Latest news with #Renae
Vancouver Sun
4 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Do airlines owe you compensation for turbulence-induced damages? Here's what we found out
This month, two passengers who claimed there should be no upper limit on the amount of compensation Air Canada owes to injured passengers lost their case in an Australian court. The case stems from a July 2019 Air Canada flight from Vancouver to Sydney, Australia. The Canadian Press reported at the time that the flight hit severe turbulence and was forced to divert to Hawaii. Thirty people were sent to hospital, nine in serious condition, some suffering lacerations and injuries to their head, back and neck, emergency first responders in Hawaii said. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Mother and daughter Renae and Stephanie Evans claimed they suffered spinal and psychological injuries during the flight. They also claimed that Air Canada, in its general rules, waived an upper limit set by an international treaty called the Montreal Convention. The New South Wales Supreme Court initially ruled in favour of the passengers, a decision which was overturned by that state's Court of Appeal. The High Court then unanimously dismissed the passengers' case. The Montreal Convention (or more formally the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air) is an international treaty that was drawn up in 1999 and came into force in 2003. It sets limits for airline liabilities for everything from lost luggage to loss of life. In the case of the latter, it said airlines were liable for up to 100,000 SDR for the bodily injury or death of a passenger. SDR or 'special drawing rights' is an economic unit that can be translated into any local currency; 100,000 SDR is worth about $192,000 Canadian. The amount is examined and may be revised every five years. As of 2024 it stands at 151,880 SDR, equivalent to $277,940 Canadian. The plaintiffs had argued that Air Canada's terms and conditions included the phrase: 'There are no financial limits in respect of death or bodily injury of passengers,' suggesting that the airline was opting out of the limit set by the Montreal Convention. However, Lawson Hennick, founding lawyer at Hennick Law in Markham, Ont., told National Post that on closer reading of the airline's regulations and the lawsuit, the high court's decision makes sense. 'Article 25 of the Montreal Convention expressly permits carriers to agree to higher or unlimited liability,' he said. 'The court acknowledged this, noting that a carrier can raise or even eliminate the threshold at which the no-negligence defence applies.' However, 'the court rejected this position, finding that Air Canada had not clearly waived its right to rely on the no-negligence defence.' Specifically, language in the Montreal Convention note that its liability rules 'supersede and prevail over any provisions of this tariff which may be inconsistent.' Meanwhile, Air Canada's own international tariff rules note that, 'except as otherwise provided herein,' the airline 'reserves all defences available.' Said Hennick: 'In the result, the passengers were unsuccessful in establishing that the carrier had waived the Article 21(2) defence for claims exceeding the maximum liability set out in the Montreal Convention.' Hennick noted that the Montreal Convention, aside from its cap on liabilities, is very open-ended when it comes to injury or loss of life while flying. 'The Montreal Convention says the carrier is liable for damages sustained in the case of death or bodily injury of a passenger upon condition only that the accident which caused the death or injury took place on board the aircraft or in the course of any of the operations of embarking or disembarking,' he said. 'So if you're injured by turbulence, that's considered onboard the aircraft, right? So I would say that would be something that could be compensable.' He added that passengers can sue beyond the limit, 'but if you want to claim it under the Montreal Convention, the benefit of that is all you have to do is prove your injuries.' 'As soon as you start claiming amounts above and beyond that, then they can start putting in defences for negligence. They can start alleging, well, the injury wasn't caused by us, it was caused by a third party, or could have been a result of pre-existing issues, or something other than that. But if you're going to be pursuing the limits under the Montreal Convention, it's a strict liability regime. You just have to show that you're injured on board the aircraft, prove the value of your injuries, and then they'll have to pay it.' One downside, he noted, is that the convention only mentions physical injuries. 'So if it's a purely psychological claim or psychiatric trauma, and you're not physically hurt … you may not be able to recover anything out of the Montreal Convention.' Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
4 days ago
- Edmonton Journal
Do airlines owe you compensation for turbulence-induced damages? Here's what we found out
Article content Thirty people were sent to hospital, nine in serious condition, some suffering lacerations and injuries to their head, back and neck, emergency first responders in Hawaii said. Mother and daughter Renae and Stephanie Evans claimed they suffered spinal and psychological injuries during the flight. They also claimed that Air Canada, in its general rules, waived an upper limit set by an international treaty called the Montreal Convention. The New South Wales Supreme Court initially ruled in favour of the passengers, a decision which was overturned by that state's Court of Appeal. The High Court then unanimously dismissed the passengers' case. What is the Montreal Convention? The Montreal Convention (or more formally the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air) is an international treaty that was drawn up in 1999 and came into force in 2003. It sets limits for airline liabilities for everything from lost luggage to loss of life.
