8 Clever products inspired by everyday struggles

From dirty water to tangled hair and everyday travel struggles, these Makers turned their "aha moments" into ingenious products you’ll love.

Discover the stories behind these problem-solving creations—and the clever ideas that sparked them!

Mom-of-three Kelly Lavery knows that babies have lots of things that need a good soaking to get clean, from bibs to toys to yes—dirty cloth diapers. It was these cloth diapers that led to Kelly’s aha moment. “Putting my hand in a bucket of soaking nappies was like putting it in a dirty toilet! I hated it and wanted a better way,” she said. Her bucket-strainer combo has a built-in drain to let that dirty water flow right out.

Dane and Mark Smith, with years of expertise in the polarized industry, set out to tackle a major issue for drivers—blinding glare. Their dedication to quality and craftsmanship led to the creation of Glare Guard’s polarized sun visors, proudly made in the USA. These innovative visors effortlessly slide onto your car’s existing visor, providing adjustable, glare-free protection for a safer, more comfortable commute.

The Kitchen Cube Maker Tyler Ruble cooked up his all-in-one measuring cube because he was tired of wasting time sifting through cluttered drawers full of various measuring cups and spoons. This tool helps out beyond the kitchen, too. Tyler donates a meal through the non-profit Feed My Starving Children for each measuring cube sold.

The Makers behind Golfkicks—John, Matt, and Tyler—are proof that a big idea can start in a small garage. What began as three friends in Denver rethinking boring golf shoes has turned into a global movement empowering golfers to add pro-level traction to the shoes they already love. Born out of creativity and grit, Golfkicks lets players show off their unique style on the course while delivering performance trusted by pros, celebs, and everyday athletes worldwide.

Sure, cardigans can be kept closed with a safety pin, but there are holes in that idea. Christy Grierson knew she could invent something better, so she started prototyping with heavy-duty magnets, adding embellishments to make them fashionable. Her designs were an instant hit, with customers raving about how strong they hold and how easily they pull a look together. Turns out her customers are just as ingenious, using Christy’s invention on drapes, pant cuffs, and even as napkin holders.

Frustrated by tangled hair and the daily hassle of cleaning out her hairbrush, Tanya Oziel set out to create a better solution—and the self-cleaning hair brush was born. After countless prototypes and a commitment to solving this universal struggle, Tanya designed a brush that detangles, massages, and cleans itself with ease. Perfect for all hair types, its soft bristles promote healthy hair growth and scalp circulation, while the innovative self-cleaning mechanism ensures a fresh, hygienic experience every time.

In 2017, after his wife crushed her coffee in his airplane seat pocket, Seth LaPierre set out to create a better solution for travelers. After 1.5 years of prototyping—building his own 3D printer along the way—FLYGA was born. This versatile airplane clip securely holds your cup or phone, keeping drinks off the floor and making in-flight entertainment effortless. FLYGA is the ultimate travel companion, designed to make every flight more convenient and comfortable.

Frustrated by the lack of effective options, Ryan and Alicia, a husband-and-wife team with backgrounds in military medicine and nursing, created Scrub-dub. This 2-in-1 body scrubber features shampoo spikes for a soothing scalp massage, body bristles for deep cleaning, and a non-toxic antimicrobial treatment to keep it free of mold and bacteria. Proudly made in the USA, Scrub-dub offers a cleaner, healthier, and more luxurious shower experience.