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Time Magazine
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
The Top 10 Iconic Paintings of All Time According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. Art has always been a reflection of humanity's cultural, social, and emotional landscapes. Across centuries, painters have used their canvases to tell stories, capture emotions, and challenge perceptions, leaving behind masterpieces that transcend time. These iconic paintings are not merely artworks; they are symbols of human creativity and enduring expressions of beauty and thought. The most iconic paintings have achieved a universal appeal, admired not only for their artistic brilliance but also for their ability to evoke emotion and provoke thought. They have become ingrained in popular culture, often reproduced, parodied, and studied in schools and museums around the world. These works hold a unique power: they connect us to the artist's vision and to the historical moments in which they were created. This article explores the top 10 most iconic paintings of all time using research assistance from ChatGPT. They were chosen for their artistry, historical significance, and cultural impact. From the enigmatic smile of the 'Mona Lisa' to the dramatic emotion of 'The Scream,' these masterpieces continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. 1. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci Arguably the most famous painting in the world, 'Mona Lisa' captures the mystery and beauty of its subject, Lisa Gherardini. Painted during the Italian Renaissance, this portrait is renowned for its subject's enigmatic smile that has captivated viewers and sparked endless debate about its meaning. 2. The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh 'The Starry Night' is a mesmerizing depiction of the night sky over Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Painted from the view outside van Gogh's asylum room, this masterpiece is celebrated for its swirling skies, bold colors, and emotional intensity. 3. The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' is a masterful depiction of the moment Jesus announces his betrayal. This large mural captures the reactions of the disciples, each filled with emotion and character, making it one of the most studied works in art history. 4. The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí Salvador Dalí's 'The Persistence of Memory' is a surrealist masterpiece featuring melting clocks draped across a dreamlike landscape. This work challenges our perceptions of time and reality, making it one of the most iconic pieces of the 20th century. 5. The Scream by Edvard Munch 'The Scream' captures existential angst like no other artwork. Edvard Munch's haunting depiction of a figure in despair against a fiery sky resonates with modern anxieties and emotions, making it one of the most recognized works in the world. Year created: 1893 Medium: Tempera and pastel on cardboard Location: National Gallery, Oslo, Norway Cultural impact: A universal symbol of existential dread and emotional intensity Key feature: The striking, wavy lines create a sense of chaos and despair Versions: Munch created four versions of this artwork 6. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer Often called the "Mona Lisa of the North," 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' is an intimate and mysterious portrait. Johannes Vermeer's masterful use of light and color brings life and realism to this enigmatic subject. 7. Guernica by Pablo Picasso Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica' is a powerful anti-war statement depicting the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. With its fragmented and chaotic imagery, this large mural serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. 8. American Gothic by Grant Wood 'American Gothic' is a quintessential piece of Americana, portraying a stern farmer and his daughter in front of a modest farmhouse. Grant Wood's painting captures rural life while sparking discussions about societal norms. 9. The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo Part of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, 'The Creation of Adam' depicts God giving life to Adam. This fresco is one of the most iconic images of Western art, representing the divine spark of life and creativity. 10. The Night Watch by Rembrandt Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' is a stunning example of Baroque art, capturing a moment of action and camaraderie among a militia company. Its dramatic use of light and shadow makes it a masterpiece of portraiture and storytelling. Conclusion on Top 10 Iconic Paintings The top 10 iconic paintings of all time demonstrate the profound power of art to inspire, provoke, and endure. Each masterpiece tells a unique story, showcasing the creativity and vision of the artists who shaped history. These paintings have become more than just artworks—they are cultural landmarks that transcend their medium. Through these works, we are reminded of the universality of human emotions, the richness of history, and the limitless potential of creativity. As they continue to captivate new generations, their legacy proves that art truly has no boundaries. Of course, opinions on what makes the best art or entertainment can vary, and everyone's perspective is unique and important. This list represents what ChatGPT has come up with, but ultimately, art is subjective, and each person's preferences and interpretations are what make the conversation around art so rich and diverse. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
Buzz Feed
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Say Goodbye To A Boring Home With These 34 Cool And Quirky Pieces Of Decor
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. Ya gotta have a little whimsy. 1. A melting Dali-inspired clock if this surrealist painter is one of your favorites, and having this iconic design will remind you of "The Persistence of Memory." Promising review: "This is an awesome clock for anyone who loves Dali and surrealist art. It is a great value for the money, considering it is super cool and seems to be good quality. The whole clock is encased in a distorted plastic bubble, which is very cool. The metallic part is also plastic, which is fine. It ticks a bit loudly, but I personally like that. I'm just glad such a cool clock is also fully functional." — Zach Get it from Amazon for $13.49. 2. A Golden Girls -themed planter because you could use a bit of Sophia's sass to keep your stubborn jade alive. Or maybe you need Blanche's Southern charm to coax some seeds to root. OR maybe you should have Dorothy's practical nature to force some flowers to grow. Amazon This planter comes with a removable faux succulent. Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (Get it in Blanche, Dorothy, or Sophia). 