Curious about some of the more unique items trending on Amazon? I recently purchased and tested three peculiar products to see if they lived up to the hype. Read on to find out whether these products are as useful as advertised, or if they’re just plain quirky.
Where to Purchase
Below are links where you can purchase the products in this video.
Two-in-One Bottle
First Impressions
The first item I reviewed was a two-in-one bottle I picked up for $13.99. This bottle features two separate chambers and two straws, allowing you to carry two different drinks in one container. It seemed ideal for hiking, camping, or even just a long day out, where you might want options. Mixed reviews online had me curious—most complaints focused on the build quality, with several buyers mentioning it felt a bit flimsy.
Testing It Out
To kick things off, I filled one side with water and the other with soda, then checked for leaks by turning it upside down. Surprisingly, it passed the test: no leaks and no mixing of liquids. Each side holds about 10 ounces, which is a decent amount for casual use.
For a real-world test, I took it on a walk to see how practical it was. Sipping water as I walked and then rewarding myself with soda worked well. The bottle held up through the walk with no leaks or mix-ups between the two liquids.
Final Thoughts
While the two-in-one bottle did what it claimed, I found it more quirky than essential. However, based on online suggestions, there are creative ways to use it, from packing wine and water for a picnic to using it for kids who need separate drinks. If you’re someone who likes variety on the go, this could be a fun solution. For the average person, though, it’s a bit gimmicky.
Nut Dispenser
The Concept
Next up was the “Nuts Flowie” dispenser, which I purchased for $10. This product promises an innovative way to snack without greasy fingers and is marketed to gamers and snackers alike. With a 9-ounce capacity, it’s designed for nuts, trail mix, M&M’s, and other small, mess-free snacks.
How It Worked
Loading it with peanuts, I quickly realized it dispensed snacks in inconsistent amounts—sometimes it gave me a handful, and other times only a couple. According to the manufacturer, it’s best suited for snacks under 18mm in diameter, which limits it to items like nuts and M&M’s. Larger snacks, like popcorn, were a challenge; the dispenser would sometimes only drop one piece at a time, if at all.
Real-World Usability
In real-world use, I found the dispenser a bit unpredictable. It does dispense directly into your mouth, which is convenient, but the portion sizes varied, making it feel less reliable. Although it’s a fun concept, it lacks practicality for regular use, as it only works with smaller snacks.
Overall Thoughts
For me, the nut dispenser is more of a novelty than a necessity. It could be an amusing gift, but in terms of practicality, most people might use it once or twice and then shelve it. It’s fun, but probably not something I’ll use regularly.
Reusable Sticky Notes
First Impressions
Finally, I tested a six-pack of reusable sticky notes for $16.87. The concept here is simple: get all the utility of sticky notes with a surface that’s erasable, reusable, and works like a mini dry-erase board. Each note is supposed to last up to 2,000 uses, so it seemed promising, especially for eco-conscious consumers.
Testing the Write-Erase-Repeat Feature
Writing on these sticky notes was smooth, thanks to the provided fine-tip pen. Erasing was also a breeze, even after letting the notes sit overnight. I did find that these sticky notes didn’t adhere well to glass or windows, but they worked well on cabinets, metal surfaces, and my computer monitor.
Final Verdict
Overall, I liked the concept of reusable sticky notes, although they’re not ideal for every surface. Still, for anyone who uses sticky notes frequently, these could be a practical addition to your home or office setup. The biggest downside? The company that makes these sticky notes recently filed for bankruptcy, which might raise questions about long-term product availability.
Conclusion
All three of these products worked, but their usefulness varies widely depending on individual needs. If I were to rank them from least to most practical, the nut dispenser comes in last, followed by the two-in-one bottle. The reusable sticky notes, while imperfect, feel like the most useful item, especially if you stick to compatible surfaces.
Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!