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"Just The Serotonin Boost I Needed": 29 Delightfully Weird Products For All My Fellow Weirdos

"Just The Serotonin Boost I Needed": 29 Delightfully Weird Products For All My Fellow Weirdos

Buzz Feed10-03-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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The gang's all here — Doodlebob, an inspirational potato, and a vampire who's not-so-afraid of garlic.
1. A Dracula garlic crusher because it's obnoxiously cute and can mince several cloves at once with a simple twist of his head. Now, you can quickly prep garlicky goodness that'll keep the vampires at bay. Well, all of them except this one!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This little bloodsucker is 100% food-safe, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe!
Promising review:"I was getting very tired of the garlic presses that turn garlic into a mush and require incredible force to mash the clove into unrecognizable oblivion. This is far easier and turns the garlic into pieces rather than mush." — C. Pearlman
Get it from Amazon for $18.99.
2. A shaved sheep plushie so you can enjoy two smiling stuffies for the price of one since you can shear your new pet by unzipping its fuzzy-wuzzy jacket.
Promising review: "I love him. He is so cute and so well-made. He is the perfect size and shape. I named him Banana Peel Son since his wool comes off like a banana peel. Adorable. Would recommend to everyone." — Aerebys Stare
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
3. A meme-tastic Homer Simpson sponge holder with an included sponge if you, too, want to disappear into the shrubbery anytime someone mentions the pile of dishes languishing in your sink.
Hipsteroo is a UK-based Etsy shop creating the cutest, most kooky giftables.
Promising review: "Brilliant item, fits together perfectly, and it's a great addition to the kitchen, with the added benefit of it encouraging my other half not to leave the sponge festering in the washing-up bowl. 😁" — Lia Parker
Get it from Hipsteroo on Etsy for $26.43.
4. A silly spinning pill dispenser for organizing your daily vitamins and pills, with the added side effect of feeling like you're at a carnival spinning a fun-filled prize wheel. In this case, the prize is your prescription. Huzzah!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the pill dispenser in action.
Promising review:"So I am horrible about remembering if I took my pills. And I HATE digging into the old pill boxes or doing the tip-over. I don't know what it is, but I have always disliked it. I hung this on my wall right by the kitchen, so I pass it like 5,000 times a day, and I can't not see it. It is so fun pushing the little orange button to watch the meds fall out. I mean, it kind of feels like a really weird game of Wheel of Fortune, but I like it." — Grofica
Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in four colors).
5. A set of cowboy straw toppers to bring the rodeo to your favorite tumbler while protecting your gaping straw hole from becoming the Wild, Wild West for bacteria.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
6. A knitted inspirational potato that makes it basically impossible not to smile when you're in its positive, potatoey presence. You'll want to order extras for the next time you've got a down-in-the-dumps friend who could use a pick-me-up!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I saw this little potato at a restaurant counter and loved the quote so much I bought one for me and my two best friends. Such a cute and motivating carbohydrate." — Ess Vee
"Purchased for my wife for giggles. I figured it would be just another [thing] that was fun to open and would disappear over time. It's currently sitting in a prominent spot in our living room. Well constructed. I slammed it on the table to give it a flat butt to sit on, which it withstood with a smile." — M. S. Schultz
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in two styles).
7. A NeeDoh Nice Cube because you exist at the center of a Venn diagram where "fidgeter" and "slime lover" intersect. This goo-filled sensory toy has the most delightful *squish*, a satisfying weight, and is magically not the type of sticky that picks up every fleck of dust in the tri-state area.
Check out a TikTok of the NeeDoh in action.
Promising review: "High quality and very durable! This cube is fantastic for any age and any need. The cube provides slight resistance when compressed, which is both stress-relieving and satisfying!!! Once squeezed, it quickly returns to its natural shape. A great choice!" — Joe stevenson
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (the color is either blue, pink, or purple, and it is selected at random!).
