Inverse’s shopping team spends our days on the internet looking for the best new stuff you need to know about — and some of our finds are really, truly bizarre. Sure, some of these products might look strange or solve a problem you didn’t know you had, but once you know about them, you’ll have a hard time not being as obsessed as we are. Don’t judge a book by its cover — that’s the lesson when it comes to these weird-as-hell products that are actually ingenious.
Quirky silicone rings to make perfectly round fried eggs
“I love these because they look like cats, and the silicone is truly nonstick,” says shopping editor Carolyn Menyes. Your morning eggs are about to change for the better because these little silicone rings ensure you get perfectly round, breakfast-sandwich worthy eggs every single time without any effort on your part. Plus they’re dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
A glazed porcelain mug that lets also warms your hands up
“When I first saw the design of this, I thought, ‘Genius,’” remarks shopping editor Amy Biggart. The design of this mug is absolutely ingenious for anyone who uses their morning coffee as a way to also warm up their hands. It’s made with an ergonomic pocket that wraps your fingers in warmth. It holds 18 ounces of your favorite tea or coffee and is made of sturdy porcelain that’s microwave-, dishwasher-, and even oven-safe up to 250 degrees. (And, don’t worry, it also comes in a right-handed version.)
A foot-shaped vase that’s cooky enough to be hilarious
Talk about weird as hell — check out this vase that’s just strange enough to actually be an eye-catching piece of home decor. Shopping editor Lauren Beach loves it for herbs, cacti, flowers, or anything else you grow in your home. The planter is handcrafted from ceramic, making it lightweight, durable, and cute.
A cute door stopper shaped like a fabric plushie
This door stopper is a must-have for anyone who wants to keep a door ajar without a big, bulky, industrial-looking thing on their floor, and Menyes is obsessed. This one is in the shape of an adorable hedgehog, sewn and stuffed with mixed materials to be soft on the outside yet weighted enough on the inside to keep a door open. This soft but sturdy door stopper also comes in othber shapes, including a cat, rabbit, and chapeau-donning dog.
A snack bowl divided into three sections to keep things separate & fresh
“If you're a fan of snacks, you'll be a fan of this bowl,” says shopping editor Karen Belz. It comes pre-divided in three equal 10-ounce sections that are great for serving three different types of snacks if you want to keep them separate. It’s also great to use for dips or even for yogurt if you want to keep your toppings from getting soggy. It’s made of high-quality porcelain and is dishwasher-safe.
A cat-shaped page holder that helps you read with 1 hand
“I see versions of these all over social media, and they're great for keeping really thick books open,” says Menyes. Slightly weighted, this page holder is great to hold a cookbook open while you’re sautéing a new dish or to help you read a book with one hand, so the other is free for sipping tea. The center of the figurine has a thumb hole so you can hold the book in the center.
A scalp massager with 20 prongs that one editor calls “an easy way to relax”
Biggart loves this scalp scratcher, which has 20 multi-layered prongs that are made of metal with a high elastic spring that gently glides over your scalp to help you calm down and relax. To go with that, it also comes with a back scratcher with a stainless steel extendable handle to help you scratch your own back when you need it.
A modern light-up clock that tells you the time with words
“Most of my family has one of these sleek clocks in their homes, and they really do elevate an otherwise ordinary space,” Menyes says. It’s true — with a modern design and a sleek brushed silver finish, the clock is a high-end and expensive-looking way to learn what time it is. Backlit with an LED light, the clock tells the time in five minute increments with words.
Vase magnets that can really hold tiny flowers
These magnets are great because they double as decor, adding a nice touch to all the wedding invites, save the dates, and baby shower cards on your refrigerator. They have a super strong magnet on the back that can hold up to five sheets of paper without slipping. Each vase has a hand-painted gloss finish, and the hollow design can hold mini flowers, herbs, or buds.
A nonstick sheet pan with 3 pre-divided sections
“I love that I can roast three different kinds of veggies all at once with this pan,” says shopping editor Kate Miller. That’s because it has three pre-divided sections which makes it easy to bake three things at once that each require different cook times. It has a diamond-patterned surface that encourages airflow for even heat distribution to even further streamline your meal prep time.