CBC
09-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
With measles outbreaks growing in Canada, this mother pleads with parents to vaccinate
Rebecca Archer lovingly places a pair of small glasses on a shelf filled with memorabilia like trinkets and photos. They belonged to her 10-year-old daughter, Renae, who suddenly died after a measles infection. "She was just really intelligent. Just a really happy child, always smiling," she remembers. Renae was just five months old when she got the measles – too young to be vaccinated, but unable to avoid being exposed during an outbreak in Manchester, England, in 2013. The infant was hospitalized, but recovered. For the next 10 years, Renae had no other medical issues, her mom says. But the measles virus was sitting dormant in her brain for years. When it woke up, Renae started having seizures. Then, she couldn't speak, or eat, or even stay conscious. "The fact that it was measles, I just couldn't get my head around it," Archer said. With measles cases on the rise in Canada at rates unseen in almost three decades — and vaccination coverage for childhood vaccines like the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot falling since the pandemic — Archer and others who have suffered from measles complications are pleading that those who can get vaccinated do. 'You never think it's going to happen to you' When Renae's seizures began, she was suffering from a rare complication of measles called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, or SSPE. Out of 100,000 measles cases, it happens to less than a dozen people. But for kids like Renae who get measles before they're 15 months old, the risk level rises significantly – to one in 609. It is almost always fatal, and there's little doctors can do to help — a hard truth for Archer to accept. "I always had it in my mind, once we found out what was actually wrong, Renae, we'll get her back to herself again," she said. Instead, doctors told Archer her first-born daughter had no brain activity. There was nothing to do – except decide when to turn off her life-support machines. The mother says she didn't imagine measles could do this much damage. Now, her grief is tinged with rage: she says that Renae would still be alive if others were immunized against measles. "You never think it's going to happen to you," she said. "It does make me really angry, and make me want to help people understand how serious it is." Fears of a death this year in Canada Dr. Michelle Barton has seen a case of SSPE once in her career – not in Canada, but in a developing country. "It's a sad picture to watch, because there is really not much you can do." It's not a complication physicians would normally consider in countries like Canada, where measles was declared eliminated in 1998, said Barton, who heads the pediatric infectious diseases division at the Children's Hospital in London, Ont. With the virus continuing to spread in Canada, with cases in every province, Barton fears physicians may need to start thinking about measles complications like SSPE more frequently. "In this outbreak, there have been no deaths. And we are grateful for that," said Barton, who has been seeing some of the sickest patients in the province — and doing everything possible to prevent a death. WATCH | A mother's plea to vaccinate against measles: Mother urges parents to vaccinate kids after daughter's measles death 13 hours ago Duration 2:07 Measles may start like a bad cold — with symptoms like a high fever and cough — but in rare cases, it turns deadly. For one child, complications emerged about a decade later, robbing her of speech, movement and, eventually, her life. Alberta has been seeing a sharp increase in the past few weeks — on Thursday, the province reported 313 cases since the outbreaks began in March. Saskatchewan, too, is seeing a rapid increase in cases. Cases there have more than doubled in the past week, and the province's top doctor says he's expecting daily increases for the next weeks, or even months. But the heart of the spread continues to be Ontario, which is reporting 1,453 cases so far this year, the vast majority in those not fully vaccinated against the highly-contagious virus. Dr. Upton Allen, the head of the division of infectious diseases at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) says those numbers are troubling. For children with a healthy immune system, he says, there is a risk of complications like pneumonia, or a bad ear infection, in about one in every 10 cases. Measles can also cause encephalitis – inflammation of the brain at a rate of one per 1,000, he said. The risk level is much higher for those whose immune systems are compromised, Allen said. "They need to be protected," he said, "we protect them by vaccinating those around them." Lifelong complications Those who do survive measles, may be left with lifelong complications — like 73-year old Barbara Leonhard, who lives in Columbia, Mo. It was the late 1950s, before a measles vaccine was available. Leonhard, who was six at the time, remembers her legs giving out, losing the ability to speak, before everything went black. The measles virus had caused her brain to swell, and she fell into a 30-day coma. When she woke up, she was told she would never walk again. "It felt like I was condemned, like a sentence was passed," she remembers. Leonhard says she didn't accept that. She spent months, pulling herself out of the wheelchair, dragging her feet in the living room, teaching herself to walk again. She was successful — but she remains deeply scarred. "It was traumatic and scary," she said. Today, she struggles with muscle weakness — something her neurologist attributes as a lasting effect of her encephalitis, all those years ago. She's pleading with parents to vaccinate their kids against measles, if they haven't done so already. "You have to think about the life of your child, what you're risking." Rebecca Archer, still grieving her daughter, hopes by sharing her family's story, more people will decide to get vaccinated: enough to reach herd immunity — 95 per cent — which she says could have saved her daughter.
Buzz Feed
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
