Boil Buoy

• For about $10, you can get a boil buoy to keep a pot of boiling water from overflowing its sides and making a mess. Throw the buoy into the water and work on other things. The buoy will make a chiming sound when the water starts to boil and is ready for you to add pasta or other items. Plus, you won't forget that the pot is on the stove, so you can avoid burning food or, worse, your favorite cooking vessel.
  
  

Clocky

• If you are a sound sleeper, this alarm clock will go crazy if you don't turn it off. The alarm with get louder and louder, then will jump into action. Large wheels on either side will roll it off your bedside stand onto the floor and around the room, blaring loudly. To turn off the alarm, you will have to get out of bed. After you chase the clock down, you will likely be wide awake.
  
  

Pen Zen

• This invention is compact enough that it won't take up too much space on your counter, but is unique enough to be a conversation piece. The rectangular holder has rubber layers that you insert your pen into. The pieces conform around the writing instrument and hold it in place, so you will always be able to find a pen when you need it.
  
  

Stem Garden

• The Stem Garden may be the perfect solution if you've always wanted a small herb garden in your kitchen, but don't want a ton of planters on your windowsill. It looks like a plant and has small egg-shaped containers that come up off the main stem at different levels. Plant up to six different types of herbs. You only need to place this quirky system near a window and your herbs will grow.