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've only got a single sink, but I have a single-shelf version of this to hold my dish sponge, and unlike every other solution I've tried, it actually stays stuck to the tile above my sink. https://ca.umbra.com/products/holster-surelock-sponge-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.
Was literally wiping my smeary glasses on my shirt as I read this--hot damn! Also an immersion blender fan--I use it to make smoothies and milkshakes in a cocktail shaker! So much less hassle than an actual blender.
After 30 years of never having more than a couple of lip balms around, I now keep one in my purse, one in each of my coats/jackets, one on the bedside table. An "oh, that's so much easier" upgrade that costs all of $15 every few months, finally
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!
thanks for this recommendation! I am also very picky about the taste and feel and have yet to find one with SPF that works for me. I'm ordering this now!
I own this and can vouch for the joy it brings to my life! I have the magnet kind and I keep it on the side of the fridge. It is the greatest for Amazon boxes and Costco clamshell packages.
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.
Robust microplane forever! I was going through my kitchen tools drawer this morning and saw the tiny little 5-hole zester I haven't used in nearly 20 years and had to laugh a little. The poor thing is languishing!
SAME! The photo of this doo-dad making quick work of a grater (and presumably, it would do the same w/a microplane) is going to make this a purchase for me, too
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/
After wearing my double-processed hair up in a tighter-than-it-should-have-been bun for several years, I gave up both in mid-2020 bc I could see that it was messing with my hairline pretty badly on one side. My hair overall has recovered nicely thanks to a combination of switching to single-process color, wearing my hair down or very gently pulled back, and applying a hair oil to my edges in general and that thinned spot in particular. Can't wait to try this one & I'm so glad it's worked for you!
Clips of all kinds are so underrated! This set of very cute little animal face ones are some of the most useful items in my kitchen. I also use binder clips for storage/plastic bag reinforcement purposes in the kitchen & bathroom all the time. Lifesavers!
I don't have a cast iron skillet so I don't need one of these, but I have to admit that I always play with these when I see them in stores! Very satisfying! Possible fidget toy side use ;)
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
I absolutely love a mini whisk. Perfect for whisking any amount less than two cups, I need it a lot.
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
The helpful root clipping video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JdJ14YLfk4
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've only got a single sink, but I have a single-shelf version of this to hold my dish sponge, and unlike every other solution I've tried, it actually stays stuck to the tile above my sink. https://ca.umbra.com/products/holster-surelock-sponge-caddy
Tub Shroom, without question https://www.tubshroom.com/products/tubshroom-black-chrome-the-hair-catcher-that-prevents-clogged-tub-drains
I can't believe I don't have one of these already! ordering immediately!
Cosign on the Tub Shroom, and I recommend the Sink Shroom as well. Agree with the chrome option suggestion.
I keep meaning to pull the trigger on one of these. It's ridiculous that I haven't done so yet, as there are two of us with longer hair in this house
I dragged my feet too, and I’ve since upgraded to the chrome one from the plastic! I would pay double the price - worth every penny.
Worth. Every. Penny. I no longer need to own stock in Drano. Opt for the stainless version though - they do get grungy.
Gotta add my +1 for a Tub Shroom. Game changer!
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.
Was literally wiping my smeary glasses on my shirt as I read this--hot damn! Also an immersion blender fan--I use it to make smoothies and milkshakes in a cocktail shaker! So much less hassle than an actual blender.
After 30 years of never having more than a couple of lip balms around, I now keep one in my purse, one in each of my coats/jackets, one on the bedside table. An "oh, that's so much easier" upgrade that costs all of $15 every few months, finally
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
thanks for this recommendation! I am also very picky about the taste and feel and have yet to find one with SPF that works for me. I'm ordering this now!
Fair warning, I only get the SPF 15 because the 30 tastes funny to me, but I figure it’s better than nothing!
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
That’s the exact one we have, and it is truly the best - also great for kids (mine call it “the slicer”) who can open boxes and not cut themselves.
I own this and can vouch for the joy it brings to my life! I have the magnet kind and I keep it on the side of the fridge. It is the greatest for Amazon boxes and Costco clamshell packages.
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
Robust microplane forever! I was going through my kitchen tools drawer this morning and saw the tiny little 5-hole zester I haven't used in nearly 20 years and had to laugh a little. The poor thing is languishing!
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/
Yes! This was going to be my answer but I didn't know what it was called, since I stole mine from my parents' house at Christmas.
Gonna need one of these for sure
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
Oooh love this!
SAME! The photo of this doo-dad making quick work of a grater (and presumably, it would do the same w/a microplane) is going to make this a purchase for me, too
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!
So handy! I'm also considering this headband: https://shop.labeautyologist.com/collections/shower-chic/products/edges-saver-satin-headband?variant=39752398569508
Nice! I have the Big Bow Headband and feel like I'm in an Aughts rom-com when I do my evening routine: https://shop.labeautyologist.com/collections/shower-chic/products/big-bow-head-band?variant=32486021398564
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
!!!!!
Their stuff is so good!! I am in love with the mini spoonula and mini whisk. They had great Black Friday deals, fyi
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/
After wearing my double-processed hair up in a tighter-than-it-should-have-been bun for several years, I gave up both in mid-2020 bc I could see that it was messing with my hairline pretty badly on one side. My hair overall has recovered nicely thanks to a combination of switching to single-process color, wearing my hair down or very gently pulled back, and applying a hair oil to my edges in general and that thinned spot in particular. Can't wait to try this one & I'm so glad it's worked for you!
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
Clips of all kinds are so underrated! This set of very cute little animal face ones are some of the most useful items in my kitchen. I also use binder clips for storage/plastic bag reinforcement purposes in the kitchen & bathroom all the time. Lifesavers!
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
I don't have a cast iron skillet so I don't need one of these, but I have to admit that I always play with these when I see them in stores! Very satisfying! Possible fidget toy side use ;)
they are also great for any metal pot or pan -- as long as it has no coating, you are good to go. I've also used them on enamelware
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
SECONDED! I have the white one and we joke that it looks like Kitchen Aid made a weird sex toy. 🤣
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
It looks adjustable, which I love. Am I reading the photos right, or is it just for beer & wine bottles? (useful either way!)
It is adjustable, and for any bottle with a single use lid you'd like to reseal!
GAME CHANGER!
Along those lines - this which will help keep your seltzer/soda cans fresh! https://www.amazon.com/5pk-Flavor-Savor-Soda-Lids/dp/B0047PK7E8/ref=asc_df_B0047PK7E8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241969147179&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6208430299046737029&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003454&hvtargid=pla-404923039667&psc=1
How well you know me -- seltzer fizziness preservation forever!
Yeah, this one got an audible gasp from me!