toepener 

The idea: The Toepener is a handle that attaches to the bottom of a door so you can open it with your feet.
Whose idea: Forge LLC, a cool startup created by University of Minnesota students.
Why it's brilliant: Germaphobes, rejoice: you'll never have to touch a dirty public bathroom door handle ever again. Toepener is also a great alternative to awkwardly opening the door with your elbow when you've got your hands full.