3. A bouquet of 20 artificial tulips — made of a silky soft material, these faux flowers look identical to the real things! Now you don't have to count up any fallen, wilting petals wondering if your crush loves you or loves you not, because these flowers were meant to last forever! Promising review:"These exceeded all expectations! They look and feel absolutely real! My grandma couldn't tell the difference, which was quite comical, but they are so pretty and add to any room!" — danielle Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in lots of colors). 4. A funky green crayon vase that'll brighten up your home with a fun pop of color! Bring a little of that elementary school/stick figure/coloring outside the lines energy to your space. You won't regret it! Amazon PSA: Since there's no drainage hole on the base, it is only ideal as a piece of decor. Promising review:"Got this for my office and for Lego flowers I had, and I love it! I was nervous that the mouth of it would be too small, but you could definitely fit several stems in it. The colors are so fun. It feels well-made and high quality!" — Lijah Get it from Amazon for $26.95. 5. A boho chic beaded chandelier if your aesthetic is cottage-core meets opulence. It also features a dangling, woven tassel in case it wasn't eccentric enough for you. Promising review: " Love this light fixture! I have it in my kitchen. Really adds to the boho vibe. If you have a handyman around, I'm sure they could install it. My husband did it in about an hour or so. Beware: It is rather large and in charge but beautiful! May not suit a small area. In addition, the light bulbs it comes with are not dimmable, so you may want to purchase three of those if you need it to dim. Very happy with the purchase overall!" — Sierra Get it from Amazon for $110.88+ (available in three colors). 6. A set of three industrial pipe shelves for a dash of urban charm. So go ahead and place your knickknacks, plants, or small books on these decorative shelves! Amazon Promising review:"Love these cute shelves. I put them on a wall in my kitchen, and they look so good! Something different and adds character to the room." — Queen H Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in three colors). 7. An iridescent side table sure to be more of a conversation starter than any coffee table book you might have atop it. Plus, you'll get a fun burst of color when the sun shines through it! Promising reviews: "This table is SO CUTE! Obviously, it looks great in the sun/direct light, but it still looks good at night. I was worried it'd look cheap, but it definitely gives off a classy vibe (with lots of fun character)! It's great quality and really sturdy, so I don't have to worry about the size or weight of what I put on it. Excellent side table for the price!" — KayJay "I'm in love!! This is absolutely a compliment piece to my entire living room and is always a conversation starter! It came assembled and scratch-free." — Tiffanie Get it from Amazon for $179.99. 8. A dimmable sad duck night-light who is just oh-so-relatable. He just needs to lie down real quick forever. This night-light has a 30-minute timer, so you don't have to get up and turn it off before falling asleep. Amazon Promising review: "I ordered this lamp because of its appearance. This has totally filled a void in my life I didn't know existed. Everyone who sees it pokes it. The lamp is actually very functional. It's got a really nice set of brightness options and the glow is yellowish, which is much nicer than white in a dim/dark room. One thing that isn't mentioned in the description is that its legs are utterly floppy. It's terrific." — Literated Get it from Amazon for $15.99. 9. A wavy full-length mirror that might just turn your home into a Hot Spot so your friends can take selfies in it. This can be mounted on a wall or left leaning against one. (BTW, this has a similar vibe as the famous Ultrafragola mirror for a lot less $$$.) Promising review: "I was nervous about buying this when it first came out, but it arrived perfectly intact and is absolutely beautiful. The border is like a velvet suede and looks SO nice." — funkypisces Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in five colors). 10. A sardine can-shaped cat scratcher if you and your feline companion have a love of tinned fish that cannot be matched. This fun scratcher has space for your purring pet to climb and lounge, too. Promising review: "This is super cute, and the cats love it. I bought it to replace a much larger scratcher that lasted five years before it started shedding too much. I hope this will last just as long. These are full-grown, full-size cats (one of which is much 'fuller' than average), and the size is perfect. The openings on each side are quite generous. Lots of fun!" — Paula L Get it from Amazon for $79.95 (available in two colors). 11. A darling dino nugget pillow too cute to eat! And you shouldn't eat it. Because it's a pillow. Not a real nugget. Promising review:"This dino chicken nugget pillow is a real Jurassic dream come true! It's the perfect cuddle companion for all the paleontologists-in-training or anyone with an insatiable appetite for comfort. Just be careful not to accidentally take a bite while you're napping because it looks deliciously deceiving!" — LadyTee Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three styles, two sizes, and multipacks). 12. A cloud light so you can make your room feel like an airy dreamscape. These fluffy clouds can change colors, simulate lightning clouds, and even play music. Sync your cloud to change colors as your favorite songs play! Promising review: "My child has been asking for a cloudscape on her wall/ceiling for some time now, and after I saw this product and the reviews, I took a risk and bought two of them. I was shocked at how many accessories for hanging these up and securing the cords to the ceiling and wall came with the product. And the options for different types of hanging and adhesion were plentiful. I was able to hang the clouds up in probably a total of 10 minutes. After fluffing the clouds a bit and letting my daughter pick the exact right spot, we were so happy with the result! The brightness, color options, pattern options, etc were endless. My daughter enjoys having the app on her phone because it makes it fun to create the mood she is looking for, depending on the occasion (she also likes to mess with me by making them blink or change when she's not in the room and I am in there picking up laundry or what have you). She also enjoys having the timer feature so that she can go to sleep with it on. Overall, I'm very impressed and highly recommend this product!" — JHay Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in larger packs). 