8. A nostalgic DoodleBob pen holder so your most cherished writing utensils (digital or analog) have an extra-special place to call home. Can anyone else hear his signature "Meyohimeyoi!" a little too vividly in your head, or is that just me?
AVA Style Crafts / Etsy
AVA Style Crafts is an Atlanta-based Etsy shop selling handmade goodies.
Get it from AVA Style Crafts on Etsy for $10.
9. A bag of freeze-dried Sour Skittles if you thought improving upon the rainbow treat was a mythical impossibility. Think again! Review after review praises this snack-tastic candy for its unmatched crunch and flavor. Just don't blame us if you can never go back to the regular kind after trying these.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Space Age Snacks is a small business that specializes in small-batch freeze-dried candy.
Promising review: "Honestly, I didn't know what to expect going in, but I was pleasantly surprised. Skittles normally taste alright, but having them freeze-dried really made the flavors POP, and genuinely, I feel like they had more flavor than normal Skittles. (Then again, that might just be my head playing it up, knowing it's a first, who knows, who cares.) Very delicious." — John Blake
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes; check out the rest of their freeze-dried candy for more options).
10. A dimmable sad duck night-light for some deskside camaraderie on those days when life is beating you down. This little guy always gets it and will stay up to burn the midnight oil with ya.
Amazon
Promising review: "The best night-light...EVER!!! This duckie night-light is just the serotonin boost I needed! This light has three settings...by just tapping on its bum. I couldn't be more pleased with the quality! This duckie brings me pure joy!! 🥰" — Sena P.
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in two other silly styles).
11. A truly magical unicorn head squirrel feeder to turn any bad day into a LOL-worthy affair whenever you spot your yard's inhabitants stopping for a bite to eat.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This is both ridiculous and spectacular. It just might be my best Amazon impulse buy ever." — Meredith
Get it from Amazon for $19.83.
12. A pack of Skin1004's zombie masks that'll deliver skin-tightening, fine line-reducing benefits at the small price of looking like an extra in The Walking Dead for 15 minutes. It'll just make the post-facial reveal that much more sweet!
www.amazon.com
The kit includes eight Zombie Pack sets (powder and activator) plus one applicator brush!
Promising review:"When you put it on, the smell hits you hard. As it is on your face, the smell is not too bad, and the mask tingles as it dries. Wash it off and reveal clean, smooth skin. Plus fun to take pictures looking like a cracked mess." — raine
Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $17.99.
13. A discreet cherry toilet brush because no one really wants their potty scrubber to be an obvious eyesore, do they?
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This toilet brush makes me want to clean my toilet. It is so cute, exactly what I wanted, and works perfectly!! Fits nicely into my bathroom decor. It was delivered in perfect condition, and I've used it three times now. If you're thinking about buying this...do it!" — Michelle Maroon
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in red and orange).
14. Plus, a foldable toilet stool and putting practice set so you can multitask like a pro. Not only is this stool a truly functional bathroom addition (it better aligns your colon for an easier poo), but you can practice your putting game instead of getting sucked into a mindless TikTok scroll.
15. A 1,000-piece pooping dogs puzzle if you share my gnarly fascination for puppers and their potty time stances and wouldn't mind spending a good couple of hours putting images of it together piece-by-piece.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Really good quality and soooo funny. This puzzle is great! Honestly because it's sort of a funny prank gift, I thought it wasn't going to be good quality. But it's actually REALLY nice! The pieces are thick and good quality and have a huge variety of shapes that fit together really well. We are big puzzle fans and this one turned out to be one of our favorites — it's funny, fun to do, and a really nice, solid puzzle! I will totally buy this again for a gift!" — A. Kay
Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (also available in a 100-piece version).
16. A pair of wacky lobster slides for a wardrobe update that's shockingly comfy and too hilarious not to show off to the world. Maybe buy a bonus pair as a gift for your bestie. You wouldn't want to be ~shellfish~ now, would you?
