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Have you ever looked at something and thought, "How is this not a thing?!" Well, you're going to think that a lot when you see all these brilliant ideas that should be widespread by now, but aren't.
Someone out there saw a problem and knew that a simple solution could save us all a ton of time and energy. We're still scratching our heads over a candy-free checkout aisle at the grocery store not being a thing yet.
Don't Worry About Parking Anymore
It doesn't matter if you're a new or experienced driver, parking can be pretty difficult. There's nothing worse than trying to be a show-off and back into a parking spot but having no idea how close you are to the cars next to you. Then you have to awkwardly open your drivers-side door to see if you're near the line and then adjust.
Overall, it's a bad experience that can easily be fixed if they just painted the parking lines up the wall like this parking garage.
Now You Don't Have To Awkwardly Tap Each Door
Is there any normal way to find an open stall in a busy bathroom? You either have to walk around bent over hoping you can see a stall without any feet, or you have to awkwardly push on each door to see if it will open. When you do that though you risk accidentally seeing through the crack in the door.
This bathroom decided to just hook up a simple light to the lock button to save everyone some time and dignity.
Finally, A Cast You Can Shower In
Anyone who has been seriously injured and has had to get a cast knows the two worst parts are the itch and not being able to shower. Technology has solved both those issues with this new 3D-printed cast.
Thanks to a company called ActivArmor, now, you can get your cast as wet as you want. Heck, you could even go swimming if it doesn't weigh you down. The best part is obviously that you can itch any angle, at any time.
Grocery Stores That Actually Put Their Wasted Food To Use
Getting the right bananas for banana bread is tricky. They have to be the perfect ripeness for baking but that means letting your bananas sit for at least 3-4 days. That means there is a waiting period from the time your craving banana bread to when you can actually make it.
This grocery store decided to put there older fruit to good use and give us the banana bread fix we all needed. The bags of ripe bananas even come with a recipe!
This Hallway Is Not For Daredevils
This genius school decided to paint their main hallway like this to stop kids from running and it absolutely worked. I'm getting dizzy just looking at this photo. Not only would think stop kids from running but it probably makes them walk in a single-file line on the left side of the hall to avoid to "dip" in the hallway.
Of course, this isn't exactly a good hallway if you suffer from something like vertigo.
Candy-Free Checkout Counters
Parents and people who can't resist the temptation of a sweet treat at checkout would love to see this candy-free checkout aisle become a thing. Can you imagine not having to hear your toddler scream for a candy bar? That's what we call shopping bliss.
One thing that's kind of funny about this sign is the fact that it's so plain. Just white with some basic blue font. You don't have to worry about candy in this aisle, or anything else remotely entertaining.
I'm Not Crying, You're Crying
Anyone who has had to put a pet down will probably get choked up seeing this sign. It isn't easy sharing a final moment with your best friend and hearing someone in the vet hallway complaining about their dog's diarrhea.
This simple, genius fix of lighting a candle also pays tribute to a fallen friend. We personally got teared up the first time we saw a candle like this at our vet's office. What a sweet idea.
An Evacuation Plan On The Floor
We're taught as little kids that if you're ever in a fire, drop to the ground. Heat and smoke rise so the fire will try and travel up to the ceiling. Even though we know this, sometimes you have to stand up to run or find out the evacuation plan.
This plan along the bottom of a hotel hallway allows you to crawl to safety and avoid extra smoke inhalation while you're doing so.
Avoid Getting Lost And Buying Junk Food
It feels like supermarkets are built to make us lost. There's no windows, no clocks, and all the items are constantly being moved around. It makes it difficult to run into the store for just a few items because you'll likely end up wandering aimlessly and accidentally buying six boxes of Pop-Tarts.
This supermarket map attached to the cart is what we all need. Get in, buy your healthy food for the week, and get out with minimal temptation.
Speak Your Mind
Have you ever wanted to thank a driver for letting you out or wanted to let them know you were ticked about being cut off? Then you need this LED sign, which offers several options for expressing your emotions. This is definitely a step up from rolling down the window and yelling.
The only concern we have is that this smiling face looks a little creepy. We just hope that drivers behind you understand that this is a friendly gesture.
So Long, Would-Be Peepers
The people who use this restroom no longer have to worry about people seeing them through the spaces in the stall, as bristles are installed on the bathroom doors to block the openings. This is so simple, so how is this not a thing everywhere?
Plus, the bristles might help to block out sounds and give restroom visitors the impression that they actually have some privacy while they're using the facilities. Keep reading for another awesome bathroom invention in a slide that's coming up soon.
Better Phone Charging
Charging your phone can be kind of annoying as far as outlets are concerned. Once you plug in charging adapters for your phone and your tablet, you're out of space. But not necessarily! That doesn't have to be the case with this USB outlet. These should be standard in new and recently-renovated homes everywhere.
We've also seen these types of outlets in airports and other public charging stations. It's brilliant!
You Move, You (Don't) Lose
Is there anything more annoying than a person who swoops up your seat the moment you get up to go to the bathroom? This can be prevented with the "Seat Saver" that looks like spilled food, so no one will bother your seat.
