Sometimes, life throws us a curveball in the form of mysterious objects we can’t figure out. Whether it’s a strange gadget found in the attic or an odd item included with a purchase, these little puzzles can leave us scratching our heads. Thankfully, Reddit is the go-to platform for collective wisdom, where curious users often uncover surprising answers. Here are nine objects Redditors couldn’t understand until the community stepped in with their insights.
The Mystery Wedding Gift That Turned Out to Be a Cheese Holder
“We received this as a wedding gift years ago, but the giver won’t tell us what it is!” When one Redditor shared a peculiar item they received as a wedding gift, the community quickly identified it. It’s a cheese holder, a practical kitchen tool designed to help you slice cheese neatly without touching the block. No more messy fingers or uneven slices—just smooth and clean cuts every time.
A Plastic Dolphin with Slits: It’s Not a Toy (Or Is It?)
“What is this plastic dolphin with slits?” At first glance, it might look like a quirky figurine, but this is actually a dive toy. Similar to dive sticks, this dolphin-shaped gadget is thrown into a pool for swimmers to retrieve. It’s a fun way to practice underwater skills while adding a playful twist.
Half Wood, Half Marble, and Two Dips: The Salt and Pepper Pinch Pot
“This is half wood, half marble, with two semi-circle dips and a mini spoon. What is it?” This elegant object puzzled one user, but Redditors identified it as a salt and pepper pinch pot. The two dips are for storing salt and pepper separately, and the mini spoon is used to sprinkle just the right amount onto your dishes. Stylish and functional, it’s a staple for fancy kitchens.
A Freebie with Groceries: The Handy Orange Peeler
“I bought a big pack of groceries and received this item for free. What is it?” Sometimes freebies can feel more like riddles, as was the case with this item. It’s a plastic orange peeler, a tool designed to help you effortlessly remove the skin of an orange without getting juice all over your hands. Just slide it under the peel, and it does the hard work for you.
An Antique Tool for Sugar Cubes
“What is this thing I found in my grandfather’s closet?” Vintage treasures often come with a learning curve. This delicate contraption is a sugar cube picker, a tool from a bygone era when adding sugar to your tea or coffee was a more formal affair. Its intricate design reflects the elegance of yesteryear.
A Fingertip-Sized Mystery with Two Nubs: The Keyboard Key Remover
“What’s this? It has a hole just big enough for a fingertip and two nubs that look like it clips to something.” This small but mighty tool is a keyboard key remover, an essential gadget for anyone who works on computers. It helps you pop off keys safely for cleaning or customization, making it a favorite among tech enthusiasts and gamers.
An Electric Gadget That Vibrates: The Swedish Massager
“What’s this electric tool? When plugged in and turned on, it vibrates intensely.” This odd yet effective device is a Swedish massager. You put your hand through the springs, and it vibrates your hand as you massage someone. It’s a unique, vintage piece of technology that still gets the job done.
A Nylon Object with Red Rubber Ends: The Kururin Fidget Toy
“This object is 3 inches long, with a nylon body and red rubbery ends. It’s light and hollow, making no noise when shaken.” This curious item is a kururin, a Japanese fidget toy designed for fun and stress relief. It’s meant to roll and flip across flat surfaces, challenging users to control its movement with skill and precision.
Two Plastic Hooked Tools: Tick Twisters
“What are these two plastic hook-shaped tools with double forks on the end used for?” These are tick removal tools, also known as tick twisters. They’re designed to safely and effectively remove ticks from humans and pets without leaving behind parts of the tick that could cause infections.
Reddit proves time and time again that no mystery is too small or obscure to solve. These nine objects, each baffling in its own way, were transformed from puzzles to practical tools thanks to the power of community knowledge. Whether it’s a quirky gadget or a vintage treasure, there’s always someone who knows its purpose. So, the next time you stumble upon an unfamiliar item, don’t hesitate to share it online—you might be surprised by the fascinating stories and uses that come to light.