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Strange Products That Probably Shouldn’t Be on Amazon – But Are

Updated: Aug 16, 2023By Kate PrinceLifestyle
This article originally appeared on Investing.com. It has been republished here with permission.
Pimple Popper Toy @EmmaVerner / Facebook.com | © izkes/Adobe Images Pimple Popper Toy @EmmaVerner / Facebook.com | © izkes/Adobe Images

There’s a reason why Amazon is worth over $1 trillion dollars. You can find just about anything on there. It’s a true empire – but that doesn’t mean the products we find on the site always make sense or should even be on offer at all. 

In fact, Amazon is a hub full of strange and vibrant products from sellers all over the globe, some funny and some just downright terrifying. Have you ever wanted a hand squirrel or a bacon bandage? Well, Amazon has got you covered. Let’s take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of Amazon.

1. Umbrella Hat

What it is: A waterproof hat
Brand: AIFUSI
Average Price: $20*

We’ve all had that moment when we’re trying to juggle an umbrella in torrential rain while simultaneously carrying bags. It’s a fine example of just how chaotic life can get. Clearly, that situation irked AIFUSI so much that they decided to make a hands-free solution. 

Umbrella Hat @audreysskeen / Pinterest.com Umbrella Hat @audreysskeen / Pinterest.com

For around $20 buyers can get an umbrella hat. It pretty much does what it says on the tin, launching a waterproof brim that should keep you dry – in theory. This invention has yet to take off and become a widely-worn trend, but who knows. maybe it’ll hit the shelves at Walmart one day soon. 

2. Ben and Jerry’s Lock

What it is: Password protected lock for ice cream
Brand: Ben and Jerry’s
Average Price: $40*

Opening up the freezer to grab that new tub of Ben and Jerry’s you’ve been saving for a special occasion only to find that someone else has already devoured half the tub is a unique type of rage. If you thought the only way to resolve this was by hiding the tub behind the broccoli, think again. 

Ben and Jerry's Lock @benandjerrys / Facebook.com Ben and Jerry's Lock @benandjerrys / Facebook.com

Ben and Jerry themselves came up with this grand idea. The Euphori-Lock is a coded lock that sits on top of the tub, making it impossible for anyone without the code to crack into it. It’s a little on the expensive side at about $40, but it’s worth every cent to protect that Cookie Dough. 

3. Hamdogger

What it is: a meat mold
Brand: KitchenArt
Average Price: $10*

Have you ever looked at a hamburger and wished it resembled a hotdog? Or perhaps you’ve never really understood the fascination with hot dogs but like the idea of joining the party anyway? That’s where KitchenArt’s Hamdogger comes in. 

Hamdogger @myworkspace110110 / Pinterest.com Hamdogger @myworkspace110110 / Pinterest.com

The small gadget allows you to mold hamburger meat into a hot dog shape, so you’ll never miss out on that mustard and ketchup action ever again. Whether it’s a stroke of genius or a complete waste of plastic is up for debate, but you can find out yourself for around $10. 

4. Flowbee Haircutting System

What it is: A hair vacuum
Brand: Flowbee
Average Price: $50*

In recent times, most of us have taken to trimming our hair at home instead of visiting salons, but we’re no professionals. Kitchen floors soon become covered in hair, but what if there was a solution to all the mess that didn’t involve annoying the rest of the family? 

Flowbee Haircutting System @svmproducts / @jlryancom / Pinterest.com Flowbee Haircutting System @svmproducts / @jlryancom / Pinterest.com

The Flowbee Haircutting System allows you to cut hair while also sucking up the trimmings at the same time. Even though the idea seems a little silly, the reviews have been generally positive with many claiming it’s a “very sound investment.”

5. The Ghost Meter

What it is: EMF Sensor
Brand: Alternative Tech International 
Average Price: $50*

We have meters for almost everything in life, from electricity to gas. Paranormal investigators use meters for more than keeping track of utilities. They use them to measure EMF readings that could prove the existence of ghosts. 

The Ghost Meter @noplacecalledhome / Pinterest.com The Ghost Meter @noplacecalledhome / Pinterest.com

With LED lights, and a supposedly accurate needlepoint display, Alternative Tech International claims this product is infallible considering the $50 price tag. Whether it can provide indisputable proof that there’s life after death is up for debate, but if you’ve got a spare few dollars why not give it a whirl yourself…if you ain’t afraid of no ghosts. 

6. Crafting with Cat Hair

What it is: A different kind of crafting book
Brand: Kaori Tsutaya
Average Price: $9.73*

The craft world is full of inventive souls that can make wonderful creations out of virtually anything, from wool to leftover pieces of plastic. In this case, one person wrote an entire book on creating crafts out of an unlikely source: cat hair. 

Crafting with Cat Hair @bookdepository / Pinterest.com Crafting with Cat Hair @bookdepository / Pinterest.com

It’s enough to make you sneeze just thinking about it. If you’ve often wondered what to do with all that pesky cat hair your feline just leaves lying around, why not grab Kaori Tsutaya’s book for $9.73? It has 4.5 stars on Amazon, so clearly it’s well-loved, even if it’s not a purrfect concept. 

7. Nic Cage Pillowcase

What it is: Very brightly colored pillow with Nic Cage’s face on it
Brand: Double USA
Average Price: Currently Unavailable*

As we have established, Amazon certainly caters to everyone, and this Nic Cage pillowcase is no exception. Not quite a National Treasure, the general consensus of pillowcase decor is rather than a face on, it is preferred to have a Face/Off otherwise that pillow might be Gone In 60 Seconds.

