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35 Responsible Purchases That Will Still Feel Like A Treat
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More Because being smart with your money doesn’t have to mean giving up the thrill of a great find. I'm a seasoned Shopping Editor with more than 10 years of experience covering travel (my favorite), home decor, fashion, and pet products. Being responsible with your spending doesn't mean every purchase has to be boring. Sometimes the smartest buys are the ones that make your everyday routine a little more fun, whether that's floral bandages that brighten up a scraped knee, silky pajamas that make bedtime feel luxurious, or chic accessories that look way more expensive than they are. These practical-but-playful finds prove you can treat yourself and make sensible choices at the same time. Promising review: "If I could give this 10 stars, I would. The consistency is perfection. It's thick, silky but not greasy, and the scent is dreamy. I think my skin cried when I put it on. I have only used it three times, but I have already ordered another jar so I don't run out!" —The Flying White Boxers Psst — these sets are so chic and affordable that a lot of friend groups get them to match for events, and even wear the tie-string top as a going-out top! Promising review: "It’s always a gamble getting pajamas online, especially when they’re supposed to be silky; sometimes you get that unyielding plastic-y feeling material. That’s not the case with these! They’re soft and flowy, and the ties in the front, while not Fort Knox, are still more secure than I thought they’d be. I’m definitely going to order in more colors." —Amazon Customer Get them from Amazon for $28.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 27 colors and patterns). Promising review: "Cute, retro, and good quality. Perfect for summertime cuts and scrapes. Comes with three sizes in the box, each in a different pattern." —R&M Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $3.77. Promising review: "LOVE. It is super comfortable to wear and is great for supporting my chest when I go on a run. Doesn't collect sweat, very nice and cool material for hotter environments. I have it is so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" —Cheyenne Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 29 colors). Promising review: "Feels like you're walking on a cloud. I’ve had these for two years and they still feel the same as when I got them. The color is identical to the picture on your screen and they feel like heaven. The price can’t be beat." —The Unordinary Mom Get them from Amazon for $23.99 (available in women's sizes 4–15 and men's sizes 3–16 and 16 colors). Here's what BuzzFeed's Emma Lord has to say: "I bought the OG body wash after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews and happily used it all winter. I was so happy to discover that the Wild Iris Musk Body Wash was a perfect spring/summer update — the scent is so lovely, floral, and fun, and manages to have depth and staying power without being overwhelming. My favorite thing about Cremo body washes is how easily they pair with other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry." Promising review: "Oh my. The scent of this is intoxicating. I’m so excited to try the others. I keep smelling my arms. So so good. Great body wash in general. But the smell and price make it my absolute favorite." —Chelsea Shackelford Promising review: "I absolutely love these sunglasses! They suit my face beautifully and elevate any look with their stylish design. The gold details on the sides are such a stunning touch — reminiscent of high-end Miu Miu sunglasses but at a fraction of the cost. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and feel durable. I’ve received so many compliments already. Highly recommend these for anyone looking to add a chic accessory to their collection!" —Arsalan sheikh Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in five styles and two packs). Promising review: "Wow wow wow!!! 🤩 This blanket is so soft and the colors and image is so vibrant! The material is great. Lightweight but also snuggly weighted, I don’t know how to describe it. I almost bought the one from Anthropologie, but this is exactly like it way less price! I think I’ll be gifting a few of these because they are so nice!" —Amy Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in 14 styles). Check out a TikTok of the hair ties in action. Promising review: "I love these! These add the cutest touch to any outfit. They make you feel better about wearing a hair tie on your wrist. And they function great as both a hair tie and a bracelet! Not too tight to wear as either. Love them!" —Tiara Scheurell Get a set of 20 from Amazon for $7.99 (available in nine styles). Promising review: "So comfy and they look just like the photo! The quality is great, they aren't see through, and I love the bright color! They fit true to size. They are definitely a great value for the money." —Hope Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 26 styles). Psst — you might recognize the brand because it's behind the TikTok-famous "glass skin" staple, Mixsoon Bean Essence Serum! Check out a TikTok of the Mixsoon sunscreen in action. Promising review: "I’ve been looking for a physical sunscreen with minimal ingredients, and this one really impressed me. It’s affordable and actually protects my skin. I don’t think I’ll ever switch!" —Lisbet Fonseca Moreira Seraphic Skincare is a small business that specializes in brushes, razors, and other personal care products. Head's up that you should start very gently, and that you really only need to use it two to four times a month to get good results without over-exfoliating and compromising your skin barrier. Promising review: "I'll never use anything else! This exfoliating mitt is amazing. I didn’t have high expectations, but holy cow, am I pleasantly surprised. I am thirty years old and haven’t had this soft of skin even after an 'everything' shower in … I don't know how long! 10/10 recommend. My 11-month-old baby's got nothin' on mama’s skin now. 😮💨" —Lisa D. Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (also available in a set of two). Promising review: "These are my new favorite. They are comfortable and do not show under all my clothes. They are super soft too and hold up all day without gapping. I have been buying Victoria’s Secret underwear for many years spending unnecessary money. I’ll repurchase these over and over again." —Joshua Psst — if you're looking for a thong option, reviewers are obsessed with these Skims-inspired thongs that are also on Amazon! Get a set of six from Amazon for $17.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 12 sets). Check out a TikTok featuring the Tree Hut hand soaps. Promising review: "Really great hand wash! I really can’t believe it is so inexpensive. Enjoy." —Shar XO Get it from Amazon for $3.94 (available in five scents, including the brand new Lotus Water!). Promising review: "I wasn’t sure what to expect with buying a hat that’s half the price of my usual Wallaroo hats. The hat arrived pretty compressed, and I was worried that it might not regain its shape, but it did! It’s very good quality, comfortable, and looks attractive. I actually like it better than my Wallaroos because it’s a tad smaller and just feels more proportional. I’m going to buy more colors and back-ups. Good hat at a good price." —LPF Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in three sizes and 21 colors). Check out a TikTok of the baby Stanley in action. Promising review: "Wonderful. Coffee stays a lot hotter in this cup. Great size. Matter of fact, it's perfect." —LaHoma Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in ten colors and larger sizes, which come in dozens of colors). Check out a TikTok of the portable snack tray in action. Promising review: "This snack tray set from Crudites was such a great find! The quality is amazing for the price. The flexible lids make them super versatile, and being dishwasher safe is a huge bonus. I've already bought sets for my family and friends — they're perfect for picnics, work lunches, and storing leftovers. I can't wait to use them during the holidays for all the charcuterie and veggie platters. I highly recommend them!" —june Get a pack of two from Amazon for $24.95 (also available in a four-pack and rectangular sizes). iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories. Here's what Emma (pictured above) says: "I own a pair of these, and because I'm vain as heck and need to own all things pink, but I was decently surprised by how well they muffle noise! I feel like these are ideal for people who still want to hear some of the world around them (read: parents, people working in open offices), but still want to listen to their tunes comfortably. The charge on these goes for at least four hours (I haven't tried it beyond that yet), and the Bluetooth connects to my devices super easily. Excellent pair of headphones for the price point." Promising review: "These headphones surprised me. I thought they were not going to be as great because of how cheap they are, but the bass is amazing! The noise cancellation is so good that I can’t hear anything. The volume is loud and sound quality is a win, and just how I like it. Very snug and comfy, recommend! Thanks TikTok, lol :)." —Chevelle Revero Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in five colors). Promising review: "The best hand softening product. I put them on and fall asleep, waking up with super soft hands that feel and look like they have grown a whole new soft skin." —R Hatcher Promising review: "I am OBSESSED with this cutting board. It is made so well and looks so expensive. Every time I have guests, I will use it as serving tray or display for charcuterie and I always get compliments on it." —Lorrin Farrell Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in three sizes). Promising review: "Love these. These are soft and very comfortable, and they seriously black out every bit of light. I love them. I would highly recommend. I’ll probably never sleep without them again." —AJ "I bought these at the last second for a flight when I lost my way more expensive sleep mask, and can safely say "good riddance" to that old pair — I love this version way more. It's perfectly contoured so it doesn't rub my eyes or mess up my makeup if I'm traveling, the weight is satisfying without being distracting, and it adjusts super quickly and easily without ever getting caught in my hair. Also, the pink is just absolutely precious, so my little Glinda x Barbie heart is most pleased to show it off." Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in seven sets). "I love love love this lip balm. I compare it to the $24 version from Summer Fridays, which I've been splurging on — I love that brand because it lasts so long and is so high quality, but this $4 E.l.f. version feels comparable and, more excitingly, comes in smaller versions so I can stock my totes and bathroom with them whether I'm at home or on the go. It's hydrating, lightweight, doesn't get sticky, and adds a perfect ~subtle~ gloss whether I'm using it alone or on top of a lip color. I love the vanilla flavor so much, it's got a similar vibe to the birthday cake flavor that Glossier sometimes carries." Promising review: "I have one in my car, one in my purse, and one at home. These just feel so good on your lips! The flavors are very true to their name. They are pretty small though, so if you use it often, it won’t last long (which is another reason I have three of them), but for $4 each it is worth it. I sometimes like using this before putting on the E.l.f. Lip Reviver Oil. Such a great base to an awesome lip oil!" —Jax "I got this product because of the hype of it on TikTok. This lip balm smells SO GOOD. And hydrated my lips." —kayla Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five flavors). Touchland is a small business that specializes in hand sanitizers. Promising review: "Touchland's hand sanitizers are absolutely beautiful! Not only is the packaging functional for travel, but it’s pretty! Absolutely no issues with the product or the design of the packaging leaking, and it’s extremely easy to use! No sticky residue, and your hands feel completely hydrated and soft after each use. I’m especially impressed with this perk, considering most hand sanitizers leave your skin feel tight and dry. No leaks, great hydration, phenomenal fragrance…. what’s not to LOVE!!!? 🤍 SPOIL YOURSELF, NO EXCUSES NECESSARY!" —Briana R. Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in Lily of the Valley and Rose scents; check out Touchland's Amazon storefront for more options). Febu is a small business that specializes in earth-friendly, non-toxic home products. Promising review: "I love these! I have used these for years instead of a sponge or a dishrag. They hold up great, mop up crumbs and spills quickly, can be popped in the dishwasher to clean, and bring a bit of color to the sink area in my otherwise neutral kitchen." —Wynnefred Get a set of five from Amazon for $12.70 (available in 15 very pretty sets). Promising review: "I first saw this book on TikTok and decided to look more into it. I purchased four total because I know some people are holding onto things that are difficult to let go of. It’s a great way to look at things from a different perspective and truly hold yourself accountable for different things in your life. I love what it stands for, and I look forward to burning mine after I’m done. Self-love, self-care, and meditation for a better state of mind tomorrow are always the goal. I definitely recommend it to those susceptible to change and the willingness to try things differently." —Brent Helm Promising review: "I have it to write down things to buy. Very convenient and came with a good number of markers. It’s really simple to clean. I use a wet cloth when I don’t want to use the eraser, and that works easy also." —Stephanie Rios Promising review: "I bought this for a trip to Italy and used it the entire three weeks. Perfect!!! It’s waterproof and large enough, has pockets where you need them, and even a place to attach keys. The handles are long enough that it’s comfortable over your shoulder! Some are too small. It zips for security! Stylish! Can’t say enough good things about this bag!!" —EWC Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in four colors). Promising reviews: "I'm impressed with the quality of these pens. The 0.5mm fine point delivers a super smooth writing experience, and the ink dries quickly, leaving clean, neat lines. The barrel is also very comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. The retro colors are a stylish bonus. Highly recommend!" —Marie70 Get a set of five from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 10 styles and different pack sizes). Promising review: "Just got this today and I love it! I needed something that would keep my hair up, but not pull and not pull it out when I removed it, as well as something that was comfortable and safe to wear while driving. I haven’t driven with it in yet, BUT I am lying in my bed, on my iPad with my head in the pillow and am very comfortable. My new holy grail for putting my hair up. Could not be happier! My hair is long, and of moderate thickness, and it holds beautifully." —Kimberly A. Get it from Amazon for $6.79+ (available in three sizes and colors). Promising review: "I loooooveee this Nine West watch. It’s simple yet elegant! Very nice piece to add to your jewelry box. And you cannot beat the price! Fits perfectly and the quality is great!" —Dee Psst — if you love the look of the tennis bracelet with it, Pavoi has a GORGEOUS and super affordable tennis bracelet for $20.95 on Amazon! Emma bought one about a year ago, and she says, "Despite wearing it every single day, it looks just like it did when I bought it." Get it from Amazon for $19.72+ (available in 17 styles). Promising review: "TikTok told me this compared to Lululemon, and it’s true, it is. Love this little bag! And the price — you can’t beat it." —Jolie BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly owns this — she packed it as her only bag for a trip to busy trip to Iceland in 2023, and not only did it hold a ton and keep her hands free, it easily fit around her waist over her outerwear. It's still holding up three years later — she also used it for a Panama trip, where it fared well from airports to hanging bridges to a sunrise hiking trip to the top of Panama's only volcano! Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 45 colors). Here's what Elizabeth has to say about them: ""I own several sets of these and even pack them when I travel because I never want to sleep on a cotton pillowcase again after getting used to these beauts." Promising review: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn’t frizzy or dull-looking when I get up in the morning." —Aaron Key "These are really nice — perfect price point too. There's no difference between these and the same pillowcases from Kitsch at three times the price." —Keri Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 22 colors and four sizes). Promising review: "I decided to start eating hard boiled eggs and was tired of them rolling around on a plate in my refrigerator. I didn’t want to mix them up with uncooked eggs and was so happy to find this lovely ceramic holder at such a reasonable price. The yellow reminds me of egg yolks and stands out nicely from other things in my refrigerator. Great little storage item." —Carol Fentiman Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in seven colors, half dozen and full dozen, and in solo packs). I have been doing my own Gel-X nails at home for a few years, so I've gradually been building up my supplies, and these were one of my latest purchases. I was a little skeptical when I first pulled them out of the packaging because they're really smooth, but don't let that fool you! They work just as well as a regular file, are super sturdy, and the best part is that they last foreverrrrr. When you're done shaping your nails, you just rinse them off, dry them, and store them back in their protective case. Promising review: "I love these a lot. I notice how much healthier my nails are. They don't break as easily anymore, they are strong, healthy and grow fast. They're really easy to use and to hold and they've has lasted me for many, many months." —Emily Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.72 (available in two color combinations). * These 43 Summery Items Under $30 Are Calling Your Name, My Friend * Products That’ll Help You Bring Some ~Whimsy~ Back Into Your Life * Psst; Come Window Shop With Us Real Quick, You Might Just Find Something You Love * You Survived The First Half Of The Year — Here Are 32 Treats To Celebrate With Plus, finds from Etsy and Urban Outfitters. 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. Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.