Latest news with #Terese
7NEWS
21-05-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Calls to address Australia's mental health service shortfall as women, often mothers, slip through the cracks
A growing number of Australian women in their 40s and 50s are slipping through the cracks of the country's mental health system, with advocates warning that this silent crisis is worsening and urgent action is needed. Often juggling multiple roles as carers, professionals, and mothers, many women experience unaddressed and untreated mental health challenges, particularly following trauma, family violence, or the pressures of caregiving. They are often left to navigate their darkest moments alone. For women like Lesley, the health system failed to catch her when she needed it most. 'It was more than the baby blues,' she told 7NEWS. 'I couldn't be a mum, I couldn't be myself. 'I had to do something otherwise I wouldn't have been able to actually look after my children.' Lesley's story is similar to many others. Mental health organisation SANE reports that nearly one in two Australian mums will likely face a mental health issue in their lifetime. Many mothers are carrying an extraordinary emotional and physical load. 'Women are more likely to be primary carers and that's on top of the general mental load that we know women often carry, organising, doing the worrying, doing the coordinating of appointments,' SANE chief executive Rachel Green said. 'That's a huge burden for Australian women and mums in particular when they're faced with trying to manage their own wellbeing and that of the family as a whole.' Despite the growing crisis, mental health services targeted for middle-aged women are sparse. Many like Terese, a mother of three living with bipolar disorder, manage by seeking out support within the women in her community. 'I developed a depression and it went untreated. Then the following year I had a manic episode,' she told 7NEWS. 'I would just say to women, you can have mental health that's really well treated, but you can still have episodes. 'You've got to reach out, you've got to form second, third-tier social networks around you.' Both Lesley and Terese turned to online communities for support. Two-thirds of online enquiries to SANE now come from women. But even online, resources designed specifically for this demographic remain limited. 'It's still the mums doing the navigating,' Green said. 'They're doing the searching and trying to find help for themselves and for their families.' Advocates say the burden cannot continue to fall solely on women. They are calling for a shift that includes not only expanded mental health services but also better support in the workplace. 'Employers should be thinking about what are their policies to support mums in the workplace who are playing carer roles, who need to be able to take that time to go and manage appointments, because that's an investment,' Green said. 'I often say that you hire a mum who knows how to get stuff done in the 40-minute window when a newborn sleeps. That's like a superpower.' Terese agrees and has urged others not to suffer in silence. 'Don't go it alone. Don't just bottle it all up,' she said. 'It can be overwhelming. So reach out.'
Buzz Feed
23-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
33 Newer Tech Products That Can Only Make Life Easier
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. When people see this cleverly-shaped toaster and tiny see-through air fryer in your kitchen, they're going to think you're a genius. 1. A dimmable flexible clip-on mushroom light so versatile that it'll become your Emotional Support Shroom — this gizmo clips to desks, cribs, bedside tables, and computer monitors to give an ambient, soft glow that's easy on the eyeballs when you're trying to focus. (Also, it's just so darn precious??) Reviewers especially love this lamp for small spaces, since it doesn't take up valuable surface area! Promising review: "I love the way the light looks and the many colors, but honestly I love the flexibility of the neck. I can manipulate it to fit the function of what I am doing. I have used it as reading light and mood light by the bed. I had no problem reading my book at night. I have used it as a task light to do arts and crafts. More recently, I have used it at work and it now has a permanent spot at my desk. The light was a great value for the money for me." — Terese Get it from Amazon for $35.99. 2. A two-slice slim toaster to fit virtually *anywhere* in your tiny kitchen, and to look gosh darn adorable doing it. Bonus — these long slots make it ideal for larger slices of bread, like your beloved sourdoughs. Psst — if you're looking to save space in your kitchen and don't want to sacrifice on aesthetic, check out Bella's matching line of compact, affordable kitchen appliances! Promising review:"The narrow width of this toaster helps free up real estate on my small countertop, plus it accommodates two slices of toast, English muffins or bagels as well as a regular width toaster. It comes in a beautiful teal color which I love. And the three toast levels ensure you don't burn food and the quality of the toast is just right — from light to brown. I highly recommend it!" — Joyce Hill Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four styles). 3. An iPhone 14 Pro Max privacy phone screen protector with some real "XOXO, Gossip Girl" vibes — when you tilt this gradient tempered glass protector, nobody will be able to snoop on what TikToks you're watching (or catch you texting your situationship mid-drinks 😬). There are options for the iPhone 14 Plus/13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, too! Promising review:"It's been about five months since I purchased this screen protector, and I have to say, that it's held up well. The screen is beautiful when the screen is off. I've had a lot of compliments on the screen protector, and after five months and few light drops, it hasn't cracked or gotten scratched up (minus a few wear on the screen like light scratches). Well made and overall, a great screen protector. Installation is pretty easy with the kit it comes with, and I still have the second unused that I may end up switching if at some point the screen actually cracks." — Timothy Jay Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.99. 4. An oh-so-snuggly Kindle, iPad, and phone lap pillow holder so you can stream content or read the latest fairy, dragon, and/or "dead girl found in the woods" book in the *ultimate* comfort. This can rotate and easily adjust the angle of the screen, and even comes with a little spot to hold a snack! Amazon Promising review:"I love everything about this! Easy to use! Works great for phones or Kindles! Decently priced, lightweight, and very sturdy! The soft pillow provides a comfortable lap experience while reading!" — Kimberly Get it from Amazon for $35.99. 