We Tried the Weirdest Gadgets from Amazon – Here’s What Happened

1. Self-Stirring Mug: The Lazy Person’s Dream

Picture this: you're lounging on your couch, sipping a hot beverage, and suddenly you realize that your coffee has cooled down. You could stir it with a spoon, but... why bother? Enter the Self-Stirring Mug—a mug with a motorized base that swirls your drink at the push of a button. It’s like a little robot for your coffee.

Key Features:

• Built-in motor that stirs your drink
• Powered by AA batteries
• Easy to clean

What We Found:

At first glance, the self-stirring mug seems like a fun novelty, but does it actually work? Surprisingly, yes! The motor is powerful enough to mix even thick beverages like hot chocolate. It’s a bit noisy, but the stirring is surprisingly effective.

However, after a few uses, we noticed that the motor struggled to mix ingredients that had settled at the bottom. It works best for drinks like coffee, tea, or simple hot chocolate, but we wouldn’t recommend it for anything too viscous. Overall, this gadget is fun for a few laughs, but not a long-term kitchen solution.

2. USB-Powered Mini Fridge: For Those Who Need Cold Drinks at Their Desk

Who doesn’t love a cold drink within arm’s reach while working? The USB-Powered Mini Fridge promises to keep your cans of soda, water, or even skincare products chilled at your desk. All you need is a USB port to power it.

Key Features:

• Fits one or two cans
• Powered through a USB port
• Compact design

What We Found:

While the idea of having a fridge that plugs into your computer sounds convenient, it was a bit underwhelming. The fridge definitely works, but it cools at a snail's pace and doesn’t get particularly cold. It’s more of a novelty than an essential item. Plus, the noise it makes isn’t exactly subtle—it hums like an old-school refrigerator. It might be cute in theory, but it’s not practical for real use.

3. Foot Massager: A Heavenly Experience for Tired Feet

After a long day of standing or walking, what could be better than a foot massage? The Electric Foot Massager is a quirky gadget designed to soothe your feet with heat, kneading, and compression. Available in multiple shapes and sizes, we decided to test the most popular one, a device that fits both feet simultaneously.

Key Features:

• Heat and kneading massage modes
• Adjustable intensity levels
• Multiple pressure settings

What We Found:

From the moment we tried it, the foot massager felt like a miracle. The heat is soothing, and the kneading is deep, targeting pressure points effectively. It’s like having a professional massage therapist work on your feet—without leaving the couch. However, we found that the intensity could be too much for some, particularly on the highest setting. For those with sensitive feet, it could feel more painful than relaxing.

Another downside? It’s bulky and not ideal for travel. Still, for a home gadget, it's perfect for unwinding after a long day.

4. Smart Water Bottle: Hydration Meets Technology

The Smart Water Bottle is designed to track your water intake, reminding you to stay hydrated throughout the day. It syncs with an app on your phone to monitor how much you’ve drunk and sends you notifications when it’s time for a sip.

Key Features:

• Bluetooth connectivity with a mobile app
• Reminds you to drink water at regular intervals
• LED indicator for hydration goals

What We Found:

We were skeptical about this gadget at first. After all, who needs a bottle to remind them to drink water? Surprisingly, the smart water bottle turned out to be quite motivating. The notifications were helpful, especially for people who forget to drink enough water during their busy days. However, syncing it with the app was occasionally frustrating, and there were times when it didn’t track the amount of water accurately.

While it’s a cool idea, it’s probably not essential for most people. However, for those who struggle to stay hydrated or are passionate about fitness, it can be a fun and functional tool.

5. Laser Keyboard: Type on Any Surface

The Laser Keyboard is an innovative, futuristic gadget that projects a full keyboard onto any flat surface. Using laser technology, it creates an interactive typing experience that feels like you’re typing on a real keyboard—even though you’re only tapping a table.

Key Features:

• Projects a full QWERTY keyboard
• Wireless Bluetooth connection
• Compact and portable

What We Found:

While it may look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, the laser keyboard isn’t as practical as it seems. It’s cool, and the novelty factor is high, but typing accuracy is a challenge. The projection works well in low-light environments, but the sensors can struggle if your fingers aren’t positioned correctly. It’s also quite noisy when typing, which detracts from the futuristic appeal.