13. A modern velvet storage bench whose unique design will help bring your space into the 22nd century. Pro tip: Place this at the foot of your bed, and store your extra sheets and blankets inside! Amazon Promising reviews:"Middle section is spacious enough to store two plush robes, an extra set of sheets, and a spare pillow." — RW "This bench is gorgeous, and for this price, it's a must!! " — lexi Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in six colors). 14. A levitating planter that also rotates, putting a new magical ~spin~ on displaying your favorite flowers and plants. Promising review:"Awesome little thing. Guests are immediately interested in it. If they are intoxicated, they are afraid that sorcery may be involved. I'm not sure how to convince them otherwise." — Nick E Get it from Amazon for $65.99 (available in two finishes). 15. A cute hand-shaped jewelry stand because your rings deserve to be on display and not just lying around whatever free surface you can find at the end of the day. This will also help to ensure you don't lose your favorite statement pieces. Promising review: "I love this product so much. I was actually a little surprised at how amazing the quality was when it arrived! The fingers are slightly different sizes so you can store different sizes of rings, and they're spaced perfectly so I could fit all of my bulkier rings as well. The product is a hard plastic type of a material, and doesn't feel like it could break easily. It's also nice and sturdy so you don't have to worry about your rings flying everywhere if you accidentally bump it. Definitely gonna buy more soon to fit my other ring. 💕 I highly recommend purchasing!!" — Kitty Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in six colors). 16. A set of magnetized balloon wall hooks so it looks like your belongings are floating in mid-air! Use them to hang your keys, jewelry, face masks, and more. Amazon You can either stick them on the wall using the three included adhesive pads, hang them on a screw or nail (not included), or simply use the magnetic back on your fridge. Promising review:"It's a beautiful and unique hook. We used it both as a magnet on our fridge and our garage entry door and on a nail for our wall. It can hold stuff less than a pound on the hook easily. Though simply as a deco, not bad at all!" — Preet Bawa Get a set of three from Amazon for $14.99. 17. A sweet-looking melting ice pop sculpture to remind you of the ephemerality of to bring color and whimsy to your bookshelf. Whatever floats your boat. Stephen Wiens Studio / Etsy Stephen Wiens Studio is a small Etsy shop making nature, color, and light-inspired pieces. 18. An extra-long cat plushie that you can wrap around yourself for protection if your true-crime doc marathon has you a little too scared to leave the couch. Promising review: "My kids love these long cats. And now we buy them for gifts for all their firiends. It is unique and fun especially if you struggle with gift ideas. It's perfect." — Ali M. Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five sizes and 11 styles). 19. A tufted chenille pillow for anyone who's a bit of a floor dweller. Perfect for lounging with a comfy blanket and a good book! Promising review:"Cozy vibes. I purchased two of these. I think they're wonderful. Soft. Comfortable. Perfect floor pillows." — Cortney R. Get it from Amazon for $33.30+ (available in eight colors). 20. A funky mushroom lamp if your aesthetic can best be defined as retro meets mid-century. Let this lil' lamp's warm glow keep you safe from the dreary and offensive "big light." Lotus Atelier is a small business! Get it from Lotus Atelier on Amazon for $45.95 (available in four colors). 21. A set of three decorative gold-colored mirrors sure to bounce light and help make your space seem bigger than it is. These vintage-inspired statement pieces are also super easy to mount to your wall. Promising review:"I love how the mirrors look exactly the same in person as they do in the pictures. They're actually prettier in person and I appreciate how lightweight they are, making it easier to hang on the wall even using nailless hangers." — Y. Boyd Get a set of three from Amazon for $15.99 (available in five colors). 22. A magical prismatic window film that'll ~cast~ brilliant rainbows in your house whenever the sun shines through it. And for major bonus points, it'll add a bit of privacy! Promising review:"I can't tell you how surprised and delighted we were at the rainbow effect this film has. I bought it to make a window overlooking the street more private, and I thought I would appreciate seeing the rainbow colors on the window itself. But then when the light was shining on it at the right angle, it cast these beautiful rainbow colors on the wall. So I bought a second roll to put on one of our master bedroom windows that overlooks our neighbor's patio so I don't have to draw the curtains. In the morning now, the light comes in at just the right angle to pass through the rainbow prism and cast beautiful rainbow colors on the wall. And the bed. And the cat." — J. B. Get it from Amazon for $5.80+ (available in 14 sizes and four colors). 23. A ceramic Frankenstein-themed cookie jar revealing who the real cookie monster is. Put your delicious ~creations~ in this kooky jar! 24. Or a geometric hippo candy dish so you have a place to reach for a yummy snack when you're feeling hungry hungry. Get it? Cuz "hungry hungry hippos?" It's a '90s kid thing. Amazon Promising review:"Oh man, my husband loves this! He's really into modern-looking things. I bought this as a birthday present to go in his home office. He uses it to hold his wallet and phone when he comes in, but it could obviously hold different things or simply be decoration only. It's somehow even better in person. Well-made and doesn't feel cheap at all. I'm super satisfied." — Tiffanie Get it from Amazon for $56.98 (available in two colors). 25. An elegant moon cycle garland for a ~heavenly~ touch you can hang above your bed, couch, or mantle. Promising review:"I was pretty nervous ordering this because there weren't a ton of reviews on the gold moon phase. When this arrived, I thought I would have to assemble it, but it was already put together and nicely packaged so the chains didn't tangle! The quality is so much better than I expected and you can see in my pictures the moons are pretty thick/heavy. They gave me gold matching screws to hang it but I just used a thumbtack instead. Love this!" — Holly Grote Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 26. A hanging disco ball planter if you're looking for a groovy home for your sprouts and blossoms! PSA: There's no drainage hole, but there is an insert pot. Promising review:"This is the cutest planter and exactly what I was looking for. Easy to put together and perfect for a couple of propagated philodendron :)" — Kathleen McPherson Get it from Amazon for $21.81+ (available in three sizes and colors). 