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I LOVE these flip-flobsters and wear them pretty much everywhere, much to my boyfriend's dismay. I quote Mean Girls every time he asks, '…Just how many weird pairs of shoes do you need? The limit does not exist.'" — Amber Sanders
Get them from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in women's sizes 3–14, men's sizes 2–12.5, and in 10 colors and in seven other styles).
17. A shaker of Thin Mint seasoning to bring some nostalgic pizzazz to your morning coffee or home-baked dessert with the unforgettable flavor of a Girl Scout icon. People will LOSE IT over your next brownie batch at the bake sale.
Emma Lord / BuzzFeed
BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord already gave it a try:
"I stared at this for months online before caving and buying it, and when I tell you!! It jazzes up my morning coffee in a way that makes my little '90s baby heart sing. I've also loved it on Greek yogurt, oatmeal, and mug cakes. Plus, when I am longing for a real Thin Mint, and we're not in Girl Scout cookie season, I'll shake this on an Oreo Thin to stave off the despair."
Get it from Amazon for $5.99 (and try their s'mores seasoning blend, too!).
18. A novelty blackhead remover toy that's a dream come true for skin pickers, hair pullers, and pimple popper fans alike. This portable pal is specifically designed to redirect fidgety fingers toward a habit that's less destructive but no less satisfying.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have trichotillomania and really love these little guys. They help refocus my habits, and the pull is very satisfying and realistic. I've had to repurchase already, and I'll reorder more in the future. Can't recommend these enough, as I've been searching for this type of tool for a long time." — Danika Hill
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two styles).
19. A metallic fishbone claw clip for a hair accessory that's truly unique, even if you're just one of a bajillion other humans rocking a clipped-up messy do on a sweltering hot day.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have pretty long hair down past the middle of my back, and this clip holds it all! It feels sturdy and decently made." — Melanie
Get it from Amazon for $7.49 (available in three finishes; also available as a snake).
20. An investment-worthy MicrowavaBowl because the microwave is supposed to be your one-way ticket to a quick and easy meal, but things start to feel a lot less quick when you're stirring every 30 seconds to prevent cold spots. That's why this dishwasher-safe bowl has an elevated center to quickly and evenly distribute heat every time.
Promising review: "These bowls are high quality and very convenient. They heat up food very quickly and evenly, therefore saving you valuable time and energy. Its ability to heat the food and not the bowl itself is very valuable to me. Prior to this purchase, I would have to use a hot bowl holder to avoid burning my fingers. The size of the bowls is perfect for the dishwasher, making them easy to clean and use. These bowls are sold at a reasonable price for what they have to offer. I would highly recommend them to friends and family!" — Alana
Get two from Amazon for $34.99.
21. A LOL-worthy fruit-shaped cat cap so you can torture...I mean, dress up your favorite feline and fill your camera roll with the most spectacular photos to look back on when you need a reliable pick-me-up.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I would give these 10 stars if I could, but I'm sure Freya would give it a -3. I think she looks like an angelic banana, but she is not amused. I don't believe this causes her physical discomfort, but her self-esteem has plummeted. Long story short, it makes your cat look stupid, as planned. LOL." — Amazon Customer
Get one in a random fruit from Amazon for $7.99.
22. A pretty genius backseat dog zipline if you're not opposed to turning your backseat into a playland for your pup. Don't worry, it's not all fun and games. This allows your dog to navigate back and forth between windows while preventing them from making a dive for the front seat or leaping out the window at the first sight of a squirrel.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This zipline works for dogs of all sizes and easily adjusts to fit most cars!
Promising review: " This is a lifesaver. My dog jumped out of the window while the car was moving, and this is the only thing that kept him attached and not able to fully jump out." — Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $17.95.
