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If You Love Name-Brand Things But Hate Spending Name-Brand Money, Here Are 32 Affordable Alternatives

If You Love Name-Brand Things But Hate Spending Name-Brand Money, Here Are 32 Affordable Alternatives

Buzz Feed14-04-2025
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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"I have been buying Vivaia flats for over $100, and these look just as good and are more comfortable to wear."
1. Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip infused with vegan squalane, raspberry, and cloudberry oils to hydrate your lips while providing some serious shimmer. It's comparable to the Dior lip oil and UNDER $10, so everyone say "thank you" to Nyx.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have Fenty Cherry Treat, a lip oil from Dior, and several other brands that were $20 or more…and the Nyx Fat Oil is better! Same consistency as the others, but a little more color, which is a good thing. About as long lasting as any other thick lipgloss. It's always awesome to find a less expensive [option] for the high-end products I like." — Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in 14 shades, including a clear option).
2. E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine in the shade "Ecstatic" that reviewers say is a solid replica of Clinique's Black Honey (ya know, the tinted lip balm famous for looking good on everyyyone), which is triple the amount of this tint! This one doesn't change colors as magically, but it is a beautiful, subtle tint with a non-sticky formula you'll be happy to have in your bag when you see a cute person at the grocery store.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, " I personally will live, breathe, and die by the magic of $25 'universal' Black Honey version — it lasts FOREVER and also functions as the perfect blush — but it sells out so often that I am also deeply relieved to know it has a cheap alternative in case of lip emergency!"
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have multiple that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn't get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." — Hamps5
Get it from Amazon for $7 (also available in five other shades).
3. A Briotech spray made with hypochlorous acid, a powerful ingredient known for calming irritated skin, including helping with conditions like rosacea or post-acne redness. The Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray knows what's up, but with this, you get twice the amount for a fraction of the price — it's simple math at this point.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. (Note: This product has newer packaging that you might receive instead of the older bottle shown above!)
Promising review: "This spray is amazing. I had a rash on my face and it disappeared after one use of this spray. I had a stye in my eye and the skin around the eye was irritated. This spray fixed not only the irritation but the stye went away as well. Any sort of blemish or acne is taken care of with this simple inexpensive spray. Great for after-sun care or workout redness. Everyone loves Tower 28's expensive SOS spray. The SOS spray contains hypochlorous acid, which is the exact same ingredient in the Briotech spray for much less money. It's a miracle worker." — Squid466
Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $13.99 (available in four sizes).
4. A pair of knit pointed-toe flats people will be shocked aren't from Rothy's or Vivaia — and they'll be even more shocked when you tell them these are just as comfortable, with a memory foam sole and soft heel to help prevent blisters. Huge bonus: They're machine washable, so you can just toss them in the wash instead of spraying them with a ton of perfume or shoe deodorizer.
Promising reviews: "I have several pair of Rothy's in a very similar style to these, and they are actually just as comfortable right out of the box as Rothy's…maybe more so. I also purchased in black. LOVE THEM!!" — Amazon Customer
"I couldn't be happier with these flats! As a result of them dropping in price, I purchased four pairs in varying colors to wear with jeans and sweaters. Not only do they look cute, but they are also decently padded and comfortable. I have been buying Vivaia flats for over $100 and these look just as good and are more comfortable to wear." — PSK
Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in women's sizes 6–10 and 14 colors and patterns).
5. A Renpho percussion massager with five speeds and massage heads for targeting various muscle groups, so you can use it on your back, shoulders, arms, legs, and pretty much anywhere that aches. It delivers a deep massage that can help relieve soreness and stiffness — just like the $300 TheraGun, but without the premium price tag.
Promising reviews:"Helps with pain relief and massage in pressure spots I wasn't able to get before. I had access to use a TheraGun before and haven't noticed any difference between items, and it's at a much lower price point. Whatever extra TheraGun features there might be, I haven't needed and the heads are interchangeable between TheraGun and this. Very happy with my purchase." — tauntaun
"I used a TheraGun for about a month and although it was great, this unit is better suited for my needs. I found the TheraGun to be too powerful on the lowest setting and bulky to handle. Some people prefer a lower setting than the 'professional' brand offers. This unit is also easier to handle when massaging my partner than the TheraGun. This gun goes from comfortable low setting to very powerful on the highest setting. Much better fit for me and my partner, plus it's got a solid battery life." — Pierremoe
Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in seven styles).
6. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights if you've seen the $50+ Bala Bangles on your feed and thought, "Wow, I want those...but not for that price." Now you can be a part of the "walking with cute weights" community without the financial commitment!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The weights are covered with a sweatproof, skin-friendly silicone layer that's comfortable, and the adjustable elastic band helps you get the right fit. You can even remove weights as well if needed!
Promising review: "I love these! So great for yoga or mat Pilates. I like that they are 2 pounds each, which is the perfect weight, and you can even take off weight as well. I use them every week for my workouts. Very durable band as well!" — Robyn
Get a pair from Amazon for $24.09+ (available in two sizes and 14 colors).
7. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment that only needs 5–20 minutes to revitalize your hair — and trust me, your strands will thank you. This treatment will leave your mane softer and glossier (it's the ceramide 3 and protein extracts!), and reviewers love how effective it is in repairing their damaged hair. You simply won't find another hair mask that works this well and is this affordable (*side-eyes Olaplex *).
Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like.
Promising review:"Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn't worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus you can't beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that's been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" — BB
Get it from Amazon for $7.69.
8. A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer so you can easily achieve a salon-level blowout right at home without splurging on the Dyson Airwrap. It works on most hair types and textures and gets your hair camera ready in half the time since it simultaneously dries and styles. The amazing results do not match the minimal effort.
The oval brush design smooths the hair and the round edges create volume — leaving you with a salon-worthy blowout at home. It also has two heat and speed settings and a cool option, and it's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b–4c hair mentioned it working for them.
Promising reviews:"I've had my eye on a Dyson Airwrap, but given the cost, I figured I'd try this while I save up. This thing is fantastic. I have waist length hair that's naturally straight, but gets frizzy when damp. I've had salon blowouts that have left my hair looking great, but I simply can't manage a round brush without it getting tangled in my hair. This device has been a game changer. It works best if you air dry for a while before you use it, then use it to finish your style. My hair miraculously doesn't get snarled in it, and it leaves my hair looking like I've had it professionally styled. I love it, and I'm no longer interested in blowing $500 on a Dyson. Highly recommend!" — Ilsa
Get the 2.0 model from Amazon for $48.99 (available in eight styles, including an older model).
9. A bottle of Nyx setting spray if you're tired of your makeup sliding off halfway through the day. One quick spritz, and this magic mist locks in your look for up to 16 hours with zero shine — just like the beloved Urban Decay setting spray, except this one will leave you with extra funds for a sweet treat.
Promising review:"Expensive isn't always better. I tried this spray before spending the day outdoors in 90-degree heat at Disneyland, and the only place my makeup moved was on the tip of my nose because I have allergies and use a lot of Kleenex. But otherwise it looked as fresh as it did when I put it on. I've used MAC and Urban Decay setting spray and they never worked as well as this stuff. I am completely amazed. Definitely give it a try." — Stephanie
Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in four finishes and a jumbo size).
