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    If You Hate Unpleasant Surprises, Here Are 31 Proactive Products That'll Stop 'Em In Their Tracks

    If you realize half of your socks have mysteriously disappeared every time you fold your laundry, check out number six.

    1. A jar of Museum Gel to keep your fragile possessions from toppling over like dominoes when there's unexpected movement. If you have little kids or pets and like nice things, this is a must, and you'll get 300 uses out of each jar!

    gif of someone taking a piece of museum gel, rolling it into a ball, and sticking it on the bottom of a wine glass
    reviewer holding up a jar of museum gel in front of a shelf of colorful drink tumblers

    To use, just grab a bit of gel, roll it into a ball, and stick it to the bottom of any item you'd like to protect. It's removable, reusable, and won't ruin your furniture. Plus, some reviewers say it's great for keeping things like cabinet and drawer liners from sliding around.

    Promising review: "Can't live without this. All my collectables are attached to their place with this great stuff!! With nine cats running through house, this stuff is a lifesaver. And it is easy to remove." —Sue Bee

    Another promising review: "This is AMAZING! I recently got a kitten and of course he loves to tap on things with his paws until he knocks it down. My friend uses this product and told me I had to get it. So worth it!! Once you apply the jelly and let it sit for a little while those objects will not move! And the best part is that it does not damage the surface that it was placed on. 10/10 would recommend!!!" —Darryl Hoard

    Get it from Amazon for $13.97.

    2. An aesthetically pleasing Hydrapeak insulated tumbler, because few things are as disappointing as taking a big ol' swig of ~lukewarm~ coffee. With this, your bevs will stay cold for 30 hours or hot for 12, and its tapered design fits in most cupholders!

    reviewer photo of the white tumbler in a car cupholder
    reviewer holding the green tumbler to show its tapered design

    Psst: Reviewers say it's a great inexpensive dupe for those Stanley tumblers you're probably seeing all over TikTok!

    Promising review: "I was debating getting Stanley, but decided to get this instead. Used it for ice water for bed. The ice was there the next morning. And I used that same ice for my iced coffee that next morning. Kept the cup in my hot car all day for my eight-hour shift and the ice was still there when I got out of work. I’m happy with my purchase." —AWright

    Another promising review: "This is a great dupe for the overpriced Stanley cups. I really wanted one, but this one looks even more sleek and simple and has a comfy handle, fits in my car cup holder, and has a secure lid. Loving it." —Static Clang

    Get it from Amazon for $27.95 (available in 13 colors). 

    3. A highly rated Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick to ward off painful chafing before it has time to ruin your morning jog. Simply apply the stick wherever you tend to experience discomfort, and it'll reduce friction while soothing and moisturizing your skin!

    reviewer holding the friction defense stick with the lid off
    reviewer applying the stick to their leg while wearing a wedding dress

    It can also be used for relieving already-chaffed skin!

    Promising review: "Amazing 'magical' barrier for skin. I picked this up after recommendations from friends who run. As an avid walker and hiker, I've tried many things to prevent blisters and chafing and this product is the best. Easy to apply to heels and toes, and only takes a minute to dry before getting socks and shoes on. I tried it with a pair of leather sandals where a strap rubs the top of my foot and heel and it worked great. Even in 80+ degree sweaty summer. Not much residue, though dirt, sand, or lint may stick to skin slightly, though it's very easy to rinse off." —jen soals

    Get it from Amazon for $5.99.

    4. A pack of oven liners future-you will thank current-you for buying when you realize they prevented your famous lasagna's overflow from becoming a gooey mess on the floor of your oven. Oh, and its nonstick material means easy breezy cleaning — beats scrubbing away at your oven for hours!

    the oven liner covered in goo on the bottom of an oven
    hands rinsing off the black oven liner in a sink
    Amazon

    Promising review: "These liners are life-changing! I never thought I needed them until a friend raved about them. Cleanup is so simple, no more melted cheese or sauces burnt to the bottom of my ovens. I love that I can cut them down to size to fit my toaster oven. My husband enjoys grilling with the liners now, he doesn't have to line the grill with aluminum foil, which he found so annoying, deterring him to grill. This product really has simplified my life in the kitchen and I love it." —Kindle Custommer

    Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.99+ (also available in a combo pack). 

