We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
This post features a mix of items that we purchased with our own money and those that were provided to us at no cost for the sake of review. (But! We’re under no obligation to write a review of those things, let alone a positive review.)
1. A Bumkins splay mat to protect the area around your toddler's high chair otherwise known as the "drop zone." Clean-up will be SO easy with this — leave the vacuum in the closet and just pick it up and brush the crumbs directly into the trash. Plus, if there are sauces that get dropped, you can rinse the mat in the sink and even throw it in the washing machine when it needs a deeper clean.
Oh just FYI — if you do put it in the washing machine, the brand recommends skipping the dryer because it's made with quick-drying fabric.
"If you have a baby or a toddler then PLEASE do not hesitate to get yourself a Bumkins Splat Mat — honestly, buy two! I have a 1-year-old who seemingly loves to torture my husband and I at every meal time by staring us directly in the eyes, giggling, then tossing pieces of his meal over his shoulder onto the floor. It's a delightful routine, especially when the food item of choice has peanut butter or sauce on it. We have a wood floor that, thankfully, isn't too difficult to clean. But who wants to mop or vacuum multiple times a day? Certainly not me — and what parent has the time?!
The solution: this Splat Mat. I've tried other brands but none have held a candle to Bumkins. It's easy to fold it up and shake crumbs directly into the trash or wipe it down for a quick clean post-meal. However, my favorite thing about it is that when it gets really gross it can be popped directly into the washing machine! I dry it on the cold setting and low tumble and it comes out looking exactly the way it was when I first bought it. I also love that it comes in a ton of fun patterns (I have the Mickey Mouse one seen above and a Nintendo-themed one). You can also snag matching bibs (so cute) that can also be tossed into your washing machine!" —Heather Braga
Get it from Amazon for $17.39+ (available in 14 patterns).
2. A food scooper designed to help you seamlessly pick up all those diced onions from your cutting board and get them into the pan you're cooking dinner in. Plus, when it's time to clean up, this is just as useful to help pick up all those food scraps that are all over your counter.
"There is no kitchen tool I use more than this — egg shells and chopped fruit in the mornings, diced and minced veggies throughout the day, and even food scraps when I'm cleaning as I cook. The side walls mean you can scoop large portions of stuff without it falling off the sides, which is great when you're cooking a big meal. I also use this for clean-up, which has dramatically cut down on the time it takes to finish the job. ALSO, I've had this for maybe three years, and it looks as good and works as great as the very first time I used it." —Sally Elshorafa
Get it from Amazon for $9.53.
3. First Aid Beauty ingrown hair pads you can use to both help treat *and* prevent ingrown hairs from shaving. Glycolic acid works to help exfoliate and resurface the skin, while salicylic acid helps brighten and smooth skin. If you deal with painful bumps and ingrown hairs on any part of your body, all you have to do is swipe the pad over clean and dry skin every day after you shave or wax.
"Obviously, we all know the skincare market is super saturated. There are a million different products, and no one ever knows what to use. But I really admire how First Aid Beauty is a solution-oriented line. Essentially, each product is meant to address an issue. So for me, I tried using their ingrown hair AHA & BHA pads for post-shaving. It helped tremendously. The ingredients they use help to soften sebum, so that hairs don't get trapped. And let's be honest, using a quick swipe of a pad is much quicker and more convenient than doing a face mask or a whole skincare routine to prevent or treat ingrown hairs. Now, these are a staple for me." —Ryan Schocket
Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in two sizes and a three-pack), Sephora for $26 (available in two sizes), or First Aid Beauty for $20+ (available in two sizes).
4. A brass soil sampler and aerator, which may be your secret weapon to help keep your plants alive. Not only does it look chic in the pot, but it's actually taking samples of the dirt at different levels — showing you if the plant has been watered thoroughly or not. You can also move it around and test different areas of the pot to ensure that your plant is being watered evenly.
"Let me tell you about this notched brass soil sampler because it made a big impact on how I care for my plants, especially my bigger ones!
I got the pictured Schefflera amate from my parents as a gift about a year ago, and I have tried my hardest to keep it healthy and thriving. But it was always difficult to know just how wet the soil was further down in the pot. Like, my fingers only reach a couple of inches into the soil, and I didn't want to dig out a hole for my arm! Cue my discovery of this nifty soil sampler. It's a heavy-duty brass so it looks elegant in the pot, and features five notches an inch apart at the bottom of the pointed stick. The tapered point makes it super easy to press down into the pot, then pull back up to learn how damp the bottom five inches of soil — some of which gets caught in the notches — actually feels.
When you've killed more than one large plant via root rot (aka me), a tool like this is invaluable! I no longer have to guess if my plant needs water based on how long it's been since I last watered, or how it feels just a few inches down. I simply see if it needs water at that particular moment. Also useful: when one part of a houseplant's soil is dry, it doesn't mean every part is. So you can sample from different spots to get a read on how wet or dry the plant is throughout. Then, confidently water your larger-pot plant friend (if they need it) knowing you're nourishing them, not drowning them!" —Natalie Brown
Get it from Amazon for $35+ (available in two sizes).