10. An affordable longline sports bra made from a very soft, stretchy material that's pretty similar to the Lulu Align tank. It's quickly become a staple in a ton of reviewers' wardrobes (with 29,000 5-star ratings to prove it), and many say they don't even wear a bra with this because of the supportive padding. It's so good, people are snagging it in different colors — and you'll probably want to as well. 😉
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 in so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" — Cheyenne
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 29 colors).
11. And a pair of lightweight legging-style joggers to complete your Lulu look. And just like the Lulu ones, these are breathable with a wide waistband for maximum comfort. You can wear them to work out, run errands, or just lounge in!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I wear athletic attire for work 90% of the time. I am also particular about how joggers look. These rival my Under Armour or Lulus. I get a ton of complements on them and couldn't be happier with the price and quality. These are also great for when I'm feeling a little bloated." — Mike Hooke
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 22 colors).
12. A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones that are giving AirPods Max energy with their sleek look and premium cushion padding — except, of course, getting these won't require you handing over hundreds of dollars. They also feature a built-in mic for calls, 10 hours of battery life, and do a decent job of blocking out noise!
iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord owns these: "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: "I really like these headphones. The noise cancellation isn't 100% but it's pretty close. The color is really cute and music comes through really clear. Calls are good as well. I wish the buttons on the side were a bit raised but that's it. For the price, these are really worth it!" — Sophia Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors).
13. Some oversized square sunnies for when you want to add some Bottega energy to your 'fit but don't have the extra cash to spend on a *real* designer pair. These have polarized lenses and UV protection — so they do more than just make you look chic and stylish.
Promising review:"I've been looking at these sunglasses at Bottega Veneta for months but just couldn't justify spending the hundreds of dollars because I lose sunnies so often! These are EXACTLY THE SAME! The weight of them, the detail on the sides. The only difference is the brand name is not on the side (obviously LOL) Love these so much!" — Shelley Cooper
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 14 lens colors).
14. And some Bottega-esque teardrop earrings you can wear with any 'fit for any occasion — not many accessories can look as equally amazing with a shirt and jeans as they do with a floor-length gown, but these pull it off!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! If I didn't know any better, I would have said these are the Bottega drop earrings. I personally love the smaller ones. I have not ordered the larger ones yet. Smaller ones are truthfully the perfect size. We love a good alternative because who has $800+ to spend on the Bottegas." — Brittany
Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 11 colors, two-packs, and an extra-large size).
15. L'Oreal's True Match Lumi Glotion so you can glow like a beautiful sunset without spending three times as much on Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops. This adds a lightweight tint that creates a natural dewy look, perfect for mixing with your favorite moisturizer or layering with foundation!
Promising reviews: "I used this with my Olay Regenerist Cream (it helps with my wrinkles). I mixed it, and it does a great deal of shine! You should buy it if you're looking for a Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops substitute! Way better than Drunk Elephant." — raegan kuball
"I actually like this glowy lotion better than the Drunk Elephant one, and I have both. This goes on smoothly and is not greasy. It leaves you very glowy with a beautiful tan and works well with makeup on top if you so wish. Lasting power, too. Recommend." — ggvega
Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in five shades and as a two-pack).
16. A vegan leather shoulder bag that's so versatile and chic, you'll be pairing it with everything from a casual tee and jeans to a sleek dress for date night. It comes in a stunning range of colors that you'll want to collect like Infinity Stones — and I mean, you literally could buy *four* of these for the same price as JW Pei's adorable Joy shoulder bag.
Promising review: "I'm amazed at the quality of this bag!! Like helloooo, don't think, just buy. To think I almost bought the JW Pei original. This will do just GREAT." — Olive
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in nine styles).
17. A Baccarat Rouge 540–inspired moisturizing body wash because you deserve to smell ~luxurious~. This white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber–infused formula will get you pretty close to the OG without spending an arm and a leg.
Emma says, "I bought this after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews and I'm happy to report it lives up to the hype. The scent is lovely — it has depth with a hint of floral, but it's light and not at all overpowering. My favorite thing about it is how easily it pairs 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:"Cremo's body wash is nothing short of exceptional. If you're a fan of luxurious fragrances, this product will quickly become your new favorite. It boasts an incredible scent that perfectly mimics Baccarat Rouge 540 — a fragrance renowned for its sophisticated and captivating aroma. What sets this body wash apart is not just its stunning scent but also its longevity. The fragrance lingers beautifully throughout the day, ensuring you stay enveloped in that luxurious aroma long after your shower." — Ralph D. Thompson II
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three scents).
18. A stunning laptop tote bag if you've been dying to own the luxurious Béis Work Tote but don't have over $100 to spend on a bag. This tote is just as wonderful, with a padded pocket that fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop and many other compartments for all the stuff you'd need for your day. The handles and shoulder strap are both adjustable and detachable, so you can also wear it different ways!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "It's much more spacious than it looks. It's very sleek and stylish. I use it as my work bag and find that it looks professional and has enough space for all of my stuff. I carry a laptop, pencil case, two books, makeup bag, water bottle, wallet, lotion, phone and laptop charger, and other small miscellaneous objects. Still plenty of space. And when you carry it, it doesn't feel bulky or cumbersome." — Su
" Purchased for my daughter, who is an attorney. She said she really likes it and has gotten many compliments on it from her peers." — J Cliett
Get it from Amazon for $34.86+ (available in 10 styles).
19. A set of satin pillowcases that'll have you smiling in your sleep knowing how much you saved getting these instead of dropping over $50 on a single Blissy pillowcase. These create less friction on your hair compared to cotton pillowcases, which helps reduce frizz and breakage; plus, the satin just feels so soft and cool on your skin.
Amazon
Promising reviews:"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 twice the price." — Keri
Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 35 colors and four sizes).
20. A classic herringbone necklace with a striking resemblance to the $13,000 Tiffany HardWear one, but this chain will elevate your wardrobe without breaking your budget. This with a black tee and jeans? Instantly chic.
Amazon
Promising review: "I've been thinking about purchasing the Tiffany version of this necklace but when I saw this one, I decided to purchase it. So glad I did. It is beautiful and very substantial. When I first put it on, couldn't believe the weight, in a good way. Feels and looks expensive, and the color of the gold is perfect, in my opinion; not too yellow or orangey. Love, love, love this necklace!!!" — FAXA10
Get it from Amazon for $19.94 (available in five styles).
21. A set of elegant cylindrical wineglasses to make drinking any beverage feel like you're celebrating something — and TBH, finding an affordable Crate & Barrel alternative IS cause for celebration.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Joy Jolt is a small business that specializes in modern and pop culture-themed drinkware and kitchen accessories.
Promising reviews:"Beautiful wineglasses. I am obsessed. They are so modern and elegant. The quality is really nice. They arrived very well packaged. Definitely worth the money." — Maybeline
"Sexy glasses. Kinda over the stemless glasses, and these are [an affordable alternative] for the expensive ones from Crate & Barrel." — 1talleah
Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.95 (available in three styles).
22. A TikTok-viral "Soft" perfume rollerball that packs a punch with its sweet, long-lasting fragrance that reviewers compare to lemon cake, warm vanilla scones, and this $65 bottle of Pink Sugar. Plus, it has high sillage so prepare to be turning heads when you're walking down the street — and all for five dollars. 🙌
Sillage refers to the trail of scent that lingers in the air after someone wearing perfume passes by.
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 $6.10 (available in a perfume).
23. A set of vintage-inspired glass coffee mugs because the vessel a beverage comes in can make or break the vibe. Now you can enjoy your favorite drinks in a beautiful cup that looks way more expensive than it is — or I suppose you can buy the nearly identical set from Anthropologie if you like spending more money.
