Instant Home Makeover: 40 No-Renovation Upgrades
Slobproof is a small business that makes paint touch-up pens.Promising review: "I keep these in my kitchen drawer and it's SO convenient for my painted cabinets! I moved into a house with older wood cabinets, and because it's such a small kitchen, I knew that painting the cabinets white (actually went with cream!) would make it feel so much larger! I LOVE the way they look, but inevitably (even though I sanded and prepped), I'll get little chips in the paint. These touch-up pens stay in my junk drawer full of paint at all times. The cap makes it so it never dries out and stays super clean. But I'm able to grab them any time and just touch things up so my cabinets ALWAYS look fresh." —Claire FloresGet it from Slobproof on Amazon for $12.99+ (available in a pack of two or five).
If you have one of those big frameless mirrors in your bathroom and want to take it up a notch, "frame" it with a roll of wood grain tape. This is a great alternative to ripping it out and replacing it with something expensive.
Promising review: "Where do I start? I absolutely LOVE this product. I wanted to replace our bathroom mirror, but due to the size, it would have cost a lot! I came across this on Amazon and decided to give it a try. The application process was super easy and applied without bubbles as long as you go slowly and rub it down as you go. I kid you not. It looks like wood and feels like it, too! You can feel and see the 'wood grain.' It's absolutely stunning and looks like I bought a whole new mirror." —TaylorGet it from Amazon for $7.92.
Easily install a metal plug-in wall sconce that's powered by an electrical outlet, because not all of us can or want to hire an electrician to install a more permanent light fixture. It's also got a dimmer!
Promising review: "These lamps are perfect for over the bed. They have two switches. One is on the base to dim them, and then a lower switch is needed for when you are tired and don't want to reach that high! Perfect!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in black or gold, and in packs of one, two, and three).
Or mount a pair of battery-operated wall sconces right onto your wall, no electrician (or electric outlet!) required. These renter-friendly lights last *two years* on a single USB charge, and the 12-color RGB spectrum and adjustable white light settings mean you can go moody, warm, or full disco depending on your mood.
Or if you want something more modern, this (Shark Tank–approved!) wireless wall sconce is another renter-friendly way to add some ambient light to your room. Rechargeable and dimmable, it requires no tools, causes no damage, and needs no electrical work.
Poplight is a LGBTQ+ and woman-owned small business in Denver that makes a gorgeous, budget- and renter-friendly wall sconce. Promising review: "This totally is a lighting game changer! If you're like me and are constantly revamping your home, and moving things around - well this cute, rechargeable, "no-wiring-needed" light is just the ticket. It took me all of 30 seconds to install, and the brightness settings on the app are perfect. I like that I can set a timer on the light so I don't accidentally leave it on. Mine came with an extra battery, so when the initial one needs to be recharged, I just swap it out. I actually think I'm going to need to buy another one!" —LaurenGet it from Amazon for $99 (available in three colors).
Transform a piece of furniture or cabinetry into something dazzling with a can of eco-friendly chalk-like paint that dries within 30 minutes. It doesn't require a primer or a top coat, so you can get the job done quickly and easily.
This paint contains no harsh chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or solvents. Promising review: "First time painting anything in my life, and it was great. No sanding or priming is needed. Beautiful colors; description and pictures are so accurate. Easy to paint and quick to dry. Time-saving! I will always be using this paint." —Samah SafiGet it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four sizes and over 50 colors).
Take your walls to the next level with some pre-made wall panels. The only things you need are a nail gun and glue (or Command strips if you're a renter) to get the look.
Clip a pack of 16 solar-powered outdoor lights onto your balcony's ledge. Warm nights spent in your outdoor space will be so much nicer when you have proper mood lighting.
Promising review: "Developed a garden on the apartment patio, and wanted to add some lights along the railing to give it some character. These solar lights are not too bright and were easy to install. All lights work, which is great. Better than could have hoped for. 👍" —KMFGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two colors and also a set of 20).
Install a top-down, bottom-up Roman shade that'll look high-end but installs with just a couple of screws. It'll filter in soft, natural light while still giving you privacy, and the cordless design makes your space feel instantly more tailored. No rods, no fancy tools, no stress.
Promising review: "The fit is fantastic and matches my measurements perfectly. I love the texture and the convenience of adjusting the height easily. It's great that I can raise them from the bottom or lower them from the top. Considering the level of customization, I believe the pricing is fair. I wanted light filtering, and these curtains provide the perfect amount of privacy for our bathroom." —C-RodGet it from Amazon for $37.49+ (available in 20 colors and over 100 sizes; be sure to clip the 25% off coupon when applicable).
Put an under-cabinet lid opener so you never struggle to open a jar again. And because it mounts to the underside of your cabinet, it'll be out of sight and out of mind when you don't need it.
Add some rustic charm to your home with a set of two battery-powered and remote-controlled operated mason jar wall sconces. Everything's included: the fairy lights, the faux flowers...everything! It's giving modern farmhouse meets shabby chic.
Besuerte is a small business that sells home accents.Promising review: "All my guests are so impressed by this addition to my guest bathroom. They love the look and simplicity, but has a huge decor impact overall. Really recommend this!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two different flower types and four different wood finishes).
Jazz up an old desk or cabinet with some antique-esque brass cabinet pulls. One of the most dramatic ways to change the look of drawers and cabinets is to swap out the hardware, and it's soooo easy.