27. And a mini disco ball diffuser to help turn your space into a retro-inspired aromatherapeutic spa. Plus, you can set it so it rotates and changes colors! 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. Get it from Amazon for $32.78+ (available in two sizes and four colors). 28. A super friggin' cute Squishmallow pet bed with cushioned bolsters that make for a natural headrest. This squishy bed is perfect for your small and cuddly pet! Promising review: "I cannot express how utterly thrilled I am with the best, squishiest dog bed I have ever laid my eyes on! It's not just a bed; it's a haven of happiness for my precious fur baby. Seeing my dog nestled in this cocoon of comfort warms my heart in ways I didn't know were possible." — Traci O. Get it from Amazon for $25.26+ (available in four sizes and 13 styles). 29. A cute (?) and creepy (?) flexible flower vase so whimsical (?) it may brighten up (?) your space. Honestly, I don't know, man. It's weird and cool, and I think you would love it. The end. Promising review: "An affable, squishy, bendy, happy little vase! The consensus on my social media page is that everyone should have one of these. I finally got a chance to try it out with some daffodils, and really, it's hard not to smile when you see them." — Susy Lundy Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors). 30. Some faux ivy if you're a bit of a liability when it comes to real plants but you still want some greenery in your home. You'll get 12 garlands of ivy to drape from your walls! Promising review:"These vines are perfect for adding a pop of greenery to any room. They drape nicely over curtain rods and are easy to hang. I like that they come bound with a little bread tie so they are not tangled. They arrive in a ziplock plastic bag, which you could also use for storage. They do smell bad right out of the bag — a typical plasticky fake garland smell — but honestly, the smell faded within hours, and it's totally worth it because they are high quality. The plastic part is thin and not bulky like some fake vines and garlands I've purchased, and the leaves feel silky — that's why these drape easily and delicately, and they don't look cheap. All in all, this was a great purchase, and I'm planning to buy more!" — T. Nicole Cirone Get 12 pieces from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in larger pack sizes). 31. A too-cool-for-school aluminum side table with a dripping detail that forms its four legs. This contemporary accent table features an opaque black glass top you'll love placing your martinis and To Be Read books on top of. 32. A "flaming" humidifier — as nice as aromatherapy is on its own, it would be super metal for its fragrant steam to look like a burgeoning fire. Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins. Promising review: "I like how this diffuser kind of looks like a mini fireplace and it's perfect for winter. I also like how long the water of this diffuser lasts — I always add my favorite essential oil in it when I go to sleep every night without worrying it will run out of water. I used to have insomnia and it helped me to sleep through the night with my relaxing essential oil scent, and it also worked as a humidifier." — Benny Get it from Amazon for $28.19+ (available in two colors and styles). 33. A super realistic skillet cookie candle because it smells the way it looks! Fill your space with the yummy scents of chocolate and marshmallow. If traditional candles just aren't your style, you might just fall in love with this one. 34. A pair of bird figurines that'll add subtle sophistication to your shelf of tchotchkes. Wherever they end up nesting in your home, they will look exquisite! Amazon Promising review: "Gorgeous pieces! They look way more expensive than the price I paid!! They are beautiful and provide a perfect accent to the area I had in mind. The pieces are versatile in that they can go in so many different places in the home. I ultimately decided to place them in my bathroom on a hanging shelf arrangement." — I love my dog
Buzz Feed
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
35 Eccentric Products For Anyone Whose Taste Is A Bit Off The Beaten Path
1. A melting Dali-inspired clock if this surrealist painter is one of your favorites, and having this iconic design will remind you of "The Persistence of Memory." Promising review: "This is an awesome clock for anyone who loves Dali and surrealist art. It is a great value for the money, considering it is super cool and seems to be good quality. The whole clock is encased in a distorted plastic bubble, which is very cool. The metallic part is also plastic, which is fine. It ticks a bit loudly, but I personally like that. I'm just glad such a cool clock is also fully functional." — Zach Get it from Amazon for $15.99. 2. A"Gracula" garlic crusher — just because the Count has a garlic aversion doesn't mean he can't help you mince a little for your homemade pasta sauce. And it'll only take a few seconds! Promising review: "I love this little guy. I found him on a BuzzFeed list and had to have it as soon as I saw it! I've minced as many as five cloves in it in seconds. It's a little tricky getting all of the garlic out once minced (I use a silicone basting brush to get most of it but I always use more than the recipe calls for anyway so it's not a deal breaker). Cleanup is a breeze because he goes right in the dishwasher!" — Barbie Get it from Amazon for $18.99. 3. A whimsical bird-shaped acetate hair clip because you have im-PECK-able taste! Get ready to receive lots of EGG-citing compliments! OK, I'm done, I'm no comedi-HEN! Amazon Promising review:"This clip is sooooooooo cute!! Very sturdy, and I can tell this is quality material and won't break!" — Lillian Parizek Get it from Amazon for $12.62+ (available in 13 styles). 4. A dimmable sad duck night-light who is just oh so relatable. He just needs to lie down real quick forever. This night-light has a 30-minute timer so you don't have to get up and turn it off before falling asleep. Promising review: "I ordered this lamp because of its appearance. This has totally filled a void in my life I didn't know existed. Everyone who sees it pokes it. The lamp is actually very functional. It's got a really nice set of brightness options and the glow is yellowish, which is much nicer than white in a dim/dark room. One thing that isn't mentioned in the description is that its legs are utterly floppy. It's terrific." — Literated Get it from Amazon for $17.99. 5. Or a rechargeable toast-shaped lamp with a darling smile on its face. What could be better? It offers a nice, soft glow that can be adjusted, and it has a 15-minute timer! Promising review: "I first fell in love with this lamp online but fell to another level once it was delivered. It's the cutest little lamp I've ever seen. It's smaller than I thought, but it's just perfect. I love that you can manage how bright it is, as well as the 15-minute timer, which is great at night. Would definitely recommend this product as a gift or as a self-gift." — María José Sánchez Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in three colors). 