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We humans have an incredible capacity to persevere. When we need to drive in a nail but don't have a hammer, we easily realize that we can use a heavy, flat object—like a rock—in its place. When our table is shaky, we quickly understand that we can put a stack of tissues under one of its legs to stabilize the darn thing.

So to celebrate our creative thinking, we at Bored Panda have an ongoing series where we post pictures of fun and smart out-of-the-box solutions that make life better. Whether it's a DIY home hack or a business product is not important, what counts is that it gets the job done.

Continue scrolling to check out our latest collection and fire up our earlier publications here and here when you're done too!

#1

These Tables At My College Campus Use Solar Panels As Shade, Which In Turn Provide Power For The Charging Ports On The Table

These Tables At My College Campus Use Solar Panels As Shade, Which In Turn Provide Power For The Charging Ports On The Table

Gadevin Report

#2

This Picnic Table With An Extension For Wheelchair Users

This Picnic Table With An Extension For Wheelchair Users

cothhum Report

To learn how to look at the world from a different perspective, we contacted UK-based creative Lorna Scobie.

"There is a lot that gets in the way of creative thinking," the author of 365 Days of Creativity: Inspire Your Imagination with Art Every Day told Bored Panda. "Don't worry, we all have those barriers and you can overcome them."

"Start by identifying exactly what it is that stops you from being creative so that you can then find solutions. Many of us fear making mistakes or doing something wrong, but with creativity, it's good to remember there is no such thing! Allowing yourself to embrace mistakes can lead to learning and to new discoveries—about yourself and the way you like to express yourself."

#3

Thailand Supermarket Ditches Plastic Packaging For Banana Leaves

Thailand Supermarket Ditches Plastic Packaging For Banana Leaves

Mothership.sg Report

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LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been skipping the plastic produce bags and just grabbing them as is, or using a small, reusable bag. Not like produce doesn't get handled dozens of times by the time you grab it, anyways. Can't run from germs. They're everywhere.

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#4

My Hotel Phone In Iceland Has A Special Button That Will Wake You Up If There Are Northern Lights In The Sky

My Hotel Phone In Iceland Has A Special Button That Will Wake You Up If There Are Northern Lights In The Sky

KristjanHrannar Report

#5

Home Office Busy Light - WiFi Enabled LED’s In Door Jam Linked To My Work Calendar, When I’m In A Meeting It Goes Red And The Kids Know They Can’t Come In

Home Office Busy Light - WiFi Enabled LED’s In Door Jam Linked To My Work Calendar, When I’m In A Meeting It Goes Red And The Kids Know They Can’t Come In

Yellow is for knock first, green for coming in for a chat/draw on my whiteboard

rjcamz Report

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Scobie said it's important to remember that everyone's creative habits are different when it comes to the specifics, but we can all add more creativity into our lives. "We often naturally fall into playing it safe and sticking with a routine that we know, but breakthroughs can happen when we force ourselves out of our comfort zone."

"A great way to fuel your creativity is to be playful and to explore. New experiences can kickstart our ideas, and even the everyday can look new in different lights, so be open to looking at your world in a little more detail. Feeling like you have the freedom to play and be expressive is very important to creativity, so perhaps set aside notebooks for drawing or journalling that are just for you, where you don't feel any pressure to share what you create."

#6

If You’re Bored At The Baltimore Airport You Can Learn CPR

If You’re Bored At The Baltimore Airport You Can Learn CPR

Jaws_V_The_Return Report

#7

This Parking Lot Has Lights Showing You The Empty Spaces. Genius

This Parking Lot Has Lights Showing You The Empty Spaces. Genius

JiveMonkey Report

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Wilf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our local car park has this. But I can't use it because I'm red/green colourblind and they all look the same to me! Don't know why red/green is used so much for signage and lights- it's the world's most common form of colourblindness! 8 percent of men.

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#8

This Duck Ramp

This Duck Ramp

JawsGoneWild Report

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#9

This Railing On Gazebo In Naples Has Braille Describing The View For Blind People. More Of This, Please

This Railing On Gazebo In Naples Has Braille Describing The View For Blind People. More Of This, Please

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martin734
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice idea but I would imagine that in the middle of summer you really wouldn't want to touch it.