5. A foldable smart walking pad that packs up so neatly you'll feel like a magician at the end of your walking sesh. This slim profile, remote-controlled treadmill even has super sensitive gravity sensors throughout to decelerate or accelerate if it senses you getting too close to back or front. This walking pad goes from 0.5mph to 3.75mph. Promising review: "Good, simple walking pad at a solid price point. It works well, and is easy to move and store. The folding mechanism functions well, and the wheels roll easily. Controlled relatively easily with the remote or app. Doesn't seem especially noisy, considering that it's a small treadmill. Very small footprint once it's folded and tucked away." — Joel Wills Get it from Amazon for $319.99 (clip the $80 off coupon on the product page for this price). 6. A 3-in-1 charging station so you can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, *and* AirPods all at the same time, like a lil' hub for them to juice up at the end of the day. This also functions as a night-light with three different brightness levels so you can read at night or gently wake yourself in the morning! Promising review: "I am very pleased with this purchase. It charges quickly. It has a sleek design that looks nice and not bulky on my bedroom night stand. The reading light is great because it functions well without disturbing my husband. Easy set up and customer service." — Carla Daniels Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 7. Plus a tiny 3-in-1 portable charger you can fold down to the size of a little macaron, but expand to charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all at the same time. If you have trips on the horizon or you're a busy human in general, you need to get yourself one of these adorable UFOs, fast. Promising review:"These are fabulous for travel — they charge three devices from just one USB port, especially [helpful] when frequenting hotel rooms. The first one is now permanently stationed bedside to help clean up the clutter, and this will go into my briefcase for future excursions. Compact, and effective!" — see2xu Get it from Amazon for $76.49 (available in four colors). 8. A wireless remote control outlet plug with a small remote that lets you turn devices on and off from across the room, whether it's a light fixture, a fan, a garbage disposal, or any other household electronic you don't feel like getting up or crouching down to turn on and off. You can even install the remote on the wall for easy access! Promising review: "Oh my goodness. This light switch is the best. Got it for my 89-year-old aunt to use with her nightstand light. I affixed the control button to her headboard of the bed. The push buttons are large and that makes it perfect. Thank you!" — Karla Get it from Amazon for $21.99. 9. A brand spanking new *mini* Kindle — it's faster, it's brighter, and more importantly, it's TEENSIER. The new size makes it easier to fit in the palm of your hand, easier to travel with, and a heck of a lot easier to pack in smaller clutches and purses when you're commuting. It's also glare-free and has a battery life that lasts for up to six weeks on a single charge. Check out a TikTok of the mini Kindle in action. Promising review:"This is such a great Kindle! It's lightweight, the perfect size for going in a purse or bag, and the matcha is SUCH a great color. I already have a Paperwhite SE that I love, so I decided to get this Kindle for travel purposes. The battery life isn't as great as my Paperwhite, but it still lasts me a while with daily reading! It fits perfectly in my hands and makes reading very comfortable. The only thing it is missing is the warm light option, but that is not a deal breaker for me. If you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable Kindle, this is the one for you." — Christine Heath Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in black and matcha, and with or without an ad lock screen). 10. A USB-rechargeable portable water flosser that gets the job done just as effectively without having to lug a planet-size device in your bag. A lot of reviewers love the small profile of this gizmo so much they use it as as every day one at home, too! Promising review: "Great travel product. It is exactly what I was looking for. Super portable to throw in my work bag and easy to put together. Love that it USB charges. Great combinations of water pressure." — MJ Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 11. A guided visual "breathing partner" you can use for meditation and calm to shift your mindset. This is designed to guide you through either the popular 4/7/8 or 5/5 "calming breaths" to help reduce stress and anxiety, using colors that fade in and out softly as cues. Bonus: it's kid friendly! Mindset is a small business that specializes in calming personal care and decor products. Promising review:"I started meditating over a decade ago. Intermittent in the beginning, progressing deeper, and finding new joys over time. With Breathing Buddha, the last thoughts have dropped away as counting breath always seemed to keep me conscious of, well, counting. Granted, I have always dropped the counting after a handful of breaths, but Breathing Buddha has made for a delightful transition as I realize it doesn't have to count at all. It is a lovely concept, well executed, and very easy to start using." — Lynn Get it from Amazon for $21.95 (available in two styles). 12. A super useful, delightfully cheap charging station end table, which features two outlets and two USB ports to power lamps and gadgets and charge your devices. Reviewers love this compact, lightweight piece for bedrooms and tight living room spaces that can use the extra outlets! Promising review: "Good for small spaces. I needed this end table for a smaller space next to my couch. It fits perfectly and I love that it has an outlet and USB ports. The bottom will also fit an 11-inch basket so I can store things in there if needed." — Darcy Neuman Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three colors). 13. A slim profile ink-free thermal Bluetooth printer you can boss around from your computer, phone, or tablet to quickly print black and white images on thermal paper — excellent for printing shipping labels, articles, or quick memos on the go. Travelers also love how ridiculously portable it is! Amazon Check out a TikTok of the portable ink-free Bluetooth printer in action. This requires thermal paper to operate — grab 100 sheets on Amazon for $18.69! Promising review: "This specific printer is lightweight but very sturdy. The app is super easy to use; it's got a media library that has layouts and other clipart styles. The printer is also relatively quiet and I have not had any issues with loading the paper straight, you just have to be dedicated to inserting the paper. Do not be super gentle with the paper or it will print on the paper crooked. Customer support is awesome and the quality if nice and worth the price, in my opinion. The paper, as stated in other reviews, is costly however I think not paying for ink evens it out." — Kapizanami Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (clip the $6 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in three colors). 