Promising review: "These are so nice and heavy. Such great quality for the price. They look amazing on the kitchen cabinets. I would recommend these for sure!" —Kindle CustomerGet a pack of 10 from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in different quantities, styles, and finishes).
Decant your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash into these beautiful wall-mounted amber bottles that come with matching labels. Be sure to use a leveler to make sure yours are evenly aligned!
You can see how one TikTok user styled hers in this TikTok video by Miriam Gin.MaisoNovo is a woman-owned small business in Brooklyn that makes stylish refillable bottles for the home.Promising review: "We have a narrow bathtub/shower with little space. I love this product. It's so easy to install. I used a level to keep them aligned. Wait 24 hours before you use them. Great price, great quality, I highly recommend." —Karen KopeckiGet it from MaisoNovo on Amazon for $24.70+ (available in six different styles and quantities of one, two, or three).
Perfectly illuminate your kitchen and bathroom at night with some motion sensor under-cabinet lights. After a full charge, they can last for about three hours if left on, or up to four weeks if they're on motion sensor mode and activated up to 10 times per day.
These have a built-in magnet that'll stick on most metals, or you can use the included adhesive tape to tape them onto an existing surface.Promising review: "These lights are so worth it. I have a closet with no light in it, and I installed these in maybe two minutes flat, and it has completely fixed my disdain for the previously dark and disorganized closet. If you think you need these, you probably do." —HDGet it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes and in warm or white light).
Or try these stick-on track lights if you want a continuous glow, not a spotted one. They're remote-controlled and dimmable, and you can set a timer so they shut off automatically. They plug into a power outlet, so you never need to worry about the battery dying.
If you have a large piece of furniture that could benefit from a little something special, consider sticking some hexagon peel-and-stick tile to it. This is also great if you have a kitchen or bathroom without tile and want to add a beautiful but not permanent backsplash or accent wall.
Promising review: "It took me and my husband about two days to finish our little project. It was all worth it because it turned out so well! It's really sticky but when we made an error and had to peel some of it off, it wasn't that hard to take it off and didn't damage the wall paint too. Will definitely order from the same company if we need to in the future." —Ashley L.Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three quantities and six colors).
Give a bookshelf a makeover with a roll of peel-and-stick floral wallpaper. This will take it from drab to fab in no time at all.
Promising review: "I bought this to line the inside of an old cupboard. Once I got the hang of the peel-and-stick, it went on nice and looks really nice. Love the floral pattern! Feels like good quality. Good adhesion." —Cindy W.Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in two colors and six sizes).
Or use a roll of peel-and-stick wallpaper in a subtle black-and-white pattern to add a bit of modern drama. An easy DIY win that will instantly upgrade your space.
Promising review: "This was easy to use. I had no issues covering a small surface! It was also just as easy to re-adjust the piece I wanted to, but it remained good enough to put down. I really like the pattern. It's very modern." —M.P.Get it from Amazon for $4.89+ (available in two roll sizes; be sure to clip the 30% off coupon).
Use a pack of six furniture markers to touch up small nicks and cuts in your wood furniture and floors. Each kit comes with the most common wood colors (cherry, mahogany, walnut, black, maple, and oak) and matching crayons for easy filling when the damaged area is a little deep.
Promising review: "I am thoroughly impressed! We have a 115-plus-year-old house, and we only have hardwood in our downstairs hall and den. We didn't want to spend tons of money because we were probably going to be replacing the flooring in a few years. I'm actually still working on this as I'm writing this, but I am so impressed that I just had to write a review right away. The only 'negative' I have is that the colors are darker than the caps show, but it's not a big deal. For the money, you can't go wrong." —BorgGet them from Amazon for $9.49.
Replace your old pillows with a set of Beckham Hotel Collection pillows. These are big, fluffy, and soft, and everyone says it feels like you're sleeping at a fancy hotel when you use them. Yes, please!
Promising review: "Due to packaging, they are quite flat at first. Laid them flat for a few hours. Shook and fluffed them up and was able to sleep like a baby last night. These pillows are heavenly. I say that because it feels as though you're sleeping on a cloud. I slept with both. One under my head and one to hug. They stayed a comfortable temp all night long. The first morning, I didn't wake up with neck, shoulder, and back pain in over a week and a half. I feel rested and refreshed." —Amazon Customer"These are THE BEST pillows! I'm a side/stomach sleeper and these provide the perfect amount of support for me. Exactly what I was looking for. I was a bit skeptical, given how inexpensive they are — I'm used to spending a lot on bedding — but I decided to trust the over 200,000 reviews, and I'm so glad I did. Highly, highly recommend." —Irene PopeGet it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in Queen or King sizes and two material types).
Or install some solar-powered outdoor lantern lights since you'll be spending way more time in your backyard. Because they don't require electricity, you can hang them and then not worry about maintenance.
Promising review: "My goodness, I did not expect to love these lanterns as much as I do. They are very, very good quality and display lots of light. I hung both of them between my small patio and English garden, and they provided enough light for both areas. I received them late afternoon, so they got about four hours in the sun. At 9 p.m., both came on like clockwork. I got up at 3 a.m. to check if they were still on, and they were as bright as ever. They are so dang cute and unique in my yard. I will be buying more. Love, Love, Love them." —Dog TailorGet it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in three styles).
