
1. Coins With Ridges
Best Place to Purchase: U.S. Mint
Average Cost of Product: $0.01–$1*
The U.S. Mint is the premier destination for purchasing coins. Throughout history, individuals have sought to profit unlawfully from currency, a practice that has persisted since money was first introduced. Today, the U.S. Mint oversees the production of coins, ensuring their authenticity and quality.
In earlier times, the value of a coin was determined by its weight and the precious metals it contained, rather than a fixed denomination. This weight-based valuation was a fundamental aspect of currency, as it directly reflected the intrinsic value of the metal used.
In conclusion, while the U.S. Mint provides a reliable source for purchasing coins today, the historical context of coinage highlights the evolution of currency and its value. Understanding this history enriches our appreciation for the coins we use and collect.

Throughout history, some individuals have sought to exploit the coinage system for profit. One method involved shaving the edges of coins to collect the precious metal, which could then be used to create counterfeit coins. To combat this type of fraud and make it easier to identify tampering, the U.S. Mint introduced ridges along the rims of coins.
These ridges serve as a deterrent against edge shaving and provide a clear indication of authenticity. By incorporating this design feature, the U.S. Mint has enhanced the security of its coins, ensuring that they maintain their value and integrity.
In conclusion, the addition of ridges to coin edges is a significant innovation in the fight against counterfeiting. This measure not only protects the currency but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to maintain trust in the monetary system.
2. Sticky Lollipops
Best Places to Buy: Amazon, grocery stores, and candy stores
Average Product Cost: $1
Lollipops are a delightful treat that can be found in various places, including Amazon, grocery stores, and candy shops. Priced at around $1 on average, they remain an affordable indulgence for people of all ages.
Since their invention in 1908 by candy maker George Smith, who named them after his racehorse, lollipops have become a beloved confectionery staple. However, not all lollipops feature the same characteristics; some come with unique flavors, shapes, or added ingredients.
In conclusion, lollipops hold a special place in the hearts of candy lovers, thanks to their rich history and wide availability. Their enduring popularity reflects both nostalgia and the joy they bring to those who enjoy them.

If you examine a lollipop stick closely, you may notice a small hole drilled near the base. This functional feature is particularly important for lollipops that contain melted caramel. When the caramel is poured into the mold, a small amount adheres to the stick and fills this tiny hole, ensuring that the lollipop remains securely attached.
This design not only enhances the stability of the lollipop but also prevents it from falling off the stick, allowing for a more enjoyable experience while consuming this sweet treat.
In conclusion, the small hole in the lollipop stick is a clever engineering solution that contributes to the overall functionality of the candy. It exemplifies the thoughtful design behind lollipops, ensuring that they remain a beloved and convenient treat for all.
3. Aluminium Foil
Best Places to Buy: Amazon, Walmart, and grocery shops
Average Cost of Product: $3–$5 per roll*
When you think of aluminum foil, you likely associate it with lining pans for cooking or using it as a grill liner to simplify cleanup. However, foil has many versatile uses beyond these common applications.
One surprising benefit of aluminum foil is its ability to help clean pans that may seem uncleanable. By crumpling a piece of foil into a ball, you can effectively scrub away stuck-on food and grime, making it an excellent tool for maintaining your cookware.
In conclusion, aluminum foil is not just a kitchen staple for cooking and baking; it also serves as a handy cleaning aid. Its affordability and accessibility in stores like Amazon, Walmart, and grocery shops make it a must-have item for any household.

To effectively clean a soiled pan using aluminum foil, start by filling the pan with water. Then, crumple a piece of foil into a tight ball. This makeshift scrubber can be used to remove any leftover food residue.
It’s important to note that this method is best suited for conventional pans; avoid using it on non-stick cookware, as the abrasive surface of the foil can damage the coating. After just a few seconds of scrubbing, you’ll find that the baked-on grime is easily scraped away by the foil’s rough texture.
In conclusion, using aluminum foil as a cleaning tool is a simple and effective way to tackle tough messes in your cookware. This technique not only saves time but also helps maintain the quality of your pans, making it a valuable addition to your cleaning routine.
4. Screwdriver Handles with a Wrench Shape
Best Places to Buy: The Home Depot and Lowe’s
Average Product Price per Set: $10–$15
When shopping for screwdrivers, you might come across those with wrench-like grips. These uniquely designed tools allow you to enhance your torque, or the force needed to twist an object around an axis. By using a wrench in conjunction with these screwdrivers, you can apply greater force, making it easier to tackle stubborn screws.
These screwdriver sets are typically available at retailers like The Home Depot and Lowe’s, with an average price ranging from $10 to $15.
In conclusion, investing in screwdrivers with wrench-like grips can significantly improve your efficiency in various DIY projects. Their innovative design not only enhances grip but also allows for more effective torque application, making them a valuable addition to any toolbox.

