logo
Just 38 Products That'll Give You Heart Eyes — It Is Valentine Season, After All

Just 38 Products That'll Give You Heart Eyes — It Is Valentine Season, After All

Buzz Feed11-02-2025

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.
Shopping
·
If it makes you happy, add it to the cart.
1. L'Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion — an illuminating moisturizer that'll keep your face feeling fresh and bring a compliment-worthy glow to your cheeks. Are you at a romantic candlelit dinner? Nope, it's just the effervescent glow coming off your face from this fabulous product!
Promising review:"I can't believe how long this has been around! I tried Glossier's Futuredew and realized it felt sort of too oily (and too expensive) for me. This product is SUCH an amazing option and it's slightly better! It's not oily, but provides lightweight shimmer that I mix with my sunscreen for extra sun protection with some highlight effects. I love this! Does not make my super sensitive skin break out or feel oily like the Futuredew did." — e_whospends_money
Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in four shades).
2. A NeeDoh "Dream Drop," a must-have sensory fidget toy for anyone who can't seem to get their brain to focus on one task at a time. (Too many tabs open both literally and figuratively!) This lil' squish block is super satisfying to play with and reviewers love that it isn't sticky (no gross debris to try to clean).
Schylling is a small business that specializes in modern and retro toys, games, and sets.
Promising review: "Great, and I love that it has a tray to sit on. I love how firm this is to squeeze, and the slow release is really relaxing. The included dish is a great touch — it keeps it clean and gives it a dedicated spot to rest." — AZMOM
Get it from Amazon for $7.75 (the color is either blue, pink, or purple and gets selected for you at random)!
Check out the rest of the Needoh fidget toy options on their Amazon storefront!
3. A selfie-worthy Elizabeth Mott's Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask that'll help detox and exfoliate blackheads along with other skin impurities while it bubbling up and looking downright hilarious.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this stuff. I was skeptical at first, but after my first use, I fell in love. It goes on smoothly and doesn't drip off, which is nice. Once it was time to rinse off, i t was amazing seeing all the stuff it sucked out of my pores (gross, but a good gross). Not only does this stuff work, it's fun to watch and see your face turn into a Smurf lol. I have cystic acne, which in itself is hard to manage, but this stuff made it that much more manageable. Face was left feeling cleansed, refreshed, and soft. LOVE LOVE this product. Highly highly recommend." — HarleyMama
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
4. A cute and functional crossbody bag — order it in pink or purple for a pop of pastel or any ol' color because, honestly, they all look fabulous.
Promising review:"Best go-to bag. Cute and comfortable. Also holds everything you need." — meghan schuemann
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in six styles).
5. A stackable oval gem ring so gorgeous you could totally use it as your wedding band while you save up for the real deal — it's stunning (to say the least) and well-made. Reviewers also love pairing it with other high-quality Pavoi rings!
BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord raves about this ring, "TBH, I bought this ring after seeing it blow up on TikTok, and I love it. I wear it every single day, and I've gotten SO many compliments on it — friends are always stunned when I tell them how cheap it is! I've been wearing it for months now without any wear and tear that a quick cleaning won't fix. Pictures don't do it justice; it really does ✨gleam✨ like real jewels. (Bonus: I use this as a fake wedding ring when I travel to encourage humans to leave me alone, lolololol.)"
Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in three plates and sizes 5–10).
6. And a dazzling tennis bracelet from the same brand no one would guess cost you less than twenty bucks — truly, tons of reviewers have called it out for sparkling like Swarovski crystals! It's 14-karat gold plated, has a reliable clasp, and will add the perfect amount of sparkle to your daily stack.
Promising review: "This bracelet is gorgeous! It really looks like real diamonds. I chose rose gold and if this holds up well, I will have to order another in silver. It's really nice that they offer a few different size options, I rarely see that. From reading the reviews, I saw some complaints about the clasp but, I think it's nice. It's very secure so there's no chance of it coming off." — Sarah Downs
Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in three sizes and four colors).
7. Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows because, if we're being honest (and I like to think we've reached a point in our relationship where we can be blunt), the ones you've been sleeping on are starting to resemble Flat Stanley. It's time for you to upgrade your sleeping situation, friend!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I purchased them two years ago. They are the most wonderful and comfy pillows I've ever had. When I read the reviews saying they washed up badly, I was ready to buy new ones. Lo and behold, I washed them and dried them in the dryer, and they turned out great. I just have the older type stackable washer and dryer set, not large, just regular sized. I put both pillows in the washer on gentle, then put both pillows in the dryer. I ran the dryer on medium heat and ran the cycle several times, just to make sure. I'm happy they turned out so well 'cause I love these pillows!" — T. Rune
Get a set of two from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in Standard/Queen or King sizing).
8. A dazzling candle warmer with a lampshade reminiscent of a high-end crystal chandelier you'd likely see in the middle of a ballroom on Bridgerton.
Promising review: "I loved this candle warmer! I love that it has different functions, even a timer to set how long you want it on. The lights are super cool, too, and you don't get that smoky smell when you blow out a candle. Definitely obsessed!" — Laura
Get it from Amazon for $47.99 (available in two styles).
9. A fan-favorite Otherland candle that'll make your home smell divine while also adding a pretty piece of decor to the room. You know that boutique you always walk into and think to yourself, "Wow, it smells amazing in here?" Well, it was probably this candle.
Amazon
I'm SUCH a fan of Otherland candles. I've been burning them in my home for years and, honestly, cannot get enough of them. I've given tons of them as gifts as well, and everyone has always raved about how much they love them. They each have a burn time of 55 hours, are made of a coconut and soy wax blend, contain a cotton wick, and are hand poured in the USA. Additionally, Otherland is a small business!
Get it from Amazon for $40 (available in 14 scents).
10. Lawless's "Forget The Filler" in a variety of delectable flavors (birthday cake!!!) — it'll hydrate your lips overnight (similar to Laneige's repairing sleep mask) and make your pout fuller. It's made of shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and a stimulating peptide complex that work so magically together you won't ever want to run out.
www.amazon.com, www.instagram.com
Promising review: "Really makes a difference. First overnight treatment I've used where my lips genuinely feel hydrated and plumper in the morning. I'm pleasantly surprised — I bought this on a whim after a rec from The Strategist and almost canceled the order. Now I use it every night!" — Hilary
Get it from Amazon $22 (available in four flavors).
11. Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm in Black Honey that has been *all the rage* on TikTok (which is how you know it's good). It's lightweight, has a touch of gloss to it, and the shade will have you saying "mhmmmm, honey!" from the second you apply it.
Amazon
BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord has personally tested this baby out. She said:
"I was very adamant about not buying this for the longest time because I am stubborn about "expensive" beauty products, but this is worth every penny and then some. It's so lightweight and layerable, it's foolproof to apply, and I have yet to wear a single outfit it doesn't complement??? I love watching it instantly elevate a casual look or add simple elegance to dressy ones. I wear it every day now, and after weeks of use, I've barely made a dent. Also, and maybe this is just me, but I tend to get pigment on my teeth with a lot of lip products, and I've simply never had an issue with this magic stick.
Anyway, watch this TikTok of someone using it on their lips AND cheeks, because I did and oops, this lipstick FELL into my cart."
Get it from Amazon for $25.
12. A self-stirring mug to flawlessly blend your sugar and creamer into your freshly brewed coffee so you can focus on more pressing things like learning all the words to Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album before trying to get tickets to the tour.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the self-stirring mug in action.
Promising review: "I'm a huge fan of coffee and I need it in daily life. Absolutely loving this new cup! Easy and quick to mix your coffee and milk, pretty handy! Cleaning the cup couldn't be easier with the self stirring function, just put a little dab of soap, fill the mug half way with water, turn it on and let it do its own thing." — Lina
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in five colors).
13. Or a cult-favorite Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass that'll make every morning cup of iced coffee feel like an Instagram-worthy moment.
Anthropologie
I am such a sucker for these glasses. My husband is getting increasingly annoyed at how little space there is in our kitchen cabinet because I cannot stop acquiring these cups. They have a nice weight to them, wash really well (I typically just run hot water through them for a bit then dry them with a towel since they are not dishwasher safe), and make my morning coffee feel a bit fancier. Love, love, love them.
Get it from Anthropologie for $16 (available in 21 styles).
