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K-pop fans desperate for one perfect photo of their idols are driving a booming rental market for Samsung phones
K-pop fans desperate for one perfect photo of their idols are driving a booming rental market for Samsung phones

Yahoo

time26-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

K-pop fans desperate for one perfect photo of their idols are driving a booming rental market for Samsung phones

K-pop fans' desire for flawless pictures of their idols has created a niche market in Asia's tech scene. Businesses are offering day rentals of Samsung Galaxy phones to concert goers for under $50. The Galaxy phones have powerful 10x zoom lenses, helping fans leave concerts with perfect pictures. It's the new K-pop concert starter kit: a T-shirt emblazoned with your favorite singer's name, a band light stick, and a rented Samsung phone with a razor-sharp zoom. K-pop fans clamoring for a picture of their favorite singers have carved out a niche market within the South Korean tech industry, with people shelling out money to rent Samsung Galaxy phones for a day. K-pop concerts have been known to easily and repeatedly sell out arenas that can seat upward of 16,000 people, such as the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. And a strong zoom lens is crucial for fans seated far from the stage. So, phones with 10x optical zoom lenses are now a key part of the concert survival tool kit. At least a dozen established businesses in Southeast Asia offer day rentals of phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra for under $50. Both phones, released in February 2023 and January 2024, respectively, have strong 10x optical zoom lenses. Samsung did not respond to a request for comment for this story from Business Insider. Small businesses and individuals rent phones for concert day use all across Southeast Asia. But in South Korea — the home of K-pop, where concerts go on all year round — the market is particularly hot. One business offering this phone rental service is Snapshoot. Founded in 2022, the company rents phones for 30,000 to 50,000 South Korean won, or about $22 to $37, daily. Mingwan Jeong, the founder of Snapshoot, told BI his business serves hundreds of customers monthly and is increasingly attracting customers from outside South Korea, such as Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. "When Samsung released the S22 Ultra, their promotional slogan emphasized its capability to 'photograph the moon,'" Jeong said. "Fans quickly recognized that this advanced camera could help them capture their idols clearly at concerts." He said Snapshoot started in 2022 with a small inventory of 10 phones, but now keeps several hundred smartphones in stock at any given time. Another example is Woori Mobile Service, a South Korean telecommunications company that started renting out phones in 2023. Its collection points are at Seoul's Konkuk University and the hip Sinchon neighborhood. It also has a pickup point at Seoul's Incheon airport, catering to Woori's foreign clients. "Many of them didn't own the latest smartphones or didn't want the hassle of international roaming," Han Da Bean, a spokesperson for Woori Mobile, told BI. The company offers rentals of the S23 and S24 models, charging 35,000 won or about $25 per day, and a 10,000 won daily reservation fee. "Samsung's flagship models like the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra offer exceptional camera and audio capabilities, especially in low light and concert environments, making them ideal for fans looking to record memories in high definition," Han added. He said the company serves 50 to 100 rental customers a month, typically renting out the phones for three to seven days. They see a spike in activity during major K-pop festivals and tour seasons, he added. Han said Woori Mobile keeps an inventory of about 20 Samsung devices, but it plans to expand to other models like the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series and add more mid-range models for budget-conscious users. Forholiday, a luggage storage and rental company in Seoul, also offers phone rentals, with its services available on Klook. It has rented phones to more than 2,000 customers, per the Klook listing. The company rents the S23 Ultra for 11,800 won and the S24 Ultra for 15,700 won daily. Forholiday's CEO, Shin Dong-min, told BI the company's phone rentals are a stopgap for cost-conscious fans. "It is inevitably burdensome to buy expensive mobile phones to use them for a short period," Shin said. Shin said Forholiday sees the most demand around concerts by boy bands BTS, Seventeen, Stray Kids, and Zerobaseone. Some K-pop fans who've rented phones for concerts have said the experience was worth every cent. "I own an iPhone 11, which works pretty well except the phone camera is limited to a 3x, which means I can't do any close-up fancams if I'm in any seat beyond VIP," Ghia Hong, a content creator from Malaysia, told BI. TikTok user wanderwithgaby also posted about renting a Samsung S25 for 50,000 South Korean won. "It was the best money I spent," she wrote in the caption of a zoomed-in fan video of BTS member J-Hope. To be sure, Samsung's smartphones are not the only phones with a strong zoom lens. Google's Pixel 9 Pro's specs say it produces pictures with the quality of a 10x optical zoom. Apple's iPhone 16 Pro has a 5x optical zoom function and a 25x digital zoom option. Other Asian brands like Oppo, Huawei, and Xiaomi are strong contenders, too. Still, the rental service is doing wonders for Samsung's image. Parker Burton, a tech reviewer and content creator on YouTube with over a million followers, said Samsung likely became the phone of choice because the brand has a huge fan base on home ground in South Korea. "I think a big part of it can stem from the fact that it's a brand that people are used to and familiar with and has a lot of trust and loyalty in the community," Burton said. Catherine Bautista, a partner at Flying Fish Lab, a branding consultancy agency in Singapore, said Samsung is also core to fan culture, and rentals have made it "the default choice for K-pop enthusiasts." "Renting out Galaxy S23/S24 Ultra phones for K-pop concerts is a brilliant reputation booster for Samsung because, instead of simply competing on specs, Samsung dominates a niche need and turns fans into brand ambassadors," she said. Bautista said Samsung has also positioned itself as the "official phone of K-pop" by sponsoring concerts, featuring top idols in its advertisements, and releasing special edition phones. Samsung recently tapped Felix Lee, a singer from the band Stray Kids, as its newest ambassador. Lee, who is also a house ambassador of fashion powerhouse Louis Vuitton, is the face of the ad campaign for the brand's latest super-slim Galaxy S25 Edge phone. And with Stray Kids now on a 34-city tour, the group's fans can sing, dance, and zoom in on their idols' faces to their hearts' content. Read the original article on Business Insider

