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    31 Things That Must Have Been Designed By Geniuses

    Prepare to be impressed.

    1. An avocado slicer to make it soooo much easier split your avo, remove the pit, and get perfectly even slices without a messy, potentially dangerous struggle with a knife.

    A reviewer showing a pit stuck in the pit-removing blade of the avocado slicer
    A reviewer using the sectioned off part the tool to make even slices of avocado

    It might even help you avoid a trip to the emergency room with a case of "avocado hand," which Healthline says "resembles a stab wound" — YIKES.

    Promising review: "Makes preparing guacamole an easier, less messy task. I use it frequently and it makes preparation of avocados much less work and effort. Reduces mess on my hands, on counters, etc. It also slices avocados nicely for inclusion in sandwiches. The tool makes for nice, even slices for presentation, too, when I serve avocados plain. Avocados are good for you so anything to make them easier to prepare and serve is a win. I enjoy giving this product as a gift. Anything that promotes good health is a thoughtful gift." —Hippie Chick

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

    2. A waterproof notepad cleverly designed so you can stop forgetting your brilliant shower thoughts!

    hand writing
    Notepad with calculations next to a pencil on a wet surface, implying outdoor work or planning
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This is exactly what I was looking for. I'm an author and tend to get some of my best ideas in the shower. Since it's inconvenient to have a normal pad of paper and pen in the shower and dangerous to have anything electronic, these fill the gap perfectly." —NfRtB

    Get it from Amazon for $15.

    3. A waterfall hanger solution because nothing can stand in the way of you and new wardrobe purchases, even if your closet is begging for you to stop. Let's have a round of applause for this mind-blowing contraption.

    reviewer showing all their plastic hangers taking up space on their clothes rack
    same reviewer showing the closet cascaders freeing up so much room on their clothes rack

    Promising review: "Not sure why I didn’t expect them to work as well as it sounds...but they absolutely work as well as they sound! Makes MUCH more room in my closet. I used for purses, jackets, tank tops, dresses and has been holding very well. When I need something, just push the others aside and raise up the one I need. Very pleased with my purchase!" —Dennis A. Evans

    Get a four-pack on Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five quantities).

    4. A reversible baby play mat to help parents easily switch any room from ~baby-mode~ to ~adult-mode~ at any time!

    The carpet folded over showing both sides, one with zig zag black and white stripes, and the other with colorful illustrations of various animals
    Parent and child playing on a playful, illustrated animal mat
    The black and white side in a classy looking room
    Amazon

    This waterproof, cushioned mat creates a safe space for kids to crawl, tumble, and play on while stimulating them visually and helping them learn to identify numbers and images. It works great on both hard floors and carpet, is easy to move from room to room, and has a stylish print on the reverse side for when you wanna change up the vibe of your space.

    Promising review: "This is by far the best baby purchase we've made. Guests think it's a beautiful carpet and are so surprised when they see the other side. It's so cute and fun for baby! I love how durable this is and how easy it is to clean. We just sweep it and wash it with dish soap and water. It even survived a red wine spill. The guests who marveled at the carpet-like appearance also marveled at how stain-resistant it is. This mat has made playtime much safer with our hardwood floors. I can't say enough about how great this thing is!" —Ann F.

    Get it from Amazon for $114.95+ (available in four sizes and a variety of styles).

    5. A pack of Pulleez hair ties for anyone who's tired of ripping out and damaging their hair every time they let down their ponytail. Forget playing the ~too tight...too loose~ game with scrunchies and other lesser hair ties — this brilliant ponytail holder features a patented sliding system that tightens the elastic without twisting, making it gentle on your hair and *much* faster and easier to use.

    This handy invention was created by Diana Wright, who came up with the idea while working as a fashion producer in need of a quicker backstage solution for getting models' hair runway ready in no time. You can even wear it like a bracelet when it isn't in use!

