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Not every gadget is made the same - some of them are incredibly cool yet pretty useless, while others are incredibly cool and useful gadgets. And that’s exactly how we like them! Now, where to find such must-have gadgets, hmm? Oh, right; as with everything, there’s a Reddit thread for that, too, where people shared their tried-and-tested must-have home gadgets that truly did change their lives! So, ready to check them out?
We get it; you might still be a bit skeptical of these cool gadgets - are they really what you’re looking for? Or will reading this list be a waste of your time? So here’s a sneak peek. First off, people mentioned tons and tons of must-have kitchen gadgets, and we wholeheartedly agree with each of them! Take something simple, like a really good can opener, and think how much better your life would be with one. It’s such a little thing, but it does make a difference (bye-bye cuts and wounds from opening cans with a knife - nobody needed you in the first place). Then, the Redditors also mentioned some fairly cheap gadgets, like a pocket knife or a shoehorn, which seem pretty dull and not so useful. That is until you really, really need them! And lastly, people also mentioned the best gadgets meant for a very specific task - like for making yourself an absolute banger of a taco - they admitted had changed their lives tremendously. All in all, these must-have gadgets range from pretty basic stuff you might’ve completely forgotten about to some really high-tech things you’ve been dreaming about for a while now.
So, ready to take a look at the must-have gadgets people on this AskReddit thread deemed as life-changing? If so, you know what to do here - scroll down below, check out the submissions, give the best ones your vote, and share this article with your friends!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
jerrythecactus wrote:
"I mean a fire extinguisher is a good investment for preventing house fires and stuff."
Another Reddit user added:
"It can't prevent, it can stop."
Headless Roach 2 years ago
Well to be fair, if you use it to put off the frying pan fire, if CAN prevent your house from burning to the ground 🙃
Kobe (she) 2 years ago
Make sure you use the right type of fire extinguishers in the right places.
Load More Replies... RELATED:
#2
"Carbon monoxide detector."
#3
"A base-model Kindle and a free Overdrive account through your local library will give you access to more reading material than you could get through in a lifetime. So that's pretty neat."
Gizmo 2 years ago
You don't even need a Kindle if you have a smart phone. There are lots of apps you can use to access library e-books and audiobooks.
Libby Tailor 2 years ago
Kindles and other e book readers are more friendly for your eyes than smartphones
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Jessica N 2 years ago
I LOVE the Libby app. Can use it on your phone as well! Instead of paying $25 for the new James Rollins book you can just "borrow" it digitally from library! Love my kindle paperwhite but being able to read on phone while in line at places is fantastic. Between this site and buying from thriftbooks.com there is no author no matter how random that I haven't been able to find
#4
"A cup. Holds liquids so they are easier to drink. Way easier to use than hands."
Headless Roach 2 years ago (edited)
You don't say!!! I've been drinking liquids the wrong way my entire life.
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
I knew there must have been an easier way! I was just letting the liquid fall on the floor and lapping it up like a cat. Anyone know where I can get one? I'm in Australia so ideally from somewhere that can deliver locally, rather than having to import from the US or China
LizzieBoredom 2 years ago
Since you're in Australia, you might have to turn it over before it will work.
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#5
"A headlamp.
Seriously, if you need a flashlight chances are you want to see what you are doing - with your hands. Normal flashlights have their purpose but more often than not you'll hold that thing with your teeth because you can't change that lightbulb you barely reach with only one hand or whatever it is you are doing."
DrBronxx 2 years ago
Good for emergencies, and if you live in areas that are prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes/typhoons. We have headlamps that have a feature where you can set them to flash red to show you are in danger (under rubble or something) or to flash green to show that you are ok and that rescue workers should prioritise others. I hope we never get to use them.
LizzieBoredom 2 years ago
Especially in the attic (unless you just like hunting for flashlights in the loose insulation).
#6
"A reusable water bottle. Though I suppose it only becomes life changing if you actually fill it with water and use it."
cadena kuhn 2 years ago
If you have a baby it it is a great way to always have hot water for formula
#7
"Electric Kettle - 1750 watts of water heating power (US) and 3000watts (UK).
Aside from the refrigerator, it is the most used appliance in the kitchen.
best $26 I've ever spent."