K-pop fans desperate for one perfect photo of their idols are driving a booming rental market for Samsung phones
K-pop fans desperate for one perfect photo of their idols are driving a booming rental market for Samsung phones

Business Insider

time26-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Business Insider

K-pop fans desperate for one perfect photo of their idols are driving a booming rental market for Samsung phones

It's the new K-pop concert starter kit: a T-shirt emblazoned with your favorite singer's name, a band light stick, and a rented Samsung phone with a razor-sharp zoom. K-pop fans clamoring for a picture of their favorite singers have carved out a niche market within the South Korean tech industry, with people shelling out money to rent Samsung Galaxy phones for a day. K-pop concerts have been known to easily and repeatedly sell out arenas that can seat upward of 16,000 people, such as the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. And a strong zoom lens is crucial for fans seated far from the stage. So, phones with 10x optical zoom lenses are now a key part of the concert survival tool kit. At least a dozen established businesses in Southeast Asia offer day rentals of phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra for under $50. @ ✨ Throwback to an unforgettable night! 🌟 Our customer had the chance to meet her idol #SEVENTEEN, and capture every moment with Woori Mobile's Samsung S23 Ultra rental! 🎶📸 With our service, you can enjoy the concert without worrying about storage—just focus on making memories! Ready for your next concert? 🎤✨ Contact us today and get ready to capture your best moments! >> @Seventeen Oppa Saranghaee ❤️💙 << 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐢 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 – Your trusted telecommunications partner in Korea. --- #Seventeenconcert #Seoul #KoreaTravel #seventeenrightherewoldtour #Kpop #Fancam #SamsungUltraS23 #Rentalphone #Carat #exchangestudent #ExploreKorea ♬ all-american bitch - Olivia Rodrigo Both phones, released in February 2023 and January 2024, respectively, have strong 10x optical zoom lenses. Samsung did not respond to a request for comment for this story from Business Insider. $30 to rent a Samsung phone for a day Small businesses and individuals rent phones for concert day use all across Southeast Asia. But in South Korea — the home of K-pop, where concerts go on all year round — the market is particularly hot. One business offering this phone rental service is Snapshoot. Founded in 2022, the company rents phones for 15,000 to 30,000 South Korean won, or about $10.80 to $21.70, daily. Mingwan Jeong, the founder of Snapshoot, told BI her business serves hundreds of customers monthly and is increasingly attracting customers from outside South Korea, such as Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. "When Samsung released the S22 Ultra, their promotional slogan emphasized its capability to 'photograph the moon,'" Jeong said. "Fans quickly recognized that this advanced camera could help them capture their idols clearly at concerts." She said Snapshoot started in 2022 with a small inventory of 10 phones, but now keeps several hundred smartphones in stock at any given time. Another example is Woori Mobile Service, a South Korean telecommunications company that started renting out phones in 2023. Its collection points are at Seoul's Konkuk University and the hip Sinchon neighborhood. It also has a pickup point at Seoul's Incheon airport, catering to Woori's foreign clients. "Many of them didn't own the latest smartphones or didn't want the hassle of international roaming," Han Da Bean, a spokesperson for Woori Mobile, told BI. The company offers rentals of the S23 and S24 models, charging 35,000 won or about $25 per day, and a 10,000 won daily reservation fee. "Samsung's flagship models like the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra offer exceptional camera and audio capabilities, especially in low light and concert environments, making them ideal for fans looking to record memories in high definition," Han added. He said the company serves 50 to 100 rental customers a month, typically renting out the phones for three to seven days. They see a spike in activity during major K-pop festivals and tour seasons, he added. Han said Woori Mobile keeps an inventory of about 20 Samsung devices, but it plans to expand to other models like the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series and add more mid-range models for budget-conscious users. Forholiday, a luggage storage and rental company in Seoul, also offers phone rentals, with its services available on Klook. It has rented phones to more than 2,000 customers, per the Klook listing. The company rents the S23 Ultra for 11,800 won and the S24 Ultra for 15,700 won daily. Forholiday's CEO, Shin Dong-min, told BI the company's phone rentals are a stopgap for cost-conscious fans. "It is inevitably burdensome to buy expensive mobile phones to use them for a short period," Shin said. Shin said Forholiday sees the most demand around concerts by boy bands BTS, Seventeen, Stray Kids, and Zerobaseone. Worth every cent Some K-pop fans who've rented phones for concerts have said the experience was worth every cent. "I own an iPhone 11, which works pretty well except the phone camera is limited to a 3x, which means I can't do any close-up fancams if I'm in any seat beyond VIP," Ghia Hong, a content creator from Malaysia, told BI. TikTok user wanderwithgaby also posted about renting a Samsung S25 for 50,000 South Korean won. "It was the best money I spent," she wrote in the caption of a zoomed-in fan video of BTS member J-Hope. A+ marketing for Samsung To be sure, Samsung's smartphones are not the only phones with a strong zoom lens. Google's Pixel 9 Pro's specs say it produces pictures with the quality of a 10x optical zoom. Apple's iPhone 16 Pro has a 5x optical zoom function and a 25x digital zoom option. Other Asian brands like Oppo, Huawei, and Xiaomi are strong contenders, too. Still, the rental service is doing wonders for Samsung's image. Parker Burton, a tech reviewer and content creator on YouTube with over a million followers, said Samsung likely became the phone of choice because the brand has a huge fan base on home ground in South Korea. "I think a big part of it can stem from the fact that it's a brand that people are used to and familiar with and has a lot of trust and loyalty in the community," Burton said. Catherine Bautista, a partner at Flying Fish Lab, a branding consultancy agency in Singapore, said Samsung is also core to fan culture, and rentals have made it "the default choice for K-pop enthusiasts." "Renting out Galaxy S23/S24 Ultra phones for K-pop concerts is a brilliant reputation booster for Samsung because, instead of simply competing on specs, Samsung dominates a niche need and turns fans into brand ambassadors," she said. Bautista said Samsung has also positioned itself as the "official phone of K-pop" by sponsoring concerts, featuring top idols in its advertisements, and releasing special edition phones. Samsung recently tapped Felix Lee, a singer from the band Stray Kids, as its newest ambassador. Lee, who is also a house ambassador of fashion powerhouse Louis Vuitton, is the face of the ad campaign for the brand's latest super-slim Galaxy S25 Edge phone. And with Stray Kids now on a 34-city tour, the group's fans can sing, dance, and zoom in on their idols' faces to their hearts' content.

Android phones are surviving stuff they really shouldn't right now
Android phones are surviving stuff they really shouldn't right now

Android Authority

time23-05-2025

  • Android Authority

Android phones are surviving stuff they really shouldn't right now

Most of us dread dropping our phones in a puddle or the sink, let alone an ice-covered Arctic river. But one Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra just shrugged it off and powered on like nothing happened. According to Samsung Newsroom, Swedish wilderness guide Mikael Krekula was out on the frozen Kalix River testing sonar gear when his Galaxy S23 Ultra slipped from his glove and dropped into an ice fishing hole. It plunged around three meters into the freezing water and was trapped beneath the ice for the next five hours. Determined not to give up, Mikael drilled several new holes in the surrounding ice and fashioned a series of tools — including birch branches, a plastic bag, and eventually a summer fishing net tied to a stick — to try and fish it out. After hours of effort, he finally succeeded. To his shock, the phone powered on immediately, displaying a few missed calls as if everything was totally normal.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G is on discount: Get the Green, 12GB, 256GB storage variant at up to Rs. 30,000 off along with bank and exchange offer
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G is on discount: Get the Green, 12GB, 256GB storage variant at up to Rs. 30,000 off along with bank and exchange offer

Time of India

time10-05-2025

  • Business
  • Time of India

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G is on discount: Get the Green, 12GB, 256GB storage variant at up to Rs. 30,000 off along with bank and exchange offer

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G is on discount: Samsung's premium smartphones are recognized for their outstanding performance, impressive displays, and cutting-edge camera systems. Users can expect a top-tier Android experience from the Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G, which is par for the course. This remarkable device has recently become even more appealing to prospective purchasers. With Amazon's considerable price reduction of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G, it has become an attractive choice for anyone wanting to enhance their mobile experience. This article will provide an in-depth look at this price decrease and examine its implications for purchasers. We will examine the new price and what you can anticipate from this flagship device in greater detail. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G specifications The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is reported to have a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It is safeguarded with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and provides a peak brightness of 1,750 nits. It features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, with RAM of up to 12GB and storage of up to 1TB. The Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G features a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging and operates on One UI 7. Additionally, it provides support for Galaxy AI features. It features a 200MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, and a 10MP 10x telephoto lens. The device features a 12MP front-facing camera on the front. Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S25 discount alert: Grab up to Rs 60,000 via bank discounts, app offers, and exchange bonuses. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G price, discount, and offer After a discount of Rs 27,000, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G can be purchased on Amazon for Rs 82,999. Moreover, customers can avail of a discount of approximately Rs 2,489 when using the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank card. Moreover, purchasers have the option to acquire the device through an EMI or no-cost EMI plan, with monthly payments beginning at Rs 4,024. Buyers will have the option to trade in their old device and receive a value of up to Rs 72,300. This will vary based on the model, variant, and working condition of your old device. Consumers have the option to purchase the Samsung Care+ Plan, which is an extended warranty for an additional cost. For the latest and more interesting tech news, keep reading Indiatimes Tech.

30 Unique Gifts They'll Never Guess Were From Amazon
30 Unique Gifts They'll Never Guess Were From Amazon

Buzz Feed

time20-03-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Buzz Feed

30 Unique Gifts They'll Never Guess Were From Amazon

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 · Convenience and ~fantastic~ gifts wrapped in one pretty bow. 🎁 1. A ceramic cone mug because it's basically a functional piece of art. This is a unique dish they definitely won't mind leaving out on the kitchen counter, side table, or nightstand. Amazon BuzzFeed writer Mallory Mower loves these cups!:"I just bought these! I love ceramic decor. When I find some that are also functional? It will likely end up straight in my shopping cart! These are a conversation piece on their own. When people realize I can drink out of them? They go throw them in their OWN shopping carts!" Promising review:"Gave to my friend as a gift. She absolutely loves it. Keeps hands warm and the stand is adorable." — N. Lytle 2. A pair of puffy kitten heels they can confidently step out in knowing they'll be dressed to the nines with unique accessories to match. Honestly, these mules are an Amazon hidden gem, so you might be helping them start a new trend. JW Pei is an Asian-, family-owned brand with minimalist purses that are made with sustainable vegan materials. Promising review:"I absolutely love these sandals! The block heel gives the perfect amount of height without being too high, and the mule style makes them easy to slip on and off. The white color is crisp and clean, and they look great with so many different outfits. Plus, they're really comfortable — I can wear them all day without any pain or discomfort. Overall, I highly recommend these sandals to anyone looking for a stylish and comfortable pair of shoes! 🤍" — Mo 3. A retro-inspired phone holder/tissue box cover that's practically screaming to sit on their desk or nightstand! It'll give them hands-free entertainment while covering up the boring patterns that seem to be on all tissue boxes. And can we just acknowledge how adorable it is?? Amazon The phone slot is 6.7 inches, which means most phones will fit! Yep, this includes larger ones like the iPhone Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, etc. Promising review: "I bought this due to the adorable design and wanting to add a hint of cuteness to my office space. I didn't want the boring rectangle tissue boxes. Super easy to put together, my 8-year-old did it... I plan to use the front area for a photo once I decide on one, instead of a place for my phone... I LOVE it and have gotten tons of compliments on it!" — AZxlgLady 4. A sunset projection lamp to gift them gorgeous end-of-day vibes whenever they want it. This lamp can rotate 180 degrees, and provides a light that can go as big or as little as they'd like depending on its position. How can they not see the joy in that? Amazon Promising review: "This lamp really exceeded my expectations. I bought it on a whim and honestly wasn't expecting that much, but I'm really happy with it. Feels like it's made of durable, quality material and emits a strong light (but it's not too bright. I use it in the evenings when I'm trying to wind down before bed and it's bright enough to light up my room without feeling like it's going to mess up my sleep cycles). Highly recommend — really does feel like you're watching a lovely sunset :)" — Amazon customer 5. A zigzag martini glass set because it looks like something you may have scored at a flea market, but surprise! Amazon for the win. Promising reviews:"Omg I love these martini glasses!! Really elevates your bar cart and adds a fun and modern feel!! The price is so good and the quality is amazing." — Elizabeth "Was thrilled with the quality of these glasses given the price point. They look great and seem sturdy. They have a nice weight to them as well - I would recommend!" — Natalie Alshouse 6. A purse shaped guessed it...a book! This will give them the opportunity to strut their stuff while carrying one of their favorite titles. From Jane Eyre to Sherlock Holmes, there's sure to be a classic they'll love! Amazon, Promising review:"I LOVE IT. Amazing quality. Simply adorable and an amazing statement piece to really make your outfit pop. Plus, for any book lover, this is a must-have." — Veronica V. Lebedev 7. And a acrylic book-shaped flower vase perfect for the bookworms who want to decorate with their favorite pastime in any way they can. This piece deserves a place on their bookshelf! Amazon Promising reviews:"I've always been a big reader, and when I saw this on #bookstagram, I knew I had to have it. It's so pretty and easy to use. I'm going to be ordering at LEAST one more to have in my office. It's a great addition to anyone's shelves." — Alyssa "Beautiful and unique design. Doesn't leak water. I am very happy with my purchase." — Fernando Perepechkin 8. A gorgeous pour-over coffee maker set complete with a ribbed coffee dripper, a metal drip stand, and a heat-resistant coffee server. This gem is perfect for any coffee lover who would HATE anything big and bulky in their kitchen (...because aesthetic, hello)! They'll have a delicious cup of joe and a new piece of home decor — the best of both worlds, thanks to you! Amazon It comes with coffee filters, too! Promising review:"I love coffee, it's how I start my morning every day; using this pour-over set is perfect! It's beautiful, easy to use, and easy to clean. I feel like I have my own little coffee shop, it a perfect gift for a coffee lover." — Emily Moore Price: $32.99. 