Turn any window into a rainbow factory with a roll of privacy window film. When the light hits it, your space will be covered in rainbows. And when the light isn't hitting it, it looks like ornate stained glass.
Cover grout stains with a fresh coat of waterproof white paint thanks to a mold-resistant grout pen. Each pen can cover up to 150 feet of grout.
Be sure to clean your grout beforehand, as this pen covers stains that will be easier to cover if the surface is clean.There are 11 different grout colors available: white, winter gray, light gray, gray, dark gray, black, ivory, cream, beige, brown, and terracotta. You can view all the colors.Promising review: "I have 12-inch white tile in my whole house that is 20 years old. Even though I kept it looking nice, the grout still was getting dark. I cleaned the grout and let it dry well until the next day, then used the grout pen. It looks like it is brand-new. One thing that I found out was that if the tip of the pen starts to look worn, you can just pull it out and turn it over — it is the same tip on both ends. It will take some time to do the whole house, but it looks so great that I will just do a section at a time 'til I finish. One other thing that I did was run my finger down the grout line after I applied the grout pen, then wipe down the tile line with a paper towel so no other cleanup was necessary." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in a narrow or wide tip).
Show off your favorite books with a set of special shelves that mount to the wall. These literally make it look like your books are floating on the wall.
From BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd: "I love my floating bookshelves because they save a lot of space, and since I colorized them, they look like fun decor in my room. It definitely helps me get excited about reading more since they're so cute and visible. The shelves were also super easy to hang, and, as you can see, they're very sturdy." Promising review: "These are so much fun! We ordered the small size, which fits standard hardback books (approximately five to seven hardbacks in my experience). They're a great way to add some extra storage to our very small home, and we've placed them in our hallway so people ask us about them all the time. I'd highly recommend!" —LaBuenaVidaMereGet it from Amazon for $11.50+ (available in small or large and in sets of three).
Install some floating shelves in your bathroom to give your pretty things a place to shine. Most bathrooms just have a few towel rods, so installing these will give you plenty of opportunities to show off your gorgeous candles, ceramics, and hand towels.
Promising review: "These shelves are so beautiful! My bathroom doesn't have a counter around the sink so this is perfect. It is modern and sleek and the wood and cast-iron shelves are very well built and sturdy. I was surprised that these are such high quality considering the price." —VincentGet a set of two from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in seven finishes).
Since summer's here, trade out your heavy winter sheets for some extra soft cooling bedsheets. Nights spent under the covers will be so much nicer now, thanks to this beloved bedding set (it has over 240,000 5-star ratings on Amazon).
If you lack a proper foyer but still need a place to stash your stuff, consider investing in an entryway storage bench. This has nine movable hooks, shoe storage (including space for tall boots), and a bench with a max weight capacity of 330 pounds.
Promising review: "I needed something not too large for my entryway, and this fit the bill perfectly. It looks great, feels sturdy, and was fairly easy to assemble. My family of seven has jackets, shoes, and bags on it regularly, and it is serving us well. I was a bit worried, given the relatively low price, that I would get low quality, but I was happy to find I was wrong. We love this coat rack!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $75.99+ (available in three wood and metal finishes).
Or hang up a rustic wall-mounted entry organizer if you just need a place to stash your keys and mail. There's also a little shelf if you want to keep your wallet or other essentials there too.
Promising review: "This is great for storing our million sets of keys and mail that usually ended up on our kitchen counter!" —BreeGet it from Amazon for $22.99.
If you have hard flooring and want something soft underfoot, place a textured shaggy rug over it. The Moroccan vibes will bring some bohemian energy to your space.
Promising review: "Product looks way way better in person. The pictures don't do it justice. Completely transformed one of my rooms simply by laying this rug out. It's softer than it looks, too." —GrantGet it from Amazon for $28.37+ (available in many sizes and nine colors).
Bring the outdoors in with a pack of artificial ivy leaves. Hang these on your walls for a backdrop, or use them as window treatments for extra privacy.
Promising review: "These are fantastic and look like it could be real ivy once hung. One pack of 16 vines covered the length of my wall just like I was hoping, and they complimented the zen/oasis aesthetic I have in my living room perfectly." —EricaGet it from Amazon for $7.99.
For those nooks and corners that feel empty, consider placing a shelf floor lamp with built-in USB charging ports and electrical outlets. Reviewers say this is a great multifunctional piece, as it provides shelf space, light, and a place to charge various devices.
Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the home.Check out this TikTok on how to style it!Promising review: "Obsessed with this lamp! It was so easy to put together and it adds such a nice warm ambience to the room! I love it." —BeatriceGet it from Brightech on Amazon for $69.99+ (available in four colors).
Hang some velvet curtains if you need to filter light but don't want to sacrifice style. These are very good at providing privacy and darkening the space.
Organize and partition shelves in your closet with some shelf dividers. Not only will it help keep the stacks of clothing and bedding upright, but now everything from towels to linens will have their own spot.
Promising review: "If you need to Marie Kondo your closet, this is really useful, and it looks really nice. I got the gray ones. Bought two to see how they were. Perfect. Bought six more. Loving it!!! Really recommended this product, ready to install and very sturdy." —Nicolò R. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $17.99.
Install a fog-resistant, wall-mounted shower mirror so you can get a perfect shave every time. It has three different light settings, adjustable brightness, a little shelf to hold and hooks your razors, and a squeegee just in case it does fog up.