Amazon
Promising review:"These are so cute and look like an Anthropologie [version] for a fraction of the price!" — corriescott
Get the set of two from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors and sets with matching lids or saucers).
24. An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven people compare to budget-busting brands like Le Creuset in both its beauty and delivery of amazing meals. You don't need to sell your soul for high-quality, durable cookware (that also happens to be so pretty, it could double as decor).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This Dutch oven can handle temps up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and has a lid that's designed for water vapor to condense, then drip back into your food so your dish isn't losing moisture.
Promising reviews: "I researched a lot before choosing this Dutch oven. I wasn't sure that this brand would be of high quality because the price is so much lower than the famous Le Creuset and others. This Overmont product is stylish and big enough to hold a whole chicken or probably roast. On first cooking, we did jerk beef ribs and were pleased with the result. Heat distribution is excellent, and it's easy to clean with hot, soapy water." — NJM
"I bought this specifically for baking bread. Everyone was suggesting I buy the Le Creuset brand, but I'm new to the task, so I didn't want to spend an exorbitant amount. I could not be happier with my purchase. I've preheated both the pot and lid for an hour, as the recipes have said, and it works beautifully. It bakes fresh sourdough and yeast bread, yielding really beautiful brown crusts and even cooking throughout. I use parchment to line the pot for cooking, so clean-up is a breeze. 5 stars!" — Iris C. Wilson
Get a 5.5-quart pot from Amazon for $59.99 (available in eight colors and three sizes).
25. A trio of lip sleeping masks that essentially do the same thing as the Laneige one (providing deep hydration and nourishment) but for waaay less money *and* you get THREE of them! It's primarily an overnight treatment, but it can also be used as a lip balm throughout the day — so you're getting some serious bang for the little buck you spent.
For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these measures 5 grams, or 15 grams for the entire set. So even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal!
Promising review: "It's been four months since ordering this and it's now part of my nightly routine. I can't go to bed before putting this on. I highly recommend this! And it's worth it to get the three-pack. The flavors are not overly sweet and I think my favorite is the berry. I like it more than the Laneige night lip mask. For me, Laneige absorbs pretty quickly and in the morning I feel like my lips are dry again. With these, my still lips feel moisturized in the morning. It has a thicker consistency. I used to get dry/peeling lips pretty often as I'm outdoors/in the ocean a lot. However, since incorporating this in my routine, I haven't had peeling lips in a long time. Loooove these!" — Angela
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six sets).
26. A seamless, compressive ribbed bodycon jumpsuit giving Skims a run for their money. Soft, breathable, and ridiculously comfortable, it's perfect to rock year-round — on its own or with crop tops in the warmer months, and layered with a light jacket for chilly nights!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "RUN. Don't walk. I never write reviews but legit as soon as I put this on, I knew I had to share with the world. So surprisingly thick (no fear of see through) and stretchy. The ribbed texture is fun and gives that extra snatch effect." — bmg
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and and nine colors).
27. Cushionaire slides that you don't have to break in (I'm looking at you, Birkenstocks) — the flexible cork footbed and cushioned insole means that they are comfortable right out of the box! But if you don't believe me, look at the over 50,000 5-star ratings...and over 1,000 reviews comparing the support to Birks.
Promising review: "I bought these sandals before a three-week trip in Europe; I didn't want to pay for Birks but did want something in similar style with good arch support. I was a little skeptical about the low price, but gave them a shot...and they were the MOST comfortable sandals I've ever owned. I walked over 120 miles in them in three weeks on our trip and never once had foot pain. They broke in so quickly and were very supportive from the get-go — and still are! Highly recommend." — Han Lin
Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in women's sizes 6–12, including wide sizes, and 21 styles).
28. A set of beloved moisture-wicking exercise socks reviewers have compared to Bombas, but for a fraction of the price. They're great for protecting your feet from blisters, and they can help prevent fungal infections — making them great for athletes, the summertime, or anyone who's a member of the sweaty-feet community.
Amazon
Emma: "I have been buying a new set of these every year since 2020, and they have kept my VERY blister- and chafing-prone feet snug and moisture-wicked on every single long run. They've essentially phased out any of my other socks, because they're extremely comfortable to boot. As a runner who often clocks in 25+ miles a week and often in some 'yikes!' summer heat, I cannot recommend these socks enough."
Promising review:"These socks are designed perfectly for running socks. The bottoms and toes are thick, the tops are thin, the lower heel is reinforced, the heel top has a tab that provides extra cushion on the Achilles where some shoes like to wear into you. The size is true to fit. I've purchased many packs of these and they are the best I've tried." — SmokeyBear
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $16.95 (available in nine color combos and women's sizes S–XL).
29. A gorgeous long-sleeved sequin dress that gives off major 16Arlington vibes (you know, the $765 version Hailey Bieber has worn). Yeah, it's that level of bougie. But here's the best part — this one's under $100. 😉
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
A few reviewers say the dress fits a bit roomy and that they were able to size down from what they normally wear.
Promising reviews: "Hailey Bieber dress [alternative]. I loved the dress; it was perfect and I could adjust it to fit me in the back with the black drawstrings, which are on the front of the dress as well! My hair got stuck to some of the sequins of the dress, though. But overall, love the dress!" — Willy
"This dress was surprisingly lovely! Great fit, so comfortable, looked amazing, and the sleeves are so cute. Got tons of compliments. Would recommend!" — Katrina R.
Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in women's sizes XS–L and in seven colors).
30. A glass mushroom lamp because it's necessary to have a cute little lamp, especially at night — imagine having this in your kitchen so you don't have to turn on the overhead light while getting a midnight snack! This beauty is remarkably similar to options at Urban Outfitters and West Elm — except the price tag won't make your wallet shudder in fear.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am obsessed with this adorable, mini lamp. I wanted the Urban Outfitters one, but couldn't justify the price. This one is even cuter and much more affordable." — Audge
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in eight colors).
31. A pair of elegant slingback heels that just might get mistaken as the Chanel version — but don't worry, no one has to know you got them for about as much as you'd spend on Uber Eats. These are perfect for when you have to be in the office during the day, then head straight to a fancy dinner at night.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Some reviewers mention the strap is a little loose and recommend going a half size down so it stays snug against your foot!
Promising review:"Love these sandals. I bought them for a black and beige dress, thinking I'd be limited to only those matching colors. After receiving and trying them on — they looked perfect with jeans, too! My feet are not narrow but not wide either. The fit is perfect on my size 8 feet, which are usually in sneakers. Dressing up in these sandals will present a [high-end] vibe and be comfortable, too!! I love the look it gives my feet! Dress it up, dress it down, and easy wearing — my go-to sandals now!!" — shinyliberty
Get them from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and six colors).
32. A cubic zirconia ring if you're not ready to drop over $1,000 (!!) on the Cartier Love Ring but still want the look. You'll find yourself wearing this with basically all your outfits — it's just that easy to style.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "The perfect non-name-brand ring you can find honestly. I wasn't looking for a Cartier knockoff when I found this ring, but I have had people ask me if it's the real deal. I honestly love this ring though, the sizing was accurate, it is weighted well, none of the 'diamonds' have fallen off, and it hasn't tarnished! I've worn it daily for almost a year now and it has held up well. It has some very small scratches on it, but that's typical of most rings. For the price, I am super happy with this ring and I honestly can't believe how well it has handled everything I've put it through." — Eva Richterkessing
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in ring sizes 5–12, three finishes, and two styles).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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"He Constantly Kissed His Dog": 22 Hilariously Petty Reasons Why People Dumped Their Partner