    Promising review: "I just love these!! No matter how careful I tried to be putting my hair in a ponytail with a scrunchy or regular ponytail elastic I would still end up pulling out or breaking off several strands of hair. I have not lost one strand of hair as a result of using this product. It does take a couple of tries to get the hang of holding your ponytail AND the barrel clasp with the same hand while you pull the ends to tighten, but then it becomes automatic." —K. Sparling

    Get a pack of two from Amazon for $7.50.

    6. A zipper puller so you can take control of your hard-to-reach zipper without outside assistance.

    Model using the zipper puller to zip up a dress
    Closeup of how the zipper puller attaches to a zipper
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Finally, dealing with the zippers in the back of dresses is no longer a problem! The zipper pullert does what it claims to do and works very well, once you take the time to understand how it is designed to be used. Reviewers who claim the product doesn't work probably did not bother to learn how to use it. The instructional videos and detailed photography spell it all out. You just have to be a little patient while learning how to attach the clip to small zipper pulls that are behind your back. But the small effort is amply rewarded, as I no longer need anyone's help to zip or unzip dresses." —Savvy in Oregon

    Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in two colors).

    7. A Rubbermaid produce saver to help keep your berries and greens miraculously fresher for longer because there's nothing sadder than finding out the produce you swear you just bought is already wilting.

    A wilting strawberry stored in the original container and a much fresher-looking strawberry stored in the produce saver
    Natalie Brown / BuzzFeed / Via BuzzFeed

    The containers are BPA-free and dishwasher safe. They feature vents to regulate the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide, keeping your produce fresher for longer.

    Promising review: "I bought my fruit on Friday and ordered this immediately because I’m so sick of throwing my fruit away if I don’t eat it in a few days. It’s been a WEEK now and my strawberries, pineapple, and blueberries (all in this one big container) are STILL FRESH! I’m going to start buying more fresh fruit now that I know it won’t be wasted and thrown away in a few days. Highly recommend this product if you’re like me and can’t eat a whole pineapple, strawberries, and other fruit fast!" —Sarah

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in a variety of sizes and multipacks).

    Check out our full Rubbermaid produce saver food containers review for more info!

    8. A clever corner page bookmark — now you can stop dog-earing all your favorite books.

    triangular corner bookmarks in different colors and patterns
    The Bookmark Novelist / Etsy

    The Bookmark Novelist is a small business that makes beautiful bookmarks and gifts, including these corner bookmarks! 

    Get it from The Bookmark Novelist on Etsy for $2+ (available in nine styles).

    9. An apple slicer that makes preparing a snack almost absurdly quick and easy. Try drizzling some honey over your perfect slices and thank me later. You'll never cut an apple by hand again!

    A closeup of the apple slicer
    Model demonstrating how to use the slicer to cut apples
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I didn't know that an apple slicer could be this amazing! I no longer have to fight to get the apple slices out of the slicer and rip them apart. The bottom of this slicer pushes the slices through which separates them. Mind blown! And as a bonus, the bottom protects the blade while being stored. It just keeps getting better!" —AZMom

    Get it from Amazon for $11.95.

    10. A three-barrel curling iron wand ingeniously designed to give you the waves of your wildest dreams with barely any effort at all — even if you're a beginner. 

    Reviewer showing their beach wave hair from using this tool
    Hand holding the pink three-barrel curling iron

    It heats up in 60 seconds (up to 410 degrees) and has a nonslip handle and insulated barrel tips for safety.

    Promising review: "I love my three-barrel curling iron. I'm one of those who cannot for the life of me figure out how to curl my hair with a single barrel or a straightener. My hand just does not want to cooperate or maybe my brain is overthinking it, so this three barrel curling iron is a game-changer for me. I have super straight hair, so straight that air-dried is a suitable style for me. I've always wanted to be able to curl my hair and this has made that possible! My waves are beach-y and I've received tons of compliments from friends and coworkers." —Brittany

    Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in five colors).

    11. A clever little PVC spiral you can wrap around a too-big ring to make it up to 1.5 sizes smaller! No need to deal with the hassle of taking the ring to an expensive jeweler to be resized, then having to go *back* to pick up when it's ready. Just slip this lil' $6 spiral overtop of the portion that goes under your finger for a discreet and simple fix!