If You Were A Weird Kid Who Grew Up To Be A Weirder Adult, You'll Probably Love These 35 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 · Sometimes you just need to let your inner weird kid shine, and get yourself a horror movie-themed coloring book and a duck-shaped salad bowl. 1. A set of lil' cat butt coasters so all your beverages can come with a side of 😳🐱😳🐱😳. Promising review:"These kitty coasters are the perfect blend of cute and practical! The craftsmanship is excellent, with intricate details that bring the cat design to life. They're thick enough to protect my furniture from hot or cold drinks without being bulky. Plus, they add such a fun and cozy touch to my home decor! I've received so many compliments on them from guests — they're definitely a conversation starter. Bonus: they make a fantastic gift for any cat lover. Highly recommend!" — Renae Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.99. 2. A set of TikTok-famous Globbles, which are about to be your favorite stress-relieving fidget toy. These colorful balls are squishy, stretchy, and stick to pretty much any flat surface you throw them at *without* leaving any messy residue. TikTokers have a blast tossing these at walls and ceilings to see the satisfying way they glom onto them. Promising review:"I have bought these over and over again for gifts. My own children have played with these balls repeatedly. We even left one on the ceiling to see how long it would stay for. It lasted four months before we decided to take it down. Since they are so sticky, they get dirty pretty quickly. All you have to do is a quick rinse in the sink and an air dry, then you are good to go. Great for adults and children! Will be buying again." — Valerie Young Get a set of six from Amazon for $10.99+ (also available in a pack of 16). 3. A dimmable sad duck nightlight because sometimes you just have to look at this emotionally deflated creature on your desk and be like, "Welp. At least I'm doing better than that little dude." Amazon Promising review: "I ordered this lamp because of its appearance. I didn't NEED a depressed duck lamp ... but it has totally filled a void in my life I didn't know existed. Everyone who sees it pokes it. The lamp is actually very functional. It's got a really nice set of brightness options and the glow is yellowish, which is much nicer than white in a dim/dark room. One thing that isn't mentioned in the description is that its legs are utterly floppy. It's terrific." — Literated Get it from Amazon for $15.99. 4. Murdle, Volume 1, a true essential for anyone who relaxes to true crime podcasts or Only Murders in the Building. The book is full of 100 mystery-themed logic puzzles with four different levels of difficulty that they can do solo or with pals, and in order or out of order (although if they do it in order, they get the full scoop on Deductive Logico and Inspector Irratino, whose hilarious misadventures guide you through the book). Check out a TikTok of Murdle in action. The best part?? Once you finish "Murdling," you can use your sleuthing skills on Volume 2, Volume 3, and a whole BUNCH of other themed Murdle books! Promising review: "The puzzles are a lot of fun but the characters, story lines, and other details take the Murdle experience to another level. I have no idea how the author came up with all of this creativeness! You can Murdle solo or with friends. I look forward to future volumes but this one will keep me busy for awhile!" — Liz Gately Get it from Amazon for $10.25. 5. And Just Chilling & Killing, a "cozy adult coloring book" for anyone whose favorite lullaby is a murder podcast. This includes 24 pages inspired by your favorite horror movies so you can color your way through bloodbaths and murders galore! Amazon, Demi's Colouring Corner is a UK-based business run by Demi, a mother of two who loves all things horror and coloring. Another psst — you can pick up a cult-fave colored pencil set on Amazon for $9.59! Promising review: "This book is a must-have for horror lovers. So many adorable renditions of classic and newer horror movies that are a blast to color. I like the simple style because it allows me to add my own flair and techniques like a lot of the popular 'cozy' coloring books nowadays. I so hope this artist does a second version because I plan to finish every single picture in this book!" — AyemmeJay Get it from Amazon for $8.80. 6. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit for anyone on their "happy accidents" beat — this itty bitty set comes with everything you need to create three tiny masterpieces of your very own. Amazon, The kit comes with three different numbered canvas designs, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and an easel. Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross) and what a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" — slb m Get it from Amazon for $6.80. 7. " The Peckish Pirates," a brand spanking new addition to the cult-favorite Magic Puzzle series so beloved on TikTok. Like the others before it, this isn't just a puzzle, but a whimsically illustrated, colorful journey — there are tons of Easter eggs in it, a collection of miniature scenes full of optical illusions and surprises, *plus* a magical twist at the end. You'll have to solve the puzzle to find out! Promising review:"Another stellar puzzle from Magic Puzzle Company, featuring high-quality pieces, a hidden final image, and a unique solving experience. The artwork is full of detail, making it an immersive and engaging build. The pieces fit together snugly, with no puzzle dust, and the final reveal adds an element of surprise. If you're looking for a high-quality puzzle that's more than just a standard jigsaw, this one is worth every penny." — Baloptimus Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (and check out the DELIGHTFUL assortment of Magic Puzzles for more options!). 8. A small duck-themed salad bowl so there's no such thing as a Sad Lunch Desk Salad ever again — now at least you have *one* coworker who will always quack you up mid-meal. Amazon Promising review:"I love this bowl for putting snacks in. It is good in the dishwasher and holds an okay amount of stuff. I love the cute face on it." — Mana McPhee Get it from Amazon for $22.99. 9. Wreck This Journal, a full color journal with prompts for you to write, paint, shred, and, in the words of Taylor Swift, "have a marvelous time ruining everything." Some of the prompts include one to close the journal and scribble on the edges; another to cut out colors from a magazine and tape them all over the page; another is a "Stain Log," which you can use to classify stains in your life, from red wine to nail polishes to food dyes. Basically, if you turn the page in this journal, odds are it's going to look *nothing* like it originally did by the time you're through. Get it from Amazon for $9.59 or Bookshop for $14.88. 10. 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 $9.99. 11. A light up solar frog figurine for your garden or porch so when you come home from that "just one drink" dinner past midnight, this croaky lil' fella can lovingly judge you for it. Promising review: "I love this! It's well painted, and the solar light works great. It is the cutest thing on my patio table." — solowithpits Get it from Amazon for $19.77. 12. A set of cowboy straw toppers to add some much-needed "yeehaw!" into your hydration regimen, and keep your straws safe from germs out here in the wild, bacterial west. Promising review:"So SO CUUUTE! 10/10!! Good product and keeps my straw from getting bugs or germs on it! Plus, it's really cute." — JennA Get a set of four from Amazon for $5.99. 