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It may sound obvious but we often disregard what's right in front of us. "Because there are just so many hurdles we can put up, the best thing is to ignore all your obstacles and just go for it," Scobie said.

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"Even if you just have 5 minutes to begin your creative project, make a start. The first word or mark can be the hardest part, so just make any mark to conquer that blank page. Remind yourself that you are creative, and you can do it!"

#11

My Park Installed Outdoor Workout Equipment Facing The Playground

My Park Installed Outdoor Workout Equipment Facing The Playground

vidat13 Report

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LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My workout was playing on the jungle gyms with my kid and running around with her. That was more fun than working out on stationary equipment.

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#12

Sink Area Designed For Drying

Sink Area Designed For Drying

reddit.com Report

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Wilf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This design is very common in the UK. Very practical because you can use the same area to prepare food, and then use it again as a draining board when washing up later. Good for small kitchens.

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#13

You Can Sit At The Ends Of This Picnic Table

You Can Sit At The Ends Of This Picnic Table

Cosmos_Cawboy Report

According to Scobie, tapping into our inner potential can be really beneficial to our daily life. "Being creative makes us happier, it makes us feel good! It allows us to express and process how we are feeling," she said.

But if you don't know where to start, "It can be useful, to think about when you might be able to fit creativity into your day and plan to give yourself more opportunities to do this for yourself – a few minutes at lunch perhaps, or as a way to wind down after work. However and whenever works best for you. There are no rules."

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#14

My Eye Doctor's Office Uses Laminated Forms And A Wet Erase Marker To Cut Down On Paper Use

My Eye Doctor's Office Uses Laminated Forms And A Wet Erase Marker To Cut Down On Paper Use

jack-of-some Report

#15

Seems Like A Good Time To Finally Show Off The Spice Rack I Built

Seems Like A Good Time To Finally Show Off The Spice Rack I Built

StickyMustache Report

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Judy Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother had a can cupboard built into the wall in the kitchen, between the studs in the wall.

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#16

These Benches That Turn Into Tables

These Benches That Turn Into Tables

hotforhotpie Report

#17

This System Allows You To Know If The Package Has Been Handled Correctly

This System Allows You To Know If The Package Has Been Handled Correctly

shelchang Report

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Nubis Knight
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see some package handler tilting the package in trial to get all the blue back down @_@

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Popularized by positive psychologists Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Jeanne Nakamura, there's this thing called the flow state. It describes a feeling where, under the right conditions, you become fully immersed in whatever you are doing.

"There’s this focus that, once it becomes intense, leads to a sense of ecstasy, a sense of clarity: you know exactly what you want to do from one moment to the other; you get immediate feedback," Csikszentmihalyi said in a 2004 TED Talk.

#18

Traffic Light For The Jedi. In Ukraine

Traffic Light For The Jedi. In Ukraine

imgur.com Report

#19

Books-A-Million Puts A Slip Of Paper Under The Stickers On Their Books To Prevent Sticker Residue Being Left On The Covers

Books-A-Million Puts A Slip Of Paper Under The Stickers On Their Books To Prevent Sticker Residue Being Left On The Covers

cynbad719 Report

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Daria Z
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ohh how I wish everyone did that! Also, why not make stickers with a non-adhesive center from the start?

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#20

My Bracelet Came With A Paper Clip To Help Fasten The Clasp

My Bracelet Came With A Paper Clip To Help Fasten The Clasp

nomoredolls Report

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Yep it's Ella 🇺🇦
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This should come with every bracelet! (Edit: I was too tired and didn't notice it was just a paperclip - I thought it was some fancy tool or something)

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#21

This Shopping Cart Has A Spot For Kids To Stand On While The Parent Pushes

This Shopping Cart Has A Spot For Kids To Stand On While The Parent Pushes

zOneNzOnly Report

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Judy Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since the kids are going to stand there anyway, it's good companies have made it safe!

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"If we get into flow, where our mind loses track of time and our stresses disappear completely, it feels so amazing," Scobie said.

"We all have so much stress to contend with nowadays, and I would say that creativity is an essential tool to help us relax. It doesn’t really matter what you do, as long as you enjoy it. You don’t have to create a massive oil painting, but you can if you want. It’s all personal to the individual."