Robert T 2 years ago
I don't think I know anybody who doesn't have an electric kettle (in the UK).
Ace 2 years ago
Don't forget that many Americans still think it's normal to make tea in the microwave...
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Libby Tailor 2 years ago
I got one as a gift last year and I love it. We have gas stove and the electric kettle faster and probably more energy saver
Jean Dogmom 2 years ago
Have considered it, as I recently switched to pour over coffee. Got tired of the pods. Just use my Keurig to heat water now.
PunnyPanda 2 years ago (edited)
Just don't try to heat soup in it... 18 year old me wasn't very bright, lol.
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I once boiled water in a coffee pot (whatever they are called) when I was in a bnb because there was no kettle- became very strong coffee flavoured tea, wouldn't recommend.
Load More Replies... #8
"A portable jump pack, with battery cables for a vehicle."
Lauren S 2 years ago
I thought about hyperdrive for some reason so we’re on the same page my guy!
Load More Replies... Amy Pontious 2 years ago
Definitely going to get , anyone know a good one that's not super expensive?
LynnCaster 2 years ago
I keep one of these and a portable air compressor for tire refills in my car. Saved me from needing roadside assistance multiple times
#9
bootorangutan wrote: "Dashcam." MossBone added: "I couldn’t agree more. I always watch dashcam videos on YouTube but never actually had anything happen to me until 2 months ago. Someone decided it was a good idea to run across the street at night and I struck him. All caught on dashcam."
Aretha theBluFox 2 years ago
I use Vantrue N2Pro. Purchased from Amazon. Easy setup. Get a micro card for memory. Somebody hit me and the insurance was giving me run around until I pulled the video. Can't argue with the truth.
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Irish cailín 2 years ago
Yes definitely a good investment. I had someone crash into me on the passenger side and their insurance was trying to make out I was at fault until I sent them the dash vid of him crossing over the line into my lane.
#10
AnomalousAvocado wrote:
"A bidet attachment for your toilet. Got one on Amazon for $30 and I will never go without again."
slaughterj11 added:
"This is a huge life changer and it even pays for itself in toilet paper you save. I could never go without and am amazed these aren't more common in the states."
Charlotte Sandoval 2 years ago
Got one as a postpartum gift and can testify it's a godsend. Can't live without it anymore
Lauren S 2 years ago
When I had a baby they gave me a little squirt bottle to rinse myself. That was so dang essential for months. I never thought of giving a bidet as a gift but that makes so much sense. I’ll have to keep that in mind.
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Rodney McKay 2 years ago
A $30 hand sprayer bears very little resemblance to an actual bidet, and is likely to leave you frequently cursing when your aim is slightly off. A decent bidet seat might cost you a few hundred bucks, but is still very, very worthwhile.
#11
Cydia_user_420 wrote: "A glass screen protector. You guys are walking around with shattered $1000 iPhones i don’t understand why you cant afford a $50 screen protector." JesterBarelyKnowHer responded: "$50? I usually get them for about $5 each off Amazon. Best story was when I ran over my phone with the lawnmower. Glass screen protector broke, but phone was fine."
ILoveMySon 2 years ago
My friend has an Otter Box protector. She ran over her phone with her SEMI as she forgot it was on her tire. There was a small crack on the screen and that was it.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
Upvote for Otterbox. I've used their cases for years now (the Defender, usually). I've accidentally flung my phone across the room and dropped it 5 feet onto concrete. ZERO damage. The Otterbox cases are AMAZING. I'll never use another brand.
Load More Replies... Tim Nicebutdim 2 years ago
I hadn't had an iPhone since the 3g and work bought me one for our of hours support. The screen shattered within 3 months, it slides off of flat surfaces constantly, it's the only phone I've ever had that seems designed to self destruct, utterly horrible thing.
Jude Corrigan 2 years ago
Had a phone with a glass back that did the same.
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Charlotte Gachoud 2 years ago
I had one, plus a case but my phone still manage to fall right on the tiny slither of screen that was left unprotected 😑
Jude Corrigan 2 years ago
I have never cracked a screen even though I have dropped it. I do buy cheap cases which are a few millimetres above the screen, so that may have helped.
#12
"A silicone spatula. It's one of my most used cooking utensils."
#13
"Having a powerbank is a great tool when any electronic device is running low on battery. It's saved me dozens of times."
