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The Courier
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Courier
MARTEL MAXWELL: Lorraine Kelly doesn't deserve sexism, ageism or show cut
It is the evening of October 1, 2014 and I am in a room in London surrounded by famous faces. Champagne flows, canapés whiz by on silver trays and everyone is saying a version of the same thing. 'What an achievement. Three decades on morning TV. Incredible. Has anyone ever done it?' The party is being thrown by ITV for Lorraine Kelly – to mark the milestone. From joining the TV-AM team in the 80s as Scottish correspondent, to co-presenting the channel's flagship programme with tartan blazer, shoulder pads, and chunky earrings. The Green Goddess came, Mr Motivator went through the revolving studio doors and Lorraine Kelly stayed. In the years that passed, she achieved the impossible in the notoriously fickle world of the media – she survived. Show cancellations, culls, new editors, scandals – she worked through it all and 15 years ago was given her own show, Lorraine. Fast forward a little over a decade to now. Lorraine was recovering from preventative keyhole surgery and after some rest on doctor's orders, she headed to work. There, she was told her show was being halved in time from an hour to half an hour; instead of running through the year, would have 30 weeks of air time; and most of the crew would lose their jobs. That was only the start. With notable exceptions, press coverage was horrific – and comments excruciating. There was sexism, ageism, Scottish-ism. So what? One might say 'that's show business, darling.' Things change. Time waits for no one. For months, there has been a recurring story highlighting how much time Lorraine has off – and how many weeks stand-in presenters are on her titular show. People seemed incensed – as though she had held a proverbial gun to bosses' heads and demanded time off. Having worked in TV across many roles and stations – and on Lorraine for a decade – I know that no one has that power. And if they do negotiate a cracking holiday clause in their contract, more power to them. Shouldn't we be happy a woman negotiated (what I'd imagine) was a contract to have school holidays off to spend time with her daughter? The only reason Lorraine got her own show and any power to negotiate was because she was the best in the business. That's my personal opinion and one borne out by ratings. Weekly I would appear as a showbiz expert or news pundit. I will never work with as natural, professional or hard-working a presenter again. She makes it look easy and that is the hardest thing to do. While we know her for flirting with George Clooney (with excellent interview results) over her career, Lorraine was a first class reporter at some of the darkest scenes in recent history – not least Lockerbie and Dunblane. People get bad news about work every day – lawyers, bar staff, restaurant owners, footballers. No one's career is ring-fenced. But none (footballers and anyone in the public eye excepted) have to deal with the tall poppy syndrome in the press that follows and public vitriol. If a lawyer, for example, has consistently brought in great clients and results for 40 years, they'd doubtful come in one day to say half their team was axed then face commentary in every newspaper. The press who write negative stories around Lorraine are out of step with the reality – because you won't find anyone in the industry with a bad word to say about her. There is no air kissing acquaintances at a party before looking over your shoulder to see if there's anyone more 'important' around. And there is no dropping pals just because they no longer work on screen. Take the time she invited my husband Jamie and I for dinner to her old house in the Ferry. Another few couples were there – among them her friend Timmy – who turned out to be the one and only Timmy Mallett. He was every inch of what you'd expect and hope he'd be – resplendent in colourful Hawaiian shirt and interested in every person around the table and had us laughing like drains. It was decades since he'd left ITV (check out his artwork – including some beautiful Dundee landscapes) but that doesn't matter – a friend is a friend. When you've been at the top so long, maybe it's just your time – your five minutes of negativity. It will pass. Lorraine recently reported viewing figures of 1.1million. I hope Lorraine stays. For half a Lorraine is better than none – and better than a whole heap of whole others. And if she doesn't, good on her. Her future is bright and she has a gorgeous granddaughter to spoil. She is a national treasure who our screens would be far less rich without.
Buzz Feed
08-05-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
May We All Aspire To Be As Useful As These 37 Tiny Products
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · This new mascara hair wand had no idea TikTok would be so feral about her, the poor, perpetually sold out dear. 1. The Pink Stuff's new "Sqeezy" sponge set, which is living up to its "miracle" catchphrase by helping reviewers with their toughest cleaning projects, like grimy pans, mildewed showers, and marked-up walls. If you aren't already in the cult of Pink Stuff cleaning paste, it's so good at its job that reviewers call it " gold in a jar" and " witchcraft." Promising review: "The 'abrasive sponge when cold' or 'squishy when hot' is an awesome feature for the type of scrubbing you want to do. The Pink Stuff with the sponge does wonders! We have a hideous 30-year-old shower and although it doesn't look brand new like I was hoping, it's 10 times better!! This product really does work!" — GreenGoddess Get the set (one Pink Stuff jar and a "Sqeezy") from Amazon for $9.99. 2. Dr. Scholl's Roll-On Foot Pain Relief Liquid for 12 hours of relief when your current step count is "too many." This fast-acting formula is made with lidocaine and menthol to work within five minutes, and tackle nerve pain for deep relief. Promising review: "Wow. I was miserable at work. I bought everything I could think of to help with the intense foot pain from standing up at work, this was one of the products, and now I can't go without it! It works. I just ordered another one because I'm low on mine. I use it every night and hour before clocking in at work and even forget how my feet used to hur t until I get home, and I'm like, 'Wait a second, my feet didn't hurt.' I'm not kidding when I say this is It! Amazing product!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $11.97. 3. A hair identifier spray to make shaving or dermaplaning *that* much more efficient — this not only highlights where your hair is so you don't miss a spot, but also moisturizes and protects skin while you're shaving. This is also a great way to ensure you aren't *over*-shaving areas, since you'll know right away if the hair is taken care of! Amazon Promising review:"The power of the hair identifier's spray is unmatchable. Once you spray in any direction that has hair, it automatically identifies the hair that needs to be removed. It is easily sprayed on and easily wiped off. No extra residue. Comes with four blades and I say these blades are soft gentle, and yet get the job done. Not sure why no one ever thought of coming up with a hair identifier spray. Great value and smells like baby powder. Great quality." — Karine Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 4. A chic weekly pill organizer you will *love* if you're the type of human whose life is "go go go" — this lets you easily pull out separate days and stick them in a bag or overnight backpack if you're traveling or staying the night somewhere. It even includes two extra detachable pill containers so you can have backups in your bag! Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in three styles). 5. Deeptalk, a compact three-year prompted gratitude journal loaded with quick, gentle check-in prompts that won't overwhelm you like a lot of other journals. It's undated, so you can start it any day you want, and then as the years pass you can reflect on how your mindsets are changing and evolving over time. Promising review: "I'm a stay-at-home mom, and I've found myself in a slump lately, not knowing much about myself anymore. I REALLY love this book. Since the moment I've opened it, I've loved everything about it. It has helped me actually sit down at night, and think (with the questions) when it comes to my life, and where I am in life right now. I love answering the questions, and being able to check off my mood for the day. I can't wait to see how much my life/mindset changes during the year. I also love that it's a hardcover book, so I don't have to worry about it bending up in my purse." — Hope M. Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors). 6. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which became the internet's holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes so fast that everyone's old concealers are doing double takes. This lightweight color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference. The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 7. A wildly impressive handled BrüMate tumbler designed with a completely leakproof straw lid that might be actual witchcraft, and ~BevGuard insulation~ that will keep drinks ice cold for over 24 hours. Finally, a ginormous emotional support tumbler that not only fits in your car's cup holder, but can get tossed into your bag worry-free! Amazon, BrüMate is a small business that specializes in mugs, tumblers, coolers, and other insulated products. Bonus – this is dishwasher-safe! Promising review:"The BrüMate is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking for a reliable drink container. I ts 100% leakproof design means you can confidently toss it into your bag without worrying about spills, making it perfect for on-the-go use. The durability is outstanding; it holds up well against daily wear and tear, maintaining its sleek look and performance. Most impressively, it keeps beverages cold for a full 24 hours. Whether you're hiking, at the office, or relaxing by the pool, the BrüMate is the ultimate companion for keeping your drinks icy cold. Highly recommend!" — Horace Dixon Get it from Amazon for $38+ (available in 16 colors and two sizes). 8. Dae's Hair Cactus Fruit 3-In-1 Styling Cream & Taming Wand, which is basically the brand's "holy grail," TikTok-famous styling cream in the form of a mascara wand. This versatile lil' tool helps you carefully target flyaways, style edges, and smooth frizz. Amazon Dae is a small business that specializes in haircare and styling products. (It goes without saying that you don't need to lay your edges if you don't want to, but this is a handy option if you do.) Promising review: "I've tried numerous products for taming baby hairs, especially post-partum, and this is hands down the best thing I've tried. It also smells incredible! Love the size of the styling wand!" — Completely happy customer! Get it from Amazon for $18. 9. A "Lifty Loo" toilet seat handle to keep things germ-free when you're lifting the toilet seat up and down — even your toilet seat deserves to accessorize!! And these come with an adhesive that make them super easy to install. Amazon Lifty Loo is a small business that specializes in toilet lifting tabs made with recycled ocean plastic. Promising review: "Works perfect for what I need it for. I just figured out where it would work best on my toilet, then I adhered it. It doesn't get in the way and my younger boys are able to pick the seat up without touching the seat." — SK Get a pack of two from Amazon for $11.97. 