Promising review: "I ran across this mirror on another person's TikTok. Once I received this and mounted it in my shower, it was amazing! It feels like a fancy hotel feature that was placed within my shower. I love the different light settings. On the downside, the mirror does fog up frequently due to the steam. Since the mirror comes with a wiper, that helps as a slight fix to that problem. Overall, I highly recommend this as a purchase for an elevated feature to your bathroom" —Shanel MitchellGet it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three colors).
Add a little tech to your bathroom with an automatic soap dispenser that also tells you the temperature. This is a game changer if you're short on countertop space because it mounts to the wall *and* keeps soap dispensing tidy.
Promising review: "I purchased this automatic hand soap machine based off some TikTok videos. I love this and will not go back to a manual soap bottle. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!" —SGT OGet it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in six colors and styles).
Swap out your bathroom's regular trash can for a super sleek motion-activated trash can. Reviewers swear that the sensor isn't delicate enough that it would open for a curious cat or someone just walking by. The lid is also waterproof, so you don't have to worry about water splashes from the sink or shower getting into the trash.
Note: it's powered by two AA batteries (not included).Promising review: "I love this trash can because no one will ever see the trash I put in my bathroom trash can. When I put my hand above the sensor, it opens so discreetly and gently, and stays open for a few seconds then gently closes. The outside is absolutely beautiful. I know it's just a trash can, but in my bathroom, it looks like a cute piece of art." —DawnGet it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in three colors and two sizes).
Give your kitchen a more finished look with some peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash. These are extra great if you're a renter — they don't damage the wall at all if you ever need to remove them.
Promising review: "I've been wanting to try peel-and-stick tiles for a long time, and I'm so glad I found these for our kitchen facelift! They are so easy to apply and look amazing! I love that they are actual-size subway tiles as well! They've given our kitchen the last very important piece that it needed!" —April Grill Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 13 colors; be sure to clip the $10 off coupon when applicable).
Because it's the little things in life, try some satin nickel switch plates (good design is in the details). It's like adding jewelry to your walls!
Keep your most unruly closet organized with some stackable acrylic drawers. From a tiny collection of cleaning supplies to literally organizing everything in your bathroom, these conveniently lock on top of each other for easy customization.
Promising review: "TikTok made me do it. If you're a clean freak and love to organize, I would definitely recommend this product. Easy to assemble and aesthetically pleasing. I use this to store my scrub daddy/sponges and microfiber cleaning cloths. Not necessary but definitely worth it!" —SierraGet it from Amazon for $22.99.
And free up drawer and countertop space in your bathroom by mounting this aesthetically pleasing hair dryer holder to your wall. It comes in gold, black, or silver, so it's sure to match any metal finish you have in your bathroom.
See it in all its pretty glory in Teresa Caruso's TikTok video.Promising review: "I don't have a lot of counter space so I wanted something to store my hair dryer. This works great and it matches my house beautifully!" —Amjohnson247 Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in three metal finishes; be sure to clip the $5 off coupon).
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26 Parent-Approved School Year Essentials
A school supply essentials box in case that back-to-school list is just too daunting. This case has pretty much everything you'll need for the school year and almost anything that'll be on the supply list so you can enjoy summer rather than fight Hunger Games-style with another adult over the last glue stick. Each bundle includes a plastic pencil box, a 10-pack of markers, a 24-pack of crayons, a 12-pack of colored pencils, three glue sticks, a pack of #2 pencils, five pencil top erasers, a rubber eraser, a pencil sharpener, a pair of blunt tip scissors, two pencil grips, a 12-inch ruler, a wide-rule spiral notebook, a wide ruled composition book, and two 2-pocket folder with metal review: "As a busy working mother, this was a lifesaver! The kit had everything my third grader needed to start his new school year, and I didn't have to fight the crowds at the stores!!! 5 stars!!!" —Carolyn JacksonGet it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in two other sizes). A gentle alarm clock that'll hopefully bring you much cheerier wake-ups than jarring beeping sounds. I recently started using this sunrise clock and THE CHANGE to my mornings. Even if your little one is too young for an alarm clock, just having one for yourself can make waking up so much more pleasant. Promising review: "This clock is a lifesaver! I bought one each for my three kids so they can get up on time for school, and it works perfectly! They love the ease of use and customization — and they are actually excited about getting up on time!" —KavinaGet it from Amazon for $32.88+ (available in three colors). A cereal dispenser so they can get themselves breakfast without a gigantic pile of spilled cereal on the floor. The added excitement of making every breakfast feel like a hotel vacation breakfast is simply a bonus. Promising review: "These keep my cereal fresh, my 6-year-old can use them on her own! It's truly a lifesaver!" —Allison MarieGet it from Amazon for $31.22. A breakfast sandwich maker to get you a hot and delicious breakfast rather than scavenging off of leftover cereal and cold toaster pastries. This machine makes amazing breakfast sandwiches in minutes — plus you can embarrass your brood by singing H-O-T-T-O-G-O every time you pass them a sando. Promising review: "This thing is a lifesaver. I'm a mother of four young kids, so I have resorted to eating cereal, Pop-Tarts, anything FAST in the mornings because I have lots of little people to take care of, too. For as little as one minute of prep time and five minutes to cook, I have a delicious and much healthier breakfast. I bought the single, but I am considering ordering a double as well." — it from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in five colors). A hard-boiled egg maker so efficient, it takes almost all of the time out of making hard-boiled eggs for your family. Quickly make up to six eggs at a time in about 10 minutes. Perfect for any family rushing through the breakfast chaos — or anyone who has found their batch of hard-boiled eggs sitting in a lukewarm pot of water six hours later. 