Latest news with #SunBum
Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
31 Products That Work Like Magic May 2025
A Sun Bum hair lightening spray so you can skip the harmful bleach and let the sun do all the work. This stuff contains witchcraft for sure. This paraben-free formula contains Costa Rican pineapple, Meyer lemon, and Hawaiian lehua honey, which help prevent color fading and dry strands and protect your hair from UV rays. It's also heat-activated! Spray evenly in your hair before going outdoors to help lighten your natural color. Sun Bum also recommends using a blow dryer to help expedite the process if you're in a rush. The results will vary, too, depending on how light or dark your base color is. It's designed for blonde to medium brown hair!Promising review: "If you have brown hair with warm (red) undertones, it will bring those out and go a more strawberry tone rather than a cool, icy blonde. I believe this is what some comments are referring to when speaking of 'brassy' results. There are so many shades of brunette hair; this spray will only lighten what you already have. So, beware, and before you use the product, see how realistic your expectations are in terms of the color you being said, I loved the results it gave me. I used it over the summer when I was by the pool or the beach, but also on days in between when I normally washed and blow-dried my hair. It took about three uses until I could tell a difference. After some weeks, my colleagues noticed and even strangers approached me and commented on how pretty my hair was, which had never happened before.I used up the bottle, and now it's winter. You can see my natural hair color growing in by the roots. I didn't consider I would be able to see such a difference, but it's real. Just letting you is a fake coconutty type smell, which is ok. I didn't notice any hair damage caused by the product. Would recommend!" —ElleCeeSGet it from Amazon for $16.99. A 100-pack of TikTok-viral K-Beauty Jiyu toner pads packed with hydrating ingredients like snail mucin, centella asiatica, niacinamide, and peptides to target fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dreadful acne marks. 🚨New skincare staple alert! 🚨 Promising reviews: "I absolutely love these pads! I tried them out for the first time because I saw people raving about them on TikTok, and the hype could not be more real. Korean skin care is where it's at, and these pads are the most popular for a reason. They are so incredibly hydrating and leave my skin feeling better than ever. I will absolutely be purchasing these pads for years and years to come." —Pamela Seco"Really great product! I'm 63 and have problems with age spots and uneven skin tone. This product really zeros in on that without being irritating to the skin or leaving it dry. I use it daily and I'm loving it! Highly recommend! It also leaves a nice glow to the skin." —Wendy WooGet a 100-pack from Amazon for $59.95. A waterproof version of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza so you can avoid the "I'm borrrred" whining during adult swim this summer. Your kids may not even wanna get back in the pool cuz they'll be so into their fave game. Dolphin Hat Games is a small biz that specializes in family-friendly card play, pass out all of the cards to players and have everyone keep their pile face down. Everyone takes turns putting a card in the middle while saying "taco," "cat," "goat," "cheese," and "pizza" in that order. If the picture on the card that's placed down matches the word that's been said, everyone races to slap the center pile of cards, and whoever slaps the pile last has to add the center pile to their personal pile. Oh! And there's also "narwhal," where everyone makes a unicorn horn with their hands clapped together above their heads; "gorilla," where everyone bangs on their chest like a gorilla; and "groundhog," where everyone has to knock on the table. Whoever does the motion last picks up the center pile. Whoever runs out of cards first wins! You can play with three to eight players, and the *recommended* age is 8+.Promising review: "I always think about games to play when at the pool — especially when there are 10-minute swim breaks and everyone is out of the pool — this is the perfect game! First of all, our family loves Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. It's a game that's really easy to learn and is an energetic card game (perfect for kids!). To be able to bring this game around the water is awesome. I love how the cards are heavier, so they don't blow away as easily, too. The card ring makes them really easy to just toss in a bag, and I feel like it's indestructible. Honestly, we'll probably play this version of the game even inside just because of how indestructible it is (no one accidentally stepping on a card/ creasing it, etc.).Highly recommend!" —jessieGet it from Amazon for $14.99. A Cirkul tumbler with an awesome cartridge system so you can enjoy some cool, refreshing flavored water. Just choose from the company's sip flavors and enjoy! Everyone's gonna wanna know where you got such an elite water bottle. Promising review: "Love it so much, I came back and bought two more. Got the apricot one, and l'm now drinking water like it's going out of style, yay!! If you're like me and you hate drinking water, you need Cirkul. The sips are great. They make water taste fantastic, and these cups keep ice frozen for a very long time. I enjoy water more when it's ice cold. Definitely try it if you're like me." —TiffanyGet it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in 14 colors). Some bug bite patches for your kiddo who must be walking around with "free buffet for mosquitoes" on their forehead. Relieve itchy bites with these aloe and witch hazel-infused, magical patches. Quitch is a small biz founded by moms who were tired of using bug spray on their kids! Adult reviewers are loving 'em, too!Promising review: "I was honestly skeptical about buying these. My son (15 months) is too little for Benadryl or any anti-itch cream, so I bought them for our upcoming camping trip to try. Little did I know, they would come in handy sooner! My son got bitten by a mosquito near his eye. This caused major swelling and irritation. As mentioned, he's too little for medicine. I put a patch on, and the results speak for themselves. I'm amazed, and they helped my son not scratch the area. They're so little and super sticky, he doesn't even notice it's on. I added a photo of the patch about five hours after application, and you can see how full it is. I will definitely be purchasing again!" —SierraGet a 27-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in more multipacks). A refillable soap dispenser cap so you can wash your hands whenever you need wherever you are. Just fill the reservoir in the lid with foaming soap, connect it to a disposable water bottle, and you've got yourself a convenient lil' way of keeping your hands clean. Best of all, the soap doesn't mix with the water so you can still drink from your water bottle! Suds2Go is a family-owned small biz, and you might recognize them from Shark Tank!Promising review: "The refillable cap is the perfect product for our baseball family. It couldn't be more convenient. I leave the cap in my car and literally always have the ability to wash my hands whenever I need. We have two active baseball players, and this is our lifeline to clean hands." —E. BartonGet it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in three colors). A five-pack of collagen hydrogel masks, each with a different purpose. These K-Beauty miracles, packed with high-quality ingredients and sorcery, are sure to leave you feeling refreshed and with the urge to add them to your cart again. Loops is a small, K-Beauty brand!Each mask targets something different. You'll get a rejuvenating mask, a glow mask, a slugging mask, a brightening mask, and a detoxifying mask. Promising review: "I'm a huge fan of Loops face masks! The quality is outstanding—each mask is infused with nourishing ingredients that leave my skin feeling incredibly hydrated, refreshed, and radiant. Each mask has different benefits working in their own way, giving you a chance to tend to your skin's different needs! The packaging is also very travel-friendly and doesn't take up much space at all. If you're in search of a premium face mask that truly delivers results and radiance, Loops is definitely worth trying!" —Charity PowellGet the variety five-pack from Amazon for $30 (available in eight styles, single-, and three-packs). A Canon EOS Rebel T7 camera because in 2025 you're taking your content suuuper seriously, but you don't wanna drop a bag on the expensive Canon G7 X. This camera takes pics that are just as stunningly flawless, but for a whole lot less. Music to your ears, right? If you're in the mood to be speechless, look through the review pics 😍😮💨🔥. Promising review: "I'm in love with the camera and I haven't even learned every in and out yet. It's an exceptional beginner camera, and I'm excited to start my career with it. It comes with a strap, lens, lens cover, battery, and battery charger. I've only