14. Crayola Globbles — fun lil' sensory balls for when you really (REALLY) get the urge to hurl something at the wall but *also* don't want to pay for rental damages (we've all been there, right?). These guys won't leave residue and will help get all of your frustrations out. They're also delightfully squishy and stretchy if you're in need of a new fidget toy.
Check them out on TikTok!
Promising review: " My daughter is 4 and plays with these DAILY! YES they do attract dirt and hair HOWEVER they are so easy to rinse off, it's not a big deal! We took these to a family gathering and ended up giving two away because they were SO loved! The two we gave away went to a 12-year-old and my 19-year-old brother. They discovered throwing them at the ceiling fan and watching them shoot across the room which was pretty entertaining! None of these have busted or ripped and they are definitely NOT gentle with them! I will definitely be buying more!" — Kindle Customer
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $10.51+ (also available in a pack of 16).
15. A custom dual birthstone ring featuring emerald-cut and pear-shaped stones of your choice that'll feel like a wonderful treat yo' self item — add your birthstone and your partner's or your bestie's or your dog's or Taylor Swift's (which is turquoise if you were wondering).
I have some lovely jewelry pieces from Caitlyn Minimalist, a woman-owned small business, and I am such a fan. Most recently, I ordered one of these as a little treat — I included my husband's birthstone and my kids' birthstone (they were both born in April, so I had to improvise). While shopping it caught my eye that they also sell a necklace version! So I promptly purchased that for a friends who recently had her second baby. Love this as a gift and a sweet little sentiment!
Promising review:"I bought this ring with my son and I's birthstones in it and it's exactly what I was looking for! It's a great size and it came very quickly. The packaging was gorgeous and I couldn't have asked for a better piece of jewelry to commemorate his arrival" — Jordan C.
Get it from Caitlyn Minimalist for $26.40 (available in sizes 3.5–11.5, three finishes, and 14 stones).
16. A motivating daily planner that literally says "You've got this!" at the top — it'll also look oh-so-cute on your desk or fridge and has sections to keep track of the pilates classes you sign up for but always forget to attend, how much water you're drinking via your Stanley tumbler, a to-do list to remind you to actually take the laundry out of the dryer, what you ate (meal prep, perhaps?!) and a general notes/doodling area.
Each pad comes with 50 sheets.
Promising review:"I use this first thing when I get in the office in the mornings as a 'personal to-do' before our morning meetings. It reminds me to stay productive when I might not have work to do in the office at that moment, but it also reminds me throughout the day of the intention I set early on. It's been a great visual reminder of my personal goals while I'm achieving professional goals." — Chelsea Ashton
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in nine styles).
17. A Samnyte Hair Wax Stick to help you successfully banish your flyaways each morning as you're getting ready to head out the door — we're busy people, we don't have time to look like we don't have our life in order (even if we, very much, do not).
Promising review:"The Samnyte Hair Wax Stick is amazing! It works wonders for taming flyaways and smoothing my hair without weighing it down. It's easy to apply and gives my hair a neat, polished look. Plus, it's nourishing, so it doesn't dry out my hair. Perfect for creating sleek styles, like buns or ponytails. Definitely a staple in my hair care routine!" — Julia
Get it from Amazon for $7.59.
18. Fuzzy socks you'll never want to take off your feet — the winter weather has nothin' on these babies' magical warming powers.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Really soft and comfortable. They are not very thick, but they fit well and the colors are nice. I like that you actually get the colors that were shown." — K H
Get a set of five from Amazon for $16.99 (designed for women's sizes 6–10, available in 11 styles).
19. A mason jar cold brew maker if you're a proud member of the Drinking-iced-coffee-all-year Club (here, here!) Reviewers absolutely love this version and also use it to brew their favorite iced teas. Cheers!
County Line Kitchen is a small business specializing in mason jar–style cold brew makers, pitchers, and accessories.
Promising review: "This has been a hit in my house. Makes the most delicious cold brew and is of great quality. Has saved a ton of money on going out and on pods I used to buy. I try to let it sit for 48 hours so I can dilute it with a little water to get it to last longer, and throw it in my dishwasher in between uses. Perfect!" — Jo
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two sizes and colors).
20. A 12-pack of squishy animal-themed gel pens (complete with 24 colorful refills!) that'll look adorable hanging out on your desk. There's enough in the pack that you can graciously pass 'em out to your friends, too.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: " These pens are fun for the senses! I didn't even realize they came with ink refills until I opened up the package. The gel ink refills are my favorite!" — Gomez-Orlioglu