    5. And a set of reusable air fryer liners so you're not literally ~stuck~ scraping off caked-on remnants of the chicken fingers you forgot were in there. 😬 Plus, they'll help prevent premature wear so you won't need a replacement appliance as soon!

    Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised at how much easier clean up is with these silicone mats. I’ve used them several times in my air fryer and they solved the problem of food sticking and made clean up afterwards a breeze. I still spray them with olive oil with whatever food I’m cooking and wash with soapy water when done. I liked them better than the aluminum foil I was using due to holes in them that allow air to circulate and to non stick. The silicone has no odor that I could detect. Quality material. Food gets browned and crispy. They fit perfectly in my Cosori air fryer." —Diane Lareau 

    Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.75+ (available in four sizes and three shapes).

    6. A clever SockDock, because who among us *hasn't* done a load of laundry, only to find half of their socks no longer have a partner? So frustrating! With this, your socks will stay secured to their mates in the washer, dryer, and beyond. 

    And once your socks are clean and dry, you can hang them up in your closet using the SockDock rather than folding!

    SockDock is a small biz that was founded by Kevin Bunn in 2017, and was born out of his frustration of losing socks while doing laundry. 

    Promising review: "For the last six years, I have lost literally dozens of socks. No one would fess up to having them stuffed in their drawers or crammed underneath their beds. So, it must be the sock gnomes if you are familiar with Family Guy. I have been using the SockDock for about a month, I've washed about three or four loads and guess what, not one sock lost. It does take some commitment to load soiled socks onto the tree, but it's worth the effort. They come out of the wash, and you just hang them up and pull fresh ones off. I highly recommend if you can commit yourself to the process." —S. Peterson

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in five colors).

    7. digital luggage scale, which should be on every frequent flyer's checklist since it lets you know just how much you can cram into your suitcase without it resulting in some — surprise! — hefty over-capacity fees. And now you'll have extra cash for souvenirs!

    reviewer using a digital luggage scale to weigh a red suitcase by attaching it to the handle and lifting up
    reviewer using the digital luggage scale to weigh a small bag

    Just hook the scale to your luggage handle, lift up, and the LCD display will show the weight! You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. 

    Promising review: "Took this on multiple overseas trips in the first two months. I can't believe I used to hold my bags and weigh myself and the bag on scales — and then subtract my weight. It was so time-consuming, especially when we were either close to the limit or over. This small device literally saved us hours of frustration and possible unpacking at the airport check-in line. We couldn't live without this item now. We bought another one as a backup. Wouldn't hesitate to buy this exact item again." —AB

    Another promising review: "Took this for a 10-day trip overseas with lots of flights. Weighed the luggage as things were added to it/purchased, and when we weighed in at the airport it was perfectly accurate. Very important when the airline will charge $70 more for a suitcase that is too heavy or make you open the whole thing up and take stuff out in order to fly with it. Saved so much hassle." —B. M. O'Connor

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in six colors, as well as a two-pack). 

    8. A memory foam seat cushion so you won't get up from your chair at the end of the workday with a super sore bum. This comfy pillow offers much more support than the hard desk chair you're probably sitting in, and it also promotes better alignment (your back will thank you!). You can use it in the car, too!

    reviewer photo of the black seat cushion on a wooden chair
    reviewer photo of the gray seat cushion on the seat of a car

    Promising review: "A few weeks into working from home five days a week I started having a lot of hip/leg/back pain. I have a good Herman Miller task chair that had been fine for one to two days of WFH a week, but wasn't working for me full time. In the early afternoons my lower back would start cramping. I did some research and bought this pillow and it immediately helped! I also took it on a two-week road trip since a three day road trip earlier this year had made a mess of my lower body that lingered for weeks — and no pain! What really drove me to write this review was that yesterday, unknowingly, I worked all day sitting on my chair without my cushion. I had removed it to use as a spare chair at my dinner table and forgot to put it back. At the end of the day hip was aching and I realized why! Today it's back on my chair and I'm already feeling better." —Lorene

    Get it from Amazon for $51.95 (available in three colors) — don't forget to apply the coupon to save 20%!