10. A Benzene-free, travel-friendly applicator of I Dew Care's dry shampoo powder so easy to use that you can just dab it on your hairline and rub it in for an instant, oil-absorbing refresh. Now your "no wash" days are a secret that you and your roots will never tell 👀. Check out a TikTok of the dry shampoo in action. Promising review: "Will be buying again!! This is a fantastic product. I have incredibly thin hair that gets very oily very easily. This is the first product that I've tried that actually works! I am so very happy!" — Katie_0_Baker Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available brown, dark brown, blonde, and in multipacks and bundles). 11. Glossmetics' Lychee Overnight Lip Mask, which is a cult-fave in the making — you can wear this nonstick, ultra glossy lip shine during the day or overnight as a lip treatment to help hydrate, soften, and condition your lips. Not to mention you will taste *delectable* all day and night. (Just ask the many lychee martinis I have downed on this here earth!) Promising review:"I'm obsessed with lip products. I have tried everything you can imagine, inexpensive and expensive. This is my favorite lip product I've purchased. This gloss is incredible, perfectly moisturizing, and the color is so perfect, a very light natural glowy pink. I just came on Amazon to order a couple more to have one in the car, my purse, nightstand." — Tara Bills Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in four flavors). 12. A pair of leakproof period "Cloudfeel" boyshorts designed to hold up to 12 (!!) tampons worth of period blood, giving you tons of protection on heavier flow days or overnight. Reviewers love how ultra soft and comfortable the fabric feels — not to mention the money it saves on disposable period products! Promising review: "I am in love with the texture and have been looking for an alternative to wear to bed. These are no show, and very comfortable. T he design is actually very cute and doesn't make you feel like you are wearing something bulky! Very happy!" — Hannah Brantly Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in women's sizes S–5XL). 13. A weighted eye mask that's basically like a weighted blanket for your human eyes, designed to decrease stress and encourage ~deep sleep~. They also feature a 3D contour, so they're hollowed out in the middle and won't rest right on top of your eyes. Amazon Promising review: "Love these. These are soft and very comfortable, and they seriously black out every bit of ligh t. I love them. I would highly recommend. I'll probably never sleep without them again." — AJ Get a pack of two from Amazon for $16.99 (available in seven sets). 14. L'Oréal Paris BB Cream, a FAST-acting, anti-redness moisturizer with results that feel like legitimate magic — especially considering its competitor, the Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream, is over twice as expensive. Reviewers especially love this as a base for their makeup, because it leaves skin super soft and primed. Promising review: "I'd yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Checks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green, but has a gorgeous lightweight finish of a tint that indeed covers my redness beautifully. There's no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It's super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn't settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don't need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." — Julie F. Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in six styles). 15. "Gloves In A Bottle," aka the hero of anyone with dry, cracked hands — this game-changing lotion not only helps heal your skin, but actively protects it for four to twelve hours, even through repeated hand washes. Reviewers with eczema or those who have to sanitize frequently for work swear by this! Gloves in a Bottle is a small business that specializes in skincare products for working professionals. Promising review:"I am a teacher and literally wash or sanitize my hands several times per hour! If I'm not washing my hands, I'm cleaning all the surfaces in my classroom with harsh cleaners. I thought I would try this lotion and I am thankful I took a chance! It is not only moisturizing, but it's not too scented or greasy. We are not allowed to wear perfume at school due to allergies, and this works perfectly. The best part is that after you do wash your hands, you can still feel the lotion! My cuticles are staying moisturized, too. I am going to get more for home and the car." — Chianti Get it from Amazon for $19.95. 16. A set of crease-preventing spiral hair ties that not only give your pony that delightful ~oomph~ to elevate it, but stay locked in place. They're also waterproof, which makes them great for exercise (as much as we all love a soggy hair tie on our wrist post-workout 🫠). Basic Concepts is a small business that specializes in personal care products and home goods. Promising review: "I'm super picky about what coil hair ties I use but these are by far my fave! I have super thick hair and it holds so well. They are super durable and stretch A LOT, so you can make sure it's holding your hair well." — Gillian D. Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $7.99. 17. Londontown "Nail Veil" Protectant, which is designed not only to protect your nails, but to act as a sheer tint to enhance their natural look. It's basically "no makeup makeup," but for your fingernails. Londontown is a small business that specializes in nail care products. Promising review: "This nail veil is so pretty and perfect for a simple, bare nail look! It applies very smoothly, and one to two coats work well. With a top coat, it lasts almost perfectly for about five days, but chips are not very noticeable, so you can easily wear it for longer! I also feel confident in this brand's use of healthier, higher-quality ingredients, which makes it well worth the extra cost. My nails aren't left damaged by this product, and it has become my go-to when I don't have the time for a full-color look but still want my nails to look polished and pretty!" — Sofia K Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in nine shades). 18. The Let Them Theory, a science-backed self-help book about taking control of your life and your mindset that came out in late 2024 and has already become a global sensation. In it, author Mel Robbins uses expert research from psychology, neuroscience, and relationships to frame how you can focus your time, energy, and love on what matters, rather than getting tripped up on what you can't control. Promising review:"These ideas are so simple, and they're not new — but they are combined with powerful new research and practical tools for taking back your energy and time while boosting your joy and peace. Tops my list for the BEST self-help book I've read since Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. Mel's personal stories and real life examples make it almost impossible to avoid the truth, yet at the same time see the opportunity we all have to CHOOSE who we love, how we respond, and what we want our lives to look like. A BEAUTIFUL work — truly a MUST-READ!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $22.96. 19. A SnapPower GuideLight to put all your night-lights out of business — this subtle but effective light installs under your outlets, so it will feel like little fairies are guiding you through the hall when it's dark at night. Reviewers love that with this clever installation, the light doesn't take up valuable outlet space! Amazon SnapPower is a small business that specializes in unique and innovative lighting products. Promising review: "I ordered this after seeing it on TikTok. I'm very happy with this product!" — Miss. Harris "Game changer. When I get up, I don't want to wake everyone up with flipping on lights and all. These provide plenty of walking through the house light. Super easy installation, too." — Monica Martinez Get it from Amazon for $22.98 (available in three outlet styles and four colors). 20. A magnetic necklace detangling clasp so you can layer your favorite pieces over an outfit the exact way you want them without having to pull them apart like bickering siblings at the end of each day. Promising review: "This is my second one! Love it so much since it can keep my necklaces safe and untangled with its strong magnet. Safe me so much time layering all the necklaces I have. Literally takes one second to put on!" — Nichole Li Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in gold, rose gold, and silver, and with two or three clasps). 21. Oxo's new compact Brew Rapid Brewer, aka the answer to any money-conscious coffee lover's prayers — this version is not only cheaper and more portable than comparable models on the market, but WAY faster making cold brew without compromising on flavor. I'm talking five minutes as opposed to overnight, like other pitchers take — and it doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯 Amazon You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water. Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." — Alex Bonick Get it from Amazon for $34.79. 22. Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder to absorb oil and blur pores so effectively that you'll be like, "Oh ... witchcraft??" Might be the only explanation for how this can matte-ify your complexion while still keeping it radiant and glowy. ✨ 23. A set of super fast-acting retainer, denture, and Invisalign-cleaning tablets so your mouth can stay ~squeaky clean~ with almost zero effort. All you have to do it set these in a container with warm water and they'll be refreshed in 15 minutes! M3 Naturals is a small business that specializes in personal care products. Promising review:"I really loved this product. I am currently waiting for a new Invisalign set. My old Invisalign needed to be cleaned. I read the reviews and decided to purchase. OMG, it worked! They had a fresh taste and were clean. I wish I had found this product sooner. I did let them soak overnight only because I had been wearing them for the last four months. Nothing happened to Invisalign; there was no weakness or anything. Just very clean and fresh. If I could have given the product 10 stars, I would have." — Lisa R. Get 120 tablets from Amazon for $20.79. 24. A pack of five refillable touch-up paint pens you'll be especially glad to have for those high traffic areas in your home, where things get bumped and chipped and knocked about. Now you can fix up doors and cabinets in a quick minute instead of dealing with a whole can of paint. Slobproof is a small business that specializes in paint touch-up pens. Promising review:"I keep these in my kitchen drawer and it's SO convenient for my painted cabinets! 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, which is full of paint at all times. T he 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 Flores Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 25. A set of quick-drying Swedish reusable dish towels that save the environment *and* a whole lot of your time and money. Each of these lil' bubs is durable enough to replace 15 paper towel rolls, and the ultra-absorbent cellulose makes it so much easier to scrub up grime. Eparé is a small business that specializes in kitchen and cleaning products for home use. Promising review: "Have been using these for a year now and absolutely pleased with replacing these for using paper towels. They are absorbent and easy to clean with dish soap and water, then hung to dry. I throw ones that have had several uses into the dishwasher at the end of the week. They hold their shape and absorbency, and while a duller pattern, does well for a couple of months each." — Ben McDonald Get a set of four from Amazon for $12.99 (available in two styles and in eight-packs). 