14. A crossbody iPhone wallet that's a *much* more cost-effective solution than the $98 Bandolier version, with all the same cuteness and functionality. Amazon Promising review: "Bought with hesitation for traveling! Didn't think I'd like it that much but cannot believe how much I loved this thing! It looks like real leather and it's well made. Held my phone very snuggly. Lots of room in the wallet part. I got this for travel because I didn't want to have to carry a purse all day. This was amazing to have! It held my cash and cards and left me hand free which was sooo nice. The strap is long enough so you can talk on the phone comfortably with it still connected." — Dee Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in iPhone four sizes and four colors). 15. Ninja's new *portable* Crispi Air Fryer system, perfect for people with high foodie standards and a chaotic schedule. This "all-in-one system" cooks your food in the same container you eat from, so you can pop your meal into the air fryer, cook it, and either pack it for later or eat it right out of the container. Amazon, Check out a TikTok of the Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System in action. Each air fryer comes with the"PowerPod," two containers (a 4-quart and a 6-quart), and lids. The PowerPod has auto-shutoff and four modes: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp. The "feet" are heat-safe, so you can prop it on any surface without worrying! Promising review: "I got my Ninja Crisper today and reheated some stuffed bread with feta cheese and spinach, and it did a wonderful job. I t was like it just came out of the oven the first time. Nice and crispy outside, but the inside heated just right. I love that the bottom glass can be covered with the lid it comes with. They come with a metal plate you can put in the glass bottom part, and it actually fits into the lid, so it doesn't get lost. The glass makes a difference in the taste, too. It is a great product and well worth it." — Jennifer Get it from Amazon for $179.99 (available in three colors). 16. An Apple-compatible locator tag that functions just like an AirTag, but at a more affordable price. Bonus — this even comes with a waterproof case, making it even more handy for keeping track of important objects (and even more important pets!!). Promising review: "Perfect tracker with a stylish touch! They function perfectly with the Apple Find My app, and I use them for my backpack, keys, and luggage. No more worrying about lost things thanks to the extremely accurate tracking and easy setup! I adore that I can rely on it to protect my AirTag in any conditions. This is the perfect tracker if you're an iOS user searching for something dependable, useful, and stylish! I give it 5 stars! Highly recommended!" — JoyfulGenius Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in six styles and in a four-pack). 17. Oxo's new compact Brew Rapid Brewer, aka the answer to any money-conscious coffee lover's prayers — this version is not only cheaper and more portable than comparable models on the market, but WAY faster making cold brew without compromising on flavor. I'm talking five minutes as opposed to overnight, like other pitchers take — and it doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯 Amazon You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water. Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." — Alex Bonick Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 18. "Plaud," an AI voice recorder and notes generator that's basically a personal assistant that fits in your pocket. This gadget not only transcribes audio from meetings in real time, but uses ChatGPT to create summaries, minutes logs, and to-do lists based on the audio. Now, those meetings that couldn't be emails can get condensed into one! Amazon, This is also an EXCELLENT tool for students who want to summarize lectures! Promising review: "Love this product! Very user friendly, and the app is easy to navigate. Can transcribe and summarize meeting notes in a couple of minutes and allows you to choose what layout (meeting notes, transcript, mind map) you would like. Allows you to edit notes if needed and replay the meeting. This handy device can record phone calls. Just place it in the holder and attach to your phone, and switch the button to the phone option for those on-the-go phone conferences. Very helpful and convenient!!" — Rachele Get it from Amazon for $159 (available in two colors). 19. Birdie, an indoor carbon dioxide monitor that — bless her dramatic heart — flips over and "dies" if the air quality in your home goes down, prompting you to open a window or run an air purifier so you can breathe easier. Once Birdie is happy with the air quality again, she'll pop back up! Amazon Promising review: "Super easy to set up, and it works! We set ours up, and after charging it and mounting it, the bird fell down. We opened the windows, and about 10 minutes later, the bird went upright. People have commented how cool it look, going to buy as a gift for a family member as well." — M English Get it from Amazon for $149 (clip the $40 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in five styles). 20. A fast-heating straightener brush with four different temperature settings to get the job done fast, effectively, and as healthily as possible — the teeth are coated with keratin ceramic to protect hair and minimize breakage, and the curved comb shape makes sure you get *right* to the root. Amazon This is designed to work on all hair and curl types! Promising review: "I have fine curly hair and have always used straighteners, and they did okay, but never got down to the root of my hair. With typical straighteners my hair starts curling again by the end of the day. I am amazed at how well this did, and will never go back to any other straightener. My hair stayed straight all day and cut my hair straightening time in half. Amazing product and extremely affordable." — Twin tornadoes Get it from Amazon for $30.99 (available in five styles). 21. And a travel-size version of The Knot Dr. by Conair, which is an all-in-one hairdryer brush that looked at the mega-expensive Dyson AirWrap and said, "Game, set, MATCH." This affordable option works on all hair types so you can give yourself a full volumized blow-out at home in the fraction of the time it takes with an ordinary blow-dryer, without spending the big buckaroonies on expensive hair tools. Amazon Promising review: "Exactly what I needed and works great. I have a large brush dryer and took too much room when traveling. I was hesitant about buying a smaller one because my hair is very curly and didn't think it would work because of the lower watts. But it did! It's light, smaller, and will take up less room in my suitcase. I highly recommend it. Love it!" — Ana Estrella Get it from Amazon for $33.95. 