    9. A super cool dual cereal dispenser in case you've ever walked into your kitchen and seen a box's worth of Lucky Charms spilled all over the floor because your kids tried preparing their own breakfast (A for effort?!). This handy thing will help them portion out their own cereal without any mess, and they'll also have a blast doing it. Oh, and if you've ever dreamed of turning your kitchen into a mini version of one of those fancy office cafeterias, here's your chance!

    reviewer pic of the black cereal dispenser holding two types of cereal
    Reviewer gif of someone dispensing the cereal into a bowl

    Promising review: "We have three kids and a very small kitchen with very little cabinet/counter space!!! We used to keep our cereal boxes on top of our refrigerator, but I've been trying to declutter and also come up with a solution for our kids to be able to get their own cereal in the mornings. THIS IS IT!!!! It looks great on our counter, and we have very little space, so it fits just right! This has been the perfect solution to giving our kids the independence they need to get their own breakfast! It has been a lifesaver!!! Love it!!!" —tenle

    Get it from Amazon for $33.97

    10. A very useful 'Did You Feed The Dog?' device for those of us who can't even remember our pet's name half the time, let alone whether or not we gave them their breakfast already. Just swipe right on the pegs once you've completed the task so Fido doesn't miss a meal *or* accidentally receive a double portion and get sick all over your new carpet.

    It's particularly useful to have if you live with other people — leave it out to avoid any confusion!

    Promising review: "This cute little dog feeding tracker is the perfect solution for forgetful folks like myself. Now my dog never misses a meal. It’s also a great tool to avoid accidentally double feeding your dog if more than one person in your household does this task. It has definitely solved this problem for me." —MK

    Get it from Amazon for $11.95 (also available in five other styles).

    11. A set of absorbent coaters that'll keep your antique wooden coffee table safe from unsightly water marks and condensation damage. Yes, you can keep your seltzer obsession going without destroying your furniture! And the terrazzo pattern is really cute, too.

    Promising review: "Bought these because my old coasters left puddles of water from the condensation on drinks. These really work and absorb everything! Very pleased. And they are so cute and look good on both wood and white marble countertops! Love that there are two slightly different designs in a pack." —Liza P

    Get a set of six from Amazon for $15.99 (also available in more designs/styles) — don't forget to apply the coupon to save $2!

    12. A bottle of ILNP chip-resistant nail polish (with 70K+ 5-star ratings!) because it's really defeating when you carve out time to treat yourself to an at-home mani, only to discover little nicks in your handiwork within a day. No more! Lots of reviewers say this polish stays perfectly intact for at LEAST a week, and can we talk about these stunning colors?!

    reviewer's hand with a holographic silver nail polish on their nails
    another reviewer's hand with a shiny blue nail polish on their nails

    ILNP was founded by Barbra Salet as a Las Vegas-based Etsy shop in 2012. Their nail polishes are vegan and cruelty-free, and don't contain many of the harsh ingredients often found in other brands. 

    Promising review: "I am a mom of three toddler boys. I'm always using my hands and washing dishes. I looooove this brand. This is my second purchase. Most of my polish starts chipping in a couple days and I change it after a week...this polish lasted two weeks and still looks great! Love it. Def my new brand to start buying. They even package it all up nice and include a little hand-stamped note of who packaged it. Definitely impressed." —Heather

    Another promising review: "This is it. I don't know why I would ever need another bottle of nail polish. Sparkle, all the colors of the rainbow, unbelievable staying power. I'm done. My nail broke and it didn't even peel at the break. It still looks perfect. I'm blown away. I can't stop showing my friends how beautiful it is. It's now my one and only." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in dozens of colors). 

    13. A charging station with six USB ports you should pack on every trip so you, your SO, and your kids won't fight over the one free outlet during your layover. Reviewers also recommend it if you like a clutter-free home, since its sleek design is much more attractive than having a bunch of bulky chargers plugged in everywhere.

