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problem-solving gifts
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Amazon

15 items that will actually solve problems

By Kim Komando, Komando.com
•
March 14, 2023

It’s fun to buy stuff you don’t always need. But products that actually solve problems are a better way to spend money. We’re talking about items that help with everyday tasks.

Check out our list of 15 problem-solving items below.

1. Stay connected

inCharge 6

inCharge 6

This six-in-one keyring is a fantastic go-to. It holds keys and has a universal cable connector with four inputs and outputs. It can charge and sync simultaneously or transfer data from a smartphone to a PC or laptop or from one smartphone to another. Now you'll never have to worry about finding the right cables to plug in their devices.

Promising review: "Magnet latch is strong so you could even hang from your keychain if needed, not sure why, but you could do that. Arrived well packaged and built very sturdy. Allows for a variety of USB port connections for both PC and MAC."
Buy Now
$19.90 on Amazon.com

2. Night safety

Emmabin LED Slap Armband

Emmabin LED Slap Armband

Anyone who exercises or walks their pets at night knows how important it is to have reflective clothing or LED lights to tell cars and other pedestrians where they are. These slap armbands are perfect for anyone who wants to ensure they're visible in the dark. You get four colors, and the band is one size fits all.

Promising review: "When we run at night we like to wear bright vests, but my youngest granddaughters are in the stroller. So I bought the bracelets for them to wear something bright as well. They really like them, and I ended up ordering more for their Mom and Aunt to wear as well!"
Buy Now
$10.99 on Amazon.com

3. Great for kids and adults

Toothbrush holder

Toothbrush holder

This is perfect for anyone with limited bathroom space. This toothbrush holder and toothpaste dispenser can be mounted to the wall for easy access and can hold two toothpaste tubes, four toothbrushes and various toiletries on the built-in shelf. It also includes sections for disposable cups to be stored.

Promising review: "Super easy to install. No issues with it falling at all. The toothpaste dispenser works great. Kids from ages 8 to 21 have no trouble using it. Saved tons of space on my already small bathroom counter. An absolute must-have."
Buy Now
$17.99 on Amazon.com

4. Stay hydrated anywhere

LifeStraw personal water filter

LifeStraw personal water filter

The LifeStraw is great for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Sometimes adventure means a lack of clean water, but this straw acts as a personal water filter that can remove 99.999999% of waterborne bacteria and 99.999% of waterborne parasites. Each straw can filter 1,000 gallons of water.

Promising review: "Great for hiking we usually just use as a backup if we run out of water! It's amazing how clean the water taste through the straw! Great buy!"
Buy Now
$17.47 on Amazon.com

5. Get organized

White cable clips

White cable clips

Messy desks can lead to accidents, like spilled drinks, torn cables and more. If you struggle to keep your devices in order, get these cable clips. Stick them to a wood, glass, plastic, metal, cortex or ceramic surface and enjoy. Simple but effective.

Promising review: "The cable clips stick well to my night stand and it is one of the best organizing tools I have ever purchase. It is nice to be able to find the charger [I] need easily. It keeps chargers from tangling also."
Buy Now
$6.55 on Amazon.com

6. For anyone with kids or pets

Munchkin Brica Deluxe kick mats

Munchkin Brica Deluxe kick mats

We all pay a lot of money for our cars, so it makes sense that everyone would want to protect the seats from kids who kick, dirty pets and potential accidents. These Brica seat protectors are easily attached to the back of the driver and front passenger seats. The grime guard protects seats from moisture, dirt and little feet.

Promising review: "This took like 5 seconds to install, looks good in my new car ... overall super happy. [I]t’s easy wipe for cleanup and holds up to my toddler who kicks the seats and always runs in dirt. My leather stays untouched under it. You got kids, buy it."
Buy Now
$18.59 on Amazon.com

7. Say goodbye to stink

amco 8402 Rub-a-Way bar

amco 8402 Rub-a-Way bar

Anyone who has ever handled garlic, onion or fish in the kitchen knows how those smells linger. This stainless steel bar is the perfect solution for all those odors. If you love to cook, this is perfect. Molecules in the steel bar bind with sulfur molecules on your hands to transfer the stink from the skin to the bar. Use it with or without water to keep your hands smelling clean.

Promising review: "Super surprised at how well this actually works! Bought originally for washing after cutting garlic, works like a charm! Onions, garlic, other smelly foods and a quick wash didn’t leave your hands smelling like metal, and eliminates the other odors!"
Buy Now
$9.59 on Amazon.com

8. Cute and helpful

ODISTAR desktop vacuum cleaner

ODISTAR desktop vacuum cleaner

Do you love to eat at your desk? This little desktop vacuum can help. It can be used with battery power and reaches debris just like a normal-size vacuum. Use it to dust, clean keyboards, remove hair or pet fur and more. Perfect for students, messy eaters, crafters and more.

