14 Impulse Buys That are Actually So Useful

You know the feeling—you run to the store, vowing to stick to your list. Then, somehow you end up in the checkout line with quite a bit more than you planned on. These impulse purchases won't give you buyer's remorse.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

1 / 14

Silicone Cleaning Sponge

Here’s a versatile impulse buy — there’s nothing this Silicone Cleaning Sponge can’t clean! Use it with laundry detergent to remove stains from clothes, in the kitchen to scrub dishes or fruits and vegetables, and on furniture to remove pet hair. You can even use it in the shower to exfoliate! And they’re sold in packs of eight, so you can keep one near every sink in your house.

Shop Now

2 / 14

Grocery Store Impulse Buy: Bag Carrier

This Mighty Handle 2-Pack might look like a useless gadget you spot near the cash register. But these handles are super handy to have around. Load up your grocery bags on these two sturdy handles and you may just be able to bring in all the groceries from the car in just one trip.

Shop Now

3 / 14

Kitchen Impulse Buy: Snap On Strainer

Do you need yet another kitchen gadget? You do when it’s a genius design like this one. Get rid of your regular bulky  strainer or colander, and grab the Snap n’ Strain Strainer instead. This handy gadget clips onto any pot or pan so you can strain out the water with one easy pour. And, the compact size makes it easy to store.

Shop Now

4 / 14
Amazon.com

High-Speed USB Wall Charger

Have you ever started to leave the house, only to notice your phone is almost dead? Enter the Anker PowerPort Atom III. This high-speed phone charger will get your phone to 100% in no time. Go ahead and add it to your cart, you know you want to! You don’t have to spend a lot for quality. Pair it with this wall outlet shelf for maximum convenience.

Shop Now

5 / 14

Sturdy Claws Garden Genie Gloves

These odd gloves look like something you’d impulsively order late at night from an infomercial. But, in fact, these claw garden gloves are extremely useful and highly recommended. The unique claws make gardening and weeding a breeze. In addition, the latex fabric is durable, waterproof, and puncture-resistant.

Shop Now

6 / 14

3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

Yes, you can cut an avocado with a regular knife. But wouldn’t it be better to split it open, remove the pit and slice it up with one simple kitchen tool? This 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer is not exactly a life’s necessity, and might be something you impulsively add to your cart. But once you own it, you’ll never go back to a plain old knife again.

Shop Now

7 / 14

2-in-1 Mini Dustpan and Counter Brush Cleaning Set

This is one of those miniature items that make you say, “Oh how cute!” But this little guy is more than an adorable impulse buy. The 2-in-1 Mini Dustpan and Counter Brush Cleaning Set is actually a game-changer when it comes to tidying up the kitchen or bathroom. Use the mini brush for countertop crumbs and the squeegee edge for wet spills.

Shop Now

8 / 14

Drillbrush All Purpose Power Scrubber

Sure, a brush set that attaches to your cordless drill might seem like a silly impulse purchase. But this drillbrush kit will make scrubbing your bathroom, shower and other challenging cleaning jobs so much easier! The nylon bristles won’t scratch surfaces and the three different sizes will meet all your needs—just make sure your cordless drill is fully charged!

Shop Now

9 / 14

Ceramic Soap Dispenser & Bamboo Dish Brush

Not only does this Bamboo Dish Brush look great on your kitchen counter, but it also comes with a hidden feature. The dish is actually a spring-loaded soap dispenser! You fill the bottom with dish soap, and the brush sits on top. When you’re ready to do the dishes, push down on the brush and it loads up with suds.

Shop Now

10 / 14
61l9rs4a6rl. Ac Sl1000
Amazon

Vegetable and Onion Chopper

There are a lot of chopping gadgets on the market, and not all of them are winners. But this vegetable and onion chopper is one impulsive buy you won’t regret. It works on all sorts of fruits and vegetables and has seven blade options.

Shop Now

11 / 14

Blacklight Flashlight

Have you ever been tempted by the row of handy flashlights displayed at the cash register? Maybe you think you don’t need a mini flashlight, but this Black Light Flashlight is an impulse buy you won’t regret. Use it to find pet urine stains, harmful pests like scorpions, or garden bugs that are eating up your vegetables.

Shop Now

12 / 14

Sandwich Bag Holders

If you impulsively purchase these YUFF Sandwich Bag Holders, you’ll wonder what you ever did without them! From preparing kids’ lunches to storing leftovers, no more struggling to hold the bag open with one hand while you scoop in the ingredients with the other.

Shop Now

13 / 14

Portable Smartphone Fan

Okay, go ahead and put this gadget in the “want it, don’t need it” category. But, come on, aren’t you itching to add this to your cart? The Portable Smartphone Fan works with iPhones and other Lightning devices, and comes in handy when you’re stuck in the heat at a sporting event, waiting in line at a theme park, or maybe just hanging out at the beach. It plugs right into your charging port and provides cool, instant relief.

Shop Now

14 / 14
Amazon.com

Jar and Bottle Opener

Kitchen gadgets are often an impulsive shopper’s biggest weakness. But, this Multi-Function Jar and Bottle Opener makes opening jars SO much easier! Its flexible design makes it adjustable to different lid sizes, and it’s especially useful for children or seniors with weak grips.

Shop Now

Erica Young
Erica Young is a freelance writer specializing in home trends and lifestyle topics. She contributes regularly to Family Handyman, and has written about home decor, organization, cleaning, landscaping and DIY projects. Erica’s work has also appeared in Taste of Home, POPSUGAR, The Belladonna, Your Tango, The Organized Mom, Reader's Digest and Curbly.