5. An adjustable bamboo desktop shelf you can put next to your computer and keep any books or materials you need close by and at the ready. This will also help your desk look (and feel) less cluttered so you can actually focus on your work.
"My WFH desk is also my vanity and watercolor station, so it's easy for the mess to get out of hand. Staring at haphazard piles of random stuff was definitely not an inspiring work (or painting) environment, so I spent hours scouring Amazon for the perfect shelf — it had to be just the right size (I wanted it under the painting and not taking up the whole length of the desk), adjustable (as my book and knickknack collection grows) and made of solid wood (not cheap particle board). I finally came across this one, and it's perfect! It was easy to assemble and affordable. Plus, it's made of bamboo, which means it's aesthetically *and* environmentally pleasing!" —Morena Duwe
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
6. Lancôme Teint Idole Care & Glow foundation perfect for anyone who deals with dry skin but still wants medium coverage that won't be flaky at the end of the day. This serum foundation is made with 82% hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump the skin while you wear it, leaving you with a glowy beautiful look.
"This is the best foundation I have ever owned, folks. I literally get excited every time I get the chance to put it on. I saw it recommended in a TikTok (which I can't find now, sry!) and even though it costs more than I've ever spent on foundation, I was pulled in by the idea of a hyaluronic acid formula that's hydrating and glowy with decent coverage — and it's proven to be just that. The skin tone match is PERFECTION (Sephora nailed it with the 'Find Your Shade' tool), and it blends like a dream, working as the perfect base for blush, highlighter, and more. It's lightweight and buildable, and my dry, sensitive skin has had no issues with it. As a bonus, it has SPF 27 for added protection! The bottle is also lasting me a loooong time, so it's been worth every single penny in my experience. When I want more coverage for a bolder makeup look, whether for events or going out, this is my go-to!" —Jenae Sitzes
Get it from Sephora (available in 26 shades) or Amazon (available in 30 shades) for $57.
7. A set of temperature-regulating bamboo sheets actually designed to wick moisture, so you don't wake up in a puddle of your own sweat. With these on your bed, you will, in fact, be "cool for the summer" a la Demi Lovato.
The set includes a fitted sheet, a top sheet, and two pillowcases.
"I received these sheets a few months ago and didn't really have high expectations because they're sheets…like how different can they be? Well, I put them on the bed and was immediately impressed. I know they say they are 'cool to the touch,' but I've never really understood what that meant / how that was possible, but apparently it is. When I first got in bed with these sheets they legit feel cool, like don't ask me the science behind it, it's just true. If you are someone who overheats at night or just has a really hot room, especially in the summer, you need these sheets. Like seriously, I highly recommend these. And this is coming from someone who a few months ago didn't understand how any sheets could really be that much better than any other set." —Jessica Hall
Get a set from My Sheets Rock for $149+ (available in seven sizes and nine colors).
8. A flame purse for a ~hot hot hot~ accessory to spice up your look, no matter if you're just wearing a simple black dress. Not only is this purse super cool and unique, but it will hold exactly what you need for a night out on the town. You'll be ~stoked~ to have this in your collection.
Studiocult is a NYC-based small business creating unique jewelry and accessories.
"This is by far probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever owned! I received this bag from Studio Cult and couldn’t wait to style it, but before I could, I noticed the most amazing details. The bag had matchstick charms as the zipper as well as some fake coins and matchsticks embedded on the bottom of the bag! The material feels very sturdy, and since it's vegan leather, it's waterproof and wipes clean easily. The strap is removable, and when I snap it on, the clasp is a smiley face. It also fits exactly what I need for a night out — a phone, cardholder, keys, hand sanitizer, and lip balm. I also got a bunch of compliments on it!" —Brittney Trinh
Get it from Studiocult for $150.
9. A Ninja 12-in-1 double oven that may seem a little excessive until you try it and realize that it's actually a game changer. Both ovens can be used to convection bake, air fry, roast, toast, and more. And the two sections mean that you can cook different things at the same time at DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES, meaning your chicken nuggets *and* veggies will be done to perfection and ready for you to devour for dinner in no time.
"When I first read about this product, I thought it was cool but not something I'd get a lot of use out of. I'm only cooking for two people and we're eating the same meal. This seems better for busy parents. And it's pretty bulky to use it only as a toaster. Boy, did I underestimate this double oven!
Case in point: Recently, I planned to cook a chicken and broccoli sheet pan dinner, and I also really wanted to use the curly fries in my freezer — but the two dishes needed to bake at different temperatures. Before this double oven came into my life, I would've put both trays in the oven at the same time but suffered through soft, slightly soggy fries (instead of fries that were perfectly crispy and crunchy) because I was too impatient to cook them separately and I didn't want to burn the chicken and broccoli, which needed to cook at a lower temp. I've also used this compact oven to cook things like garlic bread, because 1) it takes forever for my regular oven to preheat, and 2) using the regular oven makes my kitchen really hot, which doesn't seem worth it for two measly slices of bread. The list of things you can do with this oven could fill a book, so I highly recommend checking it out to learn more!" —Melanie Aman
Get it from Amazon for $299.99+ (available in two colors).