13. A mini inflatable tube guy for your desk to cheer you on (or remind you to take a lil' dance break whenever you overwork yourself). Promising review:"OMG! I love this guy! These things, large and small, will ALWAYS make me laugh. My husband bought the desk version for me, and I can always count on it to make me laugh. My co-workers love it, too. People just stop by to turn him on for a quick pick-me-up. I would recommend getting the AC plug since batteries can run down fast. I think we should create a community of fellow air-dancer-havers and post clips of our little guys dancing to our favorite songs. Anyone in?" — Mark Get it from Amazon for $11.66. 14. A set of Goldfish fridge magnets — aka "Holdfish" — to instantly assert the superiority of this cracker to anyone who enters your home and dares to think they can suggest a snack food that doesn't smile back. Handy Cute Art is a Florida-based Etsy shop that specializes in quirky home products. Get a set of six from Handy Cute Art on Etsy for $10.20 (originally $12). 15. A " Grievance Journal," or rather a "burn book for the discerning misanthrope" — a darkly funny, satisfying, and cathartic journal with 52 prompts so you can purge yourself of the ~~darkness~~ of your daily irritations and inconveniences without alarming all your friends and neighbors. (Well, any more than you already do. 😈) Amazon Promising review: "Bought this intending to gift it to a friend but ended up getting really into the prompts and decided to keep it for myself. WOW, what an awesome way to vent and articulate the negativity you're feeling by actually forcing yourself to form coherent thoughts around your emotions. Cheaper and more effective than therapy, buying several more for friends and fam." — Alex Get it from Amazon for $27.99. 16. A blackhead remover anxiety relief toy perfect for anyone who likes to relax in the most bizarrely gross yet satisfying way possible. Reviewers mention this lil' dude helps give them relief from other less healthy fidget habits, like pulling and picking. Promising review: "I have trichotillomania and really love these little guys. They help refocus my habit, and the pull is very satisfying and realistic. I've had to repurchase already, and I'll reorder more in the future. Can't recommend these enough, as I've been searching for this type of tool for a long time." — Danika Hill Get it from Amazon for $23.59 (available in two styles). 17. The Book of Weird and Unusual Trivia full of 704 pages (!!!) of bizarre facts, strange figures, and uncanny tidbits to make your brain go 🤯. This book contains trivia about everything from how Uranus used to be known as George to absurd stories of criminals throughout history to common misconceptions about things we do and see every day. Amazon Promising review:"A fun read while eating breakfast or chilling at the beach! My husband loves the fun facts in this book! I purchased another one for my mother-in-law's birthday gift and she loves it! A great book for teens as well!" — Ohana Maui Get it from Amazon for $11.69. 18. A set of cookie-shaped barrettes so delightfully realistic that you'll spend every day cosplaying as Cookie Monster's bride. Amazon Promising review:"Very cute, fun, and good value for the money. The quality is good and the design is very cute!" — margo Get a set of seven from Amazon for $9.99. 19. A goth popcorn maker and bowl for anyone who wants an extra side of spook with their saltiness. This silicone skull is so easy to use that you can pour in the kernels, pop it in the microwave for two to three minutes, and get eight cups of freshly popped popcorn without even having to use oil! Amazon Promising review: "This has got to be one of my favorite purchases of the entire year. It's absolutely perfect in every single way. P erfect size, perfect cook every single time, perfect little skully face. Incredibly simple to use and clean. I can't rave about this thing enough. Absolutely fantastic!" — Kelsi E McCoy Get it from Amazon for $16.99. 20. A shaved sheep plushie that is so! darn! FLUFFY!!!! that you will not be able to resist the adorable siren call of zipping its fuzzy little "coat" on and off when your brain needs a cozy vacation. Promising review: "I love him. He is so cute and so well-made. He is the perfect size and shape. I named him Banana Peel Son since his wool comes off like a banana peel. Adorable. Would recommend to everyone." — Aerebys Stare Get it from Amazon for $10.99. 21. A spinning pill dispenser to make taking your meds feel like a game show or a trip to the carnival — sometimes you have to ~romanticize your life~ to remember the essentials in your daily routine!! You can even attach this to a wall or the fridge if you're feeling it. Check out a TikTok of the pill dispenser in action. Promising review:"So I am horrible about remembering if I took my pills. And I HATE digging into the old pill boxes or doing the tip over. I don't know what it is, but I have always disliked it. I hung this on my wall right by the kitchen so I pass it like 5,000 times a day and I can't not see it. It is so fun pushing the little orange button to watch the meds fall out. I mean it kind of feels like a really weird game of Wheel of Fortune, but I like it." — Grofica Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors). 22. A wildly hilarious "screaming goat" button that has surprised reviewers by becoming a legit staple in their routine — people use it to get the attention of a classroom or break tension in the office or just to generally announce to anyone in your vicinity, "I've had it up to HERE and someone better get me a little treat IMMEDIATELY." Novelty888 is a small business that specializes in delightfully and oddly specific talking buttons. Promising review: "Got this for my wife to keep on her desk. She said it's been a big hit in the office! If she or her coworkers are having a tough time, this lightens the mood with just the press of a button." — Daniel Get it from Amazon for $17.99. 23. A pair of glowing lightsaber chopsticks to bring balance to The Force *and* to your sushi. As you can see from the above GIF, I bought these for myself, and I love them to pieces. TBH, I use them as decor every bit as much as I use them to eat. Sometimes I just keep them in my work area to light them up during the day to feel fancy. They toggle back and forth between a bunch of different colors, like red, blue, yellow, purple, and multicolor, so you can either make them match *or* have a red and blue one together and bring ~balance~ to the Force. Get it from Amazon for $11.97 (available in two colors). 24. A pet cloud because honestly ... some of us were *not* cut out for the pet and plant parenthood, and this is our next best bet. This lil' bub does require "a lot of love and attention," plus a 30-minute walk and a steady diet of "tears of joy," but one look at that precious face and you'll be able to swing it. Party People/Etsy Party People is a UK-based Etsy shop established in 2018 that specializes in fun gag gifts and party supplies. Promising review:"This pet cloud is so full of life and energy! As soon as I opened the box he jumped out and gave me a big hug! Might've been high IDK." — Owen Get it from Party People on Etsy for $6.69+ (available with or without a gift bag). 