🫠 Promising review: "Lifesaver! Quick eggs and do not need to be prepped that much. Helps a lot when you are getting kids ready to go to school." —DeepakGet it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes and seven colors). A programmable coffee maker that'll help you set your coffee up the night before and wake up to your favorite aroma. If you're like me and have had too many mornings where you realize you forgot to brew your coffee until it was too late, it's time to treat yourself to a better system. Promising review: "What was I waiting for? I drink a lot of coffee. Now I've always had a glass pot coffee maker and briefly went down the Keurig road (hated it.) After breaking my third glass pot in the past few years, I started looking into getting a stainless steel pot. I saw a few with a water reservoir, but I decided against it. Good fresh water makes for good coffee. This one seemed to get good reviews, so I ordered it. Boy, am I glad that I did! The pot is huge (a lot of stainless steel pots were only 10 cups, this one makes 12.) The design is sleek and matches my kitchen so well. The auto feature is nice when I remember to actually prep it at night. There is a bold feature (yaasss!) The display will tell you how many minutes, up to two hours, have passed since it brewed. The best part, however, is the pot. It keeps the coffee warm for hours and hours. I have four kids and run a home daycare, so I don't always get around to getting my second and third cups until hours after brewing. And I hate microwaved coffee! This coffee maker has been a lifesaver. I can have my early morning cup. Get through my morning schedule and go back for another cup, and it'll be just as hot! No reheating! My only complaint is that I wish the filter were cone-shaped instead of a basket. Just a personal preference of mine. (I think the chance of grounds getting into the brew increases with a basket filter, that's all.) But other than that, this has been the best coffee maker I have ever bought." —JasmineGet it from Amazon for $65.99+ (available in three versions). A set of refrigerator storage bins to make getting lunches ready a much more streamlined process. Rather than digging through the fridge trying to find whatever snacks you have, keep them separated and at the ready. Promising review: "The bins were a lifesaver. Now I can reach things easily by pulling out bins. The entire family found that this works better than reaching in the back of the refrigerator for things that have fallen. Now it is simply pulling out a bin. Also, it avoids standing in front of the refrigerator looking for things. The bins have 'like' items in each. I also paired this with the rotating refrigerator carousel. My refrigerator is now very organized and maximizes space. The bins seem very durable and are made of sturdy material." —Gorbla2Get a set of four from Amazon for $16.76+ (available in two sizes). A pack of silicone dividers so foods in the lunch box stay separated and less soggy — because no one likes soggy crackers thanks to strawberry spillage. Promising review: "We love these! Every Sunday, we make homemade Lunchables. We put crackers in the rectangular cup, sliced cheese in the square, and salami or pepperoni on the round. They fit into an airtight container to go into the fridge until the kids pack their lunches each morning. It's been a life and time saver!!!" —Erin B. LeggGet a 36-pack of assorted shapes from Amazon for $9.99 (available in various shapes and sizes). A lunchbox with an option to send warm food for the kid who likes to mix up their lunch routine. The hot cup has a lid to keep food separate AND is removable — meaning you don't need two lunchboxes when your kiddo decides to take a cold lunch. So many more lunch opportunities are in your future. Promising review: "My daughter loves to bring a warm lunch to school every day. We have previously tried other bento lunchboxes, but none of them keep the food warm or fresh for very long. The OmieBox has been a lifesaver! This lunchbox has plenty of space and keeps the food warm and fresh all day. It is strong and has lasted despite all the times it has been bumped and banged up at school. It is easy to clean and does not leave food residue. I will be buying another one for my son this school year. Highly recommended!" —Jesus CastroGet it from Amazon for $49.95 (available in seven colors). An insulated Thermos for sending them with something hot along with their cold lunch items. Although some parents love sending pasta, many rave about the ability to send some dino nuggets that are still hot by lunch! Promising review: "My child doesn't like many cold lunch options for school. This has been a lifesaver! I've packed macaroni and cheese, chili and rice, soups, chicken and broccoli, and much more, all with success. The container keeps the food warm, doesn't leak, and seems to be enough food." —OH ReviewGet it from Amazon for $15.39+ (available in 30 designs). A freezable lunch bag with built-in ice packs to keep food fresh and at a safe eating temperature. Just toss it in the freezer the night before to keep food cool all day — because staying home with a kid with food poisoning should not be on your agenda. This is the brand I use for both of my kids, and I absolutely love these bags. They're so easy to store, and there's ice on both sides — ensuring safe food no matter when their lunchtime is. It's nice to be able to send a string cheese without remembering the room-temperature, rubbery-by-mid-day cheese stick of my youth. 