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    51 Parenting Products Under $50 That'll Basically Pay For Themselves Over And Over Again

    From a stroller fan to a marble run set, these will make you say "money well spent."

    1. A stroller fan with bendable foam legs that'll wrap around a stroller, car seat, or pretty much anything to keep your lil' munchkin cool as a cucumber, even when it's a gazillion degrees outside.

    reviewer's photo of the stroller fan attached to a car seat
    reviewer's photo of the black fan attached to a stroller

    Promising review: "Absolutely love this thing! I didn’t expect much of it but after reading the awesome reviews I decided to give it a shot. It has flexible tripod legs that are able to wrap around things and stand upright as well as a moveable head. It is super efficient for its size and I love that it also has an LED light that I was unaware of. My little girl has a low heat tolerance so this is just what I needed to keep her cool in the heat. Thank you for an amazing product. Worth every penny!" —Olga

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in three colors).

    2. And an oh-so-cute Mickey-shaped stroller hook because it'll do all the heavy lifting for you and is big and sturdy enough to hold multiple bags and bottles to make an outing with baby ~infinitely easier.~

    The Mickey Mouse shaped stroller hook carrying a bag
    Amazon

    Promising review: "We got this for our Disney trip. It was perfect to hold our water bottles as we navigate the parks, it was also great for our little big kids to hold on to when we were walking through big crowds! It also worked well holding all of our bags! The hook is huge and of substantial weight. The bonus is that it’s also adorable — perfect for any Disney fan!" —LnASmom

    Get it from Amazon for $15.

    3. A leave-in conditioning spray for curly hair to help restore your little one's curls to their former glory once more! It's also free from any toxic stuff including parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

    Reviewers say this spray will leave wavy or curly hair (from 2a–4c hair) shiny, soft, and bouncy.

    Promising review: "This stuff is fantastic for curly girls! I spray it in my daughter's dry hair in the morning, run my fingers through her ringlets (never ever comb or brush curly hair dry), then clip the top back. It smells amazing, and the price on Amazon is better than other national retailers I've found it at. The price is worth it. Minimizes frizz and keeps curls soft and natural looking. My daughter has soft/fine thick hair." —Carolyn Smith

    Get it from Amazon for $8.39.

    4. And a detangling brush that'll glide through knots to turn your kiddo's daily hair-brushing ordeal into a painless experience minus the *ouchies or tears* (for both of you). Just trust the 30,000+ people who gave it a 5-star review.

    The ergonomic shaped brush in turquoise
    Reviewer's before photo of their child with knotted hair
    Reviewer's after photo of smooth hair from using the brush

    Reviewers swear this brush works on all hair types: straight, wavy, or curly (from 3a–4c hair).

    Promising review: "I'm a single dad of a 6-year-old girl and combing her hair is the hardest part of taking care of her. She gets really bad knots in her hair. This brush is the only thing that has ever worked. Thank you so much. She even likes to comb her own hair now." —Nguyen P.

    Promising review: "Best detangling brush I've ever used! My daughter has really curly hair and puts up a fight every time I have to brush it! This brush has made bath time a much more enjoyable experience for both of us! 😅 If you have thick, curly hair this brush is a must-have!" —Tiffany Marie

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in six colors).

    5. A grossly adorable Shrek-shaped toothpaste cap for turning nighttime battles with your kiddo over brushing their teeth into them hilariously begging to do it. 😂

    a gif of toothpaste coming out shrek's butt
    a still image of the 3d printed green ogre with toothpaste coming out of its butt
    Casual Chicken / Etsy

    Casual Chicken is a small business based in Irvine, California, that sells an array of unique 3D-printed items.

    Promising review: "My kids went from dreading getting their teeth brushed to looking forward to their 'Shrek poops' on their toothbrush. Thank you!" —Kate DeJuliis

    Get it from Casual Chicken on Etsy for $9.99.

    6. And a viral TikTok toothbrush holder and dispenser because it'll literally squeeze toothpaste onto your child's brush for you and save you from having to wipe down toothpaste-smeared counters.

    the white wall mounted toothbrush holder
    Reviewer's photo showing the toothpaste dispensed on the toothbrush

    This bad boy includes a toothpaste dispenser (that'll squeeze out every last ounce!), four cups and holders, and a place to store your toothbrushes.

    Promising review: "To All MAMAS: A TRUE MUST-HAVE from a mama who KNOWS!!! Every household with kids should have this thing, actually EVERY HOUSEHOLD, REGARDLESS! No more finding toothpaste everywhere but down the sink drain, no more throwing half a tube away because of lost caps. Insert your favorite brand in the dispenser and voila! Simply press your brush against lever and a perfectly portioned dollop every time. When it’s time to rinse, grab one of the four cups that are hidden in the top and bottom of this little masterpiece. Rinse your brush, open the storage compartment, hang brush, and shut lid! Bristles are covered and protected from the wide array of germs that like to inhabit bathrooms." —Jen

    Get it from Amazon for $20.89 (available in three colors).

    7. An inexpensive baby gate that's super easy to install — just pressure mount, you don't have to drill holes into your walls — and even easier for adults to open with one hand. But rest assured, it'll keep your toddler from taking a tumble down the stairs.

    reviewer's photo of a child trying to open a gate
    reviewer's gif showing how to open the door latch easily with one hand

    Pssst, this gate has 40,000+ 5-star (!!!) reviews and is capable of expanding to fit openings between 29–34 and 35–38.5 inches wide. This gate will not fit an opening between 34–35 inches. It also stands 30 inches tall. Make sure to measure your opening before you buy to ensure proper fit. 

