26 Hidden Gems on Amazon You’ll Wish You Owned This Whole Time
Updated: Aug. 29, 2022All the things you didn't know you needed
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Along with being the number one marketplace for products you’ll use every day, Amazon has your back when it comes to the things you never realized you needed. And no, we’re not talking about the usual Amazon best sellers, many of which may be on your wish list already. There are hidden gems on Amazon that might not come up in your regular search but would make really inspired Amazon Prime gifts (for yourself or others).
While some of these gems may initially strike you as bizarre, what distinguishes them from the straight-up weirdest items you can buy on Amazon is that these items are not merely delightful and quirky, but also super practical. (About as practical as the things you can buy on Amazon for less than $1, and thankfully nowhere near as pricey as the most expensive item on Amazon.)
Oh, and before you forget, mark Prime Day 2022 down on your calendar if you want to get in on some of the more inspired deals Amazon has to offer. It’s one of the best ways to save money on Amazon.
Flameless pillar candles
How many times have you thought to yourself, wouldn’t it be nice to light some candles, just for a little self-care? These no-flame candles are made of real wax, but their flickering light is battery generated, so they never burn out. Nor do their batteries, which are rechargeable. And the best part? They’re remote controlled, and you can set them to turn themselves off and on.
A portable grass patch for your dog
No yard? No problem. This generously proportioned roll of real grass comes with its own sturdy tray, so you can even place it indoors, making it the canine version of indoor plumbing! With some of the time you’ll be saving on dog walking, consider learning what it means when your dog gets a case of the zoomies.
A hands-free screen door
Every time you open your screen door, you’re inviting the outside, inside. And by that we mean those tiny things with wings that don’t want to be in your house any more than you want them to be there. This walk-through screen door closes up nice and tight with surprisingly strong magnets and installs in your doorframe with Velcro. It’s especially useful during the summer, when you’re trying to keep mosquitos away.
The coolest egg sandwich maker ever
Nearly 29,000 people can’t be wrong, right? That’s the number of times this Hamilton Beach all-in-one egg sandwich maker has been reviewed, leading to its average rating of 4.5 stars. Eliminate the long wait at the drive-through and enjoy a homemade egg sandwich that practically makes itself. But first find out, do eggs need to be refrigerated?
A tiny but efficient tabletop vacuum
Ever been to one of those really nice restaurants where the server brushes the crumbs off the table between courses? Now you can enjoy this luxury at home. This teeny tiny handheld tabletop vacuum is guaranteed to make your old Dustbuster feel positively irrelevant. We loved it so much we even gave it its own review.
A hot plate for your coffee mug
There’s nothing sadder than a lukewarm cup of coffee, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to get up every 10 minutes to microwave it. Here’s a solution: a surface that keeps your mug at the perfect temperature. Every sip of coffee, tea, or cocoa is just as warm and comforting as the first. Or consider using it for one of these coffee alternatives.
Travel-size bar soap
Hotel soap can be quite luxurious, and it’s one of the things you can take from your hotel room. The only issue is, you have to wait until you get to your hotel before you can use it, which means you’re stuck with those questionable communal soap dispensers while en route to wherever you’re going. These tiny, individually wrapped bar soaps solve that problem. They weigh a mere half ounce and have a light, fresh scent that’s perfect for anyone. And they come in packages of 100, so you’ll want to take them everywhere.
Knives that actually know where they go
If you’re constantly grabbing the wrong knife from your knife block (or putting them back in the wrong slots), this Yosfo set will straighten you out. The 17-piece stainless steel knife block set shows you exactly which knife or utensil you’re reaching for. Speaking of kitchen item placement, here’s why you should actually keep your plastic wrap in the freezer.
A sandwich bag that lasts forever
Zip-lock bags are convenient, but they’re awfully wasteful considering you can’t recycle them. Enter: this game changing set of four silicone Stasher bags that are reusable. Buy them once and you’ve got sustainable food storage indefinitely. Best of all, they’re dishwasher and microwave safe, making cleanup and food prep a breeze.
The pet groomer cats and dogs love
Keeping your pet clean is as easy as petting your furry friend when you’ve got these Delomo brush gloves. Not only will your cat or dog feel pampered, but the soft bristles and flexibility help you brush sensitive spots like the face. Level up with this easy step-by-step guide on how to groom your dog at home.
A seat cushion for your lower-back pain
Anyone who sits in front of a computer all day knows what a (literal) pain it can be for your lower back. This gel-enhanced ComfiLife seat cushion helps take pressure off your tailbone and automatically improves your posture, easing lower-back pain aggravated by sitting. Add a few to your cart—you’ll want one for your office, your car, and pretty much everywhere else. Buy with confidence with these Amazon products that have a lifetime warranty.
