When cleaning or moving, people often find strange plastic objects online and wonder what they are. One such mystery item with handles and a curved frame is actually a sock aid tool, also called a sock donner. It’s “a clever invention designed to help people put on socks without bending or straining their back.”

The device is simple to use: the sock is stretched over the frame, the foot slides in, and the handles are pulled upward so the sock glides on easily. This method removes the need to bend, making it especially helpful for those with back pain, mobility issues, or post-surgery recovery.

Its lightweight plastic frame, smooth edges, and long handles make it safe and easy to use daily—no setup or training required.

What may look like an odd piece of plastic is actually a life-changing tool that offers independence and comfort. As the article notes, the sock aid “transforms what could be a difficult daily task into something manageable and independent.”

In the end, this once-baffling gadget stands as an example of simple yet brilliant design that helps people maintain dignity and self-sufficiency.