🤢Promising review: "These are amazing. I was having to put ice packs in my kids' lunch and was looking for an alternative when I came across these. It has been over 100 for the last two weeks, not counting the heat index, and they have been a lifesaver. They go in the kids' backpacks in the am and come off the bus still cold. This never happened with an ice pack. It actually stays cold and helps my kids to have cold food during the day, I wish I had found these years ago!!!" —BryanGet it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in eight designs). A visual timer to help keep things calm if your kiddo struggles with transitions. With a visual timer, "five more minutes until you need to brush your teeth" actually has some meaning as they watch the rainbow count down. I use this with my oldest on school nights so she knows when to stop reading and go to sleep. Promising review: "The Yunbaoit Upgraded Black Visual Timer with Protective Case has been an absolute lifesaver for managing ADHD in our household. The visual countdown is intuitive and easy to understand, making it perfect for staying on task and managing transitions. The durable protective case adds peace of mind, ensuring it can withstand daily use. Whether it's for homework, chores, or screen time, this timer has helped create structure and minimize distractions. It's simple to use, highly effective, and has quickly become an essential tool in our routine. I can't recommend it enough for anyone looking to improve time management!" —adudethatknowsGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in nine colors). A set of personalized labels so you can avoid the hassle of rummaging through the overflowing lost and found. I'm pretty sure my kids forget their lunchbox, water bottle, or sweater every day last school year — labels make things so much easier to find later. Promising review: "I've had these name labels for a while, and they're absolutely amazing. I can stick them on clothes, wash them, and they're still good. They've been an absolute lifesaver when it comes to school — teachers know when it's my child's, and it prevents it from being lost. I've stuck it on sippies, clothes, shoes, the outside of backpacks, it is RESILIENT and honestly, super underpriced for how high quality and the quantity you get. I'd only ever buy from this seller." — 130-pack from Amazon for $9.95 (available in 27 designs). An electric toothbrush that uses an app to keep your kid engaged and brushing for a full two minutes. Electric toothbrushes already keep teeth cleaner, but the addition of the app helps kids work through brushing without getting distracted or hurrying through the process. Honestly just being able to leave them to brushing without having to hover as the tarter police is worth it. Promising review: "We were having some struggles getting our 3.5-year-old to brush his teeth. This toothbrush and the app have been a lifesaver! He now looks forward to brushing his teeth and gets excited to see what 'present' he's going to get. Also, the app is actually way better than I expected." —Amanda P. Get it from Amazon for $29.96+ (available in two colors, two charging styles, and as a bundle). And a toothpaste dispenser and toothbrush holder to save you from trying to get out for the morning and hearing "CAN SOMEONE PASTE MY TOOTHBRUSH??" or the ever-dreaded "uh-oh" during teeth brushing. Promising review: "LOVE, LOVE this!! We previously had a different one similar to this, but did not have a toothpaste dispenser. I decided to try this one out because it matched and was more modern-looking. I am so happy with this! It fit on our wall exactly where the other one went, and we didn't even have to use the sticker. I love the four cops and how hidden and easy they are to access. The toothpaste comes out perfectly every time and does not make a mess!!! My kids love to make messes, so this is a lifesaver. I have already recommended this to all of my friends and family." —Lindsay SnackGet it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in four colors). A day-of-the-week clothing organizer so that choosing clothes for school doesn't become a daily battle in your household. Just check the weather report and choose outfits over the weekend — suddenly a (mostly) stress-free morning! Promising review: "This has been an absolute lifesaver! My kids put all of their clothes for the week in their 'pockets' on Sunday and there's no digging in the mornings anymore!" —CrystalWGet it from Amazon for $25.99. A fan-favorite Skylight calendar for keeping all of your family appointments in plain sight. Not only does it automatically sync to your calendars, you can set up chore charts for your family members and keep lists all in one place — making the school year so much less hectic for you. Promising review: "If you have a busy household, this family calendar is a lifesaver. Now everyone can enter their appointments, work schedules, classes, etc, into their own Google calendar, and it syncs to the family calendar. Everyone is aware of what is happening, and it avoids double booking. App is easy to use, as is the actual device." —NH CustomerGet it from Amazon for $269.99. A shoe organizer to hopefully avoid the every morning battle to find a missing shoe. Not only can you keep everything in one place, you'll also free up your entryway from a sea of mismatched shoes. Promising review: "With three small kids and a husband with lots of shoes, this shoe cabinet has been a lifesaver. I built it on my own in just a few hours. I love it." —KatieGet it from Amazon for $125.99+ (available with two, three, four, or six drawers and 10 colors). A car seat unbuckling tool so they can unbuckle themselves at in the morning, ensuring that you're not burying your face at drop-off as you hold up the line to unbuckle your kid. The car seat buckle desperately needs to be one less thing you fight with. Promising review: "We purchased two of these, one for each car, and it has been great for dropping off our Kindergarten student at school. We are not allowed to get out of the car, so I was worried how to get him unbuckled from his car seat/harness, but this has been a lifesaver. It took him only two practices to get it, but he really picked it up quick and now he really enjoys unbuckling himself once we get in car line. We love this product!" —Alicia RosenbauerGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in seven colors). A rolling backpack because backpacks are just SO HEAVY. These are great for littles and bigs alike, especially if you walk to school. Nothing like saving them a few extra years before back pain sets in. Promising review: "My kids have quite a walk after they get off the bus. so this has been a lifesaver!" —C. it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in different colors). A wobble cushion if you have a kid who JUST. NEEDS. TO. WIGGLE. Desk seats were