    Promising review: "Best gate I have ever owned. I have two small kids, a dog, and two cats. Plus, lots of stairs. I have gone through so many gates in the last three years. Most broke over time or came loose. This gate is worth 20 stars. Amazing quality. It has stood the test of time! reliable, sturdy, easy to use, easy to install. The gate swings both ways! That's a HUGE plus. I feel so secure having it knowing that there is no way my kids or dog can knock it down or get over it. It is tall too. Buy this one. Coming from the girl who is the queen of gates. This one is one-and-done." —L. Randall

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

    8. A pack of Crayola Globbles so your mini whirlwinds can run around the house hurling these sticky globs at the wall or ceiling. Don't panic, parents, reviewers say they don't leave a sticky residue.

    Six colored balls in yellow packaging
    Reviewer's video showing the sticky balls sliding down the wall
    Reviewer holding the balls in pink, purple, orange, yellow, green, and blue colors

    Promising review: "I waited over two months to write my review! My 4-year-old daughter plays with these DAILY! YES they do attract dirt and hair. HOWEVER they are so easy to rinse off, it's not a big deal! We took these to a family gathering and ended up giving two away because they were SO loved! The two we gave away went to a 12-year-old and my 19-year-old brother. They discovered throwing them at the ceiling fan and watching them shoot across the room, which was pretty entertaining! None of them have busted or ripped and they are definitely NOT gentle with them! I will definitely be buying more!" —Kindle Customer

    Get a pack of six from Amazon for $8.40.

    9. And a Melissa & Doug activity book with a pair of safe scissors to channel their destructive, um., busy energy into a creative activity that'll put their fine motor skills to the test.

    A pair of yellow scissors and an activity pad
    Reviewer's child practicing cutting a watermelon graphic from the activity pad using the yellow scissors

    Promising review: "I was looking for toddler scissors for my 2-year-old but I was hesitant about introducing a new 'toy' that could potentially be used for hair cutting of her nearly non-existent hair. This pair of scissors is ALL plastic and no metal blade!!! My husband looked at this thing and gave me the 'what you paid $8 for plastic scissors, it won't cut' look.... and to his surprise, CUTTTT and it even made the noise that normal scissors would make when cutting — AND it was a sharp straight cut! BOOM, win for mom!! The kiddo has to work to open it with one hand, but she's slowly getting the hang of it and guess what... it works for left or right-handed kiddos because mine is still working out the kinks on which hand she wants to use, both ways cut nicely! The pages are a little thicker and are colorful and fun with lots of different things to cut, changing directions, different shapes and it's perfect for the beginner. Melissa & Doug brand, we are huge fans!!" —Cody Cakes

    Get it from Amazon for $6.99.

    10. A roomy Skip Hop Three-Stage whale-shaped tub boasting a mesh sling insert perfect for safely cradling your newborn during bathtime. Plus, it grows with your baby, so you can simply remove the sling when they transition to toddlerhood!

    A baby taking a bath in the gray whale tub
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Love it! A must have for newborns! Love this! So uncomfortable washing a newborn. With this, it’s so much easier. Can actually let the baby lay there while I wash her. Just have to move her up every once in a while since she squirms. And I like that she’s in the water soaking. Definitely recommend this." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $35.99.

    11. A bug bite suction tool invented by a mom that's worth the Shark Tank hype. This ingenious device sucks out all kinds of bug bites, instantly relieving itching and swelling, so your kids aren't left scratching.

    A BuzzFeed editor's arm with a bite on it, the editor holding the suction tool and an after photo of the swelling reduced on the editor's arm.
    Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "This is a MUST-HAVE in our household. I was a huge skeptic but decided to try it out of desperation. My youngest daughter is highly allergic to mosquito bites and gets huge welts that itch horribly after being bit. This product drastically reduces her swelling and itching. All of my girls (and myself) immediately ask for it after being bit. It takes away, or at least drastically reduces, the itching immediately. We also used it on fire ant bites, and my daughter said they felt better almost immediately!" —Reyka Smith

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two colors).

    12. A Whiskware pancake batter mixer with a BlenderBall wire whisk that'll let you whip up a batch of pancakes at lightning speed on hectic mornings — no separate mixing bowl, messy spoons, or batter-coated countertops. Simply add your ingredients, shake, and pour from the spout. Breakfast's ready 😋!

    Someone holding the Whiskware Pancake Batter Mixer with BlenderBall Wire Whisk
    Someone pouring out batter from the Whiskware Pancake Batter Mixer with BlenderBall Wire Whisk
    Amazon

    You can even store leftover batter in the bottle and pop it in the fridge for a time-saving weekday breakfast!

    Promising review: "This is the best breakfast invention after the waffle maker. LOVE IT! As someone who makes pancakes or waffles three to four times a week (my kids are pretty spoiled, but breakfast is key to getting through the first part of the school day), this is the easiest and fastest way to get that done. I just add everything to the bottle, shake, and pour into the waffle maker or griddle. When I am done, just add some water, shake again, empty, and then place everything in the dishwasher." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $15.22.

    13. A car baby monitor to provide a crystal-clear view of your bub from the dashboard. A game changer for anyone who is fully aware of how painful it is to pull over to check on a crying baby at every stoplight.

    Promising review: "This camera is a new mommy must-have. I was using a mirror and constantly was readjusting it and relying on my mirror to see his mirror and it was stressful. I knew there had to be something better when I ended up driving at night with my 2-month-old to the hospital and he was freaking out and I couldn’t see him so I was pulling over to check on him every few minutes and it was a nightmare. This camera has been my saving grace. I was hesitant at first reading reviews saying it’s not night vision but mine automatically switches even in parking garages to night vision. I love that I can see my baby and not have to fix a mirror. Or turn my head to see fully what’s going on with him in the back. I really really recommend this for peace of mind!! —Jennifer K

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

    14. A marble run set so future engineers can build creative structures — all while developing their problem-solving skills. They'll be ~ah-mazed~ at the results when the marbles roll through the mazes they create.

    Reviewer's photo showing the marble run set
    Reviewer's video showing the marble run set in action

    Promising review: "My 5- and 3-year-olds (and me) have spent hours building towers and watching marbles clatter down these chutes, steps, gears and spirals, HOURS! And they’re not bored yet! It’s also educational learning the physics of slopes by experience. Plus, it comes with enough marbles that losing a few doesn’t matter." —Joyce Parker

    Promising review: "This is a really neat toy that has provided literally hours and hours of enjoyment for my 4-year-old nephew (and me!). The pieces fit well together, it is very sturdy and stands up well even on carpet. There are an infinite number of ways to build these runs, and this toy never gets boring. Highly recommended." —Becca

    Get it from Amazon for $42.99.

    15. A sleek touchless forehead thermometer with a built-in sensor that'll let you measure in seconds. Added bonus: You can take your baby's temperature without disturbing them while they're sleeping.

    The forehead thermometer in white
    Reviewer taking temperature of their child

    Promising review: "This is a great thermometer — accurate, looks great, a must have! If you have kids, forget about sticking a thermometer in their ears. I have four kids now and a thermometer is a must have. Hold this thing close to the forehead, push the button in and you get a reading in about one second. This thing looks good, feels good, and is accurate. We’ve used multiple thermometers in the past. The head scanner that you run across the forehead...no good. In-ear thermometers...accurate, but expect a battle. Rectal thermometers...very accurate, but expect a war. This is the easiest one out of all of them. We find it especially useful when we need the quick 'I don’t feel that great' check...i.e., man cold. Overall, highly recommend!."—BearDownChi1

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    16. And a pack of stick-on fever indicators that'll come in handy during cold and flu season. Simply stick the bug on their head and it'll change color to indicate temp letting you monitor your child's fever for up to 48 hours.

    the pack of fever indicators
    a child wearing the fever indicator that looks like a bug sticker on their forehead
    Amazon

    It goes without saying that these stickers aren't a replacement for a thermometer. But, if your kid has a temp, these will help you keep track of whether their fever is spiking or going down.

    Promising review: "We had a stressful day of trying to keep our 3-year-old's fever down and he was exhausted. I had these in the cabinet and stuck one on at bedtime. It immediately lit up N, which matched the thermometer. While putting him to bed I saw it go to 99 so when I checked on him in 30 min I brought the thermometer '99.3.' We used it throughout the night to monitor whether or not we should wake him for more medicine. I think of it as a peace of mind sticker. He loves stickers and got a big kick out of it. He’s had it on about 13 hours now with no complaints. There’s a shiny N there now, and this paranoid mama still checks with a thermometer occasionally to make sure it’s accurate." —Nateric

    Get eight stickers from Amazon for $6.50.

    17. A clever sight word Bingo game; if you've ever asked yourself, "How do I take the frustration out of learning sight words and make it FUN?" then this game is for you.

    Word board with chips, cards, and packaging
    Amazon

    The set comes with 36 playing cards, 264 playing chips, caller's mat and cards, and a storage box. This version is a fun twist on the classic, but instead of calling out numbers, the leader calls out words (there are 46 most-used words), players search their cards for a match and place a red chip on the match. Once a player has covered the spaces on their card needed to win, they call BINGO! 

    Promising review: "Our first-grader was feeling really discouraged with her sight words and I've been trying to think of ways to encourage her and get her excited to learn things she doesn't already know. She loved this game! We played with the whole family and her 3-year-old sister even enjoyed playing (we show her the cards and have her find the word that matches on her Bingo card). I think this is a great way to make learning/practicing sight words fun! I am very happy with this purchase and I can see how it would be great for teachers in the classroom as well!!" —Jennie

    Get it from Amazon for $8.89.

    18. A pack of bright laminated flash cards so little Einsteins can soak up their alphabet and numbers. They're like knowledge sponges at this age, so why not start them early?

    The flash cards with numbers, colors, letters, and animals
    reviewer holding the pack of flash cards

    Promising review: "My 2-year-old mastered the her numbers, alphabet, colors, shapes, and identifies all animals and objects on the cards. When I first received the cards I thought they may be a little too advanced for her age (18mo old at the time), but I was dead wrong! After about a month and a half of using the flash cards she mastered them! We usually 'play' with the flash cards for only about 10 minutes before her bedtime. This is a great tool in the early developmental stages for any toddler. I’m excited to get her the next card set. Material = durable, same as a normal deck of cards. Size = a little bigger than your typical deck of cards. Fits nicely in pocket or purse, great for keeping toddlers busy while traveling. Overall = A+." —M. Abdallah

    Get a pack of 58 cards from Amazon for $12.99 (also available for babies).

    19. A waterproof potty training watch that exists for the sole purpose of reminding toddlers or preschoolers to use the toilet on the reg. Before you know it, they'll be excitedly yelling “potty time" when the alarm goes off. *What a time to be alive!*

    The blue watch with a dinosaur print wrist band and green timer
    Reviewer's child wearing the watch with the time flashing on the screen

    You can preset intervals of 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 2 hours, and 3 hours. The watch has an inbuilt proximity sensor and only sounds alerts when it is worn so no need to turn it off at night. How smart is that?

    Promising review: "Good grief this thing works miracles. My 3-year-old son just seemed to have all types of issues with potty training. He loves (this watch) and only takes it off to charge it. I’ve even noticed he now wakes up in the middle of the night to go to the restroom on his own. We take the watch off to charge it overnight but I’m sure the watch is contributing to him understanding his body. Seriously I can go on and about how this watch is perfect for stubborn babies learning to go the 'potty'. Just buy it." —Natalie Peterson

    Get it from Amazon for $24.45.

    20. And an anti-slip potty training seat boasting a ladder that'll make the "big potty" feel a lot less intimidating.

    The white and teal potty seat with ladder resting on a toilet
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Bought this for our son who we are starting to potty train. It is made of durable plastic. It is easy to assemble (there is a one page illustration on how to assemble it) and there is no need for tools to assemble this. It is foldable for easy storage. Our son loves this as it gives him a sense of independence: (1) the step ladder enables our son to climb and sit on it on his own — yay!, (2) the handles on each side provide for additional support, and (3) it doesn’t slip as it rests on our toilet. There is a removable cushioned seat included for added comfort. The height of the potty training seat can be adjusted to fit the height of the toilet. Would recommend this product." —Jhyza

    Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in five colors).

    21. A Melissa & Doug magnetic calendar that'll teach your preschooler the days of the week, months and the weather in a hands-on, interactive way. They'll jump out of bed eagerly to update it every morning.

    The magnetic daily calendar
    Reviewer's child using the magnetic calendar

    Promising review: "My 4-year-old loves loves loves this! He gets excited to change the magnets every morning. I had some magnet strips and made additional magnets for activities (preschool, zoo, library, Grandma's house). I am really happy I bought this, and it has helped teach him months, and days of the week. Determining the weather is fun too. One day we came home after school and he couldn't wait to change the weather from sunny to raining. I highly recommend this for preschoolers, it's a lot of fun." —Hammyg3

    Get it from Amazon for $16.65.

    22. An anti-nail-biting pen, if no matter how hard you try you can't break their bad habits. It tastes sooo awful it'll basically make your kiddos want to 🤮 at the very thought of biting their nails or sucking their thumb *ever again* (which is exactly the point).

    A reviewer's hand holding the pen. It says
    Reviewer's before photo showing their child's bitten fingernails and after photo showing the improvement in their nails after a week of using the pen

    Plus, it has anti-inflammatory ingredients like organic aloe leaf juice and organic eucalyptus leaf to soothe sore fingers.

    Promising review: "I love this stuff!! It’s taste horrible, which was great to help stop my 4-year-old from biting her nails. In about three days she completely stopped now and her nails have grown.." —Denise Batista

    Promising review: "OMG it works!! My 3 1/2-year-old was a constant thumb sucker. Four days and she hasn't put her thumb in her mouth!! It's the worst taste ever but it works. We tell her we are painting her nails. We put it on during the day and at night. Best product around." —Natalie Plaza

    Get it from Amazon for $16.95.

    23. A shopping cart cover for giving you peace of mind knowing your baby won't touch (or try to lick 😱?!) those gross, germy handles while you're running errands.

    The shopping cart cover in gray arrow print
    reviewer's photo of their child sitting in the gray shopping cart cover at the store

    Promising review: "A must-have item. No joke. This thing is a game changer. We used to just carry our daughter in the store because the cart seats are so dirty and uncomfortable. But this thing has made shopping so much easier. It takes like less than a minute to put it on the cart, and its sturdy and comfy and my daughter loves it. I also like the pockets, toy loops, and clear phone pocket. And they fit any cart — Walmart and Costco carts both fit great." —Amber Brown

    Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in nine prints).

    24. A classic Diaper Genie that'll let you keep your nursery free of the stench of poopy diapers. It's designed to trap smells and not allow even a whiff to escape.

    White Diaper Genie stood next to a baby's changing table for scale
    Diaper Genie with open lid showing blue bags inside
    Chandni Reddy / Buzzfeed

    This pail saved me a dozen trips daily to our garage to dispose of poopy diapers in the trash. It does a great job of locking in the stench and keeping our nursery smelling fresh, despite my kiddo's valiant efforts. Doesn't mean the smell doesn't hit hard when the lid is open, tbh, but I'll still take that as a win.

    Promising review: "I have heard both sides of the Diaper Genie...whether it's worth the money or not. After using it for nine months, I am a full supporter! Babies poop A LOT and after giving birth sometimes just standing up takes all your energy. This will save you countless trips to the garbage can all day long. It contains the smell really well. We have only recently (after nine months) started having it smell every once in a while. This is due to his diapers smelling worse now that he is eating solids and because he doesn't poo as much, so the diapers sit longer. If we stay on top of changing it out before it fills up, then we can still use it at 9 months old. Buy it!!" —A.Clark

    Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in three colors).

    25. A child-safe wooden knife so you can involve eager little helpers in the kitchen. This tool will keep their little fingers protected, while they proudly chop fruits and veggies.

    Reviewer's photo of their child cutting a banana with the maple wood chopper
    JUstenbois / Etsy

    Justenbois is a Canadian small biz specializing in eco-friendly and zero-waste tableware made from maple wood for babies, children, and adults.

    Promising review: "A really beautiful object and very well made. My 2-year-old loves chopping her own apples and fruit and helping me in the kitchen. I love this wooden knife. I'm so glad I bought it." —Juliana Pivato

    Get it from Justenbois on Etsy for $16.72.

    26. Or a set of plastic knives if you'd like to enlist your mini sous chef's help with dinner prep. While these do a pretty decent job of chopping, they're not sharp enough to slice a finger.

    Three knives in different sizes purple, pink, and teal colors
    Reviewer's child slicing a squash with the knife

    Note: Children still need supervision while using them, of course.

    Promising review: "I’ve only had these for a couple of days, but already my 4-year-old daughter keeps asking me for things to chop up. They’re perfect for the little chef in your life or the kid who want to be a big helper. So far she’s easily (and safely) chopped up: lettuce, apples, bananas, strawberries, potatoes, even carrots! I can run my hand along the blade and not cut myself and yet it’s designed in a way that you can still chop through veggies and fruits. Another pro is they are super easy to clean and dishwasher safe. They came exactly as pictures for me: in three different sizes and colors, with a slight grip texture on the handle for little hands. They’re nice and lightweight as well so it’s not cumbersome for younger kids. Love them!" —Abby Roeller

    Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.95.

    27. bath toy organizer that reviewers swear will actually stick to your wall, tidy your bathtub, and keep toys dry and within arm's reach. What more could you ask for?

    Promising review: "For the price, this thing is unbeatable! The suction cups have held tight to the shower wall since I installed this stuff. It holds all my kid's toys and allows the water to run off of them to prevent mold. I think this is a must-have for bath-time organization!"—internalburn

    Get it from Amazon for $10.49 (available in two sizes and pre-stocked with toys or by itself).

    28. A cult-favorite stain remover especially great for knocking out stubborn stains like grass, oil, or blood. You can count on this concentrated spot treatment to make messes from your kids disappear.

    Reviewer's photo showing a stained swimsuit
    Reviewer's after photo showing a clean swimsuit without stains

    Promising review: "This is the best stain remover I have ever used! I wish I would have found it years ago! My daughter is 6, and I can't think of how many stains this product hasn't gotten out for us, even old set-in stains that I thought were hopeless. A friend turned me on to this stuff, and now I will never go without it! A must-have for anyone with kids." —Lauren Ruffin

    Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.89.

    29. Bob Books, Set 1: Beginning Readers created by a preschool teacher for kiddos taking their very first steps into reading. The stories start with simple three-letter words and gradually build in difficulty so readers can take that leap from sounding out words to being able to confidently say, “I read the whole book!”

    The set of books in a blue box
    reviewer's child reading a story with a human and cat illustrations

    The set comes with 12 books.

    Promising review: "My 4-year-old daughter has known letters and sounds since just past her second birthday and could 'read' a few sight words, but she had a hard time mastering the process of sounding out a word. For the last two years, she would read the word 'stop' as 'sss- tuh- ah- puh,' but didn't understand how to really blend the phonemes. But somehow, as soon as we got them for her, Bob Books finally unlocked the part of her brain that could really solve the puzzle of phonics! I'm thrilled by the amount of progress we've seen in just TWO DAYS-- going from 'getting' phonics, but not really reading, to completely consolidating and understanding the two concepts. She's also very suddenly taken up a lot of initiative in independent writing and spelling. I couldn't recommend these books more highly. They are a miracle!!" —Juniper

    Get a set from Amazon for $10.19.

    30. A pack of sink extenders you can install on any faucet to enable your little one to finally reach the water all by themselves *and* to save your back the strain of hoisting them over the sink. 

    A child washing hands in the sink using a sink extender on the faucet
    A faucet extender attached to a faucet

    Promising review: "Must have for toddlers and small children! LOVE this! My 1- and 3-year-old love washing their hands now, and my back gets a nice break. Adding the faucet extenders and a stepstool to our bedtime/morning routine has been a godsend. Great bargain for the price." —TeaBea21

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $8.79.

    31. A pack of silicone dino ice pop molds for taking homemade popsicles to a ~dino-mite~ level, y'all. Just fill them with juice, yogurt, or smoothies to make healthier versions of store-bought ones.

    Four dinosaur ice pops
    reviewer's photo of a dinosaur popsicle they made

    Promising review: "These are unbelievable. We have the dinosaur ones and they are absolutely adorable. The mold peels off beautifully, and the size is just right for my preschoolers. I'm making healthy smoothies (frozen spinach! Chia seeds! Ground flax!) and making ice pops with them, and my kids think they're eating a fun dessert. Brilliant. I'll be giving these as gifts for a good while." —LucieBlue

    Get a pack of four from Amazon for $9.99.

    32. And an ingenious sandwich cutter and sealer so you can make your own Smuckers Uncrustables copycats at home without spending nearly $10 for a box. Prepare for your life to be *utterly butterly* changed.

    The sandwich cutter and sealer
    Reviewer's photo showing homemade uncrustables

    Promising review: "These have been a GAME CHANGER in this house!! My son has always begged me for Uncrustables but my wallet didn’t agree with them. I LOVE being able to make them at home and customize them to exactly what they would like them filled with! I make two weeks' worth of sandwiches at a time and store them in sandwich bags in the freezer so in the morning during the school year we can just grab and go! Love them!" —Katherine Smaczniak

    Get it from Amazon for $17.96.

    33. A set of ingenious magnetic locks that don't require screwing into your cabinets. These install in seconds with tape to keep your curious tot from breaking into drawers. Bonus: They're hidden inside so they aren't eye sores.

    The magnetic locks
    reviewer's video showing them opening the drawer with a magnetic key

    The set comes with 12 locks (with strong 3M double-sided tape on the back) and two keys.

    Promising review: "These are awesome! I spent hours with a drill and screwdriver installing push down locks on cupboards five years ago. I now have another crawling baby and those ones are all broken. I was dreading installing new ones and saw these. They literally go on in seconds, the bracket means it lines up perfectly, and the adhesive is strong! My older kids think the magnet key is super fun. Baby stays out of the chemicals and I put one on the trash door so the dog stays out of the trash so everyone gets to live longer. Win-win. I also love that you can 'turn' them off and on so when my kids are bigger we can flip the switch but if little kids were visiting we could put them back on."Joseph J. Krakker

    Get a set from Amazon for $33.99.

    34. And a pack of inconspicuous corner guards to give you peace of mind as your wobbly new walker zooms around the living room (and comes precariously close to a sharp coffee table).

    reviewer's photo of a clear guard placed on a glass table corner
    The same guard being pulled off, stretching until it releases

    Promising review: "Must-have. I love these. We just moved in with family, and they had a coffee table with super-sharp corners and I have a little one who pulls up on everything and is trying to walk. To say I was on edge is an understatement. My sister-in-law didn’t want an obnoxious baby proof item around her house, but these were so discreet she didn’t even notice that I had installed them. They are so soft that my little one started gumming on them to soothe his gums, LOL. They were super easy to install, stuck on very well and with not much effort, and came with plenty so if I need them I’ll have them handy. Super satisfied! If you’re thinking about getting, them please do!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $7.98.

    35. An EZPZ First Foods Set featuring a suction bowl, a tiny cup, and spoons in adorable packaging that provides all the essentials any parent needs to get started on their feeding journey. 

    The gray silicone set in packaging
    A baby eating with the green plate, glass, and spoon
    EZPZ

    EZPZ is is a woman-owned biz that creates developmentally-focused, minimalist tableware for little ones.

    Promising review: "Must have for BLW! So good ! I now have a few of these and they are perfect for starting BLW! Baby can easily grip and it’s a perfect portion size. Also, aesthetically pleasing as well! Huge bonus!" —Emily J. 

    Get it from EZPZ for $37.49 or from Target for $37.49.

    36. And a set of handy starter spoons if you wanna encourage your babe to self feed. These have grooves that purees and mashed foods stick to easily, letting little ones dip and explore exciting new flavors all on their own.

    reviewer's video showing their child self feeding with the spoon
    An infographic showing the Stage 1 spoon with a textured surface to soothe baby's sore gums and a Stage 2 spoon with channels to capture and hold food
    reviewer's photo showing their child using the spoon to eat oatmeal from a bowl with the words

    The set includes a stage one spoon and stage two spoon. The first stage spoon doubles as a teether, and is designed to introduce babies to holding utensils and exploring purees, as they soothe their sore gums. The second stage spoon is capable of holding more food and can even be loaded with solids for the child to grab and eat.

    Note: The spoons don't have a stopper, so please supervise your babies to make sure they don't stick the spoon too far back in their mouth. Recommended for ages 6 months+.

    Promising review: "Great skill-building utensil. My baby loves gnawing on these for teething just as much as he loves eating with them! I love that you can load the spoon and hand it to baby to feed themselves. My little one just turned 6 months and uses these spoons with wild success. A must have for BLW or feeding, in general." —Christopher

    Get a set from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in three colors and packs of two, four, or six spoons).

    37. A set of washable dab and dot markers for encouraging little Picassos to ~dabble~ in painting without making a huge mess. (Say goodbye to paint splatters and drippy brushes).

    reviewer's photo of the pink and yellow paint pens
    reviewer's children painting dots with the markers

    The set comes with eight paint markers and a downloadable 101 Easy Dot Marker Activities PDF. 

    Promising review: "A must-have for toddlers. My son started using this when he was 2 and now he is 3. We've used this everyday and he never gets tired of it. He just loves doing dab and dot with letters and numbers. I also love the free printables included and I love how easy it is for my son to hold it with his tiny hands. I definitely recommend it." —Heriberto Mendoza

    Get a set from Amazon for $17.99.

    38. A mushroom pacifier that reviewers swear has inexplicable ~magical~ powers and will soothe your little one, who has refused every other paci out there.

    Note: Please supervise your baby when using this, and make sure it's never flipped inside out. 

    Promising review: "A MUST-HAVE FOR TEETHING BABY. We have tried so many teethers, and none of them gave my little guy relief, and he had trouble holding, etc. He loves to chew on his hand, so this is perfect as it has grips in the middle under the mushroom. He chews on it for teething and uses it as a pacifier. LOVE THESE!! I already ordered two more. 🤣" —Mark

    Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in five colors).

    39. A short and sturdy bookshelf so you can neatly organize books at eye level to pique any pint-sized reader's curiosity.

    A child's book sling-style shelf lined with books
    reviewer's child selecting books from the gray bookshelf

    Promising review: "Easy-to-assemble bookshelf for children’s books. Perfect height for toddlers and to get them excited and pick books independently." —Ashley M.

    Get it from Amazon for $26.91+ (available in five colors).

    40. A clever faucet splash catcher designed to fit around your faucets like a glove to absorb the ~torrential floods~ your kids like to leave behind after using the sink. (Not to be dramatic, but raise your hand if you're fed up of wiping up after your fam).

    reviewer's photo of the faucet splash catcher in gray around a faucet
    Hustle Sew Shop / Etsy

    Hustle Sew Shop is a small biz based in Saint Helens, Oregon that specializes in quality handmade goods with personalized options.

    Promising review: "This product is awesome! I have four kids who take care of the dishes after dinner each night and to say they are messy would be an understatement! This little water catcher has solved the puddle that used to surround my faucet at the end of each night. Thank you!!" —cadencewilliams2 

    Get it from Hustle Sew Shop on Etsy for $13.50+ (available in six colors and four sizes).

    41. A pack of toilet seat covers you'll be SO glad you decided to carry with you when you're out and about with your potty-trained toddler, who insists on getting their hands ALL OVER gross public restroom seats.

    Promising review: "If you're a germaphobe like myself, this is a must have in your diaper bag. The thought of placing my son or daughter on a public toilet with only a seat liner is disturbing especially since they're both little and still hold onto the toilet seat for support when peeing/pooping. These cover the toilet completely and even cover the lower part of the toilet where dangling legs and pants/skirts touch. My only complaint about these is that they are not flushable. It's difficult trying to gather the liner up (they are rather large) without touching the toilet or the possibly wet liner (because it partially fell in the water) and then scrunching it up to fit into a sanitary napkin bin. Other than that, these are great. Also, I don't use the adhesive strips at all since I have two little ones who usually need to go right away so we don't have the time to remove the adhesive backing. I usually just place the liner on the toilet and then carefully plop my kid on top and all's well." —Ting

    Get a pack of 24 covers from Amazon for $9.99.

    42. A pack of spill-proof Munchkin snack catchers that'll allow easy access for little hands but prevent Cheerios from flying everywhere. No more handing your toddler snacks *one piece at a time* or constantly cleaning their trail of snacks.

    Two snack containers in blue and green
    A child model's hand pulling a cracker out of the blue snack cup
    Reviewer's video demonstrating how the container prevent snacks from falling out

    Promising review: "What a lifesaver! I mean really! My daughter loves her snacks, she also loves to make a mess, give them to the dog, or fill her car seat up with them. Then cry when she has nothing to eat. My wife picked one up at Target and man... we used it so much, we couldn't clean it fast enough. SOOOO we bought a few more. and for less than $5 for two.... this is a no-brainer!" —jeffgrantMEDIA

    Get a pack of two from Amazon for $4.76 (available in two color combos).

    43. A canvas growth chart to help keep track of your munchkin's height (who is growing up waayyy too fast 😢) without marking up the walls. Reviewers love that it can be rolled up and stored away as a cute keepsake.

    Reviewer's photo showing the canvas growth chart in their kid's play space
    Reviewer's photo showing the canvas growth chart in their kid's play space

    Promising review: "This is a very cute addition to our playroom! Looks nice and she loves measuring herself (daily)." —Truth

    Promising review: "The designs on this are adorable and look great in my toddler's room. It's soooo tall, too. You'll be able to measure even your giant kids before they go off to college. It rolls up nice and small so it will be easy to store and take out when they are too big for the cutesy designs but you still want to torture them with your parental nostalgia." —Truth

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in two colors).

    44. CeraVe moisturizing cream if nothing else has worked to keep your kid's eczema flare-ups at bay (There's a reason parents call this their "holy grail"). This also works wonders to soothe dry, chapped winter skin. It's formulated to provide intense moisturizing protection for babies with a gentle fragrance- and paraben-free formula.

    the moisturizing cream
    reviewer's before photo showing their child's eczema and after photo showing  eczema healed after seven days of applying the cream

    Promising review: "We tried so many creams marketed for eczema (most containing oatmeal) and they all made my baby's eczema worse. We were desperate to find a cream that would help and stumbled upon this cream. It did wonders clearing up his eczema and as long as we use it daily it keeps it from flaring up again, this is glycerin-based and doesn't contain oatmeal." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $17.96.

    45. And a USDA-certified organic baby healing balm made with chamomile, cocoa butter, coconut oil, calendula, and avocado oil that'll help you alleviate all types of skin issues — eczema, acne, cradle cap, rashes, and more. No joke, it's a multipurpose miracle worker!

    Reviewer's before photo showing eczema on their baby's face and after photo showing the eczema cleared up
    Reviewer's before photo showing cradle cap on their baby's head and after photo showing the cradle cap cleared up

    Promising review: Promising review: "I absolutely love this stuff. I use it for my ds rashes. I was so afraid to use anything but coconut oil but I needed something that would soothe the rash as well. My ds also ended up getting eczema and hives from a laundry detergent we had switched to. This completely soothed it away. It was gone by the next day. Needless to say, this is my go-to soothing-everything solution. It stays in the diaper bag and medicine cabinet. A must-have!" —Andrea

    Get it from Amazon for $14.50.

    46. The Pink Stuff, a magical all-purpose cleaning paste so you don't need to go into full panic mode when lipstick (or Sharpie) marks mysteriously appear on your walls. (Good luck keeping the little Picassos out of your makeup bag though!)

    Reviewer removing lipstick from the walls using the pink paste
    The Pink Stuff

    Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok and had to try it. Being a mom and a babysitter, we have the occasional crayon or marker on surfaces it is not supposed to be. This takes it right off without a ton of elbow grease. I also used it on my converse today. They were covered in dirt and grass stains from doing yard work and now they look brand-new. This stuff is a lifesaver!" —TammyC117

    Promising review: "If you’ve ever gotten lipstick on anything, you know how hard it is to remove. My 4-year-old loves make up and thinks she the next Picasso. This stuff removed it with only rubbing it over it. No scrubbing at all. I’m completely sold!"Anastasha

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

    47. A wooden puzzle if you can't get your kiddo to put down their iPad or video game controller. This is equivalent to playing Tetris but in tactile form that'll ~exercise their brain~ without any screentime.

    The wooden puzzle
    Reviewer's photo showing their child working on the puzzle following a leaflet that shows different diagrams

    Reviewer's say this is a great toy for all ages — from 3 to 12.

    Promising review: "I ordered this for my K–1 after-school class and they line up to use it! It is also a favorite of the autistic children I have in the class — it keeps them calm and focused for a good while. It also helps test determination because it's an easy puzzle until you get to the end and you have to move stuff around to make everything fit! Endless possibilities! I highly recommend it! The pieces are small and wooden — would not recommend for ages of children who like to put toys in their mouths." —C. Delgado

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

    48. Comforting Frida Baby vapor drops made of organic eucalyptus and lavender essential oils that'll provide some relief when their little nosies are stuffy. Just plop in your bath or humidifier to open up airways for a restful snooze.

    Reviewer holding a bottle of the vapor drops
    Reviewer's photo showing a bottle of vapor drops sitting next to a diffuser and a crib

    Safe for babes 3+ months.

    Promising review: "Immediate difference. My 5-month-old was suffering nights of awful congestion/coughing and restlessness. We tried all we could do before getting Breathe Frida and I wished we had it sooner. The first night she woke up only a couple of times in comparison to the ones before. The second night she had no middle of the night wakeups. Although these drops are not meant for cool mist humidifiers, we put them in there, just to see how it would work. We will have to get a diffuser or a warm mist humidifier in order to prevent our cool humidifier from getting damaged."—Angela

    Promising review: "My little one was sick with RSV and he needed the humidifier on every night. With just the humidifier on, he didn't seem to be able to breathe any better but I got this vapor and during sleep and naps he started sounding so much better. I could tell it was working and it also made his room smell nice instead of like a sick baby! He got much better much faster than I thought with all the extra things we were doing, and this is one I wouldn't leave out of my 'getting baby better' routine!"—Lindsey

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

    49. A cradle cap comb that'll remove dry skin from your bubba's scalp ~oh so gently~ using soft rubber bristles and a fine-toothed comb.

    New parents, don't panic. Cradle cap — aka, seborrheic dermatitis — is a very common dry scalp condition that affects infants.

    Promising review: "The pictures posted here are legit. It makes removal so much easier and gives more consistent removal than my previous method of washcloths or just scratching the cradle cap off with my fingernails. It’s amazing and gross and wonderful. My babe doesn’t even flinch when I spend 10 minutes clearing his scalp of all the goo. It seems to be soothing to him. I just apply baby shampoo, then brush a little with the blue brush. Then I slowly start to comb in sections all in one direction. Then I go back and forth in multiple directions. It’s shocking the amount of dead skin that comes off. I’ve even used it successfully in his eyebrows (he gets some cradle cap there, too). This is a KEEPER!" —ZMomUtah

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

    50. A box of Avarelle hydrocolloid patches with a blend of tea tree oil and calendula oils that'll suck out all the gunk and shrink zits overnight. It'll become your secret weapon to help your teen (or you) combat breakouts.

    Reviewer before and after using patches
    reviewer photo of used pimple patches

    Promising review: "I was skeptical when I saw these in a BuzzFeed article but for so little a price, took the chance, and I'm SO glad I did! I had a cystic acne pop up and it hurt. I stuck one of the three different sizes over the spot in the evening, did my thing, and then went to bed. Got up the next morning and WHAT?! It was gone?! There was gunk all inside the patch. It was gross, scary...satisfying? I don't know what type of witchcraft this is, but I LOVE IT!! My teenage kids use them, and we've never been happier to see our acne disappear. And I'm a 49-year-old woman...didn't think anything could surprise me anymore, but this did! It's a wonderful product, a must-have for anyone who needs a way to get rid of a zit in less than a day. (I've ordered this product twice and will again.)" —Heather W

    Get 40 patches from Amazon for $8.49.

    51. A fizzy toilet-cleaning bomb because it'll help you clean a funky kid's toilet in a flash. Simply plop in the bowl and watch the fizzing action dissolve all the grime (bonus points if you can convince your teens to do it themselves).

    A bag and pile of soap bombs
    Juniper Seed Mercantile / Etsy

    Juniperseed Mercantile is a small biz based in Littleton, Colorado, owned by a mother-daughter team, specializing in Earth-friendly goods for body, baby, and home.

    Promising review: "My teen boys are actually awakening to the idea of toilet cleaning with these!!" —Amy Jankovich 

    Get it from Juniperseed Mercantile on Etsy for $10 (available in larger quantities).

    The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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