Thingummies, gimcracks, and whatnot! We’ve all got them, often from listicle recommendations or as an impulse-buy one browsing afternoon. Some are destined to a life in the junk drawer, but some wind up proving unexpectedly essential. What’s your current or all-time favorite?
My sister gave me a mini-whisk a few years ago, and at the time, I thought it was a little silly, but it's proven indispensable for making sauces, custards, pie fillings, and more. Mine is pretty close to the larger of these two, and the smaller one could be handy mixing up mini-batches of spice blends or other kitchen activities that aren't over heat: https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/mrs-anderson-39-s-baking-mini-whisks-set-of-2/1046084521
Do you, like me, have curly, but fine/soft hair that loves to curl but has next to zero volume at the crown? A curly/fine hair YouTuber introduced me to these curl keeper clips. I affix them to my still-damp hair after applying a little volumizing foam, let time take its course, et voila! A little bit of volume, which is 100% more volume than I'd get without using the clips! I'll add a link to the video in a reply (there are a bunch out there, this is just the first one I saw and the host did a nice job of explaining how she uses the clips): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J5P9LNY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This sponge holder sits over the middle of my sink divider, keeps my sponges from smelling bad, and goes in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Best extremely boring yet unexpectedly helpful $5 ever spent. https://www.umbra.com/products/saddle-sink-caddy
I don't have any specific links, but two things I've found useful: One, I have an immersion blender and I love it for making soups, sauces, and salad dressings. When my partner started living with me they were confused by it, but now they use it all the time. Two, I cannot stress how much of a joy it has been to buy a bunch of glasses-cleaning cloths and put them in every room in my home, my purse, the car, so I'm never more than six feet from smudge free glasses. Maybe that's obvious for most people, but for almost 30 years I just had the one cloth the eye doctor would give me and would have to either go find it or just view the world through a fog.
I’m incredibly picky about lip balm and this is the only one I’ve found that has SPF but doesn’t taste or feel weird. I got one as a promotional item at a health fair years ago and tracked down the manufacturer so I could buy a whole bunch and never be without them! And they’re only $3!
I bought myself two packs of these sticky notes recently and have found them to be a very pleasant way to force myself to make a list of things I need to get done at work each day.
They're so pleasant to look at that they make my write list on sticky note and stick in little notebook feel a little more organized than the very simple system that it is.
I got this in a Christmas gift bag and just put it on the table by my chair. Then one day I was struggling to open a package and being too lazy to get up I opened it up to try the scissors. They're actually a fine little pair of scissors. That inspired me to try the stapler, which also works just fine. I have full size versions of these in my desk, of course, but it's amazing how handy it is to have this within reach in the living room. It would be handy in a briefcase or along on a business trip. The scissors are even small enough to carry on a plane. https://www.michaels.com/makers-kit-mint-by-craft-smart/10593298.html
The No-Drip Cleansing Cuffs from LA Beautyologist: https://shop.labeautyologist.com/ (at the top of the page). It's such a simple solution to a vexing problem: Sudsy water dripping down your arms when you wash your face!
Okay, so this is a ladle, but it's a ladle with *flexible sides* so that while you're scooping your soup you can also be scraping the sides of the pot. IT'S SO GOOD. Because it's flexible you can even get right into the corner at the bottom of the pot.