A lavender-scented heating pad that you can also cuddle
If you’re a person who gets periods, you’ll know how much of an ingenious product this plushy-like heating pad that Menyes recommends is. First of all, it’s lavender-scented to help you relax and breath through those cramps. Second, it’s heated in just 60 seconds in the microwave. And third, it’s designed to be a cute, soft sea creature that you can cuddle with until you’re feeling better.
An old-school vertical candle with up to 80 hours of burn time
Despite looking like a Victorian-era relic, this candle has 80 hours of burn time and is perfect for anyone who likes the vibe of a candle but is afraid of letting it burn too long. It’s made of 100% beeswax on a metal copper stand with a rustic wick holder. The key is that the candle self-extinguishes when the flame reaches the clip, automatically setting itself out so you don’t have to worry.
A banana holder that looks like an adorable wooden palm tree
Pluck your bananas straight from the tree when you have this adorable holder that shopping editor Anna Anderson loves. Designed to look like a tropical palm tree, the holder has a solid wooden base and green wooden palms on top. By elevating your bananas, the holder helps them last longer by not leaning on any flat surfaces that encourage browning.
Produce-slicing scissors with a built-in cutting board base
“I'm obsessed with these and use them daily,” says Belz about these produce choppers. “They're sharp, easy to clean, and a real time saver.” That’s because this slicer is basically a cutting board in scissor form. It has one sharp top blade, and the bottom is a mini cutting board, allowing you to chop fruits and veggies easily with one hand.
A strawberry-shaped night-light that lets off a soft red glow
Whoever said night-lights need to be boring have never seen this amazing strawberry-shaped one that Menyes likes. Made of flexible, durable, and slightly squishy silicone, the strawberry lets off a reddish glow and features three levels of brightness to keep your eyes feeling good if you’re up in the middle of the night.
Silicone bookmarks that automatically clasp as you turn the page
Calling all book lovers: you’ll fly through your TBR with the help of these automatic bookmarks. They have a silicone base, with a back side that attaches to the back of the book and a front flap that automatically holds the page as you flip, so if you’re like me and you fall asleep while reading, you won’t lose your spot.
Paper that dissolves with water for all your secret messages
These notepads are filled with water soluble paper — a.k.a. paper that completely dissolves when it comes in contact with water, and shopping editor Cassandra Seale is obsessed. It’s an absolutely hilarious gimmick and party trick, or just a fun way to write reminders for yourself that you can destroy when you complete the task.
Earrings that make it look like a teeny animal is biting your ear
“I'm obsessed with these quirky earrings,” Menyes says. “The little chomping mouths just make me smile.” Shaped like little animals — from a shark to a dinosaur to a puppy — the earrings make it look like they’re biting onto your ear to stay put. Talk about conversation-starting jewelry. They have a sturdy push back that stays in place and fits comfortably.
Little wooden plant makers with hilarious messages on them
These wooden plant markers that Beach found are an absolutely hilarious addition to your plants, whether you’re a green thumb or a gardening newbie — these markers let you know it’s all OK. They stake directly into your plant’s soil and feature funny messages like “you grow girl” or “feeling cute might die later” or “emotional support plant.” They’re waterproof, so you can water the plants without worrying about damaging the wood.
A keyboard pad that’s also a cheat sheet for all the best Excel shortcuts
Biggart is in love with this desk mat not only because it’s cool but because “it has so many relevant Excel formulas for work.” While it’s a functional desk mat that’s waterproof and allows your mouse to gently glide over it, it also gives you all the short cuts you need to be the most productive you while you’re grinding through your boss’s favorite spreadsheet.
Long & bendy cable ties shaped like mushrooms
“Now that I know these exist, I'm like, ‘Why shouldn't my cable ties be adorably whimsical?’” explains shopping editor Danielle Kraese. Made of silicone around a sturdy wire core, the ties have a long and bendy design that allows you to effortlessly wrap them around cables and cords, keeping them all together and organized in your space.
A 10-compartment pill organizer with labels for different medications
Whether you take daily pills and supplements or you like to travel with a medicine cabinet in case of emergency, this pill case Beach recommends will make that way smoother. It has 10 compartments with individual lids, and it comes with a ton of medicine labels so you know what’s inside. Plus, it’s super small and lightweight, which makes it great for traveling with or keeping in your bag for emergencies.
