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14 Impulse Buys That Are Actually So Useful

We've all been there—you run to the store, vowing to stick to your list, but end up in the checkout line with a bit more than you planned.

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impulse buys amazonvia amazon.com (3)

Impulse buys

Impulse buys like these aren’t going to inspire any post-shopping regret. They’re actually incredibly useful! Whether you’re in the kitchen, garden, or office, we’ve got you covered with some incredible, tiny purchases that, just like these brilliant products you never knew existed, are about to make a huge difference in your life.

Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur.

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Bagvia amazon.com

Mighty Handle Grocery Bag Carrier

$13.95

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This Mighty Handle 2-Pack might look like a useless gadget you spot near the cash register. But these handles are super handy to have around. Load up your grocery bags on these two sturdy handles and you may just be able to bring in all the groceries from the car in just one trip.

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led lampvia amazon.com

Cordless LED Lamp

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Do you need an egg-shaped, futuristic-style LED lamp? Probably not. But you’re gonna want this one, and you’ll be surprised at how much you use it. This Cordless LED lamp has a built-in battery and a magnetic base so you can attach it to any metal surface. Plus, it just looks cool! We love the minimalist style, available in four colors.

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pasta strainer via amazon.com

Snap ‘n Strain Strainer

$16.

$16.99

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Do you need yet another kitchen gadget? You do when it’s a genius design like this one. Get rid of your regular bulky strainer or colander, and grab the Snap n’ Strain Strainer instead. This handy gadget clips onto any pot or pan so you can strain out the water with one easy pour. And, the compact size makes it easy to store. This strainer is particularly useful, but don’t be tricked into buying one of these kitchen gadgets that are a complete waste of money.

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usb chargervia amazon.com

High-Speed USB Wall Charger

$37.99

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Have you ever started to leave the house, only to notice your phone is almost dead? Enter the Anker PowerPort Atom III. This high-speed charger will get your phone to 100 percent in no time. Go ahead and add it to your cart, you know you want to! You don’t have to spend a lot in order to get quality.

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Sturdy Claws Garden Genie Glovesvia amazon.com

Sturdy Claws Garden Genie Gloves

$7.98

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These odd gloves look like something you’d impulsively order late at night from an infomercial. But, in fact, the Sturdy Claws Garden Genie Gloves are extremely useful and highly recommended. The unique claws make gardening and weeding a breeze. In addition, the latex fabric is durable, waterproof, and puncture-resistant. Add these to the list of must-have garden tools, whether you have a green thumb or not.

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2-in-1 Mini Dustpan and Counter Brush Cleaning Setvia amazon.com

2-in-1 Mini Dustpan and Counter Brush Cleaning Set

$13.20

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This is one of those miniature items that make you say, “Oh how cute!” But this little guy is more than an adorable impulse buy. The 2-in-1 Mini Dustpan and Counter Brush Cleaning Set is actually a game-changer when it comes to tidying up the kitchen or bathroom. Use the mini brush for countertop crumbs and the squeegee edge for wet spills.

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3-in-1 Avocado Slicervia amazon.com

3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

$9.99

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Yes, you can cut an avocado with a regular knife. But wouldn’t it be better to split it open, remove the pit and slice it up with one simple tool? This 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer is not exactly a life’s necessity and might be something you impulsively add to your cart. But once you own it, you’ll never go back to a plain old knife again. This will come in handy after you read about what happens to your body when you eat avocado every day.

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Sandwich Bag Holdersvia amazon.com

Sandwich Bag Holders

$7.99

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If you impulsively purchase these YUFF Sandwich Bag Holders, you’ll wonder what you ever did without them! From preparing kids’ lunches to storing leftovers, no more struggling to hold the bag open with one hand while you scoop in the ingredients with the other.

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Drillbrush All Purpose Power Scrubbervia amazon.com

Drillbrush All Purpose Power Scrubber

$12.70

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Sure, a brush set that attaches to your cordless drill might seem like a silly impulse purchase. But this drillbrush kit will make scrubbing your bathroom, shower, and other challenging cleaning jobs so much easier! The nylon bristles won’t scratch surfaces and the three different sizes will meet all your needs—just make sure your cordless drill is fully charged! Check out these as-seen-on-TV products that you can get on Amazon.

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Portable Smartphone Fanvia amazon.com

Portable Smartphone Fan

$6.99

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OK, go ahead and put this gadget in the “want it, don’t need it” category. But, come on, aren’t you itching to add this to your cart? The Portable Smartphone Fan works with iPhones and Androids and comes in handy when you’re stuck in the heat at a sporting event, waiting in line at a theme park, or maybe just hanging out at the beach. It plugs right into your charging port and provides cool, instant relief.

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Vegetable and Onion Choppervia amazon.com

Vegetable and Onion Chopper

$16.97

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There are a lot of chopping gadgets on the market, and not all of them are winners. But the Mueller Pro Vegetable Chopper is one impulsive buy you won’t regret. With over 12,000 5-star customer reviews, it’s a safe bet. We love the one-push slicing action and the built-in storage container. Are you a kitchen gadget addict? Get your fix in with these kitchen gadgets you’ll wish you had years ago.

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Blacklight Flashlightvia amazon.com

Blacklight Flashlight

$8.99

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Have you ever been tempted by the row of handy flashlights displayed at the cash register? Maybe you think you don’t need a mini flashlight, but this TaoTronics Black Light Flashlight is an impulse buy you won’t regret. Use it to find pet urine stains, harmful pests like scorpions, or garden bugs that are eating up your vegetables.

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Ceramic Soap Dispenser & Bamboo Dish Brushvia amazon.com

Ceramic Soap Dispenser & Bamboo Dish Brush

$12.99

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Not only does this Bamboo Dish Brush look great on your kitchen counter, but it also comes with a hidden feature. The dish is actually a spring-loaded soap dispenser! You fill the bottom with dish soap, and the brush sits on top. When you’re ready to do the dishes, push down on the brush and it loads up with suds. Check out these 9 things you should never wash in the dishwasher.

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Silicone Cleaning Spongevia amazon.com

Silicone Cleaning Sponge

$9.98

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There’s nothing this Silicone Cleaning Sponge can’t clean! Use it with laundry detergent to remove stains from clothes, in the kitchen to scrub dishes or fruits and vegetables, and on furniture to remove pet hair. You can even use it in the shower to exfoliate! And they’re sold in packs of eight, so you can keep one near every sink in your house.

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The Family Handyman
Originally Published on The Family Handyman

Erica Young
Erica Young is a freelance writer and content creator, specializing in home and lifestyle pieces. She loves writing about home decor, organization, relationships, and pop culture. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.