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in packs of three and five).
21. A bow-shaped resin night-light to add some coquette girly-girl vibes to your middle-of-the-night bathroom visits. It'll also look oh-so-cute during the day when it's not lit!
Get it from Urban Outfitters for $18, and check out these bow string lights
22. A shaker of edible cocktail glitter, so just like Taylor Swift, you and your drinks can make the whole room ✨shiiiiiimmmerrrr✨.
Bakel is a small business that specializes in edible glitters for food and drink (fun!). I used the pink glitter to jazz up the drinks at my Taylor Swift–themed baby shower and it was a huge hit! It even looked fabulous when added to sparkling water. A little goes a long way, so don't be concerned when a tiny jar of glitter arrives — it'll be PLENTY.
Promising review:" Don't think any further and just buy it. This was so cool, and everyone loved it! I got the clear one because it will go with any drink. I will be the one to put this in all my friends' drinks. Also had no taste, so it was just the look. Sooooooo cool!" — gigi
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 18 colors).
23. A teeny French tart baking kit for anyone who wants a sweet treat but would really like to avoid buying an entire cake that'll likely go to waste on one person. This fun set will provide you with both an activity *and* dessert — what could be sweeter than that?
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Cooking Gift Set is a small business. The kit comes with six tart rings, a piping bag, three nozzles, a coupler, a candy thermometer, a baking mat, and instructions (thankfully).
Promising review:"I just tried this product for the first time the other night. It was so easy, I couldn't believe it! The dough recipe that came with it turned out so delicious. I am very pleased with this kit. I can't wait to make more tarts." — capy
Get it from Amazon for $54.99.
24. A layered necklace set reviewers have praised for not tarnishing *or* turning their skin green (no offense, Elphaba) which is unheard of at this price point! It'll make curating a cool style easier than ever (since it's a set, duh) but they each also be worn separately with necklaces you already have and love.
Amazon
Promising review:"I love the way these layering necklaces look! I haven't taken them off since I received them and they look brand new still. I've worn them in the shower, pools, and beach, and they are still perfect." — Allison Kwong
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three finishes and 16 other styles).
25. A trinket dish you'll want to grab right *meow* — it'll look darling on a shelf next to your bed and will also ensure you don't lose your favorite ring...again.
Promising review: "This is great for any cat lady/jewelry lover in your life! I gifted this to an older friend of mine and she loves it! It's bigger than your typical jewelry dish so it's perfect for holding jewelry and small trinkets. I would definitely buy again if I had more friends who like cats!" — Lexi
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 34 styles).
26. A heart-shaped terrarium for anyone with a green thumb that actually enjoys keeping little plant babies thriving — it comes fully assembled, but you will need to pick up the succulents, air plants, moss, etc.
Amazon
Promising review:"Yes, the terrarium is small, but for my first DIY terrarium project, it was a manageable size. From reading the reviews, I knew it was not watertight, so I lined the bottom with a quart-size freezer bag that I cut open. I lined the bottom with pebbles and a thin layer of activated charcoal before adding soil and plants. Another reviewer recommended not lifting the terrarium after it was filled so I placed it on a pretty tray that will also catch water and make it easier to move. I am in love with it and can't wait to make another, larger terrarium." — NB
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in seven styles).
27. A very dapper Squishmallow you won't be able to resist pick(le)ing out for yourself. I mean, look at him! He's better dressed than I am on my fanciest night out! Who needs a human to date when you can just hang with this guy!
Amazon
If you're an avid collector, you might benefit from an over-the-door Squishmallow holder.
Promising review:"My daughter has been obsessed with Squishmallows, particularly Charles the Pickle plush. We purchased this distinguished pickle as a Valentine's Day present for her, and she loved it. The character is cute, the color is true to the picture, and the quality and softness is everything you expect in a Squishmallow." — Adam and Andrea Burton
Get it from Amazon for $21.77 and check out these other cute options like Aurora the Owl, Sy the Fish, a kiss-covered Stitch, and Cherry the Cherry.
28. A miniature mid-century modern LED fireplace for anyone who has always wanted one of these beauties in their home but doesn't quite have the space to install one just yet (keep that dream alive, my friends).
3DSpaceGarden is a small business!
