30 Products That'll Make Your Kitchen A Place You Actually Want To Use
Make cooking, caffeinating, and concocting a casually cutesy affair.
1. A fun and whimsy-filled croc-inspired veggie chopper whose five interchangeable blades and adjustable settings make this the best chomper in the biz. It slices, dices, and grates! Why waste time (and tears) chopping onions by hand when your green friend over here can lend you some of its very sharp teeth??
Ototo
It comes with two dicing blades and two spiralizing blades, btw!
Promising review: "I wasn't so sure if I would ever use something like this, but it has become a staple in my kitchen! I actually already have the white version of this, but saw the Croc Chop and had to have it! It makes perfect pico de gallo in minutes and is great for chopped salads! It chops anything from lettuce to chicken, perfect for salads! It's top-rack dishwasher safe, so easy to clean. It comes with cleaning brushes and picks as well. Definitely a must-have for perfectly chopped or spiraled veggies!" — Tammy
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
2. A pair of minimalist automatic salt and pepper mills that dispense seasoning with the push of a button and look so friggin' chic you'll be glad to keep them on your kitchen counter or dining room table. Not only are they rechargeable, but their built-in ceramic grinders offer grain sizes from very fine to very coarse.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Not only are they attractive, they work great! No more struggling with the manual pepper grinders. You can adjust the size of the grain to your liking. They are easy to refill and easy to use. Great addition to any kitchen." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in nine colors).
3. A compact and portable Ninja air fryer system — just pop this over the included 4-quart or 6-cup container to cook (re-crisp, bake, or air fry) the perfect amount of dinner. You'll have less to clean up since you can serve from the very same container you cooked in! If being in the kitchen causes Smooth Brain Syndrome (I get it, food is hard), you'll want this versatile appliance in your arsenal.
Amazon
Each air fryer comes with the "PowerPod," two containers (a 4-quart and a 6-quart), and lids. The PowerPod has auto-shutoff and four modes: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp. The "feet" are heat-safe, so you can prop it on any surface without worrying!
Promising review: "I got my Ninja Crisper today and reheated some stuffed bread with feta cheese and spinach, and it did a wonderful job. I t was like it just came out of the oven the first time. Nice and crispy outside, but the inside heated just right. I love that the bottom glass can be covered with the lid it comes with. They come with a metal plate you can put in the glass bottom part, and it actually fits into the lid, so it doesn't get lost. The glass makes a difference in the taste, too. It is a great product and well worth it." — Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $154.99+ (available in three colors).
4. A pink heart-shaped Paris Hilton Dutch oven you'll wanna do all your cooking in. And you actually can do all your cooking in it since it can be used as a braiser, sauté pan, saucepan, roaster, slow cooker, and artisan bread pan. Yeah. That's hawt.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This has quickly become my favorite kitchen piece! The 2-quart size is perfect for small meals and side dishes, and the pink color adds a lovely touch to my kitchen. The dual handles make it easy to move, and it works on all stovetops, which is super convenient. It's also oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's great for a variety of recipes. The enameled cast iron ensures even cooking and retains heat beautifully. This pot cleans up well and I have not had an issue with chipping. If you're looking for a functional and adorable Dutch oven, this one is a fantastic choice. Highly recommend!" — Jamie
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in two sizes).
5. An easy-to-use mug ice cream maker so you can have a delicious cold treat in under 20 minutes, which is about how long it'll take you to find a show to watch as you dig into your dessert. And now that you're in the driver's seat, you can blend whatever flavors don't exist at ice cream shops. (I'm thinking chocolate and orange?) Reviewers even say this is a cheaper alternative to the Ninja Creami!
Promising review:"This is a fun and easy way to indulge my sweet tooth. It's incredibly simple to use; just add your favorite ingredients to the mug, pop it in the freezer, and enjoy delicious homemade ice cream in minutes. I've experimented with different flavors, from classic chocolate to fruity sorbets, and they all turn out perfectly. This little machine is a fantastic addition to my kitchen and brings a touch of joy to every dessert occasion." — Kleo
Get a pack of two bowls for $38.31.
6. A flexible platypus-inspired scraper spatula because it'll help you get that last stubborn bit of mayonnaise from the bottom of the jar so you don't have to settle for a too-dry ham and cheese sandwich.
Amazon
Promising review: "A useful and amusing stocking stuffer for my 79-year-old dad. The Splatypus is gentle on his arthritic-but-still-very-busy digits. And as a Baby Boomer, he never wastes a smidgen of his beloved peanut butter or orange marmalade. Dad loves the Splatypus!" — dk72
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
7. A"Gracula" garlic crusher — just because the Count has a garlic aversion doesn't mean he can't help you mince a little for your homemade pasta sauce. And it'll only take a few seconds!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love this little guy. I found him on a BuzzFeed list and had to have it as soon as I saw it! I've minced as many as five cloves in it in seconds. It's a little tricky getting all of the garlic out once minced (I use a silicone basting brush to get most of it but I always use more than the recipe calls for anyway so it's not a deal breaker). Cleanup is a breeze because he goes right in the dishwasher!" — Barbie
Get it from Amazon for $18.99.
8. A rapid egg cooker for effortlessly preparing up to six eggs. Now you don't have to worry about cracking into a hard-boiled egg and finding a runny yolk. Get ready for instant hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, scrambled eggs, and omelets!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says,"I've owned one of these babies and have faithfully used it every week for upward of two years, and especially love it while working from home — it simplifies breakfast because I know no matter what assortment of groceries I'm working with, there are precooked eggs to add some protein to it. (I like mine medium-boiled. 🍳) If my dinner is boring or seems like it needs a little extra oomph to it, I'll throw in an egg from this, too. Some reviews note that the alarm on it is a little loud, but the new models have significantly decreased the volume and sing a little song instead!"
Promising review: "I saw someone on TikTok with this and gasped! Ordered it right away. I had no idea these things existed. Super easy and convenient, and the hard-boiled eggs came out perfectly. I'm testing a batch now without punching a hole in the eggs to see how they come out. Because why not make an easy process even easier?!?! LOL." — Gina
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in five colors).
9. A chic lil' Grosche espresso maker so you can get caffeinated in style. No need to break the bank on a $$$ espresso machine when this easy-to-use moka pot can quickly make delicious lattes.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Greatest purchase in the last five years!!! I have always been a coffee drinker, but I recently purchased a Moka pot to make iced espressos during the summer. Quickly, it became an everyday thing! I love this Moka pot more than any other item in my kitchen other than my actual coffee pot brewer! I had bought a cheap one elsewhere, and that lasted about three weeks before falling apart. I spent a little more money on a quality product and have never looked back! I recommend this particular moka pot as it was slightly more than the cheap ones but less than some of the bigger name brands. It has lasted me two and a half years now without ever giving me a problem. Definitely a customer for life." — A. Arvy
Get it from Amazon for $31.62+ (available in 11 colors and four sizes).
10. A super fast electric milk frother to add to your Corner (of the kitchen) Café so you can add lattes to your at-home menu. This can also be used to make cold foam!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Don't forget the AA batteries!
Promising review:"OMG, this milk frother makes my homemade latte taste like it was made by a barista. It was perfect. So perfect that I bought a second one for my brother who loves coffee to use. I've already recommended it to some coworkers. It has changed my coffee-drinking life. This comes highly recommended." — Michelle
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three styles, with/without AA batteries, and in lots of colors).
11. The popular and splurge-worthy Balmuda toaster — this sleek toaster works by enveloping bread (or frozen foods) in a layer of steam and keeping its inner moisture and flavor from seeping out. If you've been chasing the ever-elusive perfectly toasted piece of bread, look no further.
It has four specialty bread modes — sandwich bread mode, artisan bread mode, pizza mode, and pastry mode — plus an oven mode with temps of 350, 400, and 450 degrees Fahreheit, ideal for frozen foods, cheese-topped gratins, and other oven-cooked dishes.
Promising review: "Holy moly! Best toast I have ever made. I did a comparison taste test with the Balmuda toaster versus my cheapie $60 toaster oven. You can really taste the difference in the toast with the texture and the moisture of the inside of the toast. Hands down, Balmuda blew my other toaster out of the water. So happy with the purchase." — JL
Get it from Amazon for $299 (available in four colors).
12. A pair of bat-shaped kitchen scissors for chopping herbs and cutting meat...and, more importantly, keeping your kitchen a little spooky. It can even function as a bottle opener and nutcracker!
www.amazon.com
13. A flippable ceramic Belgian waffle maker so you can delight in a sweet, extra-thick, and fluffy breakfast! And no need to worry about dealing with a messy cleanup since this gadget easily wipes clean.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"Cook's Illustrated (America's Test Kitchen) recommended this product. It's a good product for the price. It makes perfect Belgian waffles. I like how it has a small footprint, and I'm able to easily store it in my pantry because it folds up. I think it's great. I bought this for my husband as a Father's Day gift this year. He couldn't have been more surprised and pleased. He LOVES waffles. I think he said this was the best gift I've ever given him :)" — Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $59.99.
14. Or a nonstick breakfast maker that'll make omelets, frittatas, quiches, and more! Need an added bonus? You can make up to two omelets at once, and there's no flipping necessary!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"As a working mom with little kids, I usually don't get to have breakfast due to time and focusing on my kiddos getting ready for school. I love this thing! I can now whip up breakfast for myself and leave it to cook for eight minutes without having to watch over a pan while tying shoes, etc." — Brios
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
15. A decorative cat towel as cute as it is absorbent. If you love kitties or have a few of your own, you'll surely love these paw-tastic towels! Drape them over your oven handle then snap the buttons on the cats' paws to prevent the towels from slipping.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I did not buy this to actually use as a towel. To me it doesn't seem like it would be good at serving this purpose as the material is not very absorbent, however, it is great for decoration purposes. It is really, really adorable! I love how there's little snap buttons to keep it in place. I highly recommend this as a decorative gift for the cat lover in your life or for yourself if you love kitties! Great purchase!" — Crystal
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in lots of designs).