23. A pack of Magical Flames for spicing up your regular ol' campfire with a delightful dose of multicolored menagerie. Just drop the packet in and enjoy the show!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Mystical Fire Colorant is amazing. For a really fun experience, get some of these for your next camping trip. As if a campfire needs improvement...but this stuff is really neat. I'd say the adults love it even more than the kids. We only used one packet, and the colors were so good — it seems like they lasted at least 20 minutes. There was even color left in the ashes the next day. We will never go camping again without several packs of Mystical Fire on hand." — TeNe
Get it from Amazon for $6.94.
24. A set of giant googly eyes to turn any inanimate object into a little buddy capable of watching your every move. Jazz up your favorite lamp, or prank your co-worker by granting their stapler the gift of sight.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"We got a new oil tank this week in our basement. Our basement is super old and drab, and I wanted to do something fun to liven it up a little. I bought these to have some fun, and I don't regret a thing. Totally worth it." — E Yaz
Get them from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in three sizes and several sets).
25. A hilarious bird-themed tea towel that injects your otherwise boring kitchen with a wicked sense of humor that says, "I can cook *and* make boob jokes."
Uncommon Goods
Promising review: "These towels really caught my eye! I have the perfect friend to receive them as a gift even though there is no special occasion. Loved this concept so much, that I had to purchase the set for myself." — somepig
Get it from Uncommon Goods for $16 (available in two styles).
26. A copy of Murdle, Volume 1, because reviewers rave about the book's engrossing murder mystery-themed logic puzzles, each challenging you to become a detective capable of deducing your way through lies and deceit. There's something for puzzlers of all skill levels with four difficulties to enjoy!
www.amazon.com
There are 100 puzzles total, and four different levels: For Elementary puzzles, you need to find the suspect, location, and weapon. For Occult Medium puzzles, the added challenge is that the murderer always lies, and the other suspects tell the truth! For Hard Boiled puzzles, you also need to find motive! And for Impossible puzzles, you have to discover all four elements and deal with the lying witness statement from the murderer. Sounds like fun! Plus, you're also given a logic grid for each puzzle to help you solve it!
Promising review: "The puzzles are a lot of fun, but the characters, storylines, and other details take the Murdle experience to another level. I have no idea how the author came up with all of this creativeness! You can Murdle solo or with friends. I look forward to future volumes, but this one will keep me busy for a while!" — Liz Gately
Get it from Amazon for $10.25.
And if (when) you end up needing more puzzles — don't worry — you can pick up Volume 2.
27. An absurdly cute felt pizza coaster set so you can protect your favorite pizza-eating surface with adorable miniature pies housed (appropriately) in a convincing delivery box complete with a wittle wooden paddle. 🥺
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I got these coasters because I eat a lot of pizza, and they looked like good companions to one of my favorite meals. Hahaha. I'm glad I did. They are fun and lighthearted. The felt coasters work well to keep a sweating glass from messing up your wood surfaces, and I think they'd make a fun little gift for anyone." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
28. A heavy-duty animal escape ramp if you're tired of orchestrating regular rescue missions to save critters that have fallen in your pool. It's suitable for most backyard guests like frogs, turtles, small birds, and even chipmunks and rabbits!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "We have had this in the pool all summer and have had no critters lost. Normally there were two or three frogs a week, but none this year. It helps all kinds of animals. My wife took this picture of a baby rabbit it saved today. We lifted it out, and it hopped away. Great product." — Johnny_B
Get it from Amazon for $16.64+ (available in blue and camo).