Promising review:"This is such a beautiful piece! Love how the logs diffuse the light from the flicker candle. For the price, it's amazing!" — Julia K.
Get it from 3DSpaceGarden on Etsy for $30 (available in eight colors).
29. A tufted electric blanket with a cable knit design that'll give it a bit more *~style~* than standard heated throws. It'll keep you warm (of course) but also safe as it has a feature that automatically detects if the wires inside are overheating.
Promising review:"This electric blanket is awesome! It's super soft, heats up fast, and keeps me cozy. Definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a reliable and comfy electric blanket." — Sherry Brown
Get it from Amazon for $44.99 (available in five sizes and colors).
30. A pair of red and pink wineglasses you and your bestie can take the cutest selfies with during Girls' Night. Whether you use them for vino or add some cocktail glitter to your ginger ale, these will be such a vibe. Clink, clink!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
31. A rechargeable, dimmable Dodo duck night-light you'll get cuteness aggression over and have to stop yourself from attempting to squeeze it to death. It's basically a more adorable version of the viral depressed duck night-light, in case you're still looking for something a bit more *you*.
www.amazon.com
32. A Tetris-esque lamp that's actually stackable and will turn decorating any shelving into an actual game! Who knew being a self-proclaimed interior designer could be such a blast?! Reviewers love using it as a night-light for their kiddos as well.
Amazon
Promising review: "I'm loving my Tetris light!! And the ability to change it around is amazing — favorite item in the house!!!" — Leah Spencer
Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in two styles).
33. An electric kettle with a Smeg-like vibe to it that'll look so fabulous in your kitchen you'll offer anyone who visits a cup of tea or a pour over coffee the second they set foot inside. It has a thermometer to water to the exact temperature you need for your bevs and has an automatic shutoff built into it.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I really like the appearance of this one. The overall design is very simple and has a little retro style. It is also good to use. The body of this kettle is made of 304 stainless steel, which is food contact grade, which is relatively safe and hygienic. It can boil water very quickly, without wasting time, and it is not easy to burn your hands when pouring water. Then this kettle also has anti-dry boiling and overheating protection functions. It will be safer and more secure to use. There is a real-time thermometer on the body of the kettle, which can easily see the water temperature. It is very good. I like it very much." — Evan
Get it from Amazon for $55.79+ (available in four colors).
35. A flower pillow, in case you've been hoping to transform your living room into a scene from Alice in Wonderland. It comes in *so* many colors you might as well buy a bunch and create your very own cozy garden.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
See an unboxing of the flower pillows on Anya Plant's TikTok.
Promising review: "This is the cutest flower cushion ever. I use it on my gaming chair as a chair cushion. I also use it when I sit on the ground for comfort. I love the quality, and feel of the cushion. It's super cute and after my daughter saw it, she immediately wanted one for herself. I have machine washed and dried it twice now and every time, it comes out just as fluffy and plump. The material also feels like it has some stretch to it." — Josephina Rodriguez
Get it from Amazon for $12.47+ (available in 16 colors and three sizes).
36. The cutest cherry toilet brush — it's leak-and-rust-proof (huzzah!) and will, of course, add some extra pizzazz to your bathroom. You might just start to hate cleaning your toilet a little bit less. 👏
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a review of it on TikTok!
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 two colors).
37. A building block tissue box because chances are if you have kids you've all been sick since September — might as well make blowing everyone's noses a little more fun, right?
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Fantastic for your Lego fan. I was surprised at how nice this was. Made entirely of wood with a slide bottom for tissues. A definite buy for the Lego fan in your life." — T
Get it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in three colors).
38. And novelty socks that'll adorably hold hands when you click your heels together — who needs ruby slippers when you can kick your feet up and relax with these cuties?
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My sister and I have had so much fun with these socks!!! They are super cute and the magnets hold really well. The magnets are a bit big so you do notice them but overall super fun and cute." — addison fullmer
Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available three styles and sets of four).
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Memorial Day Sale: Act Fast to Score Over $1,600 Off a 77-Inch LG G4 OLED TV
Memorial Day Sale: Act Fast to Score Over $1,600 Off a 77-Inch LG G4 OLED TV