    Promising review: "We bought this exclusively to take on a lake trip where there would be nine phones that would need charging at some point during the trip. In the past we were able to charge only one or two at a time. This came in VERY handy. There were times when all six slots were being used. The only thing was that the cords that came with the station were all for iPhones and none of us have an iPhone. We all had our own charging cords, so that wasn't a problem." —Amazon Customer

    Another promising review: "Getting this little gem was one of my greatest ideas! I was tired of cluttering my counter space in the kitchen with various chargers and cords, but I got this, put it in my dining room, and now everyone can charge their device at dinnertime. Everyone knows where their phone/iPad/Kindle is, plus no phones at the table! Brilliant!" —Bobbie MacKinley

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

    14. A downright magical veggie chopper anyone who's ever sobbed over a cutting board of sliced onions *must* have in their kitchen. Not today, shallots! This will take care of those alliums before they make your eyes burn, and it'll cut down your meal prep time by a ton!

    Reviewer putting a potato on a flip top lid cutter and bringing the lid down to chop it into pieces
    reviewer holding a container of assorted chopped vegetables

    Promising review: "I literally cry every time I try to cut onions. The oils are so irritating to my eyes that tears stream down my face. This device eliminates the problem. Now I quarter the onions, stick them in the chopper, press the handle, and they come out perfectly cut. I LOVE this device. It reduces the toilsome act of chopping vegetables down to seconds. Just beware — the blades are SHARP. Be careful when cleaning. But overall, this is THE BEST and I love it." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99 — don't forget to apply the coupon to save $5! 

    15. A set of solar-powered motion sensor lights you can install on the front of your house so that when you come home at night, you won't trip over the hose your SO never remembers to roll back up after they water the plants. They'll also help deter home invaders, and when guests come over, they'll be able to see where they're going!

    reviewer photo of one of the motion sensor lights mounted to the exterior of a house
    reviewer photo of the lit motion sensor lights at night, which are mounted above a garage door

    They come with installation screws and anchors, have three lighting modes, and can detect motion within a 30-foot range.

    Promising review: "Very easy to install, and considering how expensive some flood lights are, these were very inexpensive for a pack of two. Also a huge bonus that they don’t need to be hardwired. Worked from the first day they were installed. They have three modes, always on dim, always on bright, and dim until motion detected then bright. I have mine on dim mode until motion is detected, which helps with coming home late when it’s dark, along with slight crime prevention. I’ve had them mounted for over a month and they automatically turn off during the day and turn on at sunset." —Orest

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $15.99 (also available in a larger pack). 

    16. Bacon Bin shaped like a little piggy for storing the delicious leftover grease from your favorite breakfast protein, because pouring it down the drain could clog your pipes. 😬 Not fun! Instead, keep it in this cute container for future cooking purposes.

    bacon grease being poured into the red bacon bin, which is next to a plate of bacon
    hand taking some solidified bacon grease out of the bacon bin with a knife
    Amazon

    It even comes with a handy strainer for easily discarding any stray bits of bacon!

    It's made by small biz Talisman Designs, which creates helpful products to make cooking at home a little easier. Store it on your counter or in the fridge, or even freeze it to easily pop out the solidified grease.

    Promising review: "This has been a big help for keeping fat/grease out of our sink and being easy enough to clean once the fat has solidified, which used to be a more involved process. I love how the strainer keeps out chunks of meat. I usually put this container right into my fridge so it solidifies more quickly." —Thomas J Brennan

    Promising review: "This thing is awesome. Big enough to hold plenty of grease without taking up a ton of space. I keep mine in the butter compartment of my fridge next to the butter. I poured the grease right from the pan, still very hot right into it and popped the lid on and put it in the fridge. Next time I needed some grease I scooped some out with a spoon, no muss no fuss. Much better than the glass jar I was using. My only warning is if you get it out when people are visiting keep an eye on it. It's so cute and so good at its job everyone will want one. This is an awesome gift idea. The little box it comes in is so cute with its little piggie face sticking out. Anyone who cooks with grease will love this." —John Dollard

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes).

    17. And speaking of drains, a cult-favorite TubShroom (with 80K+ 5-star ratings!) that proactively catches any hair that makes its way into your drain so the water doesn't take friggin' FOR-EV-ER going down. And not only that, it'll also save you money on plumber visits!

    reviewer photo of a gray tubshroom in a drain
    same reviewer pulling the gray tubshroom filled with hair out of the drain

    Promising review: "I have long hair, it sheds. A lot. I had read about these a few years back and decided to give it a try. Now I can't live without them. We have one in every shower. When I travel to family and friends, I buy them one and forever change their life. I haven't had a clogged drain in three years. My BF no longer complains about all the hair he pulls out of the drain. No more snakes, Drano, or showering in two inches of water. Just clean it out between every few showers and it's all good." —Mols

    Another promising review: "I hardly ever write reviews, but this thing is so amazing I had to share. With every shower I take, I shed a TON of hair and (as you can see from the picture) stick it to the wall so that no hair goes down my drain. I thought this method was working out well but my drain was continuing to stop up. I figured it must be my sister's fault since I was so good about not letting any hairs go down the drain, but I went ahead ordered the TubShroom after seeing advertisements on Facebook. I got this thing and after only two showers, it collected a crap ton of my hair that I didn't catch. It really is so easy to install and wipe away the hair, exactly like the videos. Awesome invention, and I'm super happy with this purchase!" —Megan K.

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in five colors and a set of two). 

    18. A Bread Buddy dispenser, which keeps loaves fresh for much longer than just storing them in their plastic bags by creating an airtight seal. Wrap the top of the bag over the sides of the dispenser, then just pull down whenever you want a slice. No more moldy green spots you'll wonder if you can just ~eat around~. 🤢

    A reviewer using the rectangular bread dispenser to pull out a fresh loaf
    An image of the rectangular bread holder with a loaf inside

    Plus, some reviewers say they bring it on trips when they don't want their bread getting smushed en route. 

    Promising review: "Who would have thought this inexpensive little box could deliver so well? My bread always went stale or would mold before I could use it up. Since I bought this, my bread has not gotten moldy or stale once, even though I live in a very humid area. It also protects the bread from getting crushed." —nightowl - Rome, GA

    Another promising review: "The Buddeez Sandwich Bread Dispenser is great! It does exactly what it was intended for. I live alone, and I don't quite go through bread often enough before the last quarter section of the loaf starts to go stale. I was originally looking for something to put a loaf of bread in as a shell for my vacuum sealer, that would keep the bread from getting crushed from the pressure. This dispenser solved all of my problems. Thank you!" —DRMcQuaig

    Get it from Amazon for $12.49 (available in red or white). 

    19. A RibRave rodent repeller plug-in that'll keep pesky critters from even thinking about taking over your home. It emits ultrasonic sounds and pulse waves that affect their brain systems (big shocker, they hate that!), along with flashing LED lights that'll disrupt their ventures in the dark. Best of all? You won't be inhaling headache-inducing chemical fumes or dealing with scary traps!

    reviewer photo of the green rodent repeller
    reviewer photo of the rodent repeller lit-up in a dark room

    It has three repelling modes you can switch between depending on the types of critters you're looking to keep away, and it even works in extreme temperatures if you want to keep it in a garage or shed. It can cover indoor areas of up to 1,067 square feet, but keep in mind that ultrasound cannot travel through walls and solid objects. 

    Promising review: "We discovered a small family of mice in our attic that traveled down the chimney wall and into our kitchen pantry. We tried all the traps possible, with all sorts of bait with limited success. I found this device on Amazon and decided to give it a try. The device worked so quickly, and we think the mice found their way out of the attic within 24 hours. We also have a dog and thought that perhaps the device would affect the dog with the pitch of the device. It did not affect the dog at all. We went ahead and bought two more units: one for our other attic and one for the garage!" —Patricia Graham

    Another promising review: "Heard a lot of rodent activity in the walls that bordered my garage. I installed this repellent in the garage and have not heard any scratching, rustling, or crawling since then. I'm happy to find a solution without using chemicals or having to dispose of dead rodents." —PJ S

    Get it from Amazon for $49.49 — don't forget to apply the coupon to save $5!