Gizmo 2 years ago
I have rechargeable handwarmers that can double as powerbanks. So I can warm my hands and charge my phone at the same time. Win-win.
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
Chemical hand warmers are *vastly* more practical than even the best battery-powered ones. My wife & I recently took a trip to arctic Norway, and our HotHands were still effective long, long after other people's "USB" warmers had gone stone cold. They're also cheaper than any battery-powered warmer that actually works. And, biodegradable. And, always available (no charging)—they can even be paused by sealing them in a ziploc bag, since they depend on air to operate. No annoying cords. And, they're TSA-approved in any quantity. Sometimes, the old, low-tech way is actually the best way.
Load More Replies... Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
So long as you have the presence of mind to charge the powerbank first
Bec 2 years ago
I've been given several freebie ones and never ended up using them
Load More Replies... Huddo's sister 2 years ago
My sister always has at least two of these. She found the $5 ones from 7-11 are much better than a lot of the $15-20 ones she bought.
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
And my brother has a solar powered one he always takes camping with us.
Load More Replies... Rodney McKay 2 years ago
PSA: airlines are beginning to ban the use of these during flights, after a couple of high-profile (but very low probability...) fire incidents. My wife & I were recently told that we couldn't use ours during a looooong Icelandair flight. (But don't worry—that airline sucks for a variety of other reasons, so you won't miss anything by skipping it because of the powerbank issue.)
#14
_Than0s wrote: "As a person that lives in an apartment, a white noise machine has helped me take back my sleep." PrinceVarlin added: "I use it to fend off the creeping existential dread!"
John Bostwick 2 years ago
I routinely get ear plugs at work, I don't use them at work, only when sleeping. I still hear my alarm perfectly. I dont hear anything else . It takes some getting used too and to find the best ones.
#15
"A plastic drain snake. They're about $5 and clear a drain more effectively than any chemical drain cleaner."
#16
A user wrote:
"Immersion blender. You don't need the $500 one, the $36 will do."
ThatSentenceSucks replied:
"But the $500 one has 'Nutri' in the name. That means it doesn't cut the nutritious bits into less nutritious bits right?"
Headless Roach 2 years ago
The Nutri machine removes hidden gluten from your carrot.. or something 🙃 dO YOuR owN REsEArCh
#17
A user wrote: "A back scratcher." Another user responded: "Where did you buy a wife for $50?"
#18
"A 10-foot phone charger."
Robert T 2 years ago
Dom Joly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30DcHyi-hZE
Load More Replies... John Bostwick 2 years ago
This should be a phone charger(cord) that does not break. This and only this would be the only thing I want. My daughter goes through cords weekly. I finally found a way to keep mine from breaking by getting an adapter so that I can plug the cord in at a different angle, and if I break the adapter, they are super cheap to replace, unlike the cord.
Phyzzi 2 years ago
While technically true, it's probably negligible at this kind of length when compared to other factors like the quality of connections and the efficiency of the power converter.
Load More Replies... #19
"Under the door draft guard. Had no idea how drafty it was until I tried it out. It works year-round, so I'm not throwing away $ pumping up the heat and AC that just goes right out the front door."
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
My house has an added-on room that the previous tenants used for wine storage. It's completely uninsulated, so it's scorching hot in the summer and frigid in the winter. The room/closet is attached to the master bedroom, so it affects the temperature in the bedroom drastically. An attached-to-the-door draft guard worked perfectly to stop the temperature fluctuations.
Dustin Miller 2 years ago
I made one for my apartment "main" door out of a bean filled one from the dollar store and an old rug I had; it got down to -50C one night and we couldn't feel any draft that we'd normally feel, the apartment even stayed warmer than because we didn't have our heat escaping
#20
"Bluetooth earbuds. I didn’t realize what I was missing until I got them."
StitchIsCuteAndFluffy 2 years ago
I wear Bluetooth earbuds are all the time. Except they’re not earbuds. They’re my Cochlear Implants. They connect to Bluetooth, and since I always have them on, no one will ever know when I am listening to music…
Apatheist Account2 2 years ago
They're not a must-have. People live quite happily without them all over the world.
Thenatural 2 years ago
Earbuds are good but what if you lose them? Maybe attach a little lanyard to them that could then somehow be attached to your phone? Waddya think? Am I onto something....?