After all, no one in their right mind is going to want to sit in a sticky or wet mess. We have to wonder if you'd get dirty looks if anyone sees you picking this item up when you return to your seat.
Let's Make This Happen
The last thing most people want to do in public restrooms is to touch the toilet handle -- you never know what else has been on it or how well it was cleaned. And many of us know that reaching up to flush a toilet with our feet can be tricky, especially when wearing a skirt.
That's where this foot flush pedal comes in -- just one step and you're done.
Cleaning With Style
If there's one thing the average person doesn't have enough of, it's time, so we're curious why these slippers with a built-in mop function isn't a thing we see everywhere. Cleaning while getting snacks during a commercial break is a total win-win.
All you need to do for cleaner floors is pop these babies on and simply walk around the house. And if you think these slippers are cool, wait until you see the ones that prevent stubbed toes.
Now You Know What's Actually In The Product
Consumers are starting to expect more from the brands they buy. Gone are the days when big companies could add whatever they wanted into a product and get away with it.
Proctor and Gamble have realized that and decided to add an ingredient list that shows why everything in their dish soap is actually there. This information will give consumers the ability to decide for themselves which ingredients they're willing to accept in their household products.
Keeping Kids Healthy
This grocery store has the right idea -- instead of giving their younger patrons cookies when they enter the store, they're offering them a free piece of fruit instead. We love how they're promoting healthiness at a young age and would love to see this in all grocery stores.
Another benefit of passing out a healthy snack as people enter the store is that it can help prevent tantrums from "hangry" kids.
So Simple, Yet So Smart
Pretty much everyone has uttered a four-letter word after blindly stumbling around and bumping into something at night, so how are these slippers with lights built in not a thing everywhere yet?
Just think about all the bumped heads and stubbed toes that these genius slippers could prevent. Going to the kitchen for a drink of water or making a trip to the bathroom doesn't have to be a dangerous mission anymore.
Like snacking on the go? Then you'll love the cupcake dispenser in one of the upcoming slides.
Watch Your Step
Every woman's worst fashion nightmare is stepping into a hole and breaking the heel on her designer shoes. The folks in this town are thinking smart by putting shoe print covers on their grates -- now women can see where it's safe to step and avoid the broken heel of doom.
Not to mention that this device has probably saved quite a few ankles from being twisted. It can hurt like crazy to get your shoe caught in a grate.
You Snooze, You Lose
Pretty much everyone viewing this slideshow has been a victim of the snooze function -- you hit it and the next thing you know, you've overslept an hour. When this alarm clock goes off, it leaps off the nightstand and rolls around your room until you actually get up to turn it off.
Every person who has trouble getting up in the morning should have one of these. Heck, employers might even reimburse them for it!
Do You Want To Be Annoyed Or Not?
These different colored baskets are such a simple solution to differentiate between two very different types of shoppers. Whether you've worked in retail and have had to ask everyone if they need help, or you're a shopper who hates getting badgered, these are a game-changer.
Now you can shop in peace without having to give an innocent 16-year-old part-time worker a dirty look. Or, if you prefer to be assisted, you can have it your way too.
They've Got A Screen WHERE?
Having to leave during a movie for a bathroom break is a pain, but one movie theater decided to put screens in their restrooms (right in the floor!) so their patrons wouldn't have to miss anything. All theaters need to make this happen immediately.
Especially for people who enjoy drinking a large soda while they're at the movies, these bathroom screens could really make the whole theater experience a lot more enjoyable.
Break It Down
Considering how many restaurants load up their entrees with calories, we think this receipt that has a caloric breakdown for each food item is brilliant. No more guesswork over how many calories are being consumed, plus you know where you stand in terms of carbs and protein intake.
Also, having all the nutritional the information printed out on the receipt like this makes it easy for people to record their intake later.
They've Got The Right Idea
With autism and sensory spectrum disorders increasing, this Chuck E. Cheese has tried to make their restaurant more inclusive by offering days that are sensory sensitive friendly. Since no one should have to miss out on the fun, all places need to take note and do this.
According to the company's website, "We realize that the Chuck E. experience can be very stimulating for any child, so our mission is to create an event that allows ALL kids to be a kid." Amazing!
Protect That Mustache
If you have a mustache, then you know all too well the struggle of eating and drinking -- food and drink get stuck where it has no business being stuck. No longer does the act of enjoying a hot cup of coffee have to be an issue with this coffee cup that has a built-in mustache guard.
This isn't even a new invention. According to Amazon, the concept for mustache-guarding mugs came about during the Victorian Era, when lots of men took their mustache grooming very seriously.
Go Directly To Jail
For the families whose members can't put down their phones for five minutes and enjoy supper, there is this phone jail that lets you lock up all devices until the meal is over. Not only is it practical, it's also cute, and is something that every household needs.
Especially for meals or other activities that are supposed to be shared as a family, this is a wonderful way to get people to reconnect with each other.
How's That For Motivation?