    20. A pack of SweatBlock antiperspirant wipes you'll be so glad you have on hand if you're perspiration-prone and would very much like to avoid ending up with a sopping wet shirt by day's end. All you do is apply the wipe before bed, wash it off the next morning, apply deodorant, and you'll feel nice and dry for up to seven days!

    reviewer showing how sweaty they were in a green shirt and then after using the wipes with no sweat in a grey shirt
    reviewer holding the box of wipes

    Promising review: "For anyone who might be a skeptic, please allow me to put you at ease. If you have hyperhidrosis, meaning it can be nine degrees outside and you're still sweating under your arms, this product has the potential to change your life. I would sweat THROUGH a sport coat before noon. Enter the Sweat Block product. I've had it for three weeks, and it is life-changing. I DO NOT sweat under my arms anymore. I'm still on the original box that I bought three weeks ago. I had to write a review after I was cleaning the garage today in 85-degree heat...I was sweating through my shirt on my back...BUT NOT MY UNDERARMS. It is amazing!" —Frosty McGee

    Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in packs of two or three boxes).

    21. Plus a pack of moisture-wicking bra liners, because boob sweat is real, it's annoying, and luckily, it's avoidable! These breathable pads slip underneath your bra and prevent sweat from soaking through your shirt while also eliminating band digging and discomfort. 

    reviewer wearing the white liner under a bra while also holding up another white liner
    model wearing the sweat band under the bottom of their bra

    Promising review: "These are a literal NECESSITY. I was struggling with constant itchy rashes under my boobs due to sweating and nothing helped. I tried creams and sprays to try to help with relief and finally found these. I have not had a single rash since. They are so comfortable to wear, absorb ALL the sweat, and have literally changed my life. I cannot say enough good things about these." —Brittany

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes M–XXL and three colors, as well as larger packs). 

    22. A bottle of Drop It to naturally reduce the sulfites and tannins in a glass of wine, aka the likely culprits of those headaches you're prone to getting after drinking. Stash it in your bag so you'll always have some on hand when you're at a bar or restaurant – all you do is add a few drops to your drink, then enjoy your migraine-free evening. Oh, and your vino will still taste exactly the same!

    BuzzFeed editor putting drops into glass of red wine
    The drop it bottle in editor's hand
    Emma Lord / BuzzFeed

    It works with any type of wine, and one little bottle will last for up to 55 glasses!

    Drop It recommends 1–2 drops for each glass of white wine, 2–3 for a glass of red, and 7–9 if you're treating the whole bottle at once. Once it's in the glass, swirl lightly for 20 seconds, and enjoy!

    Promising review: "I became really sensitive to wine in my 30s and through a lot of trial and painful error, I thought I might have to give up on wine altogether. Then I found out about the preservatives being a possible cause and decided to give this product a shot. So glad I did!! I'm still pretty sensitive to reds but this helps tremendously so that I can have a glass with dinner without a headache immediately settling in. Whites cause me no problem whatsoever! I love that it takes so little product to make a difference to a whole bottle. Just a few drops, a few minutes and we are good to go." —CastawayIrons

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

    23. A very handy herb leaf remover that'll keep you from biting into any unpleasant cilantro stems that snuck their way into your salsa, since it separates the leaves in one fell swoop. No more wasting time picking each leaf off individually (most tedious task in the world?!). 

    hands feeding a sprig of rosemary through the wooden herb stripper
    hands holding the herb strippers in the three wood types
    Shop Collin Garrity / Etsy

    I bought this as a stocking stuffer for my sister's boyfriend, who loves to cook, and he was SO excited about it! It also shipped really quickly and was packaged beautifully. 

    Collin Garrity is the St. Louis-based woodworker behind these lovely tools, and his other minimalist creations include whimsical ornaments you'll wanna keep around long after the holidays are over. 

    Promising review: "Just exactly what I was looking for. The wood is smooth and comfortable to use and just pretty to look at. Quickly becoming a staple utensil for my kitchen." —David and Amy Emler

    Get it from Shop Collin Garrity on Etsy for $16 (available in three types of wood). 

    24. A swoon-worthy set of Cadence travel containers for storing your pills, bath products, and any other small odds and ends. With these, you can spare yourself the humiliation of TSA going through the contents of your bag and tossing any oversized liquid containers (the worst). Plus, the cool magnetic design means you can cluster them together rather than rummaging through your bag until you find the one you're looking for. 

    hand placing a labeled lid over one of the red containers, which is stacked with five other containers filled with assorted personal care products
    a set of six multicolored containers stacked in a pyramid
    Cadence

    Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon with the goal of eliminating single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. 