had to charge the battery once so far, and I've had the camera for about a week and have used it almost every day. The image quality is better than I expected. The only things I have trouble with are the zoom and night quality, which can be solved with another lens and a tripod!" —Lacie HarrisGet it from Amazon for $479+ (available in two styles). Or a cheaper Kodak digital camera that'll have your IG feed looking as aesthetically pleasing as all the influencers you aspire to be like. Plus, it's got TikTok buzzing because it's a cheaper alternative to the popular expensive digital cameras, so you can get the Canon G7 X quality without spending the same amount you pay for rent on a camera. Check it out on TikTok!Promising reviews: "This is the best affordable digital [camera] if you want the film look. I set the programming to force flash and beauty filter, and love every photo taken. It does take about five seconds to load between photos taken, so it's only meant for posed photos. The photos are so good, my friends bought one for themselves." —Sierra"Wanted a camera similar to the Canon G7X, but for less $$$, this is the perfect alternative!!! Camera quality is super good, and it's super compact. My only complaint is that the shutter speed is somewhat slow, so photos with lots of movement are a no." —EllaGet it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in two colors). A Topicals brightening serum with kojic acid and niacinamide — a witchy concoction that'll help you *poof* away discoloration. If you've been fighting for your life trying to make those post-blemish marks from that pimple you couldn't help but pop vanish, grab this. Topicals is a Black woman-owned small biz!Promising review: "Topicals' Fading Cream is absolutely incredible! I've struggled with hyperpigmentation and stubborn dark spots for years, and after trying so many different products with little to no results, I am so glad I finally found this one. Within just a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed a huge difference — my dark spots started fading, and my overall skin tone looked so much more even and I really love is how gentle yet effective it is. It didn't irritate my skin at all, which is rare for a product targeting hyperpigmentation. My skin looks healthier, brighter, and more confident than ever before.I would recommend Topicals' Fading Cream to anyone and everyone dealing with dark spots or uneven skin tone. It's truly a game-changer, and it's now a permanent part of my skincare routine!" —Amy PredelusGet it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes). A beach cart that'll actually roll across sand (!!!) and have enough room for all your summer essentials. This gem fits rolled-up mats, towels, sunscreen bottles, umbrellas, small coolers, and more. No more struggling to carry a stuffed tote while you walk from the parking lot to your favorite spot near the shore. A handheld mini fan, because remember last summer when you were constantly dripping with sweat everywhere you went? Yep, bet this is already in your cart. Oh! And it's a flashlight *and* a portable power bank. FANtastic! A super effective instant foot peeling spray you just spray onto your clean, dry feet and then literally rub away your dead skin. Pshhh, pedicure salons are shakin' in their boots cuz now, you can have baby-soft feetsies for way less money. Oh, and if you wanna get extra fancy, use an exfoliating mitt! A Beauty of Joseon eye serum that's been getting quite the hype on TikTok cuz it's magical, and effective as heck. Say goodbye to puffy eye bags and fine lines, they'll be a problem of the past. Check it out on TikTok!Promising review: "I've had this for about a month and have noticed a huge improvement! I started developing dark circles under my eyes over the past few years, so I was looking for anything to brighten my under eyes without relying on heavy concealer. I don't use it every day, as the yellow pigment is a little aggressive. My trick is to apply a generous amount and put my reusable silicone eye patches over top and sleep with it on 2-3 times a week. Now my under eyes look bright and radiant, my complexion looks even, and I feel so beautiful with no makeup on!" —Amanda HermanGet it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes). A set of three collapsible food storage containers because the clunkier ones you currently have are taking up WAY too much precious cabinet space. With these, your tuppers will only take up one or two shelves instead of the entire dang cabinet. Get a set of three from Amazon (available in four colors) or Drip EZ (available in four colors) for $44.99. A sugaring kit you may recognize from Shark Tank. If you've been looking for a way to removing body and facial hair that's less painful than waxing and longer lasting than shaving, you're in luck. This magical, no heat necessary solution is exactly what you need. Sugardoh is a small biz that specializes in waxing get the doh jar, a reusable applicator, and reusable cloth strips. Promising reviews: "I never leave reviews, but this product is MAGICAL! Everyone thought I had lost it when I said that I wanted to sugar my underarms, but this was easy and (relatively) painless, just like getting it done professionally. I got too confident and attempted to sugar my bikini line, but due to my skill level, I'll leave that one to the professionals! If you're on the fence — go for it!!" —Brie B"I have tried everything imaginable to remove hair in my bikini area, but have had no luck and always end up with severe ingrown hairs and irritation. This is the best thing I have ever found." —AuntieAnnieGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three styles). Levi's Cinch Baggy Jeans that you can tighten for a perfect fit. Woah, jeans and perfect fit? Bet ya don't hear that combo too often. Plus, they're stretchy, so they're comfortable. Beyoncé was def talking about *these* Levi's jeans in her song. Alright Alex Russo, you can come out and tell everyone these were your magical creation now. A water- and sweat-resistant tinted sunscreen by Live Tinted that's packed with SPF 50. Light to medium buildable coverage + UV protection, all packed into one little lightweight miracle = summer perfection. Foundation feels so heavy in warm weather, so this'll feel like a godsend. Live Tinted is a South Asian woman-owned small biz that specializes in clean, vegan, cruelty-free beauty products for all skin tones. Promising reviews: "This is my new staple. I don't wear foundation, but I am a tinted sunscreen fan. For years, I have used the tinted Elta MD. I tried this on a whim, and it just blends into my skin so smoothly. The shade match was perfect, the radiant/natural finish wasn't too much, even with my oil-prone skin. Also, no breakouts in sight!" —Sarah S."I absolutely love this tinted sunscreen. I use it instead of foundation during summer with cream blush and bronzer, and set it with spray and powder. It lasts all day and doesn't get super oily throughout the day, which is a plus because I have very oily skin." —Miri21Get it from Amazon (available in six shades) or Ulta (available in 11 shades) for $42. A bottle of Eos body oil because that vanilla cashmere scent SLAPSSSS so hard, it literally has you in a chokehold. If you've always dreamed of having up to 24 hours of moisturized skin and smelling like a delectable cake, look no further than this bottle of magic. Promising review: "Took almost a month to receive the delivery, but was definitely worth waiting for. If you've used the body wash and/or lotion, this is a must-have!! Not too oily. The oil quickly dissolves, and the smell lasts forever!!! Smells like vanilla cotton candy to me. I'm not a fan of vanilla or food-related body scents, but this smells like a dream!!!!!" —Angry birdGet it from Amazon for $12.99. A facial spa kit with a face steamer that can also be used as a humidifier *and* can warm up towels. You'll get everything you need for a relaxing facial and your skin will certainly thank you. We have the spa at home, y'all! You'll get the face steamer, an ultrasonic scrubber, a headband, five jelly masks, extraction tools, dermaplaning tools, a spatula brush, a facial cleansing brush, and a jade roller.I have this kit and omg, it's luxury. I tried a new face wash and broke out BAD. Added facial steaming into my routine, and I swear, it's helped tremendously. I feel like every product I use is way more effective if I use this before applying. I've used it while oil cleansing and with masks. My skin is finally starting to heal, pimples are gone, and only dark spots remain *but* they're def fading pretty quickly (thanks to this, my snail mucin essence, and Anua niacinamide serum). I give this a 10/10 and think everyone deserves a lil' relaxing steamed facial, even if it is from your couch. Promising review: "Let me tell someone with oily skin and a history of acne, I was spending hundreds for haphazard facials. This was a deal breaker. I take my time and get all the impurities out instead of a spa, where you have one hour, and it's pretty much an assembly line with clients waiting to be seen. I have saved so much