While some are surprisingly useful, if not entertaining, many “As Seen on TV” products are a total waste of money.
Far from innovative, accessible, or even funny for a gag gift, many are just trinkets or even scams disguised as useful products not worth a cent of your money. Here are eight to avoid wasting your money on.
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Kush Support
Kush Support is a product that is marketed to support people who are breastfeeding or have breast implants as they sleep on their side. The product claims to provide support while also preventing wrinkles with regular use.
Not only is this unnecessary, but one reviewer said their doctor warned them against the product, as the hard plastic could cause milk duct blockages and even mastitis.
My Secret Hair Enhancer
There are plenty of legitimate products meant to stimulate hair growth and create the illusion of thicker, more voluminous hair. My Secret Hair Enhancer is not one of those products.
Many reviewers complain about the product staining, with one saying, “It's just a paint spray, like the one you can get from Home Depot.” A can costs $12.50 — far too much for a dyed aerosol spray.
The Fat Magnet
There are many tedious kitchen tasks that products have tried to simplify, like the creators behind the Fat Magnet. The gadget is essentially a piece of metal you’re meant to freeze and then dip into a fatty stew or stock to skim the fat off.
However, those who have tested it say it’s less effective and far more involved than simply skimming the fat with a spoon. While it’s only $15.99, you can do the same task much easier for free with a spoon.
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The "Backup" Mattress Shotgun Rack
This next product markets itself as a home safety and security tool, but in reality, it’s a waste of money and incredibly unsafe and impractical.
The "Backup" Mattress Shotgun Rack is just that — a shotgun rack that goes under your mattress. The company recommends buying two, one for each side of the bed, at $25 each.
This is incredibly unsafe and irresponsible and an egregious amount of money.
UroClub
Anyone who’s spent a day at the golf course has likely faced a dilemma when timing bathroom breaks, a problem the UroClub aims to fix.
This product is designed as a golf club that fits right into your caddy, with a hollow tube inside, a “leak-proof” cap, and a privacy towel to help you use the bathroom right on the course, for just $24.95.
Not only is this unsanitary, expensive, and impractical — you could face legal consequences if caught using it.
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Shake Weights
Shake Weights are one of the more popular “As Seen on TV” products, but they’re as much a waste of your money as any other scammy product on this list. For $49.95, you get a 2.5-pound dumbbell that shakes back and forth, claiming it will help tone your arms.
However, tests have shown they are no more effective than other 2.5-pound dumbbells and don’t do anything special to improve muscle tonality or range of motion. You’re better off investing in regular fitness equipment.
Zoomies
Zoomies are a product that could be helpful in theory but falls short in practice. They’re hands-free binoculars that fit like sunglasses and cost $17.99. They’re marketed for nature hikes, crafting, and reading.
However, many reviewers say they’re cheaply made. If you need magnification for bird watching, crafting, or reading, use regular binoculars or talk to your eye doctor.
Jawzrsize
Many people want products that enhance cosmetically without being invasive. Jawzrsize markets itself as one of those products, but in reality, it’s a waste of money and even dangerous.
This $40 piece of silicone is meant to be chewed on to exercise and strengthen your jaw, which in turn is meant to make it look more defined. There are several health concerns, including being a choking hazard, but health experts warn it could cause jaw alignment issues that could cause TMJ.
Bottom line
While plenty of “As Seen on TV” products are functional, others are downright useless and a complete waste of money and should be avoided if you want to keep more cash in your wallet.
Exercise skepticism when shopping for seemingly kitschy products. Some are scammy, but others have clever branding and packaging that hides their flaws. Some are downright dangerous for your health.
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- 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how you can escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
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