A frog-shaped steam releaser that also keeps your spoon off the counter
NEW!! OTOTO HopTop Frog Spoon Holder for Stove Top - Spoon Rest for Stove Top and Steam Releaser, Cute Kitchen Accessories, Cooking Gifts, Cool Kitchen Gadgets, Fun Kitchen Gifts, White Elephant Gifts
Amazon -Menyes loves this frog-shaped spoon rest for two reasons: it “works great to keep my lids open just the right amount while I'm simmering things, and [...] keep my spoon off the counter.” Made of heat-resistant, durable silicone, the little frog can sit on the counter to prevent messes or sit on the edge of a pot to keep the lid ajar while boiling. Plus, its so small, so it’s easy to store in a drawer when you’re not using it.
Scented house slippers you can microwave or freeze for temperature relief
“If your feet ache after a long day standing or walking, it's such a treat to slip into these for warm relief,” says Miller. These nonslip slippers can be warmed in a microwave or chilled in the freezer to give your feet — and, therefore your body — relaxing, much-needed relief after a long day. They’re also scented with lavender essential oils.
A push bubble sensory toy that looks like a smiling little turtle
Menyes thinks this toy a great fidgeting option if popping and un-popping bubbles is more your sensory vibe. Shaped like a turtle, it’s made of food-grade silicone with a hollow center that’s easy to squeeze and fits into the palm of your hand. You can pop the turtle’s shell while you’re studying, reading, watching TV, or doing any other activity that might require a little more attention.
Foaming sheets of soap that let you can clean your hands anywhere
Menyes loves these foaming sheets of soap, calling them “genius for travel.” They come in a portable and discreet box that fits into your pocket or purse — and all you have to do is add water to lather up your hands and get yourself squeaky clean whether you’re at the office, camping, or on an airplane.
Funny fridge magnets that let you create all kinds of hilarious cryptids
What fun is a bland, empty, boring refrigerator? These hilarious magnets that Beach recommends will add some personality to your kitchen while giving you something to do while you wait for water to boil. They feature 90+ body parts of all kinds of creatures that you can mix and match to create an entirely new cryptic-inspired species.
A disco ball ice bucket to dazzle at parties & get togethers
If you love hosting, you’re going to love this disco ball-shaped ice bucket like Seale does. Not only does it keep your wine, beer, and cocktails cold, but it features a ton of reflective mirrors that turn an ordinary ice bucket into a stunning centerpiece that guests will love. Made of high-quality material, this ice bucket will be ready to get the party started.
A tempered glass cutting board that looks like an expensive rug
Give your food a ride on a magic carpet when you slice bread, chop up veggies, or serve your favorite charcuterie on this cutting board that Anderson is obsessed with. Made of shatter-resistant tempered glass, the board is naturally heat resistant and knife safe. The non-porous surface prevents odors from fish or meat from lingering, and the Persian rug design adds to your kitchen decor.
An unbelievably cozy wearable blanket with a silly shark design
What’s better than cuddling underneath a blanket on a rainy day? Cuddling inside a blanket. Designed to look like a shark, this Menyes-approved blanket is basically a onesie in blanket form with legs arms and a massive hood that looks like the shark’s face and teeth. It’s made of premium flannel fabric that’s machine-washable so you can keep it clean with hardly any work on your part.
An umbrella that looks like a vampire when it’s closed & flying bats when it’s open
OTOTO NEW! Spookula Vampire Umbrella Unique Umbrella, Collapsible Umbrella, Goth Accessories, Cool Gifts, Gothic Umbrella, Black and White Umbrella, Umbrella Cute, Rain Umbrella, Folding Umbrella
Amazon -“If only all umbrellas were this cute,” Belz says. When closed, it looks like a vampire all wrapped up in his black jacket, and when it’s open, it’s revealed that the top is covered in bats flying in every direction. It’s just 11.5 inches wide and 2.5 inches long when closed — great for carrying in your purse or bag — and when open, it protects 38.1 inches from rain, snow, sleet, or other weather.