25. A sword-shaped grater for anyone out there who isn't just a cheese lover, but a cheese gladiator. Fight valiantly, my dairy-tolerant friends. Promising review:"It's so cute!!! I've ended up using it so much since getting it, there are plenty of times I've avoided using my regular grater but didn't because box graters are so hard to clean. This one makes it so much simpler, and it goes perfectly with our DND-ish themed home!" — Natalie Get it from Amazon for $14.90. 26. Electric Unicorn Ground Coffee Beans that taste like fruity cereal milk, aka that deeply nostalgic, faintly sweet taste of milk that's leftover after you've finished a heaping bowl of Fruity Pebbles. Growing up is inevitable but at least your taste buds can still be young and free! Amazon Bones Coffee Company is a small business that specializes in coffee grounds and beans with unique flavors and themes. Promising review: "Honestly, I wasn't expecting this coffee to blow me away, but it absolutely did. I was seriously impressed by how well-balanced the flavors are. It tastes like brewing your coffee with Fruity Pebble cereal milk — a combo I didn't think I'd enjoy, but it's fantastic. The quality of the beans is top-notch too. I used a French press, and the coffee always turned out amazing. The artwork and packaging are a nice touch too; they fit right in with my kitchen decor." — Kendra H. Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in dozens of other fun flavors, including decaf options). 27. A delightfully subtle cropped "silly goose" pullover with some real "if you know you know" vibes. The little beak is hidden on one of the sleeves, so it masquerades as an ordinary sweater until you lift your arm to reveal that it is, in fact, the coolest sweater you own. Promising review: "It's so cute! It's a perfect length in my mind, not too long, but not cropped either. Hits right below my belly button and I love that. The sleeves are so so cute! I got this for my 1-year-old's goose party!" — Keegan Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–4X and four varieties). 28. A set of cat-themed tarot cards purrrfect for first-timers, complete with a guide on how to pull the cards and how to interpret them. You'll be doing readings for everyone from yourself to your BFF to your actual cat by the end of the week. Promising review:"Honestly, I saw this tarot deck and thought I needed this for ha ha's. But man. This deck's images are hilarious. It's so much fun, and I felt so drawn to it as soon as it was in my hands. I am smitten over these kittens. 😍 10000% worth the purchase!" — Kathryn Prouty Get it from Amazon for $17.96. 29. A unicorn head squirrel feeder because you know what the world needs?? More mildly terrifying TikToks and Instagram stories of hybrid creatures frolicking in your backyard. This is your task. Go forth, my friend. Accoutrements is a small business that specializes in offbeat home and lifestyle products. Promising review:"This is both ridiculous and spectacular. It just might be my best Amazon impulse buy ever." — Meredith Get it from Amazon for $19.77. 30. A platypus jar scraping spatula so you can get every!! last!! MORSEL!!! of your peanut butters, Nutellas, and mayos, just as international super spy and legendary hero Perry the Platypus would have wanted. Promising review:"I have had this spatula since 2022. I reach for this one consistently above all of my other spatulas, and also use this instead of a butter knife for spreading. I absolutely love this tool. I have arthritis in one hand from a surgery, and the shape of the platypus also helps with that. It cleans off very easily, and still looks brand-new." — Thomas Norton Get it from Amazon for $11.04. 31. A pound of cereal marshmallows because truly I think we're all hard-pressed to think of a scenario that *doesn't* warrant having an emergency bag of these to whip out for the occasion. Pro-tip to refrigerate these babies if you want 'em extra crunchy. Medley Hills Farm is an Ohio-based, family-owned small business that specializes in unique candies, snacks, and baking supplies. Promising review:"Buying these charms was one of the best decisions of my life. The bag is twice the size of my head. The marshmallows are aesthetically pleasing and delicious. It's everything I ever wanted in a snack." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $12.99. 32. A mouse pad that's actually an artistic rendition of you in a Zoom meeting that doesn't have enough of your coworkers' cute dogs and/or babies making cameos in it. Promising review: " Ordered this to use at work, and every single person who's seen it has commented on how funny it is. The quality is great, color is bold, and the printed lines/edges are clear (no blurring of the image). It's slightly larger than a standard mouse pad, which I kind of like. Definitely a great buy and worth the cost." — K Kuykendall Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (also available in four other styles). 33. An Uno rug so anytime you wake up on the wrong foot, you can step on this and be all, "UNO REVERSE!!!" and instantly turn the day around. 😎 Amazon Promising review: "I didn't believe it would be that good, seeing as that, it was so cheap. But to my surprise, this carpet is absolutely incredible. It's soft, colorful, and all of my guests love it! you will not regret buying this funky carpet. I can assure you, you are not going to be disappointed. I know that's hard to believe because you don't know me, but trust me, you're going to want to buy this. Believe me." — izzella Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in two sizes and two styles). 34. A chicken zen garden for anyone so stressed out that they don't give a cluck where their self-care comes from anymore. Promising review:"Got these as a gift for a colleague who is building a chicken coop currently. He (and his kids) love this fun desktop toy!" — G. Reich Get it from Amazon for $32. 35. A pair of decadently soft cow slippers that are, in fact, a whole mooooood. Promising revie w: "I received these as a Christmas gift. I love all things cow and these did not disappoint. They stay on well and have a solid bottom that flexes as you step. They keep my feet nice and warm but not overheated." — Corysgirls Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in women's sizes 5.5–10.5 and three styles, including open-toed). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
You Might Feel A Little Goofy Ordering These 33 Products, But I Promise, They're Worth It