#22

Movie Theater Tells You If There's A Scene Near The End Of The Movie

Movie Theater Tells You If There's A Scene Near The End Of The Movie

IConsumeLead Report

#23

This Elevator With Foot Pedals For Floor Selection

This Elevator With Foot Pedals For Floor Selection

Crackmacs Report

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Arcade Fire_Fan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*celebrates* OH GOD. I HIT ALL THE FLOOR PEDALS AND IM ON THE TOP. NOOOOOO. (Famous Last Words)

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#24

This Restaurant Figured Out That Face Masks Fit In The Napkin Dispenser

This Restaurant Figured Out That Face Masks Fit In The Napkin Dispenser

ThexGreatxBeyondx Report

#25

A Very Clever Story-Time Chair

A Very Clever Story-Time Chair

SeriesOfAdjectives Report

"We are all creative creatures, regardless of our profession," Scobie said, adding that if you would try to actively notice all the times in the day when you are able to be creative, you most probably would end up pleasantly surprised.

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"There may be projects that you’ve set for yourself such as sketching, journaling, or coloring, or it might be little daily decisions you make such as the flowers you choose in the shop or the way you lay your table for meals. It’s all creative, and it’s all great."

#26

Tinder’s Warning To The LGBTQ Community

Tinder’s Warning To The LGBTQ Community

foxociety Report

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Vicky Z
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really hope one day we will wake up in a world that this won't be necessary !

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#27

Plantable Calendar Made From Recycled Paper

Plantable Calendar Made From Recycled Paper

purutiger Report

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R L
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We received these as a christmas gift on year- it didn't include planting instructions, but we grew some peppers tomatoes, and a few flowering plants. Good idea.

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#28

New Toaster Has A Finger Pull In The Cord

New Toaster Has A Finger Pull In The Cord

basquenv Report

#29

Boards Installed At The Traffic Light So You Don't Have To Get Off Your Bike While Waiting

Boards Installed At The Traffic Light So You Don't Have To Get Off Your Bike While Waiting

kraven420 Report

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Tiny Dynamine
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you've got your seat at the right height, you won't have to get off anyway. I never do.

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#30

University Has A Vending Machine With All The Things You Need As A Student, From Sanitary Pads To A Power Bank

University Has A Vending Machine With All The Things You Need As A Student, From Sanitary Pads To A Power Bank

DutchBrownie Report

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Marlowe Fitzpatrik
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Possibly a university that has affordable and good food. (or like the condoms - all sold out. There might be a ramen-orgy happening in Room 606)

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Emmett O'Brian
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I so much want to have a vending machine with the weirdest stuff I can find.

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Marlowe Fitzpatrik
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! and every slot has multiple things in a row, so it's never the same code. If you're unlucky, your choice isn't "up front" in any of the slots and you either have to buy something you don't need to get it or go home. Lol. I'd put in... hm, definitely socks. A random Terry Pratchett book, a ball of string, an empty CD ROM, matches, a card-deck. Toothpicks, a foldable paper-box (unfolded), one of those IKEA-screw-thingies, dinosaurs, flowerpots (no flowers), bird-food.....

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Katinka Min
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A calculator but not condoms??? Whoever stacked this appears to be 80 years old.

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Maisey Myles
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In a bar in New Orleans (1983) - vending machine had toothbrush, rolling papers, nasal spray, kleenex, condoms, and eye drops

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Ara
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hopefully the cost is reasonable, and not marked up to reflect the convenience.

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Hobby Hopper
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does it lower those electronics gently or drop them to the bottom suddenly?

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giku T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

maybe the empty space next to paracetamol had condoms but they ran out

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#31

This Arthritis Relief Cream Now Comes With An Easy Open Cap For Those With Arthritis

This Arthritis Relief Cream Now Comes With An Easy Open Cap For Those With Arthritis

Isaacb123g Report

#32

On The Walls Of Madrid’s Metro System Is The Entire Novel Of Don Quixote, So You Can Read While You Wait And Pick Up The Next Time Where You Left Off

On The Walls Of Madrid’s Metro System Is The Entire Novel Of Don Quixote, So You Can Read While You Wait And Pick Up The Next Time Where You Left Off

orangebananaaaa Report

#33

Genius

Genius

chosen_at_random Report

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LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like them a bit soggy. I don't know about anyone else, but crunchy cereals scratch up the roof of my mouth, especially the sweet ones.