22. A delightful aesthetic cord wrapper you can attach to your kitchen gizmos to neatly tuck the cords out of sight when they're not in use. These ones are especially precious because of the subtle scalloped edges (which also help keep the cords in place when they're wrapped)! Promising review: "I cannot stand cords and any sort of clutter. I have been looking for something like this product for a long time. They are super easy to use, functional, and have a cute design. I am very happy with them and hope they hold up well." — Lulu P. Get a set of two from Amazon for $15.99 (available in two colors and multipacks). 23. An electric travel kettle for all the tea, coffee, and oatmeal monsters out there who want instant, portable access to their lifeblood. People love this for at-home use when they're not traveling, too — it boils SUPER fast for quick cuppas, and has a small profile that makes it easy to put away. Promising review:"This gorgeous lil' portable kettle has been the best companion during all my travels this year! I drink a LOT of tea and am religious about making my special elixirs and healing potions every morning. I appreciate how quickly it heats up, and how long it keeps water hot. I have always followed the directions and use common sense when handling it, and have never had any issues with anything so far. Very satisfied with this purchase! Would highly recommend." — Sassy Mama Get it from Amazon for $27.53 (clip the 15% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in six colors). 24. A self-cleaning electric toilet brush to go full YEE! HAWWWW! on the grime in your toilet bowl. If you're dealing with hard water stains, this is an excellent way to get the toilet bowl sparkling again without having to scrub hard. When you put it away, the base will light up blue to let you know it's sanitizing the brush! Promising review: "I always have a ring in my toilet because I have hard water and this brush does a wonderful job of cleaning it right off! It is so easy to use and I love the blue light that automatically comes on after cleaning to get rid of bacteria. This brush actually makes cleaning toilets fun!" — Ashley Picard Get it from Amazon for $27.19 (available in white, black, and a two-pack). 25. Ray-Ban's Meta Smart Glasses, which are enabled with Meta AI to basically make you feel like you're an undercover operative living in the ~future~. These voice-enabled glasses can take pictures and videos from your "perspective" whenever you ask, so you can seamlessly take pictures of trips and still live in the moment. This also also a great tour guide — it can get information about your environment, scan QR codes, and take calls with tiny, discreet speakers. This was featured on Oprah's Favorite Things for 2024 — check out more of Oprah's past picks on Amazon's gift shop! Promising review: "I love them! I feel like a spy wearing these! They come in handy when I want to be hands-free! The sound quality is amazing! The video and picture quality is great!! 👍🏽 These are the best. besides, right now, I feel special because everyone is curious because I'm the only one I know that has them! Great product!" — Stillbeauty Get it from Amazon for $299+ (available in three colors). 26. A set of succulent-shaped outdoor lights to help light up your path when you get home at night *and* make your entry way so darn cute that it'll look like a family of fairies just moved into your attic. 27. Our Place's new Splendor Blender, a super strong, ridiculously beautiful personal blender perfect for making smoothies and shakes on the go — particularly because it comes with an adorable personal cup and drinking lid set. Also, a moment for this aesthetic, please?? Our Place never misses. Promising review: "This blender is perfect! It can be left on the counter because it is so pretty and it's super strong. Everyone loves to make their own individual smoothie in the house, it blends big frozen strawberries with no problem, and it's aesthetically lovely! We love it!" — Amazon Shopper 77 Get it from Amazon for $125 (available in four colors). 28. A vintage-inspired essential oil diffuser to waft calming scents through your space and add a subtle touch of ~quiet luxury~ by serving double time as decor. Amazon (According to Johns Hopkins, you may want to avoid diffusing oils around larger groups and young children because of the side effects of different oils. You may also want to avoid using an oil diffuser around pets with breathing problems, according to the ASPCA.) Promising review:"This really is a game changer for my space, it covers a really large area and smells so good. Plus this holds so much water. This is the perfect size to sit on the end table in the family room. You can hardly tell it's there, but when you, do it's a beautiful display." — Customer Get it from Amazon for $48.99 (clip the $9 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in two styles). 29. A moon lamp candle warmer so you can get all the celestial vibes *and* the coziness of a soothing candle wafting through your space (without worrying about an open flame)! Amazon Promising review:"I received this as a gift for my birthday and it looks absolutely beautiful. The heat level, timer, everything about it is amazing!!!!" — Kristen Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available as a regular candle warmer). 30. A stylish fitness smartwatch that's a chic, affordable, user-friendly version of all the tricked-out expensive ones that aren't half as cute anyway. This water-resistant watch not only takes calls and texts and monitors your sleep, but has 70 different activity modes for fitness tracking, including the ability to track your heart rate, steps, and calories for each workout. Promising review: "This watch is elegant and simple all at once. Can be worn with any genre of clothing. Easy to use and has all the sort after features. Love the sleep monitoring app. Great value at price point. Functions like expensive brands." — Barbara Hubbard Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three colors). 