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 meditation sloth might just be the dose of calm you need most. 1. A set of lil' cat butt coasters so all your beverages can come with a side of 😳🐱😳🐱😳. Promising review:"These kitty coasters are the perfect blend of cute and practical! The craftsmanship is excellent, with intricate details that bring the cat design to life. They're thick enough to protect my furniture from hot or cold drinks without being bulky. Plus, they add such a fun and cozy touch to my home decor! I've received so many compliments on them from guests — they're definitely a conversation starter. Bonus: they make a fantastic gift for any cat lover. Highly recommend!" — Renae Get a set of three from Amazon for $8.49. 2. A dimmable sad duck nightlight because sometimes you just have to look at this emotionally deflated creature on your desk and be like, "Welp. At least I'm doing better than that little dude." Amazon Promising review: "I ordered this lamp because of its appearance. I didn't NEED a depressed duck lamp ... but it has totally filled a void in my life I didn't know existed. Everyone who sees it pokes it. The lamp is actually very functional. It's got a really nice set of brightness options and the glow is yellowish, which is much nicer than white in a dim/dark room. One thing that isn't mentioned in the description is that its legs are utterly floppy. It's terrific." — Literated Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 3. Just Chilling & Killing, a "cozy adult coloring book" for anyone whose favorite lullaby is a murder podcast. This includes 24 pages inspired by your favorite horror movies so you can color your way through bloodbaths and murders galore! Amazon, Demi's Colouring Corner is a UK-based business run by Demi, a mother of two who loves all things horror and coloring. Another psst — you can pick up a cult-fave colored pencil set on Amazon for $9.59! Promising review: "This book is a must-have for horror lovers. So many adorable renditions of classic and newer horror movies that are a blast to color. I like the simple style because it allows me to add my own flair and techniques like a lot of the popular 'cozy' coloring books nowadays. I so hope this artist does a second version because I plan to finish every single picture in this book!" — AyemmeJay Get it from Amazon fo r $8.80. 4. A "float-tea unicorn" to make steeping your tea downright magical every morning, no matter *how* much caffeine you need to get yourself across today's rainbow. Promising review:"No matter how your day goes, if you are a tea drinker, put this lil' guy in your cup of tea and he's sure to make you smile! He works as expected to steep your tea ... the smile and brighter mood are decided bonuses! He's very easy to fill with tea leaves, and after your cuppa, he is really easy to clean! I have a number of different infusers for tea. This cute lil' unicorn is already my fave. ❤️🦄❤️" — Vicky S. Get it from Amazon for $12.70. 5. Moodmatcher color-changing lipstick, which not only adapts to the pH of your skin to create a personalized, perfect shade for your skin tone, but lasts for HOURS. Reviewers marvel at its all-day staying power, even after meals and breaking a sweat. Look at that lil' green lipstick go!! Amazon Moodmatcher is a small business that specializes in color-changing lipstick. Promising review:"This color is beautiful, and shows up differently on everyone. This thing that I like most about this product, is that it stays on all day even through eating several meals. I have to use a microfiber cloth to remove it at night!" — Rasheda Get it from Amazon for $6.59 (available in 12 shades). 6. A mini inflatable tube guy for your desk to cheer you on (or remind you to take a lil' dance break whenever you overwork yourself). Promising review:"OMG! I love this guy! These things, large and small, will ALWAYS make me laugh. My husband bought the desk version for me, and I can always count on it to make me laugh. My co-workers love it, too. People just stop by to turn him on for a quick pick-me-up. I would recommend getting the AC plug since batteries can run down fast. I think we should create a community of fellow air-dancer-havers and post clips of our little guys dancing to our favorite songs. Anyone in?" — Mark Get it from Amazon for $11.66. 7. A guided visual sloth "breathing partner" you can use for meditation and calm to shift your mindset. This is designed to guide you through either the popular 4/7/8 or 5/5 "calming breaths" to help reduce stress and anxiety, using colors that fade in and out softly as cues. Bonus: it's kid-friendly! Amazon Mindsight is a small business that specializes in calming personal care and decor products. Promising review (for the original style):"I started meditating over a decade ago. Intermittent in the beginning, progressing deeper, and finding new joys over time. With Breathing Buddha, the last thoughts have dropped away as counting breath always seemed to keep me conscious of, well, counting. Granted, I have always dropped the counting after a handful of breaths, but Breathing Buddha has made for a delightful transition as I realize it doesn't have to count at all. It is a lovely concept, well executed, and very easy to start using." — Lynn Get it from Amazon for $22.95 (also available in two other styles). 8. A"Gracula" garlic crusher, because you know what? If a 108-year-old vampire lurking moodily in the trees in the Pacific Northwest isn't going to fall in love with you and grant you immortality, one might as well make your life in the kitchen a little easier. Promising review: "I love this little guy. I found him on a BuzzFeed list and had to have it as soon as I saw it! I've minced as many as five cloves in it in seconds. It's a little tricky getting all of the garlic out once minced (I use a silicone basting brush to get most of it, but I always use more than the recipe calls for anyway, so it's not a deal breaker). Cleanup is a breeze because he goes right in the dishwasher!" — Barbie Get it from Amazon for $13.29. 9. A shaved sheep plushie that is so! darn! FLUFFY!!!! that you will not be able to resist the adorable siren call of zipping its fuzzy little "coat" on and off when your brain needs a cozy vacation. Promising review: "I love him. He is so cute and so well-made. He is the perfect size and shape. I named him Banana Peel Son since his wool comes off like a banana peel. Adorable. Would recommend to everyone." — Aerebys Stare Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 10. A unique tennis-inspired"Matchpoint" candle for anyone who adores classic, welcoming scent profiles with whimsical twists. Otherland's entire line of candles pushes the box on your regular florals and fruits by adding distinctive layers like California Fig, Chili Salt, and yes — even Tennis Ball. 👀 🎾 Amazon Otherland is a small business that specializes in unique vegan candles. Here's what my beloved fellow BuzzFeeder/soul twin Heather Braga has to say about Otherland: " I'm SUCH a fan of Otherland candles. I've been burning them in my home for years and, honestly, cannot get enough of them. I've given tons of them as gifts as well, and everyone has always raved about how much they love them. They each have a burn time of 55 hours, are made of a coconut and soy wax blend, contain a cotton wick, and are hand poured in the US." Get it from Amazon for $30 (available in 14 scents). 