This holiday season consumers will wrestle with selecting the best gifts for their loved ones. Sometimes it's better to go with something unique that at the very least will get a laugh out of the recipient. These five small businesses are thinking outside the box with their wacky inventions and whimsical inventory.
Powershout
Brent Drake is the inventor behind the Shoutlet, a portable voice-suppression device. Made of duck canvas, suede, and a dense hypoallergenic bamboo charcoal foam core, this device muffles a scream by 50% or more. The idea behind this product is to allow people to yell and express emotion in public without disturbing the peace.
Powershout describes the Shoutlet as a "handheld scream therapist." When someone spills their coffee, loses their keys, or is stuck in traffic, they can reach for the Shoutlet to release their frustration. This stress-relief tool can be rolled up and secured with Velcro, and its built-in carabiner allows for easy attachment to a bag or belt loop. The Shoutlet is even machine washable and scented with lavender essential oil to enhance its calming effect.
As of last month, the Shoutlet has received support from 1,223 backers through the crowdfunding site Indiegogo.
Nana Hats
Did you know that covering banana stems is the key to keeping them fresh? Sean Adler experimented with saran wrap, tin foil, and duct tape, but he ultimately found a better method. Instead of using single-use materials, he created Nana Hats, knitted banana toppers.
Exposed banana stems release ethylene gas, which is the process that ripens fruit. Each of these little toppers comes with a bisphenol A-free silicone cap to seal the crown and keep bananas fresh for one to two weeks longer. The standard-size toppers cover the stems of up to three bananas at a time, while a large silicone cap is recommended for four or more. A small magnet connects the silicone to the knitted character cap, whether it's a pirate hat, an octopus, or a pineapple.
Inventor Adler has always been a "Shark Tank" fan and appeared on season 14, where he caught the attention of Peter Jones and Lori Greiner. Despite the product's continued success, Adler also maintains his day job as a financial adviser.
With scents ranging from fresh bread to grandpa's pipe to clean puppy, this company has replicated very familiar fragrances and expanded the options beyond vanilla or lavender.
The Stinky Candle Company
Wanting to more variety in the candle market, namely everyday scents that are often overlooked, Jeffrey Bennett started The Stinky Candle Company. Drawing on popular aromas and common stenches, there truly is something for everyone.
This small enterprise started in 2014, and all of the candles are made in Dallas. Each 4-ounce tin contains soy wax and lead-free wicks. Some nostalgic scents that are sure to tap into consumers' childhood memories are pool chlorine, No. 2 pencil, and the zoo. The category named Stings the Nostrils includes smells such as gasoline and body odor. With scents ranging from fresh bread to grandpa's pipe to clean puppy, this company has replicated very familiar fragrances and expanded the options beyond vanilla or lavender.
The Stinky Candle Co. currently has 92 products listed that include standard candles and wax melts. Wholesalers and distributors are welcome as are custom orders of 50 or more.
Puffin Drinkwear
Tyrone Hazen was camping with friends and everyone was gathered around the fire holding their drinks. Wanting to keep his beer cold and his hand warm, Hazen's friend ripped off a piece of his sleeping bag to wrap around the drink. This gesture sparked the idea for Puffin Drinkwear, pint-sized puffer jacket koozies.
The outdoorsy brand, which is headquartered in Bend, Oregon, has been making beverage outerwear since 2019. In 2023, it was ranked No. 131 on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. To maintain its momentum and scale the business, Tory Upham, former president of CushCore, was appointed as the new CEO.
These tiny vests, sweaters, and even bathrobes are currently sold in over 4,500 stores domestically and in Canada. They can be found at retail chains such as REI and Bass Pro Shops.
Off the Wagon
In 2009, Michelle Sahr opened Off the Wagon, an eclectic gifts and gags store, in Kent, Ohio. The small business launched its website the same year and fulfilled online orders out of the back of the shop.
The space has expanded over the years from 500 square feet to 2,500 square feet. In 2021, Off the Wagon opened its second storefront in Chagrin Falls. To increase e-commerce sales, Sahr opened a warehouse close to the Kent store. Now, Off the Wagon can ship its odd toys and silly socks internationally.
This fun store stocks everything from nose-shaped pencil sharpeners, the original pet rock, and emergency dad jokes. Customers can find an assortment of strange candy, goofy games, and quirky greeting cards lining the shelves. Off the Wagon is a one-stop shop for any weird or funny tchotchkes.
"People have a good time and laugh a lot when looking through the store, and that’s a fun thing to hear," Sahr said.
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