9. The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, a drool-worthy cookbook practically made for the Disney Adults who can't get now, they don't have to! Thanks to you, they'll have their favorite theme park goodies right at home. Amazon Promising review:"This is a beautiful hardcover cookbook with so many yummy Disney recipes from the parks! There is a lot of Disney foodie history in it, plus recipes that look easy to follow with high quality ingredients. There are fun maps of each of the parks inside where the food is located from, which makes it fun. As an avid Disney fan I have never seen a cookbook like this. I highly recommend this cookbook for any Disney fan, whether they cook or not! It would even make a beautiful decoration in a kitchen." — Nicole Price: $15.99. 10. A set of punny and durable vinyl coasters that are a must-have in any music lover's home. Coasters aren't the most fun thing to shop for, but these are pretty dang cute! They even feature hilarious twists on music classics like "Tea Time: Don't Spill This." Who would've thought Amazon could be this cool? Promising review: "They are perfect representations of records and look very cool while protecting the furniture... It has a non-slip bottom so they don't slip and slide. Even the packaging is worth saving. He loves them and I love not having rings on my table.." — ajmets 11. A Bluetooth typewriter keyboard with a holding slot for their iPad or tablet! Reviewers also use it for their laptops and entire WFH stations too, and just use the slot as a phone holder. If there was anything that'd motivate them after hours in front of a screen, it'd be this! Promising reviews:"This little keyboard is awesome! Just like typing on a retro typewriter. I love the feel of the keys. Super easy to pair up with my phone and iPad. Highly recommend this!" — Michele Sanises "Definitely worth the purchase. My favorite quality is that it holds my phone up too!! The keys stick up higher than a normal keyboard and it took some getting used to, but I love it. I've gotten so many compliments on it and it makes that satisfying clicky sound when you use it. it's super easy to connect and it is compatible with a Mac, which can be a pain if you know anything about Macs lol. buy it!" — Abby Victoria 12. A seashell night light that'll add some extra ambience in the evening without looking out of place during the day. This ceramic lamp is battery-operated and the pearl inside can be removed for separate use! Amazon Batteries are included! Promising review:"Absolutely beautiful novelty item! ...The shell is nicely formed, and a good quality. It is substantial, a good weight, not flimsy... It's covered with a heavy pearlescent finish that makes light and color flow across it. It's very pretty! The pearl light is a solid cream white ceramic and looks wonderful in the shell, with or without the light batteries are replaceable and are easy to replace. I am very happy with the one I got, and will be buying another." — Michele Lyons Price: $20.88 (available in pink and white). 13. A fun three-pack of silicone AirPod cases shaped as their fave nostalgic food and beverages! It's thick and durable to keep their earpieces safe — and it's also just too cute for words. They'll get tons of compliments and will *definitely* be less likely to lose their AirPods in a sturdy case like this! This set comes with a Takis, Gatorade, and Hubba Bubba Bubblegum-shaped case. They each fit AirPods 1 and 2! Promising review:"These cases feel very durable and fit perfectly!! I highly recommend you're hesitating, then don't; these are just too cute!!! A tool [is included] to help you take them out of the rubber case, which is VERY useful and makes changing cases super easy!" — va 14. A four-pack of pizza socks because 1. you know they'll always need socks and 2. pizza is probably their favorite food these days. They'll also love how soft these hilarious socks are! Promising review:"I bought this as a surprise for my significant other, and he LOVED it! He is a sock fanatic and is always looking for new fun pairs of socks, and the presentation of this was a perfect touch to make it even more fun to deliver. Everything fit perfectly, and the socks in the pizza box looked exactly like what was expected! Thanks so much!" — Logan 15. And a burrito blanket while you're at it! This blanket has taken over the internet for being warm, cozy, and just plain fun. It's a best seller with over 59,000 5-star reviews. Amazon, And don't worry, it's machine washable so they can easily throw it in the wash. Promising review:"This was a gift for a college age got a big smile and was immediately unwrapped and worn around the house all through Christmas vacation. It was declared quite soft and warm in a lightweight way and while other gifts were left at home... he said there was definitely room in his suitcase to take the giant burrito back to school with him :)" — J. deRenzy Price: $14.99+ (available in six sizes and five styles). 