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Memorial Day Sale: Act Fast to Score Over $1,600 Off a 77-Inch LG G4 OLED TV

There are tons of excellent TVs on sale for Memorial Day, and if you're looking to go big, then we have an offer you won't want to miss. LG's G4 Series OLED TVs feature some of the best picture quality out there at the moment, which means they don't come cheap. However, right now you can grab a massive 77-inch model at a serious discount during Amazon's Memorial Day sale. The online retailer has the 77-inch G4 OLED on sale for just $2,997. That's the lowest price we've seen and a savings of more than $1,600. If you need a smaller size, Best Buy also has several versions on sale. Just note that we don't expect a deal this good to stick around for long after Memorial Day, so we recommend getting your order in today if you don't want to miss out. LG 77-inch G4 Series OLED 4K TV: $2,997 (save $1,603) See at Amazon Aside from the unbeatable OLED display, the LG G4 features Dolby Vision alongside Brightness Booster Max, enabling images to be not only brighter but also more vibrant in every detail. The flat-screen design of the 77-inch model blends well in a living room while also transforming into artwork when not in use. LG's A11 AI processor pushes everything from sound and picture quality to general navigation to the next level. It even has the option to split the screen into four views to watch multiple things at once. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. In his review, CNET TV expert David Katzmaier wrote about comparisons of the newer model: "In 2023, we awarded the G3 the title of the best TV for picture quality, and this year's version, the G4, is even better. In our side-by-side comparisons, it beat its predecessor in brightness and overall image quality with the kind of jaw-dropping images you can only get from a topflight OLED TV." The only cons noted were how expensive the TV is and the glossy screen catching reflections in bright rooms. This Memorial Day discount helps somewhat with one of these issues. It's also worth keeping mind that the brand-new G5 Series just hit shelves, but costs around $1,500 more than this deal, making the 2024 model a much better value. Considering LG is one of the best TV brands — if not the best — on the market, as well as the $1,600-plus discount that's been applied, it's hard not to recommend this TV for those who have the budget and want the best of the best. It's never been cheaper. If you want an OLED screen that sports an incredible image, strong black levels as well as superior contrast and off-angle viewing with every notable feature you've come to expect in a modern TV, then you can't go wrong. Its quality speaks for itself. If this high-end LG TV isn't quite what you're looking for, you'll find tons of other bargains in our roundup of the best Memorial Day TV deals.