We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us the pettiest reasons they broke up with someone, and their submissions are actually hysterical. Here's what they had to say: 1."I didn't go on a date with someone because they heard my accent (I'm from London) and asked how I 'got so good at talking American since it's not my first language.'' —steffimac25 2."We were selecting a movie at the video store (yes, I'm that old), and he went down a different aisle than I did. I turned the corner, and he was knuckle deep in his nose. He pulled out the biggest booger I've ever seen in my life and then rolled and flicked it. Date over." —smellychef995 3."He called me kiddo. I paused. Replayed it in my head in case I heard it wrong. I broke up with him right there and then. I have worked too hard for too long to be reduced to 'kiddo.'" —nastyskeleton263 4."I was dating this guy in high school who was very sweet but super shy, and we did NOT have the same sense of humor. When I broke up with him, I told him we just didn't have similar enough personalities, including a sense of humor. He asked what I meant, and I told him that I really love a good bit, and it's very important to me to laugh in a relationship. He looked super confused for a minute and then finally asked what a bit was. I knew it was for sure over then." —Anonymous, 20, Illinois 5."I dated this guy for a while, but couldn't get over how he constantly kissed his dog more than the average person. It was wild how much he showed affection to the dog over people." —Anonymous, 38, SC 6."She would refer to herself in the third person. She'd be like 'Well, Shelly doesn't like that.' WELL, GUESS WHAT? Jake doesn't like THAT." —Anonymous, 37 TX 7."In my opinion, this was not petty, but very much deserved. I had a pretty great boyfriend, aside from minimal red flags. Well, this man spent the night in my apartment. I was horrified to find that he both did not wash his hands and did not brush his teeth more than three times a week. I dumped him later that day." —Anonymous, 27 CA 8."I did not know what to get him for Christmas so I dumped him." —Anonymous 9."I hated the way he swallowed water from his water bottle. He'd throw his head back as far as it would go and hold the water bottle straight up. But the angle of his neck from being that far back made the water have to SQUUUIIIISSHHH through his esophagus, and it was always the loudest, squishiest gulping noise. I couldn't stand the sound anymore." —Anonymous, 48 Minneapolis 10."This man would text me with no punctuation. One of his literal texts he sent was this: 'okay sounds good I'll be there at 7 maybe idk it depends traffic has been crazy but good day how was yours' I mean, I could understand it, but I'm not finna decode a whole riddle every time I see your text bubble show up." —Anonymous, 35, NY 11."She said she didn't like cheesecake. I was looking forward to the last slice in the fridge. She ate it because she said there was nothing to eat. The house was full of food, she just didn't want to cook." —Anonymous, 40, Canada 12."We had been dating for a few months. We put on a movie for the kids, and I looked over and he was crying. It was Chicken Run. That was it for me." —Anonymous 13."I once broke up with a guy because I couldn't stand his laugh. And humor is my biggest turn-on! But his laugh was my biggest turn-off." —Anonymous, 41, Toronto 14."I found out his younger sister had the same name and hair color as me. He said and moaned the nickname he also used for her while we were doing the deed, and I couldn't help but think he was into his sister after that." —Anonymous, 28, USA 15."I dated a guy who looked amazing in real life and on paper. Handsome, tall, rich family, great school, was a doctor, dressed well, super hardworking, and texted back immediately. Literally everything you'd want in a partner. HOWEVER! He chewed very loudly with his mouth open all the time! Like I could fully see the back of his throat, and food would sometimes fall out of his mouth. We actually managed to somehow date each other for months while only going to the restaurant together twice, and I broke up with him after the second time because it gave me the ick to watch him eat." —Anonymous, 34, Chicago 16."He was an Android user." —Anonymous, 25, PA 17."I had started dating a guy who worked at Home Depot. Not my usual type, but he was nice and quite good-looking, so why not? A few weeks in, we were having drinks, and he mentioned that I would never guess his nickname at work. It was Hollywood. As a professional career woman, I and never saw him again." —Anonymous, 65, the villages fl 18."I broke up with my girlfriend because she would always put on lip gloss before we would make out." —Anonymous, 17, Indiana 19."I dumped her because of the sound of her voice. She was perfect in every way. Smart, funny, and beautiful. And we had so much in common. But I just couldn't stand listening to her talk. We broke up, and a year later, we met again, and I couldn't imagine why in the world I broke up with such a perfect creature. But one week later, I knew: it was the voice. I felt terrible about it, but I knew we couldn't stay together." —Anonymous, 50, Netherlands 20."I am Mexican with a large family. When I was 18, I was dating another Mexican with a large family. One weekend, we attended a family event for me on Saturday. There was drinking, eating, and so on. On Sunday, we were at a family event for her, and all the same stuff was happening. I realized I would be doubling the family nonsense I already deal with, and doubling it was not something I wanted. I broke up with her." —Anonymous, 53, Mexico 21."Bro really had the audacity to tell me he didn't like my cat." —Anonymous, 18 WI finally, "I didn't dump the guy, but he dumped me. We had an amazing lunch date. Went shopping for a few things. It was still early in the day, so we headed back to my house to hang out. We got back to my house, and he had 'an emergency.' He had two young kids, and I was like OK, cool, I'll talk to you later. He sent me a text about a half hour later, saying he didn't see our relationship going anywhere because I didn't 'need' him. I asked what he meant, and he said, 'You didn't ask me to hold any of your stuff when we were shopping, and you knew what you were looking for at Home Depot.' I guess being able to take care of myself is a problem?" —Anonymous, 41, Georgia What's the pettiest reason you dumped someone? Tell us in the comments or use the anonymous form below: Solve the daily Crossword

