The Container Store Has a Hidden Section for Very Specific Problem-Solving Gadgets

Ah, The Container Store. This might sound dramatic, but few places inspire as much reverence and excitement in me. I could easily (and happily) spend hours wandering around the aisles, finding new things I never knew I needed. Luckily (or unluckily depending on your point of view), the site is the same way, if not even better.

During one of my browsing sessions, I came across a section I never had before: Clever Gadgets & Novelties. As you can probably guess, it’s full of very specific, quirky products that are actually mighty problem-solvers. I love everything about it. We’ve covered weird things you never knew you could buy at The Container Store before, but these little gadgets are at another level — and they’re all relatively inexpensive. Check out the best of the bunch below, and I highly recommend spending some time looking at the entire section. You never know what unique solution you’ll find.

Following a recipe? FaceTiming a friend while folding laundry? This handy (and well-reviewed) smartphone stand is there for you. Just pop your phone in (you can choose portrait, landscape, or across the top), and you’ll be able to look at your screen at the perfect angle. Plus, silicone strips keep it from sliding.

Buy: Smartphone Stand, $15

If you’re someone who always has a lint roller on them, you probably get annoyed at their awkward size and stickiness, especially if you’re carrying one loosely in a bag. This retractable lint roller solves that problem by minimizing the size and keeping the sticky sheets safely tucked away until needed.

Buy: flint Retractable Lint Roller, $7

Clean the screens on your smartphone, laptop, and tablet with this little microfiber mitt. It fits over two fingers, and is perfect for wiping away dust and fingerprints from your smaller devices. It’s available in two colors, and actually makes cleaning fun.

Buy: Mini Microfiber Fuzzy Finger Mitt, $4

Before you throw away junk mail or shipping labels, blot out your personal information with this privacy roller. It makes all your info unreadable, and even works on cardboard and curved surfaces. At $15, it’s a cheaper (and smaller) alternative to buying a shredder.

Buy: Guard Your ID Privacy Roller, $15

Love fizzy drinks, but have a hard time finishing larger bottles before the fizz goes away? You’ll love the Fizz-Keeper, which screws onto any 1-, 1.5-, and 2-liter bottles and keeps the liquid inside nice and carbonated. It also features a flip-release pour top that makes using it as easy as possible.

Buy: Fizz-Keeper Pump & Pour, $5

We know this looks super weird, but hear us out. You just crack an egg into the container, seal it, and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds. The result is a perfectly done egg that can go right onto your plate (and it’s dishwasher safe). If you’re still wary, we can confirm that this little gadget is a lifesaver — we have one in the Apartment Therapy office kitchen and it’s always in high demand.

Buy: Casabella Microegg Microwave Egg Maker, $14

If you (or someone you know) needs your phone flashlight to read restaurant menus, get this LED magnifier. Compact enough to carry around in a pocket or bag, it illuminates and enlarges smaller print, so you’ll never have to feel embarrassed reading a menu or food label again.

Buy: Multi Power LED Magnifier, $10

The most annoying thing about lotion bottles, especially the ones with a pump, is all the leftover lotion you just can’t quite get at. These bottle couplers allow you to transfer every last drop into a new bottle. Plus, you can also use them to fill a travel-sized bottle with your favorite lotion or shampoo.

Buy: Lotion Saver Bottle Couplers, $5 for three

This post originally ran on Apartment Therapy. See it there: The Container Store Has a Section Just for Very Specific Problem-Solving Gadgets