11. A reusable silicone cactus dryer ball that pet owners especially love because it catches hair like nobody's business. These lil' desert bubs also help soften fabric, reduce wrinkles, *and* save drying time, so they're putting all the decorative but useless succulents in your home to shame. Check out a TikTok of the cactus dryer ball. Promising review: "This is my first time using these, and I'm already in love! I saw someone say these can catch hair but I didn't know if these would really catch hair until I used them. They even captured cat hair, which is life-changing for me! 😄😻" — E & D Get a set of four from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three other styles). 12. A mini light up UFO-shaped Bluetooth speaker complete with a little astronaut inside who can confirm that you do, in fact, have bear-y good taste in music. Promising review: "Not only is it adorable, but it's not made of cheap plastic. It's metal and the sound quality is fantastic. It's easy to connect and only took a few seconds." — Candy Campbell Get it from Amazon for $15.57 (available in four styles). 13. A wildly popular Gumby chew toy so beloved by pets and their owners alike that it's amassed over 42,000 5-star ratings. Reviewers love this lil' guy in particular because he is durable compared to other chew toys, comes in a shape great for playing and teething, and of course, because he is made in the likeness of our beloved Gumby. Promising review: "It is sturdy with no small parts which could be swallowed by my dog. She loves the fact that Gumby's limbs are just the right size for her to chew on, and she can easily carry this toy around the house. When she finally destroys it, I will purchase another!!! Worth it — I have seen other high-priced dog toys which do not begin to compare with this one's quality." — MomdBom9 Get it from Amazon for $2.47. 14. A ridiculously charming octopus-shaped blackhead remover you can use to gently scrub as part of your skin routine or in the shower to remove excess sebum to exfoliate pores and pull out blackheads, whiteheads, and other miscellaneous gunk from the day that you'd rather evict. Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok, it works great so far." — MarMarManuel "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me and smells great, too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like myself." — LuckLocust Get it from Amazon for $10. 15. A Silly Poopy's Hide & Seek game, aka any parents' dream — this gizmo keeps kids entertained for hours of fun hiding it all over the house, where it makes little noises to give clues about where to find it. It's basically all the joy of playing hide and seek, except it's the *toy* hiding, not the humans. John Mihaly / BuzzFeed What Do You Meme? is a small business that specializes in adult and family games. Check out a TikTok of the Silly Poopy in action. Promising review:"Let me tell you that if you want hours of endless fun of hide and go seek without having to hide yourself, this is a must-get! When it's hidden, it makes various toot noises and says stuff so the kids know if they are close. And when they find it and press the button to do and sing the silly poopy dance ... even you will dance and sing along!!! It doesn't need batteries, and come on, it's poop? Who doesn't think poop and toot noises are funny, and if they don't, they are lying to themselves. A must-have for fun with your kids without barely doing any work!!" — andrea kelli gorman Get it from Amazon for $9.88. 16. A shaker of Thin Mint seasoning you need to buy as a favor to all your taste buds immediately. Allow me to paint a picture for you: Thin Mint coffee, Thin Mint pudding, Thin Mint popcorn, Thin Mint anything your dessert gremlin heart desires. I stared at this for months online before caving and buying it, and when I tell you!! It jazzes up my morning coffee in a way that makes my little '90s baby heart sing. I've also loved it on Greek yogurt, oatmeal, and mug cakes. Plus, when I am feeling lonely for a real Thin Mint, and we're not in Girl Scout cookie season, I'll shake this on an Oreo Thin to stave off the despair. Get it from Amazon for $4.38. 17. 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 $19.50+ (available in two sizes). 18. An Arthur egg cup set for anyone who loves themselves a delicious little egg break, knight and day. Promising review: "Every time I open the refrigerator to get my hard boiled egg out of King Arthur, I smile. This is an adorable little egg holder. The price is a little expensive for plastic, but the smile and joy it brings me is worth it." — Rick B. Get it from Amazon for $13.90. 19. A set of cowboy straw toppers to add some much-needed "yeehaw!" into your hydration regimen, and keep your straws safe from germs out here in the wild, bacterial west. Promising review:"So SO CUUUTE! 10/10!! Good product and keeps my straw from getting bugs or germs on it! Plus, it's really cute." — JennA Get a set of four from Amazon for $4.97. 20. A wildly hilarious "screaming goat" button that has surprised reviewers by becoming a legit staple in their routine — people use it to get the attention of a classroom or break tension in the office or just to generally announce to anyone in your vicinity, "I've had it up to HERE and someone better get me a little treat IMMEDIATELY." Novelty888 is a small business that specializes in delightfully and oddly specific talking buttons. Promising review: "Got this for my wife to keep on her desk. She said it's been a big hit in the office! If she or her coworkers are having a tough time, this lightens the mood with just the press of a button." — Daniel Get it from Amazon for $17.99. 21. A spinning pill dispenser to make taking your meds feel like a game show or a trip to the carnival — sometimes you have to ~romanticize your life~ to remember the essentials in your daily routine!! You can even attach this to a wall or the fridge if you're feeling it. Check out a TikTok of the pill dispenser in action. Promising review:"So I am horrible about remembering if I took my pills. And I HATE digging into the old pill boxes or doing the tip over. I don't know what it is, but i have always disliked it. I hung this on my wall right by the kitchen so I pass it like 5,000 times a day and I can't not see it. It is so fun pushing the little orange button to watch the meds fall out. I mean it kind of feels like a really weird game of Wheel of Fortune, but I like it." — Grofica Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors). 22. A phone umbrella you can suction to the back for *instant* shade when you're trying to reduce sun glare outdoors (or text in the rain 🫠). Reviewers especially love this for their Kindles when they're trying to read at the beach or the pool. The "handle" of the umbrella even doubles as a phone stand to prop it up on long flights! Check out a TikTok of the phone umbrella in action. Promising review:"I got this little umbrella because I'm always outside for work, and the sun shines bright. I always have to put information in my phone for work and sometimes I can't step to the shade to do so. The sun protection is good, and the performance and size is perfect for my phone. I've had people ask where I got it because they also need one." — Garza Jboss Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 17 styles). 