If You Need Help Entertaining Your Kids This Summer, These 36 Products Will Surely Keep Them Busy
If You Need Help Entertaining Your Kids This Summer, These 36 Products Will Surely Keep Them Busy

Buzz Feed

time3 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

If You Need Help Entertaining Your Kids This Summer, These 36 Products Will Surely Keep Them Busy

An Elmer's glue slime kit since slime is easily your kids' favorite craft. From butter slime to glow-in-the-dark slime to color-changing slime — this'll def be a craft your kid will always be in the mood to do. The kit includes regular slime activator, crunchy slime activator, butter slime activator, glow-in-the-dark slime activator, cherry limeade scented activator, glitter glue, clear glue, color-changing glue, glow-in-the-dark glue, and translucent glue. Promising review: "My kids loved this kit. Hours of fun! Did it make a mess? Yes… but it cleaned up easily. I didn't allow the slime on carpet or fabric furniture, so I don't know how easily it would clean up off of that type of material. The mess was totally worth it for me. For reference, my kids' ages are 15, 10, and 7. They all enjoyed it." —Michael it from Amazon for $30.82 (available in one other kit). A pack of 12 reusable, latex-free silicone water balloons to keep the battles going all summer long. You know what this means, don't you? You won't have to pick up alllll those tiny pieces of destroyed balloons! A waterproof version of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza so you can avoid the "I'm borrrred" whining during adult swim this summer. Your kids may not even wanna get back in the pool cuz they'll be so into their fave game. Dolphin Hat Games is a small biz that specializes in family-friendly card play, pass out all of the cards to players and have everyone keep their pile facedown. Everyone takes turns putting a card in the middle while saying "taco," "cat," "goat," "cheese," and "pizza" in that order. If the picture on the card that's placed down matches the word that's been said, everyone races to slap the center pile of cards, and whoever slaps the pile last has to add the center pile to their personal pile. Oh! And there's also "narwhal," where everyone makes a unicorn horn with their hands clapped together above their heads; "gorilla," where everyone bangs on their chest like a gorilla; and "groundhog," where everyone has to knock on the table. Whoever does the motion last picks up the center pile. Whoever runs out of cards first wins! You can play with three to eight players, and the *recommended* age is 8+.Promising review: "I always think about games to play when at the pool — especially when there are 10-minute swim breaks and everyone is out of the pool — this is the perfect game! First of all, our family loves Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. It's a game that's really easy to learn and is an energetic card game (perfect for kids!). To be able to bring this game around the water is awesome. I love how the cards are heavier, so they don't blow away as easily, too. The card ring makes them really easy to just toss in a bag, and I feel like it's indestructible. Honestly, we'll probably play this version of the game even inside just because of how indestructible it is (no one accidentally stepping on a card/ creasing it, etc.). Highly recommend!" —jessieGet it from Amazon for $14.99. An inflatable chicken game, which includes two big ol' fighting chickens that your kids will wanna play with every single day. They'll have a blast wrestling each other off of these big, silly chickens, and best of all, they won't be wrestling in your house next to your very expensive china cabinet. Heck, you might even wanna get on one during your lunch break to partake in all the fun. Promising review: "These chickens are probably the most awesome pool floats we have ever purchased! We have two 12-year-old boys who are having a blast on these things! They also like to sit on them and battle with our pool noodles! They seem to be very durable and have held up well so far. They are not like the cheaper floats that you have to keep blowing up. Yeah, they are a tad bit on the pricey side, but trust me, they are worth it and tons of fun for adults as well." —Vanessa KGet a set of two from Amazon for $69.95. A friendship bracelet-making kit 'cause nothing says summer like arms full of colorful threaded bracelets. It also has a compartment that's perfect for storing all the floss! Or a rainbow loom kit with over 7,000 colorful latex-free rubber bands in 21 different colors that'll last your kiddo all summer. They'll be able to make themselves all the anklets, chokers, and bracelets their little heart desires. Reviewers love it because it keeps their kids busy for hours. Music to your ears, huh? You'll get 7,000+ rubber bands, 300 C-clips, a rainbow loom hook, 12 gift bags, instructions, and a handy organizer case, Promising review: "I have seven kids ranging from a 13-year-old boy down to a 5-year-old girl who all absolutely love making these bracelets. Keeps them busy for hours." —KeverlyGet it from Amazon for $21.99. A 150-piece marble run set that'll provide endless hours of fun and stimulate your little mini bestie's mind. Your kid will be able to build some pretty awesome mazes, and once they're done, they'll be able to take it apart and create a totally new one! The gift that keeps on giving. A splash mat — basically a slip-and-slide style, three-lane race with three inflatable bodyboards that'll keep your kids outdoors, playing together, rather than fighting and whining in the living room. Promising review: "We used this at my daughter's birthday party to distract the bigger kids. They played on this thing all night. It held up well and did not leak. The boards were the perfect size for the kids. We loved this slip and slide." —KelciGet it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four sizes). The Pastry Project monthly subscription box that your mini Duff Goldman in the making will go wild for. It's truly a win for everyone — your kid will be entertained, and you'll get to indulge in all the yummy treats they make! Caramel cheesecake brownies, cream puffs, pretzels, apple fritters — is your mouth watering? 'Cause mine is! Promising review: "My 11-year-old son loves to bake, but a lot of recipes are too involved for him to do on his own yet. However, he recently received a pastry kit subscription as a gift, and these kits are perfect! The instructions are easy to follow, the ingredients are high quality, and the finished products are delicious. My son can make these recipes all on his own and is learning new techniques with each one. He is SO excited to receive the next one!" —ShaylaGet a monthly subscription from The Pastry Project for $35 (also available in a one-time purchase, and 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions). A portable 120-inch screen because the only thing better than watching a movie is watching one outdoors on a summer night. Just set it up with a mini Bluetooth projector and *boom!