The best...problem-solvers

Hand Paper Shredder

“Turn sensitive documents into confetti” without the noise or the motor-burnout worries associated with electric shredders. Simply grip both ends of this device and twist.

$25, amazon.com

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Source: New York

USB Outlet Cover

“Charge your iPod without hogging a plug.” This “upgraded outlet” can be easily installed atop a standard outlet box, and its two USB ports only pull electricity when you plug devices into them.

$25, fastmac.com

Source: Real Simple

Blunt Umbrella

Thanks to its polycarbonate ribs, “this umbrella can hold its shape in tropical-storm gusts of up to 70 mph.” What’s more, the rounded tips “prevent inadvertent eye-poking.”

$70, bluntusa.com

Source: Wired

PermaFlow Drain

Thanks to a built-in wiper, this drain pipe can be cleared with the turn of a knob, and the transparent plastic means you won’t have to panic if you ever drop a ring down the sink.

$26, faucetdirect.com

Source: New York

Hang & Level

This innovative picture-hanging tool “eliminates second tries and extra holes.” Hang a picture on its hook, find a wall position you like, then push a button to mark exactly where the nail should go.

$20, utrdecorating.com

Source: The Family Handyman