29. A headband with protruding eyes to turn you into an alien? Snail? Shrimp? Who knows?! What I do know is that your daily skincare date with the bathroom mirror just got a heck of a lot cuter.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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A '90s-inspired high-cut swimsuit made from a slick and thick material that looks like it would cost upwards of one billion dollars and come from a ritzy boutique, but shhhhh, it's actually shockingly super affordable. Promising review: "I am OBSESSED with this bathing suit! What an amazing buy! It is so formfitting, has amazing quality material, and great packaging. They even gave a complimentary pack of metallic tattoos. This is my second bathing suit from this company, and I want to get a few other colors now." —Diane Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 27 colors). A push-up bikini top that looks like it was handpicked by the costume designers behind White Lotus. Season 1, specifically. Wearing this means you're basically in Hawaii. Promising review: "This is hands-down the best bikini top I have ever purchased!! I never write reviews, but this product deserves one. It's SUPER supportive and pushes up beautifully. The back design makes it very comfortable and adds support. TRY IT!!" —MissLynneGet it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and in 28 colors). A halter swim-dress taking notes from the retro styles of decades past (cc: lemon prints and nautical themes). This is perfect for backyard volleyball by the pool, an eventual trip to that water theme park, and so on. Promising review: "This is the BEST swimsuit I've ever owned. You could literally wear this all day and not feel like you're in a bathing suit, it's THAT comfortable. Great for the beach, pool parties, or swimming." —Emily Get it from Amazon for $38.99 (available in sizes S–4X and 13 colors). A one-shoulder swimsuit begging to be paired with the beautiful, colorful skirt that's been buried at the back of your closet since its 2017 purchase date. I know it's been a hassle to match, but here it is — your solution. Promising review: "I'm honestly thrilled that I took a chance on this swimsuit. After reading reviews, I ordered a 10 (I'm usually a medium or size 8), and the suit fits perfectly! It holds everything in without being too tight. I love the ruching on the front, and it has full seat coverage, too, which is important for me since I run around and bend a lot looking after my little ones. This is the best-fitting swimsuit I've purchased in a long time!" —Applejax Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in sizes 6–18 and 34 colors). A V-neck one-piece giving serious Ibiza vibes. "I'm drinking overpriced cocktails in a cabana," I'll say as I spend my summer days working and/or wading in the seaweed of the Long Island Sound. Promising review: "A staple. This swimsuit is so nice. The quality is amazing, and it fits like a glove. Do it." —AriannaGet it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes 12–28 and 26 colors). A rose-embellished top and ruffle bottom I'd like to wear on a boat trip that hops from one Sicilian island to the next. My flight is not booked, and I'm actually probably not going, but I'll add this to my shopping cart in the name of hope. Get them from Montce Swim: the top for $144 (available in sizes XS–XL and 12 colors) and the bottoms for $118 (available in sizes XS–XL and 24 colors). A convertible bikini top if you've dreamt of wearing bandeau styles but scoffed at the thought. Now presenting: this. The underwire and padding ensure lift, and its removable straps (that can be worn as a halter or crisscross) provide extra support if needed. Promising review: "I wear a 36G and this strapless is marvelous! Definitely a must-order if you want to stop the shoulder tan lines and not sacrifice support!" —CarLoanLadyGet it from Amazon for $46.80+ (available in band sizes 30–38, cup sizes D–FF, and in three colors). A bikini set you may want to purchase for the ruffled V-neck top alone because all the maxi skirts you bought on clearance last November? Yeah. Consider this their perfect matching top — one that also happens to be water-friendly. Promising review: "I bought this suit and absolutely love it! The top is so cute that I've worn it by itself and received tons of compliments. It fits great and provides a lot of support, which is nice. The material is thick as well and I felt very comfortable in it. The bottoms are adorable and high-waisted and fit great. It runs true-to-size, and the colors are vibrant. Overall, love this suit!