* Your house is the place to be this season. And some movie trays to take your movie-watching experience to the next level. There's no way your kids won't be happily glued to the screen with their snacks in their lap. You'll get 12 popcorn bags and six movie trays!Promising review: "These are great for movie nights with the kids! Bags hold a decent amount of popcorn, trays are sturdy and not flimsy/cheap, and easily hold everything. Definitely recommend these!" —JRGet them from Amazon for $9.99. A clay pottery wheel kit for your crafty little one who can't get enough of a good ol' art project. And making your own jewelry dish is pretty dang cool, might I add. A two-pack of LED hover balls because your kiddos simply cannot understand why they aren't allowed to play soccer in the house. These have built-in bumpers, so you don't have to worry about your furniture getting all messed up as they glide across the floor. A collection of six Dog Man books for those days where your kid has so much energy you can not stand it anymore. Whip these out and they'll *actually* be excited to sit quietly for a while. Promising review: "My son was in the third grade and raved about these books all year. After volunteering at the school's book fair, I learned how popular Dog Man was, and not just to third graders. Kids of all grades from second to fifth took an interest in Dog Man. The books were sold out by the third day of a week-long book fair. Needless to say, this was a great buy!" —KyshaGet a collection of six books from Amazon for $42.87. A Dude Perfect tabletop game since it's their fave show and they *live* for the fun challenges these guys do. Now they can do one of their very own! Promising review: "My kids love all things Dude Perfect, and this game didn't disappoint either! The nets stick perfectly on the end of the table. Fun game and great gift for birthdays, Christmas, or just because!" —RaeGet it from Amazon for $18.30. A set of sprinklers to attach to your trampoline because everyone knows that water elevates any and every summer activity. It'll bring a whole new level of fun to bouncing around. Promising review: "The Trampoline Sprinkler Water Toy is a blast — easy to set up and perfect for cooling off. It sprays all around the trampoline, creating a playful water park vibe in your backyard. My kids loved bouncing through the mist — great for hot summer days." —KSNGet it from Amazon for $13.99. A Disney princess color-by-number coloring book that'll have your kid wanting to do absolutely nothing but sit quietly and color for hours. I have three of these coloring books (this one is on my wish list), and I'm obsessed with themmmm. I kept seeing them on TikTok and had to have them. Pro tip: grab some paint pens (these are the ones I bought). They make all the difference, and that's how the coloring pages end up looking so good. Plus, the paint pens don't bleed through! I have no regrets and plan to buy basically every single one of these coloring books. But for now, I'm loving the three I have (check 'em out — 1, 2, and 3).Promising review: "I absolutely love the Disney Princess Color by Number books! As an adult, I find them incredibly relaxing and fun to work on, and they turn out beautifully every time. My kids enjoy them just as much, making it a great activity we can do together. The designs are detailed enough to be satisfying for adults but still accessible for kids. I've already purchased several more because we can't get enough! Highly recommend for both kids and adults who love Disney and coloring. Perfect for display models, too!" —JenniferGet it from Amazon for $25.29. A splurge-y rechargeable laser tag set your child will NEVER stop talking about. Laser tag right at home? Sign me up! Your house will now be the house all the kids wanna sleep over and hang out at. And, admit it, you'll wanna play a round or two with them as well. A Black Panther Lego set with 2,961 pieces that'll have your kid occupied basically all summer. If your teen is Marvel-obsessed, they'll *actually* love this. I know, it seems like they don't enjoy anyFREAKINGthing, but trust me, they'll be tucked away for hours working on this. Promising review: "This Black Panther Lego set is amazing and quite large. My teen son put it together over three days working on and off. The Lego bust is detailed at every angle and even has its own necklace and moveable fingers. This was a great activity for my son, as well as an amazing addition to his Marvel collection. Definitely recommend." —MelitaGet it from Amazon for $324.99. Or a Venom Lego set because nothing will bring you more peace than sitting your kiddo down with 565 Lego pieces to assemble. No worries, it won't try to eat everyone. It's recommended for 18+, but reviewers say their kids were able to do it on their own, or only needed a bit of help. It could even be a fun activity to do with your kiddo who complains they're bored every five minutes. Promising review: "This thing is very cool. Bought this for my 10-year-old son to build. He is just getting into Legos and was able to build this with minimal help. Instructions are very easy to follow, and the end product looks amazing. If you're a fan, this is a very cool item to put on display." —Alinette HayesGet it from Amazon for $124.95. An inflatable tic-tac-toe pool game, an epic challenge your kids won't be able to get enough of. Much more fun and unpredictable than the paper-and-pencil version. Promising review: "I ordered this for the kids to break up the monotony of the same boring pool games and floats, and it's been a ton of fun! It's fun for all ages, my husband and I have also been playing tic-tac-toe with it! Highly recommend!" —C TuckerGet it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in three colors). An I Spy book because remember how long *you* used to sit and search through this riddle book? You may even be tempted to give this baby a go yourself. A guaranteed good time no matter the age. Promising reviews: "Kept the 5-year-old grandson entertained for hours! Great interactive book for connecting with your little one!" —Michael D. Barry"My grandsons love I Spy books. Like all the other I Spy books we own, this one did not disappoint. Such great quality books and such a wonderful alternative to tablet time." —Gregory M. MatliGet it from Amazon for $9.30. An air fort, so they won't need to arrange all the furniture and take every blanket in the house to make a fort anymore. The same level of entertainment with way less mess. A splurge-worthy Nintendo Switch because your kid is a total gamer and has been eyeing this baby for a while. It comes with two detachable Joy-Con controllers, and they'll be able to play this on the TV, tabletop, or as a handheld game. (Meaning it's portable!) A spacious inflatable pool they'll be so hyped about. Their very own pool?! IN THE BACKYARD?! Getting them to go play outside will be so easy. Or an inflatable water park to keep your kiddos cool and entertained. Avoid heat-induced meltdowns by giving your little one a play center equipped with two slides, a climbing wall, a splash pool, a deeper pool, a water bucket, and tons of little areas that spray water. Your house will def be the fun house all summer. Uh, do they happen to have one in an adult size? 