Unexpectedly brilliant purchases

[Parata]

Last year there was a thread where people were recommending purchases they made or gifts they got that were unexpectedly brilliant. I got sleep headphones based off that thread for my birthday, and they have honestly been amazing - have helped me sleep better as I no longer turn to my phone and doom scroll when I wake up, but just put on a podcast or a meditation session and drift off to sleep. (Also got an acupressure mat that has been much less useful).

As my birthday and that of my kids, and as well Christmas approaches, I was hoping it is time to make a new similar thread maybe we could all find the next thing that changes our lives.

They reviewed these on This Morning the other day:

https://www.bite-away.com/uk/

https://www.ocado.com/products/incognito-zap-ease-instant-bite-relief-284405011?srsltid=AfmBOoqZRYDkk-VGV1yv5nOnHMrusHj2f9A0bMncV_qPLjAbTbS2GNG3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crevice-Cleaning-Bathroom-Premium-Aluminum/dp/B0CZ8MFBYF?th=1

Placemark

A toddler fridge lock. Not because I have toddlers, but because the seal on my 2 year old fridge is shit, and the cost of 1) buying a new seal and fitting it myself badly, or 2) paying to have it replaced is ridiculous. The fridge lock is £5 for 2. The fridge is sorted - no more excess condensation and I've been able to turn it down.

Ive got one! It’s very good, use it for cucumber for tzatziki too.
I also use a microplane for garlic and ginger too

I've got this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09ZQQ19ZH/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?pd_rd_i=B09ZQQ19ZH&pd_rd_w=XxcnM&content-id=amzn1.sym.7c2bff8e-4ce3-4cc7-b3f6-35ac6c74cf9b&pf_rd_p=7c2bff8e-4ce3-4cc7-b3f6-35ac6c74cf9b&pf_rd_r=J392KEF8NX4XW48NDJ1Z&pd_rd_wg=Uy4cA&pd_rd_r=2fdfa6a1-e424-4603-8fe7-8f48bc582bb0&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1

I've got this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09ZQQ19ZH/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?pd_rd_i=B09ZQQ19ZH&pd_rd_w=XxcnM&content-id=amzn1.sym.7c2bff8e-4ce3-4cc7-b3f6-35ac6c74cf9b&pf_rd_p=7c2bff8e-4ce3-4cc7-b3f6-35ac6c74cf9b&pf_rd_r=J392KEF8NX4XW48NDJ1Z&pd_rd_wg=Uy4cA&pd_rd_r=2fdfa6a1-e424-4603-8fe7-8f48bc582bb0&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1

I got mine from B&M, a quid each! And they work brilliantly, never been so excited about cleaning my taps before! 🤣

Not exactly unexpected, but Babyliss Big Hair Rotating Hot Air Styler, and Redken All Soft shampoo and conditioner have been game changers for me. We have an at-home hairdresser (also a game-changer - around £100 for four cuts plus a colour for me) and I asked her how I could get my hair looking like it did after she’d done it, and that’s what she recommended. Drying/styling it takes five minutes if you leave it to dry naturally for a bit. I am never not-groomed now!

Thank you. I will definitely have a look

I don't understand the concept? Armless so the arms don't press into your head while on your side? What does the rimless bit achieve?

Sorry, English is not my first language and I wasn't entirely sure if you'd refer to them as armless or rimless.

They're just armless and yes, the point is to be able to read lying on my side

Can you post a link to this please

I woudl love a bird like a parrot or and owl, but so worried about the pooing aroudn the house, do they do this?

A small dustpan and brush that fits in a sandwich bag in my changing bag to help clear up baby led weaning mess when we’re eating out somewhere, because touching wet food is gross but not clearing up after yourself is even more gross

The ones we used to call half-moon spectacles? Am thinking back to the 80s here!

I woudl love a bird like a parrot or and owl, but so worried about the pooing aroudn the house, do they do this?

Yes they do - or rather parrots do, I don’t know about owls.
It’s not disgusting like dog or cat poo, but it’s not ideal.
Also, parrots love gnawing on things and chipping away at picture frames, tops of cupboards etc.
As a result of this people often don’t let them out of their cages which is so cruel.

Can you buy the squeegee anywhere. ? TIA

Oh yes! I have a couple of those metal ones. They last and last, you can hang a LOT of items on them, and if any of the clippy bits do get damaged you can buy replacements: they are attached with a sort of key ring. Brilliant!

My Mum used to use these when I was as child. They definitely worked! I’m in my 60s now so tbey are not a new invention

another handy thing suitcase straps you have your name embroidered on so the case stands out with your name and strap less chance of someone picking it up by mistake

Oh God, I couldn't have one of those as I have this Victoria Wood routine engraved on my mind:

(yes it's long, but it's funny, because it's Victoria Wood - the relevant bit starts about 6 mins in)

What on earth is this??

Could you link this please. I have the clicker but only find that good enough for nettle stings.

I bought some long-handled teaspoons - sundae spoons, I think they're called - and they were so useful I immediately bought another pack. They're just better for eating things like yogurts and semi-sloppy things than teaspoons are. And for serving things like hummus and dips onto individual plates.