It’s fun for a few minutes, but for actual productivity, we wouldn’t rely on it. Still, it’s a great conversation starter!

6. Smart Mirror: The High-Tech Reflection

The Smart Mirror is more than just a regular mirror. It’s a touchscreen device that can display the time, weather, calendar, news, and even your social media notifications. It promises to turn your everyday mirror into a piece of technology that offers a glimpse into your day.

Key Features:

• Touchscreen interface
• Displays time, weather, and notifications
• Adjustable brightness and angle

What We Found:

The smart mirror was one of the most interesting gadgets we tested. It was incredibly sleek and high-tech, and the ability to check the weather while getting ready in the morning felt luxurious. However, the mirror is not as responsive as you’d expect from a premium product. There were occasional delays when switching between apps or viewing notifications.

While it’s a fun gadget and can be quite useful for some, the price tag may not justify the benefits for everyone. If you're looking for something purely functional, it might not be necessary.

7. Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser: Keep an Eye on Your Fur Baby

The Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser allows pet owners to keep an eye on their animals when they're away. The camera offers two-way audio, a treat dispenser, and live streaming so you can interact with your pet remotely.

Key Features:

• HD camera with two-way audio
• Treat dispenser for interactive play
• App connectivity for remote control

What We Found:

This gadget is perfect for pet owners who want to stay connected to their furry friends. The HD camera provided clear video, and the treat dispenser worked as advertised, allowing us to throw treats from afar. The two-way audio feature is a game-changer, making it feel like you’re right there with your pet. However, the treat mechanism could be a little finicky, and there were times when it didn’t dispense treats smoothly.

For pet lovers, this is a fun and useful gadget, though it might not be essential for everyone.

8. Wearable Neck Fan: Stay Cool Without a Breeze

The Wearable Neck Fan is a small, portable fan that you can wear around your neck. It provides a cool breeze wherever you go, making it a perfect accessory for hot days or for people who work in warm environments.

Key Features:

• Hands-free design that hangs around your neck
• Adjustable fan speeds
• Rechargeable battery

What We Found:

This gadget definitely delivered on its promise of a cooling breeze. The fan was quiet, adjustable, and effective in providing relief on a hot day. The design was comfortable, and it didn’t weigh down on the neck too much. The only downside is that the battery life was shorter than expected, especially on higher fan settings.

It’s a good solution for quick cooling, but it’s not a replacement for an air conditioner.

9. Desktop Robot Vacuum: Clean While You Work

Imagine a tiny robot vacuum that scurries across your desk, picking up crumbs and dust without you lifting a finger. The Desktop Robot Vacuum is a miniature version of its larger counterparts, designed to clean small spaces like your desk or workspace.

Key Features:

• Compact, small enough for desktops
• Rechargeable battery
• Quiet operation

What We Found:

This gadget is incredibly cute and surprisingly functional for small spaces. It’s perfect for picking up crumbs and small debris, and it navigates around objects like pens or notebooks without issue. However, it struggles with larger debris and requires frequent charging. It’s more of a novelty than a practical cleaning solution, but it certainly adds some fun to your workspace.

10. Smart Toaster: Precision Toasting at Your Fingertips

The Smart Toaster is a toaster that connects to an app, allowing you to customize your toast to a specific level of crispness. You can control the browning, set timers, and even save your preferred settings for future use.

Key Features:

• Smartphone connectivity
• Customizable browning settings
• Multiple presets

What We Found:

While the concept of a smart toaster is intriguing, the reality didn’t quite live up to the hype. The app integration was clunky, and the results were only marginally better than a regular toaster. However, for those obsessed with getting the perfect toast every time, this could be a worthwhile gadget. Still, we think it's more of a luxury item than a must-have.

11. The Neck and Shoulder Massager: Portable Spa at Home

Key Features:

• Hands-free design that wraps around your neck and shoulders
• Multiple massage settings, including kneading and vibration
• Adjustable intensity and heat settings

What We Found:

After a long day at work, a neck and shoulder massager can be a game-changer, and this gadget lives up to its promise. The design is surprisingly ergonomic, fitting comfortably around the neck and shoulders, and the different massage modes target tension points effectively. The heat function adds an extra level of comfort, and the massaging is deep enough to alleviate mild muscle stiffness.