A stainless steel mezzaluna knife that makes meal prep a breeze
“I have a knife like this one, and it makes prepping weekly salads so much easier,” Menyes explains. That’s due to it’s specially-designed 12 inch long curved blade with two handles, making it easy to swipe it back and forth over lettuce, veggies, and fruits to chop them very quickly. It comes with a cover to protect your knife — and your hands — when storing.
Silicone can lids with an opening & cleaning tool to get out every last bite
Menyes raves about these silicone can lids, calling them “a game-changer for feeding my cat.” They work on can sizes from 3 to 13.2 ounces, helping keep your pet’s food fresh and preventing it from stinking up your refrigerator when there’s still some left. Plus, it comes with a tool that helps you open the lid and scoop and remove every last bit inside.
Coasters that look like vintage video games
Kraese loves these Nintendo-inspired game cartridge coasters, saying, “these are almost too cute to use — almost.” Designed to look like some classic vintage games —think: Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and The Legend of Zelda — these coasters are also a great way to add some personality to your living room while protecting your surfaces from water and heat damage.
Cotton oven mitts that look like delicious baguettes
These Beach-approved cotton oven mitts are heat resistant up to 500 degrees so you can pull your casserole, cookies, or roasted veggies out of the oven without worrying about burning yourself. Printed on the outside is a realistic baguette pattern that looks good enough to eat. They even have built-in hooks for hanging.
A handheld mini fan that’s also a portable phone charger
“This may be the most game-changing thing I've every bought on Amazon,” Menyes says. “It's so easy to keep in my bag in the summer, and it's super powerful. I've even used it as a backup battery charger in a pinch, and it works great for that, too.” This mini fan not only features two durable blades to keeps you cool no matter where you are, but it also has a built-in USB-C port that can keep your phone in the green when you’re traveling. It can be held in your hand or folded into a stand. And it has up to 19 hours of cooling time on a single charge.
Peppermint & eucalyptus-packed cream that helps you relax
“Just trust me and buy this,” Biggart says. “I rub this peppermint treatment on my temples and I am immediately calmer. It is such a game-changer, I buy it in bulk.” Packed with peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil, this cream can give you on-the-spot relief and help you instantly relax. Simply apply three pumps to your fingers, breathe in the smell, and then massage into your neck, earlobes, temples, or other pressure points.
A reusable mushroom-shaped tea infuser that won’t leave residue in your mug
“I make tea most nights, and this is such a great reusable infuser,” Menyes raves. Shaped like a mushroom, it’s perfect to stuff with loose leaf teas and put directly into your boiling water to fill it with flavor without leaving any gunk behind. It’s made of heat-resistant silicone with a stainless steel chain and matching figurine that makes it easy to pull it out when it’s done steeping.
An adjustable magnetic stand that holds your phone on the side of your laptop
Biggart recommends this magnetic phone holder, which attaches to the back of your laptop to hold your phone at an ergonomic angle for viewing while you’re working on your computer. It’s made of lightweight aluminum alloy and is compatible with MagSafe holders. Plus, the arm of the stand is adjustable so you can figure out the angle that best works for you.
A travel-ready retractable lint roller with 90 extra sticky sheets
When it comes to clothes, having lint, dust, or pet hair all over your favorite sweater is an instant eyesore. But this mini lint roller that Menyes recommends fixes that instantly — no matter where you are. It has a retractable design that you can fit in your pocket or purse, and it comes with 90 extra replaceable sticky sheets.
A bamboo butter dish with a hilarious ceramic duck-faced lid
This butter dish has the most hilarious duck face lid, it’s the perfect way to add some personality to your kitchen essentials. “His blank face just cracks — or should I say quacks — me up,” Menyes jokes. The bamboo bottom is sturdy, and the ceramic lid help keeps butter spreadable and soft. The duck’s beak acts as a little handle to boot.
Softening glittery lip balm that uses your pH levels to create a unique shade
“This works great, adding a subtle tint and softness to my lips,” Menyes raves about this glitter lip balm. What makes it extra is that it goes on shimmery and then uses your individual pH balance to tint your lips to a totally unique shade just for you. It’s packed with jojoba seed oil and ceramids to be ultra hydrating and soothing while you’re wearing it.