James016 2 years ago
I like my headphones but for me, earbuds are the worst. They hurt my ears after a few minutes.
Kipper 2 years ago
Same here. They make my ears very sore. I bought a really good pair if Bose headphones to use with Bluetooth and the sound is incredible.
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Squirrelly Panda 2 years ago
Ear buds always fall out within a few minutes of putting them in. Bluetooth headphones are nice.
Sam Niobium 2 years ago
I had to get Bluetooth earbuds because my kitten regularly chewed through my wired ones when I wore them to sleep 😅
DrBronxx 2 years ago (edited)
All the earbuds I tried hurt my ears. Then I finally broke down and spent the stupid amount of money on AirPods and...they fit perfectly. They're absolutely wonderful. However, I'm coming up on 3 years having them, which from what I can tell is a good lifespan for AirPods, and I can't afford new ones.
#21
"If your car doesn't have USB connections, an in-car cigarette-lighter-to-USB converter is great. Couple that with a tape-deck-to-aux converter, and it's audiobooks for days."
Irish cailín 2 years ago (edited)
Or just get a Bluetooth fm receiver as they usually come with USB included so you can charge your phone, play music or audiobooks through an FM station on the radio, also be to take calls handfeed and best bit there's less wires
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
Great for charging the phone on the fly when you forget to do it at home. The cigarette lighter itself is long gone since Jake threw it out of the window
#22
"An air fryer, reheat French fries and and keep them crispy it's amazing."
Ace 2 years ago
It's just a slightly smaller version of your normal fan-assisted oven. Acquired one a year or so back, tried it out a few times, but it's not a patch on a proper fryer for chips (french fries, for the USians), they come out just like Oven Chips.
Erik Ivan 2 years ago
Chicken, spunge cake, muffins, bread, etcetera works excellent in the airfryer. It also use slightly less energy then the conventional owen if you are just making a small batch.
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John Bostwick 2 years ago
We bought a Toshiba 6 in 1 Microwave, air fryer and it does do a good job for some things and its great for small kitchens.
#23
"A nice can opener vs a crummy one that won't grip the edge."
Sarah Biondo 2 years ago
I upgraded mine recently (not from DollarTree), and it's so much easier to use!!
Squirrelly Panda 2 years ago
Just be very slow and precise on plating Atilla's food. You'll get all the kitty song you desire.
Load More Replies... #24
digikun wrote:
"Anyone who buys pre ground coffee, buy a $10 coffee grinder and start buying whole bean. It makes a world of difference in flavor. If you're going to drink something every day, might as well make it good, right?"
Another user added:
"In addition to that, a French press. The difference in taste is astounding."
#25
GarlicsPepper wrote:
"Food scale. Takes like five seconds to measure something to the gram. Really useful, whether you're on a diet or just trying to get a bowl of oatmeal just how you like it."
MrFizzles replied:
"I've been on a diet since April and struggling to lose the last 10 pounds until I reach my goal weight. I bought a food scale about a week ago and I couldn't believe how off my guess were for some of the food I was making."
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Batteries went flat on mine and it took ages to find the correct ones to replace it. For some reason they still don't sit right and the panel on the back won't screw in tight, so looks like I will need to buy a new one. It's been more than 12 months and I have bothered yet :)
Mila Preradović 2 years ago
I don't bake cakes and other desserts because I don't like to eat them (my family is not so keen either). And you don't need a scale to cook meat, veggies etc. I have no dietary restrictions so why would I weigh that?🤷♀️
Load More Replies... #26
"You can get a water bottle with a straw that filter out almost all impurities, including bacteria, for about $30. We used these while camping in Africa. You can literally get water out of a random creek. These can literally save lives."
#27
"Switching from a 88 cent wall mart kitchen knife to a $9 Walmart kitchen knife has been life changing."
#28
jward wrote: "The biggest must have that nobody has if you live somewhere with snow and ice is a package of cat litter tossed in the back of your vehicle. Instant traction if you ever get stuck." 41i5h4 responded: "I just use my floor mats. It has worked for me every time I've ever needed it."
#29
"A warm fuzzy blanket that makes you want to kick the air while under it you know the kind but as a big one for the bed."