    Promising review: "I lost weight during my pregnancy (and after) and my wedding rings kept falling off. I didn't want to get them resized, have a little ball welded in, or wear one of those guards that slide around. I pretty much gave up on wearing them. I saw these in one of those silly BuzzFeed lists about Amazon products. I usually just read those things for a good laugh (really who needs a hedgehog shaped planter), bug I immediately put this item in my cart and I couldn't be happier! It comes with four sizes. I used the smallest size for my engagement ring. It was super easy to wrap around." —DMA

    Get a set of four from Amazon for $6.49.

    12. Some mimosa cubes that make INSTANT mimosas with no juice necessary! Just drop the cube into a glass of bubbly, watch it fizz, and enjoy your mimosa that literally didn't exist just seconds ago.

    Two glasses of sparkling wine beside four boxes of marshmallows with luxury branding, suggesting elegant confectionery
    Two Teaspressa instant cocktail kits in packaging, one for mimosas, one for sugar cube cocktails
    Teaspressa

    Get them from Uncommon Goods for $30 (available in three color combos).

    13. A scratch pad in case your pup *hates* having their nails clipped. Now they can file down their nails all on their own without the stressful ordeal!

    A gif of a puppy scratching their front paw on the pad
    ScratchPadforDogs / Etsy

    ScratchPad for Dogs is a small biz based in Atlanta offering scratch pads and refills.

    Promising review: "Love this scratch pad! We adopted our dog almost a year ago and he's been terrified of clippers and grinders since day one. We've never been able to maintain his nails due to his super reactive anxiety around nail care. That's all changed since we got the Scratch Pad a few weeks ago! He took to it right away and his nails have shown significant improvement in just a few sessions!" —Kira Armajani

    Get it from ScratchPad for Dogs on Etsy for $46.95+ (available in three materials and two styles).

    14. An outdoor drink stakes set if you could use an extra hand to hold your beverage while having fun out in the yard. 

    Promising review: "As always, my order was shipped quickly and in perfect condition. I love the bright colors and they are tall and sturdy. They are perfect for bottles, cabs, and cups... Not so good with stemmed wineglasses! No problem: I just ordered silicone stemless wineglasses!" —LaDonna Clark

    Get a set of six from Amazon for $39.95. Or get a set made for stemmed wine glasses here.

    15. Or a collapsible outdoor table stake that holds two cans, bottles, or glasses, *and* an included stainless steel snack bowl! It also has a built-in bottle opener for extra convenience!

    a small table on a stake with two cupholders, a center compartment filled with snacks, and an attached bottle opener
    the same table with the stake stuck into a large potted plant
    Faircraft USA / Etsy

    Faircraft USA is a Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania-based Etsy shop run by a husband-and-wife duo creating beautiful and functional wooden home goods. 

    Promising review: "Purchased this as a gift for my brother to go with his corn hole boards. It is just as pictured. It seems like it'll be a little low to the ground for taller men standing around a corn hole board...but better than the beers sitting on the ground or in the off hand. Beautiful workmanship. Highly recommend this product and shop!" —Hayley

    Get it from Faircraft USA on Etsy for $60

    16. An amazing Always pan designed to replace 10 pieces of cookware so preparing a variety of dishes can be a lot less complicated.

    Person draining pasta using a strainer over a pot on a stove
    Person sliding a terracotta casserole dish into an oven. Perfect for one-pot meals
    Our Place

    Our Place is a WOC-founded brand bringing inventive cookware and kitchen products. This incredible pan braises, sears, steams, strains, sautes, fries, boils, bakes, serves, and stores... TL;DR: It pretty much does it all.

    Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Taylor Steele has to say about the Always Pan: "As someone who neither enjoys cooking nor is particularly good at it, the Always Pan has made being in the kitchen feel like less of a chore. Having one pan that can do everything means I don't have to second-guess every cooking decision I make. I can boil and prepare pasta in it. And I can roast Brussels sprouts. And I can make the perfect fried egg. And I can steam dumplings. The best part is that everything slides so seamlessly out of the pan and onto the plate, which also makes clean up super fast and easy. Both the amateur (read: reluctant) cook and the more seasoned chef will enjoy creating fan favorites and new recipes in the Always Pan!"

