for tucking into even the smallest kitchen.
44A Trick For Making Cheap Wine Better
Everyone who sips wine at your house will be convinced that you dropped a lot of money on that $10 bottle of wine if you pour it through this red wine aerator. It adds the perfect amount of air to the vino on its way to the glass so that sip tastes well above its price point. Can’t finish the bottle? Use the stopper to stop the wine from degrading until you can.
45This Vacuum Sealer For Mason Jars
Make your Mason jar storage system even better by dropping this vacuum sealer kit on top of the jar, tapping the button, and waiting while it removes the air so your goods stay fresh longer. No bugs will survive in your grains. Air won’t stale your nuts. “I have sealed fruit, salads, veggies, dinner leftovers, and sauces,” said one reviewer. “Everything [...] lasted at least two weeks.”
46A Better Way To Organize Plastic Bags
Life is irritating enough. You don’t have to battle with a drawer full of storage bag boxes that don’t quite fit. Ditch the boxes and move all the bags into this bag storage organizer. It dispenses each size you own, fits in the drawer, and looks good doing it. It comes with labels so you can customize it for the bags you use.
47The Easy Way To Move An Outlet
When an outlet is wreaking havoc with your interior design plans, this cord concealer kit is an easy fix. Plug the flat outlet cover into the offending plug and place the two power strips in a better spot. Now you can put that bookshelf or furniture where you want it and still access the power. It comes with adhesive strips to secure the wires to the wall.
48Light Pucks That Change Color
Create whatever style of lighting you like anywhere in your home with these color-changing puck lights that stick on and run on batteries. Use the remote to choose a light color or pattern, adjust the brightness, and to set timers so your lights turn off automatically. You can also tap the lens to turn them on and off. This is a pack of six.
49A Jar Opener That Will Change Your Life
Thus under-cabinet jar opener is a game changer. You will never find yourself hurting your hand to get a pickle, slapping the salsa jar, or wandering the halls looking for someone beefy enough to get your pasta sauce open. Push that lid into the jaws of this baby and turn. You can use both hands. It gets any lid, of any size, open.
50This Easy Towel Hook
There is always a spot in the kitchen or bathroom that needs a hook to hang a towel from. Creating that place doesn’t have to be a huge production involving power tools. You can peel and stick this towel hook there and go on with your life. This is a pack of four. They come in five colors. “Easy to install, works great, and looks good too,” said one reviewer.
51Beautiful Colorful Wine Glasses
When you set the table with this set of six goblet wine glasses, your guests will love the gorgeous palette of colors you created. Each glass is a different, rich color. “This set of wine glasses will look great in your display cabinet and will impress you and your guests when filled with your favorite wine,” said one reviewer.
52This Cute Sloth Plant Holder
This adorable hanging planter will take good care of your plant and it’s always nice to have a sloth hanging around the house. “This little sloth is ridiculously cute,” said one reviewer. “Will hold a small pot or you can fill his belly with dirt and plant directly in him.” It comes in two colors.
53A Better Measuring Cup
This adjustable measuring cup brings an ease and precision to your baking that you can’t get with the average set of measuring cups. Set it to the amount the recipe calls for and fill it up. Then push the measured ingredient out and into your bowl. It is particularly useful for semi-solids like peanut butter and cream cheese. “Tired of losing half your honey or PB scraping out the measuring cup?” asked one reviewer. “Use this measuring cup.”
54This Shelf That Sticks To The Stove
Create a storage shelf right where you need it in the kitchen by sticking this magnetic stovetop shelf to the top of your stove. It’s the perfect spot to keep the oil and a few often-used spices and it requires no installation or counter space. It also stops items from falling behind the stove. “This magnetic [shelf] is so convenient and 100% simple,” said one reviewer. “Slap it on the top and you're done.”
55A Puzzle That Traps A Wine Bottle Inside
Turn a bottle of wine into a gift and a game by wrapping it up in this wine puzzle before you hand it over. The party — or a recipient you have singled out — will have to solve the puzzle before drinking the wine, which adds to the fun. “Hilarious watching my slightly intoxicated mother-in-law attempt to solve this puzzle to get her next bottle of wine,” said one reviewer. “Keeps people busy for hours,” said another.