At the end of a long day, the last thing you probably want to do is spend time doing housework when you could be relaxing.
Luckily, lifestyle expert Bahar Takhtehchian stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to share a few smart hacks for anyone whose daily routine could use a bit of an upgrade (and less work outside of working hours). From slippers that clean the floor while you walk to scrunchies with a hidden pocket for anyone who is on-the-go, you'll wish you found out about these innovative finds sooner.
Keep reading to see all of Takhtehchian's picks, plus even more smart gadgets from food expert Alejandra Ramos, who previously stopped by Hoda & Jenna this morning to share some smart solutions for the everyday.
Dynamic duos seen on the 3rd hour of TODAY
Tasty Poly Cutting Board
Takhtehchian picked this functional cutting board that doubles as a prep station for anyone who needs to make meal prep more efficient. Cut, chop and get right to prepping — no more wasting time scraping herbs and vegetables into your pot.
Williams Sonoma Coffee Scoop with Clip
The only thing worse than coffee that isn't strong enough? Coffee that isn't fresh enough, either. This special spoon from Williams Sonoma can help you keep your coffee fresh and scoop it, too. It holds 1 tablespoon of grounds and has a long handle, which can help reach the bottom of the bag or can.
Aifusi Mop Slippers
These slippers were made for walking — and dusting and mopping, too. You can wear them on cleaning day to avoid getting shoe marks on the floor right after you clean it, but you can also wear them on any other day to help pick up dust and dirt. You'll get 10 slippers in one pack, so up to five people can wear them around the house at once.
Yard-X Multi-Use Garden Tool
Bahar found this tool that rakes, slices, smoothes, aerates, chops and more, all from the same attachment. The rotating steel head allows gardeners of all skill levels to adjust it for the type of work they need to get done, with the simple loosening of a thumb nut.
SunnyLife Summer Games Towel
Beach days are drifting away! Save room in your beach bag with this towel that doubles as a game board. From checkers to backgammon, it makes for an easy way to create some family fun outside of the water.
Ivyu Hidden Pocket Scrunchies
Whether you hit the gym frequently or travel often, these clever scrunchies are sure to come in handy. They boast a secret pocket that can hold your keys, lip balm, jewelry and other small essentials.
More home and kitchen gadgets
Corona Extended Reach Hoe and Cultivator
Another multi-use tool you can use in your garden is this 2-in-1 find. It's designed to help cultivate and aerate in raised-bed and tight access gardens, according to the brand, and features a grip made with a soft gel to keep your hands comfortable.
E-Kay Self-Watering Plant Globes (Pack of 3)
Have a brown thumb? House plants might not always be the easiest thing to manage, but these self-watering globes can ensure that you won't under- or overwater your greenery. Once the globes empty, it serves as a reminder to refill them so that they can get to work again.
Instant Air Purifier
The brand behind the famous Instant Pot also makes another home essential — an air purifier. Ramos says it is "practically silent," which makes it perfect for placing in bedrooms or children's rooms to help rid the air of dust, dander, pollen and odors.
Roysili Magnetic Spice Rack
This magnetic shelf isn't only for refrigerators. It can also be placed on the side of washing machines, microwaves or even inside of lockers. It's a convenient hack for anyone trying to make the most of smaller spaces, especially for items that are used frequently in the home.
Anyday Microwave Cooking Bowls
If cooking feels like more of a chore than anything else, you might want these bowls in your cabinet. Ramos says they are designed to cook entire meals in the microwave, and even dessert, thanks to the included recipe book. The bowls come in different sizes and sets that feature vented lids that cook the meals to perfection. They can also be used to store leftovers and are dishwasher safe for easy use.
Stonewall Kitchen Brown Sugar Saver
Frequent bakers know the struggle of keeping brown sugar fresh. This adorable terra cotta flower just needs to be soaked in water, dried and then plopped into a brown sugar container in order to keep it soft for up to three months at a time. You can resoak it and reuse it time after time to keep more batches fresh and prevent brown sugar from becoming petrified.
Joseph Joseph Scoop Colander Strainer Slotted Spoon
This hack helps save time and energy in the kitchen by preventing the need to dump entire pots of water out at a time. The unique design of this spoon allows you to scoop out what you need when you need it, so you can use the water in the pot for different parts of the meal without having to waste it.
HyperChiller Beverage Chiller
Don't have time to make cold brew but still want to enjoy an iced coffee before you head out the door in the morning? All you'll need to do is fill it with water and toss it in the freezer the night before, then pour the liquid of your choice inside — coffee, wine or anything in-between — swirl the HyperChiller around for a minute and pour it in your to-go cup with ice.