16. A mini portable Crock-Pot food warmer absolutely perfect for folks going into the office, commuting students who'd rather not spend their money on expensive campus lunch, or simply *anyone* who just has zero space for the real deal. This portable cutie is great for the meal preppers and leftover-lovers that you know because it keeps their food warm, is spill-free, and is conveniently compact. Includes a removable storage container and inner lid that are both dishwasher-safe, a detachable cord, and a soft-to-touch-outter container. Promising reviews:" If you're a college student, you need this! I live on a college campus and they don't allow us to have microwaves or any other cooking appliances in our dorms so having a hot meal outside of cafe food or fast food can get annoying. So I decided to pick this up and this has been the best thing I ever purchased. I'm able to heat up home-cooked meals, soups, noodles, oatmeal, literally anything! It works so well and it's super compact and doesn't take up much space. It is a perfect portion size for one person and it's super easy to clean as well. I absolutely love this and I highly recommend this for college students!" — Macy Daniels " Perfect for college students. My daughter is an on-the-go college senior who never seems to have time to eat, and by the time she gets home at night, it's late in the evening. This allows her to prep food and take it with her. Easy to heat up anywhere she goes!" — Jackie Ray 17. Vintage bookshelf games like Scrabble and Candy Land that'll blend in beautifully on their bookshelf. I mean, it looks like an actual book for Pete's sake! Amazon, Promising review: "Adorable vintage designs! Sturdy pieces... Definitely more pricey than the cheap version you could get for $10 at any big store, but honestly, it's worth it to me. It lasts so much longer and easier to store. Having it in our front room on the bookshelf makes it easily accessible and blends in with our other books. You can see in my photo [the bookshelf on the right] we also have Boggle and Chutes and Ladders. Big fan of these." — Spooky Hobbit 18. A super durable retro-inspired Bluetooth speaker that's small in size but mighty in sound. It's the perfect addition to your kitchen, shelf, or desk space (and it's pretty adorable too!). Promising reviews:" This speaker really does add more fun & joy into my life. I previously owned an Anker brand speaker that stopped working. The Muzen button isn't as loud as the Anker speaker but still holds a clear sound. I absolutely love the design and color!" — Onika Donnay Incorporated "Got this speaker as a gift for my super trendy & fashionable sister, quite honestly wasn't expecting it to be more than a cute fashion accessory. To say I was shocked at the quality of sound is an understatement. It's louder than my regular speaker - and it's less than a fifth of the size. Not to mention, it's soooo pretty and everyone always comments about how tiny it is. Surprisingly heavy and durable metal, not cheap plastic, which was a relief. My sister is obsessed with it and it's already her new favorite (and frequently Instagrammed) accessory. She has found a way to wear it with her outfits and brings it with her everywhere...10/10 would recommend as a gift for any fashionista/music lover or even if you just want to treat yourself." — Nina 19. An insulated wine-pouring tote bag so they're stocked up on their favorite beverage no matter where they are. It's perfect to take along on picnics, beach days, or walks with a view. Amazon Promising review: "I purchased this purse for my wife... and she absolutely LOVES it!! The purse is elegant looking and constructed very well. She drinks boxed wine and was able to use the already filled bag with the spout and just drop it into the purse (she was able to get 2 liters in the zipper compartment). We went to a formal party where the drinks were overpriced. She was able to pour her own wine at the table, and no one even noticed all night long. She likes that the pocket where the spout comes out is flush with the purse, so the spout is not obvious. There is also a lot of room in the purse for other items like keys, cell phones, etc. She highly recommends this purse to anyone looking for a good quality wine purse. As she would say, Cheers!" — Dean Flowers 20. A set of crystal-inspired makeup brushes that'll make applying their makeup way more of a ~magical~ experience. The set comes with 10 brushes —everything from a powder brush to an eyeshadow brush. Promising review:"The quality of these brushes is great. No shedding and they are soft and firm where they need to be. They're pleasant to hold and overall just beautiful brushes. You can't beat this quality for the price! I highly recommend to anyone who likes make up. Would make a great gift!!" — Erika 21. A vintage-looking dimmable candle warmer perfect for the candle-loving giftee who probably doesn't have room for more (I mean, same here). This warmer will evenly melt their candles — no flame necessary. It even has a timer so they'll be able to simply ~enjoy~ their favorite scent and not worry about whether or not they blew out a candle. Amazon Promising review:"I'm impressed. I bought it once for myself and another time as a gift. It works great with the remote and releases the scent from the candle slowly. It is not heavy and assembly was easy. I really like the way it looks and makes my room feel warm." — Sunshine Price: $33.99+ (available in 10 styles). 22. A unique initial necklace if you're looking to give something that's stylish and sentimental. This piece comes with a half gold paperclip-style chain and half dainty pearls. It's something they can wear every day with any outfit. This necklace also has an extender in back, so your giftee can switch up the length for the perfect fit. Promising reviews:"I absolutely love this necklace. Quality is amazing and I have gotten so many compliment s. It's so versatile. Wear it with a dress or jeans and a tank top. Super cute. 