16. And a pair of heat-resistant cat paw oven mitts purr-fect for keeping your own pretty paws protected.
Amazon
17. Or this dachshund-shaped double oven mitt — this hot dog will help make sure you don't burn your fingies when reaching into your oven. This machine-washable mitt is heat resistant up to 482 degrees! It's also got a loop for a tail that you can use to hang it up for easy access.
Amazon
Promising review: "Great for all ages — my young son thinks this is the funniest thing, and so does my husband. Great product." — April
Get it from Amazon for $18.99.
18. A delightfully whimsical Mackenzie-Childs enamel tea kettle so your tea parties feel (and look) a little more like the Mad Hatter's. This hand-painted kettle has a wood handle and a clear glass knob and will totally stand out in your kitchen. I mean, cute and practical? We love to see it!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "Really, has anyone ever gotten anything from MacKenzie-Childs and NOT been completely over the moon? I love this teapot! I wish I could afford the whole line of Courtly Check enamel dishes...for a start!" — Debbie Dombrowski
"As silly as it sounds, I see this teapot on so many TV shows sitting on the stove. I just had to have one, and this is perfect — it brightens up my white kitchen. It doesn't whistle, so you can't leave the room with it on the stove. But if you watch Real Housewives and see this on every single stove, it's the one, and I love it!" — Jackie M
Get it from Amazon for $149+ (available in two sizes and six colors).
19. A darling little witch spoon rest that just ~magically~ snaps onto your pots and pans so you can keep your stirring spoon nearby and accessible.
www.amazon.com
20. An adorable four-piece mushroom-shaped measuring spoon set because the act of delivering the perfect amount of sugar to your baking concoction should, in fact, be filled with whimsy. Need more? The spoons' holder can also be used as a measuring cup!
Amazon
Promising review:"I absolutely LOVE this measuring spoon set! I don't have much cabinet space at home, so this lets me keep them on out the counter but look like decor!!" — Tiffany Haynes
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in three other styles).
21. A pair of farfalle-shaped pot grips if the pasta-bility of you accidentally burning yourself on a hot pot is incredibly high. These cute and realistic grips will keep your fingies safe.
Amazon
Monkey Business is a small biz making fun and unique versions of useful products!
Promising review: "I find these hilarious and easily the best kitchen gadget I've spent my money on! They're super handy for getting stuff out of the oven, and I feel less likely to drop a dish than when I use traditional hot pads/oven mitts with padding. Very grippy, thick enough that heat doesn't transfer through, and again, hilarious." — Hannah B
22. A sword-shaped cheese grater since you've been knighted Commander of the Kitchen Realm. And it can grate more than just cheese; let it dig into some nutmeg, chocolate, or hard veggies!
Amazon
Promising review:"It's so cute!!! I've ended up using it so much since getting it, there are plenty of times I've avoided using my regular grater but didn't because box graters are so hard to clean. This one makes it so much simpler, and it goes perfectly with our DND-ish themed home!" — Natalie
Get it from Amazon for $14.90.
23. A mushroom kitchen timer that'll help make sure you don't burn what's supposed to be your magnum opus: a triple-layer German chocolate cake. This can time you for up to 60 minutes, ending in a loud buzzer.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers also use it to help time themselves with work tasks and studying.
Promising review: "This is whimsical and fun. My kids love it. I tell them their dinner comes from a fairy mushroom forest. 😋 Works great, keeps my little monsters in line — 'Dad, the mushroom went off.' Love it." — Vik V
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three colors).
24. A devilish digital thermometer so you don't accidentally serve your chicken undercooked instead of HELL done...get it? This instant and easy-to-read thermometer will help ensure anything you cook in the fiery pit that is your oven comes out exactly when it's supposed to.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This thermometer not only works perfectly but is a great conversation starter at gatherings! I've used it a few times and am completely satisfied with the purchase. It is accurate, and the display is super easy to read. If you buy this, make sure to read the back of the box ;)." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $16.95.
25. A foldable and dishwasher-safe mushroom-shaped funnel — just flip it inside out and stick the cute little "stem" into your container's opening to transfer oils, spices, and more! It can fit inside oil bottles, wine bottles, and even mugs!