    BuzzFeed Shopping's Abby Kass is a fan: "I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks' worth of serum, two to three days' worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don't wash my hair every single day. They were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time. SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels will want in their luggage."

    Get a set of six from Cadence for $76 (originally $84; available in many customizable labels and eight colors). 

    25. clear toy blocker, because if you have pets and/or toddlers, you're surely familiar with the absolute headache that is retrieving a toy that rolled under the stove or couch. This inconspicuous panel sticks right onto hard surface floors (without residue!) and provides a barrier between your fur or human child's playthings and the great abyss. 

    It's washable and the gel adhesive is reusable!

    Promising review: "A must-have for ALL pet owners. This contraption is genius and will save cat (and dog) owners so much time and frustration retrieving toys. We used this beneath our oven and it works PERFECTLY. Cat can't destroy it (the way she shredded the foam insulation we had stuffed under there before) and we no longer have to get the yardstick out when literally all of her toys are 'gone.' Yes, this is a challenge to install, but 100% worth it. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat." —Allison Goldstein

    Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in three sizes).

    26. A pack of sound-dampening door bumpers to keep you from being awakened by the jarring sound of your roommate slamming the kitchen cabinets shut as they prepare their breakfast in the morning. You deserve to sleep in, so stick some of these bad boys on those doors and snooze in peace. 

    The clear bumpers on a wooden door
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I live with a spouse who has a heavy hand when it comes to doors, cabinets, etc. He is what I call a slammer — I close things but he slams them! As our kitchen sits right below the master bedroom, I would finally drift off to sleep only to be awakened by slamming in the kitchen below! Not anymore!! These door bumpers are the best! High quality and they definitely do the job! They can be easily cut with sharp scissors if need be. Our kitchen cabinets had a little ridge, so I had to cut some to make them fit. Easy to apply, too — just peel off the backing and stick! Strong adhesive is an added bonus!" —Eric & Nancy

    Get a sheet of 100 from Amazon for $6.99.

    27. A smart power strip that lets you monitor your energy usage so you can adjust your habits accordingly (and not be taken aback when you see your sky-high utilities bill). 🙃 Plus, its surge protection will help spare your electronics from damage during sudden power outages, and since you can control it from anywhere using voice command, you'll never worry about whether you left your living room lamp on, even when you're miles from home.

    It has six outlets and three USB ports, and you can use the Kasa Smart app for voice control. Reviewers say it's great for people who have plants with grow lights or pets with heat lights inside their cages.

    Promising review: "With this, you're able to see total, daily, and monthly energy usage, and I schedule things to turn off during the night and when we're not usually home/in that room much. A simple voice command still turns it on if it is needed during the scheduled off times. Hopefully this will lower our electric bill over time." —StephSchiff

    Another promising review: "I use this for my bearded dragons! I love being able to schedule when their light will turn on and off. I can even turn them on or off individually, which is what I do when I clean their houses at night...The app works great and is easy to use, and no issues with disconnecting." —cc

    Get it from Amazon for $46.99.

    28. A P-Touch label maker, which will really come in handy if you store your cooking ingredients in canisters and want to ensure you never ruin a recipe by mistaking your salt for sugar...again. It's also great for passive-aggressively letting your roommate know those pickles in the fridge? They're YOURS. 

    a reviewer holding the label maker
    reviewer photo of three canisters filled with different types of sugar, which have been labeled using the label maker

    Don't forget the compatible label tape! This label maker has 14 fonts, 97 frames, and more than 600 symbols.

    Promising review: "We originally purchased this item to label our bulk food containers in our pantry for easy identification and to avoid the costly mistake of using a cup of salt, when the recipe calls for a cup of sugar. ;) Once we received the labeler, and the pantry was all organized, I found labels on dog and cat food, random items around the house, storage items, and so much more. Soon all of my workshop storage containers were labeled, and finally I could quickly access all of my nuts, bolts, nails, screws, and washers quickly and effectively. A must-have for any organizer's dream!" —AmazonNinja

    Get it from Amazon for $67.90.