26. A fast-heating straightener brush with four different temperature settings to get the job done fast, effectively, and as healthily as possible — the teeth are coated with keratin ceramic to protect hair and minimize breakage, and the curved comb shape makes sure you get *right* to the root. This is designed to work on all hair and curl types! Promising review: "I have fine curly hair and have always used straighteners, and they did okay, but never got down to the root of my hair. With typical straighteners my hair starts curling again by the end of the day. I am amazed at how well this did, and will never go back to any other straightener. My hair stayed straight all day and cut my hair straightening time in half. Amazing product and extremely affordable." — Twin tornadoes Get it from Amazon for $30.99 (available in five styles). 27. A self-cleaning electric toilet brush to go full YEE! HAWWWW! on the grime in your toilet bowl. If you're dealing with hard water stains, this is an excellent way to get the toilet bowl sparkling again without having to scrub hard. When you put it away, the base will light up blue to let you know it's sanitizing the brush! Promising review: "I always have a ring in my toilet because I have hard water and this brush does a wonderful job of cleaning it right off! It is so easy to use and I love the blue light that automatically comes on after cleaning to get rid of bacteria. This brush actually makes cleaning toilets fun!" — Ashley Picard Get it from Amazon fo r $31.99 (available in white, black, and a two-pack). 28. Naked Sundays CabanaClear SPF 50 Water Gel Serum with an ultra-hydrating, "invisible" blend so absorbent and so good at playing nice with makeup that it'll feel like you never put it on in the first place. If you are serious about protecting your skin, this holy grail SPF-packed base layer is the way to go. Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! Promising review: "I use SPF cream regularly, and I can say that it really does its job. The cream has a pleasant texture, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave a greasy shine or white residue, which is a big plus for me. It also provides reliable protection, even under direct sunlight. After several hours in the sun, there's no redness or irritation, which speaks to the product's effectiveness. Moreover, the SPF cream can be a great base for makeup, as it doesn't affect the texture of foundation." — Karina Kostiuk Get it from Amazon for $20.99. 29. A hyper realistic secret canned good money safe for a little extra insurance if you ever want to hide cash or valuables in your space without broadcasting it with an actual safe. Promising review: "I was amazed how real this looks, even side by side with the real thing. Of course when you turn it over you can see the compartment, and you will have to add weight if you want it to feel real, but just sitting in the pantry it looks real!" — Brenda Get it from Amazon for $8.59+ (available in nine styles, including shaving cream cans). 30. An iPhone 14 Pro Max privacy phone screen protector with some real " XOXO, Gossip Girl" vibes — when you tilt this gradient tempered glass protector, nobody will be able to snoop on what TikToks you're watching (or catch you texting your situationship mid-drinks 😬). There are options for the iPhone 14 Plus/13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, too! Promising review:"It's been about five months since I purchased this screen protector, and I have to say, that it's held up well. The screen is beautiful when the screen is off. I've had a lot of compliments on the screen protector, and after five months and few light drops, it hasn't cracked or gotten scratched up (minus a few wear on the screen like light scratches). Well made and overall, a great screen protector. Installation is pretty easy with the kit it comes with, and I still have the second unused that I may end up switching if at some point the screen actually cracks." — Timothy Jay Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.99. 31. An Apple-compatible locator tag that functions just like an AirTag, but at a more affordable price. Bonus — this even comes with a waterproof case, making it even more handy for keeping track of important objects (and even more important, pets)!! Promising review: "Perfect tracker with a stylish touch! They function perfectly with the Apple Find My app, and I use them for my backpack, keys, and luggage. No more worrying about lost things thanks to the extremely accurate tracking and easy setup! I adore that I can rely on it to protect my AirTag in any conditions. This is the perfect tracker if you're an iOS user searching for something dependable, useful, and stylish! Five stars! Highly recommended!" — JoyfulGenius Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in four styles and in a four-pack). 32. A set of adorable wool dryer balls to replace all your dryer sheets, and make your laundry a HECK of a lot more efficient — these help significantly shorten drying time, collect pet hair caught on your clothes, and even help soften fabric for a more ~luxurious~ post-laundered experience. Smart Sheep is a woman-owned small business that specializes in wool dryer balls. Promising review: " The quality is outstanding! If fuzz gets on it, it doesn't get tangled up, it just sits on top for very easy removal. It's so effective that it's cut my drying time down and kept my clothes from the dog hair sticking to my clothes. They are soft and slightly bigger than tennis balls. Mine have stayed in the dryer and a still preforming their job way above expectations." — Debbie S. Get a set of six from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in five styles). 33. A hybrid tissue box phone holder that's basically "GRWM" goals — you can prop this on your vanity to stream content, FaceTime, and even record yourself while you're getting your glam on. ✨ Amazon YouCopia is a woman-owned small business that specializes in home storage solutions. Bonus — the top even functions as a little catch-all for jewelry! You can check out their hybrid toothbrush holder phone stand, too. Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in two sizes). 34. First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads, a set of compostable (!!) beauty prep pads you can use before putting on makeup to gently tone and exfoliate your skin, making it the ultimate primer for getting the most out of your foundation. Bonus — unlike a lot of toning products, these are super gentle and sensitive skin–friendly! Amazon Promising review: "I love this product! It definitely is worth the price. Helps clear my skin and smoothes my skin texture. No smell or fragrance. I used it daily after washing my face. This is part of my staple." — Susan Bean Get a set of 28 from Amazon for $20. 35. A set of compression gloves reviewers swear by for helping aches and pains from arthritis, carpal tunnel, neuropathy, and general overuse (it's giving ✨works-all-day-on-a-laptop✨). Promising review: "I have both osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis in both hands, but this winter I smashed my right hand and badly damaged cartilage in the knuckle joints. I wish I had found these gloves sooner because they feel so supportive and allow me to move my fingers without pain, so much so that I really don't want to take them off. The little booklet that accompanied the gloves is good, and I will start doing the exercises they recommend." — Kindle Customer Get a set from Amazon for $15.95 (available in five sizes and five colors). 36. A quick-dry anti-chafing "Fresh Breasts" lotion that absorbs wetness like *snaps fingers* THAT, helping prevent chafing, aching, rashes, and soreness in your poor, unsuspecting underboob region. Fresh Body is a small business that specializes in personal care products. Promising review:"This stuff is amazing. I am a sweaty person. Apparently, I have no thermostat because randomly, I will just start sweating, and it's a lot. Well, I ended up with yeast under my breasts, and it gets red and sore. After you shower, dry off real well and apply this cream (a little dab will do ya) under your breasts and say goodbye to the inflammation and soreness. I also use it in the down-there region. I will be buying this forever." — Deb Warwick Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in different pack sizes). 37. A scratch-free scraper tool so you can get all the pesky stickers, price tags, and residue off your belongings without wrecking them (or compromising your poor nails!). This also is a great option for cleaning grime that's hard to target, like caked-on food or build-up around your sink. Scrigit is a US-based small business that specializes in scraper tools. Promising review: "This does all those little things you did with your nails or the edge of a used toothbrush but better. Serendipitously, on the same day as getting these, I also got an bunch of used books in the mail, and you can see from my video how I was able to scratch off the price tags with some extra help from some hand sanitizer. Saved my nails and did a better job. Can't wait to see what else I do with these little tools!" — angela Get a set of two from Amazon for $11.99. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
05-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
Your Kitchen Is So Happy You're About To Discover These 32 Clever Products
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · This Oreo-inspired "Cookies And Cream" seasoning is about to change your dessert and breakfast game forever. 1. An airtight Deli ProKeeper so beloved that it's gone viral on FridgeTok (if you know, you KNOW). Not only does this free up space and clutter in the fridge, but it keeps deli meat and cheese so fresh that you'll actually get your darn money's worth by preventing waste. Promising review: "I bought this because I have the outlandish idea that my refrigerator will look just like those on TikTok, but I am pleasantly surprised to find that it keeps my cold cuts fresher for much longer than expected. It's large enough to hold a pound or more of cold cuts or cheese, which is a bonus. The sealing technology is superb and strong. At one point, I almost could not open the container due to the seal being so airtight. Not only does this product look good in my fridge, but it is saving me money, so definitely a win-win for me." — IrishEyes Get it from Amazon for $21.95 (available in three styles). 2. A two-slice slim toaster to fit virtually *anywhere* in your tiny kitchen, and to look gosh darn adorable doing it. Bonus — these long slots make it ideal for larger slices of bread, like your beloved sourdoughs. Psst — if you're looking to save space in your kitchen and don't want to sacrifice on aesthetic, check out Bella's matching line of compact, affordable kitchen appliances! Promising review:"The narrow width of this toaster helps free up real estate on my small countertop, plus it accommodates two slices of toast, English muffins or bagels as well as a regular width toaster. It comes in a beautiful teal color which I love. And the three toast levels ensure you don't burn food and the quality of the toast is just right — from light to brown. I highly recommend it!" — Joyce Hill Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in five styles). 