Promising review: "I don't know how I got by without this vacuum. I use it all of the time. I draw most days which results in eraser bits on my desk. This vacuum works great to keep my surface clean. Much better than a brush. I recommend it highly."
Buy Now
$12.98 on Amazon.com

9. No more spills

Saucemoto dip clip

Saucemoto dip clip

These sauce holders are the perfect solution for messy dippers. Just mount the holder and place almost any fast-food dipping sauce container into it for quick and easy access. This is particularly useful to anyone who often has to eat on the go, anyone with kids or even seniors who might need a little more stability when eating in the car.

Promising review: "This is the best invention ever! I’m a sauce queen and this allows me to have sauce in my car without wasting it! Whoever invented this knows my love language!"
Buy Now
$11.99 on Amazon.com

10. Always fresh

2PACK mini bag sealer

2PACK mini bag sealer

When it's time to save leftover snacks, it can be tough to track down a chip clip or seal the bags properly to ensure freshness. But now, slow eaters can enjoy fresh leftovers with the help of this two-pack of mini food sealers. It uses heat and pressure to reseal PP, PE and PVC bags usually used to hold chips, cookies, candy and more.

Promising review: "I am pleasantly surprised at the quality of this sealer. I have already saved money and paid for the sealer in a couple of weeks time. I don't have to throw out stale crackers, chips and cereal anymore. Being single I tend to waste a lot of food. I am a happy customer."
Buy Now
$15.99 on Amazon.com

11. No more itching

bite away® - Insect sting and bite relief

bite away® - Insect sting and bite relief

No one likes it when bugs bite them, but the pain, itching and swelling are what we all hate. This chemical-free bug treatment device is excellent for anyone who spends a good amount of time outdoors. It warms the bite area for three to five seconds to relieve pain, itching and swelling quickly and effectively.

Promising review: "My go to method was a hot spoon to heat the bite and kill off the venom that makes us itch. This tool does the same exact thing and I love that it's portable. You experience a bit of heat but it's such a relief. I will gladly go through that than itch for days. Love this tool!"
Buy Now
$29.98 on Amazon.com

12. Everything in its place

TOPHOME organizer

TOPHOME organizer

Travelers love this cord organizer for wired earbuds, chargers and other necessary cords. It's small enough to fit in a pocket and has a simple design to keep cords in place. The button firmly secures the cables so everything stays in place.

Promising review: "I got this for tossing in my bag when I travel. It has held up well and is great quality. The leather is sturdy and the snap is strong enough to last a while. Very happy with the purchase."
Buy Now
$6.99 on Amazon.com

13. So many uses

BLUE GINKGO colander

BLUE GINKGO colander

This over-the-sink colander is perfect for people of all ages. It can be used to wash fruits and vegetables, dry dishes, drain water from pasta and more. It extends to rest on the edges of most kitchen sinks or can be used in its compact form. It's BPA-free, sturdy, heat resistant up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and dishwasher safe.

Promising review: "I’m obsessed with this. I leave it in my sink always. It makes washing fruits or draining pasta so much easier and such a simple clean up. Also adds a nice pop of color to my kitchen. Highly recommend."
Buy Now
$17.99 on Amazon.com

14. Keep things clean

Cleaning gel

Cleaning gel

This cleaning gel is excellent for anyone who spends a lot of time at their computer or in their car. Though it's a gel, it sticks together and collects dust, dirt and other particles from hard-to-reach places, such as between keyboard keys, the air vents in a car, or other small places.

Promising review: "I use this product for all of my electronics and music gear. It works great to pull dust out from between piano keyboard keys and knobs. I take just a bit of it out & use it a few times, saving more for later."
Buy Now
$6.99 on Amazon.com

15. Save space

ELYPRO mug organizers and storage

ELYPRO mug organizers and storage

Stacking things like plates and cutlery is easy, but stacking mugs isn't always a great idea. Not unless you have these ELYPRO mug organizers. They fit into the mouth of your mugs and can be tightened to fit two mugs together. This is great for those who like to collect cups and mugs but don't have the space to store them.

Promising review: "I love these things! Made so much space in our little cabinets. I collect mugs of all shapes and sizes and these a the perfect way to stack them and add more room in the cabinet for more!"
Buy Now
$24.99 on Amazon.com
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

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