Bride or die
Bride or die

Business Insider

time8 hours ago

  • Business Insider

Bride or die

Before Layalie Cubina's company sold balloons that spell BRIDE, sparkle hair clips that say BABE, and heart-shaped sunglasses, her garage was home to thousands of penis straws. Cubina and her husband, Brandon, who started by selling baby bedding on Amazon as a side gig, noticed there was a swelling demand for the phallic straws and ordered them en masse in various colors in 2018. They hoped to make enough money so that one of them could stay home with their kids, she tells me, figuring they could open an Etsy shop to sell them. But the demand for bachelorette decor and merch became so strong that they're both working on the business full-time (she left a career in IT in medicine, he in recruiting) and have added all the bachelorette decor you can imagine: sashes, garland backdrops, and balloons arranged to say "same penis forever" and "last disco." Their Etsy alone shop has fulfilled nearly 157,000 orders since 2018, and they also sell directly from their company anibucco. Cubina says she now gets inquiries from bridesmaids asking for help curating and decorating for a vibe, the women nervous about picking the right mylar balloons and tinsel to represent the bride. The parties evolved into "a pre-wedding because of how massive they've become," Cubina tells me. Prepping for a bachelorette party these days doesn't just mean throwing bikinis and ibuprofen in a bag: There's the custom five-by-eight foot sign, the groom's head glued to popsicle sticks, the custom temporary tattoos, genitalia-shaped glitter confetti, and the matching T-shirts and tote bags commemorating Susie's "last toast on the coast!" if you're headed for Cape Cod, or her "last rodeo" in cowboy boots in Nashville before she "saddles up" for marriage. Over the past decade, the bachelorette party has become nearly as anticipated — and sometimes as expensive — as the big wedding day. And the bridesmaids are exasperated: What was once a night out on the town has morphed into dayslong vacations where women who haven't all met before must join forces and throw a mini-Coachella to prove their love and loyalty for the bride. Just turn to TikTok to see the ongoing debate as to whether a bride is an absolute monster for asking a dozen friends to go to Greece and wear matching outfits, or if that's totally within her rights as the bride-to-be. (These should, in theory, be one-in-a-lifetime events, after all.) It's not just money for plane tickets, a spot in a cramped Airbnb, party bus, bottomless brunches, and bottle service at clubs. Friends of the bride are responsible for merch and decor and finding some unforgettable experience to tack on — and there is lots to choose from. There are Instagrammable backdrops with balloon arches, inflatable engagement ring innertubes for pool parties, and all of the personalized water bottles, bags, T-shirts, cups, and banners. There are cabana boys and Hibachi chefs for hire, allowing bachelorettes to turn poolside hangs into luxury experiences. Social media has amped up expectations for all wedding-related events from proposals to "I dos," and the boom of short-term rentals paired with more spending on travel have created a perfect set of conditions for an era of extreme bachelorette parties. It's bolstered a whole new subset of the economy, from concierge services to Etsy decor to shirtless men for hire by the hour. What was once a night out on the town has morphed into days-long vacations where women who haven't all met before must join forces and throw a mini-Coachella to prove their love and loyalty for the bride. The global bachelorette planning industry is booming, worth an estimated $650 million in 2024, according to research firm Business Research Insights. Bach, an app for planning the parties, raised $9 million in a Series A round in 2023. An attendee on the average bachelorette party pays around $1,300, according to a 2023 survey from wedding website The Knot, a figure that has jumped by $600 since 2019. (The average bachelor party attendee pays about $1,500, as men are more likely to travel to costly cities like New York or Las Vegas, and more likely to stay in hotels instead of crowding into Airbnbs.) One in 10 partygoers shells out more than $3,000. A 2021 Lending Tree survey found that a third of bridal party members went into debt for a friend's wedding, with women slightly more likely to do so (35% of bridesmaids went into debt compared to 30% of groomsmen). Nearly 60% of bridesmaids also said they "felt pressured" to spend money, compared to 43% of groomsmen. I'm guilty of opening a new travel perks credit card and spending $4,000 in three months to acquire enough points to fund my flight for my best friend's bachelorette last summer, while also losing hours of my time and my sanity trying to book a bright pink party bus in Madrid without speaking fluent Spanish. And it's bachelorette party culture that gets blamed for reshaping cities like Scottsdale and Nashville. Bars are overrun with groups of partying women and streets are filled with pedal pubs. Casey Lozano, owner and founder of Scottsdale Bachelorette, had the idea to start working a concierge service for bachelorette parties rolling through the city in 2018. He had local expertise and thought he could give groups the best recommendations, but saw that the parties also could benefit from services like decorating or having their fridges stocked with snacks and White Claws, all ready upon arrival (the average party might spend about $900 on the concierge services, Lozano says). As the bachelorette scene grew, Lozano left his career in tech to turn the side hustle into a full-time business. Scottsdale Bachelorette now pulls in $1 million in annual revenue, and he's hired 16 employees (five full-time, himself included) — he needs lots of hands during peak bachelorette season, when they may have 30 or 40 Airbnbs to deck out on any given Thursday or Friday. Lozano had never been to a bachelor or bachelorette party when he started the business. His only expertise came from knowing the Scottsdale scene and being a gay man with lots of female friends and an eye for interior design, he says. Lozano watched videos about balloon art and started stocking up on decor for popular themes like "Scottsdale before the veil" and "final fiesta." But trends are changing, and the theme requests are getting more original, like "The Princess Diaries" or " Shrek," Lozano tells me. The "final fiesta" theme, he says, is in its own final days. Cubina says the more things change, the more they stay the same — she's seeing more demand for a Pink Pony Club theme a la Chapelle Roan, but that's basically just a spin on a disco or a cowgirl theme, those same pink backdrops, disco ball balloons, and cowgirl boots coming back together. "There's a lot on the line" for bridesmaids, says Casey Lozano, founder of Scottsdale Bachelorette. Stephanie Spingler started her Etsy shop, Sassy & Co., in 2017 as an artistic side hustle while studying for her graduate degree in organic chemistry. She's sold some 17,000 orders, and still makes designs for plastic cups that pull inspiration from "Mamma Mia" or food puns (about the bride taking "a pizza his heart" or getting "scooped up"). The demand for these new designs is driven by people wanting to have "an Instagram and TikTok-worthy bachelorette that's really curated by the custom decor." Making everything custom with the bride's name and taste is a way to make the bride really feel like the festival headliner, gaining all of the attention from the women she loves most. "They are hoping and desiring to have that love, to have that warm and inviting party feel from their friends," she says. The parties may look like three days of drinking and debauchery, but there's often immense pressure for bridesmaids to pull off the perfect bachelorette trip. "There's a lot on the line" for bridesmaids and friends attending, Lozano says. "This is someone you care a lot about." As people start to have families, it's harder to get all the girls on a trip. "This may be the last time that they're able to do that together. Making her feel celebrated and making the most of that trip — to make core memories that will last a lifetime — is the goal." Gen Z brides might want something different than the themes and extravagance set in place by millennials, but that doesn't mean the bachelorette trip will die. Cubina says she thinks the parties over time will "not be as big, but I do think they'll always celebrate in one shape or form." I'm one of the women fully in my bachelorette era — I've attended four in less than two years, planning two of them. I expect to get invites to at least that many more over the next two years. Some of the merch and goodies and disco balls might get reused from one to the next. I've become a pro at making survival kits of Liquid IV and Advil, breaking out my average graphic design skills in Canva to make custom itineraries, and estimating the right amount of alcohol to stock up on. It's a modern ritual that does seem to really mean something to my friends. And hey, one day, it'll be on them to return the favor and prove their love for me by painstakingly hanging carefully coordinated streamers and balloons.