6. A mini wacky waving inflatable tube guy if you need a fun (but silent) coworker at your WFH station. Promising review:" I opened the package and screamed for joy! As I placed the 9-volt battery, my hands were trembling with what was going to happen next! As I turned on the wacky waving inflatable tube man, I knew I'd have a friend for life. Someone you can really count on cheering you up when you are feeling down. He brought me such joy I started to cry with laughter and happiness." — Robert Wurstner Get it from Amazon for $8.58. 7. A bag of freeze-dried Sour Skittles — you deserve a light, crunchy treat every now and again. Get ready for these sour candies to make your face get all scrunched up! Space Age Snacks is a small business that specializes in small-batch freeze-dried candy. Promising review: "Honestly, I didn't know what to expect going in, but I was pleasantly surprised. Skittles normally taste alright, but having them freeze-dried really made the flavors POP, and genuinely I feel like they had more flavor than normal Skittles. (Then again, that might just be my head playing it up knowing it's a first, who knows, who cares.) Very delicious." — John Blake Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (and check out the rest of their freeze-dried candy for more options). 8. A 1-pound bag of marshmallows because you shouldn't have to scoop around boring ol' cereal to get to the sweet treat you actually wanna eat. Promising review:"Bought as kind of a gag gift for my grown son but he LOVED it!! They were fresh and very tasty, or so I heard. Unfortunately he wouldn't share them with anyone!" — call me Gracie Get it from Amazon for $12.99. 9. A huggable banana duck plush it. That's the tweet. I mean, look at how adorable this little (but kinda big) guy is! Amazon Promising review:"Once you get this duck, your life will be changed. It is soft and plush and perfect for snuggling! Banana duck is life." — Sarah Kenton Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four sizes). 10. A set of five super-colorful merino wool coasters so you can keep your furniture safe in style. These hand-felted coasters are heat-resistant, absorbent, and simply too charming. Promising review:"I love the colors on these coasters! They're very well made and so absorbent, much better than ceramic coasters that stick to the glass and end up breaking. I am planning on buying more." — Wendell Gee Get it from Amazon for $24.97+ (available in nine other colors and in a round or rectangle shape). 11. A set of pastel glitter highlighters — add a little sparkle to your notes and to-do lists! These fun metallic highlighters might just make getting through your To Be Read pile a little more fun. Check out a TikTok of the highlighters in action. Promising review:"These are amazing!!! Beautiful colors and the sparkle/shimmer is more than I imagined it would be. Mr Pen did it again! If you don't have these pens, you need to get them!! Great addition to my journaling supplies!" — FBJH12 Get a set of eight from Amazon for $6.99. 12. A unicorn head squirrel feeder sure to give you a belly laugh every time one of these cute critters comes over to eat. Accoutrements is a small business that specializes in offbeat home and lifestyle products. Promising review:"This is both ridiculous and spectacular. It just might be my best Amazon impulse buy ever." — Meredith Get it from Amazon for $22.16. 13. A screaming goat figurine because every now and then you need to scream but feel a little too self-conscious to let out your roar. That's where this lil' guy comes in. It'll do the screaming for you! It even comes with a book full of fun facts and trivia about the ever-majestic goat. 14. A darling lil' llama-shaped stress ball for those days when your boss asks you to convert a doc into a PDF even though you've shown Sharon how to do it a million and one times. Just squish and squeeze the llama to feel a little convert the doc. Amazon Promising review:"I tend to get rather stressed and have been known to accidentally obliterate stress balls. Thankfully, this llama is quite sturdy and hasn't shown any signs of wear and tear yet despite frequent and intense use over the past few weeks. Based on that, I fully expect him to endure for a long time to come." — Rachel L Get it from Amazon for $13.99. 15. Or a set of five Monkey Noodle fidget toys you can stretch, pull, and twist to your heart's content. They can stretch up to 8 feet and always bounce back to their original shape! Promising review: "This is my absolute favorite fidget! I'm an adult with autism and ADHD. I carry one around with me everywhere I go. It definitely assists me in staying calm/still while I'm at work. I've recommended it to several friends!" — KaelynnVP Get a set of five from Amazon for $12.99. 16. A quirky lil' burger bicycle bell that'll add a ~dash~ of fun to your next bike ride. It can easily be attached to your handlebars, so you can RIIIING-RIIIING all the livelong day. Promising review:"No, I didn't buy this for a kid. I bought it for my old self. And yes!! I absolutely love it! The housing is plastic but surprisingly sturdy. The bell sounds like a bike bell should, and hey, it's a burger — a favorite of mine after a long ride." — Kim Get it from Amazon for $13.06. 17. A pack of 12 french fry-shaped bag clips if you're tired of reaching into a bag of already opened Doritos and biting into a stale, crunch-less chip. And its magnetic holder can be placed on your fridge for easy access! Promising review:"These are very cute, and I love that the magnet holder sticks on my fridge so they are easily accessible." — Save the Bees Get it from Amazon for $14.90. 18. An insulated penguin water bottle because how could you look at that cute little face and forget to stay hydrated??? Impossible, I say! This stainless steel water bottle is the perfect travel size and can keep beverages hot for 8 hours or cold for 12 hours. Amazon Promising review: "This is my new favorite travel companion! This adorable tumbler doesn't just win in looks; it keeps my beverages at the perfect temperature for hours. Whether it's tea, water, or coffee, it stays hot or cold, just the way I like it. The stainless steel build gives it a sturdy feel, and the penguin design adds a cute touch that always brings a smile to my face. A delightful and practical choice for anyone who wants their drinks to stay cozy on the go!" — Sabina Cioci Get it from Amazon for $17.93 (available in four colors). 