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 23 colors). A textured bikini that has me drooling at the mere thought of summer, sand, and seaweed-strewn beaches. Promising review: "I love this bikini in green, beautiful color, and looks expensive. It fits like a dream! The underwire is supportive and sexy, and I may need to trim the strings on the bottom as they are long, but it is no big deal. Buy this!" —SThomGet it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 39 colors/styles). An underwire bikini set rocking a retro vibe that looks like it's just stepped out of a Betty Boop cartoon. Its double-back straps will make sure you have the utmost support, too. Promising review: "Simply…the BEST bathing suit I have ever owned…period. It was as if this swimsuit was tailor-made exclusively for me. I like a swimsuit that covers the derriere and a top with support. This suit has it all!" —Amazonbook4meGet it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in sizes S–5XL and in eight color and print combinations). A ruffle bikini top if you're looking to incorporate a ~little black dress~ piece into your swimsuit rotation. A simple silhouette ensures timelessness, while adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit. Consider this a win-win. Promising review: "I was completely surprised by how great this bikini top is. I am a 40DDD and have a hard time finding bikini tops that I feel are supportive enough. This top is super cute and supportive." —Tara K. RyanGet it from Amazon for $45.50+ (available in band sizes 28–38, cup sizes D–FF, and seven colors). An underwire bikini top available in D–F cup sizes so your ladies will remain in place and feel supported through pool parties, beach getaways, and waterpark excursions. Promising review: "I've been searching everywhere for the perfect bikini top which provides secure support with style. Finally found it! The underwire makes sure the girls don't leave their assigned seats, the cup coverage is just right, the pattern is cute, and even though it's a tie-back, and I generally don't like thin ties, I love that it can be worn two different ways. If you've got a large bust and want a cute top, go with this one!" —rosiethervtrGet it from Amazon for $50.33+ (available in cup sizes D–F and in 12 styles). A Marseille-inspired bikini serving main character energy from your favorite rom-com. This set demands to be worn throughout a romantic summer spent going from beach to beach throughout the south of France. We don't make the rules. Get them from Elysiian Swim: the top for $59 (available in sizes XS–XL) and the bottoms for $59 (available in sizes XS–XL). A scoopneck bikini top with a longline silhouette that calls for entering the beachside volleyball tournament. (I will not be joining but will gladly cheer you on from the sidelines.) Get them from Aerie: the top for $23.97 (originally $39.95; available in sizes XXS–XXL and two colors) and the high-leg bottoms for $16.97 (originally $29.95; available in sizes XXS–XXL and two colors). A crisscross side lace-up one-piece so chic, it'll be impossible to not take a mirror pic as soon as you try it on. Channeling your inner MySpace self never felt so trendy. Promising review: "BUY IT! This was definitely my favorite swimsuit I took to Mexico! I will be purchasing it in other colors. I love the side detail. It makes it sexy but not over the top." —TrinaGet it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 20 colors). An off-the-shoulder suit ideal for lounging poolside and living your best "Hakuna Matata" life. Worries? You have none. At least not for the rest of your (vacation) days, during which you should stop. checking. your. emails. Promising review: "This is one of the best bathing suit styles for me. It covers my arms yet gives a beautiful neckline and it has a nice overall fit as well. It can be worn as a top too, and has a resort look to it. It has a great price and I'm buying more than one as there are many colors and styles. Finally a suit that fits well in all areas and makes me feel great wearing it." —Kindle CustomerGet it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 10 colors). A U-wire bralette bikini so cute I can practically taste that post-beach day sunset in