#30
"I LOVE my mini Foreman grill that my grandma gave me. It's so much easier to use and clean than a frying pan when I want to make a grilled sandwich, or a large, single cut of meat. It doesn't heat up the whole kitchen, and it's fast! It's also great for cooking a small portion of bacon."
Pheebs 2 years ago
Hmm. I use a countertop toaster oven more than my actual oven. With just two of us in the house, it’s just easier some days. The oven still gets used for pizza, as I’m not willing to sacrifice the counter space needed for a pizza sized toaster oven.
Hayhaypaula 2 years ago
I discovered that I can cut my frozen pizzas in half and cook one half of it in my toaster oven! I'm happily single and don't need the whole pizza at once! I cut it when frozen and put the second half back in the freezer! Helps keep my weight down too!
Load More Replies... Worst Cop in Britain 2 years ago
You say that like there's something wrong with being single. News flash: there isn't.
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Denis Zotov 2 years ago
Just don't get into the habit of keeping it in your bedroom so you can wake up to the smell of bacon...
#31
vinsomm wrote: "Phone charger hidden camera. Best purchase I’ve made in the last year. I get to watch my landlords maintenance guy snoop around my house and I get to watch my two dogs silly antics when they think no one is watching." deskpalm responded: "Oh, the dogs know. They just make it seem like they don't know."
#32
"Dimmable light bulbs. No one realizes that bright lights at night aren't healthy and interfere with sleep. Darker lights at night are just so much of a quality of life improvement, explicitly to not have harsh lights when I'm tired, and implicitly for a healthier sleep pattern. Some are expensive like the Philips Hue set, but I got a kit from Sengled for $30."
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
Maybe I'm eccentric but I just deal with bright lights at night by turning them off
Kel_how 2 years ago
I read before bed and I have a smart bulb in my bedside lamp. 100% brightness gives me a headache and makes it hard to sleep. If I turn it 30% or lower, I can still read comfortably, but also fall asleep more quickly. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it honestly helps my quality of life.
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Amy Taylor 2 years ago
I was gifted a Hue starter set and I’m obsessed. Plus all the programs timed with music, etc.
#33
"A sink plunger. I never had one before, but I recently started using one and it really works great to clear clogs. Just... don't mix it up with the toilet plunger. Or use your sink plunger in the toilet."
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
"Just... don't mix it up with the toilet plunger. Or use your sink plunger in the toilet."" -- In the same vein, after you poop, wash your hands in the toilet, not the sink.
James016 2 years ago
I bought a toilet plunger recently that pushes everything through rather than pulling it back up into the bowl
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
That's because most people don't know the difference between sink and toilet plungers.
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#34
Storiea wrote: "The little handles you stick into the ends of corn so you don't get your hands all slippery. Truly the pinnacle of human innovation." 9989989 added: "Bonus if they are shaped like farm animals."
#35
"Recently found light bulbs at hd that not only have blue tooth controlled dim and color... They have built in speakers Whole house rocks now!"
Rodney McKay 2 years ago (edited)
So, they compromise both functions. This sort of idea is truly, truly dumb and is thought up by marketing people, not users. Or anyone who groks technology.
CelticElff 2 years ago
Upvote for grok, with much love to all my nerdy friends
Load More Replies... #36
misterman573 wrote: "FLEX TAPE." funkyjiveturkey added: "I SAWED THIS BOAT IN HALF."
Lisa McCourt 2 years ago
Thank you! I haven't tried that yet! I will get some today!!
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#37
Byizo wrote: "Rasberry Pi." the_loneliest_noodle added: "I have like 5 of these things. Network wide ad blocking, file server, pocket arcade, diagnostic tool for work (IT), and super neat linux alarm clock I've hooked up to a 4.5 in touch-screen next to the bed. The amount of stuff you can do with a $30 machine is incredible. And hell, half the things above I could do with the $5 version."
Robert T 2 years ago
I have 3 of them. One does stallwart duty answering the phone and controlling my music system. The phone part blocks unwanted calls by using a fax modem to scan the caller id and answer any unwanted calls as a fax machine. The music controller integrates Alexa with my aging Squeezebox, which is not supported any more. Full voice search of my music library. :D
Sami-Jo Ross 2 years ago
I've been seeing so many things about these things and how they're apparently miracle workers. I may have to look into them.