10. A Pet's Favorite odor-eliminating candle made of a soy paraffin blend and cotton wick that's not only pet-safe but also helps neutralize odors from your furry friend that may be taking over your home. And the scent is super nice and refreshing!
Pet's Favorite is a small business creating odor-eliminating candles hand-poured in the US. The candles are made to last up to 70 hours and are paraben-, dye-, phthalate-, and cruelty-free.
I recently adopted a dog, and I love her so much, but there have been some unwanted smells that came with her. When I was grabbing a few other essentials, I decided to throw this in my cart as well, and I am so glad I did. I've been burning this candle a lot lately, and I really like the smell. But I also just generally enjoy the smell of clean laundry. I have definitely smelled a difference in the odor of my apartment. And even though I have been burning it for a few hours a day, there is still a lot left, and I know I will be using it for a while now. I highly recommend but especially if you have pets in your life.
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in seven scents).
11. And a wick trimmer to easily trim your candle's wick and help maximize the burn time. Using a wick can also help prevent smoke from spreading through your home. Plus, because it's a beautiful gold-tone color, this will actually look super nice as decor in your home when you're not using it.
Anecdote Candles is a woman-founded small business creating candles and accessories in Brooklyn, NY.
"I am a big candle person, but I've never been great about trimming the wicks of my candles (shameful!). Trimming the wicks is important to prevent smoke and encourage a cleaner burn! Considering the number of candles I’ve bought over the years, owning a wick trimmer is loooong overdue.
I finally bought a wick trimmer when I was browsing this bougie 'convenience store' near my apartment, and I love it. It’s sharp enough to get the job done, and its gold color works well with the decor of my living room. I might have to buy the matching candle snuffer just to be fancy." —Tafi Mukunyadzi
Get it from Anecdote Candles for $18.
12. A golden Mini Brands surprise ball complete with five small metallic versions of common grocery items (or you may even get a buildable little shopping cart or basket!) you get to unwrap. It's an adorable and fun lil' pick-me-up that you just can't help but smile when you see. They're just so cute and tiny! 🥺
"Whenever I have opted to treat myself to a surprise box, I've always felt a bit disappointed — I didn't get the collectible I wanted, or the quality of the item was super meh, or the two seconds of fun opening was not worth the price tag, or all the above. Not so with these! My boyfriend surprised me with one after I admired the Mini Brands foods he had on his shelf, and it totally made my day!
Each toy is packaged really securely in its own compartment of the sphere, so it's a longer and more satisfying opening experience (the 'unboxing' video I made to send to my BF was two minutes long!), and you get multiple goodies in the form of shiny, adorable, perfectly-proportioned versions of things you see at the store! It also took several minutes to put the little cart that came in mine together, so that's more entertainment (though I don't think all of them have the cart) — all for less than what a lot of character-themed surprise boxes cost.
The goodies look soooo cute on my shelf. I'm a knickknacks girlie who was obsessed with toy food as a kid (and may still be today...) so these were perfect for me, and they're also a super thoughtful 'just because' prezzie to give to a friend or S.O.!" —Katy Herman
Get it from Amazon for $17.92.
13. A tee anyone who agrees that The PeopleMover is one of the best rides at Disney World will love. This subtle tee is perfect for a park day or even just an average Wednesday because as one BuzzFeeder confirms, it does get softer and cozier with each wear and wash.
The Lost Bros is a small business started by two brothers who create theme park and pop culture-inspired shirts and decor.
"The PeopleMover has forever been one of my favorite rides at Disney World, so I knew I just HAD to buy this shirt the second I saw it! I went one size up for a more oversized look, and I love it, especially when I wear it with leggings! The shirt gets softer with each wash, and it's breathable enough for those hot theme park days. Also, it's a subtle enough design that you can wear it outside of the theme parks too (which I do. I'm wearing it as I type this right now lol)." —Ciera Velarde
Get it from The Lost Bros for $30 (available in unisex sizes S–2XL).
14. A small Magic Bullet blender so you can ~whip~ up your own delicious smoothies at home and not waste $8+ ( 🥴) on them when you're out. It can also help you make salsa, slushies, ground coffee, and more! Plus, the small size is super convenient for anyone who lives alone or who doesn't have much space to store a full-size blender.
You get the base with a cross-blade and a tall cup, a short cup, a party mug, two lip rings, two Stay-Fresh resealable lids, a to-go lid, and a 10-second recipe guide.
Usually, the Magic Bullet has a silver base, but you can get one of three blender wraps to jazz it up. Just use the code "EXPRESSION" at checkout and decorate your Magic Bullet with one of these colorful vinyl wraps!
"I personally enjoy making thick fruity drinks — mango lassi is my absolute favorite dessert drink to make. The Magic Bullet size and storage options are super convenient. If I make a salsa, I can cover it with one of the to-go lids and pop it in the fridge, until I'm ready to use it again. This is definitely a great blender for anyone who hates washing dishes, or for anyone who has never owned a blender — this one is a great starter." —Kaila Browner
Get it from Amazon for $38.99 (available in two colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.