doing this myself at home, and there is a visible improvement in my skin as a result. You definitely get a bang for your it!" —Debbie15Get it from Amazon for $54.97 (available in another kit). An adjustable tumbler holder because you love your Stanley but carrying a ginormous water bottle has been slightly annoying. This'll turn it into a little purse complete with two front pockets, a carrying strap, and even a lil' straw cover. This'll be SO much easier to hike with. Promising review: "I recently purchased this water bottle carrier bag, and I am absolutely thrilled with it! The quality is top-notch, and it's incredibly convenient. The adjustable strap makes it easy to carry, whether you're walking, hiking, or just running errands. The design is sleek, and I love how it keeps my hands free while I stay hydrated on the go." —Paul VioletteGet it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available for 30 or 40 ounce tumblers and 10 colors). A smart Keurig that you can connect to Wi-Fi and make a perfect latte right from your bed. The downloadable app has tons of recipes so you can make your fave coffee shop quality coffee at home for way less money. Oh, and the lil' frother?! To die for. Okay, so I upgraded my lil' basic $90 single-cup Keurig to this one and holy smokes. An upgrade indeed. I spend entirely too much money. I'd definitely rather go to a coffee shop and have them make me the perfect caramel macchiato rather than try to make it myself at home. BUT, this makes it so easy! Anything I'm in the mood for, I can find it in the app. It also has suggestions for the coffee pods you already have. I'm obsessed with this. Exploring all the recipes and making delicious, coffee shop-quality drinks at home has actually been kinda fun. AND THE FROTHER!!! Yum yum yummm. I use creamer and a bit of oat milk, and omg, heaven. The frother is definitely my favorite part. It's also smarter than literally every one of my exes. It recognizes the coffee pods I put in and has so many options for strength, temperature, coffee shots, and brewing over ice. I love it so so it from Keurig for $199.99. A Paula's Choice body exfoliator because bacne is not ruining your debut bikini moment for summer 2025. Say bippity-boppity-buh bye to the acne on your chest thanks to this phenomenal little potion. Promising review: "I have dealt with bacne for a very, very long time. I have never been able to get rid of it, no matter what I have used. I have always wanted to wear backless dresses and bikinis, but I have been too uncomfortable with how my back looked. I started using this stuff and within a week, my back is clearing up so much! I feel a lot more confident and comfortable now. This is the product I will buy forever." —Angie WGet it from Amazon for $23.20. A lash cluster kit with the fluffiest of fluffy clusters and wispy bottom lashes so you can do a full volume set *with* your bottom ones for so cheap and way less time. It comes with a bond, seal, and tweezers. And here are some with spikes!Promising review: "These lash clusters are amazing! They stack so beautifully without looking bulky or unnatural. The base is super thin, which makes layering easy and seamless, and they blend perfectly with my natural lashes. Whether I'm going for a light, wispy look or full glam, they hold up and stay put all day. Definitely a staple in my lash routine!" —Ari💕Get them from Amazon for $11.58 (available in 11 other kits). A Sol de Janeiro perfume, a bold, rich scent with hints of soft florals and creamy sandalwood. It's basically a longer-lasting version of their infamous Cheirosa '62 body spray. One thing you can count on from Sol de Janeiro is that they never miss with their fragrances. Promising review: "If you love the body spray of this scent, you NEED this perfume in your collection!!! The scent noticeably lasts all day, even at work. I'm always getting compliments. This is a staple scent for me, so having the more concentrated, robust perfume is great. 10/10." —AmandaGet it from Amazon for $26+ (available in two sizes). A self-cleaning air fryer, aka the most independent air fryer out there. The glass basket allows you to monitor your food without needing to open up your machine as you air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, and dehydrate. It has a rotating rotisserie cage and it'll even clean up after itself (unlike your kiddos, right?) if you just add soapy water and hit a button. Promising review: "Wow, I love this air fryer. I've had it just over a week and have made French fries, sweet potato fries, and shishito peppers, and I'm *just* getting started. I love that this is glass, so I can watch what is happening inside and either stop it sooner or add more time. Everything happens so quickly! I've gotten several compliments from friends who have now added it to their wish lists! Especially for the tumbling basket, which many other air fryers don't have. It's very easy to figure out how to use this! I leave the recommended 5 inches of space in each direction. To address reviews commenting on cord damage…I can see how this would happen if the cord is placed across the vent in the back. It's truly a matter of leaving enough space on all sides, not crunching up against a wall so the cord is compromised. The vent is pushing out all of that very hot air… def give it love the self-cleaning feature, and can say cleaning this unit is very easy thanks to this. I'm so very pleased with my purchase after having my eye on this air fryer for over a year. Very worth it!!" —hummerGet it from Amazon for $199.99 (available in four colors). E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm, some tinted, moisturizing, buildable glosses that'll cost way less than the pricey popular ones everyone's obsessing over. Lookin' at you, Summer Fridays. $24 <<<<< $9. A Pikk-it tool because your Roomba refuses to vacuum with all the hair in it. I mean, have you ever had to pull your own hair out and realized you could probably make a wig outta all the tangled strands wrapped in it? 🤢 Yikes. You can use it for your hairbrush, too! A microneedling serum to help you get closer to your goal of glass skin. Blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, and texture are no match for this reedle shot. Just call it your skincare fairy godmother. Promising review: "I've been using the VT Cica Reedle product and I'm genuinely impressed with the results. The application feels unique due to the micro-needles, but it's not uncomfortable — in fact, it gives a refreshing, slightly tingling sensation that makes me feel like it's actively working on my skin. After consistent use, my skin feels smoother, and I've noticed a visible improvement in my texture and clarity. It's especially great for calming irritated or acne-prone skin, thanks to the Cica ingredient. Overall, I really enjoy using this product and appreciate how it enhances my skincare routine with a professional-like treatment at home." —ShrutikaGet it from Amazon for $19.50+ (available in four styles). A tooth gem kit since you love to bedazzle literally everything. Super cute trend that'll make your smile *even more* dazzling. You'll get cotton rolls, micro applicator brushes, two bottles of glue, gems, a gem picker, and a mini LED light. I used these over the weekend and they were so cute! I personally was skeptical, so I didn't cure them too long because I only wanted them on my teeth for the day. They ended up being perfect and fell off before the end of the day (which was what I wanted). I'm sure if you're interested in keeping them on for longer than a day, you just cure it for longer. I just knew that I wanted them off the same day, so I only cured them for about 30 seconds. The glue came right off with the gem!Promising review: "Okay, so I am a dental assistant and I approve of this product. Gems are NON-toxic, which is something that is very important when looking for gems to use. Also, the bonding agent is gentle and does the job without hurting enamel. I looked into the ingredients, and nothing was suspicious. The keychain light is super cute, does the job, but will only last long enough for about two sessions. I purchased a couple of months ago and applied the two hearts on my upper canines, and they are STILL on. It says they only last a couple of weeks, but it has definitely been a couple of months and they are still adhered, so I am very happy. I've seen a couple of reviews that said they didn't adhere, but I think it's because 1. moisture, 2. did not light cure long enough, or 3. didn't brush teeth beforehand. But I have gotten MANY compliments on them, they definitely add a sparkle to your smile. WORTH the price for sure!!!" —Alexis RGet it from Amazon for $24.95. A set of slide-out cabinet organizers, since you have more stuff than space, and your cabinets are starting to look like a tornado ran through 'em. These'll make them look much more organized and make it easier for you to find what you're looking for. You, when everyone asks how you got your hair lighter without bleach: Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
09-05-2025
- Buzz Feed
30 Walmart Products To Buy Before Your Next Trip