Temporary Dork 2 years ago
They're just computers. It really helps if you speak Linux.
Load More Replies... John Bostwick 2 years ago
They used to be as low as $10. Now, they are hard to find less then $100. I have purchased a lot of them over the years. I make BBQ controllers for charcoal smokers. I have sold them all over the world. Its nice to be able to make Pulled pork in your smoker and have smoker set for 225°F over the internet from you house while drinking a nice cold beer and not having to go outside when its below 0°, lol.
#38
"A boot dryer. I’m telling you outdoors folks whether it’s for work for play it’s the best investment I’ve ever made."
#39
"Digital luggage scale... I've packed more 49.9 lb checked bags and each time the airline folks give me that pro-style nod."
Mila Preradović 2 years ago (edited)
Or you can just get regular scale and weigh yourself with and without luggage 🤷♀️ works with cats too.
LizzieBoredom 2 years ago
But the cat keeps meowing to get out of the luggage.
Load More Replies... Rodney McKay 2 years ago
Old balance beam scales (check yard sales) are a LOT easier to use for luggage than are digital ones that are fussy about placement. I had one sitting in my closet for years before I thought to try it for luggage. DUH! Game-changing.
#40
"A Chromecast. Anything you can watch on your phone, you can watch on your tv."
Tim Nicebutdim 2 years ago
Plex. I've ripped my entire DVD/Blu-ray collection (1000 DVD's, 400 Blu-ray), they currently sit on a low power server and if someone wants to watch something they just connect and watch it. It's a Godsend for my mum when she's bored.
Andrew McLoughlin 2 years ago
This feature is already built into most tvs. It's genuinely difficult to buy a TV that isn't "smart" these days.
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
Compare to Apple TV (not just price) before taking the plunge on Chromecast.
#41
"A Bluetooth shower speaker. My phone isn't waterproof and the steam builds up in my bathroom so I bought a cheap speaker for about £10. Makes showering fell like much less of a chore and it will play music from my phone all the way from the next room."
Mila Preradović 2 years ago
And since when is showering a chore and not "me time" for relaxing and enjoyment?
Load More Replies... #42
"Those neat apple corer thingys that cut the apple into slices at the same time."
#43
garycarroll wrote: "Nite-lite for the bathroom, so you don't either blind yourself in the middle of the night or crash about." wondersparrow replied: "We changed the switches in our bathrooms to dimmable occupancy sensors. Walk in in the middle of the night, light turns on to its lowest setting. Want more light, tap the switch. Turns off on its own too, which is great. Bedrooms got the same treatment with vacancy sensors. They won't turn on without tapping the switch, but they will turn themselves off." Another user added: "After 10pm if I open my bedroom door my hall light turn on to 5% and bathroom light 10%, close my door and they shut back off."
Kel_how 2 years ago (edited)
Yes, those small plug-in night lights are super helpful. My grandmother had them all around her house when I was growing up and I thought they were useless. Now I'm in my 30s and don't have time to die tripping over something.
#45
"Automatic soap dispenser in my kitchen. I deal with a lot of raw meat and this just helps give me so much peace of mind."
ScrapieChick 2 years ago
OK so I've always been a bit "eh?" about automatic soap dispensers. You're hands are dirty so you turn your tap on, wet your hands get squirt of soap from dispenser, wash your hands and then use your clean hand to turn the tap off. Surely an automatic tap would make more sense?????
Andrew McLoughlin 2 years ago
Turn tap on with elbow. Bit harder to apply soap that way.
Load More Replies... #46
"I bought a $25 bluetooth speaker and honestly it's been so handy. Already have a nice stereo in my room but this way I can listen to music in my kitchen while I am cooking."
#47
"HDMI to Garden hose cable. Must have."
Jenny Widdowson 2 years ago
Package looks opened. Think this is a joke. Good one!
Load More Replies... Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
I tried one of these but it just flooded my TV. Maybe I had it the wrong way around
#48
User No 1 wrote:
"A cheap gadget? I'll give you 2.
1.Ice Scraper
2.Spray bottle.
Fill the spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol 50% and water 50%. Apply liberally to ice cover windshields."