🥰" — Elizabeth Rodriguez "To me this necklace looks more expensive than it is. It's great quality and I love to wear it all the time now!" — Jazmen Price: $16.99 (available in letters A–Z and in silver, rose gold, or gold). 23. An adorable floral ceramic latte mug because a cute mug will make all the difference when they're on their third cup of coffee for the day. It's microwave-safe, too! (A serious must for most folks). Note — latte mugs are on the smaller side, so reviewers also love them for small drinks, snacks like yogurt and overnight oats, and even tiny planters! Promising review:"I am in love with this little mug. It is beautifully crafted and unique. It is tiny, but I expected that! Love the details." — alyssa Price: $13.98+ (available in three styles and sets of two and three). 24. A stunning floor-length mirror that's 100% drool-worthy and will no doubt be their go-to for selfies. This elegant mirror is mountable, too! So if they want to save some floor space, they've got that option. This is top-tier gift giving right here!! Amazon Promising review:"Beautiful and very high-end. I am shocked by the quality of this mirror for under $200. The velvet is gorgeous in person and it is incredibly sturdy... It is really heavy so if you want to hang it make sure you have a stud. Its weight allows it to stay tilted on the ground too without moving around... I was really hesitant but it looks like something from West Elm." — Dan Schwalbe 25. A set of LED lightsaber chopsticks perfect for anyone who's the Chewbacca to your Han Solo (and for the BFF who's always asking you out to sushi). Amazon, Emma Lord / BuzzFeed Promising review:"I purchased these for a friend's birthday present (he is a sushi waiter) and these are flippin' AMAZING. I ordered two sets by mistake, but I am totally keeping the second pair for another gift (or for myself!). These are sure to be great conversation pieces and attention-getters. Way to go!" — T. Redwood 26. A small, heart-shaped frying pan because who wouldn't love a heart-shaped pizza, omelet, or pancake?? And yep, it's nonstick, too! 💗 Amazon Promising review:" I like it so much I am buying a second one. I mostly use it to cook a double fried egg from two large eggs...I use it much more than I expected. I frequently make three double fried eggs in a row without needing to clean it in between. The nonstick is that good. It is very lightweight and easy to manage. Ordering my second now!" — A parent 27. A tea sampler box for those who are always itching to try a new flavor. It comes with 10 different assortments like chamomile citron, green mango peach, and more. Promising review:"It was an absolute pleasure trying this brand of tea... The packaging itself is gorgeous, and is definitely worthy of setting out for guests. It is very inviting. When you open the box, you are gifted with some pretty amazing fragrances. You can tell the ingredients of these teas are high quality and FRESH... This is my new favorite brand of tea, hands down... For our part, it took us just a few days to go through the entire box, (it's THAT good!) and so we will probably be on the lookout for options of buying this tea in larger quantities." — Benjamin Martin 28. A "Cup Cozy Pillow" so they don't have to move from their cozy setup just to grab a snack or dig for the remote that's buried somewhere under their pile of blankets. Cup Cozy Pillow is a small business that specializes in family-friendly snack and drink organizers. Check out a TikTok of the Cup Cozy Deluxe Pillow in action. Promising review:" I bought this on a whim. My apartment is small and we don't have enough room for end tables near the couch, so we always would have snack tables out and then just put them away when we had company over. When I first received this I tried almost every cup and mug I had to see if they would fit. Everything fits! Even my HUGE tea mugs. It has a little cut-out for the handle of a mug to fit in, which is so helpful. It's great for cups, but also is a great caddy for the remotes as well. I haven't tried to wash it yet, but I know the cover is removable and washable which is a plus. So far I have just had to spot clean it and that has worked fine. I would HIGHLY recommend!" — Randi 29. A retro Apple Watch stand that'll take them back to the OG gaming days (aka the good times). Who said you can't enjoy your Apple Watch when it's off your wrist? Amazon Love this product way too much? There's also an awesome Airpod and Airpod Pro case to match. Promising review:"Got this as a gift for my fiancé and he was so stoked when he opened it. It's such good quality for the price and it fits the watch super well!! It really looks like the real thing!" — natuuhhhliee Price: $15.99 (available in four colors). 30. AND pack of Gameboy decals as easy as peel, stick, and stare in awe. It'll make a fridge or a bedroom door way more fun as it doubles as dry-erase boards, too. If that won't motivate them to write down your grocery list, I don't know what will. Amazon Promising review:" I bought this on a whim because I knew my boyfriend would laugh and appreciate the heck out of boyfriend plays video games and has a fair share of Cowboy Bebop figurines, so when I saw it I knew he'd get a kick out of it. 11/10 would buy again just for another chance to see his reaction. And honestly it looks great [and] transformed a boring white fridge we paid no mind to, to a clever and cute conversation piece that ~also~ serves a function." — Olivia

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