While screwdrivers with wrench-like handles can make it easier to apply greater torque, it’s essential to use caution. Excessive force can strip the bolt head, leading to damage and making it difficult to remove the screw.
Whenever feasible, consider using an impact driver for tasks that require significant power. Impact drivers, which can be purchased for as little as $10 to $30, are designed to handle tough jobs more efficiently and safely.
In conclusion, while wrench-shaped screwdriver handles offer advantages in torque application, it’s crucial to avoid overexerting force. Utilizing the right tools, like impact drivers, can help preserve both your hardware and your tools, ensuring a smoother experience in your DIY projects.
5. Women’s Shirts With Left-Sided Buttons
Top Retailers: Target, H&M, and Amazon
Average Product Price: $20–$40 per shirt
If you wear women’s clothing or are a woman, take a moment to check your button-down shirts. You’ll notice that the buttons are typically on the left side. This design choice has been a longstanding tradition, dating back decades, and was historically associated with signs of prosperity and social status.
Shops like Target, H&M, and Amazon offer a variety of stylish button-down shirts within the average price range of $20 to $40.
In conclusion, the orientation of buttons on women’s shirts is not just a fashion detail; it reflects a rich history and cultural significance. Exploring this aspect of clothing can enhance your appreciation for fashion and its evolution over time.

Historically, having buttons on the left side of women’s shirts signified wealth, as it suggested that the wearer had a chambermaid to assist them in dressing each morning. This design made it easier for the chambermaid to button the shirt, facilitating a more efficient dressing process.
Today, this detail often goes unnoticed, except by left-handed individuals who may find the orientation less convenient.
In conclusion, while the placement of buttons may seem trivial in modern fashion, it carries a fascinating history that reflects social status and the roles of domestic help in earlier times. Understanding these nuances adds depth to our appreciation of clothing design and its evolution.
6. Sauce
Best Places to Buy: Amazon, Walmart, and food stores
Average Product Price at Walmart: $4.14 for a 32-ounce bottle
The unpleasant odor of a skunk spraying your dog or cat is truly overwhelming. This distinctive smell is primarily due to the emission of thiol, an organic compound known for its strong, rotten egg-like odor. Thiol is responsible for the skunk’s infamous scent, which lingers long after the initial spray, making it particularly repulsive.
When dealing with a skunk encounter, it’s essential to have the right products on hand. You can find effective odor neutralizers at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and local food stores, with prices averaging around $4.14 for a 32-ounce bottle at Walmart.
In conclusion, understanding the science behind skunk spray can help you prepare for and address the situation more effectively. Having the right cleaning supplies readily available can make a significant difference in managing the aftermath of a skunk encounter.

If you want to eliminate the unpleasant odor of skunk spray quickly, timely action is essential. While some people swear by using tomato sauce, others believe that applying ketchup to your dog or cat’s fur can achieve similar results.
Ketchup contains lycopene, along with vitamins K, C, and A, which can be beneficial for your pet’s skin while helping to reduce the lingering odor.
In conclusion, using ketchup as a remedy for skunk spray is an unconventional but popular method. Not only does it help mask the smell, but it also offers some skin benefits for your furry friend. However, always consult your veterinarian before trying new treatments on your pets.
7. Make Use of Jars
Best Places to Buy: Amazon, dollar stores, and thrift stores
Average Product Price per Jar: $0.10–$0.50
Glass jars are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Whether filled with candy, jam, spaghetti sauce, or other items, they often become a hassle to open. However, their utility goes far beyond just storage for food.
For instance, you can repurpose jars to organize your workspace by using them to store pencils, pens, or other office supplies on your desk. Their transparent design allows you to easily see the contents, making it simple to find what you need.
In conclusion, glass jars are not only practical but also an affordable solution for organization and storage. With prices ranging from $0.10 to $0.50, you can find them at places like Amazon, dollar stores, and thrift stores, making them an accessible option for everyone.