Titansjester responded:
"As long as you don't fill it with water and it isn't super cold out, spraying some windshield washing fluid on your windshield goes a long way to quickly remove frost."
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
It is very, very, VERY risky to spray water on a cold windshield (unless you love the look of cracks). If you're going to do it, use only COLD water (or antifreeze) and be patient.
Jeremy Klaxon 2 years ago
How about a windshield cover so you don't need to de-ice in the first place?
#49
MountainThorn42 wrote:
"A Shoehorn."
leclair63 added:
"Specifically a long one so you don't have to bend over as much!"
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
"Old People Problems" - The kind most of us hope to have someday.
Load More Replies... #50
toppup wrote: "ODB2 Scanner." codered434 added: "Yep. Now your car will tell you what's wrong with it before taking it to your mechanic. Also good to help make sure a new (or existing) mechanic isn't fraudulent."
Robert T 2 years ago
Fault codes only tell you so much, and not necessarily what is wrong. I have one that is specific to my car and allows you to do things like reset airbag lights. That alone probably saved me the cost of the kit when I did some work on the seats and the airbag light came on.
Jude Corrigan 2 years ago
I agree that it will only tell you so much. If it reads a fault, there is no guarantee that the fault is in that area or that the module that reads the fault is broken.
#51
"A non-fogging shower mirror."
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Just use an extractor fan in your bathroom to avoid the steam in the first place. Will also stop your ceiling and walls getting mouldy, which is the intended purpose.
#52
"Literally rubber bands. Got a soda bottle that's apparently tougher than the others? Wrap a rubber band around it and then twist it. Got a jar that's apparently tougher than the others? Wrap that rubber band around and do a twist. It's made my life easier and has reduced the amount of times my hands were rubbed raw and stung afterwards."
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
Well, they could have been plastic bands, as many are.
Load More Replies... #53
"One of those adapters that let you connect harddrives to USB. get one that does pata and sata.
If your computer dies, you can recover your harddrive, if a friends goes, you can save thier music and documents.
If the harddrive is the part that breaks, most of the time you can freeze it (IN A ZIPLOCK!) overnight, and in the morning, you'll usually have another 2 or 3 hours to transfer files to another PC.
These tips will make you a superhero when it counts. nab one of those adapters, 10, maybe 15 bucks."
Jeremy Klaxon 2 years ago
If your hard drive fails, your data is dead. How about making a backup?
Colin Russell-Conway 2 years ago
Freeze it? Really? Any condensation wil destroy the platter, the needle and the electronics.
Andrew McLoughlin 2 years ago
Confirming that the freezer trick only works on platter drives. If it's flash-memory, gone means gone.
#54
They make camera drones now that fit in your pocket for around 50.
I got one for the hell of it and its a lot more useful than you'd think.
I scared off a woodpecker that was harassing my sister by knocking on her wall at 5 in the morning.
I checked my parent's gutters and roof for them, when they only off hand mentioned they needed to check it in passing."
Apatheist Account2 2 years ago
Have to be careful with these - invasion of privacy being one problem, and interfering with aircraft being another.
#55
"Plastic ducks for the bath."
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
Is there a shower version? Who the heck still takes baths, unless it's with company that's more interesting than a rubber ducky.
#56
prime-meridian wrote:
"A cigarette lighter, even if you don't smoke. Handy for candles, or burning off stray threads from clothing."
Sentient6ix added:
"Plus, I tend to light my friends' cigs for them just to be that dude every once in a while."
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
Also handy for providing light when crawling under the house to investigate a gas leak
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
Huh. I knock my friends' cigs to the floor and stomp on them. Win-win for both of us.
#57
"An AA battery charger. You never have to go mouse free again."
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I use rechargeable batteries in almost everything. The charger can do 4 AAA or AA batteries at once.
#58
"A telescoping pen that goes on your keychain. They forget to give you a pencil at the Sushi place? No problem. Need to sign your kids permission slip at the school. Got it. Need to write a check on the fly. Tru Utility Telescoping Pen... fantastic buy."
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
Get two, and then you can use them as chopsticks if they forget to give you any at that sushi place.
LizzieBoredom 2 years ago
Must be difficult to write a check on the fly. How do you hold him/her down?
#59
"A milk frother. It's like going to Starbucks in your underwear."