3. The new Pink Stuff "Sqeezy" sponge set, which is living up to its "miracle" catchphrase by helping reviewers with their toughest cleaning projects, like grimy pans, mildewed showers, and marked-up walls. If you aren't already in the cult of Pink Stuff cleaning paste, it's so good at its job that reviewers call it " gold in a jar" and " witchcraft." Promising review: "The 'abrasive sponge when cold' or 'squishy when hot' is an awesome feature for the type of scrubbing you want. The Pink Stuff with the sponge does wonders! We have a hideous 30-year-old shower, and although it doesn't look brand new like I was hoping, it's ten times better!! This product really does work!" — GreenGoddess Get the set (one Pink Stuff jar and a "Sqeezy") from Amazon for $9.99. 4. A big ole collapsible wash bin with a *drain plug* installed at the bottom that is like having a sink inside your skin — perfect for anyone who wants to keep dirty dishes separate from the sink bottom, and absolutely beloved by parents who have a bunch of bottles to sanitize at once. Promising review:"I bought this to wash baby bottles and pump supplies. Good build and does not feel cheap. I like that it is collapsible for storage and it has a drain on the bottom which makes it super convenient to drain after a soak.I can fit a lot in the tub for soaking." — Lacey D. Get it from Amazon for $16.99. 5. Oxo's new compact Brew Rapid Brewer, aka the answer to any money-conscious coffee lover's prayers — this version is not only cheaper and more portable than comparable models on the market, but WAY faster making cold brew without compromising on flavor. I'm talking five minutes as opposed to overnight, like other pitchers take — and it doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯 Amazon You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water. Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." — Alex Bonick Get it from Amazon for $32.07. 6. An adjustable reusable shopping bag organizer that will clear up so much chaos that the cabinet under your sink will hand write you a thank-you note. YouCopia is a woman-owned small business that specializes in home storage solutions. Promising review: "I really loved the versatility of this product. I can choose how much room for each bag size needed and adjust when needed. Perfect for my art fair bags." — MrsDash Get it from Amazon for $13.59. 7. Ninja's new *portable* Crispi Air Fryer system, perfect for people with high foodie standards and a chaotic schedule. This "all-in-one system" cooks your food in the same container you eat from, so you can pop your meal into the air fryer, cook it, and either pack it for later or eat it right out of the container. 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 $159 (available in three colors). 8. An absorbent floral dish drying mat so lovely that you'll actually — gasp — look forward to doing the dishes? The "main character in a rom com" energy of this mat is too strong to resist. Promising review:"This mat is perfect. It absorbs water from washed dishes well and provides a protective buffer between dishes and our granite countertops. After use, you can hang the mat; it will dry out in minutes. The mat is both decorative and functional. This was a great purchase. There will be no more wet dish towels to contend with. I highly recommend this product." — Cambodian Nurse Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in six styles and three sizes). 9. A Scrub Daddy sponge holder designed *specifically* to suction to the side of your sink and cradle your favorite smiley sponge, so it air dries faster, stays cleaner, and helps minimize clutter on your counters. Storage Theory is a small business that specializes in unique storage solutions for every room in your home. Promising review:"Finally a nice place to keep my Scrub Daddy. Holds great on the side of the sink. The suction power is strong for its size, and it rotates with ease. This is a good holder for the price." — Luis peralez Psst — you can get a Scrub Daddy sponge here on Amazon! They are extremely beloved by TikTokers because they're mildew-resistant, dual-sided with different scrubbing textures, and designed with a smile that lets you more easily clean utensils. Get it from Amazon for $8.99. 10. A "Bacon Bin" so all the grease left over from your bacon has a home (read: does not clog your unsuspecting sink). Then you can easily store it in the fridge to cook with later, whether you're frying up bacon-greased veggies, burgers, or even (be still my baconified heart) grilled cheeeeeese. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the bacon bin in action. Talisman Designs is a small business that specializes in at-home cooking and entertaining products. Promising review:"This thing is awesome. Big enough to hold plenty of grease without taking up a ton of space. I keep mine in the butter compartment of my fridge next to the butter. I poured the grease right from the pan, still very hot right into it, and popped the lid on and put it in the fridge. Next time I needed some grease, I scooped some out with a spoon, no muss no fuss. Much better than the glass jar I was using. My only warning is if you get it out when people are visiting keep an eye on it. It's so cute and so good at its job everyone will want one." — John Dollard Get it from Amazon for $15.99. 11. "Vampire Killer," a savory, oh-so-satisfying parmesan garlic spice blend you'll want to shake all over everything from grilled chicken to pasta to popcorn. (Sorry, Edward.) Amazon Spiceology is a small business that specializes in unique spice and herb blends. Promising review: "I use this on steaks. Mix it in butter for my lobster. It's great on popcorn. Terrific mixed in mashed potatoes. You can use this for so many things. I love the way the garlic is mixed with the parmesan. It's a delicious, well balanced spice. Abundant in flavor." — Plumaria Queen Get it from Amazon for $14.30 (and check out more options on Spiceology's Amazon storefront). 12. And an Oreo-inspired Cookies & Cream Shakeable Topping so the next time you need to prove your love for the iconic cookie, you can just whip out this shaker and rest your case. This delicious blend is perfect for coffee, ice cream, yogurt, popcorn, oatmeal, and even soda, according at least one reviewer whose brain I admire. Promising review: "I love feeling like I'm drinking expensive coffee right at home. So fun to be my own barista. It adds an extra touch of flavor and lifts my mood. Not bad for not much money, and makes my coffee friends feel special, too." — Toi Fiore Get it from Amazon for $11.75 (available in four blends). 13. A "Slice'n Store" butter dish that will stop you from dirtying a bunch of butter knives and leaving them on the counter. All you do is pop this out of the fridge, slice of a lil' (or large) slab with the built-in blade, and be on your merry, buttery way. Promising review: "Great addition to my kitchen essentials. Its durability is impressive, and it is straightforward to use. What makes it a keeper is how easy it is to clean. The quality is top-notch, and it's definitely worth the price. It stores butter well and fits perfectly in my fridge. Plus, the color adds a nice touch to my kitchen decor. Overall, it's a fantastic kitchen gadget." — Tiffany Mueller Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 14. A sleek, well-ventilated, modern-style bread box with a cutting board lid that reviewers are obsessed with not just because it's beautiful, but because it keeps their bread *carb's kiss* levels of fresh. If you love artisan loaves or make your own bread at home, this is worth the investment and then some! Promising review:"I absolutely LOVE this bread box. It's not just gorgeous; it's well-made. Our homemade bread stays so fresh inside, it looks lovely on the counter, and the cutting board lid is very handy. This bread box is the best money I've spent on our home this year, and I highly recommend purchasing this for yourself if you bake, or as a gift for friends who love fresh bread." — Sondra G. Milgrim Get it from Amazon for $49.95 (available in four styles). 15. An electric travel kettle for all the tea, coffee, and oatmeal monsters out there who want instant, portable access to their lifeblood. People love this for at-home use when they're not traveling, too — it boils SUPER fast for quick cuppas, and has a small profile that makes it easy to put away. Promising review:"This gorgeous lil' portable kettle has been the best companion during all my travels this year! I drink a LOT of tea and am religious about making my special elixirs and healing potions every morning. I appreciate how quickly it heats up, and how long it keeps water hot. I have always followed the directions and use common sense when handling it, and have never had any issues with anything so far. Very satisfied with this purchase! Would highly recommend." — Sassy Mama Get it from Amazon for $28.79 (available in six colors). 16. Scoopie, a spill-proof funneled to-go scoop for all your protein and powder needs so you can easily ~plop~ your supplements into water bottles or smoothies on the go without any mess and without lugging an entire container around. You can use these for anything from seasonings to baby formula to hydration mixes! Each set comes with two sizes, a 1.5 tablespoon and a 1/3 cup. Promising review:"This is perfect for adding powders to your water bottle. I was originally just looking for a small plastic funnel, but I like this because you could also take it with you for later." — Nancy S. Bass Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two colors). 17. An easy twist-off jar opener that clamps right onto the lid so you can pop that sucker open without summoning half the neighborhood to see who is mighty enough to free your olives from the jar. Promising review: "This gizmo grips securely so that twisting it does the job. The best jar opener tool I have tried and I have tried many. I have severe disabilities of my hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders from rheumatoid arthritis so opening stuff has really been a problem for me. This is a great device." — NYer Get it from Amazon for $26.99. 18. Teeccino, a sleep-deprived coffee lover's savior — this caffeine-free, acid-free strong herbal blend steeps like regular tea, but somehow mimics the taste of coffee so brilliantly that you'll get all the flavor and satisfaction without the insomnia of a late-night cuppa. Teeccino is a small business that specializes in coffee-like herbal teas I love tea in the morning but I always want something that tastes strong and bitter to go with my dessert at night, but decaf coffee felt too risky, since there's still a bit of caffeine in it. Enter Teeccino, which tastes miles better than decaf coffee, and is fully caffeine-free. It's so rich that it feels like it has notes of chocolate in it, and so satisfying that I had to check the label a zillion times just to make sure I hadn't misread it, and it secretly was coffee. Nope — just a very delicious faux coffee beverage that pairs well with every dessert in my pantry. Get a 25-count of single-serve bags from Amazon for $14.98 (available in other sizes). Check out the Teeccino Amazon storefront for a TON of other herbal caffeine-free flavors and varieties! 