Life Life Strategies An Actually-Cute Plunger—and More Clever Items to Upgrade Your Life This Week With company coming over for the holidays, why not delight young and old alike with arguably the most adorable plunger (yes, we said it!) the world has ever seen? Plus, a dish to make buttering bread at dinner a cinch, a waterproof outlet to keep your lights bright no matter the weather, and a mat to keep Fido busy when guests arrive. By Brandi Broxson Brandi Broxson Instagram Twitter Website Brandi is an editor and writer with more than 15 years in the magazine and newspaper world. She was with Real Simple for nearly seven years and oversaw personal finance, pets, product testing, and career content. She ideated the magazine's first money issue in 2019 and created two virtual money summits which drew thousands of attendees. Brandi was a longtime editor of Real Simple's popular Clever Items franchise and tested hundreds, if not thousands, of products during her time at the brand. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on November 25, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos 01 of 07 The Plunger by Staff Courtesy of Coming Soon $34; comingsoonnewyork.com You'll be proud to leave this plunger in plain view thanks to the translucent neon handle (fun!) and drip-tray base that keeps the floor clean (functional!). 02 of 07 Cuisinart 4-in-1 Pasta Tool Courtesy of Cuisinart $13; cuisinart.com This handy gadget has a salt measurer, a spaghetti portioner, a clawlike scoop for serving, and a mini cheese grater for the perfect flurry of Parmesan. 03 of 07 Butter Hub Courtesy of Butter Hub $17; butterhub.com The base of this butter dish has curved ends, making it easy to scoop up the good stuff. A magnet holds the knife in place so it's always at the ready. 04 of 07 Cync Outdoor Smart Plug Courtesy of Best Buy $30; bestbuy.com Connect a pool pump, garden fountain, or inflatable lawn Santa to this weatherproof outlet that you can control from your phone (and even voice activate). 05 of 07 Wrap Buddies Gift Wrapping Tool Courtesy of The Grommet $20; thegrommet.com These genius clamps secure gift wrap to a tabletop so you can cut, fold, and tape in a flash. 06 of 07 Compakt Large Garment Bag Courtesy of Calpak $98; calpaktravel.com Keep that holiday dress pressed in this trifold garment bag. With enough pockets for accessories and shoes, it even works as an overnight bag. 07 of 07 Enrichment Licking eMat Courtesy of The BK Shop from $11; thebkshop.com When you want your dog distracted and happy (like before guests arrive), spread peanut butter on this grooved mat. Licking can soothe your pup's nerves. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit