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Aesthetic gel pens! Let me say it again: aesthetic. gel. pens.

From a color-changing cloud meditation breathing app and Beats Studio Pro headphones to the fan favorite Anthropologie Icon Juice glass and a folding toddler tower, you're going to pat yourself on the back for buying these *actually* useful (but kind of fun???) items.

The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of four shades will work on any skin tone. I've personally tested this out, and it has become an essential part of my daily routine. As a mom of two, I gotta just say I am TIRED. So tired that I'm not sure what my face even looks like without bags under my eyes — that is, unless I've got the Catrice "Instant Awake" on. A little really goes a long way and has great coverage. I wore it throughout my sister's wedding weekend in Aruba, and despite the heat, it stayed perfectly in place. An incredible product for an even more incredible price...10/10 from me. 

Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Placeholder

Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 

Promising review: "These soft socks are like walking on clouds! I put them on and instantly felt the warm, cuddly comfort — they’re so soft, I never want to take them off. Perfect for chilly mornings or lounging around the house, they make me feel like I’m wrapped in a hug. The best part? They’re super cute and come in fun colors and patterns that add a little extra personality to my outfit. Whether I’m relaxing with a book, watching my favorite show, or just need some serious comfort, these socks are my new go-to. If you love feeling cozy and want to add a splash of fun to your sock drawer, these are a total must-have. Soft, stylish, and oh-so-snuggly!" —Shannon

Get it from Amazon for $9.05+ (available in six styles and multipacks). 

BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord has personally tested this baby out. She said:

"I was very adamant about not buying this for the longest time because I am stubborn about "expensive" beauty products, but this is worth every penny and then some. It's so lightweight and layerable, it's foolproof to apply, and I have yet to wear a single outfit it doesn't complement??? I love watching it instantly elevate a casual look or add simple elegance to dressy ones. I wear it every day now, and after weeks of use, I've barely made a dent. Also, and maybe this is just me, but I tend to get pigment on my teeth with a lot of lip products, and I've simply never had an issue with this magic stick. 

Anyway, watch this TikTok of someone using it on their lips AND cheeks, because I did and oops, this lipstick FELL into my cart."

Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in three shades).

Promising review: "This is a must! Feels like a cloud and way better than a hand towel to dry your face, the perfect self-care product." —Jennifer

Get a pack of 60 from Amazon for $9.95. 

Promising review: "I love this oil so much! The smell is divine and it leaves your skin feeling nourished, hydrated and moisturized without feeling greasy or oily. It dries up very quickly and nicely. My skin feels smooth and smells amazing all day." —Yaneisa

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 and check out this Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion while you're at it!

Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! 

Check out a TikTok of the collagen sunscreen in action. 

Promising review: "I am a skincare snob. I spend way too much money on products. But over the last couple of years, I’ve been trying to find a new moisturizer with SPF that doesn’t bankrupt me. I need something that can help my dry skin, protect from the sun, and not irritate my sensitive skin. I was skeptical about this product, never having heard of the brand, but I gave it a try. I am SO thrilled with the results. This moisturizer is BETTER than the $55 alternative I have been using. It moisturizes like a dream. It doesn’t pill. And my sensitive skin loves it. I am THRILLED with my purchase and will definitely be back for more!" —R. Berry

Buzzfeed deputy editorial director Elizabeth Lilly has been putting this toothpaste to the test. She said, "I've been testing out the whitening version of this toothpaste, and it works just as well as any drugstore brand toothpaste without irritation. (I'll occasionally get irritation from whitening strips and treatments, and space them out because of it, but I've had none with this!) My mouth just FEELS cleaner when I use this, and it's even easier to use my tongue scraper after brushing, too! I think this has earned a spot as my new go-to."

Promising review: "TheraBreath Deep Clean is the best toothpaste I’ve tried! It keeps my breath fresh for hours, feels gentle on my gums, and leaves my mouth super clean. The mint flavor is refreshing without being too strong. Definitely recommend." —Maryna Ruzieva

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $13.99. 

I got these for my kids over the holiday season! They've been great for running quick errands and have kept their little tootsies nice 'n' warm (and spared me from running up and down our home's stairs to grab socks).

Promising reviews: "I love my lined Crocs. I hate having cold feet so these come in handy" —Maria Moya

"My only regret is that I waited so long to buy these. Easy to slip on and off. Keeps my feet warm and dry. I walked through a muddy, soaked field and my feet were totally snug. I’ve worn these when it’s raining too. Water might get in through the holes but with the fleece lining I don’t even feel it. 10/10 would purchase again." —Linnaly

Get them from Amazon for $35+ (available in women's sizes 4–17/men's sizes 2–15 and 17 colors).

And if you're more into fur than fleece, Crocs makes faux fur–lined platform Crocs too!

Reviewers also love using it to help kids relax.

Promising review: "This little cloud guy is adorable and squishy! His face is very sweet, and the color morphing is great. I really like it’s calming, and even if you don’t use it for meditation, it’s a cute night-light." —RgHound

BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly says, "I've used this stuff before and can confirm that 1) the scent is indeed intoxicating and 2) everything from this brand has scents that really STICK to you."

Promising review: "I am 60 and I could not get rid of the cellulite on my legs. I started using this product six weeks ago and can noticeably see a difference. I apply morning and evening, before bed for optimal results. It goes on smooth and has a creamy, nonsticky feel. The smell is dreamy, and even my husband has commented on the improvement. Make sure you apply in a circular motion for optimal coverage, absorption and circulation." —Amazon Customer

Promising review: "These pens last so long and are so consistent. I have put so many people onto these pens. I use them at work all day long and they give me no issues. The comfort of holding the pen is great, and the texture of the pen feels great as well. Would recommend for anyone needing pens for journaling, work, or school." —brooke

Get a set of five from Amazon for $6.47+ (available in 14 styles).

Promising review: "These are amazing quality!! I do love my pair of Lululemon leggings, but I notice that they stretch out and slide down throughout the day. These do not! They are so soft I almost feel like I am wearing nothing, but still feel very ‘athletic’ like they’re holding everything in. When I opened the package, they looked like they were going to be too short at first, but they’re not; they are quite stretchy and comfortable. Highly recommend!!" —Kate

Get them from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 16 colors). 

Promising review: "I use this first thing when I get in the office in the mornings as a 'personal to-do' before our morning meetings. It reminds me to stay productive when I might not have work to do in the office at that moment, and throughout the day, of the intention I set early on. It’s been a great visual reminder of my personal goals while I’m achieving professional goals." —Chelsea Ashton

Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in nine styles).

Psst: Read more about the effects of blue light and eye strain at UC Davis Health and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Promising review: "I am so glad I ordered this privacy screen. It is perfect, easy on the eyes and aesthetically pleasing. My partner could not see my screen while seated next to me which I was thankful for since I was finishing up some last minute Christmas shopping." —Amazon Customer

Get a set of two from Amazon for $18.99 (available for iPhone 14–iPhone 17 Pro Max).

Promising review: "I loved this candle warmer! I love that it has different functions, even a timer to set how long you want it on. The lights are super cool, too, and you don’t get that smoky smell when you blow out a candle. Definitely obsessed!" —Laura

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in two styles).

Note that this comes with a five-piece stainless steel tool kit as well, but please be careful when performing extractions on yourself, as these can injure your skin if not used properly. 

Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. I purchased it when I was congested because I wanted to use steam to help break it up. This steamer felt amazing. It definitely helped with my congestion, and it opened up my pores, too. I used the skin tool kit and that worked great as well. I love that this comes with so many settings, including a humidifier and towel warmer as well. This was an absolute game-changer for me, and I highly recommend it." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $39.95 (available in teal or silver). 

Reviewers have compared this perfume to the delectable scents of to waffle cones, lemon pound cake, and warm vanilla scones ... and this $75 bottle of Pink Sugar (gasp!).

Promising review: "Like so many, I found this scent on TikTok. I was a bit skeptical at first, but finally got around to trying it. First off, this scent smells amazing! Almost every time I've worn it, I receive compliments. It has a sweet smell, almost like warm cake or sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. With such an affordable price, I would definitely recommend this to anyone curious about trying it." —Chrissy

Get it from Amazon for $4.66 (available in two styles). 

Promising review: "Travel with ease!! Before this product, I would take all my supplement bottles with me in my purse, which took up an unnecessary amount of room. Now, with this product, I can travel easily with all my daily supplements. Takes up minimal space in my purse and actually encourages me to take my daily supplements. Not to mention that I love the color and style. Can fit up to nine of my largest capsules." —Kaci Allen

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in seven styles). 

I use this spray nightly and can confirm it's fantastic. I use it on my frying pans and the grill pans from my Griddler (which is ALWAYS a pain to clean). It loosens all the gunk and makes it much easier to clean burnt bits and pieces off. It also smells incredible — very fresh and delightful!

Promising review: "This is the best partner in the kitchen!! You need it now and always. Great for hard stains and even for a quick clean. I always have backups and never run out. RUN DON'T WALK TO ADD THIS PRODUCT TO YOUR CART RIGHT NOW." —Carlos G

Get it from Amazon for $8.49 for a pack of two.

These bowls are microwave-, freezer-, dishwasher-, and oven safe!

Promising review: "I legit think salads taste better out of this dish. I can't explain it, but it's amazing, and I'm now eating more salads. Maybe because a bowl holds dressing better than a plate, and I'm not worried about running the greens off the side of a plate, but I can scoop them up with ease with the edges of this dish? Questions that don't really need answering, I suppose, but illustrate how great this dish is. Buy the set, you won't regret it." —ANH

Get a set of two from Amazon for $26.99+ (also available in a set of four and in four styles).

Both my husband and my toddler (you can get your mini-me one here) have Carhartt beanies, so it was only a matter of time before I ordered one for myself. They really are super soft, stretchy, and comfortable. 

Promising review: "Love the fit, even after machine washing it. Warm, cozy, and works with many outfits. I ordered other colors after buying this one!" —Agusic

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 14 colors).

Promising review: "Best go-to bag. Cute and comfortable. Also holds everything you need." —meghan schuemann

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in seven styles).

Promising review: "This stuff is comparable to God himself. It gets my face tacky enough so my foundation stays on all day, but it leaves enough moisture for my skin to stay hydrated all day. 12/10 WOULD RECOMMEND!!!" —Han

Promising review: "Works perfect for a working mom!!! Picked this up knowing summer is around the corner and I will be no longer be utilizing a nanny. Figured I'd save money and work from the car as needed during sports and take calls when needed. Worked like a charm!" —Ashley Seitzer

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four styles).

Promising review: "I use this literally every day. It works so well; my hair feels great and grows pretty well. For reference, I have very fine curly hair. if I use too much, my hair looks and feels greasy, but it also does that with most products. I just use a few sprays on my scalp, and it’s perfect." —Lexi

Promising review: "I will never ever live my life without a heated blanket after buying this. Omg, I never knew I needed a heated blanket in my life and now it’s a daily use. I love this blanket! It provides the perfect amount of warmth when on high, it’s thick, and I love having the foot pockets to tuck my feet into. It has a long cord so I’m able to move it about the room when needed. Great buy!" —Brittany

Promising review: "This cream has been a lifesaver this winter. A little goes a long way and it has completely changed my dry skin. I use it every morning and it keeps my skin hydrated all day. It is lightweight and super creamy without being heavy and greasy. I can't say enough about how effective this cream is at a great price point." —Diane Delbrook

Get it from Amazon for $19.92+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "One of the best lip balms I’ve ever used. I love to sleep with it and wake up with my lips completely renewed. Highly recommended." —Cintia Gomes

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.36.

Promising review: "The Samnyte Hair Wax Stick is amazing! It works wonders for taming flyaways and smoothing my hair without weighing it down. It’s easy to apply and gives my hair a neat, polished look. Plus, it’s nourishing, so it doesn’t dry out my hair. Perfect for creating sleek styles, like buns or ponytails. Definitely a staple in my hair care routine!" —Julia

My kids are nearly 2 and 4 and are both extremely interested in being involved and independent, which is a bit exasperating. We didn't have the right tools to let them help safely in the kitchen until this toddler tower was introduced to our lives. It's not bulky, which is great because we have enough kid stuff all over our home, and I love that at the end of the day, I can fold it up and put it aside. It's very sturdy, but I had my kids practice climbing up and down on their own in a carpeted area for good measure (they both did so like pros). It wipes clean (love) and holds up to 50 lbs, so it'll be useful for quite some time!

Promising review: "The standing pad is large and slip-proof, providing a sturdy and safe place for toddlers to stand. The bar is great to keep toddlers secure and contained on the stand. The bar folds down, and the tower stores it conveniently. The white color is chic. The materials are high quality. I looked months for a toddler tower and I am extremely satisfied I purchased this one because of the quality, safety, and convenience to store." —Paige M.

Get it from Amazon for $146.99 (available in white or grey).

I bought this for myself, and OMG. This thing REALLY works. Usually, when my husband makes sauce from scratch, I'm left with chunks of tomatoes throughout my sink and water that WILL NOT drain — that was until I bought the SinkShroom (which comes from a small business!). My mom was so impressed she bought one, too. It's a serious game-changer.

Promising review: "I’ve been a fan of the SinkShroom and TubShroom, and this is the best product from the line so far. My kitchen sinks simply do not clog anymore, so there’s no more reaching into a bunch of water to unclog anything with my hand." —Brady Amerson

The top layer is made of absorbent PU leather, so you can easily rinse or wipe it clean! It also has an anti-skid rubber backing to prevent sliding.

Promising review: "I was a little concerned about how things would dry on this mat since it isn't fabric, but everything seems to dry really well — and it is just so pretty a thing to have on my counter! Can't beat the price either." —Nana M.

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and eight styles).

Promising review: "I don't like night-lights because they take up the wall outlet, so this was the perfect solution. I put it in the guest bath and at night with the bathroom door open this provides just enough light to guide a person to the bathroom without blinding them. I ended up putting two on my hallway switches as well. What a great product." —LMK

Get it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in four colors and three sizes).

County Line Kitchen is a small business specializing in mason jar–style cold brew makers, pitchers, and accessories.

Promising review: "This has been a hit in my house. Makes the most delicious cold brew and is of great quality. Has saved a ton of money on going out and on pods I used to buy. I try to let it sit for 48 hours so I can dilute it with a little water to get it to last longer, and throw it in my dishwasher in between uses. Perfect!" —Jo

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two sizes and colors).

I am such a sucker for these glasses. My husband is getting increasingly annoyed at how little space there is in our kitchen cabinet because I cannot stop acquiring these cups. They have a nice weight to them, wash really well (I typically just run hot water through them for a bit then dry them with a towel since they are not dishwasher safe), and make my morning coffee feel a bit fancier. Love, love, love them.

Promising review: "I love these glasses. Heavy quality glass. They are great for cocktails, juice, or a Diet Coke." —Kpeppers

Get it from Anthropologie for $16 (available in 21 styles).

Promising review: "This is my favorite mug. I love drinking my morning coffee and bedtime tea in it. It's so adorable and it really brightens my day. Good price point and good quality." —Andy A.

Promising reviews: "The ChomChom Roller really works. I have two German shepherds who shed SO much, so this was necessary. The ChomChom Roller picked up SO much fur that the vacuum couldn’t." —Ezra Gordon

"I've had it in my possession for like two hours and I've cleaned everything. The couch, the blinds, the cat tree pad, the chair; I'm obsessed. I feel like this thing should win an award for being so awesome. I feel like it should be in raffle baskets and giveaways and silent auctions for every event that highlights 'things cat people need.' It's better than those sticky rollers, it's better than the one-directional velvet wand thing that I always use the wrong way. It's the best." —Meowser

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in black and in a mini size).

BuzzFeed Deputy Editorial Director Elizabeth Lilly loves hers! She said, "I got one of these for Christmas and in the month or so since, it's totally changed my at-home reading game. I can pretzel myself into all sorts of positions wherever I want to read in my apartment without worrying about damaging pages with a clip-on light or sitting by a lamp."

Promising review: "I also ordered one of those book lights that you have to clip directly onto your book. I haven't even tried the clip-on yet because I LOVE THIS ONE SO MUCH!! It's so versatile. It is the perfect solution for when I'm up in the middle of the night and I still want to stay in bed and read while my husband sleeps next to me. Even when I don't have to worry about disturbing someone, this light is still my go-to when reading. It's better than any nightstand lamp because you can focus this light directly on your book or other types of hands-on projects. I had worried that it would be uncomfortable around my neck, but it's so lightweight I hardly even notice it" —Linda Holloway

Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in seven styles).

Besuerte Store is a small business. The larger size has a spot for a cup, too!

Promising review: "I took a chance on this one despite it having very few reviews. It took a little bit to arrive, but the product was well worth the wait. I love that it is a beautiful, solid wood piece and was packaged in a way that didn't require assembly and would not be damaged upon delivery. Overall, I'd say it exceeded my expectations and is priced well." —R. Young

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in two sizes and three styles).

Promising review: "These pens are fun for the senses! I didn't even realize they came with ink refills until I opened up the package. The gel ink refills are my favorite!" —Gomez-Orlioglu

Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in packs of three and five).

Cup Cozy Pillow is a small business that specializes in family-friendly snack and drink organizers. I finally caved and ordered one and, TBH, I'm very excited about this new addition to my family. Admittedly, my kids have tossed it around on our rug, and it has picked up some "debris," but other than that, it does exactly what it should! It's created a designated home for my drinks and remotes on the couch, keeping them out of immediate danger from my wild toddlers. No regrets!

Check out a TikTok of the Cup Cozy Deluxe Pillow in action.

Promising review: "This thing is great! I’m home on maternity leave with my new baby and spend most of my time on the couch with a sleeping baby. This product makes it easy for me to keep my drinks, remote, etc, close by even with dogs running around. It’s a little more expensive than I would have liked, but it works and I love it, so money well spent!" —Amber

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in seven styles).

I got the Beats Solo 4 headphones for Christmas in 2024 and was so excited that 1. they were pink and 2. to really try out my first pair of over-the-ear headphones. The sound quality was fabulous compared to the earbuds I've always used, but I was a little displeased with how the ear cups felt over my ears. I felt like I couldn't wear them for long periods of time or that I needed to take my earrings off to feel more comfortable. Then I was offered the chance to test out the Beats Studio Pro headphones (the ones Kim Kardashian helped design) and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to compare the two styles. Right off the bat I prefer the Studio Pros, solely because the ear cups are a bit larger and cushier — they are so comfy I can easily wear them for hours and nearly forget they're on my head. They charge quickly and *stay* charged for what feels like forever. It took me two seconds to connect them to both my computer and my phone *and* it's extremely easy to swap between the two. I'm an immediate fan and, honestly, can't see myself using any other headphones, possibly ever.

Promising review: "10/10 absolutely love them, they’re super comfortable, the control buttons are very easy to use, they connect super well, and I love the noise cancellation. This is my second pair of Beats, so the quality is amazing (the other pair was stolen). I’m not sure about the waterproof part, but they do still fit comfortably after I had facial surgery and my face was swollen!" —Asher

Get them from Amazon for $199.99 (available in six colors).

The Oura Ring 4 connects to your smartphone to help monitor your sleep, heart rate, and various fitness goals. I started wearing mine at the beginning of 2026 in an effort to kick my Apple Watch obsession and quickly became a fan. I love checking my sleep score (spoiler: I have two toddlers and my score is BAD) and keeping tabs on my stress levels throughout the day. My sisters and I have a "Circle" where we can each see our scores and chat about who slept the best/worst! I'm just getting started with it, but can't wait to dive into more stats.

Heads up: The brand recommends buying the Oura sizing kit for $10 first to find the best size — so you might want to gift it now to get the sizing right! Either way, you'll get a $10 credit back for the purchase of an Oura ring! 

BuzzFeed contributor Samar Hadri loves hers as well: "Introducing one of my favorite gadgets — the Oura Ring has pretty much not left my finger since I got it a few months ago. This ring is freaking fantastic! It tracks my heart rate, temperature (where was this during my fertility journey??), ~and~ sleep (and a whole lot more tbh). It uses biometrics to track my stress, how I'm feeling, and how much rest I'm *actually* getting at night. It even lets me know if my body is showing signs of illness, like a whole day before my first sniffles start!

It doesn't feel bulky on my finger or annoying to wear, and the gold color is pretty and matches the rest of my jewelry perfectly, so it doesn't look out of place with the rest of my stack. After watching me use it for a few weeks, my husband went online and got himself one too, because frankly, it was just too convenient! Plus, the battery life is amazing. I only charge this, like, once every five or six days! The app even has an AI advisor that uses your info to give you suggestions based on your activity."

Get the rose gold version on Amazon for $499, and check out all the other styles/sizes.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

This piece is by Heather Braga, a Shopping editor (and mom to two toddlers) who covers a variety of topics, including things that'll make parents' lives (hopefully) easier, exciting gadgets, cozy products (think: home goods and fashions that'll make you want to snuggle), and any magical Disney item that crosses her path.