Cleaning Putty—and More Clever Items to Simplify Your Life

An antibacterial cleaning putty, car seat organizers, and an electric composter.

Colder weather and darker days can feel harsh compared to the sunny summer months we’ve just had, but these clever items will help keep the cheer alive. A self-heating mug keeps your tea toasty all day long, a nut-based pie crust is perfect for those vegan pumpkin pies you’ve been dying to test out, and a hair glaze refreshes, rehydrates, and repairs your hair to keep you shining for all those upcoming holiday photos.

Cleaning Putty

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This ooey-gooey gel-like substance is fabulous fun to play with but also happens to be the best way to get rid of dust, crumbs, and general debris from your keyboard, car console, plants, or whatever you need to clean. Kikkerland’s putty gel comes in its own airtight jar and is antibacterial and reusable! The moldable consistency allows the putty to get into the smallest of nooks and crevices and the sticky texture picks up every last spec of dust.

Price at time of publish: $5

Self-Heating Mug

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For all the pumpkin spice lattes of today and the hot chocolates of tomorrow, the Ohom Ui Self-Heating Mug is the ideal combination of old-school and new-school technology. A handcrafted ceramic mug is paired with an aluminum and tempered-glass heating pad that keeps your beverage at the perfect 130-degree temperature, no matter how long it sits on your desk! And when you finish your latte, the pad works to change your phone, wireless headphones, or any compatible OHOM device! And with ten different colors, it matches any aesthetic, whether you’re braving the cold to go into the office or staying cozy during a work-from-home day.

Price at time of publish: $89

Hair Gloss

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Hat hair isn’t the only cold weather concern we have when it comes to hair, especially with the latest Hallmark movies coming out featuring perfectly curled, flowing locks. Glaze’s Super Color Conditioning Gloss subtly enhances the look of your hair in a single use. KindColor technology gently boosts your hair color with hydrating fatty acids, their signature complex of intensive conditioners and gloss treatments adds a mirror-like shine, and babassu oil hydrates and repairs damaged hair. Cruelty-, sulfate-, and paraben-free, Glaze’s Super Color Conditioning Gloss is the perfect winter refresh, without the trip to the salon.

Price at time of publish: $18

Ready to Use Pecan Pie Crust

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Pie season is upon us, but making your crust from scratch can be dangerous if you’re not an expert. It can be even trickier if you’re trying to work within the restrictions of vegetarian or vegan lifestyles. But this pre-made, ready-to-use, and shelf-stable nut pie crust—made entirely from tree nuts—will save the day. These baker’s secrets are perfect for sweet or savory holiday dishes and come in a variety of vegan options like pecan, walnut, and pumpkin pie spice, so you can bake the perfect pie and eat it too!

Price at time of publish: $4

Car Seat Organizer

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Keeping your house clean is one thing, but keeping your car clean? Almost impossible, especially with kiddos crowding the backseat. This backseat organizer from Turtle Wax is truly a lifesaver (or at least a car saver). With an array of pockets to keep snacks, toys, and cables organized, cup holders, and even a fold-out tray to hold an iPad or a lunch box, it keeps the chaos to a minimum. An adjustable strap keeps the organizer safe and secured to the headrest, and it can be folded up and cleaned with a damp cloth when not in use, making it ideal for daily school drop-off and pickup!

Price at time of publish: $17

At-Home Composter

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If you hate food waste, you’ve probably tried your hand at composting. But it can be hard to incorporate into your daily routine, especially when you’re tight on space and time. The Lomi Composter is an electric composter that can sit conveniently on your kitchen counter. Simply load it full of your everyday kitchen scraps, press a button, and in under four hours, Lomi can turn your food waste into nutrient-rich dirt. Because of its speed and self-contained nature, Lomi is bug-free and one of the best (and easiest) ways you can care for the environment from your own home.

Price at time of publish: From $499

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