'Cause I want one. A bubble gun that shoots out hundreds of bubbles at a time, creating a bubble frenzy! You won't be able to resist joining in on the fun, and it has lights! A paintable squishies kit because the only thing better than these soft little toys is making 'em yourself! Since your kiddo already has a squishy obsession, they'll probz flip their lid when you hand them this and they realize they can make their very own. You may need to stock up on these kits, cuz they're gonna wanna paint more and more of these babies. A glow-in-the-dark tumbling tower game with LED building blocks for some nighttime entertainment. It has three LED pattern modes for fun, challenging new ways to play this classic building game. Perfect for late-night BBQs and pool parties! Promising review: "We love this!! It's like light-up Jenga. We set it up, turn it on, and turn the house lights off. The kids love it!! Pieces are quality-made. Going to buy one as a gift for my brother!" —Janice ConklinGet it from Amazon for $65.99. A fully equipped Klutz Lego Make Your Own Movie Activity Kit for your little creative kiddo who has the imagination of the kid from Where The Wild Things Are. Give 'em this and let their little minds run wild. They'll be stoked to watch a mini-movie they made themselves. I think you've got a baby Steven Spielberg on your hands. Promising review: "My son got this for a Christmas present and it was hands down the best gift. He has made so many cute films using the props in the kit. He has also become very curious about how movies are made and the different jobs people have to make a movie. Highly recommend this a gift for a curious kid." —Wünderbar MuttiGet it from Amazon for $24.74. A "Sorry!" board game — sorry to your kids, that is, because you're def gonna kick their little booties in this. Your kiddos are gonna be the ones pulling *you* away from the board 'cause you won't be able to get enough of this super fun "classic game of sweet revenge." To play, each player draws cards that move them through the board. The first player to get all their pawns across the board and back home wins! Recommended for ages 6+.Promising reviews: "Nostalgia made me buy this game, and I couldn't be happier. Got my kids to enjoy a game I enjoyed as a kid, and they loved it — I kicked their butt :)." —AK"This was always a childhood favorite of mine. Still enjoy playing it now with my daughter. New rules make it more fun and quicker to play. The whole family enjoys it." —Jennifer TavaresGet it from Amazon for $9.84. An inflatable double-sided table set that comes with waterproof playing cards and two inflatable sling chairs with cup holders. On one side, they can play regular card games or even poker, and on the other side, they can play chess and checkers. Playing card games is cool, but playing card games with a cold soda in the pool = elite. Promising review: "Love love love this product!!!! We use it a whole lot. We usually play Uno at the pool. We have the Uno waterproof cards, and it's so cool for the kids and me to play together. The material is super sturdy, and the attachments are good material as well. No fear of tearing it, 'cause it's very thick. Excellent buy!!!" —MiguelinaGet it from Amazon for $45. A set of two Banzai Bump N Bounce Body Bumpers, kinda like the Sock'em Boppers your mom wouldn't let you have in the '90s. Totally don't be a regular parent, be a cool parent and snag these for the yourself. You know you wanna try. A What Do You Meme? SpongeBob edition that puts a wonderful Bikini Bottom twist on the regular game. If you and your minis love to spend the day reciting SpongeBob quotes, this game is *perfect* for your fam. To play, everyone will be given caption cards. A meme picture will be put on the mini easel, and players will all match a caption card to that meme. An appointed judge will decide which combo is funniest, and whoever wins that round gets to judge next and keeps the meme. The player with the most memes at the end wins! Recommended for ages 8+.Promising review: "This was a gift for my son, and he was so excited. It's a super funny game and had us all laughing! It is good quality, the cards are printed well, and I'm sure we will play it many times. Good for all ages, it is kid-friendly." —KBall18Get it from Amazon for $13.59. A create-your-own published storybook kit your creative kiddo will *swoon* over. Have them fill out the included papers with their own story and illustrations, slip the pages in the pre-addressed envelope, pop it into the mail, and they'll get a printed, hardcover book back. If your kid has a wild imagination, give 'em this and they'll be distracted with creating their book for hours, ~and~ it'll teach them that their imagination can take them far. It comes with a blank cover page, 20 blank storybook sheets, a guidebook, a pre-stamped mailing envelope, and 10 review: "My daughter, who is 10.5 years old, is working on her own book! She loves this gift so much. It has given her a project where, instead of racing through it, she is taking her time. She cannot wait to finish her personal story so we can ship her pages back and receive her hard-bound book. She will soon be an author! Thank you for making an affordable, creative, hands-on project for anyone to enjoy." —Jessica it from Uncommon Goods for $32. Some glow-in-the-dark beach balls that'll keep the kiddos entertained way longer than the regular ol' beach balls because who doesn't love a lil' glow-in-the-dark fun? Promising review: "We ordered these for a pool party for our teen. The kids absolutely loved them, and I am convinced it contributed to extending the outside time late into the evening and kept them enjoying the pool longer. The ambiance was fun and great for all! The quality seems great." —Leanne MolterGet a four-pack from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in an eight-pack). Your kids during adult swim when you pull out the waterproof Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza: The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