I got the staples version of this as a gift and can’t find it now, but found basically the same thing on Amazon — a dispenser for hole reinforcement stickers that I use all the time in the office, and I don’t have to deal with a big roll of stickers Kokuyo Punch hole Reinforcement stmp https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B008Y9UN5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_F03P4X7Q7GJ5VF5NJW1X
I got an add for this hair oil in 2020, when I was coming off of a medication that made my hair shed and almost gave me a bald spot. The comments on their IG page were all glowing, and I figured that if the oil cost $10 and didn't work for me, at least I tried, right? Friends, it WORKS. Within a few months I had fuzz coming in the bare spot and 2 years later, it's almost grown completely back. https://hairgrowthco.com/
Open Thread: Unexpectedly Great Doo-Dads
My sister gave me a mini-whisk a few years ago, and at the time, I thought it was a little silly, but it's proven indispensable for making sauces, custards, pie fillings, and more. Mine is pretty close to the larger of these two, and the smaller one could be handy mixing up mini-batches of spice blends or other kitchen activities that aren't over heat: https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/mrs-anderson-39-s-baking-mini-whisks-set-of-2/1046084521
Do you, like me, have curly, but fine/soft hair that loves to curl but has next to zero volume at the crown? A curly/fine hair YouTuber introduced me to these curl keeper clips. I affix them to my still-damp hair after applying a little volumizing foam, let time take its course, et voila! A little bit of volume, which is 100% more volume than I'd get without using the clips! I'll add a link to the video in a reply (there are a bunch out there, this is just the first one I saw and the host did a nice job of explaining how she uses the clips): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J5P9LNY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This sponge holder sits over the middle of my sink divider, keeps my sponges from smelling bad, and goes in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Best extremely boring yet unexpectedly helpful $5 ever spent. https://www.umbra.com/products/saddle-sink-caddy
Tub Shroom, without question https://www.tubshroom.com/products/tubshroom-black-chrome-the-hair-catcher-that-prevents-clogged-tub-drains
I grow thyme and rosemary, and this thing is a godsend for prepping them (also great for stripping kale, chard, etc.): https://www.chefn.com/products/looseleaf-kale-and-greens-stripper
And I was always losing my car keys until I bought these and stuck one to the wall at eye level next to the door. https://www.target.com/p/command-decorative-hooks-black/-/A-78623105#lnk=sametab
I don't have any specific links, but two things I've found useful: One, I have an immersion blender and I love it for making soups, sauces, and salad dressings. When my partner started living with me they were confused by it, but now they use it all the time. Two, I cannot stress how much of a joy it has been to buy a bunch of glasses-cleaning cloths and put them in every room in my home, my purse, the car, so I'm never more than six feet from smudge free glasses. Maybe that's obvious for most people, but for almost 30 years I just had the one cloth the eye doctor would give me and would have to either go find it or just view the world through a fog.
I’m incredibly picky about lip balm and this is the only one I’ve found that has SPF but doesn’t taste or feel weird. I got one as a promotional item at a health fair years ago and tracked down the manufacturer so I could buy a whole bunch and never be without them! And they’re only $3!
https://aloeup.com/products/sport-spf-lip-balm
This safety cutter is so great for opening up packages (although I would not put it on a key chain like the listing says) and is magnetic too! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OOVC84/?th=1
These tiny spatulas are perfect for getting the last bits of condiments or lotions/serums/cleansers! I have one in my bathroom and in the kitchen
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NGDX6K8?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_GDXCAS350F2Z3K9J72Q8
I bought myself two packs of these sticky notes recently and have found them to be a very pleasant way to force myself to make a list of things I need to get done at work each day.
https://www.gettoworkbook.com/product/rainbow-to-do-list-sticky-note
They're so pleasant to look at that they make my write list on sticky note and stick in little notebook feel a little more organized than the very simple system that it is.
Using a fine grater instead of a small zester to zest lemons. https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/microplane-home-series-fine-paddle-grater-in-grey/1040787718?skuId=40787718&store=336&enginename=google&mcid=PS_googlepla_brand_brand_local&product_id=40787718&adtype=pla&product_channel=local&adpos=&creative=233266395762&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&gbraid=0AAAAAD2J7j4a8s7pUTUaaH7hBPjr1ykZn&gbraid=0AAAAAD2J7j4a8s7pUTUaaH7hBPjr1ykZn&gclid=CjwKCAjw6dmSBhBkEiwA_W-EoE-THTjnxp77aItrpCgITTnSq4T35xUHC1AeTXozgUAatdgK2RRwWxoC6YEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
This tiny 10,000 Lux light lamp I have for my office desk at work that is 3 in X 3 in has been a sheer gift! https://www.amazon.com/Light-Therapy-Sad-Happy-Lamp/dp/B07MG4JL45/ref=sr_1_56?keywords=10000+lux+light+therapy+lamp&qid=1649855485&sprefix=10000%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-56
I don't have windows in this office and it helps immensely. It's wee, it's got 3 settings, and it's easy to use. I love this tiny lamp.