Glass jars are not just for food storage; they can also serve as charming décor pieces. For example, you can insert tea lights into jars to create a beautiful ambiance in any room.
One of the best features of jars is their versatility. You can easily customize them to fit your personal style or the environment in which you place them. Painting and decorating jars allows you to match them with your home décor, making them both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
In conclusion, repurposing jars as pen holders or decorative items is a creative way to enhance your space while promoting sustainability. With a little imagination, these simple containers can transform into unique pieces that reflect your personality.
8. Sheets for Dryers
Best Places to Buy: Walmart, Dollar Stores, and Amazon
Average Product Price: $3–$10 per box
Static cling can be one of the most frustrating experiences, especially when you put on clothes and suddenly feel like the human equivalent of Magneto, attracting attention with every move. The shock value can be embarrassing, and if you’re particularly unlucky, you might find your hair standing on end!
To combat this annoyance, you can find anti-static solutions at retailers like Walmart, Dollar Stores, and Amazon, with prices typically ranging from $3 to $10 per box.
In conclusion, dealing with static cling doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. With the right products on hand, you can enjoy a more comfortable and stylish experience without the unwanted surprises of static electricity.

If you’re looking for a quick solution to eliminate static cling, try using dryer sheets. These handy sheets work by covering the surfaces of your clothes and neutralizing static when their stearic acid is activated by heat, such as in the dryer.
Though they may look like soft paper, dryer sheets are actually made of woven fibers coated with a blend of chemicals designed to resist static electricity while imparting a pleasant fragrance.
In conclusion, incorporating dryer sheets into your laundry routine or using them as a quick fix can effectively combat static cling, leaving your clothes feeling fresh and static-free. This simple hack can make a noticeable difference in your daily comfort and style.
9. Polish for nails
Best Places to Buy: Rite Aid, CVS, Dollar Stores
Typical Product Price: $0.99 to $10 per jar
Let’s be honest: licking envelopes is not the most pleasant task. While it has been a common practice since envelopes were invented—using saliva as a convenient source of moisture—it’s not the most hygienic option.
In our efforts to reduce the spread of germs, it’s wise to seek alternatives. You can find adhesive solutions at stores like Rite Aid, CVS, and Dollar Stores, with prices ranging from $0.99 to $10 per jar.
In conclusion, opting for a safer method of sealing envelopes not only enhances hygiene but also contributes to a cleaner environment. With readily available products, you can easily avoid the unpleasantness of licking envelopes altogether.

Instead of licking envelopes, consider sealing them with transparent nail polish. This handy solution is likely already in your home and offers several advantages.
Using clear nail polish not only secures the envelope more effectively than saliva, but it also acts as a glue, protective layer, and sealer. This method ensures that your contents remain safe and intact during transit.
In conclusion, opting for nail polish as an envelope sealant is a practical and hygienic alternative. It enhances security while eliminating the unpleasantness associated with licking envelopes, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their mailing experience.
10. Extra Eyelets for Shoes
Best Places to Buy: Salomon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Columbia
Average Product Price: $100–$300 per pair
If you’ve ever bought hiking boots or similar footwear, you might have noticed extra eyelets on the shoes. While you may have thought these eyelets were either a mistake or purely decorative, they actually serve a significant purpose.
These additional eyelets allow for more customized lacing options, which can enhance fit and support. This feature is particularly beneficial for outdoor activities, providing better ankle support and stability on uneven terrain.
In conclusion, understanding the function of these extra eyelets can help you make a more informed choice when selecting hiking boots. Investing in a quality pair from reputable brands like Salomon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Columbia ensures that you have the right support for your adventures, with prices typically ranging from $100 to $300 per pair.

When using the extra eyelets on your hiking boots, don’t worry about whether your shoelaces will be long enough. These additional eyelets are designed to help you tighten the laces around your ankle, providing much greater stability during your outdoor activities.
By securing your shoes this way, you reduce the risk of them shifting while hiking or climbing, which is crucial for maintaining balance. In rugged terrains, a twisted ankle can pose serious dangers, making it essential to ensure your footwear is properly fitted.
In conclusion, utilizing the extra eyelets on your hiking boots is a smart strategy for enhancing support and safety. Always take the time to adjust your laces for a secure fit, especially when navigating challenging environments.