    Get it from Our Place for $120+ (available in three sizes and a variety of colors).

    17. A pack of AirPod cleaners because no one wants a disgusting amount of earwax muffling their favorite songs. Simply squish the flexible square into the speaker, peel it off, and try not to gag when you see how much grossness has just been living in your AirPods rent free.

    See it in action on TikTok here!

    Promising review: "I never usually write reviews but this is an exception. I've had my AirPods for over a year and when the sound quality was diminishing, I was afraid they had a short life expectancy and I would need to get a new pair! Even after using cotton buds to clean the AirPods out, I thought that was enough until my friend said there's stuff built up and hard to see, but there was nothing able to get it out!

    Enter this product — it literally took five minutes to clean each earbud effectively and instantly the sound quality was as good as new! Loud, clear, less trouble connecting to my phone, etc. I really suggest giving this product a try. You don't need a full square to clean them, so you can pull a piece off or reuse a square with a side you haven't used! SO happy I found a solution!" —Amazon Customer

    Get 24 from Amazon for $15.99 (also available as a pack of 12).

    18. A sneaky cabinet — it can be installed behind a door if your remaining storage options are next to none. It's both slim and tall, managing to hold as much as *five medicine cabinets* without being in the way.

    Well-organized pantry with labeled jars and stacked containers on shelves, door ajar showing interior kitchen
    Open white door leading to a dining room with a wooden table and chairs
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This is a must-have for any small space. My bathroom has no medicine cabinet, just a mirror, and is pretty small, so storage is a huge deal. My girlfriend came across this item, so I figured I would give it a shot. I know it states it needs a two-person install, but I put this together and hung it in about an hour by myself with very minimal effort. This fits so much stuff, it really is amazing, and it does not impede any operation of the door. I can't fully explain how much I recommend this. I'm about to order the mirror version for my bedroom for colognes and little knickknacks to declutter the countertops." —Matt C.

    Get it from Amazon for $219.99.

    19. An upper back brace posture corrector if your posture is...not good! This wearable back straightener is surprisingly comfortable, can be worn discreetly under clothing, and helps whether you're sitting, standing, or lying down.

    It's designed to help your body develop muscle memory so you'll have better posture in the long run even *without* wearing the corrector. 

    Promising review: "I am amazed at how much my posture has improved in just two days! I work from home on my computer a lot and the rest of the time I'm always reading, so over the years my posture has gotten really terrible. Very comfortable to wear and truly works!" —Shelly

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99.

    20. A double-ended laptop cleaning brush to help you get rid of those crumbs that have been hanging out on your keyboard before they decide to join you in bed.

    A model uses the brush to clean their laptop keyboard
    Oxo

    The brush is retractable and totally soft.

    Check out what Buzzfeed Shopping Editor Katy Herman has to say about this brush:

    "I have this at my desk and love it! It has a microfiber tip on one side and the WORLD'S SOFTEST retractable bristles on the other. Like, I use this thing more as a fidget toy and for petting the bristles than for cleaning. My laptop is so gross that it's a little past hope, but this has tools have definitely helped make clearing out crumbs and erasing smudges easier and cleaning my computer more fun. It's extra handy for the rest of my desk and swiping away post-lunch debris!"

    Get it from Amazon for $15.40.

    21. An impressively realistic clip-in messy bun — it comes in a variety of hair colors so you can simply attach it to your updo and be on your merry way. Order two if you wanna try out some fun space buns!

    model with messy bun in toffee brown
    model with bun sleeked up in black
    INH Hair

    INH Hair is a woman-owned small biz based in Los Angeles. Their buns are made of vegan synthetic fiber from Japan. Make sure to read their tips on styling and care!