Deals from Amazon, REI, Apple and more are here this weekend
Deals from Amazon, REI, Apple and more are here this weekend

Yahoo

time10 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Deals from Amazon, REI, Apple and more are here this weekend

There are so many things to love about June, which makes its long-awaited entrance this weekend. Sun-dappled weddings, the NBA and NHL finals, the summer-commencing solstice, the kiddos being out of school and home with you all the time (OK, we'll admit to some ambivalence about that last one). But we are unabashedly salivating over this weekend's best deals, from Apple, Amazon, Hoka and more. Get ready for the campsite and the beach with a 24-lb-capacity Yeti cooler for $50 off, get your running regimen on the good foot with a $28 markdown on a pair of sturdy, supportive Hoka Clintons and, for a whole nother kind of stepping out, a ridonculous $189 discount on a chic pochette from Kate Spade Outlet. Intrigued? You oughtta be. Want to find out what other picks are poised to rock your shopping world? You know what to do... Amazon: We're seeing savings of up to 70% on everything from bedding and kitchenware to tech, clothing and beauty. Best Buy: Save up to 50% on appliances, as well as on TVs, laptops, headphones and tablets. Macy's: Spend up to $99, get an extra 20% off, $100-$199, get an extra 25% off and $200+, get an extra 30% off when you use code SAVE during the retailer's Buy More, Save More sale. Nordstrom: The Half-Yearly Sale is here! Save up to 60% on Hoka, Tory Burch, Barefoot Dreams and more. QVC: Tap the retailer's massive clearance section for savings on fashion, accessories, home essentials and more — plus, new customers get 20% off their first order with code 20NEWQ. REI: The retailer has a plethora of great offerings during its Anniversary Sale: Score up to 50% off clothing, footwear, REI Co-Op brand deals and hiking items. Target: You can always count on Target to bring the deals, including up to 60% off outdoor furniture and up to 40% off kitchen essentials, clothing and sandals.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store