Nic Cage Pillowcase @amyeriggle / Twitter.com Nic Cage Pillowcase @amyeriggle / Twitter.com

Jokes aside, this pillowcase boasts the most advanced printing technology and a 100% satisfaction or %100 money back guaranteed. It is also %100 Polyester so perhaps The Runner might be Leaving Las Vegas and leaving this pillow behind. 

8. Stuffed Blobfish – Smiling Edition

What it is: Stuffed toy
Brand: Hashtag Collectables
Average Price: $39.99*

Perfectly soft, oddly adorable and strangely cute, blobfish is a beloved little plush doll. Perfect for anyone who loves stuffed toys, this weird little character fits snuggly into two hands, keeping them cozy and warm. With a sweet little smile and a cute, angular nose, little blob will work its way into your heart. 

Stuffed Blobfish - Smiling Edition @rdarlydev / Pinterest.com Stuffed Blobfish - Smiling Edition @rdarlydev / Pinterest.com

Hashtag Collectables created blobfish in a variety of colors and facial expressions. There is also a sad little blob as well as slippers and a key ring. They come in a variety of sizes from small to colossal. 

9. Chicken Legs

What it is: Socks with chicken leg design
Brand: Hailouhai
Average Price: $3.55*

Need an easy, last minute Halloween costume? Throw on a pair of chicken leg socks and a beak and you’re sorted! They will make a brilliant gift for any chicken lover and a perfect conversation starter over the holiday season. 

Chicken Legs @lovethempants / Pinterest.com Chicken Legs @lovethempants / Pinterest.com

Don’t you know about the bird? Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word. These socks are woven, not printed which will allow for many washes without fading, so you can do the Chicken Dance for many Halloweens to come. Above knee length, they feature feather details above the knee for a hilarious bird-like look.

10. 1500 Live Ladybugs

What it is: A bag of live insects
Brand: Bug Sales
Average Price: Currently Unavailable*

While Ladybugs have a sweet name and endearing red wings with their signature black spots, they are actually predators who eat slow-moving and soft-bodied insects. Who knew! They are used for organic gardening and organic farming when there is an infestation of unwanted creepy crawlies in the garden.

1500 Live Ladybugs @lutricksflorist / Pinterest.com | ©amazon.com 1500 Live Ladybugs @lutricksflorist / Pinterest.com | ©amazon.com

These packages of live ladybugs (yes, you read correctly) are used to get rid of unwanted garden guests with names like Leaf Hoppers or Asparagus Beetle Larvae which are responsible for damaging organic gardens. Seems the sweet little ladybugs are not as sweet as their reputation suggests! 

11. Peanut Butter & Jelly of the Month Club

What it is: 12-month subscription for peanut butter and jelly
Brand: University Gifts
Average Price: $460*

We’ve all heard of magazine subscriptions, back in the day when print media was still popular. PB&J subscriptions are a new concept though, reserved only for the absolute super fans of peanut butter and jelly, or simply for those who already have everything they could possibly want.

Peanut Butter & Jelly of the Month Club ©Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com Peanut Butter & Jelly of the Month Club ©Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com

With a 12-month subscription for a whopping $460, one would expect a new delivery each week, but alas, it is monthly. Meaning it breaks down to approximately $40 a month, which sounds rather extravagant, considering a jar of peanut butter costs an average of $4-$10 even including the organic stuff.

12. Organic Mushroom Farm

What it is: Mushroom Farm
Brand: Back To The Roots Store
Average Price: Currently Unavailable*

We’ve all heard of growing your own herbs and perhaps tomato’s, but now we can also grow our own mushrooms! 100% organic and non-GMO, these mushrooms couldn’t be easier. Simply spray with water daily using the spray provided and after 10 days you will have a fresh mushroom harvest!

Organic Mushroom Farm @lawngarden0203 / Pinterest.com Organic Mushroom Farm @lawngarden0203 / Pinterest.com

Each pack can harvest up to two crops, making a wonderful gift for anyone who is eco-conscious or who loves gardening. A great activity for kids who can enjoy the process of spraying and watching the mushrooms grow, which will encourage them to eat these healthy vegetables too! 

13. Bacon Scented Mustache

What it is: A fake mustache that smells like bacon
Brand: Archie McPhee
Average Price: $4.85*

This synthetic hair, fake mustache is cheekily marketed as the two manliest things combined, mustaches and bacon. The seller claims it is the perfect thing to wear while woodworking, fishing, or internalizing your emotions. Let’s be honest though, who doesn’t love the smell of bacon?

Bacon Scented Mustache @MauriceGosfield / Twitter.com Bacon Scented Mustache @MauriceGosfield / Twitter.com

A brilliant gag gift for the macho folk in your life, or the perfect thing to wear for anyone who loves the smell of bacon. Perhaps you’ve cut bacon out of your diet for health reasons or you’re vegetarian and you miss the smell of bacon terribly, then this is for you! 

14. Strange Flavored Soda

What it is: Savory-flavored soda
Brand: Rocket Fizz
Average Price: $28.95*

This six-pack set is a huge hit amongst soda lovers and experimental eaters. Including the following different and unusual flavors: bacon, sweet corn, pumpkin pie, peanut butter and jelly, buffalo wings, and ranch dressing; they are like a six-pack of America’s best-loved flavors in soda form. 

Strange Flavored Soda @takemypaycheck / Pinterest.com Strange Flavored Soda @takemypaycheck / Pinterest.com

USA-made, with 170 calories per can (more than a bottle of Coke) these cans are not necessarily healthy for long-term consumption, but certainly fun as a one-off or as a gift. Pull them out at a party to share with friends for a guaranteed good time!