An adorable crinkle one-piece swimsuit so you're prepared to run right down to the beach or pool as soon as you get to your summer destination. Can't waste any time when the water is right there ready to be splashed in! Promising review: "This bathing suit covers my rear quarters wonderfully and is super comfy for water aerobics. I tried MANY other suits from many other places. This is a winner!!" —AmyPrice: $26.98 (available in women's sizes XS–3X and six colors) And some classic swim trunks to wear to your surf or scuba lessons. Get ready to shred and sightsee to your heart's content. Price: $14.98 (available in men's sizes S–3XL and seven colors) A handsome hardside carry-on suitcase so you can roll through the airport and hotel in style. Four spinner wheels make it easy as can be to roll this baby around and integrated compression straps and zippered interior compartments ensure you can keep everything organized. Promising review: "The size is great for a long trip or a plain ol' prepared overpacker!! I appreciate the two divided, separate sides, pockets, and the zipper compartments make it even better. The maneuverability of the rollers was surprisingly smooth. Great purchase!!" —KellyPrice: $58+ (originally $89, available in five colors) A travel wrinkle-releaser spray that'll keep you looking sharp and put-together even if you're caught without an iron. Ugh, packing makes clothes look so crumpled, and who has the room to pack a travel steamer? Promising review: "I was skeptical that a spray could remove wrinkles. I took it on vacation and used it to smooth wrinkles from packed clothes. I was pleasantly surprised how well it worked." —JStarrPrice: $1.50 A sweet pair of sunnies for keeping those eyes protected as you behold the sights at your chosen destination. Look! The Leaning Tower of Pisa! Man, it really is lopsided, huh. Price: $9.97 (available in two colors) An external battery that ensures no matter where you roam you'll be able to get directions, snap photos, make payments, everything! Is it troubling that our phones are our whole lives? Yes. But that means you never want to get caught without juice. Promising review: "Fast shipping and well-packaged. Tested immediately with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods overnight, performed as expected, and even had leftover charge the next morning. Impressed!" —JuliePrice: $11.88 Sun Bum SPF 50 spray for staying protected from the sun's harmful rays whether your trip is tropical, in a city, or anywhere in between. Sun Bum is what I'm currently rocking and it smells sooooo good. If you're flying, heads up that at 6 ounces this can't be taken along in a carry-on, but you can grab a 3.4-ounce SPF 45 face mist or a sunscreen stick if you don't want to check a bag!Price: $17.48 A three-pack of mini dry shampoos so you can keep you hair looking day-one fresh without having to lug all of your best wash day hair care products with you on vacay. Spritz and done! Promising review: "This dry shampoo is a lifesaver! It absorbs oil quickly, adds volume, and doesn't leave a white residue like some others do. Perfect for refreshing my hair on busy days or between washes. The travel size is super convenient too — great for keeping in my bag. Definitely a must-have!" —KellyPrice: $8.91 for a three-pack A Mini Instax Camera for capturing memories you can actually hold in your hands instead of getting sent to the cloud or the graveyard of your camera roll. There's something about instant photos that just feels romantic, special, and perfect for occasions like trips. Promising review: "Wanted one of these for so long! Definitely worth the hype and the money. My kids and I love taking pictures with this camera!" —CourtneyPrice: $67 (available in five colors) A crochet coverup skirt to help you look just as cool walking down to the hotel pool as you do when you're laying out in your favorite suit. What is vacation if not an extended fashion show? Price: $15.98 (available in women's sizes XXS–XL and two colors) A soft-side cooler bag so bringing drinks and snacks to the beach or park is a no-brainer. Cracking a cold Coca-Cola and munching on a sandwich knowing you have no work to do that day? The true meaning of vacation. Promising review: "I love this little cooler. Holds a 12-pack with no ice. The insert easily removes for cleaning. Made well. I can't say enough good things. I have a few very expensive coolers but find myself grabbing this little lightweight guy to use 99% of the time." —BexPrice: $29.97+ (available in three sizes) An adhesive phone wallet pouch to keep your most important cards easily at your fingertips but still secure. Extra helpful for an airport where your hands are full of a zillion bulky things. Promising review: "This super cute card holder is so great. The adhesive is very sticky, so it won't fall off. And the top cover piece covers the card, so no one knows what is inside. The material is a fabric and great quality! Just what I was looking for!" —AnnikaPrice: $6.99 (available in nine colors) An Owala water bottle so you can stay hydrated no matter how far from home you are. Trips are when you arguably need to stay the MOST hydrated, and yet it's when I'm personally most likely to forget to drink water. If we have this in common, grab a special bottle to tuck in your bag to avoid my mistake. Promising review: "Very sturdy, can handle being dropped and banged around without any damage or dents. It keeps the liquids and ice very cold, and the ice lasts for hours and hours. The price was a little high for a drinking cup, but cheaper than Stanley cups and same or higher quality. The top closes and inner straw is removable so it's easy to clean. The ability to close the lid is better than just a straw and lid-top open like the others." —linseyPrice: $27.94+ (available in six colors) A Poo-Pourri pocket sprayer if you're planning on staying in close quarters with others. Long story short, avoid some awkward stinks, stenches, and smells with just a few sprays. Promising review: "Outstanding! Perfect odor eliminator and perfect size for travel! Love it!" —MaryPrice: $4.97 A portable door lock to give you a little extra manual assurance that your door can't be opened when you're staying in hotels, hostels, or new places. Doesn't hurt to be sure! Promising review: "I wasn't sure how well this was going to work at keeping our front door secure. After trying it on our doors throughout the house, locked and unlocked, I can definitely say this works great at keeping doors from opening. We plan on getting more in the future." —DaniellePrice: $8.75 A small pack of Clorox wipes for getting all those high-touch travel surfaces squeaky clean. Tremble, gunk on airplane trays! Your time has come. Promising review: "Love these little packs, great for on the go! I keep one in my car and in my purse. I use them all the time to wipe down my grocery cart or any mess my kids make in the car!" —ElizabethPrice: $1 for a nine-pack A handheld fan that's a no-brainer for trips to hot locations, and also for days spent at amusement parks. A Mickey-shaped ice cream bar will taste even better with a handheld breeze blowing on your face. Promising review: "Super cute, small but packs a windy punch. Stands up on table to be hands-free if needed. USB charging option, light for night vision, and cord to hang. Battery lasts very long so far." —PrincessPrice: $15.19+ (originally $26.99, available in six colors) A pack of Apple AirTags to tuck inside your bags so you can track them down in case they wander away from you. A little peace of mind is worth its weight in gold. An adjustable memory foam neck pillow, earplug, and eye mask set so you can get some blessed shut-eye on your flight or long car ride. Arriving safe and sound is priority number one. Arriving well-rested is a close second. Promising review: "This is so comfortable and fit to my neck perfectly. I ordered three more for my kids, my husband, and my sister to get ready for our long trip. It'll help support our necks during travel on planes and cars" —suwannaPrice: $19.99 (originally $49.99) A set of Sea-Band acupressure wristbands to target an acupressure point on your wrist that could help reduce nausea. Definitely worth trying if you suffer from car sickness, sea sickness, or any other travel tummy ailment. Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer review: "My husband and I have used this product on big cruise ships and small tour boats, both in high seas, and we did not get seasick. Just remember to put it on before you set foot on a ship/boat and do not take off until you are permanently on dry land." —CortlandtseniorPrice: $8.96 for a two-pack (also available in larger pack sizes) A Bluetooth transmitter that allows you to connect your Bluetooth headphones to the airplane audio jack. Not being literally tethered to the seat in front of you and covered in wires while you attempt to relax is gonna be a small but mighty improvement to the flying experience. Promising review: "Works really well for my older Toyota Prius that doesn't have Bluetooth audio capabilities. I just plug it into the aux and it works. The battery lasts a long time." —ChristopherPrice: $21.99 (originally $25.99) A waterproof car trash can so your epic road trip doesn't result in a totally trashed car. In this case, cleaning as you go is the easier option by far. Attach this baby wherever it's out of the way with its versatile strap and voilà! Clean car incoming. Promising review: "I got this for my car, and it hangs over the back of the passenger seat. It is well-made, comes with bags, has side pockets, and is my new favorite gift to buy for people." —TopNunPrice: $17.99+ (originally $20.14+, available in two colors) A digital luggage scale to ensure your baggage is in compliance with your airline's weight restrictions, avoiding some nasty fees in the process. Bring it along with you if you want to make sure you're good to go on the way home, too! All those souvenirs add up. Promising review: "I've had a few luggage scales over the years, and they all fail at one time or another. Usually, it's the battery. Not with this one. It uses regular AAA batteries. I compared what this scale was telling us versus our high-end bathroom scale, and it was very close. It also saved us from paying the overweight fees, which is easy to carry, to make sure your bags are under the required weight limit. It is surprisingly accurate, works great, compact, and easy to use. My husband loves this too and says it works perfectly for all the fish he catches. Can't beat it for the price." —MikePrice: $11.45 A pack of soap sheets so you never get stranded without a way to scrub-a-dub-dub again. Clean hands = happy trip. Promising review: "Ordered a few of these packages. They're excellent for travel when you need soap to wash your hands and the establishment's bathroom doesn't have soap" —swalmartPrice: $9.95 for 50 sheets A Master Lock portable safe that can help assuage some of your worry when it comes to traveling with valuables, especially solo. Equipped with a four-digit code and a cable to affix it to a secure spot, hopefully this'll allow you to feel comfortable enough to take a dip in the pool or ocean while leaving your essentials behind. Promising review: "This is great for carrying personal items like jewelry and cash on trips. Has a way to connect it to your purse or luggage." —dianaPrice: $19.97 (originally $44.87) Foot Glide anti-blister balm so your feet stay in tip-top shape even as you hop, skip, and jump all around the exciting city you're visiting for the first time. Price: $9.98 A pack of four TSA-approved travel bottles so it's easy as can be to decant literally all of your favorite toiletries into small, manageable containers. Promising review: "Absolutely perfect! They're easy to fill and come with labels. It's perfect for my busy traveling life!" —MorganPrice: $9.99+ (originally $16.99, available in five color combos) An eight-piece packing cube set for anyone who's ever tried and immediately failed at keeping their luggage in check while on vacation. Vacation isn't the time to fret over organization — let the cubes do it for you. Promising review: "These bags are perfect! They hold so many clothes. I bought these because they were machine washable. I've washed them a few times now, and they are holding up perfectly! I like being able to organize everything. It's so much easier to go through the luggage when everything is sorted into bags." —KristinaPrice: $14.99+ (available in two colors) A Bluetooth sleep headband that can double as a sleep mask for anyone who likes to fall asleep listening to music or podcasts. I never want to travel without the dulcet tones of my favorite celebrity gossip podcast as my lullaby. Promising review: "I was very cautious about buying earphones for sleeping, as I didn't think I'd like anything around my head while I slept. Instead, I found the headband very comfortable and the sound quality excellent. The speakers didn't need to be exactly over each ear in order to be heard well. I'm a side sleeper and didn't feel the speakers at all. They headband charged up in two to three hours and easily lasted through two nights. I like it very much." —ChinellaPrice: $8.99 (originally $12.79) A four-pack of sand removers so wiping sand off your legs and feet — the most annoying tropical vacay task — is easier than you ever imagined it could be. Just slip your hand into the strap and wipe all those little grains away. Price: $8.31+ (originally $13.79+, available in two color combos)
Buzz Feed
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
37 Things That'll Make You Want To Put Your Phone Down And Get Outside
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 · Sure, TikTok is fun, but have you ever tried making your own kaleidoscope? 1. A Sun Bum hair lightener made with pineapple and lemon to lighten up blonde to medium brown hair with the power of the sun. Just spritz on this banana-scented spray and let the sun help you achieve a fresh, summery look. You can also use a blow-dryer to increase the effects of the heat-activated spray. Promising review: "I LOVE this product! I usually buy it at the beginning of the summer to help lighten my already natural blonde hair. It really helps get rid of the growth and darkness of winter. The summer sun and saltwater at the beach already naturally help lighten my hair, but this product really accelerates the process and give it that extra oomph. I spray it pretty liberally all over my hair and just use my fingers to distribute it. The key is making sure you spend a good amount of time out in the sun. It only takes a couple of sessions to really start seeing noticeable lightening. It still has hydrogen peroxide in it, but in small amounts, so it's not extremely damaging. Also, use a purple shampoo occasionally to help bring out the highlights and remove some of the brassiness." — Ninar Get it from Amazon for $15.79. 2. A set of lights with flexible goosenecks so you can grill late into the night without having to grope around blindly for your tools. The battery-operated lights are magnetic — just pop them onto the hood of your grill. Promising review: "Absolutely LOVED this product. I purchased them as a gift for my brother when we were all using cell phones to see the grill one night. They are sturdy, provide sufficient lighting, and are high-temperature resistant. Be careful because when they are on the grill, they do get hot on the outside, so take them off with some protection (gloves, towel, etc). I loved them so much I ended up purchasing a pair for my grill as well." — MVega Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.99 (available in black or silver). 3. A DIY mini golf kit complete with nine holes, four balls, and a dry-erase scorecard so you can design the ultimate putt-putt course at home. Strategically place the flags by trees or on top of hills for an extra challenge, then decorate the space with toys and garden statues to complete the experience. And they said my giant Bigfoot stake was a bad investment. Set comes with nine holes, four golf balls, and a dry erase scorecard. To play at night like the reviewers above, grab some light up golf balls. And don't forget clubs! Promising review:"We tried to set it up in the grass, and that's not really ideal but on a patio or down a hall — it's so much better. The silicone molding is so light-weight and the little flag centers are marvelous to make you feel like you are more than a new learner! The set is complete with four foam balls and a score board that you use a dry-erase marker on. GREAT to use only a few of the pieces for a short game for kiddos or the entire set for a more competitive experience." — Momakookie Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 4. A bottle of Coppertone shimmering sunscreen offering just a subtle sprinkle of glitter, meaning people might briefly mistake you for a vampire. Plus, the SPF 50 will ensure you just sparkle like a Twiligh t vampire instead of burn like a True Blood one. Promising review: "Great product — not overwhelming. I used it on top of my sunscreen just for a beautiful sparkle and it's perfect. Yes, the glitter sticks but it washes off." — Lupita Get it from Amazon for $10.39. 5. A rainbow-colored saucer swing you can hang inside or out to give your little ones a fun place to chill. After watching them take a couple of turns on this, you'll wanna try it yourself — and you can, because it can hold up to 900 pounds! Promising review: "We've had this swing hanging in our tree out back for two years now. Our kids, and their friends, LOVE it. I love that it's large enough to accommodate a number of kids/people, and that it's held up so well over time. Would totally recommend." — Krystal Get it from Amazon for $44.96 (also available in four other colors). 6. A pack of waterproof playing cards capable of withstanding whatever environmental hazards you expose them to, whether it's an unexpected spring rain, a splash from the pool, or a dirty camping ground. Promising review:"These playing cards are a HIT. I take them out with me for social events and when visiting people, even to the beach. We just play and play. So you can get them wet, and they won't soggy up and tear. It just becomes a little hard to shuffle. It is so cool that they look like you can see right straight through them, but you can't." — Tabitha Get them from Amazon for $5.99. 7. A teeny-tiny portable watercolor kit so you can feel like a mouse-sized Monet when you're out adventuring. Just add paint to the wood palette, fill the brush pens with water (from your water bottle or a nearby stream), clip the palette to your sketchbook, and start painting! Amazon This set doesn't come with paint, so grab some here. Oh! And grab some binder clips here. Promising review: "I got this to paint with my 89-year-old mother, and we both loved it. Easy to travel, so we painted at the local coffee shop. Tons of supplies provided. Very happy and well worth it." — Robin Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 13 styles). 8. A glowing softball because it's finally warm enough to toss around the ball, but the days aren't quite summer equinox-long yet. It has the same size and weight as a standard softball, so it's perfect for practicing for games. Just don't hit it with a bat or you might mess up the battery. The battery *is* included! Promising review: "Fun to look out in the evening and see only this streak of light arching up and over and back again. Very bright ball! I got the green one. They really enjoy it. It gets dark so early, but this keeps them able to enjoy playing catch after dinner. Recommend." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $33.44. 9. Hummingbird feeder rings so you can feel like a Disney princess who routinely has birds coming to pay a visit. These lil' friends won't help you get ready for the ball, but they WILL help you take some next-level photos. When filling up your rings, go for a 1:4 sugar ratio using pure sugar (no honey!). Always make sure the nectar is fresh and the rings are properly cleaned to avoid making your new friends sick. Promising review: "This product really works. My husband was able to feed them from his finger the first time we tried it!" — D.301 Get two from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in a pack of four). 10. A smokeless tabletop firepit if you love cuddling up next to a nice bonfire but hate the smoke burning your eyes and stinking up your clothing. S'mores, anyone? Amazon This is a great option for smaller areas like balconies and gardens. You can burn wood or pellets with its built-in pellet adapter. Promising review: "As a piece to provide some warmth and entertainment to friends or guests outdoors, this is a great product. As someone who once owned a Biolite camp stove, I was a believer that the only way to efficiently and completely burn wood to fine ash was by using the airflow fan of the Biolite camp stove. Well, by golly, Solo Stove has proven me wrong. Fans and electricity have been proven to not be necessary. The Solo Stove Mesa is able to burn wood incredibly efficiently. A very solid product overall. I look forward to buying a wood-burning cooking stove from Solo Stove sometime in the future." — William J Blackburn Get it from Amazon for $69.94+ (available in three sizes and nine colors). 11. And a set of extendable skewers for squeamish campers who'd prefer not to inject their marshmallows with stick dirt. Personally, I think that adds to the experience, but to each their own! The double tongs are perfect for skewering hot dogs, shrimp, and the fabled DOUBLE marshmallow. Promising review: "This is a repeat purchase for me. I like mine so much, I bought more sets as welcome gifts for new neighbors (as part of a s'mores kit I put together). They are telescopic and long. You can spin the stick without spinning the handle. Plus, they're fun. If you like to roast things over fire, get a set of these." — Kelly C. Cochran Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $9.99. 12. OR if you're not planning on cooking anything, Mystical Flames — a cool invention that turns your boring old fire into a rainbow fire. Camping has never felt so rave-like. Once again, just don't use these packets if you're planning on roasting food. Promising review:"Mystical Fire Colorant is amazing. For a really fun experience, get some of these for your next camping trip. As if a campfire needs improvement... but this stuff is really neat. I'd say the adults love it even more than the kids. We only used one packet, and the colors were so good — it seems like they lasted at least 20 minutes. There was even color left in the ashes the next day. We will never go camping again without several packs of Mystical Fire on hand." — TeNe Get a pack of six from Amazon for $6.94. 13. Waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights so low-maintenance, you'll forget they're there until they dazzle you at night. Drape these over trees, wind them around railings, or hang them from rafters to create a chic bistro-like vibe at home. Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the home. Promising review: "I have had these lights up since the end of September 2022. They lit up right out of the box. They have been through a snowstorm, ice storm, and massive rain and are still perfect. They are pretty easy to hang. They are shatterproof, which I love. — D Kelly Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in warm or soft light). 14. A showstopping inflatable dinosaur water play center sure to score you a coveted "you're the best parent ever." The impromptu mini waterpark features a slide with a landing pad and a movable dinosaur arch water sprayer to keep littles cool on warmer days. Promising review: "Was looking for something to keep us busy and cool in our backyard. This is incredible, and my son (20 months) absolutely loves it! There's so much to keep us busy, from the ball toss to the misting slide. I even laid on it to sunbathe, and it was comfortable, lol. Really excited to use this for the summer and have people over to enjoy it with us!! If you're on the fence, let this be your sign to buy! ☀️" — Ashley Edberg Get it from Amazon for $51. 15. A classic hook and ring game, because why should bars get to have all the fun? Even though this game is as simple as trying to toss a ring on a hook, you'll find it almost impossible to stop until you win. Amazon, Tiki Toss is a small business! Promising review: "We all love this game. Everyone who comes over cannot stop playing Tiki Toss. So simple and so fun. Quality and design of product is fantastic. Also makes a great gift." — jzek Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in six styles). 16. An inflatable lounge chair that's easy to store and even easier to set up at a moment's notice: Just unfurl and whip it around in the air; no pump needed! Reviewers love the many color options and air mattress-level comfort. Just make sure you have ample room to do your little spin. I've definitely accidentally sprayed people with sand in the past. 😬 Promising reviews:"I'm not a small person, and I wasn't sure how it would hold me, but this chair is wonderful. I have used it all over! I took it camping, I took it to the beach, and I even sometimes blow it up and use it in my living room while watching TV. The hardest part is getting out of it gracefully!" — Limoncello "We took it backpacking (because it's so lightweight), and it was so amazing to be sitting on a couch with friends high in the mountains. Delightful. I even slept on it one night because my air mattress popped! Also used for outdoor movie nights. We love how quickly and effortlessly it fills up with air. Great product." — Jesse Get it from Amazon for $39.98 (available in 20 colors and patterns). 17. A giant bubble kit with a two-handle wand so you can all compete to make the biggest bubble. Just make sure no one tries to trap the dog in a soap ball prison. The kit comes with the giant bubble wand, two pouches of bubble concentrate, and a booklet to help you become a skilled bubble creator! Promising review:"Love this!! Easy for kids to use — my six-year-old son figured it out pretty quick — and fun for adults as well (my husband and I might have played with it as much as our son did...) Makes amazing bubbles. The bubble mix it comes with is fantastic." — Thomas Durant Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in seven styles). 18. A durable Rumpl outdoor blanket beloved by campers and picnickers across the country for its durability, soft material, cool patterns, and portability. The recycled polyester insulation makes this thing light but warm, so it's just as nice to lie under it as it is to sit on. Rumpl is an Oregon-based small business that you may recognize from Shark Tank for their outdoor blankets. Check out our full Rumpl puffer blanket review for more details. Promising review:"This is my second Rumpl blanket. I like to keep one in my home to snuggle with my cat (he loves these blankets) and one in my trunk with my camp chair for impromptu beach days." — Carmel C. Get it from Amazon for $96.96+ (available in two sizes and 26 colors and patterns) or from Rumpl for $99 (available in 21 colors). 