Amazon
Promising review: "I am obsessed with this funnel!!! I juice a lot of citrus and juices for cocktails, and this little guy is the perfect size for bottling. It's beyond cute and really great quality. I'm always hesitant about buying silicone items, as I don't want them to be too thin. This is perfect! Sturdy and cute! It can't get better than that! The perfect addition to any cottagecore kitchen!" — Abbey Klem
Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in two sizes).
26. A set of pink and gold cooking utensils to help you get your Gordon Ramsay on with a little more flair. These stylish and durable pieces are made with nonstick silicone so cleanup is a breeze.
www.amazon.com
This set includes a spoon, a turner, a spatula, tongs, a ladle, a whisk, and a matching holder.
Promising review: "They are true-to-color blush pink and gold. Matches my kitchen perfectly! I have used these almost every day for cooking and baking, and they have held up awesomely!! I was afraid of peeling, but they haven't peeled, and I have put them in the dishwasher several times. Would definitely recommend." — Trudy Anne
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in two other colors).
28. A daisy egg separator — a quick, cute, and effective way to make sure only egg whites end up in your low-cholesterol recipe. Now you can stop playing that weird juggling act with eggshells and yolks.
Amazon
Promising review:"This is a terrific little tool, and it works perfectly. I place it over a short drinking glass and crack an egg right into it. The white of the egg tends to hand down in one long 'stalactite,' but with a couple of shakes, it plops neatly into the glass." — D. Rachlin
Get it from Amazon for $12.90.
29. A set of six colorful Cuisinart knives sharp enough for cubing cheese and slicing salami for your charcuterie board. These stainless-steel knives have a color-coded nonstick ceramic coating, so you can avoid chopping veggies with the same knife you prepared raw chicken with.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"The look, the colors, and oh man, the blades! They are like razors but work excellently in the kitchen. The colors are great for glancing and finding exactly the knife you need for a specific job. They clean easily and seem to be keeping their sharp edges." — Darsen
Get it from Amazon for $22.47+ (available in three color combinations).
30. A Pokémon-inspired PokéBall-shaped popcorn maker that'll pop kernels so quickly, you'll likely mistake it for its lookalike — the Pokémon with one of the best speed stats — Electrode!
Amazon
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21 Products Reviewers Say They Used From College On
A shower curtain with pockets — a true space-saving legend you'll be glad you bought freshman year. In the dorms, it'll hold your endless shampoo bottles and face masks; in your first apartment, it might graduate to wine bottles, kids' bath toys, or even a waterproof speaker. Trust me, it's one of those 'why doesn't everyone own this?' items. Promising review: "This is by far one of the best inventions EVER! So, I started getting these in college instead of having shower caddies—all the girls got a big pocket and small pocket —GREAT IDEA! Way less bulk and soap scum around the ledges where normal caddies would get left. As there was an extra pocket, it was a great place to put your phone or even a speaker while in the shower (our phones having waterproof cases, of course). Much like other shower curtains, you can just wash them in the washer or by hand and they are like new! This super durable curtain can be useful if you have kids — you can put their toys! Dogs? Put a treat or tennis ball in the pocket to keep them occupied while bathing them. Need some personal time? The large pockets also easily fit a bottle of wine and can be reached while soaking in the tub. I mean the uses for this thing are endless!" —Ms. Mary Get it from Amazon for $ my colleague's Maytex Quick Dry Pockets Shower Curtain review for more deets! A set of blackout curtains designed to turn 'just five more minutes' into full-on hibernation. They'll help you snooze through your 8 a.m.s now (oops) and keep streetlights from ruining your REM cycles in your future city apartment. Extra perk: they also muffle noise and help control the temperature, which means they're pulling triple duty for years to come. If you don't want to drill into the wall to install curtains, we recommend going with either a tension rod, Command hooks or brackets that connect to existing review: "This is my third time buying these curtains, been using them since college apartments, and now bought them for our guest bedroom. Does a great job of blocking sunlight and more light. These pictures are of the grey curtains." —EdogGet them from Amazon for $15.93+ (available in a variety of sizes and colors). Some foam earplugs that'll be the unsung hero of your backpack. They'll save you from all-night parties in the room next door, rescue your sanity during red-eye flights, help you stay focused in the library, and provide sanctuary from any future partners who snore like chainsaws. Promising review: "I initially bought these to help during my college exams in a computer lab. The constant clacking of keys and clicks of everyone's mouse was distracting me. I only use one, and it completely drowned out the sound in that ear. I started using them when I sleep during the day (I work nights) and use them in both ears. It's silent. I can't hear anything. These are good. I highly recommend. I also have a child who doesn't like loud noises, and she used them during a fireworks show. They didn't fit all the way in her ear (I didn't force them either) and she said they worked well for her." —JASGet a bottle of 50 earplugs from