19. A book of 642 tiny things to draw so you can give yourself the gift of curing boredom. This lil' guided journal will help you become the best doodler there is. This book is only 5.4 inches tall, so it'll easily fit in a stocking — multiple reviewers on Amazon said they purchased it as a stocking stuffer! BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Jonathan Mazzei says, "My girlfriend got me this book as a gift a few years ago, and it turned out to be even better than I expected! The prompts are super fun and help you to think outside of the box, even during those moments when you feel like you have no ideas. It's great to casually doodle in while passing time since you don't have to think of what to draw, but it also can be really helpful when brainstorming for creative projects. My girlfriend is a visual artist and graphic designer, and she loves using it to play around with ideas and make her think of things she never would have thought of without it. Plus, it's small and super portable! Highly recommend!" 20. Murdle: Volume 1 — a book of 100 mysteries that'll keep your brain at work. There are four levels of difficulty to keep you on your toes as you use your powers of deduction to solve murders. Sherlock Holmes, step aside. There's a new genius detective in town! Promising review:"If you like logic puzzles, then this is the book for you. You use deductive reasoning and work through solving each crime. They start easy and get more and more complex as you advance through the book." — Melissa Parcel Get it from Amazon for $10.25+ (available in paperback and spiral bound). 21. A fun reverse coloring book where you get to show off your creativity by drawing lines around where colors already exist. Create a detailed portrait or let whimsy take over and free-draw whatever comes to mind. Promising review:"Changed my life. So I get anxious doing the adult coloring books. This was so much fun and made me really think outside of the box. I'm not the best at drawing but I felt like I was when I was a kid doodling in my textbooks in school." — Carley C. Get it from Amazon for $9.90. 22. A pair of (surprisingly) cozy fish slippers whose anti-skid soles not only ensure that these sandals are more wear-resistant but will also make sure you don't go slippin' and slidin' like, well, a wet fish. Promising review:"They fit great and look awesome. I wear them when I fish and take out the boat. They've been good luck and everyone gets a kick out of them." — craigslistor Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–16 and in 12 colors). 23. A light-up rain cloud diffuser because it'll actually start pouring raindrops into the spill-resistant container below! It has three levels of brightness and five levels of water flow speed, so you can customize your aromatherapeutic experience. Check out a TikTok of the rain cloud diffuser in action. 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: "I love this thing. I have anxiety and insomnia, and I need background noise to function/sleep. This little desktop fountain is SO SOOTHING, both aesthetically and the sound of the little raindrops. If I'm in the room with it, it's probably on. If you love the sound of rain this is for you. Because I'm paranoid and I want this to last, I run it with plain distilled water and I have not used essential oils with it even though they say it's fine. It's very dry here right now, and I still only have to top up the water every few days, even with it running daily. It's a solid 12/10 from me." — Violet Get it from Amazon for $39.98. 24. A cute (?) and creepy (?) flexible flower vase so whimsical (?) it may brighten up (?) your space. Honestly, I don't know, man. It's weird and cool and I think you would love it. The end. Promising review: "An affable, squishy, bendy, happy little vase! The consensus on my social media page is that everyone should have one of these. I finally got a chance to try it out with some daffodils, and really, it's hard not to smile when you see them." — Susy Lundy Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors). 25. A simply huggable tiny hedgehog plush toy you'll wanna take on all of your travel adventures and mischievous escapades. If you're looking for a partner in crime, you've just found it! Promising reviews:"I bought this for my girlfriend's sister, and she loves it! It is incredibly soft and cozy. The first thing we did was hold it like it is shown in the photo, and instantly fell in love. Anyone who loves hedgehogs needs to get one of these." — Derek "Bought this as a Christmas gift for my BFF who loves hedgies. She squealed when she opened her present. 😂 She absolutely LOVES him, and even took him on her trip to Paris. It's the perfect size to hold in your hand, and he is just so darned soft and cute. 100% recommend!" — A.H. Get it from Amazon for $11.95. 26. A convenient lil' condiment fork if your love of pickles and olives is only matched by how much you hate getting soggy fingers by grabbing them straight out of the jar. Just place the silicone band around the top of the jar, and voila! Check out a TikTok of the condiment fork in action. Promising review:"Great kitchen item. Forks are great to get pickles out of the jar, but if you have kids/lazy people (lol) you know that dirty hands are going into that jar. 😉 This has really prevented that from happening. It comes with two different rings to fit whatever size jar, a stabber holder, and a stabbing stick." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $8.99. 27. A pair of socks with your pet's face on them that'll make it easier for you to show off little Archie to strangers without having to pull up 176 photos on your phone. Who are we kidding? You're gonna do that anyway. Don't forget to click the customization button and fill out info about your pet! Promising review:"This was a Christmas gift I bought for my aunt, who just LOVES her fur baby. She was so happy with these socks, she shared pictures of them and a big thank you to me on Facebook. She is out of state so I can't speak on the quality of the socks, but if they were a fraction less than fantastic, my all-too-honest aunt would have let me know, but all she could do was rave about them. Well done! :-)" — Deb P Get them from Amazon for $14.59 (available in 40 colors). 28. A dip clip so you can easily dip you nuggets and fries when you're taking a break from driving out on the open road. Now you can forget the mess of holding your BBQ sauce between your legs and it ending up all over your car floor. Promising review: "I got these for my mom as a stocking stuffer for Christmas and OMG, she absolutely loves them! I kind of got them as a gag since we are always teasing her about trying to hold the ketchup and dip her fries or nuggets while she's driving, but this little plastic holder made her SO happy, lol. 😊 They work great for pretty much most ketchup or sauce cups and it has a handy little attachment so that if the sauce comes in packets, you can pour it in there and still attach it to the air vent. My mom tells everyone who gets in her car about them and I will definitely purchase as a gift for more people!" — 🌈 Summer of '75 🦄 Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.49+ (available in four colors and in multipacks). 