19. A moon wine holder so your favorite bottles can spend some time floating happily in the ether before you pop them open to celebrate. Kozy Sweet Home/Etsy Kozy Sweet Home is a California-based Etsy shop established in 2019 that specializes in home essentials and giftware made with environmentally-conscious bamboo. Promising review:"This wine holder is really pretty in person, and holds a bottle beautifully. Quick turnaround time on delivery too. Thanks so much!" — Melissa Snavely Get it from Kozy Sweet Home on Etsy for $29.99 (originally $39.99). 20. Our Place's new Splendor Blender, a super strong, ridiculously beautiful personal blender perfect for making smoothies and shakes on the go — particularly because it comes with an adorable personal cup and drinking lid set. Also, a moment for this aesthetic, please?? Our Place never misses. Promising review: "This blender is perfect! It can be left on the counter because it is so pretty and it's super strong. Everyone loves to make their own individual smoothie in the house, it blends big frozen strawberries with no problem, and it's aesthetically lovely! We love it!" — Amazon Shopper 77 Get it from Amazon for $125 (available in four colors). 21. " Ever Toast," a wildly clever plate for toast and grilled sandwiches that keeps your meal elevated so it doesn't get all soggy on the bottom. Now you can take your time eating your toasted grub get that oh-so-satisfying CROOONNNCHHH in every bite. Ever Toast is a small business that specializes in unique dinner plates. Promising review: "GENIUSSSSS. Thiss product is NECESSARY if you hate soggy sandwiches, pizzas, waffles! Works great, keeps everything crispy and toast, we love it here! And for two plates it's a great price!" — Paolo Rivas Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99. 22. A nonstick heart-shaped egg and pancake pan so precious that if breakfast wasn't already your favorite meal of the day, it's about to steal your literal *and* figurative heart now. Promising review: "I make mini omelets in this frying pan and have had 100% success. Just toss in the ingredients you like (e.g., cheese, bacon, sausage, spinach) and it comes out perfect. It is also easy to clean and relatively small so it doesn't take up a lot of space in the 'pots' drawer, too. A+ all the way here." — Freestyle Barracuda Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors and in non-heart styles). 23. A fast-acting, plant-based Keurig machine cleaning kit you can use to get rid of all the crusted-on grinds and residue that are *definitely* affecting the taste of your coffee, even if you haven't noticed over time. It works in less than five minutes, and has enough product to keep your Keurig running clean and smooth for a full year. New England Stories is a small business established in 1987 that specializes in plant-based cleaning products. Promising review: "I've had my coffee machine for a year now, and I have never washed it. I didn't know what these products were! The solution is odorless, which is super nice! Works very well with Keurig machines and is user-friendly. It takes about five minutes to complete the cleaning process from start to finish, which is very speedy. A great value, you get four uses out of this product!" — Matteo's Mom Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 24. A Grim Steeper silicone tea infuser to remind you that life is, in fact, too short to skip on your delicious morning cuppa. Promising review: "My best friend loved this for her birthday. She loves Halloween and tea, and this was such a cute and perfect gift." — Harley Nixon Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 25. A fast-drying sink stone caddy you can prop your sponges or toothbrushes on and watch the magic happen — the water will "poof!" evaporate in less than two minutes, preventing your sink area from becoming a soggy, sudsy mess. Momo Lifestyle is a small business that specializes in family-friendly homewares. Promising review:"We got this for the bathroom that the kids use. Anybody with little kids will know that they make a constant mess. We had water all over the counter, mainly around the soap dispenser, and it was causing problems. This has helped a great deal. There is less water on the counter and I even like to put water on it sometimes just to watch it evaporate within about 60-90 seconds. It was totally worth the money." — David P. Get it from Amazon for $12.49. 26. A magnetic microwave cover perfect for anyone whose Panera soup obsession is a little *too* well documented over every surface inside of their microwave. This conveniently sticks to the top of your microwave so you can pop it right off whenever you're looking to tear up some broccoli cheddar on a wild Tuesday night. Hover Cover is a small business that specializes in microwave covers for home kitchen use. Check out a TikTok of the microwave cover in action. Promising review:"If you live in a small space like I do, this will seriously change your life. No longer do I have to struggle to find somewhere to put my cover if I'm heating up a cup of coffee. Just attach it to the roof of your microwave. Hopefully, you have a flat surface; check before you buy. There is a slight learning curve as to where to put it or the force or lack thereof needed, but after a couple of times, it's second nature. Love, love, love this product. I'm probably going to get some for Christmas presents next year, it's one of those items that you wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself, but it will change your life." — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (also available in two-packs). 27. A leaf-shaped herb and kale stripper you can use for easy meal prepping when "all things delicious and green" are on the menu. It even features a curved edge for easy herb chopping. Amazon Promising review: "This is one of those random kitchen gadgets that you would never even think about existing, but it's brilliant! We grew kale in our garden, and I was spending way too much time cutting the leaves off the stems, then I stumbled across this tool being suggested on a blog. I immediately ordered one and was very impressed! It saves me so much time stripping those leaves. I also use it for rosemary, oregano, and other herbs." — Elaine S. Get it from Amazon for $7.50. 28. A Frenchie-themed cheese board to serve some top notch char-woof-erie at your next party. House Party 2K20 is a small business that specializes in unique serving accessories. Promising review:"I absolutely love this bulldog charcuterie board, it's the perfect size and it's made so well. All the dog lovers wanted to know where to purchase one. I used it twice already for two parties and it was a hit!" — RN79 Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in two sizes). 29. Small Batch Cookies, tailor made for folks who live alone *or* for people who want to broaden their baking horizons, but don't want to deal with the mess of big batches (or the leftovers!). This book takes you through a bunch of delicious recipes for one to six people using minimal equipment, so you can have hassle-free treats and live your most delicious life. Amazon, Promising review: "Edd Kimber is so creative with his bakes and this book is full of fun and interesting cookie recipes. love the flavors in this and layered. Baking small batches is surprisingly liberating. Most ingredients are on hand and I'm not stressing about what to do with large quantities of cookies. With small amounts, it feels easier to play and experiment." — Monica Get it from Amazon for $23.67. 30. A minimalist whale-inspired colander ladle that is up to an entire *ocean* of kitchen tasks, from stirring to serving to draining. It's also heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and too darn cute to resist. Amazon Promising review: "It works great and it's adorable. I bought this not as a gag gift, but because my mom has issues lifting heavy pans, especially when they're full. She liked the color, the subtle whale appearance, and its usefulness." — mystacheandie Get it from Amazon for $7.19 (available in two colors, and as regular ladle that doesn't drain). 31. A space-saving yogurt organizer necessary for anyone whose future baby names are "Chobani," "Oikos," and "Fage." These free up space in your fridge out of respect to the other non-yogurt items that you benevolently allow to also live there. Check out a TikTok of the yogurt storage rack in action. Storage Theory is a small business that specializes in home and office organizational products. Promising review: "Works great, wish I would have gotten more!! So very handy to have and see how many yogurts we have. Comes with two super-strong 3M adhesive stripes. Highly recommend product!!" — Amanda Adams Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in packs of one or two). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
New York Times
28-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
17 Easy, Healthy Chicken Dinners That Are Anything but Boring
These recipes are light and nourishing and bring some weeknight dinner excitement to the table. Martha Rose Shulman's lemon and garlic chicken with cherry tomatoes. Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Published April 28, 2025 Updated April 28, 2025 It's easy to hear the word 'chicken' around dinnertime and feel immediately bored. But what if, instead, we chose to see chicken in a more positive light? It's a nutritious main that can be transformed into thousands of healthy meals. Of course, healthy can look like different things to different people, but the recipes below are both light and nourishing, and prove that relying on an old standby doesn't have to mean meals that lack variety or excitement. Alex Lau for The New York Times Transform store-bought rotisserie chicken into something truly special with this Zainab Shah recipe. Smashing cucumbers, then salting them and letting them rest for 20 minutes, draws out their moisture, ensuring that they're crisp and well seasoned. This salad is even better after a couple days in the fridge, especially after soaking up the savory soy sauce, nutty sesame oil and spicy crushed red pepper. Recipe: Smashed Cucumber and Chicken Salad David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Store-bought sazón, a popular spice mix in Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America, can vary in flavor, but you can also make your own, with this recipe from Von Diaz. Use it as a marinade for chicken, and enjoy fragrant, well-seasoned breasts or thighs that can top salads or nutty grains like brown rice. Recipe: Sazón Chicken Breasts David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Here, Kay Chun makes use of the electric pressure cooker and boneless, skinless chicken thighs to speed up a normally long-simmering recipe. What emerges after a half an hour is tender, falling apart chicken in a creamy, savory rice porridge. Topping this with a fresh ginger and scallion sauce adds a fun zippiness. Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Juk With Scallion Sauce Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne. Lidey Heuck uses avocado, rather than mayonnaise, as the base of this creamy green goddess dressing, run through with scallions, capers and garlic. Mix the dressing with shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breasts. Recipe: Green Goddess Chicken Salad Sandwiches Linda Xiao for The New York Times. Food Stylist; Hadas Smirnoff. Prop Stylist: Megan Hedgepeth. This Sam Sifton recipe means you can have shawarma at home — no rotisserie required. The chicken is marinated for as little as an hour, but if you're really thinking ahead, make it in the morning and let the chicken marinate while you're at work, then serve with plenty of condiments: tahini sauce, chopped cucumbers and olives, and plenty of fresh herbs. Recipe: Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. This simple recipe from Christian Reynoso is a perfect way to celebrate warm weather. A spicy marinade of brown mustard seed, soy sauce, garlic and ginger penetrates the meat and imbues it with flavor. Then, that sauce takes on charred depth after it's fired on the grill. Serve this with seasonal grilled vegetables or a punchy salad. Recipe: Hot-Mustard Grilled Chicken Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich. The secret to making breast meat as tender and flavorful as dark meat, you'll see in this Eric Kim recipe, is pineapple. Fresh pineapple contains a group of enzymes called bromelain, which can break down the fibrous tissues. Make sure you marinate the meat for just the recommended 15 minutes. Much longer, and the meat will take on a gluey texture. Recipe: Pineapple-Marinated Chicken Breasts Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell. When you're looking for a childhood comfort — or feeding an actual child — but want something lighter, go for these air-fryer chicken tenders. Eleanore Park's recipe has you start with a simple base of panko, paprika, and salt and pepper for the breading, but experiment with adding whatever herbs and spices you like. Recipe: Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders James Ransom for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne. Yasmin Fahr's chicken thighs are tangy, spicy, creamy and sweet all at once thanks to honey, pickled jalapeño (both the brine and the pepper), and feta. Just make sure to cut the broccoli small, so it's ready at the same time as the chicken. Recipe: Spicy Honey Chicken With Broccoli James Ransom for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Maggie Ruggiero. Nargisse Benkabbou takes a popular Moroccan street food, tayb o'hari, and turns it into a salad. Canned chickpeas are warmed in olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper, and served over greens and herbs. Use canned green chiles or even mix in green salsa or hot sauce to streamline the dressing. Recipe: Chickpea-Chicken Salad With Green Harissa Dressing Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. The countdown to tomato season starts as soon as the weather warms up, but you can pregame with this Martha Rose Shulman recipe, which makes use of readily available cherry tomatoes. They get jammy and saucy when you cook them, bursting over the chicken breasts. Recipe: Lemon and Garlic Chicken With Cherry Tomatoes Bryan Gardner for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne. It's rare to find salads that can hold up after being dressed, but the celery in Sue Li's recipe stays satisfyingly crisp for a few days under the tahini and wasabi based dressing. Feel free to dial it up or down — and to tuck any leftovers into a sandwich for lunch. Recipe: Chicken and Celery Salad With Wasabi-Tahini Dressing Johnny Miller for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne. Here's another one for grilling season (though it can also be made on the skillet or in the oven). A combination of tahini, honey and olive oil takes on a gorgeous caramelized flavor, thanks to the sugar in the honey. Round them out, as the recipe's creator Yasmin Fahr suggests, with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Recipe: Grilled Tahini-Honey Chicken Thighs David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. This Ali Slagle soup has enough tang to feel welcome even as the weather warms up. Boneless chicken thighs and greens get a bright punch from hot pickled peppers and their brine. Onion, tomato paste and cumin give the dish rich savoriness. Recipe: Quick-Braised Chicken With Greens Nico Schinco for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne. In this Alexa Weibel recipe, two big-league ingredients — punchy kimchi and sweet-savory hoisin sauce — team up beautifully to lend flavor to simple ground chicken, rice and lettuce. The kimchi has two jobs, getting cooked with the chicken and then serving as a garnish, while the hoisin sauce tames the tang and spice. Recipe: Kimchi Chicken Lettuce Wraps Johnny Miller for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Susan Spungen. The coconut broth in Ali Slagle's recipe takes its cues from Thai tom kha gai and adds gingery chicken meatballs, which can be made in the pot. Many commenters suggest instead using a sheet pan so you don't have to work in batches to brown them or worry about oil splatter. Lots of spinach tossed in at the end lends a vibrant green color. Recipe: Thai-Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Chris Lanier. Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez-Hart. This Yewande Komolafe dish proves that if you use powerful ingredients, you can get away with a short grocery list. Here, gochujang lends not just spice, but umami. Again, you can substitute whichever vegetables are seasonal or currently lingering in your refrigerator. Recipe: Sheet-Pan Gochujang Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Follow New York Times Cooking on Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , TikTok and Pinterest . Get regular updates from New York Times Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice .
Buzz Feed
25-04-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
33 Useful Home Products Designed To Save Money Over Time
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Your precious dollars will be so relieved you stopped wasting them on expensive Swiffer pads and got these much more effective, reusable ones instead. 1. An airtight Deli ProKeeper so beloved that it's gone viral on FridgeTok (if you know, you KNOW). Not only does this free up space and clutter in the fridge, but it keeps deli meat and cheese so fresh that you'll actually get your darn money's worth by preventing waste. Promising review: "I bought this because I have the outlandish idea that my refrigerator will look just like those on TikTok, but I am pleasantly surprised to find that it keeps my cold cuts fresher for much longer than expected. It's large enough to hold a pound or more of cold cuts or cheese, which is a bonus. The sealing technology is superb and strong. At one point, I almost could not open the container due to the seal being so airtight. Not only does this product look good in my fridge, but it is saving me money, so definitely a win-win for me." — IrishEyes Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three styles). 2. And a hybrid berry basket and colander designed not just to make cleaning your fruit way easier, but to keep your fruit fresh for as long as possible, so you can snack on your farmer's market haul without racing the clock. Promising review: "My blueberries stay fresh and crisp in this container, rather than the familiar fate of becoming soggy and moldy! I love how I can wash the berries in the strainer, pop it into the basket, and then look forward to the BEST blueberries EVER!!!!!" — Anonymous Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 3. The Pink Stuff's new "Sqeezy" sponge set, which is living up to its "miracle" catchphrase by helping reviewers with their toughest cleaning projects, like grimy pans, mildewed showers, and marked-up walls. If you aren't already in the cult of Pink Stuff cleaning paste, it's so good at its job that reviewers call it " gold in a jar" and " witchcraft." This is the perfect alternative to pricey paint jobs and replacing cookware! Check out a TikTok of the Sqeezy in action. Promising review: "The 'abrasive sponge when cold' or 'squishy when hot' is an awesome feature for the type of scrubbing you want to do. The Pink Stuff with the sponge does wonders! We have a hideous 30-year-old shower and although it doesn't look brand-new like I was hoping, it's 10 times better!! This product really does work!" — GreenGoddess Get the set (one Pink Stuff jar and a "Sqeezy") from Amazon for $9.99. 4. A super effective and strangely whimsical foaming drain cleaner for anyone who simply does not want to see another expensive plumber this year. This gentle but powerful foam pulls up gunk and cleans out drains in sinks, bathtubs, and floor drains, helping prevent plumbing issues and making everything smell ~squeaky clean~. Check out a TikTok of the foaming pink drain cleaner in action. Promising review: "Wow! I don't think I've ever been more excited to use a cleaning product before. Who knew you could get so much satisfaction from a drain cleaner. I could probably make an ASMR video and post it, as it is that satisfying! Even though I had to angle this over my sink drain, to avoid the low faucet, it worked perfectly. The foam went down the drain and up through the overflow, bringing lots of black, yucky gunk with it. I have used lots of drain cleaners before, but not one that actually came up through the overflow. I'd never even considered what stuff was in there. It did a great job of cleaning everything out and it left the sink smelling fresh and clean as well." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $15.98. 5. An Uncrustables-inspired sandwich cutter that goes above and beyond the typical cookie cutter molds parents have been buying for years. This version is sharper and steadier, helping you get a clean cut and a more secure lock on the bread before you eat it fresh or put it in the freezer for meal prep batching. Expensive Uncrustables WHOMST? Check out a TikTok of the sandwich cutter in action. Promising review: "I've tried three other gadgets that advertised that they make Uncrustable sandwiches, and this is the only one that's made a perfect one. My kid's sandwiches have remained completely sealed and mess free while eating. I bought this one to prepare peanut butter and jelly's for a four day trip across country. Not a single time did I need to baby wipe my toddlers cause they were a sticky mess from jelly. I have made Uncrustables fresh and frozen to defrost later and it's all stayed sealed. I absolutely recommend.' — Elizabeth Monroe Get it from Amazon for $7.90 (available in two sizes). 6. Oxo's compact Cold Brew Rapid Brewer to make cold brew in FIVE MINUTES (!!) with results so quick and delicious that reviewers love it more than their beloved Aeropresses (and even call it " Aeropress 2.0"). Not only is it faster than comparable models, but it's cheaper, entirely portable, and doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯 You're going to be swimming in a RIVER of delicious, affordable cold brew with this gizmo. Amazon You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water. Check out a TikTok of the Oxo Rapid Brewer in action. Promising review: "I'm in love with various forms of coffee preparation and I've tried all forms of equipment to make them at home. If asked what I prefer for a quick cappuccino, that's easy. This OXO Rapid Brewer. I've played with my Aeropress for over two decades, including all the necessary add-ons and doo-dads to get close to what this machine does on the first attempt. Get comfortable with a bag of fresh beans, a quality burr grinder, and friends. Do rounds of blind taste tests. I think you'll agree." — Cynthia Get it from Amazon for $31.79. 