Amazon for $16.49. A lap desk so your 'desk' can be wherever you want it to be. It's a lifesaver for Netflix-fueled paper writing in bed. After graduation, it's perfect for weekend emails, crafting sessions, or balancing your tablet while streaming a full season of your fave show in one sitting. Promising reviews: "I bought this for college. You don't always want to sit at a table or bar. It can be uncomfortable after a period of time. You can chill on your couch or recliner and use this. It works great. I should've bought this a lot earlier." —David"Going back to college has been a challenge for me working two jobs and having four kids. This has made it so much easier to sneak off in my room to do my school work!!!" —AshleyGet it from Amazon for $33.24+ (available in nine colors). A memory foam seat cushion that's basically an apology letter to your tailbone. You'll love it for marathon study sessions now, and it'll stick with you for remote work days, long gaming sessions, or anytime you're trapped in a chair longer than you planned. It's designed to relieve pressure on your tailbone, and reviewers say it's great for reducing lower back reviews: "I'm a college student, and I just moved not too long ago so a lot of my free time is spent sitting in my office chair (probably 10 hours a day). I have one of those gaming chairs that are really common, and in no time at all, the cushion decayed. This product has revolutionized my chair, making it feel brand new. I will probably continue to buy these over brand-new chairs every so often. This is cheaper and equally, if not more, effective than buying a new chair. 💯!" —cody"I broke my tailbone and was in excruciating pain for over 4 months. I got this cushion when I first broke it and was able to sit down, and it was AMAZING. Seriously!!! It allowed my tailbone to heal because it wasn't pressed down on when I sat down. It's been over 6 months (still in pain, but it's way less pain), and I use it every single day. It got me through some of my studies as a college student with mostly online classes. I now bring the cushion to the couch, dinner table, etc. I recommend this to people without injuries, too. It has helped improve my posture so much and takes away the strain of trying to maintain a good posture if you are injured or just too tired to sit up straight. Love this thing. Buy it, please." —Kel. C. Get it from Amazon for $45.99 (available in six colors). A power strip so you can keep every gadget, charger, and hair appliance plugged in at once. It'll be a dorm lifesaver when you're sharing two outlets with a roommate — and in your next apartment, it'll still be the reason your phone, laptop, lamp, and coffee maker can coexist. This power strip also doubles as a surge reviews: "This is an excellent option for a dorm room. Dorm rooms generally have limited outlets, and colleges often have restrictions on what types of extension cords are acceptable. This round power strip works well under a small desk, meets the residential hall guidelines, and includes ports for directly charging phones and other devices. Perfect." —bsaucoin"Y'all, I have had this thing since my freshman year of college (August of 2018) and I still have it!!!! It still works perfectly and I love it so so so so much! It's an essential for me, and it fits anywhere; it's great quality! They can be heavy, but I think that's a good thing because it isn't surprisingly heavy in weight. Great for the price, and the cord length has never been an issue for me from the bed or my desks in college! 5 stars all the way." —Gabrielle JamesGet it from Amazon for $25.99 (also available in black). A swivel desk chair which nails the sweet spot between comfort and style. It'll make late-night cram sessions feel less torturous, and when you've moved on to your first real home office, you'll be glad you didn't settle for the squeaky, lumpy alternative. Promising review: "Excellent product for a reasonable price! The product description/details were accurate. I am a 61-year old female, who put this together myself in approximately 45-minutes. It is lightweight, yet sturdy. I purchased this chair for my daughter, who is a college student and studies long hours at the table. She confirms that the chair is so helpful! It looks nice, too." —CherylGet it from Amazon for $129.99 (also available in white). A pair of blue light–blocking glasses to save your eyes from the endless hours of screen time that college life demands. They'll carry you through late-night essay edits, gaming breaks, and online lectures, then stick around for your first desk job when spreadsheets and Zoom calls are your new professors. Electronic devices emit a lot of blue light, which your eyes do a terrible job of blocking. Over time, blue light may strain your eyes and lead to macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss. Computer glasses that filter blue light can help reduce the amount of blue light you're exposed to, plus you don't need a prescription to wear them and they work even if you're already wearing review: "I work at a job that requires me to look at screens pretty much all day. I'm also a college student who takes my classes online and looks at my phone regularly. I began getting increasingly bad headaches and researched possible explanations. Constant blue light screen exposure was the most likely for my specific lifestyle. Since getting these glasses, my frequency and severity of headaches has gone completely down from before. Not only that, these glasses are adorable and can fit just about any face shape. Great quality and work wonderfully. Highly recommend." —MadisonGet them from Amazon for $11.19+ (available in 34 colors and styles). A cold brew maker here to single-handedly slash your coffee shop spending. Freshman