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#34

IKEA Made Xbox And PlayStation Sized Boxes, That You Can Place And Check If It Will Fit On The Furniture You Want To Buy

IKEA Made Xbox And PlayStation Sized Boxes, That You Can Place And Check If It Will Fit On The Furniture You Want To Buy

TomaccoTastesLikeGma Report

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Judy Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because no one thinks to take the measurements with them when they go shopping!

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#35

My Ruler Has A Raised End So It’s Easier To Pick Up

My Ruler Has A Raised End So It’s Easier To Pick Up

Iamthecello Report

#36

This Hotel I’m Staying At Has The Shower Shelf Accessible From Both Inside As Well As Outside

This Hotel I’m Staying At Has The Shower Shelf Accessible From Both Inside As Well As Outside

achilliesFriend Report

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PjandBolt
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean cool but I'd be worried about water/spray getting out yknow?

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#37

This Pickle Jar Has A Little Handle Attached To A Basket That Makes The Pickles Easier To Retrieve

This Pickle Jar Has A Little Handle Attached To A Basket That Makes The Pickles Easier To Retrieve

BallSaxophonist Report

#38

These Tables Are On Railroad Tracks For Easy Moving

These Tables Are On Railroad Tracks For Easy Moving

noluckyno Report

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Buren
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yah, I am definitely going to sit down nicely, instead of weeeeee, trying to drag the whole table with my feet, racing with myself or do superman dirty-dancing-jump style.

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#39

This Restaurant Puts A Mesh Net Over Your Lemon So When You Squeeze It, No Seeds Get In Your Food

This Restaurant Puts A Mesh Net Over Your Lemon So When You Squeeze It, No Seeds Get In Your Food

alikat538 Report

#40

My Plastic Wrap Just Told Me To Add It To My Grocery List

My Plastic Wrap Just Told Me To Add It To My Grocery List

itsmer Report

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#41

You Can Lock Up Your Skateboard By This Library

You Can Lock Up Your Skateboard By This Library

augburto Report

#42

An Egg Timer That Shows You How Hard Your Egg Is By Cooking It With The Egg

An Egg Timer That Shows You How Hard Your Egg Is By Cooking It With The Egg

cizzoo Report

#43

This Post Office Has A Helpful Size Guide If You Want To Buy A Box

This Post Office Has A Helpful Size Guide If You Want To Buy A Box

hesapmakinesi Report

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LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Canada Post puts out samples on display you can test out to see if everything will fit.

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#44

My Microwave Has A "No Beep" Setting

My Microwave Has A "No Beep" Setting

blr0067 Report

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Antonia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love that. Mine has a different beep for different functions. It drives my crazy...

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#45

Clever Decoration Idea Found At Aquarium Barcelona

Clever Decoration Idea Found At Aquarium Barcelona

quixotesque Report

#46

My Pen Has A Built-In Periodic Table

My Pen Has A Built-In Periodic Table

spile77 Report

#47

Extra Long Scissors For Wrapping Paper

Extra Long Scissors For Wrapping Paper

denrae- Report

#48

This Mall Has A “Husband Depository” With Massage Chairs And Phone Chargers

This Mall Has A “Husband Depository” With Massage Chairs And Phone Chargers

co1063 Report

#49

This Korean Snack Has Two Notches On The Bag, So You Can Open At The Second Notch For Easier Access In The Later Stages Of Snacking

This Korean Snack Has Two Notches On The Bag, So You Can Open At The Second Notch For Easier Access In The Later Stages Of Snacking

cnostaw Report

#50

These Straws Made Out Of Pasta So They Don't Dissolve Like Paper

These Straws Made Out Of Pasta So They Don't Dissolve Like Paper

mazi710 Report

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Serial pacifist
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wrapped up in plastic...but I still love the idea. I would stuff them with some cheese and boil.

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Note: this post originally had 102 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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