which you're packing up for the day. Picture it: the heat has finally broken to reveal a light breeze, you're about to head to the boardwalk restaurant, life is good. Get it from Abercrombie & Fitch for $33.75 (originally $45; available in sizes XXS–XL and in two colors). A bandeau and high-cut bottom that's a two-fer for any impending trips: as a traditional bathing suit *or* as a top with my super high-waisted shorts. Promising review: "I've never purchased a swimsuit on Amazon before because I've always been nervous about their quality, fit, and the legitimacy of the sellers. I made sure to read all of the reviews/look at all of the customer photos, and I was STILL hesitant to buy. But wow! I am so glad I took a chance on this bikini! I love the thick and buttery soft material, and to my surprise, it fits perfectly! These bottoms come up to the belly button and sit on top of my hips, which is great. I'll definitely be buying other patterns." —Marc LopezGet it from Amazon for $29.98+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 21 colors). A plunge neckline high cutout one-piece best accessorized with an inflatable kiddy pool if you don't have the luxury of an in-ground — because *nothing* should prevent you from wearing this lovely 'fit poolside this summer. Promising review: "I'm sort of short-waisted so I was worried it would be too long but the halter tie could really make it go either way. The fabric is really nice and it is lined. Looks much nicer in person. I'm happy I took a chance on this!" —SusanGet it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in seven colors). A double-lined cami-style suit sure to become your go-to swimsuit this pool season. This style is super no frills, no fuss, and B-A-S-I-C — but in the words of One Direction, that's what makes it so beautiful. You can even select from three coverage styles (cheeky, medium, full). Promising review: "This suit is the real deal. It's so secure, you can do hand stands in it. It seriously feels like a second skin. Very pleased!" —Laurie A. Get it from Andie for $112 (available in sizes XS–3XL, regular and long torso fits, three bottom styles, and 13 colors). A Western-inspired bikini set I'd like to be wearing on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, book in hand and not a care in the world. Get it from Nasty Gal for $27.50 (originally $68; available in size L). A ruffled swimsuit with lace-up detailing in the back, best accessorized with warm weather, lots of sunshine, and potentially a glass of champagne in hand. Or perhaps a bottle. Whatever works. I'm truly not picky. 🍾 Promising review: "OMG!! I never buy clothes from Amazon, but my friend bought this suit and couldn't stop raving about it, so I figured for the price, I'd try suit is AMAZING!!! The fit is great, I have a little bit of a longer torso and no issues with the size. The quality is so good!" —Becca Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 25 colors). A one-shoulder cutout top and high-rise bottom guaranteed to have you feeling trendier than thou whilst strutting from your towel to the water. Promising review: "LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. The material is very thick and high quality and honestly feels better than some bikinis I have paid over $50 for." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $30.59 (available in sizes S–XL and 23 colors). A front crossover halter swimsuit so chic, it'd be a sin if there weren't photographic evidence of you wearing it. I could go on and on, but let's redirect our attention to the real star of today's show: the teeny piglet in the review photo below. Promising review: "This suit is AMAZING — literally cannot believe the sub-$30 price point. It's well made and covers everything (in a good way — without being too frumpy). Highly recommend!" —BSLFSU Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in sizes 4–18 and 36 colors). A two-piece set complete with high-waisted bottoms and a smocked tube top, the latter of which has a subtle ruffle design and is begging to be paired with palazzo pants and a straw cross-body bag. Promising review: "I love this swimsuit! I have been looking for this style for so long now and this swimsuit far exceeded my expectations! It is ADORABLE! I got the red and I'm in love. You can tighten the straps." —Alyssa Get it from Amazon for $31.19+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and five colors).