I cannot live without a jarkey https://www.hsw.com.au/jarkey-jar-opener/
I used to let all my knives pile up at the side of my sink and only wash them when forced to, but now this little brush makes it so quick and easy I actually have clean knives when I cook! https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07GPZQ96L/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_ZQ85T12ADFYK12CZDJJ3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got this in a Christmas gift bag and just put it on the table by my chair. Then one day I was struggling to open a package and being too lazy to get up I opened it up to try the scissors. They're actually a fine little pair of scissors. That inspired me to try the stapler, which also works just fine. I have full size versions of these in my desk, of course, but it's amazing how handy it is to have this within reach in the living room. It would be handy in a briefcase or along on a business trip. The scissors are even small enough to carry on a plane. https://www.michaels.com/makers-kit-mint-by-craft-smart/10593298.html
The No-Drip Cleansing Cuffs from LA Beautyologist: https://shop.labeautyologist.com/ (at the top of the page). It's such a simple solution to a vexing problem: Sudsy water dripping down your arms when you wash your face!
Okay, so this is a ladle, but it's a ladle with *flexible sides* so that while you're scooping your soup you can also be scraping the sides of the pot. IT'S SO GOOD. Because it's flexible you can even get right into the corner at the bottom of the pot.
https://www.gir.co/products/ladle/?variant=26883344007232
I got the staples version of this as a gift and can’t find it now, but found basically the same thing on Amazon — a dispenser for hole reinforcement stickers that I use all the time in the office, and I don’t have to deal with a big roll of stickers Kokuyo Punch hole Reinforcement stmp https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B008Y9UN5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_F03P4X7Q7GJ5VF5NJW1X
I got an add for this hair oil in 2020, when I was coming off of a medication that made my hair shed and almost gave me a bald spot. The comments on their IG page were all glowing, and I figured that if the oil cost $10 and didn't work for me, at least I tried, right? Friends, it WORKS. Within a few months I had fuzz coming in the bare spot and 2 years later, it's almost grown completely back. https://hairgrowthco.com/
I love these tiny magnetic clips and often give them as a (little) housewarming gift — they just come in handy! OXO Good Grips Magnetic Mini Clips (8 Pack) - White/Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MFAFCH3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7SJ9PQDC9H7RTPFM55MK?psc=1
I bought a little square of "chain mail" for scouring crusties out of my cast iron skillet, and it's perfect: https://www.amazon.com/Ringer-Original-Stainless-Cleaner-Patented/dp/B00FKBR1ZG
If you have a hard time keeping the door to your front-load washer slightly ajar (or if the people you live with always keep it closed and thus stinky), I cannot recommend the Door-Doc enough: https://www.amazon.com/Door-Doc-Washer-Prevention-Washing-Machine/dp/B07NNSXVR9/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2PQ77WOW3PW7N&keywords=washing%2Bmachine%2Bdoor%2Bprop&qid=1649859625&sprefix=washing%2Bmachine%2Bdoor%2Bprop%2Caps%2C713&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUlJYVVk5WktOOUlDJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDk4Mzc4MzYwQ1NORVIwSjk1SiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzczNTA3MjdaV1UyWU5DQTlFMiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1
This bottle opener that actually reseals the bottle if you don't finish it is my fave: https://westmark.de/produktkatalog/en/bottle-opener-and-sealer-hermetus-61832270.html