23. A "Soap Opera Sponge Holder" because you know who is the biggest diva of them all?? That burnt cheese that refuses to budge from your plate. Reviewers love this for livening up their kitchen sinks *and* bathrooms, since it will hold metal scrubbers, sponges, and even small loofahs! Amazon Each diva comes with her own metal scrubber included. Promising review: "This is the funniest thing — makes me laugh every time I'm at the sink. Lord knows we need to laugh these days!" — Laura Bajuk Get it from Amazon for $15.90. 24. A mildly alarming if not adorable flexible flower vase that will fascinate guests when they can bend its limbs and hang it from any fixture they choose. That says if this thing *does* come to life in the middle of the night and starts singing and dancing all over your room, well. That's on you for buying whatever the heck this is. Promising review: "An affable, squishy, bendy, happy little vase! The consensus on my social media page is that everyone should have one of these. I finally got a chance to try it out with some daffodils, and really, it's hard not to smile when you see them." — Susy Lundy Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors). 25. A pet cloud because honestly ... some of us were *not* cut out for the pet and plant parenthood, and this is our next best bet. This lil' bub does require "a lot of love and attention," plus a 30-minute walk and a steady diet of "tears of joy," but one look at that precious face and you'll be able to swing it. Party People is a UK-based Etsy shop established in 2018 that specializes in fun gag gifts and party supplies. Promising review:"This pet cloud is so full of life and energy! As soon as I opened the box he jumped out and gave me a big hug! Might've been high IDK." — Owen Get it from Party People on Etsy for $6.74+ (available with or without a gift bag). 26. A set of pop-up cat and mouse hooks you can easily install with the stick-on adhesive for a downright lawlessly adorable option for stashing lightweight items like keys, tote bags, and scarves at the door. Check them out on a TikTok of the cat and mouse hooks in action. Promising reviews: "These are so cute!! I get so happy seeing them hanging by the door waiting to pop back down for when I leave for work. Take the car keys and it's gone. Come back from work, hang them on its tail and they stare at you with this unamused glare. I couldn't be more pleased with this purchase! They're so easy to install, just take the adhesive backing, stick it to the back of one, and stick to the wall. Then enjoy your new friend!" — Amazon Customer Get a four-piece set from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in a six-pack that includes a monkey and baby chick). 27. A set of Goldfish fridge magnets — aka "Holdfish" — to instantly assert the superiority of this cracker to anyone who enters your home and dares to think they can suggest a snack food that doesn't smile back. Handy Cute Art/Etsy Handy Cute Art is a Florida-based Etsy shop that specializes in quirky home products. Promising review:"These are the cutest ever! My daughter ate these guys [a lot] growing up. Great reminder gift of her fave snack food!" — Teresa A Houtz Get a set of six from Handy Cute Art on Etsy for $10.20 (originally $12). 28. A set of mega absorbent hedgehog hand towels you can hang in your bathroom or by the kitchen sink to *instantly* dry your hands instead of wrangling with a towel or cloth. These add a darling, unexpected touch to a room, and are also an adorable way for parents to encourage handwashing! These are also odor-resistant and washer- and dryer-safe. Promising review:"These ball 'towels' work really well. It takes a little while to adjust to drying your hands on a fluffy ball instead of a flat towel, but once you adjust, they're great. They are cute as well. I was trained as a child that one towel was for hands and another was for dishes, so these balls make it easier." — deborahp46 Get a set of two from Amazon for $15.99 (available in four colors). 29. Elizabeth Mott's Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask that's like, "Skincare, but make it a silly goofy fun time." This charcoal mask helps to deep cleanse pores and gently exfoliate so you're left feeling radiant and ~refreshed~, but it also foams up and turns your face into a puffy storm cloud for maximum shenanigans. Promising review: "I absolutely love this stuff. I was skeptical at first, but after my first use, I fell in love. It goes on smoothly and doesn't drip off which is nice. Once it was time to rinse off, i t was amazing seeing all the stuff it sucked out of my pores (gross, but a good gross). Not only does this stuff work, it's fun to watch and see your face turn into a Smurf lol. I have cystic acne which in itself is hard to manage but this stuff made it that much more manageable. Face was left feeling cleaned, refreshed and soft. LOVE LOVE this product. Highly highly recommend." — HarleyMama Get it from Amazon for $16.75. 30. A Menstruation Crustacean lavender-scented heating pad perfect for when it feels like those cramps are ~clawing~ at you and you need an ocean's worth of relief. Amazon Promising review: "I've had my Menstruation Crustacean for almost three years and it's so lovely. It has helped my cramps a lot and heats up nicely. It also smells nice and is very cute." — KD Vaz Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in three other styles). 31. A sword-shaped grater for anyone out there who isn't just a cheese lover, but a cheese gladiator. Fight valiantly, my dairy-tolerant friends. Amazon Promising review:"It's so cute!!! I've ended up using it so much since getting it, there are plenty of times I've avoided using my regular grater but didn't because box graters are so hard to clean. This one makes it so much simpler, and it goes perfectly with our DND-ish themed home!" — Natalie Get it from Amazon for $14.90. 33. A pair of glowing lightsaber chopsticks to bring balance to The Force *and* to your sushi. Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, Amazon As you can see from the above GIF, I bought these for myself, and I love them to pieces. TBH, I use them as decor every bit as much as I use them to eat. Sometimes I just keep them in my work area to light them up during the day to feel fancy. They toggle back and forth between a bunch of different colors, like red, blue, yellow, purple, and multicolor, so you can either make them match *or* have a red and blue one together and bring ~balance~ to the Force. Get it from Amazon for $11.97 (available in two colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
