Three Surprisingly Popular Cheap Gadgets Dominating ZDNET Reader Shopping Lists

As Presidents' Day weekend draws to a close, a curious trend has emerged among tech-savvy consumers: a surge in purchases of three oddly specific, low-cost gadgets that defy conventional expectations of smart home or personal tech innovation. According to ZDNET, these items—though inexpensive, often under $25—are being bought "nonstop" by readers who cite unexpected utility, viral social media exposure, and niche problem-solving as key drivers of their decisions.

The top item on the list, described by ZDNET as "weird," is a USB-powered LED mood light shaped like a small, glowing mushroom. Marketed as a "calming desk companion," the device has gained traction on Reddit and TikTok for its soothing, ambient glow and silent operation. Users report using it not only as nighttime ambient lighting but also as a focus aid during remote work. One reader commented, "It doesn’t do anything technical, but it makes my home office feel less like a cubicle and more like a sanctuary." Despite lacking Bluetooth, app integration, or smart sensors, its simplicity and aesthetic appeal have made it a cult favorite.

Second on the list is a $12 magnetic phone stand with a built-in cable organizer. Designed for car use, the gadget features a flexible arm that clamps to air vents and holds a phone at an optimal viewing angle while simultaneously tucking charging cables into a hidden compartment. Unlike pricier wireless charging mounts, this model requires no power source and fits nearly any smartphone. ZDNET readers praised its durability and clutter-reducing design, with many noting they bought multiple units—for their car, office, and even their kitchen counter for recipe viewing.

The third and perhaps most unexpected item is a $17 silicone keychain that doubles as a bottle opener and a phone grip. Marketed as a "multi-tool for modern life," it’s made from food-grade silicone and features a subtle ridge for gripping phones and a reinforced edge for popping bottle caps. While seemingly redundant, users report it has replaced bulky key fobs and wallet add-ons. "I used to carry three things," one reader wrote. "Now I have one. It’s stupid. And I love it."

What unites these three gadgets is their rejection of over-engineering. In an era dominated by AI-powered devices and subscription-based smart ecosystems, these products thrive on analog charm and tactile utility. They don’t connect to apps, collect data, or require firmware updates. Instead, they solve small, everyday annoyances with elegance and affordability.

Market analysts suggest this trend reflects a broader consumer shift toward "anti-tech" purchases—items that enhance daily life without adding digital complexity. "We’re seeing a backlash against feature bloat," says Dr. Lena Ruiz, a consumer behavior researcher at Stanford. "People are tired of gadgets that promise to make life easier but end up complicating it. These three items work the moment you unbox them. No setup. No passwords. Just pure, simple utility."

Manufacturers of these gadgets report a 300% spike in sales over the past two weeks, with many items selling out on Amazon and Etsy. While none are from major tech brands, their success underscores a powerful truth: innovation doesn’t always require advanced chips or cloud connectivity. Sometimes, it just requires a well-placed mushroom light or a silicone keychain that opens beer.

As consumers continue to prioritize value, simplicity, and emotional resonance over technical specs, these three odd gadgets may signal the next wave of mainstream tech adoption—not the next iPhone, but the next tiny, weird, and wonderfully useful thing you didn’t know you needed.