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
Meh. Go all-out and get a good espresso machine (with frother!). I laughed at the idea for many years, but recently got one and now use it several times a day, every day (unlike many of my other kitchen gadgets). It seems a kinda daunting at first, but after a little practice you no longer even have to think about it. Just don't be too much of a perfectionist, unless your goal in getting it is just to impress your buds.
Amy Taylor 2 years ago
My kids bought me a nice machine for my birthday and I no longer have to stop on my way to work.
Load More Replies... Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I bought a milk frother/steamer and it's awesome for making tea lattes. I don't really drink coffee so an espresso machine would be a waste.
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
Is going to Starbucks in your underwear one of your life aspirations?
#60
"Get a USB footpedal. Even with shipping, you could get it below $50. I got a 3 foot-pedal, I use it for programming, gaming and just web browsing. It opens a whole new world of laziness. Think of a foot pedal as alternative way to press keyboard shortcuts. I binded mine personally to Previous Tab (Ctrl+Shift+Tab), Close Tab (Ctrl+W), and Next Tab (Ctrl+Tab). Though I have sometimes rebinded them if I'm gaming to Crouching, Running, Push-To-Talk, Display Scores in games, and anything else. It's like a keyboard for your feet basically."
Andrew McLoughlin 2 years ago
Don't bother rebinding! Use autohotkey to create program-specific macros and the shortcuts will work differently for different use-cases. Takes a bit to set up, but once it's running, it's a godsend. I dont use foot-pedals (my animals would chew the cords) but i got a gaming mouse for this specific purpose. Not much of a gamer, but having push-button shortcuts is AMAZING.
#61
"Buy a good magnet and go magnet fishing."
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
Remember if you catch anything smaller than a tin can you have to throw it back in
#62
_MrSolo_ wrote: "Lock picking set for sure, you'll enjoy it so much." NickMarcil added: "I really love picking doors for 60 min while swearing, you are right. It's so random, some take me 5 seconds, some are impossible, they all are 5-6 pin normal door lock. On the other hand, all 3-4 or lower pin lock take 5min max."
Cloudy 2 years ago
😂 and then there's me who picked my parents bedroom door with a a metal pin. Their lock is a joke.
Hphizzle 2 years ago
My parents lock just needed a flathead screwdriver. Couldn’t hide those cable tv cables from me for long.
Load More Replies... Denis Zotov 2 years ago
Having a lockpick in your possession is a criminal offence in some countries (unless you are an actual locksmith)
#63
"With great power comes great responsibility, but what you're looking for is a TV-B-Gone. It fits on your keychain, and with one press of a button, it cycles through every major TV brand's "off button" and turns off every TV in your vicinity. If you buy this thing, don't be a prick about it. If there are 300 people in a sports bar watching a game, that stuff is NOT funny. Please find your moral compass and use it responsibly. Maybe a waiting room at the dentist has had Fox News on for an hour and you're sick of it. Maybe your lazy teacher is showing you a documentary instead of teaching. Maybe you want to punk your roommate into thinking the TV is broken. That's all fine. And this thing works. Just please don't turn a sports bar into pure anarchy."
Rodney McKay 2 years ago
As loathsome as Fox is, I'm even more annoyed by the home (dis)improvement shows that are de rigueur for medical offices these days. I'm a homeowner, and that stuff is 96.4% BS. I've often thought about zapping the TV in my doctor's and dentist's offices.
Kel_how 2 years ago
Went to a restaurant with my mom and sister recently. They sat us right under a super loud TV and then our waiter disappeared for awhile. We could barely hear each other speaking. I tried downloading several universal remote apps to see if I could just turn it to a reasonable volume, but to no avail. Would've loved something like this at the time.
What do you think ?
Louie 2 years ago
I’m not sure if it qualifies as a gadget, but the best thing I can advice just about anyone to buy is a foam roller. They’re cheap, they last for ever and if you make the habit of using them daily, trust me you’ll be very grateful.
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Excuse my ignorance, but what is a foam roller?
Load More Replies... Louie 2 years ago
I’m not sure if it qualifies as a gadget, but the best thing I can advice just about anyone to buy is a foam roller. They’re cheap, they last for ever and if you make the habit of using them daily, trust me you’ll be very grateful.
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Excuse my ignorance, but what is a foam roller?
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