year, it's your antidote to overpriced campus lattes; later, it's your secret weapon for Monday mornings when you'd rather roll out of bed than roll into a café line. It brews a quart (4 cups), so you should have enough java to get you through the day (and maybe some left over to share with your favorite coworker).Promising review: "Bought this several times. Originally recommended by a friend and now we can't live without it! So easy to use and no bitterness. Only problem is we go through the cold brew so fast I usually put it in a separate pitcher so I can start brewing the next batch so we never run out!. We ended up using it so much I had to buy my daughter her own to take to college. The pitcher is plastic and I was initially disappointed but it turns out it is so much better in plastic and easy to use and clean." —OCMomEsqGet it from Amazon for $24.14+ (available in two sizes and three colors). A white-noise machine for transforming chaotic dorm acoustics into a calming backdrop of rain, ocean waves, or gentle thunder. After graduation, it'll keep your sleep sacred in noisy apartment buildings, during hotel stays, or even in your own home when the neighbors get too chatty. It has six built-in sleep sounds — rain, brook, ocean, thunder, white noise, and summer night — as well as an auto-off timer that you set for 15, 30, or 60 minutes. Plus, it's lightweight and portable so you can bring good sleep with you reviews: "This product is amazing as I have just moved into my college apartment. It perfectly drowns out the noise as you can adjust the volume and change sounds depending on which in you like. Personally I enjoy the white noise feature and I leave it on all night. I also chose to plug it into an outlet since it comes with the plug and block but you may also decide to use batteries. If you use batteries I suggest you leave it on the timer setting which allows for a 15,30, or 60 minute timer and then it will automatically turn off. It's been a game changer for my sleep and I highly recommend!!!" —Gianna Moraci"I use this every night! My roommate in college got me hooked on a rain machine to help me sleep and even years later, I still have to have it to sleep! Great quality and awesome functionality." —amb0319Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in two colors). A truly ~egg-cellent~ rapid egg cooker you can count on to make a delicious breakfast happen in literal minutes. You'll rely on it for quick protein before class now, then keep it in rotation for speedy brunches, packed mornings, or lazy Sunday omelets well into adulthood. Promising review: "I got one as a gift in college, and my roommates and I ate so many eggs throughout the busy year, and I decided to get a second one for my mom. When we graduated, my former roommate said she also got one. Once you have one, you can't go back. It's so useful if you want a quick snack or addition to a meal, especially when you're busy with other things." —Joanne AhnGet it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes and seven colors).Check out our Dash Rapid Egg Cooker review for more deets! A heavy-duty alarm clock that can *shake* you awake when your willpower won't. Ideal for making sure you never miss an exam, and equally valuable years later when you have to catch an early flight or log in for a 7 a.m. meeting. Promising reviews: "I got this for my son, who is such a deep sleeper. He's at college now and there's no one to wake him up 10x every morning, just to fall back asleep. He texted me this morning and said that it was incredible! Said 5 units away from his apartment properly heard it, but it works!" —Katheryn Webster"This is the best alarm clock I have yet to own. I am a college student and there have been times when I would sleep through my alarms and would miss class. I tried different methods, like changing up my alarm and setting one far away. I even used an alarm app that made me solve math problems to turn it off, but that failed because I would just delete the app in my sleep to shut it up. This alarm clock has been a lifesaver in making sure I wake up in time for class. It always startles me awake and gets my heart racing, so I don't even feel like going back to sleep. I like how it has the option for you to choose the pitch of your alarm if you choose to use the you are a heavy sleeper, have trouble getting up in the morning, and have a risk of sleeping through your alarm, this is the alarm clock for you!" —Thomas RGet it from Amazon for $43.99 (available in six colors). A mug warmer here to rescue your coffee from the fate of going lukewarm mid-sip. In college, it'll be your desk mate during late-night cram sessions; later, it'll keep you caffeinated and happy through endless meetings or cozy weekends staying in and reading. This mug warmer does *not* have an auto-off feature, so we recommend also getting an auto-off outlet if you're prone to forgetting to unplug review: "I bought one of these before I went to college. It's been about 10 years and it's still going strong. I use it almost every day at work and have used it pretty consistently over the last decade. No issues whatsoever with overheating (even when I accidentally leave it on for longer than planned), and it keeps my drinks perfect. I also have one of those cute little iron teapots, and it keeps that thing perfectly warm for hours and hours. When (if?) mine dies, I will definitely buy another. I got my grandma a much more expensive one from Sharper Image, and it doesn't keep things nearly as warm, and it randomly shuts itself off every hour or so. This one isn't flashy, but it's definitely a great simple little gadget." —AlisonGet it from Amazon for $11.99. A three-tier rolling cart that turns 'where do I stash all my stuff?' into 'dang, I'm