31. A portable, extendable power strip to save your technologically-dependent butt when you end up in a hotel with one (1) measly outlet. Even if it's an absurd distance from the bed, this will extend so your gadgets are all close by, and easily charge all of them at once. 32. A Wi-Fi–connected, voice-controlled Café Couture Oven with 14 essential cooking modes so you can air fry, CrispFinish, bake, broil, roast, and more, giving you so many truly elite cooking options that — gasp — you may never order takeout again?? Bless this near-sentient oven for doing all your bidding for you! Amazon This was featured on Oprah's Favorite Things for 2024 — check out more of Oprah's picks on Amazon's gift shop! Promising review: "I cannot say enough good things! Size perfect! Not too large, not too small, it's the Goldilocks of countertop ovens. And it's so pretty, too. Does everything you want it to do. After reading reviews about how people just hand wash the basket, I was skeptical, but I have to tell you, no matter what you cook in, it is soooo easy to hand wash and comes out looking new. The air fry option is truly the best I've experienced thus far, not to mention the other, like, 10 cooking options you have. The price is shockingly low for this beauty, and I cannot recommend it enough." — Karen Get it from Amazon for $328.96 (available in three colors). 33. A sleek waterproof smart sensor bathroom wastebasket so you can feel like you have magic germ-prevention powers when you're doing the otherwise boring task of throwing away your snot-filled tissues and used makeup wipes. Psst — this takes two AA batteries! Promising review: "Great little trash can. Easy to assemble — the three wooden legs are simple to attach. It fits well in small spaces. Lid opens and closes by a wave of the hand to the sensor located in front. Holds a grocery size bag. Very sturdy, and although it's lightweight, it does not look cheap. Great value for the money." — Anita Gordon Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in white and black and in multipacks). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Good Luck Ever Leaving Your Home Again After Stacking It With These 37 Cool Products
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Time to un-RSVP to everything so you can hang out with this see-through air fryer and "marshmallow" blanket instead. 1. A dimmable flexible clip-on mushroom light so versatile that it'll become your Emotional Support Shroom — this gizmo clips to desks, cribs, bedside tables, and computer monitors to give an ambient, soft glow that's easy on the eyeballs when you're trying to focus. (Also, it's just so darn precious??) Reviewers especially love this lamp for small spaces, since it doesn't take up valuable surface area! Promising review: "I love the way the light looks and the different colors, but honestly, I love the flexibility of the neck. I can manipulate it to fit the function of what I am doing. I have used it asa reading light and mood light by the bed. I had no problem reading my book at night. I have used it as a task light to do arts and crafts. More recently, I have used it at work, and it now has a permanent spot on my desk. The light was a great value for the money for me." — Terese Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 2. A Frenchie-themed cheese board for some top notch char-woof-erie at your next party. House Party 2K20 is a small business that specializes in unique serving accessories. Promising review:"I absolutely love this bulldog charcuterie board, it's the perfect size and it's made so well. All the dog lovers wanted to know where to purchase one. I used it twice already for two parties and it was a hit!" — RN79 Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in two sizes). 3. A shaker of Thin Mint seasoning you need to buy as a favor to all your taste buds immediately. Allow me to paint a picture for you: Thin Mint coffee, Thin Mint pudding, Thin Mint popcorn, Thin Mint anything your dessert gremlin heart desires. I stared at this for months online before caving and buying it, and when I tell you!! It jazzes up my morning coffee in a way that makes my little '90s baby heart sing. I've also loved it on Greek yogurt, oatmeal, and mug cakes. Plus, when I am feeling lonely for a real Thin Mint, and we're not in Girl Scout cookie season, I'll shake this on an Oreo Thin to stave off the despair. Get it from Amazon for $4.75 (and try their s'mores seasoning blend, too!). 4. A set of vinyl coasters to give your coffee table a delightfully retro nostalgic touch *and* protect it from the perils of condensation mid-party. Amazon Promising review:"Good gift. Got these for my wife for her basement bar. They're cute on the pub table and great conversation pieces." — MJ Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 5. A unique and oh-so-decadent Otherland candle for anyone who adores classic, welcoming scent profiles with whimsical twists. These candles push the box on your regular florals and fruits by adding distinctive layers like California Fig, Chili Salt, and even Tennis Ball. 👀 🎾 Otherland is a small business that specializes in unique vegan candles. Here's what my beloved fellow BuzzFeeder/soul twin Heather Braga has to say about it: " I'm SUCH a fan of Otherland candles. I've been burning them in my home for years and, honestly, cannot get enough of them. I've given tons of them as gifts as well, and everyone has always raved about how much they love them. They each have a burn time of 55 hours, are made of a coconut and soy wax blend, contain a cotton wick, and are hand poured in the US." Get it from Amazon for $30 (available in 14 scents). 6. A set of Lego sunflowers so cheerful that they'll put a lil' pep in your step every time you see them. Promising review:"These are so cute and easy to assemble. Highly recommend as a fun gift to adults and kids." — Katie A. Get it from Amazon for $11.24. 7. A lightweight, expandable bamboo bathtub caddy to turn your boring bathroom into a veritable spa. Pinot? Poured. Candle? Lit. Netflix? Queued. Now, all you have to do is calmly explain to their loved ones that you live in a tub now. Bambusi is a small business that specializes in quality made home products. Promising review:"Surprisingly sturdy and well made. Assembly and construction is excellent, and the accessories are quite clever. On balance, the tray is impressive and well worth its cost. A thoughtful gift, especially for anyone who likes to relax in the tub, but not without their accessories and a glass of wine." — Barry Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in four colors). 8. An intricately detailed, gorgeously designed Persephone and Hades-themed blanket for all the Greek mythology lovers out there to enjoy all year long, no matter *which* realm our girl Perseph happens to be hanging in right now. Chelsea Green Studio is a Missouri-based Etsy shop established in 2020 that specializes in woven tapestry blankets. Promising review: "The blanket is exquisite. It is eye-catching and gives such a regal feeling to my living room." — April Thomas Get it from Chelsea Green Studio on Etsy for $106.25+ (originally $125; available in two sizes). 9. A unique tripod floor lamp that will draw the eye without stealing the show — the perfect solution to keep up a modern look without falling into that trap of "woof, everything suuuure does look boring in here." Amazon Brightech is a California-based small business that specializes in home lighting. Promising review:"These lights really add a unique look to any space and look like they are high end. There are three dimmable options for the right type of light you are looking for controlled by a floor button. Adds a uniqueness and minimalist look to your space. Easy to put together, took five minutes." — Alexandra Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in gold and black). 10. Ninja's new *portable* Crispi Air Fryer system, perfect for people with high foodie standards and a chaotic schedule. This "all-in-one system" cooks your food in the same container you eat from, so you can pop your meal into the air fryer, cook it, and either pack it for later or eat it right out of the container. Each air fryer comes with the"PowerPod," two containers (a 4-quart and a 6-quart), and lids. The PowerPod has auto-shutoff and four modes: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp. The "feet" are heat-safe, so you can prop it on any surface without worrying! Promising review: "I got my Ninja Crisper today and reheated some stuffed bread with feta cheese and spinach, and it did a wonderful job. I t was like it just came out of the oven the first time. Nice and crispy outside, but the inside heated just right. I love that the bottom glass can be covered with the lid it comes with. They come with a metal plate you can put in the glass bottom part, and it actually fits into the lid, so it doesn't get lost. The glass makes a difference in the taste, too. It is a great product and well worth it." — Jennifer Get it from Amazon for $159 (available in three colors). 11. A "holy grail" Coop Home Goods pillow designed for side, back, *and* stomach sleepers to get the best shut-eye of their lives. This medium-firm pillow has an entirely adjustable memory foam fill so you can mold it to the exact firmness, size, and shape you need. In other words: this is the One Pillow that will serve you well for a long, long time. Coop Sleep Goods is a small business specializing in pillows, pillowcases, and sleep products. Promising review:"I hardly ever write reviews but I have to for this. I saw this pillow on TikTok and it got me curious so I immediately came to Amazon. OMG, it's such a game changer. I'm a side sleeper and this pillow is heaven. It's some of the most comfortable sleep I have had in ages. I love it so much I bought a second one and have my eye on the body pillow. Obsessed! You need this in your bedroom." — MT Get it from Amazon for $79+ (available in two sizes and three shapes). 12. Oxo's new compact Brew Rapid Brewer, aka the answer to any money-conscious coffee lover's prayers — this version is not only cheaper and more portable than comparable models on the market, but WAY faster making cold brew without compromising on flavor. I'm talking five minutes as opposed to overnight, like other pitchers take — and it doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯 Amazon You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water. Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." — Alex Bonick Get it from Amazon for $31.87. 13. A PopLite personal popcorn maker with a built-in serving bowl that will give you eight cups of movie theater-quality popcorn in two mere mortal minutes. Reviewers especially love that the popcorn doesn't burn, and the machine doesn't leave unpopped kernels like the usual microwave brands. 14. A set of square stemmed wineglasses inspired by the iconic Crate & Barrel version, except these are durable as heck (good for particularly rowdy wine-and-cheese nights). Reviewers especially love these chic, understated glasses because they work well for red and white wines. Promising review: "We've had four of these glasses for over six months now and finally just added four more to our collection. These glasses are SO CHIC and are very similar to ones sold at Crate & Barrel but are MUCH more durable. Unlike the C&B glasses, you can cheers without feeling like the glasses will break. In fact, they've tipped over in the sink a few times and are still intact. They dry beautifully, sparkle after the dishwasher and we get so many compliments on them. I love them!" — Katie B Get a set of two from Amazon for $24.99. 15. A piece of customizable cereal bowl wall art, because Elphaba's not the *only* one out here defying gravity, thank you very much!! Bonus: you can choose the color of the bowl and which delightfully nostalgic cereal goes inside. The Celestial Homebody is an Indiana-based Etsy shop established in 2016 that specializes in handmade crafts. NOTE: The bowls on each of these are thrifted, so the edges and sizes will vary slightly! Promising review: "To say I love these is an understatement… I am OBSESSED!!! they look good enough to eat! I can't wait to hang them on the walls. I'm just trying to decide exactly where!" — Apple user Get it from The Celestial Homebody on Etsy for $20.99+ (available premade, or with customizable cereal and colors). 16. A vintage-inspired crystal candle warmer to add some timeless, cozy glam in your living room or bedroom without worrying about an open flame. Promising review: "This looks even prettier in person! Works great, very easy setup, and beautiful with the basic lighting as well as the colorful setting. My candles warm quickly with it and start producing the smells quickly. Great product and would recommend!" — Lauren S. Get it from Amazon for $47.99 (available in two styles). 17. A big ole roll up plush futon so versatile that Future You will be so grateful to have it — this can serve as chic decor, a place to lounge or read, a spare mattress for guests, and, of course, a nest for pets who see any comfy thing come into the home and immediately think, "MINE." Amazon Promising review:"So first thing I want to point out, it's a lot firmer then one would expect given its roll away nature. Quality seems to be good, and having tested it for a month now, it is the best sleep I have ever had. I dread sleeping on my main bed now. Would I get another one? You bet! I'm already thinking of it." — Paul Carpenter Get a queen-sized one from Amazon for $99.99 (also available in Twin, Full, King, small single, and cot). 18. A dainty patterned stoneware mug to add a rustic, cozy ambience to your morning cuppa even when you are staring down a to-do list taller than you are on the other side of it. Promising review: "These far exceeded my expectations. They are the perfect cups! The design is lovely and the feel of the cup is great. Really a beautiful mug addition." — Mdr Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in four styles and multipacks). 19. And a portable mug warmer with three different temperature settings so you can take your sweet, sweeeeet time enjoying your morning cuppa without worrying about having to reheat it in the microwave or chugging lukewarm coffee. Bonus: it also operates as a candle warmer! Promising review:"LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Love the look. Love the temperature settings, although I don't believe I will use the lower ones since the 170 seems to be just right for me. Very simple to operate. Perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for my daughter-in-law." — rkd Get it from Amazon for $20.79 (clip the 10% off coupon on the product page for this price). 20. An understatedly unique wavy corner bookshelf to give your storage some personality, gosh darn it. This is a fun, subtle way to add a whimsical touch to a living room or bedroom without disrupting the aesthetic. Promising review: "Super happy. For the price and simplicity of this corner shelf I'm all for this product. It's was relatively easy to build — the wavy shape made it a little more confusing, but I built it in under an hour. It's easy to clean too, I just use a white erase and everything comes up. I've put rocks and books all over the shelf, so the weight limit is solid. Functional and cool I would recommend to a friend." — ashlynn Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in seven colors and in packs of two). 21. A cleverly designed rechargeable electric candle lighter with a flexible neck so you can light all your coziest, deepest candles without worrying about the "YIKES" of being near an open flame. This is also windproof and super portable for anyone looking for options to light candles or fires outside, too! Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. Now I'm able to light candles where the candle wax has melted down, and it's hard to reach inside the jar. I also love the fact that you charge this with a USB cable, and the charge lasts for a long time. It has indicator lights to let you know how much of a charge is remaining. I've only had to charge it once since I purchased it. I Very durable and a great value for the price. I definitely recommend this." — Cassandra S. "Another product I got from TikTok. It's a necessity. No more struggling and almost burning yourself. Stays charged for days. A week at most if you use it frequently." — Nijada Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in nine colors and in two packs). 22. A shockingly affordable, high quality recliner massage chair that will make you feel like you're sitting in one of those faaaancy pants movie theaters from the comfort of your own home. Dare you not to buy a *fleet* of these once everyone in the fam starts fighting for their Comfy Chair Time. Promising review: "This recliner is an absolute dream come true! The fabric is incredibly soft, and the lumbar support is a game-changer for my back. But the real star of the show is the massage feature. It's like having a personal masseuse on call 24/7. The various settings allow me to customize the intensity and target specific areas, melting away tension and stress after a long day. I also appreciate the recliner's sleek and modern design. It fits perfectly in my living room without being bulky or obtrusive. The adjustable recline function is smooth and effortless, allowing me to find the perfect angle for reading, watching TV, or simply taking a nap. If you're looking for a comfortable and stylish recliner that offers exceptional value, look no further. I can't recommend it enough!" — Swathish Get it from Amazon for $125.98 (available in gray and black). 23. " The Forest Feast," yet another addition to the cult-favorite Magic Puzzle series so beloved on TikTok. Like the others before it, this isn't just a puzzle, but a whimsically illustrated, colorful journey — there are tons of Easter eggs in it, a collection of miniature scenes full of optical illusions and surprises, *plus* a magical twist at the end. You'll have to solve the puzzle to find out! Check out a (SPOILERS INCLUDED) TikTok of the Forest Feast in action. Promising review:"My family (including daughters 26 and 30) has had a Christmas tradition of puzzles the week leading up to Christmas. This year I bought this Magic Puzzle based on great reviews. Didn't really know what to expect for the 'surprise,' but was not disappointed; so much fun! This puzzle is challenging enough for adults, but would not be too hard for kids and the puzzle pieces and shapes make it more fun that most puzzles. Upon finishing this one, we immediately logged in to see how quickly Amazon can get another one to us! Highly recommended, good quality puzzle worth the extra money." — DJ Carolina Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (and check out the DELIGHTFUL assortment of Magic Puzzles for more options!). 24. A disco ball bar cart with some real "yeah, I've listened to enough ABBA to cover for literally any role in Mamma Mia at the drop of a hat" energy. This comes with a handy ~secret~ storage disco ball and wheels to easily rearrange it mid-dance party. Glam Globes is a UK-based Etsy shop that specializes in disco-ball themed homewares. Here's what BuzzFeeder Maitland Quitmeyer has to say about it: "This is the best product I bought this year, actually! It's from a small biz based in the UK and while it did take a while to arrive (as I expected), it was *well* worth the wait. The light bouncing off the mirror fragments and onto my walls is just dang beautiful. Between the bottom tray and the space inside the globe (yes, the globe OPENS UP!), there's a nice amount of storage for bottles and glassware. And unlike regular bar carts, the things you keep inside the globe will actually stay dust free. I bought the 'champagne' color (which is a nice neutral cream-beige) but it comes in tons of colors that'll go perfectly with your home decor." Get it from Glam Globes on Etsy for $285.53 (available in seven colors). 25. An oh-so-precious set of small heart-shaped bowls you can use for soup, ice cream, dips, fruit, appetizers, and all miscellaneous aesthetic snacky-snacks. Promising review: "This bowl is so adorable. I feel so cute when I eat and it makes me want to eat out of it. Everyone compliments me on it when I post my meals in it. Hasn't chipped or anything yet! Love this bowl." — The U Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in four colors and sets of two). 26. A magnetic rotating UFO-shaped Bluetooth speaker so you can have an ~otherworldly~ experience getting beamed up by your favorite bops. Promising review: "Bought as a gift, but I will get one for myself. I was totally surprised at the quality of the speaker part of this. Got it for my grandson for Christmas. He set it up while here after opening, and we listened to Christmas music all day." — Dawna324 Get it from Amazon for $99.99. 27. A pack of deeeelicious "Cozy Hot Chocolate" cocktail and mocktail packets from Craftmix (you may be familiar with their iconic Espresso Martini packets and fruity cocktail fare), which are not only super easy to use, but are *also* conveniently vegan, low sugar, dairy-free, and gluten-free, so people with dietary restrictions can join in on the fun. Craftmix is a small business that specializes in instant drink mixers. The packet says you can add vodka for an extra kick, but some reviewers (who I will be copycatting at my earliest convenience) added dark rum instead! Promising review:"Just tried Craftmix's new cozy hot chocolate, and I'm absolutely in love! It's the perfect treat for chilly days — rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. You can enjoy it as a classic hot chocolate or mix it up with vodka, water, and ice for an amazing cocktail twist. Either way, you're in for a delightfully satisfying experience without sacrificing taste. Do yourself a favor and give this a try!" — Melissa Tillery Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 13 other flavors and a variety pack). 28. A heart hands statuette to display all your beloved friendship bracelets when you run out of real estate on your wrists. Promising review:"This was perfect for displaying my Eras tour bracelets. Love the color and the quality." — MyLisaSerena Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in 19 colors). 29. A wavy, textured full-length mirror, because if your mirror is lucky enough to behold your cute self every day, it better be serving looks just as adorable! Amazon, Promising review: " LOVE LOVE LOVE this mirror! Super easy to hang up on the wall and sat perfectly still when I had to set the bottom on the floor to prop it up! The felt fabric is super soft! Pretty good/normal size! The color is GIVING! And it honestly wasn't TOO heavy!" — Keisha Get it from Amazon for $139.99 (available in five styles). 30. A stuffed waffle maker to introduce yourself to the infinite glory of stuffing food into a pillowy warm carb — I'm talking jam, cheesy eggs, meats, NUTELLA (!!), pie filling, peanut butter, the whole nine yards. I'm truly shaking thinking about amassing this kind of breakfast power. Promising review: "I bought this after I saw a video on TikTok, so I had an idea about the yummy waffles I could make. First waffles were stuffed with apple pie filling. Second ones with scrambled eggs with bacon and cheese. Just amazing!!! The only way you could make this better is to send a chef!! I definitely recommend watching a video on TikTok or YouTube to inspire you before you start!!" — Adirondackdarling Get it from Amazon for $49.99. 31. And a Lego-inspired brick waffle maker that's about to become the MVP of weekend breakfasts. Lego fans will love them for "building," waffle fans will love that they're small enough that they maximize crispy edges, and everyone will love that these are the perfect size to make whole breakfasts or eat as snacks! Promising review: "My boys loved this! They were excited to see lego waffles and had fun building with them and eating them." — Emily Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in two sizes). 32. A gorgeous statement checkered cutting board designed with deep grooves for juice, hidden handles on the bottom, and end grain to "heal" cuts from knives. A true overachiever considering it's worth the buy for decor purposes alone!! Amazon Promising review: "I am OBSESSED with this cutting board. It is made so well and looks so expensive. Every time I have guests, I will use it as serving tray or display for charcuterie and I always get compliments on it." — Lorrin Farrell Get it from Amazon for $28.43 (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page for this price). 33. A rotating shoe and accessory organizer for anyone who wants to appreciate their pieces even when they're *not* wearing them. This displays and organizes them so satisfyingly that you'll want to give it a little twirl every morning so you can be like, "Wow, I really do have excellent taste." SpaceAid is a small business that specializes in home storage products. Promising review: "Love, love love. Way better than imagined. Super easy to assemble. Assembled it in less than ten minutes. Decorated it and spins fabulously. Gave my closet the extra space it needed for my shoes and doesn't take up much space." — Jessica Get it from Amazon for $111.98+ (available in four colors and in four sizes). 34. A "Cup Cozy Pillow" to keep everything steady on your bed when you are one silly little beverage away from accidentally turning your bed into a LaCroix swamp. This will not only keep all your "bed rot" accessories upright and on hand, but has expandable cup holes to fit mugs, water bottles, and snacks, with an insulating foam that keeps drinks hot or cold for longer periods. Amazon, 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:"This thing is great! I'm home on maternity leave with my new baby and spend most of my time on the couch under a sleeping baby. This product makes it easy for me to keep my drinks, remote, etc close by even with dogs running around. It's a little more expensive than I would have liked but it works and I love it so money well spent!" — Amber Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in three styles and nine patterns). 35. Small Batch Cookies, tailor made for folks who live alone *or* for people who want to broaden their baking horizons, but don't want to deal with the mess of big batches (or the leftovers!). This book takes you through a bunch of delicious recipes for one to six people using minimal equipment, so you can have hassle-free treats and live your most delicious life. Amazon, Promising review: "Edd Kimber is so creative with his bakes and this book is full of fun and interesting cookie recipes. love the flavors in this and layered. Baking small batches is surprisingly liberating. Most ingredients are on hand and I'm not stressing about what to do with large quantities of cookies. With small amounts, it feels easier to play and experiment." — Monica Get it from Amazon for $23.67. 36. A ginormous "marshmallow cloud fleece" blanket you should only pull out in front of guests if you're prepared for them to burrow inside and never, ever leave. Urban Outfitters Promising review:"If you're willing to splurge on a blanket, this is the one. My favorite blanket that I've ever owned. My dog and cat love it too!" — UO Reviewer Get it from Urban Outfitters for $169 (available in three styles). 37. A heated toilet seat because it's disrespectful to your butt to shock it with the absolutely FREEZING temps of your porcelain throne at three in the morning. With this gadget's three heated settings you'll never have to endure that kind of nonsense again. Promising review:"We live in a very cold area where overnight temperatures are actually below-freezing in the wintertime. This thing takes the fear out of sitting on a cold toilet seat on a cold winter day. This seat is really warm, even on the lowest setting." — U.M. Get it from Amazon for $129+ (available in two shapes and two colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