When faced with the choice to take the elevator or stairs, more often than not, people go with the elevator. The owners of this building are trying to get people to make healthier decisions by putting the number of calories burned on each step. This is encouraging and is something that should be done everywhere.
It'd be so fulfilling to walk (or trot) up these stairs right after eating a candy bar or some other treat.
Have Your Cake And Eat It, Too
Put aside those healthy thoughts for a moment and check out this machine. This is an ATM of sorts that dispenses cupcakes. Yes, cupcakes. We think you'll agree that not having at least one of these in every town is nothing short of a crime against humanity.
Unless you're dieting, in which case you might not be too pleased to see one of these on the corner by the parking garage. You'd just have to learn to ignore them!
They Deserve A Slow Clap
Putting together furniture or any other items can be a pain in the butt, but this manufacturer had a brilliant idea to make things easier -- they put the parts needed for each step of assembly in separate packaging. Anyone who shops at a certain furniture store notorious for beautiful items that are hard to assemble would be thrilled with this.
It's even great the way they're hung up like this, very easy to see exactly what you need.
Just Take My Money
If you're someone who likes to eat on the go, then you'll be scratching your head over how this simple, yet genius, french fry holder hasn't blown up yet. Not only will it hold your fries, it has a compartment for your ketchup. Did we say genius already?
We're starting to see other products like this in more and more places, especially ones designed to hold cell phones and other electronic devices.
A Pizza Redbox?!
Remember how amazing it was when Redbox first came out? Now imagine if instead of DVDs, it was pizza! This machine enables you to choose a type of pizza, pay for it, and then bakes it for you!
The best part is that the entire process takes less than three minutes. Just when you thought getting a pizza couldn't be any more convenient, a genius idea like this proves that it can be.
Every Child's Dream
As a kid, sliding down the guard rail was about as fun as stairs got. The problem is that doing so wasn't safe, resulting in many parental scoldings. This slide staircase provides an incredible solution.
By placing slides next to the stairs, everyone wins. Parents not only know it's safe, but they can join in the fun, too! If every staircase were like this, you wouldn't have to pay a hefty entrance fee for the county fair to get some big slide action in your life.
Big Hands Rejoice!
Unless you have tiny hands, you may have experienced the struggle of trying to reach the last chip in a cylinder-shaped can. This simple contraption fixes that little dilemma! The plastic device has a lip at the bottom so you can use the handle to pull up the entire stack.
There are even tabs on the side that lock onto the top of the can so you don't have to lift the stack every time you go in for a chip!
A Step Door Opener
It can be a bit tricky to navigate a public bathroom door without feeling like you've just undone your handwashing. Unless the bathroom has a napkin dispenser and a trash can right by the door, grabbing the handle can feel a bit germy.
That's why this brilliant public restroom features a door that you can open with your foot! A pull device at the bottom enables you to navigate the door without touching that daunting handle.
A Recycling Machine
While recycling is simple thanks to those handy bins, if you want to make some cash off your bottles and cans, that's a different story. You typically have to sort out and store your recyclables and then take them to a facility where workers assist you.
The drive and the inevitable wait you'll encounter if there's a line are inconveniences that this handy machine could eradicate. Imagine if there were these devices placed on every street corner? We'd all get a spare few bucks a little more often.
Gum Papers
If you're a big gum chewer, not knowing where to put your old piece of gum may be a common annoyance. Of course, there's always the gum wrapper, but those are incredibly easy to misplace, especially if you're chewing each piece for some time.
That's why one genius brand decided to create these gum wrappers. They come in a package so you can toss them into your pocket or purse along with your pack of gum.
Stop Breaking The Budget
We've all been there. You're at the grocery store and you have a very precise amount in mind that you're able to spend. But before you know it, you have no idea if you are way over or way under the price you had in mind.
That's what makes this shopping cart calculator such a gem. You can add the price of each item as you go so you are always on top of where you're at, price-wise.
Bring Your Dog Everywhere
For many dog lovers, they would take their pooch everywhere if they could. Due to safety and health hazards, though, many places won't allow dogs on their premises. That's why a company called Dog Dens is so genius.
They created kennels that can go outside businesses where people can keep their dogs safe without having to always leave them at home. Store owners could benefit from being one of the few places where a dog lover can bring their furry friend, driving up traffic.
These Roads Clean Themselves!
While street sweepers are valuable in terms of keeping the roads clear and nice-looking, they're a pain when it comes to ticketing. Plus, the massive trucks require a ton of gas, something that these self-cleaning streets do not need.
These street reflectors double as spouts that spread saltwater throughout the road. Not only do they help keep the asphalt squeaky clean, but they also serve to defrost the road in colder climates.
Coffee For Trash
This store knows how to motivate people to clean up their environment. They posted a sign that offers free coffee to anyone who collects a bucket full of trash off of the beach.
Of course, there's no way to know for sure if it came off the beach, the boardwalk, or somewhere else. Any trash is helpful, though, so long as it didn't come out of a trashcan! Best of all, you get to enjoy your coffee knowing you did a good deed.