    Promising review: "My bun game has gone to a new level! Very easy to apply and the feel is very realistic. It doesn’t feel like a synthetic hair! The color match was to a T. I have quite fine hair so my usual buns look very odd (like a round pot handle vibe) but with the Sammy, I feel so confident and put-together. The application was super easy, and unlike some of the ponies that make you feel weighted, there was no issues with feeling tightened or restricted on my scalp." —Jia

    Get it from INH Hair for $33.75 (originally $45; available in a variety of colors).

    22. hammock with a steel stand and carrying case if a hanging hammock isn't an option, but you still wanna lounge comfortably under the wide open sky.

    Plus, the stand is easy to assemble, disassemble, and pack up in the included carrying case for storage or travel!

    Long, but worthwhile promising review: "Features to love: The cotton fabric is sturdy and breathable. I never feel stuck to it the way I do in a nylon hammock. The setup/take down is super easy, and the frame is very sturdy — we have definitely put 300-plus pounds in it. 

    The ability to raise and lower the hammock with the different hook positions might be the best feature. I have bad knees and like to get into the hammock from a higher position...no problem. My kids like it lower so they can reach the ground to swing it...no problem. 

    It works great as a traditional hammock to lie in. It works as a 'swing' to sit on. It has enough fabric that you can cover up if you're cold or want to block out light or bugs. 

    We have accidentally left it out in the rain several times, and it dries great, hasn't faded from the sun, hasn't had any mold, and hasn't developed any weird smell.

    Things not to love: Nothing! This is a great hammock. It may not be as portable as those little nylon hammocks, but if this is for your yard and not for camping, this is hard to beat." —Mary

    Get it from Amazon for $63.99+ (available in a variety of colors/patterns).

    23. A made-to-order, self-draining ceramic soap dish brilliantly designed with a drainage spout to transport excess water directly into your sink instead of building up at the bottom of the dish for *you* to deal with.

    Black ceramic bowl shaped like an animal with a piece of soap inside, resting on a white surface for a modern look
    Kim Hau Ceramics / Etsy

    Kim Hau Ceramics is a small Denver-based store run by Kim Hau, a Vietnamese American creating gorgeous, handcrafted ceramic home goods.

    Promising review: "I love this soap dish! I bought some handmade soap at a farmers market and wanted a soap dish for it. This one caught my eye because of the sensible drain, the minimalist design, and the matte black glaze." —Linda BInder

    Get it from Kim Hau Ceramics on Etsy for $45.

    24. A kitchen mixer cord organizer that easily attaches to the backs of appliances with a Command strip so you can get that tangled web of power cords taking over your kitchen counter back under control.

    stand mixer with cord and then the same stand mixer with cord coiled up neatly
    3D Home Solutions / Etsy

    The Command strip is included, along with an alcohol cleaning pad. 

    3D Home Solutions is a Frisco, Texas–based Etsy shop that specializes in organization products.

    Promising review: "Great product. Super easy to use! Currently using on my KitchenAid, my Instant Pot, my air fryer, as well as my toaster. Using these cleaned up my counter two fold and made storing 100% easier. Thank you!!" —Suzanne Baker

    Get it from 3D Home Solutions on Etsy for $8 (available in three colors).

    25. A yogurt holder that's basically a genius life hack for anyone whose fridge is at full capacity.

    The white organizer installed on the side of the fridge wall on the inside with four yogurt cups on it
    Storage Theory / Etsy

    Storage Theory  is a small business based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that specializes in unique and innovative solutions that'll make your life easier.

    Promising review: "I got this to hold greek yogurts and Just Crack an Egg cups and it works perfectly for that! It's a great way to utilize extra space that's normally just vacant. I love that I could support a small, local business, too!" —Gabrielle Sherman

    Get it from Storage Theory on Etsy for $12.99+ (also available in a two-pack and three-pack).

    26. Some exercise cards so you can stop skipping workouts because you don't know where to start. These'll help guide you through a routine so you can feel more confident about your process and motivated to get started!

    The pack of exercise cards, with a few showing how they illustrate the workouts
    Model working out with the cards in front of them
    Amazon

    You get 50 cards that include 10 stretches, seven workouts, and a goals and guide card.