An egg cooker to save you so much time
Eggs are one of the best protein options during breakfast, but who has time to cook them in the morning? You will, with the help of a Cuisinart egg cooker. Not only will it boil your eggs how you like them—hard, medium, or soft—but it can make poached eggs and omelets too, without you hovering over the stove. By the time you’re out of the shower, your eggs will be ready and waiting. Don’t miss these other Amazon kitchen products people can’t stop buying.
An alarm clock that makes it easier to get up
If a blaring alarm makes you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, we don’t blame you. This Winshine alarm clock gradually brightens either 10, 30, or 60 minutes before the alarm goes off, so you feel like you’re waking up with the sun, no matter what time sunrise really is. Choose wake-up noises like birds or music for a less stressful morning. Psst! Did you know about these remarkable Amazon pantry deals?
A printer to turn your phone snaps into physical photos
Uploading your pictures and sending them to a print shop is such a hassle. This handy photo printer isn’t much bigger than your phone, and it lets you send your picture via an app for instant prints. Welcome to the 21st-century version of Polaroid. For guaranteed family time, check out the hardest puzzles you can find on Amazon.
An accessory that keeps your hands warm for once
And by “for once,” we actually mean again and again, because this hand warmer from Zippo is rechargeable. When freezing cold temperatures render your gloves useless, this reusable hand warmer keeps chilly fingers warm for nine hours. Use it when you’re wearing your favorite pair of winter boots.
Drawer dividers that help you finally get organized
We’re all trying to be more organized, and sometimes that means using the right tools. This adjustable drawer divider tool from Practical Comfort lets you design your drawers how you want them, instead of locking yourself into a single design. Now for the bigger task: organizing your closet.
A tool that prevents dirty-dish mishaps
“Are the dishes in the dishwasher clean?” is a sentence that will never again be called out in your house if you buy this nifty dishwasher magnet from Cimkiz. Flip it from “dirty” to “clean” when you run the dishwasher to end any future confusion. It’s one of those Amazon products with practically perfect reviews.
A robot vacuum to clean for you
If you’d rather not do the manual labor of vacuuming, invest in a robot vacuum that will do all the cleaning for you. This Roomba picks up everything from tiny debris to large substances. The built-in sensors allow it to concentrate on the dirtier areas of your home, and it’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Wireless peel-and-stick LED light
Whether in the shed, basement, closet, or under the kitchen sink, you can install this peel-and-stick light anywhere without any tools. The super bright LED light lasts up to 100,000 hours and has the look of a light switch. It’s a great option for power outages as well as a night light for the kids. Make sure to check out the products you should always buy on Amazon.
Instant carpet spot remover
Especially with being home more often than usual, the carpet probably looks a little more colorful than you would like. After you spill coffee (or wine) on the carpet, just spritz some of this stuff and watch the stain disappear before your very eyes. Bonus points for this item because it is completely non-toxic and safe to use around children or pets. Read our full review of Folex carpet cleaner here.
Facial radiance pads
Time to get that pre-quarantine glow back! This treatment pad from First Aid Beauty safely and effectively exfoliates, tones, and brightens all types of skin including the most sensitive. This product is completely vegan, gluten-free, non-comedogenic, soy-free, and oil-free. Just make sure you follow the right order to apply your skin care products.
An organizer box to keep your deck tidy
You can now organize and store all your patio furniture in style. This box from Keter holds up to 150 gallons and is made of a weather-resistant resin with a wooden aesthetic. It keeps all its contents dry and in good condition throughout the seasons.
Cordless stick vacuum cleaner
The days of tripping over the vacuum cord are long gone. This cord-free (and hassle-free) stick vacuum is light and versatile for easy cleaning and easy storing. Made by Dyson, it’s one of the most dependable vacuums on the market.
Five-minute mold test
It’s not the most glamorous of products, but no one wants mold in their house. This test allows you to detect mold and allergens in minutes that are often missed by outdated air-sampling kits. Another great product to keep your home free of allergens? An air purifier.
Outdoor movie projector
Get the movie experience right in your own backyard with this movie projector. The picture will be vivid and you can connect to multimedia devices such as Chromecast, Fire Stick TV, a DVD player, or a laptop. Next, find out what you can get for free on Amazon.
Solar Buddies sunscreen applicator
We’re stocking up on the best sunscreens on the market—but sun safety without a greasy mess? Unheard of…until now! The Solar Buddies sunscreen applicator is designed for kids (but great for everyone) and will change the way you apply sunscreen: Just fill the refillable applicator with your sunscreen of choice, snap the lip closed, and roll it all over using the roller ball.
Stop hunting for the best products and deals—get our expert scoop on secret sales and discounts, gift ideas for everyone, and can’t-miss products. Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter.