not made with wiggly kids in mind, so wobble cushions offer some much needed movement without leaving the seat and disrupting class. My ADHD kiddo pretty much lives on this cushion during the school year — LIFESAVER. Promising review: "My son has ADHD, and this was a lifesaver. Lucky for u,s the school approved it for use in the classroom. It's nice because it's lightweight and he can grab it and take it with him wherever he goes. The little nub-like fingers on it work wonders for him. It gives him something to keep his body busy and his little hands. Awesome find!" —LaKeishaGet it from Amazon for $23.74+ (available in six colors and in multipacks). A zipper binder to keep everything in place and zipped up so papers don't go flying. It even has a carrying strap in case their backpack is too small. Say good-bye to papers shoved down at the bottom of the backpack — they've finally thought of everything. Promising review: "This binder was a lifesaver for my middle schooler. The first binder we tried was NOT one of these. It was impossible to carry around, and papers were frequently lost. Then I found this. This binder changed everything and even eased my students' anxiety because it's so much easier to stay organized. The ring itself is sturdy and easy to open and close. There's room in here for work from different classes, and storage for pencils and pens, etc. There is a bonus section of accordion storage, which is excellent for take-home papers or other loose items. Then, it zips closed! This zipper is tough, and it seems to move with ease no matter what. And the icing on the cake is the handle on the spine. This makes it easy to grab the binder and stuff it in a backpack or walk between classes without having to cradle the binder in your arms. We never used the optional shoulder strap, but options are nice. This binder gets an A+." —Rachel WGet it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in 20 designs and in multipacks). A pair of noise-cancelling headphones for your sensory-sensitive kid. These headphones are powerful enough to dull ambient classroom noise, but still allow them to hear the teacher. Even kids without sensory sensitivities love wearing these! Every teacher my kids have had has a basket for communal use. As the parent of a kid with sensory challenges, these are an absolute school-year must-have. Promising review: "Purchased this back in 2021 when my child was 5 years of age. He's now 9 and they still fit perfectly on him. This has been a lifesaver for him and the bus driver, recently, since there are other kiddos on the bus that scream throughout the bus ride and it frustrates my child. So it's one less kiddo to be frustrated about." —NRDGet it from Amazon for $15.27+ (available in 19 colors and patterns). A set of clothing labels to help you find your kid's Bluey sweater in a veritable OCEAN of Bluey sweaters. These labels are machine washable and cost-effective — two of my favorite words. Promising review: "These are great. I use a regular Sharpie to write my kid's name on the label and put it on every article of clothing he can take off at school. I have washed them several times, and they still look brand new. These labels are a lifesaver for kids who cannot remember to bring home their jacket, hat, and gloves." —Kaitlyn SwoapeGet a pack of 54 Amazon for $5.99 (available in five sizes and various pack sizes). A pencil sharpener for at-home use because there's nothing quite as humbling as realizing you have absolutely zero tools to help them do their homework, you know, at home. Promising review: "I am 5-star satisfied with this pencil sharpener that is for different-sized pencils. We use this at home as I have a daughter in Kindergarten, so this has been a lifesaver. Sharpens a pencil easily and quickly within ten seconds. Love it." —Brittany AnnGet it from Amazon for $27.99. A saline spray because your kids are going to be bringing home literally all of the germs. All of them. EVERY LAST FORSAKEN GERM. Saline spray can help clear nasal passages, making colds pass a little quicker. Anything for some relief from the onslaught of fall viruses. Promising review: "Kids always fought me in spraying their noses (we live in the desert) and this spray is so healing, they actually ASK me for it in the morning!!! A lifesaver!" —D DGet it from Amazon for $6.99+ (also available in multipacks).
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I wasn't sure about 2-in-1 cleaners — until the Shark VacMop became my new go-to for quick and easy cleanups
When it comes to 2-in-1 cleaning, I've always been dubious. I worry that rather than mastering one objective, it becomes average at two (blame the experience I had with a washer/dryer). But, I'm relieved to say the Shark VacMop has proven me wrong. Armed with a cleaning solution, no-touch pads and effective suction for tackling debris, it's a slimline cleaning system that (almost) does it all. For anyone looking for a space-saving, multi-tasking vacuum cleaner for smaller spaces, it's an excellent choice. I've got two small kids, so having something to zip around, tackling the endless crumbs and spillages. has been a real timesaver. After two weeks of testing, it's become my go-to as opposed to hauling out my cord vacuum or spray mop in tandem to tackle all those messes. In the box, you get the Shark VacMop, 6 disposable VacMop pads and Shark's multi-surface cleaning solution (enough to fill your VacMop up once). So, after some rigorous testing the all-in-one starter kit, here's what you should know before you buy. The Shark VacMop is available through the Shark website for £99.99 in the UK and for $89.99 in the US. It's also available for $69.99 on Amazon, which is $20 cheaper. You can buy 30 replacement cleaning heads for $26 at Amazon, making the cost just under $1 per use. From the moment I pulled the Shark VacMop out of the box, it looked easy to assemble, and it was. There are three parts, which are already loosely attached after unboxing. All I had to do was click into place the handle, the body, and the head. If it seems like it's giving you resistance, flip it around the other way (or maybe that was just me). Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The VacMop is fairly slimline and compact, considering it's also a vacuum. That means I can easily prop it behind a door and out of the way. Plus, it only weighs 1.5kg, so it's easy to maneuver around my home, without too many strenuous lunges and pivots. But, while I found it a breeze to zip around with the VacMop, alternating between vacuum and mop, I would say that when it came to more stubborn stains, that's when the physical work increased. Once the cleaning solution is applied (with a quick squirt from the button on the handle), it's actually quite sticky, which adds more resistance to movement. But if you're only using it for a small-to-medium area, this is less of an issue. Durability-wise, I'm a bit of a bulldozer when it comes to cleaning. I like to lock in and get it done, and I'll admit, sometimes that leads to me hitting into the sides a little too aggressively or getting caught up on corners. I put the VacMop to the test with my rigorous cleaning regime and it actually held up really well. Judging by how slimline it is, I would've thought it might suffer a little from my cleaning sessions (which I'll admit are usually timed), but the head rotated with ease, and it slid around the corners with a grace that I wish I myself could have. But the best thing (and worst thing… we'll come to this later) about the VacMop is the no-touch disposable pads. It's hard to imagine that you can mop up and vacuum up crumbs, hair, and dirt with the same flat pad. But, it was incredibly easy to click into place and even easier to press the button to release it all into the bin afterwards. A design aspect I cannot fault. The Shark VacMop is made for hard floor cleaning. So, I tested it over two weeks in my kitchen, hallway, and bathroom, and I was pleasantly surprised. Having previously used a quick mop with removable and washable pads, I found it pushed crumbs around in front of it, or made me drag the vacuum around first. So, having the ability to effectively vacuum up the dirt and debris before running the mop over is a genius move by Shark. There are two buttons on the handle: one for releasing cleaning solution and one for vacuuming, and I'll admit I got a bit confused about which was which. Once I got going, though, I weaved between them with ease. I was a little hesitant about the fact that a disposable pad was somehow going to act as a container for all the crumbs, but I found that they didn't escape and were easily removed as part of the pad afterwards. I was also impressed at the VacMop's power. I tried it on a range of debris around my home, from dust to crumbs, and I was pleased with how it suctioned them up. I would say here, though, that if you have larger debris, you shouldn't expect the VacMop to do it all. It's not going to pick up the leaves your kid dragged in on the bottom of their shoe – I tried. For testing, I wanted to make sure I had some stubborn stains to pit the VacMop against. I tried out a stubborn yogurt stain and coffee stain to see how it fared. I'm happy to report, it did the job. It took me a couple of sprays of the cleaning solution and some fairly aggressive mopping to tackle the yogurt, but it was one of the hardier stains in my home, and now it's gone. For quicker stains and any spillages, though, it tackles them quickly. At times, I felt like I was putting in a lot of the work with the mopping, but I wouldn't say this experience is any different to other mops I've used. After all, even when I vacuum, my smartwatch thinks I'm doing a HIIT workout. What the VacMop promises to do is clean your hard floors, and it does exactly that (with a little oomph). Battery-wise, I charged up the VacMop before my first use and while it did last a few hours of testing, it did require a charge before I was done, and that took a while. If you're planning on tackling a larger home or space, this may not do the trick. And while the disposable pads are incredibly efficient and absorbent, they left enough cleaning solution on the floor to cover quite a wide area before I needed to spray anymore. Which, I'd love to add, also smells really nice. What I will say about the disposable pads though, is that whilst I love them for their ease-of-use and how it only took a press of a button to remove them, I do worry about how environmentally-friendly they are. I'll grumble about washing up my mop heads and removable pads, but ultimately, I'd rather run them through the washer than throw them away. Not just for the environment, but for the cost, which I'll get into below. When it comes to my hard floors, I've always opted to use my Shark corded vacuum to tackle crumbs, dust, hair, and more. But, it is a lot of faff to plug it in and run around with the cord lassoing my kids' feet. I've found since testing out the VacMop, this is now what I go-to for quick and easy cleanups, but is it worth the price? The fact that it's a vacuum and mop is the biggest selling point, and it absolutely deserves praise for how well it accomplishes both for the price. The problem is, while I might be inclined to spend £99.99, I wouldn't want to pay out for the consumables. It's £14.99/$15.99 for 16 pads on the Shark website, which is $1 a clean. While that doesn't sound like a lot, I wouldn't leave the dirty pad on there after every spillage and stain because of the grime it holds onto. So, with every quick clean, I'm not overly happy with spending $1. The cleaning solution for a bottle is a similar price, but I haven't run out of a full container yet. In fact, over two weeks of quick use and a full kitchen rub down, I've only used around a quarter of the fluid container. The VacMop is a great solution for quick cleans when you want to tackle both vacuuming and mopping in one go – and it's a real timesaver. But, when it comes down to expense and sustainability, you'll need to weigh up whether it's worth the investment. While I don't love the additional cost of the VacMop pads and cleaning solution, I'm not using it to clean my whole house, so I'm hopeful a little expense will cover a lot of small cleans. And the investment is worth it considering those pads lock away debris, rather than push it around, and scrub the floor at the same time. I also like how lightweight it is, given there's a whole vacuum built-in, and the cordless cleaning power is incredibly convenient. I will say that pushing it around my home became a bit of a workout, especially when scrubbing in the cleaning solution, but ultimately it's not a robot vacuum, so I shouldn't expect it to do all the hard work for me. If you're looking for a dual-purpose cleaner that'll take on the work of both your vacuum and mop, it's a great piece of kit. I really enjoyed using it and I'd be surprised if you couldn't find a place for it in your home, too.