    29. An adorable magnetic cloud key holder so you'll never find yourself rushing out the door and then going, Shoot, where did I leave my keys?! ever again. Now they'll have a dedicated spot, and one that'll make you smile, too!

    gif of someone sticking keys to the magnetic cloud key holder, which is mounted onto a blue wall
    reviewer photo of the cloud key holder holding various sets of keys

    Best of all, there's no installation required!

    Promising review: "I use this product every day and it is unequivocally the best purchase I’ve made thus far. I often lose misplace my keys around the house, but since using this I always know where to find them!" —Steven

    Another promising review: "So, yes, TikTok made me buy this, but so far I really like it. It's obviously very adorable and offers a charming spot to keep my keys that works with my entryway. I'm really surprised by how strong the hold is for such a small object — I carry my car fob and a few keys and so far it's holding strong. I hung it with Command strips to avoid any potential damage to the wall and I will say make sure it's level as the hold is not so good on an angle (but that was from the original in-hand testing). Definitely recommend and for the price, I'm very tempted to get one for my at-work office." —D. Carter 

    Get it from Amazon for $6.98.

    30. A Mighty Handle, which is strong enough to hold up to 50 pounds (!) of groceries *and* keeps the bags from spilling their contents all over the back seat of your car. Just slip the bag handles over its hooks and grab the top loop for easier, pain-free transport, then twist it to secure the bags once you've loaded them in. No more re-bagging everything once you get home!

    Reviewer holding multiple plastic bags using the handle, which has twisted the bags to keep them together
    Reviewer photo using the handle to hold three grocery bags full of stuff

    Promising review: "The Mighty Handle has saved me money. More than once, I have been driving home from the grocery store, and after a sharp turn on a quick stop, I hear the dreaded noise of all my grocery bags rolling and crashing into one another! Once it was spilled milk even...that is hard to clean up! I like to take the handle out when I bring my grocery cart to the car, wrap my bags around it, then I can place all my bags in the car at once. I twist it so the bags stay in place while I drive. I will use this when I pick up my husband's dry-cleaning as well. I always have to make a couple trips to put all his shirts in my trunk and half the time the shirts slide all around...can't wait to try the handle!" —Tiger Fan

    Another promising review: "I got these since I do most of the shopping after my night shift and don't have help to lug all the bags inside. These things are sturdy but lightweight at the same time, they're not flimsy, and comfortable in my hand. And boy oh boy can they hold a bunch of bags! I prefer to make one trip from the car to the house, and these make it so much easier. No more bags cutting into my fingers or seeming to cut off circulation in my arm. Just a bunch of bags hanging from a handle that is comfy in my hand." —Kindle Customer

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.95.

    31. And finally, an instant-read thermometer so you'll never have worry about overcooking the pricey (and now inedible) steak you splurged on at the butcher shop ever again. Temperature is by far the most accurate indicator of doneness, and this will give you a reading in just 3–5 seconds!

    Reviewer using the thermometer to read the temperature of a pie
    reviewer photo of the red thermometer reading the temperature of a pot filled with boiling sugar

    I sincerely hope you'll never have to suffer through a burnt steak ever again (the same goes for anything that's too raw as well), and using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to monitor the cooking process along the way and ensure your food is at its safest — and most delicious — temperature. This one might not be quite as durable as the pricier options on the market, but it's much more affordable and will cover any basic cooking needs — just don't leave it in the oven, like one reviewer did!

    Promising review: "Everyone who I've grilled for always asks me how my steaks and chicken are cooked to perfection. I used to do the finger trick (touch your fingers to your thumb and check your palm by the thumb), and it's hit or miss. I've tried timing, making sure the grill is on the same temp, but I've gotten mixed results. This takes the guesswork out of seeing if the meat is done. It's very common to overcook your chicken because no one wants medium rare chicken, so it's always better to be safe than sorry and leave it on the grill. But that usually means leaving the bird on a little too long and overcooking it. Every time I have used this thermometer, I take the chicken off when it reaches between 160 - 165, and the chicken never dries out. Taking it off the heat, the meat usually continues to cook for a couple of minutes (known as carry over cooking). Steaks come out perfect. This little gadget has saved me time and money. Stop reading the comments and order yours today!" —Big Cheezie

    Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three colors).

    Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.