19. An Intex outdoor swimming pool in case you've always dreamed of having your own pool, but haven't won the lottery yet. This rust-resistant PVC and polyester option can be set up in just 30 minutes, so grab your goggles. And don't worry about its durability: One reviewer said this thing survived a hurricane. Promising review: "I mean, I originally bought it for my granddaughters aged 3–8; they all are obsessed with it. And that's fantastic. My daughter and I can lay out on the deck and enjoy some peace while the girls all enjoy a pool day. Then we set them up with snacks and take over the pool with some pool floats to cool off a bit. As the summer continues to heat up, the water gets to bathwater temperatures some days. Then, it's fun to go out at night and just float on my back in the warm water and look at the stars. I had to purchase a pool filter separately and a ladder for the kids to get in and out. Adults can easily get in and out without the ladder. I also purchased a floating chlorine basket thingie. Great buy." — @angelamichelle Get it from Amazon for $140.69+ (available in four sizes). 20. A glow-in-the-dark capture the flag game sure to be a hit on temperate nights. This game can accommodate two teams of five and is great for all ages, so even your neighbors can join the fun. Amazon The starter set comes with two orbs (flags), four territory lights to mark the team zones, and two jail markers for players who have been tagged. The complete set comes with two orbs, eight jail markers, five territory lights, and eight team bracelets. Promising reviews:"This was truly a game of fun for our whole family! The kids had a blast, and so did the adults. Definitely would recommend this for any family who is looking for an outdoor summertime game for after a BBQ or take it out for camping." — Sabrina T "This game was a huge hit with our 11- and 9-year-old boys and other neighborhood kids of varying ages. They figured it out themselves and had a blast for 90 minutes until kids had to go in for the night." — Michelle Pfefferle Get it from Amazon for $39.90+ (available in two styles). 21. A portable shower that holds up to five gallons of water so you can get squeaky clean, even when you're miles from civilization. If you find yourself missing the joy of a hotel shower with hot water, you can set the bag out in the warm sun to heat it up to 110 degrees. Reviewers say the water pressure is surprisingly adequate, making this invention a reasonable replacement for indoor plumbing. Promising review:"Absolutely perfect for car camping. Just find a remote place off of a nature trail, hang the bag, and have the most satisfying shower of your life. It's made with high-quality material, and I have had no problems with leaking. The product works well heating up in the sun, but feel free to leave it on the heated seat of your car with the black side down for a warm shower in a pinch. The 2 1/2 gallons was perfect for a five-minute shower. The nozzle opens and closes easily, and the carrying and hanging strap works great!" — henry Get it from Amazon for $35.98+ (available in four sizes and two styles). 22. A Yeti Tundra 35 cooler beloved by campers everywhere (check out the 4.8-star rating on Amazon). Thanks to its sturdy construction and ability to keep drinks super cold, it'll be an awesome stand-in for a mini fridge. Promising review:"This is the best cooler I have ever owned! It's quite expensive but well worth the price. I have used it for beach days and camping several times and I love it!" — Gruber Get it from Amazon for $220+ (available in nine colors). 23. And since every good mini fridge has light: a cooler light so you can see what you're grabbing once the sun has set. No one wants to go for a can of Coke and end up with a Diet Mountain Dew. Amazon The rechargeable LED light stick provides up to 55 hours of white light and 30 hours of red light. It boasts a IP68 waterproof rating, meaning it's fine to hang out in your melting ice all day. Promising review: "Amazing. Works perfectly. Never knew how much I needed it, and so far three of my friends have also purchased the same ones. Opening the cooler at night makes it appear like a cartoonish treasure chest of adult beverages." — josh b. Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 24. An outdoor bungee hanging tug toy to keep your hyper dogs wildly entertained without having to worry about them digging, fighting, or bugging you to throw the ball again. Bonus: This is also entertainment for YOU as you watch them jump and wiggle. You can easily mount this onto almost any tree by wrapping it around the trunk, hanging it from a branch, or a combination of the two. Also, reviewers note that it's easy to swap out the included rope toy with a new one if need be. Promising review:"My pitfall puppy has destroyed every 'tough' and 'durable' toy possible, but this little guy? Lasted us almost a full year. Our older pitbull/lab is incredibly strong, and it still hasn't broken under his weight. It tired them out, too, which is great. I also found it's great for training the dog to drop/leave it because they can't run away with the ball, which makes it easier to train." — Ashlyn Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two colors). 25. A flexible, adjustable sprayer that recreates the unreal relief and joy of walking under a mister at a theme park. Now, you can experience the cooling delight from the comfort of your own home with no lines or overpriced concessions in sight. The mister will cool the surrounding area by 20 degrees, and it comes with an interchangeable flower-shaped misting head for a fun, whimsy detail. Promising review:"Works exactly how I want it to. Provides a fine, cool mist on the patio, allowing us to enjoy the backyard until sunset without breaking a sweat. Easy to set up. It was out of the box and cooling us off within minutes." — Debra L. Kusek Get it from Amazon for $23.50 (also available in multipacks). 26. A folding bamboo picnic table so you can feel like you're at a fancy vineyard instead of sitting on the ground at the park. It even has places to keep your wine and glasses. Cheers! Promising review: "Used this camping, and it got lots of comments. I like that it has rings for different size wine bottles. Tray isn't very large. For sure it will be great at concerts in the park." — retrotraveler Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three sizes). 27. A giant stacking game that'll make you and your friends feel like Godzilla if he was actually very apologetic and wanted to rebuild the skyscrapers. The set comes in 3-, 4-, or 5-foot versions, so make sure you stand back when it's your butter-fingered friend's turn. Giantville is a small business that designs oversize versions of classic children's games. Promising review:"Perfect game for the family! Everyone really enjoys it. Perfect size and quality." — Julka Get it from Amazon for $35.95+ (available in seven size and color options). 28. A DIY kaleidoscope kit so your little adventurer can collect items on your nature walk to create mesmerizing views later. You can add leaves, flowers, sea shells, and more to the inside of the magnetic lid to create unique kaleidoscope images. Dreamer Kids is a family-owned small biz that sells unique wooden toys for kids. FYI: This kit requires some assembly and includes 10 plastic flowers. Promising review: "We love it! We enjoyed the plastic flowers that came with the kit, but had the most fun when we started putting in natural objects — flower petals, tiny ferns. Lots of creative play ahead." — martharich3 Get it from Dreamer Kids on Etsy for $57.73 (available with custom text or with two quote options). 29. And a SunPrint paper kit that lets the sun join in on outdoor fun. Place any items you collected on your hike onto the paper and leave in direct sunlight. The resulting prints will commemorate your fun time outside. Promising review:"This works like magic! It's easy to use and makes a beautiful gift from the kids!" — Sj773 Get it from Amazon for $20.19. 30. Banzai Bump N' Bounce Body Bumpers to turn your children into human bumper cars. Children ages 4–12 will have a blast running full speed into each other — and you'll have a blast filming it for the family group chat. PSA: Make sure helmets are worn during bump-offs. Promising review:"Great for the kids. The kids have been playing with this for hours. One of them even asked if they could sleep in it. It's great for winter indoor fun. I highly recommend this product." — RyanAndFaith Get it from Amazon for $26.98. 31. A croquet set perfect for anyone who wants their backyard to feel like Veronica's house from Heathers. Now, you just need to supply everyone with a gigantic blazer to complete the look. This set includes six 28-inch hardwood handles, six 8-inch hardwood mallets with caps for added protection, two 18-inch hardwood ending stakes, six 2.8-inch weather-resistant molded balls, nine steel wickets with vinyl coating, and a nice bag to carry it all in. Promising review:" This croquet set is artfully made and really such a steal for the money you will pay! The sticks and mallets are all made out of durable hardwood, and the mallets have a rubber sleeve that goes on each end to help protect the mallet from damage over time. The balls are on the heavier side, as they should be. They are resistant to weather, so there is no need to pick them up if you didn't finish your game; the same goes for the wickets. All of this comes in a nice carrying case that can actually handle the weight of the set itself! The colors are vibrant, so there will be no question about which ball is yours, and genuinely, I do not feel like they will fade or lose their quality. I would absolutely buy this again!" — Dido Get it from Amazon for $41.99. 32. Or a ring toss game that requires less time to play, but will be no less competitive. We are not liable for any fights that break out when Cousin Steve starts his throw from over the starting line. JnJ Handmade is a family-owned Etsy shop in Wisconsin that specializes in a variety of handmade items, including yard games, home decor, and DIY kits. Promising review: "Better than I thought it would be! This is a great game to get the family going at a backyard gathering!" — Ayoka Get it from JnJ Handmade on Etsy for $49.99+ (available in three stains). 33. A mini tiki bar you can set up in half an hour, meaning you can be slinging jungle birds and blue Hawaiians that same day. The waterproof furniture set comes with four chairs and plenty of storage for booze or juice. Is your backyard the new Margaritaville? Time to break out the blender and find out. If you're looking for something more understated, nab this affordable option. Promising review: "The tiki bar and chairs are now the highlight of our inground pool deck. The product is good quality and should last for many years to come. Assembly is slow but doable with one person. Looking forward to our next friend get-together. It is sure to help bring some memorable good times by the pool." — JoeN Get it from Amazon for $729.99. 35. A "disposable" camera that offers the same spur-of-the-moment fun, but without the waste. The camera is made with recycled materials, has an automatic flash, and shoots on 33-mm film. Just take your pics, mail the camera back for reuse, and wait for your photos to develop! Fototo Get it from Fototfoto for $32.99 (available in four colors). 36. A pickleball set — with two paddles, four balls, and a bag — in case you're looking for a new warm-weather hobby. Hit the courts in style! Promising review:"These are, hands-down, the cutest paddles on the court! I thought I was seeing things when I saw Sonix was selling pickle ball paddles!!! I come to Sonix for all my phone cases because they have the cutest and most interesting designs, but looks like now I'm going to buy a few more paddles! Come on, look at this photo (pictured above, left) everyone has these boring paddles. I don't ever have to worry about someone mixing up their paddles with mine! (but also have to make sure no one steals them cuz they're so freakingggg cute!!!!) I've been getting into pickleball, especially now that the weather's getting better. But now I just want to order more to match with different outfits, how cute would that be?!" — Helen Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 27 colors). 37. A tie-dye kit so you can add some cheerful color to any of your boring white clothing or bedding. Backyard = your new art studio. This is a one-step kit so no need to pre-soak your clothes in soda ash! You can do up to 30 projects. Promising review:"This tie-dye kit is life! Like all DIY projects, be careful — dye is permanent! Price is amazing. Would recommend for a fun friend project! We all did different techniques, and it even looked cool over vintage white tees. Very vibrant! Be sure to use 100% cotton." — Devyn Get a five-color kit from Amazon for $19.99. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Forbes
10-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Entrepreneurs, Increase Your Startup Success Rate: Exploit A Trending Niche In Large Markets
Either target the niche in the industry, or the niche in the target market. No large and successful company got there by focusing on the largest industry and all the customers in the marketplace all at once. The entrepreneurs started with a smaller focus on either a niche in the industry or a niche like focus on a subset of customers in the market. With Patagonia, it was just outdoor climbing gear. With Van's, it was skateboard shoes. With Meta, it was to connect alumni at Harvard. Even Amazon, with greater ambitions, focused just on books for three years. The most successful entrepreneurs are the ones who have a zealous focus on either an industry niche or a customer niche. They have been watching shifting trends and see a 'small' opportunity to solve a problem for a select group of customers. Do they really know that the industry or market will turn into a large mass market? No. But they do see either a problem or opportunity. They hope the market will expand and grow, but in order to succeed, they first have to create and dominate a small niche. There are many advantages to focusing on a small niche market. First, there is instant feedback and potential revenue traction. Second is the opportunity to prove the business model. Third, is low initial competition. In addition, there are several other advantages that entrepreneurs should love. Small customer base equals focus. One of the main benefits of starting a business in a niche market is the advantage of having a smaller customer base that has an identified problem. The good news is that you hardly need to do any marketing as the customers know they have a problem and are actively looking for a solution. With a niche market, you can target their unique needs and wants. This allows you to focus on creating a product or service the customer want. Think Sun Bum and Gen Z. Differentiation right away. Some companies spend millions to differentiate their brand. By focusing on a niche and hyper-focusing on the product or service, you will differentiate the company immediately. And, by bringing your attention to bear on a smaller unique set of customers, it allows you to set your business apart from the competition. By specializing and differentiating your products and services, you can establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Think Vitamin Water. An instant defacto leader in a commoditized water industry. Entrepreneurs embrace change. Amazon. Airbnb. Meta. Netflix. All these companies initially focused on a niche that they then rapidly expanded into larger markets. You would have to have been around in 1995 when many analysts and other market leaders ridiculed Amazon for selling books online. But Amazon's initial focus, and thirst for change/disruption, is what gave them their advantage. And all great leaders usually have a strategy if they can get beyond the initial niche….for Amazon, it was always about ecommerce. Gain insights on customer needs. What you learn from your initial set of niche customers is invaluable to your long-term survival. As an entrepreneur, you will get insights, learnings and are constantly making small pivots to better serve the customers. Guess who is not doing this? Your competition. Even if they finally wake up, it may take them years to learn what you have already learned. Netflix gained so many insights from studying and monitoring their DVD mail business that it propelled them when they shifted to streaming. Blockbuster saw all this too late. Less competitors. Another key benefit of starting a business with a focus on a niche market is that there are fewer competitors to face. When you focus on a specific and targeted group of customers, you are entering a market that may not have as much competition as a broader market. This gives you the opportunity to grow your business, build a strong brand, and capture a significant portion of the niche market share. Unlike other energy drinks that targeted younger adults, 5-Hour energy initially targeted a slightly older working adult that needed a burst of energy in the afternoon. Now, they sell to everybody. Potential for higher profit margins. Usually, when you create a new product or service in a niche market, customers are willing to pay a slight premium to get their problem solved. So, you can charge more. That should help profitability and differentiate your brand. If you are self-funded and don't want to take on debt, higher profit margins allow you to invest more dollars in your business for inventory, marketing or hiring more employees. This helps you grow your business more rapidly. Think Shopify who built their own platform and now dominate ecommerce. You will need a strong brand. For quite a few entrepreneurs, building a great brand when starting the company may not be a priority. Oh sure, you want it to happen, but what you really need is sales. It's funny, that if you are successful, you will then need a strong brand in order to grow and gain new customers. So, with that in mind, be conscious of everything that you do helps to support and grow the brand even when you have little money. Uber spent no money on marketing in the early days and yet created a strong brand with its minimalist app and focus on service. Tesla spent no money on traditional marketing; instead it focused on events, public relations and word of mouth.