29. A decorative cat towel as cute as it is absorbent. If you love kitties or have a few of your own, you'll surely love these paw-tastic towels! Promising review: "I did not buy this to actually use as a towel. To me it doesn't seem like it would be good at serving this purpose as the material is not very absorbent, however, it is great for decoration purposes. It is really, really adorable! I love how there's little snap buttons to keep it in place. I highly recommend this as a decorative gift for the cat lover in your life or for yourself if you love kitties! Great purchase!" — Crystal Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 36 designs). 30. A cute and fun build-on brick mug that comes with three packs of building bricks so you can turn your morning cup of joe into playtime! Amazon Promising review:"This is by far one of the most unique coffee cups/gifts I've ever purchased. I bought this for my adult daughter, who is an avid Lego collector. I surprised her with this random gift and she was absolutely over the moon about it. Apparently, I won the mother of the year award lol. If you have someone in your life who loves Lego bricks, you gotta get this for them. They will love you for it. Yes, you actually can build things in your coffee cup!!!" — Michelle Hargenrader Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 11 colors). 31. A bottle of Haeyo Mayo — a creamy hair mask that contains shea butter, macadamia oil, and egg yolk extract to help hydrate, nourish, and smooth your hair. If you have dry and damaged hair, you might wanna try this hair condiment! Promising review:"I have dead hair from bleaching it so much and I was a bit skeptical if this would work, but oh my god it makes my hair softer than a corgi's bottom. And it smells really good too. Will definitely restock when I run out!" — hanyouinlove Get it from Amazon for $24.49. 32. A geometric dinosaur sculpture perfect for hiding your cookies or candies. Snack time just became a much more ~roaring~ time! Promising review:"This little dino is very nice and substantial. It is small, we use it to store our keys, and this works quite well. He is much heavier than expected, and the contrasting gold really stands out. He even has little pads on the bottom so he won't scratch whatever you set him on. We ABSOLUTELY LOVE HIM!!!" — Jeremy Szabo Get it from Amazon for $52.78+ (available in three colors). 33. A super spooky spine candle if your home's aesthetic can be best described as witchy meets contemporary. This unscented soy wax candle will certainly ~goth up~ your space. Amazon Promising review: "Super cool!! The candle makes me feel like being in the classroom of Professor Lupin learning how to cast a Patronus! Very cute decor!!" — Yvette Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in black and white). 34. A pair of huge googly eyes — you'll have fun turning inanimate objects into wildly expressive figures! Amazon Promising review:"We got a new oil tank this week in our basement. Our basement is super old and drab and I wanted to do something fun to liven it up a little. Bought these to have some fun and I don't regret a thing. Totally worth it." — E Yaz Get them from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in three sizes and multiple sets). 35. An Ikea bag coin purse to match the massive Ikea shopping bag you use as an everyday tote bag. Amazon, Promising review: "If this isn't the cutest thing EVER! I use it for carrying my ponytail holders, bobby pins, etc. in my purse. I totally heart it." — Pudingal1 Get it from Amazon for $5.99. The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Buzz Feed
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Just 32 Things That'll Make Your Home Fun Central
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. Get ready. Your home is about to be *the* place to be. 1. Unstable Unicorns, a friendship-destroying strategy game about unicorns and betrayal. Be the first to build up an army of seven unicorns using action cards to slow down your opponents. Promising review:"I love that this game is easy to understand. The first time I played with a group of friends, the game went on for two hours because we could brilliantly sabotage each other and team up so no one won but everyone was close. I've played quick rounds and long rounds, and you can kind of control what is happening with what you're willing to play. ONE OF THE BEST PARTS: You can play with a big group or with just two people. There is a guide for how to play with two people (taking out some cards) that still works and is really fun!!!" — Brooklyn Get it from Amazon for $20. 2. A melting Dali-inspired clock if this surrealist painter is one of your favorites, and having this iconic design will remind you of "The Persistence of Memory." Promising review: "This is an awesome clock for anyone who loves Dali and surrealist art. It is a great value for the money, considering it is super cool and seems to be good quality. The whole clock is encased in a distorted plastic bubble, which is very cool. The metallic part is also plastic, which is fine. It ticks a bit loudly, but I personally like that. I'm just glad such a cool clock is also fully functional." — Zach Get it from Amazon for $13.89. 3. A set of eight adorable mason jar shot glasses that'll give your next pre-game session a fun, yeehaw kind of vibe. They even come with little lids so you can take your lemon drop shot with you to the next party location! Promising review:"These are so cute! You can use these as shot glasses, decor, or storage for thumbtacks, small nails, paper clips, or something small. They are great quality with thick glass and a perfect fitting lid." — Stephanie Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 4. A durable inflatable pool with two cushioned backrests and seats so you can unwind after a long day by going splishy-splashy. And to make things even more comfortable, grab this floating drink holder and stay outside for hours. Promising review:"Oh, boy, where do I even begin with this inflatable pool? It's like they took a slice of paradise, added a pinch of nostalgia, and sprinkled it with a generous dose of 'I don't want to adult today.' It's like they designed this pool with adults in mind! I can stretch out without feeling like a sardine in a can. There's enough space for me, my beer, and a rubber ducky named Sir Quacks-a-Lot. This isn't just an inflatable pool; it's a lifestyle. It's where deadlines drown, and worries wade in the shallow end. TL;DR: It's my personal oasis in the sea of responsibility." — moot Get it from Amazon for $62.99. 