7. A 52-week tear-off meal planning pad with space to plan all your meals in advance, plus a weekly shopping list you can grab and take to the store with you to keep yourself on track for your budget goals. (Unless there's a new flavor of Oreo to try, in which case, ABANDON BUDGET SHIP.) Check out a TikTok of the weekly meal planning pad in action. Sweetzer and Orange is a small business specializing in planners, stationery, and educational products. Promising review: "The magnet is great, sticks to fridge very well, and does not slide or move. Perfect for planning meals and adding needed grocery items to the right side. Then you just tear off the right side and head to the store. This has made our family meal planning so much easier!" — SandyBeach Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in two styles). 8. A lawn dog spot repair treatment to help your grass look as spiffy and green as it did before Fido decided to mark their territory by peeing in the same parched spots over ... and over ........ and over again. Reviewers notice results within *days* (and your bank account will weep in relief that you didn't hire lawn professionals to do it). Promising review: "We purchased this to fill some patches in our backyard that were damaged by our puppy. This seed works like a charm. The one caveat is that you really do have to water it a bit every day. Once it takes off, though, it grows pretty quickly! Within one week of planting this, we had one-inch long grass blades. One month later, all the patches are gone. Highly recommended!" — Jessica N. Get it from Amazon for $16.44+ (available in different sizes). 9. A set of darling reusable Swedish dishcloths that can be washed up to 50 times in the dishwasher, and are designed to replace 17 (!!) rolls of paper towels each. These are strong enough to tackle tough stains and grime, but gentle enough that they won't scratch cookware or hurt your skin. Febu is a small business that specializes in earth-friendly, non-toxic home products. Promising review: "I love these! I have used these for years instead of a sponge or a dishrag. They hold up great, mop up crumbs and spills quickly, can be popped in the dishwasher to clean, and bring a bit of color to the sink area in my otherwise neutral kitchen." — Wynnefred Get a set of five from Amazon for $14.95 (available in 15 very pretty sets). 10. A magnetic air fryer cheat sheet to help minimize effort and maximize deliciousness so you can get dinner on the table as quickly (and cheaply!!) as possible. The takeout delivery driver will miss you. 👋 Psst — it also comes with a double-sided sticker if your fridge isn't magnetized, of you'd rather hide it in a cabinet! Promising review:"These magnetic cheat sheets are wonderful. So handy instead of a cookbook; I use it every day! I gave my niece an air fryer for Christmas, so I bought her a set, too, and she loves it." — KateK. Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in two colors). 11. A Bentgo stackable lunch container perfect for commuters who want to get back in the groove of bringing cheaper lunches from home again — this right here is a perfect leakproof, sturdy option for your mobile salad/charcuterie/"girl dinner" situations. It's also nice and deep for mixing salads, has an upper compartment to keep your other ingredients separate, *and* a container for dressing. Promising review: "I absolutely love these salad containers. These containers fit a ton of salad greens and all sizes of toppings — nuts, beans, cheese, fruits, meats, pasta, etc. They make packing lunch easy. Just throw in some greens, a protein, a dressing, and toppings that make salad fun for you! We use ours several times per week, and they make it to both our jobs without spilling or leaking. I walk and ride public transit, so mine gets tossed around a bit. Several of my friends and coworkers have bought them after seeing mine!" — Heathiedoodle Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in eight colors). 12. A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper that'll get you uniform, oh-so-satisfyingly cut veggies instead of buying the expensive precut ones at the store. This gadget juliennes, chops, spiralizes, and slices vegetables in an instant and has a built-in storage container to hold the chopped veggies so you can pour them into a pan or dish without any mess. Fullstar is a small business established in 2017 that specializes in kitchen gadgets. Check out a TikTok of the veggie chopper in action. Promising review:"Makes life so much easier. I can't imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. We used to have a Prepworks chopper, which was a similar idea, but you had to press so hard to chop, and it broke after not too long. This one requires very little effort to cut through the foo,d and it has a generous container." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $26.97+ (clip the $3 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in four styles and in four colors). 13. A set of Bottle Bright tablets so you can tackle all the sludge caked on your automatic kettle, coffee maker, or favorite ceramic mugs instead of replacing them for a pretty penny. Bottle Bright is a US-based small business established in 2009 that specializes in cleaning products. Promising review:"I seriously can't believe how well these little tablets work. I had the most disgusting Hydro Flask coffee mug; I tried everything — bottle brush, different kinds of soap, vinegar, EVERYTHING — and there was still a seemingly impenetrable layer of black sludge inside. It grossed me out so much that I bought ANOTHER Hydro Flask to replace it. Eventually they both got black inside, so I tried these little magic tablets. I let a tablet sit in each of my mugs for an hour or two, and the black sludge rinsed out COMPLETELY, without even scrubbing. They look brand-new. What a magical product." — Amazon Customer Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in larger packs). 14. A reusable microfiber Swiffer mop pad that reviewers love not only because it's ready for action again right after a wash cycle, but because it picks up a ton more dirt, gunk, and debris than the disposable mops do, *and* it's a heck of a lot cheaper than stocking up on the one-use versions over time. Turbo Mops is a small business that specializes in eco-friendly cleaning products. Promising review: "If you have a Swiffer Wet Jet and are tired of having to buy those mop pads I would 10000x recommend these. All you do is stick it to the bottom of your mop like you would a mop pad and mop like normal. It stays on great and even picks up crumbs better than the store bought mop pads. Once you're done you just throw it in the wash and it's good as new. I'm not sure if you're supposed to dry them, but I do and they come out just fine! I love these!!" — Kate Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.98 (available in multipacks). Psst — if you don't already have one, you can get a standard Swiffer on Amazon for $17! 15. A bar soap bag, which is the ultimate hack not just to exfoliate your skin with your favorite bar soaps, but to *really* get your money's worth out of them — these produce much richer lather so a little goes a loooong way, and you won't have to replace your bars as often. Promising review:"I've only been using these for four days but my skin is smoother! I like that I'm not using plastic bottles for my body soap. I am using the least exfoliating one for now. But once I'm totally used to it, I will move up to the other one. So far, I'm impressed. Lots of lather and my soap doesn't slip out of my hands anymore!" — Doris M. Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99. (NOTE: these are available in deep exfoliating, gentle exfoliating, and a pack of both!) 16. A bottle of Angry Orange pet odor eliminator that's working OVERTIME on preventing you from replacing your carpets — not only does this vanish the evidence of pet-related stains and odors, but it leaves the area smelling so nice that you'll be like, "Um, is this my new signature perfume??" Extremely bonus: it also deters pets from peeing, so if there's a ~hot spot~ your doggo loves to frequent, this ought to curb the habit. Angry Orange is a small business that specializes in home cleaning products. Promising review:"This product has become a must in our household! We discovered it while looking for another scent/odor control product that had a strong citrus scent to spray around a Christmas tree a year or so ago when one of our dogs suddenly decided that he was going to start peeing on the Christmas tree every night. Not only did it deter him from peeing on it, it smells fantastic, and now we use it all the time for any smells around the house, pet odor-related or not! It only takes one or two sprays as well, and the whole area smells fabulous afterward." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $17.96 (available in four sizes). 17. A jewelry-cleaning stick with cleansing solution on a brush designed specifically to get in the nooks and crannies of your jewelry, so you can dig out all the grime that's accumulated over the years on the cheap instead of taking it to the jeweler. Promising review:"I absolutely love this product. I saw it on TikTok and figured I would give it a try. My grandmother passed away almost eight years ago, and she left me her first engagement ring in her will. I have tried so many jewelry cleaners, toothpaste and toothbrush, you name it, tried everything except for sending it away to get cleaned. I ordered the Diamond Dazzle Stik on Thursday and it arrived the following Saturday, fast shipping! Today is Sunday and I cleaned my ring with the Diamond Dazzle Stik. My ring is just as shiny as it was when my grandfather bought it for my grandmother many many years ago. I will definitely use this Diamond Dazzle Stik on all my jewelry. Highly recommended!" — Heather Get it from Amazon for $9.48. 18. A "spray and go" enzyme-based laundry stain remover that works its magic in one wash to help you instantly get rid of all that discolored dried sweat, oil stains, or deodorant residue on your favorite clothes, so you don't have to spend big money replace them when the Stain Fairy lays her curse. Check out a TikTok of the laundry spray in action. Puracy is a Texas-based, family-owned business specializing in plant-based, chemical-free, hypoallergenic home products, with a donation made to local families in need with a portion of every purchase. Psst — this spray also does a number on all those other miscellaneous stains in your life, like wine, coffee, soy sauce, makeup, and period blood! I recently bought this to test it for myself, and can attest to how well it works to get period blood out even after you've tried something else. I stained a pair of beloved bright-blue bike shorts in my sleep and tried to get it out with soap and water, but the stain was still there when it came out of the wash. I treated it with this, stuck it back in the wash, and BOOM, it's like it never happened (I panicked before I could get a before and after, please forgive me, laundry gods). Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in different sizes). 19. A fast-acting, refillable plug-in fly trap for flies, fruit flies, moths, and gnats that works up to 400 feet by using a light to lure them — no $$ exterminator required. The best part?? The "trap" part is on the back, so you don't have to behold a little bug graveyard in your kitchen when you flick on the lights in the morning. Check out a TikTok of the plug-in fly trap in action. Promising review:"I can't say enough wonderful things about these handy little bug catchers! They are simple to use, cheap to refill, and catch a ton of small bugs and flies. I have eight of them now, all around my house! It's a little gross how many tiny flying insects are around…but it makes me feel a lot better now that I have these!" — Chris H. Get it from Amazon for $14.97. 