You Want To Speak Memorably? Try These Smart Tips
You Want To Speak Memorably? Try These Smart Tips

Forbes

time4 hours ago

  • Forbes

You Want To Speak Memorably? Try These Smart Tips

In today's high-stakes professional world, the ability to communicate isn't just a competency—it's currency. Are you leading a team? Strong communication skill is one of your most important tools. Pitching a product? Ditto. Navigating a job interview? Ditto. In most every workplace situation, your presentation style can be the defining factor between influence and invisibility. Bill McGowan understands this better than most. This Emmy Award-winning TV journalist and bestselling author is a top communications advisor to leading names in business, tech, entertainment, sports, and finance. He's coached the founders of Amazon, Meta, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Spotify, Snapchat, and Airbnb … as well as Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy winners and World Series, Super Bowl, and Olympic champions. McGowan's latest book is Speak, Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience. His experience in TV journalism underscored many of the lessons he now provides as a coach. For example, when McGowan worked on ABC's popular '20/20' show, the executive producer would share the minute-to-minute ratings of a segment. Any time an on-camera personality told a story, viewers' interest spiked. Stories, McGowan learned, are much more compelling than statistics. You want to break out of the conformity zone? McGowan recommends avoiding 'corporate speak' and communicating concisely with clarity and simplicity. And at every opportunity, use pertinent stories. While it's important that every part of a presentation be interesting and relevant, McGowan highlights what psychologists call the primary-recency effect: people tend to remember the first and last items in a sequence better than those in the middle. That's a clue on where compelling stories, challenges, or facts should be in a presentation. To underscore the importance and power of simplicity, McGowan tells of a CEO who was in a media interview about a struggle his company was experiencing. The interviewer asked the CEO, 'Why do you think your IPO underperformed vis-à-vis the other companies in your competitive space?' McGowan says that instead of blaming the market or a poor valuation or even suggesting that they didn't have the right financial institution leading the offering, the CEO simply said, 'We underperformed because we failed to come up with a narrative that could fit on the back of a cocktail napkin.' McGowan used that story to kick off a speech he made to a group of communication clients. Using a 'through line,' the connective tissue that helps explain the relevance of a story, he spoke on the subject of simplicity. Citing research studies, McGowan says factual information embedded within storytelling becomes 22 times more memorable 'than if you just fire hose talking points and data points.' McGowan coaches his clients to communicate the visual, the specific, and the anecdotal. When you speak abstractly and theoretically, it's pictureless, he says. 'We human beings have this movie reel spinning in our heads at all times. If a speaker doesn't give us imagery to work with, that movie reel keeps spinning in our head—only now it's spinning with the images we've created. That's what daydreaming is.' In what ways has the rise of remote work and virtual meetings affected the way people communicate? In addition to what many people now call 'Zoom fatigue,' McGowan talks about 'Zoomnesia.' That occurs when people attend a seemingly endless string of remote meetings in which they're sitting in the same room with the same potted plant on their desk and the same view out the window and with no contextual clues. That circumstance makes it even harder for people to retain information, and it underscores the value of well thought-out communication practices that engage people's thinking. McGowan frequently uses metaphors in his coaching. For example, he talks about what he calls the 'pasta sauce principle.' You put a pot of tomato sauce on the stove and cook it down for about three hours. You then have something with about half the volume but a lot more flavor. 'But it takes time and effort to get that reduction going,' McGowan says. 'The same is true for speaking.' It wouldn't be accurate to say McGowan has written a cookbook. But Speak, Memorably certainly provides the ingredients for welcome servings of appetizing communication. Whether you're giving a TED talk, speaking at the local Rotary Club, or just trying not to lose people in your Monday morning staff meeting, McGowan offers insight that will boost your communication mojo.

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