5. An extra-thick foldable floor mattress because the best part of having friends over as an adult is having impromptu sleepovers we don't have to ask our parents' permission for. You'll also get a dust-proof cover and a pair of straps to make storing it easier. Amazon, Promising review:"I bought this because I was moving into my new apartment and needed a temporary bed. This one is really comfortable and easy to store, so now I use it as a spare bed when I have friends crash for a night. They were surprised by how comfortable it was as well. Definitely a good buy." — Nick Wrght Get it from Amazon for $124.99+ (available in three sizes and four colors). 6. An out-of-this-world hanging UFO planter to house your most mystical of small indoor blossoms. Yeah, I've been meaning to tell you that your cacti's got some strange aura surrounding you see it? Original Earthlings is a small business crafting unique indoor planters! Promising review:"So cute! Perfect for our Vegas desert alien–themed bathroom. Has a drainage hole and is well-made. Perfect size for a fist-sized plant." — AMANDA HILL Get it from Amazon for $19.95. 7. A funky green crayon vase that'll brighten up your home with a fun pop of color! Bring a little of that elementary school/stick figure/coloring outside the lines energy to your space. You won't regret it! Amazon PSA: Since there's no drainage hole on the base, it is only ideal as a piece of decor. Promising review:"Got this for my office and for Lego flowers I had, and I love it! I was nervous that the mouth of it would be too small, but you could definitely fit several stems in it. The colors are so fun. It feels well-made and high quality!" — Lijah Get it from Amazon for $26.95. 8. A Bluetooth karaoke machine so you and your bestie can turn your living room into the best karaoke bar in all of downtown. This portable machine comes with two microphones and a rechargeable battery. Promising review: "Well, all I can say is WOW!! This has good sound and quality!! When my daughter isn't doing karaoke, I use it as a wireless speaker. The wireless microphones sound amazingly good, with no static, squealing, or echo! I recommend this and would buy it again!!" — mary gish Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in six colors). 9. A set of four textured stemless wineglasses whose rainbow confetti-like appearance will help you set the tone for your parties (but only if you like having fun). Handcrafted by Mexican artisans from recycled glass, these glasses are sure to make the next bottle of pinot grigio you pop open taste even better. That's science. Uncommon Goods Promising review:"We had some friends over for a little fiesta, and the glasses were the star of the show! They are even more gorgeous in person, and they added an element of fun and lightheartedness to our festivities. I love creating unique tablescapes, so I paired them with the weighted wine covers from Uncommon Goods for one-stop shopping. The covers help differentiate glasses. Cheers!!" — Fun Foodie Get it from Uncommon Goods for $86. 10. A whimsical tufted side chair with gorgeous floral upholstery, curved back, and gold-colored legs sure to liven up your home. You're gonna have to get used to your guests constantly asking where you got this cute and comfy chair. Wayfair Promising reviews: 'Beautiful, stylish chair! We just love it! Easy and super quick to assemble. It's comfortable and we love the way the back of the chair curves around.' — Anonymous "I am over the moon for this chair. My guest room is now my sanctuary and this chair really pulled everything together with a focal point." — Lara Get it from Wayfair for $157.99+ (available in five colors). 11. A waterproof Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card deck because you'll wanna play this fun, easy to learn, and fast-paced game by (or, dare I say, in) the pool. A round is sure to end in a barrel of laughs! Promising reviews:"These are so much fun to have when playing poolside. Don't have to worry about them getting ruined." — Richard Crumb "I bought these cards because I have young children at home and I prefer durable products. They're also great for adults, especially since game nights often involve food and drinks, and accidents can happen. These cards are perfect! They don't stain or get dirty, and you can take them anywhere." — MBM Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 12. And a set of waterproof Uno Splash cards so you can whoop some butt in between doing underwater handstands. Are you showing off? Sure. But do you only have one card left in your hand and it's a Draw 4? Also true. Promising review: "Love that these come with a clip. Makes it so handy to travel with and not lose any of the cards. Great for kids, too, because they always seem to break the box when they have to put them back in the box. Of course, the waterproof aspect is wonderful!" — Peachy Keenes Get it from Amazon for $7.99. 13. A jumbo yard Pong set if you wanna relive your college days in your own backyard and on a massive scale. You'll get 12 buckets, two standard balls, and two beach balls. Promising review: "The quality of the cups and balls is impressive; they're sturdy and built to last. Setting up the game was a breeze, and we were able to jump right into the action. It's perfect for those sunny afternoons in the backyard or a day out at the park with friends and family." — Antonio Get it from Amazon for $49.99. 14. A kooky and creepy haunted house soap dispenser that glows in the dark, meaning you can find your way to the sink without turning on that cursed big light. If it's always Halloween in your home, then why don't you already have this in your bathroom? Amazon Promising review:"I love the fact that it glows in the dark. It's solid and sturdy. Easy to fill. The pump works great, and it holds a really good amount of product. Would definitely recommend." — Amber Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 15. An all-weather three-seater patio couch as comfy as it is stylish. Made from durable rattan wicker, this couch will become the glue holding your outdoor spring gatherings together. Promising review:"I recently added this couch to my patio, and it has completely transformed the space! The high-back design offers great support, making it super comfortable for lounging. Its premium brown wicker looks elegant and blends beautifully with my outdoor decor. The beige cushions are thick, soft, and cozy, perfect for relaxing after a long day. Built with all-weather materials, it holds up well against sun and rain, which is a big plus. The frame is sturdy and durable, giving me confidence it will lasts for years. Assembly was simple, and now it's my favorite spot to unwind in the patio!" — David Zheng Get it from Amazon for $199.99 (available in three colors). 16. A sleek acrylic record player table so you can host listening parties in style. It has two shelves you can organize your vinyls on. Missing a record player? Check out this equally cute and modern one from Amazon! