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20 Useless Bathroom Gadgets That are a Complete Waste of Money

These super strange bathroom gadgets prove that one person’s trash is another one’s treasure.

bearded man with soapy head standing in the bathroom
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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We live in a varied world with no shortage of weird things to buy. But there is something about the bathroom that just seems to attract weird inventions and gadgets.

From colorful toilet lights to novelty shower shoes, there’s no shortage of bizarre items out there. It truly is an interesting time to be alive.

We scoured the internet to find some of the most out-there bathroom gadgets you should avoid unless you need more ways to throw away your money.

Toilet golf game

Courtesy of Amazon Golf game bathroom

We can tell you right now that there are many items on this list that you might be able to justify. But why, oh why, would anyone need this ridiculous game of mini putt that is designed to entertain you while you’re on the toilet? 

Is the intended audience just frat party houses?

$13.99 on Amazon

Darth Vader showerhead

Courtesy of Amazon Darth Vader Shower Head

Star Wars is one of the most popular franchises of all time. And we’re all about showing your love for the series. But maybe a poster on the wall is a better way to do this than with a Darth Vader showerhead.

We’re not really sure what the connection is between Star Wars and showers, anyway. It doesn’t make much sense at a conceptual level.

$29.99 on Amazon

Rainbow toilet lights

Courtesy of Amazon Rainbow light for toilet seat

There are many ways that we can add a touch of light to our homes. With the help of our phones, we can control all kinds of lights of a wide range of colors. But do we really need lights in our toilets?

Some will argue that these motion-sensor toilet lights are perfect for anyone who has to use the bathroom in the middle of the night and doesn't want to get stuck in the dark. But to that we say — why not just use a regular night light?

$14.98 on Amazon

Shower curtain with pockets

Courtesy of Amazon Shower Curtain Organizer with Pockets

For many people, a bath or shower is a great opportunity to literally wash the day off of you and take some time to relax. We’re assuming that’s where the idea of a shower curtain with pockets was born. It gives you a place to keep the items you’ll need in the shower.

But the idea of a shower curtain with pockets just isn’t a good one in practice. It doesn’t make sense to keep a speaker or book in there, as they may not be waterproof. It also doesn’t make sense to keep your toiletries in these pockets — you have shelves for that.

$25,99 on Amazon

Big metal toothpaste tube squeezer

Courtesy of Amazon Toothpaste Squeezer

Everyone knows the frustration that comes along with reaching the end of your toothpaste tube. It’s just so hard to squeeze out the last bit of toothpaste once you get to the end.

But do we really need a huge metal toothpaste squeezer to help us get the most out of our toothpaste? Not only does it seem like a waste of money, but it’s also a waste of space.

$12.98 on Amazon

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Silicone shower foot scrubber

Courtesy of Amazon Scrubbing shower shoes

It’s important to clean your feet when you shower. But you can easily do that with the help of a loofah or washcloth. Do you really need to have a special item just for washing your feet?

This silicone shower foot scrubber seems like it would be more frustrating than helpful since it features suction cups on the soles that stick it to the tub.

$23.99 on Amazon

Toilet seat lifter

Courtesy of Amazon Toilet seat lifter

Nobody wants to touch the toilet seat, but there are a few reasons why the idea of a toilet seat lifter is futile.

One reason is that it will just end up getting as dirty as a toilet seat would anyway. Another is that you wash your hands after using a toilet, so the bacteria you pick up isn’t a huge concern. Finally, there are more bacteria on our cell phones than on our toilet seats. Ew!

$6.99 on Amazon

Bread night light

Courtesy of Amazon Toast Night Lamp

No comment needed. If you would like a night light for your bathroom, you can buy one for a few dollars. Is it really worth it to spend $30 just because a night light looks like bread?

$18.99 on Amazon

Toilet gel stamp

Courtesy of Amazon Toilet bowl flower gel cleaner

If you’re super concerned about odors in your home, it might make sense to use some kind of toilet deodorizer. But this item seems like it’s more about the novelty than about the actual function. You’re paying for a scent dispenser, not the actual scent itself.