From festivals to weddings: Why drone shows are booming
From festivals to weddings: Why drone shows are booming

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

From festivals to weddings: Why drone shows are booming

The wedding ceremony was almost over when newlywed Bobby Underwood stepped on a napkin-covered glass to break it, as is Jewish tradition, and everyone shouted "Mazel Tov!". But as he and his new wife Siobhan turned to walk back down the aisle, their wedding officiants said, "Wait." There was a surprise. "All of these drones started rising up," recalls Mrs Underwood. "It was honestly remarkable, very overwhelming – and incredibly emotional for us." She estimates that between 100 and 150 drones appeared in the night sky, displaying lights of various colours, and forming images chosen to represent the bridge and groom. These included a baseball player hitting a ball – as Mr Underwood is a big baseball fan – and a diamond ring being placed on a finger. The couple were married on New Year's Eve 2024, in New York State. Mrs Underwood's mother had arranged the surprise drone show with help from the couple's wedding planner – who had suggested it as a "wow factor" component of the day. It seemed to have the desired effect. "It was kind of just shock – 'Is this really happening right now?'," says Mrs Underwood. "I can't believe my mom did this for us." Drone shows are becoming ever more popular. Once rarities, they are now appearing at occasions ranging from birthday parties and weddings, to major sporting events. Some theme parks even have resident drone shows that take place multiple nights in a row. Glastonbury music festival had its first drone show in 2024. And record-breaking displays are pushing the technology to its limits – the biggest drone show in history took place in China last October. It featured a total of 10,200 drones and broke a record set only the previous month. So, does all this spell the end for fireworks? "They are really beautiful – they are art," says Sally French, a US-based drone industry commentator known as The Drone Girl. She says that drone shows have appeared at baseball games, corporate conferences, and even at ports, to celebrate the launch of cruises. Drone displays are becoming highly sophisticated, she explains, with some drone shows featuring thousands of flying devices, allowing them to animate figures or patterns in incredible detail. "I saw a Star Wars-themed drone show where there was a full-on lightsabre battle," adds Ms French. One barrier might be the price tag, however, with the cost per drone at around $300 (£220) in the UK, says Ms French, citing industry data from market research firm SPH Engineering: "A 500 drone show would be over $150,000." Mrs Underwood does not have an exact figure, but estimates that her wedding drone show cost tens of thousands of dollars. The sky's the limit, actually. Skymagic, one of the world's largest drone show companies, has put on major displays that cost north of $1m says Patrick O'Mahony, co-founder and creative director. Skymagic's shows have taken place in various countries – including the 2023 Coachella music festival in California. The company has also performed drone shows in the UK, including as part of the King's Coronation concert, which was broadcast by the BBC. Mr O'Mahony has experience in designing fireworks displays and other, similar events. But drones have revolutionised outdoor public displays, he says. His company has a fleet of 6,000 custom-designed drones. Each one can reach speeds of up to 10 meters per second. The drones sport LED lights and have batteries that allow for 25 minutes of flight time. To make them easier to transport, the drones are stored in flight cases and unpacked at venues in a giant marquee before they are laid out in the take-off area, half a metre apart, in a grid pattern. "Once the drones have received their 'go' command [they] fly the entire show," adds Mr O'Mahony, explaining that a single human pilot on the ground controls thousands of the devices at once. The drones are geo-fenced, based on Global Positioning System (GPS) data, which prevents them from straying beyond the allotted flight area. In windy conditions, though, they can get blown off course. In such cases, they automatically return to a landing spot on the ground, says Mr O'Mahony. Fireworks have a "boom" factor that drones generally don't, notes Ms French. However, Bill Ray, an analyst at market research firm Gartner, says that some drones can now launch pyrotechnics, for a firework-like effect. For instance, a stream of sparks raining down from the lower portion of an image created by a group of drones. Plus, Mr Ray says it is much easier to accurately synchronise drone movements with music during a show, which could be another reason behind their appeal. But the cost of shows remains prohibitive to some, and in part comes down to the fact that laying out the devices and gathering them all up again after the performance is still a relatively slow, manual process, adds Mr Ray. Pedro Rosário is chief executive of Drone Show Animations, a company that designs drone show performances for other companies that supply the drones themselves. Mr Rosário says that one challenging aspect of his work is in coming up with displays that adhere to various regulations applying to drone flights, since these rules differ from country to country. England has stricter regulations than countries in the Middle East, for example, he says. Mr Rosário adds that drone shows, which might be paired with pyrotechnics, traditional fireworks or even lasers, allow for a huge degree of creative freedom: "You can really build something that has emotional value, it can tell a story." In Mrs Underwood's case, that seems to have worked. Her guests enjoyed the spectacle too, she adds: "We've heard compliments about our wedding in general – but, consistently, the drone show is something people bring up as something they never expected to see." The people refusing to use AI Who will win the race to develop a humanoid robot? Do we need cocoa-free chocolate and is it nice?

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