However, we did find that the massager could feel a bit intense, especially on higher settings. For those with more sensitive skin or muscles, this might be a bit too strong. It is also not ideal for use in extremely hot weather, as the heat function can make it feel too warm.

Despite these small drawbacks, this gadget works well for unwinding at home and offering relief without needing to visit a spa.

12. USB Pet Rock: The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Pet

Yes, you read that correctly—the USB Pet Rock is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a rock with a USB plug that doesn’t do anything, but its charm lies in its sheer absurdity. It’s marketed as the ultimate “pet” for people who want the companionship of a rock without the hassle of caring for it.

Key Features:

• No maintenance required
• USB plug for no apparent reason
• Cute for a laugh, but entirely impractical

What We Found:

We weren’t sure whether to laugh or be frustrated by this one. The USB Pet Rock doesn’t do anything except sit there. It doesn’t respond, it doesn’t move, and it certainly doesn’t need food or water. It’s a perfect conversation starter and a hilarious gift for anyone who appreciates absurd humor. But as far as practicality goes, it has none. It’s a complete joke, and its charm only lasts for a few minutes before you realize that it serves no actual purpose. Still, it’s a fun idea for those looking to add some lighthearted humor to their desk.

13. Air Purifying Plant Pot: High-Tech Gardening

The Air Purifying Plant Pot takes the idea of keeping plants to a new, high-tech level. The pot not only holds your favorite houseplant but also purifies the air around it by using an integrated air filter. The technology works by pulling in air, filtering it, and then releasing it back into the room. It promises to help improve indoor air quality while keeping your plants healthy.

Key Features:

• Built-in air purifier
• LED light for added ambiance
• Compatible with a variety of plants

What We Found:

While plants are already known for improving air quality, the addition of a purifier in the pot gives this gadget an extra edge. The filtration system is surprisingly effective, and we found that the air in our office felt fresher after using it for a week. The design is sleek and modern, and it fits well into any room without looking bulky. However, the filter requires periodic changing, which can be a bit of a hassle. Plus, the price is a little steep for something that’s more about aesthetics and novelty than actual effectiveness.

That said, the Air Purifying Plant Pot is a great gift for plant lovers who want to add some tech to their gardening habits. If you don’t mind the upkeep, it’s a neat combination of nature and technology.

14. Bluetooth-Enabled Smart Mug Warmer: Keep Your Coffee Hot for Hours

The Bluetooth Smart Mug Warmer is the perfect gadget for coffee lovers who often find themselves distracted by work and end up with a lukewarm mug of coffee. This device connects to your phone via Bluetooth and lets you control the temperature of your coffee or tea.

Key Features:

• Bluetooth connectivity for easy temperature control
• Compatible with a variety of mugs
• Adjustable temperature settings

What We Found:

This gadget is incredibly convenient for anyone who likes to sip their coffee slowly throughout the day. The app allows you to set the perfect temperature for your drink, and it ensures that your coffee stays hot for hours. It works as advertised, and the control via your phone is a surprisingly smooth experience.

However, we found that the warmer could sometimes take a bit longer to heat the mug to the desired temperature, and the charging time for the warmer itself can be a bit long. It also only works with flat-bottomed mugs, limiting your options. Overall, though, this gadget is a great companion for slow drinkers who don’t want to constantly reheat their drinks.

15. Robot Vacuum for Pets: Automated Cleaning on Autopilot

A Robot Vacuum for Pets is designed to specifically pick up pet hair and dander, which is an issue many pet owners face. It features a special brush system designed to catch even the finest pet hair and works independently, moving around the house to clean while you’re at work or relaxing.

Key Features:

• Automatic cleaning schedule
• Specialized brush for picking up pet hair
• App-controlled for easy management

What We Found:

We were impressed with how well the robot vacuum handled pet hair. It worked its way around our living room, efficiently collecting hair from the carpet, furniture, and even corners. It was quiet enough to run without being intrusive, and the ability to schedule cleaning times via the app was convenient.