A nylon rubber chicken purse that gets loads of compliments
“I gave this to my mom a few year ago, and it consistently gets compliments,” Menyes says. That’s probably because this purse is so interesting no one has ever seen it before. Made of rubber with nylon handles and inner lining, it’s designed to look like a rubber chicken in purse form. It’s so unique and sure to get everyone asking “where did you get that?”
A super small noise machine with 11 non-looping, relaxing sounds
Miller loves this Bluetooth speaker because it’s “portable, rechargeable, and offers white, pink, and brown noise options.” Don’t be fooled by its small size, it lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge and can play your music or emit 11 relaxing sounds — from fan to white noise to ocean surf — to help you get a good night’s sleep.
A ceramic diffuser that distributes scent without electricity
This ceramic diffuser that Menyes recommends works so well, you’re going to want one in every single room of your home. All you have to do is add a few drops of essential oil directly to the top of the bird-shaped diffuser or inside the base of the nest. The high-quality ceramic will absorb the fragrance and distribute the scent nicely in an 8-to-12-square-foot room.
Colorful organizers one editor calls “the perfect mix of practical and nostalgic”
Kraese loves these travel organizers because they’re straight out of the ‘90s. They’re great for storing makeup and accessories while you’re on-the-go, whether you’re traveling abroad or across town. They have a snap-tight latch to keep everything inside safe while you’re moving. And they come in a bunch of fun, nostalgic colors to choose from.
Plush hot dogs that are meant to make you smile
Okay, yes, these are weird — I mean they’re plushie hot dogs with faces — but they’re meant to make you smile, which they definitely make Menyes do. Each little frankfurter in this set of five has its own personality and happy expression to cheer you up when you need a little emotional support. These hot dogs come in a basket for easy displaying. If sausages aren’t your speed, these plushies also come in chicken nugget, fries, flowers, and more shapes.
An electric candle lighter with a long, flexible gooseneck
Menyes loves this electric candle lighter, saying it’s great for deeper jars or lighting candles that are almost finished. It has a long, flexible gooseneck with a stainless steel handle and an easy-to-use activation button to use with just one hand. Plus, it’s rechargeable via USB so you can use it at home or take it with you camping, to the park, or hiking.
A best-selling glass oil dispenser that sprays & pours
“I has another oil sprayer that would always get clogged and grimy. I love this one because the opening is wide for easy refilling, it doesn’t clog, and I can use it to pour oil, saving me from having two bottles on my counter,” Menyes says about this oil dispenser. You can mist it, which is great for sautéing veggies or grilling burgers, or you can pour it which is great for dressing salads. It has a glass base with a wide mouth that makes adding and removing it easy. And the plastic top has a one-handed trigger.
A fruit-shaped fidget toy that you can squish, stretch & prod at
“Schylling makes some of my favorite fidgets, and these are really satisfying to squeeze,” Menyes says. “The fruit shapes also add some whimsy to my desk.” Made of silicone, the squishy fruit is a great way to occupy your hands which can help calm your mind, ease stress, and encourage focus.
A meditation light that guides you through 3 breathing methods
“This little sloth is a great mindfulness tool that I use almost every day,” says Menyes. “It helps me to recenter and focus solely on breathing -- I don't even have to count.” That’s because the light does the counting for you. It changes to three different colors — green for inhale, purple for hold, and blue for exhale — to guide you through three different breathing methods meant to help calm your nervous system and relax.
A butter spreading tool that one editor calls “a must-have for corn season”
Menyes loves this butter spreader because of how convenient and easy it makes spreading butter on corn, pancakes, toast, bagels — you name it. It spreads buttery quickly and evenly without dirtying a knife you’ll then have to wash. It also includes a cap so you can store the whole thing in the refrigerator until next time.
A “now playing” vinyl stand to display the sleeve of the music you’re listening to
If you have a record player like Menyes does, you’re going to love this “now playing” stand that displays the sleeve of the album you’re listening to, creating an entire vibe around your record player. It has a wooden base with a small acrylic sign that lights up. The design is simple so the album art can really shine.
Ultra hydrating hair serum that nourishes, protects & adds shine
“I love this brand,” Miller says, “And this serum is magic on humid days for keeping hair smooth.” It’s packed with hemisqualane to protect against heat and frizz, squalane to lock in moisture, and ethylhexyl olivate to soften and nourish. Just add a few drops to your hands and run it through damp or dry hair from mid-length to ends for shiny hair worthy of a shampoo commercial.