20. Plus a cute lil' insect catcher you can set in a plant or near your fruit bowl or compost to deal with any unwanted fluttering guests on the cheap. These odorless sticky traps are designed to work indoors and outdoors and will stop fruit flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and more. Reviewers note that these work best if you put them somewhere the flies are already attracted to — these will definitely trap them, but they won't attract them on their own. Promising review: "I had a HUGE fruit fly issue after I found a rotting lemon that had called behind a bread box. I paid $20+ for the liquid fly traps, but nothing worked. I ordered these sticky fly traps, and within two days, the sticky traps caught 50+ fruit flies, and I don't have any more fruit flies. These were the least expensive options I tried and worked the best. I HIGHLY recommend!!!" — Lisa Get a pack of 18 from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 12 styles and packs). 21. A breakfast sandwich maker so you can quit throwing all your money at the McDonald's drive-thru every morning. This simultaneously cooks an egg, toasts bread, warms precooked meat, and melts cheese into the perfect sammie in less than five minutes. (Sorry not sorry to everyone else still waiting in the drive-thru line!) Promising review:"I am actually excited for my weekday breakfast now. These homemade McMuffins are so good! My favorite version uses sliced tomatoes, Swiss cheese, and precooked bacon (from Costco). So many options, so easy! My kindergartner and my teenager both love it. I may have to buy another one for our family. It's also easy to clean with a quick wipe-down." — Joolie Get it from Amazon for $32.63+ (available in four colors). 22. Plus, an egg bite maker to flex on Starbucks and Costco and all the other places where you're paying top dollar for fresh or frozen egg bites by — gasp?? — customizing and making your own for cheap. Bonus: you can take the silicone molds off of it and use it as a regular grill for sandwiches! Psst — a lot of folks also use these for pancake and protein pancake bites! Promising review: "I bought this in hopes to make egg bites similar to Starbucks and I have not been disappointed. I chose this one after reading reviews on the smaller four-bite size. I have used it many times and have had excellent results each time. I followed the recipe in the booklet and used a tip from another reviewer who suggested to triple the cottage cheese amount. It's very easy to use and clean." — April124 Get it from Amazon for $36.20+ (available in three colors). 23. A roll of clear heavy-duty double-sided removable tape, which did NOT come here to play — people use this for everything from mounting wall hangings and electronics to securing their vases and glass objects to tables to keeping their rugs in place. It's also easily removable and leaves no residue behind! Amazon Promising review:"So, I bought these beautiful acrylic shelves from Amazon and the sticky adhesive wasn't bad, it just wasn't sturdy and one of my shelves fell. Luckily nothing broke, but after that I immediately ordered this tape, which I got in two days, and I installed it as soon as I got it. Beautiful!!!! Works well, very sticky, I love that it's thick because it also helped with balancing. My walls seem to not be completely straight. So with this product I was able to stick the shelves up perfectly without them looking like they are dropping over. And on that note they are great and amazing with the help of this company. Thank you!" — Trinity Get a roll from Amazon for $9.97 (available in two sizes). 24. Plus a Bissell multipurpose carpet and upholstery cleaner with a *MAJOR* fan following of parents and pet owners — this compact, super portable powerhouse uses warm water and a special formula to make stains from grass, mud, pet accidents, food, and all your other home-related shenanigans look like they never even happened. Each cleaner comes with a trial size of Bissell's Spot & Stain Formula, which is also available on Amazon for $12.99! Promising review:"Saw this thing all over TikTok and caved because my couch was looking BUSTED. This little green monster was super simple to put together out of the box, easy to wrap back up after use and the water that came after cleaning my couch was literally black... My couch is light blue so, definitely gets things CLEAN. Do it, you don't know you need it but you do." — KD Krane Get it from Amazon for $99.95. 25. A bottle of wood polish that will make all your scuffed-up cabinets and hardwood floors look brand spanking new in mere seconds, even if you're pretty sure the damage is older than you are. Promising review:"AMAZING product!!!!! My daughter ate a hot bowl of soup on my wooden table and left numerous white ring marks. I tried everything to get them off and failed every time. As soon as I put the product on, it was practically brand-new again. Highly recommend this product!" — Diana V Get a bottle from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in nine finishes). 26. A TubShroom, a little gizmo you can stick in your shower drain to catch all your hair before it clogs up your pipes and you have to call a professional. The hair coils around it to make it even easier to remove, making it both handy *and* semi-horrifying! TubShroom is a small business that specializes in drain products for home use. Promising review:"I hardly ever write reviews, but this thing is so amazing I had to share. With every shower I take, I shed a TON of hair and (as you can see from the picture) stick it to the wall so that no hair goes down my drain. I thought this method was working out well but my drain was continuing to stop up. I figured it must be my sister's fault since I was so good about not letting any hair go down the drain, but I went ahead and ordered the TubShroom after seeing advertisements on Facebook. I got this thing, and after only two showers, it collected a crap ton of my hair that I didn't catch. It really is so easy to install and wipe away the hair, exactly like the videos. Awesome invention, and I'm super happy with this purchase!" — Megan K. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.99 (available in five colors). 27. An Erase-A-Hole putty that's basically an $11 investment in keeping your walls in tip top shape no matter *how* ambitious you get with your decor. This easy three-step process will have the walls looking brand spanking new in no time flat. Amazon Promising review:"Recommended off TikTok and I love. I didn't realize how many holes were in the walls until I got this product! Easy to use and good filling. Much better than a tub of spackle for small fixes." — Leigh Helsel Get it from Amazon for $14.89. 28. A set of universal reusable K-cup pods so not only will you cut down on expensive pods and environmental waste, but you can get reeeeal picky about exactly what blends you're brewing into your beloved cuppa every morning. We are all officially getting too old not to have Annoyingly Specific Coffee Preferences, and this is here to help us on that journey. Promising review: "Works great for my Keurig. I feel better not throwing away all those pods! Love the pod measuring scoop! The pods work great and are easy to use and clean. I just open the pod top and tap the bottom of the pod over the garbage to empty. Great value for money." — Kindle Customer Get a set of four from Amazon for $14.95 (also available with a scoop). 29. A two-stage knife sharpener, because those blades you bought back in the day?? They're probably super dull by now. Instead of replacing them with pricey versions, ~refresh~ them with this. Promising review:"I have had my set of knives for over 10 years. I was looking to replace them when someone recommended trying to sharpen them. I hated sharpening the knives with the sharpener they came with. I wanted something easy. This was it! I sharpened all my knives with it and they are like they were when I first purchased them. This knife sharpener made it quick and easy. It saved me a lot of money from purchasing a new set. If your knives are dull, give this a try. You can't beat it for the price!" — M. Bell Read our full review of the KitchenIQ knife sharpener for more deets. Get it from Amazon for $7.81+ (available in four colors). 30. An AirPod cleaning pen so you can skip costly repairs — all you have to do is gently dig into the nooks and crannies of your charger and speakers to restore your sound quality to top-notch again. (Listen, Taylor Swift did not record the 10-minute version of "All Too Well" for you to disrespect it by blotting it out with too much earwax!!) Amazon Promising review: "Saved me $140. The right AirPod was extremely muffled, and nothing I tried worked. Prime Day was coming up, so I decided I'd just get a new pair. But this came across my recommended products so I decided maybe I'd try it out and see if it works. I had no hopes. But I cleaned and now they sound almost as great as when I got them two years ago. Saved me money. Highly recommend this for any AirPod owner." — Hira Khan Get it from Amazon for $5.59+ (available in two colors). 31. An insulated soundproofing strip that easily sticks to the outer rims of your door — this not only gives you some much-needed peace and quiet between apartment walls, but also saves you money by preserving your heat in the winter and your AC in the summer. Promising review:"Lifesaver. I have roommates who always watch TV loudly until midnight so I purchased this to seal the gap in my door. It really reduced 90% of the noise from living room!!! I can finally have a nice sleep!!!" — wen yan Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in two colors). 32. A set of paint touch-up pens to quickly deal with lil' scuff and scratch marks that pop up on your walls without having to do the whole song and dance of whipping out a giant roller brush. (Ah, we love the fresh smell of "getting my deposit back" in the morning.) Amazon, Slobproof Slobproof is a small business that specializes in home improvement products. Reviewers also love these for doing detail work on painted designs and murals! As an added bonus, these are totally airtight, so the paint in them won't dry out if you don't finish up the pain in the pen all at once. Promising review:"These are genius! They work so well and make it no hassle to quickly retouch small areas that get scratched up. Never knew something like this existed, and now am in love with them!" — Jeff Get a pack of two on Amazon for $14.99 (also available in a pack of five). 33. An undated habit calendar that not only comes with 12 months' worth of tracking strategies for daily, weekly, and monthly goals, but starts out with a lil' brainstorm on things you might want to track, like managing your extra spending or curbing expensive habits. Amazon Promising review:" I wanted to reduce stress and nail down some habits, and I've always done better when I can see progress tangibly. I'd been eyeing this calendar for some time, but was unsure if it was worth the money. I decided to go for it. SO glad I did. It has some 'homework' pages at the beginning to help you focus on on your goals, but mostly it's the cleanness and ready-to-go nature of the monthly calendar pages that have worked for me. It's helped me be more disciplined AND narrow my focus so I'm not worrying about doing everything under the sun each day. I liked it so much that I bought a second one for a friend. Another friend saw me using it and also made a purchase. I'm really happy I made the leap." — Flight of Stars Get it from Amazon for $24. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