$20.99 on Amazon

Toothpaste dispenser

Courtesy of Amazon Toothpaste Dispenser

The idea of a mechanical toothpaste dispenser is not in itself a bad idea, but the set-up of this one just seems like it would cause a headache. Toothpaste just doesn’t have a consistency that makes it very easy to work with.

$7.99 on Amazon

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Snail soap dispenser

Courtesy of Amazon Snail Soap Dispenser

We’re not going to hold it against you if you splurge on this soap dispenser because you really like snails. But for most of us, this is just an unnecessary purchase.

And while its price point is low, it’s important to keep in mind that every dollar adds up. You can get a soap dispenser for much cheaper.

$12.99 on Amazon

Electric spin scrubber

Courtesy of Amazon Electric Spin Scrubber

There are some things it makes sense to electrify. A screwdriver. A lawn mower. But your shower cleaner?

Unless you’re giving a pig a mud bath in your tub on the regular, good old-fashioned elbow grease and a sponge is all you need to keep your bathroom clean.

$39.99 on Amazon

Talking toilet paper holder

Courtesy of Amazon Speaker Toilet Paper Holder

Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. There is no reason why your toilet paper holder needs to speak to you.

$17.95 on Amazon

Bathroom timer

Courtesy of Amazon Hourglass Bathroom Timer

It’s easy to understand what motivated the inventors of this product. If someone is bringing their phone into the bathroom and spending too much time TikToking on the toilet, this can be a pain for their housemates, especially if there is only one bathroom.

But you don’t need to purchase a timer to fix this problem. You just need to instill a basic consideration of others.

$9.95 on Amazon

Baby Yoda toothpaste head

Courtesy of Amazon Yoda Toothpaste Dispenser

Another Star Wars item on this list. This Baby Yoda can surely bring a lot of joy to kids and adults alike, but how long does this joy really last? At the end of the day, it’s just more plastic in the landfill.

$6.99 on Amazon

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Potty piano

Courtesy of Amazon Potty Piano

This is a piano that’s designed to play with your feet while you’re on the toilet. First off, that’s kind of gross. Second, that sounds like a huge disruption for anyone else in the house who’s trying to get some peace and quiet. Finally, it’s $65!

$66.70 on Amazon

Bathtub cup holder

Courtesy of Amazon Cup and Bottle Wall Holder

If you like to bring tea (or a glass of wine or beer) into the bathtub, then all the more power to you. But there are ledges that you can put your drink on. Is it really necessary to buy a separate drink holder?

$14.99 on Amazon

Beard bib

Courtesy of Amazon Beard Apron

There are few things as unsettling as leftover beard clippings in the sink. But there is a simple solution to this issue. And no, it’s not to buy an overpriced beard bib. It’s to simply clean up after yourself!

$11.98 on Amazon

TubShroom

Courtesy of Amazon Tub Drain Hair Catcher

The reviews on this product are actually pretty good. But if you want to save your drain from getting clogged, there are a lot of different options out there. And many of them are under $25.

We’d have to see some really compelling evidence that this design is actually more efficient before we put down the big bucks.

$24.99 on Amazon

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Sensor trash can

Courtesy of Amazon Sensor trash bin

The idea of a sensor trash can is not a bad idea, especially if it’s being used by the public. But do you really need one in your personal bathroom? Make it a part of your regular bathroom cleaning routine to disinfect your trash can. It’ll smell better, anyway.

$36.71 on Amazon

Bottom line

deagreez /Adobe man with dollar-sign glasses throwing money

If you see an item on this list that you just have to have, don’t hold it against yourself. Shopping is, at the end of the day, personal, and you don’t need anyone else’s permission to enjoy what you enjoy.

If this means getting a Darth Vader showerhead, then so be it. Just make sure your impulse bathroom buys don’t leave you looking for ways to pay your rent.

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Author Details

Rachel Cribby

Rachel Cribby is a personal finance writer from Canada. Once a terrible math student with a fear of numbers, Rachel has embraced the world of personal finance and is passionate about empowering others to do the same. She especially loves taking topics that seem complicated and boring and making them interesting and easy to understand.