finally organized.' It'll corral your dorm toiletries, snacks, and mini-fridge essentials now, and later cruise beside your bedroom dresser, hold your kitchen gadgets, or even act as a mobile office triage station during those early WFH days. Featuring a sturdy metal frame, mesh-bottom bins, and smooth swivel wheels, it'll ~roll right along~ with your life as it changes. A microwave pasta cooker guaranteed to take you from hungry to carb-loaded without dirtying half the kitchen. It'll see you through dorm dinners *and* those nights when you just want comfort food without the whole boiling-water ordeal. Read our Fasta Pasta Microwave Cooker review for more!Promising review: "When I first bought these, I was in the position where I needed to cook all of my meals in a college dorm without a kitchen and with limitations on which types of appliances I could purchase. I had a microwave, a toaster oven, a coffee maker, and a to say, this microwavable pasta maker saved my life in college.I cooked pasta (and ravioli/tortellini!) for nearly all of my meals, and this little tool made that process SO easy for me, AND could hold a hefty few servings of pasta on top of that! I just filled it with as much pasta as I needed to prepare, filled with water, added a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking, and my pasta was done in minutes! No waiting for a pot to boil, no needing to set a timer to avoid forgetting about your pasta, no need for a separate pot and strainer, AND it was super easy to clean." —Brenda PelletierGet it from Amazon for $16.99. A memory foam mattress topper for transforming a dorm-issued slab into a bed you actually want to sleep in. And once you've moved, it'll follow you to your first apartment, guest room, or anywhere a little extra cloud-like comfort is needed. Promising reviews: "I was in search of a mattress topper when moving off to college and this one has satisfied all of my needs. It has just the right amount of firmness and softness allowing for a good nights sleep. After placing this mattress topper on top of my hard mattress, I no longer experienced restless nights of sleep. I would highly recommend this product if you are moving into a dorm or apartment." —Brynlee Urbantke"AMAZING! It slides around a little bit and that's the only con. I got it for college and it's so amazing I'm getting one for my bed at home while I'm there in the summer too. Very comfortable and soft, I was worried but I'm glad it worked out exactly how I wanted it." —Liz a two-inch topper from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes twin–California king as well as a three-inch-thick version). A velvety soft microfiber duvet ready to earn permanent status in your bedding lineup. You'll love it for movie nights in your dorm now (and using it to make your bed for years to come). Promising reviews: "I bought this comforter for my son for college and it is perfect! It's medium warmth, very soft and fluffy. Exactly what I was looking for. The square stitching keeps the stuffing perfectly in place. My favorite feature is the loops on the corners that tie to a duvet cover to keep the comforter from shifting. I loved this comforter so much, I ordered one for my other son and am going to order one for every other bed in the house. An amazing find! Love everything about it!" —Sonja M. Ocker"Bought it for my daughter's college apartment. She absolutely loves it! Super comfortable! Not too warm. Perfect!! She wants to buy another for her bed at home for when she visits! :)" —Shannon D. Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in sizes twin–California king and six colors). A combination oil diffuser and humidifier for when your dorm smells… lived in. It'll make your air fresher, your room calmer, and your sleep better — and you'll keep it for every future home that needs a little mood and moisture boost. Promising review: "I bought this as a gift for my teenage daughter, and she loves it! I also purchased a set of essential oils. The scent is very light, not too strong and very spa like. I like to borrow it whenever I take a hot bath. The colors are beautiful and makes it extremely pleasing to the eye. I now want to purchase one for myself, especially since I know she will be taking it with her when she leaves for college!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in three colors). A Brita water dispenser proving staying hydrated doesn't have to mean hauling 24-packs of plastic bottles up three flights of stairs. You'll appreciate it in the dorms, and even more in your own kitchen years later when cold, clean water is just a fridge-door pull away. A huge backpack laundry bag that lets you transport a week's (or two's) worth of clothes without breaking your back. Great for laundry room treks in college, and just as handy for trips to the laundromat or packing up linens as a grown-up. A pair of hybrid over-ear headphones here to turn any noisy dorm hall into a personal study bubble. With up to 60 hours of juice (40 with noise cancelling on) and fast-charging that gives you four hours of playback from just five minutes plugged in, they're a nonnegotiable for late-night cramming (and they're not going anywhere when you start making caffeine-fueled commutes). Promising review: "I bought my college-age son a pair of these, and he liked them so much, I bought myself a pair and I'm glad I did. I use them mostly at the gym and the sound quality is very good. They are comfortable to wear and have a very good battery life. The noise cancelling mode is great, knocking out most of the background noise you hear, so I'm not blasting them so loud. They are also well-made and sturdy. Would recommend!" —Gregory MGet them from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four colors).