    Promising review: "Like many of us, I know I should warm up and stretch before and exercise and cool down and stretch after exercise. Also like many of us, I don't tend to have a good exercise routine or even the best knowledge of what or how to do it, or even the creativity to be able to mix things up. These cards have helped with that. Each card features a picture of an exercise, a description of how to properly perform it, recommended number of reps, and a rating for level of difficulty." —Lance

    Get it from Amazon for $19.97 (available in nine different workout types).

    27. drain clog remover that makes it super easy to magically clear your drain in mere seconds! No plumbing skills required whatsoever. Simply insert the tool, rotate it and pull it up and down a few times, then remove it slowly to unveil the disgusting (yet highly satisfying) results.

    before photo of the drain snake sitting inside a drain
    Reviewer holding the snake, which has grabbed a massive chunk of hair from the drain

    Promising review: "When I pulled the orange plastic spiked strip from the package, I was immediately skeptical and felt like all those 5-star reviews were from people who exist in an alternate universe. I was tempted to initiate a return on Amazon but decided that I might as well gamble on a piece of $9 plastic before gambling $200 on a plumber. 

    "I slipped the plastic strip down my shower drain and literally FIVE SECONDS LATER I was pulling up gobs and gobs and gobs of hair. HOLY COW!!!!!!!! OHMYGOSH. I can't believe I still have any hair left on my head. SO MUCH REPULSIVE GUNK!!!! It's a grisly, messy, smelly, and oh so rewarding job." —Chocolate and Chips

    Get a five-pack from Amazon for $8.99 (available in two colors and other multipacks).

    28. hanger stacker to revolutionize your closet experience. 

    reviewer's box full of messy hangers
    reviewer's hangers neatly organized on the stacker

    No more searching for missing hangers, no more cluttering up your space with empty hangers. We love an easy solution!

    Promising review: "Great functionality. I gather hangers as I gather dirty clothes. This stacker lives in my laundry room between the washer and dryer. It keeps my plastic hangers under control and I no longer suffer 'clothes hanger rage' from them getting tangled and not cooperating with me." —msw

    Get it from Amazon for $23.90 (also available in multipacks).

    29. An automatic pet feeder — now you won't have to base your entire lifestyle around your pets' feeding schedule. Simply program this device to release the appropriate amount of food at the time you specify, and it'll handle the rest! 

    Promising review: "This cat feeder is amazing! It was very easy to setup, and we have two feeding times a day. It has operated with batteries just fine. It saved our mornings from our two cats crying outside our door for food early in the morning! Have not had any issues with it for over a month. I would highly recommend this product for your vacation or your sanity!" —Amanda Roper

    Get it from Amazon for $69.99

    30. Some hydrogen peroxide-infused toilet bombs that'll fizz around to freshen and clean your bowl. When used regularly, they'll even eliminate the need to get in there with a pumice stone, so you can spend as little time face to face with your throne as possible.

    three white spherical toilet bombs in front of their packaging
    Juniperseed Mercantile

    All you have to do? Drop one in the bowl, swish once or twice, let it fizz for about five minutes, then scrub for a minute or so with a toilet brush. Juniperseed Mercantile is a Littleton, Colorado–based small business with a passion for great skincare, simple living, and the Earth.

    Get the pack of five from Juniperseed Mercantile for $12.

    31. And finally, an umbrella with built-in solar LEDs here to help when the sun is doing the most *and* the least. Now you've got a shady spot to chill on hot days, and can seamlessly transition your afternoon patio party into a nighttime hang once it gets dark out!

    patio with round glass table and a striped umbrella on it
    umbrella at night with lights underneath it

    Note that this includes just the umbrella, not the table!

    Promising review: "I normally don’t like buying products like this sight unseen, but I’m very pleased with the look and especially with the solar lighting. We enjoyed a pleasant evening on the deck with just the right amount of ambient light tonight, and we are hopeful that it will prove to be durable." —Dee

    Get it from Amazon for $71.98+ (available in 11 color combos).

    Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.