A novelty carafe made with gorgeous colored glass
If your nightstand is covered in glasses and mugs of half-finished, middle-of-the-night water, this carafe that Menyes is obsessed with helps quench your thirst without letting your space look like a total eyesore. Designed to look like a cherry with a pink base and green stem, the carafe has a matching glass cup that doubles as a lid to keep dust out of your drinking water.
A s’more roaster stick that rotates 360 degrees for even toasting
This s’more roasting stick that Beach recommends looks like a fishing rod, which is kind of weird but when you think about it, it’s actually brilliant. That’s because the stick extends from 8 to 20 inches, depending on how far you want to be from the fire. And the reel on the side rotates the end 360 degrees so you can evenly roast your marshmallow for the perfect bite.
A powerful flashlight that’s small enough to fit on your keychain
“This is so smart to keep on your keychain, whether you're searching for a lost item in your car or having trouble getting your key into your door's lock at night,” says Anderson. Don’t be fooled by the small size — it’s about the size of a thumb — it’s actually very powerful with a beam distance of 50 to 100 meters. It has about two hours of life on a single charge and is waterproof, so it can be used in less-than-ideal weather.
A purse-shaped ceramic vase with a rustic charm to it
“I love the look of this vase,” Biggart says. “It's such a conversation piece.” That’s probably because it’s shaped like a stunning purse, like you took these flowers directly home from your favorite farmers market. It’s made of high-quality ceramic and is painted with delicate floral details that that add a high-end and charming touch to your space.
Gold-plated stud earrings that look like double hoops
These earrings that Biggart recommends give the illusion of two coordinating pieces of jewelry even though they only have one stud — the look of a gorgeous stack even if you only have one piercing. They’re crafted of 14-karat gold plating and feature cubic zirconia stones. The earrings are a great way to dress your outfit up and are beyond easy to wear all day.
- Available styles: 4
A large lily pad keyboard desk mat with a nonslip rubber back
This keyboard desk mat that Seale loves is designed to look like you’re glancing down at a pond filled with lily pads and frogs, bringing a calming sense of nature to your office space. It has a 2 millimeter thickness that cushions the mouse as it smoothly glides over. And it has a nonslip rubber backing that keeps it in place while you work.
A weather-resistant “No Soliciting” sign that still lightens the mood
If you want to tell strangers to go away but don’t know how to do it nicely, check out this “No Soliciting” sign that will have them giggling as they turn around and walk off your property — just ask Beach. It comes on an aluminum stake that secures directly into the ground, and the whole thing is heavy-duty weather- and water-resistant to stay out there all year long.
Silicone toothbrush holders that mount to the wall with adhesive tape
These silicone holders have four flexible and strong legs that grip onto so many different things to keep them accessible. Think: toothbrushes or razors in the bathroom, charging cables in the bedroom, or small utensils in the kitchen. They stick to a surface with adhesive tape and are easy to remove without leaving any residue behind.
An entertaining & stimulating bird-like toy for your cat
“I have to hide this from my cats, they love it that much,” raves Seale about this bird pole teaser toy. The toy has a bird-like feather feature sitting on the end of a single 36-inch rod with a 32-inch cotton string. It’s great for teasing your cats, wearing them out, and playing with them so they stay entertained and stimulated.
Jojoba-packed cuticle oil in a mess-free pen-like applicator
Cuticle care is as important to your hand health as nail care, and Belz loves this cuticle oil pen to quickly and easily hydrate your cuticles no matter where you are. It’s packed with jojoba oil that works hard to deeply condition nails and cuticles, helping reduce brittleness and keep them in good shape. Plus, the totally mess-free application is great for when you’re on-the-go.
Fruit storage containers with a removable colander to keep things fresh
“These have changed my meal prep game in such a good way,” says Biggart. “I always have fresh fruit now.” What makes these containers so great is that they have a totally all-in-one design. Fill the colanders with your fresh fruits and veggies, wash them right inside, and then add the colander into the plastic container and it keeps the fruit elevated so it can continue draining. Each piece has an airtight lid that makes travel and stacking easy.