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
27 Life Hack Products For College Freshmen
A plastic bedside shelf that turns the edge of your bed into prime real estate for your phone, glasses, late-night snacks, or an emergency bowl of soup when you're under the weather. Promising review: "This is a must-have for a dorm room. I thought the price was a little expensive for such a simple bedside shelf, but my daughter said it was one of the best things we bought her for her dorm room." —AmberGet it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in three styles and two colors). A roll of double-sided heavy-duty mounting tape so ridiculously strong, you'll start looking around your dorm, wondering what else you could stick to the wall — no nails, no drama. Promising review: "Whatever amount of this tape you're about to use, it's too much — unless it's something you never want to come off for the rest of eternity. If you've got a mummy's tomb to seal, this is the tape you want for the job. This stuff is so strong, it transcends the physical realm." —SeanGet it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes). A colorful wireless keyboard and mouse set to add a little clickety-clack joy to long nights of paper-writing. Bonus: It makes your desk look like it belongs to someone who has their life together. A Rocketbook smart reusable notebook for the analog note-taker who still loves a good cloud backup. Scribble by hand, scan it into the ether, wipe the page, and start again. An electric mug warmer to keep your coffee at peak drinkability — perfect for the chronic 'takes one sip and then forgets about it until it's cold' crowd. A lightweight canvas backpack that manages to pull off stylish and functional *without* the Fjällräven price tag — and yes, it holds a laptop with room to spare. A keyboard cover to shield your laptop from coffee splashes, snack crumbs, and the occasional mid-essay existential crisis tears. A portable, microwaveable Rapid Ramen Cooker that gets you from 'I'm starving' to 'mmm, ramen' in record time, no stove top required. And a microwave pasta cooker with its own strainer, because cooking in a dorm shouldn't require juggling boiling water and awkward sink angles. A wearable blanket, because there's no better way to study than cocooned up by yourself, pretending the outside world doesn't exist. A no-frills daily planner to help you map out your classes, assignments, and laundry schedule in one tidy place. A popular set of waterproof under-$30 wireless Bluetooth earbuds that can survive showers, block out your roommate's Netflix habit, and still have battery left for the walk to class. A slim laptop stand to lift your screen to a spine-approved height and sneakily add storage space underneath for textbooks and notebooks. A set of popular fine-tip pens to make even the driest lecture notes feel like a craft project. Color-coded midterms? Absolutely. A simple-to-use cold brew coffee maker so you can skip the Starbucks line, save money, and still have icy caffeine ready to go before your 8 a.m. A sunrise alarm clock that wakes you with gradually brightening light and nature sounds instead of the aggressive iPhone bleep bleep. Or a heavy-duty alarm clock for anyone who treats the snooze button like a competitive sport. It comes complete with mattress-shaking power and can't-ignore volume. A pair of blue light-blocking glasses to give your eyeballs a break after hours of screens, study sessions, and that 'just one more episode' spiral. A pair of quick-drying shower sandals so you can walk into the communal bathroom without also walking away with a mystery fungus. A wall charger with room for six plugs and two USB ports, so you can keep every gadget charged without a tangle of extension cords. A two-pack of Downy Wrinkle Releaser fabric spray for when you pull a shirt out of your laundry bag and it looks like it's been through a spin cycle in another dimension. A Maybelline concealer that erases the evidence of your 'I stayed up until 3 a.m. watching TikToks instead of sleeping' choices. A Simple Modern tumbler that keeps drinks at the perfect temp alllllll day. (A more affordable alternative to a Stanley!) A pair of wireless sleep headphones so you can drift off to white noise or podcasts without hard plastic earbuds stabbing your ears at 2 a.m. A productivity timer to split your day into bite-size work-and-break chunks, making giant tasks feel a lot less terrifying. A memory foam seat cushion and lumbar pillow that transforms even the worst dorm desk chair into something your back will actually thank you for. And finally, a hanging laundry bag to get your dirty clothes off the floor and out of the way, especially in a dorm room where 'floor space' is a generous term.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Child-Free People, What Are The Wildest Things Parents Have Said When They Learned You Don't Want Kids
Whether or not you choose to have children is honestly nobody's business but your own, but that doesn't stop other adults from weighing in with their unsolicited takes. Considering this, I wanted to hear from you — our BuzzFeed Community. If you've chosen to be child-free, what has been the wildest reaction from parents around you? Maybe you and your partner are friends with a couple who have three children. They're always running on fumes and expressing how exhausted and stressed they are. However, when you both mentioned that you'll be remaining child-free, they gasped and claimed you weren't doing your part to keep the world turning. As if it's all up to you. Related: Or, maybe you told your parents you had no interest in procreating, and they guilted you for robbing them of their only chance at being able to right all the wrongs they committed when raising you. YOUR child was supposed to be their second chance. Related: Or maybe it was someone in line at a coffee shop. You had your nephew with you, and when they commented that you both looked so much alike, you mentioned that you weren't their parent and just babysitting. You also said you wouldn't be having any of your own, and the coffee shop lady scoffed. She said that you're what's wrong with your generation. That you're just too lazy to put in the work of child rearing, and it's really such a shame. Whatever the case may be, we want to hear about it. If you're child-free, we want to know the wildest thing someone has said to you about your decision. Share in the comments or via this anonymous form below. Your response could be featured in an upcoming post. Also in Community: Also in Community: Also in Community: Solve the daily Crossword