However, the vacuum struggled with larger debris and sometimes missed spots in corners. Also, while it’s designed for pet hair, we found it wasn’t perfect for all types of flooring, and it could get stuck on rugs. While it’s a good investment for pet owners, it’s still not quite as effective as manual vacuuming for larger spaces.

16. Handheld Fan with Air Purifier: Cool Off and Breathe Clean Air

For those hot, muggy days when you’re stuck at your desk or in transit, the Handheld Fan with Air Purifier promises to cool you off while also improving the air quality around you. It combines a fan with a small air purifier to deliver a refreshing breeze along with cleaner air.

Key Features:

• Handheld design for portability
• Built-in air purifier and fan
• Rechargeable battery

What We Found:

This gadget is excellent for hot days, especially when you don’t want to carry around two separate devices. The fan is strong enough to provide relief, and the air purifier actually makes a noticeable difference in the freshness of the air. The rechargeable battery lasts several hours, making it ideal for long outings.

While the air purifier is effective, it’s more of an added bonus rather than a core function. The fan, however, is the real highlight here—it delivers a cool breeze without being too noisy. If you're someone who spends a lot of time outdoors or in warm conditions, this gadget is a lifesaver.

Conclusion:

Amazon is a treasure trove of quirky, fun, and sometimes downright bizarre gadgets. From futuristic neck fans to USB pet rocks, there's no shortage of innovative, funny, and sometimes impractical devices that promise to make our lives easier, more convenient, or just more entertaining. While many of these gadgets are designed with novelty in mind, some prove to be surprisingly useful, offering real-world value beyond their initial "weird" appeal.

The standout gadgets from our experimentation include the foot massager for relaxation, the self-stirring mug for lazy mornings, and the pet camera with treat dispenser for those who want to interact with their furry friends remotely. While some gadgets like the laser keyboard and USB-powered mini fridge are more suited for short-term amusement, others like the smart mirror and robot vacuum offer genuine functionality for tech enthusiasts looking to enhance their living or working spaces.

On the flip side, a few gadgets, such as the USB pet rock and glow-in-the-dark toilet paper, remind us that not every invention is meant to be practical; some are simply designed to elicit a laugh or serve as a conversation starter. Whether or not these oddball gadgets live up to their promises, one thing is certain: they provide plenty of entertainment and spark creativity in the tech world.

Ultimately, trying out these gadgets is more about the experience than the function. For some, the joy lies in exploring what’s possible in the world of tech and discovering quirky new tools. Whether you love them or hate them, these gadgets have definitely left an impression, and that’s what makes them so much fun.

Q&A Section:

Q: What is the most practical gadget tested from Amazon?

A: The foot massager proved to be the most practical, offering real relaxation and effective pain relief for tired feet.

Q: Did the USB pet rock serve any real purpose?

A: No, the USB pet rock is purely a novelty item with no practical function, designed for humorous purposes.

Q: Was the robot vacuum for pets efficient in picking up pet hair?

A: Yes, it was quite effective in picking up pet hair, especially on carpets and smaller debris, though it struggled with larger items.

Q: How well does the self-stirring mug work?

A: The self-stirring mug worked surprisingly well for stirring coffee and tea, though it struggled with thicker drinks like hot chocolate.

Q: Is the smart water bottle worth purchasing?

A: If you're someone who struggles to remember to hydrate, the smart water bottle is a useful tool, but it's not a must-have for everyone.

Q: What was the biggest disappointment from the gadgets tested?

A: The USB-powered mini fridge was the biggest disappointment, as it didn’t cool effectively and was slow to reach a reasonable temperature.

Q: Is the laser keyboard functional for everyday use?

A: While cool in theory, the laser keyboard is not functional for everyday use, as it struggles with accuracy and can be noisy.

Q: How does the smart mirror compare to traditional mirrors?

A: The smart mirror adds tech features like weather and news updates but isn’t essential for most people, especially since it can be less responsive.

Q: How effective was the Bluetooth-enabled smart mug warmer?

A: The smart mug warmer did a good job keeping drinks hot but took time to heat the mug and only worked with flat-bottomed mugs.

Q: Would you recommend the handheld fan with an air purifier for travel?

A: Yes, the handheld fan with air purifier is a great travel gadget for staying cool and breathing clean air, especially in hot conditions.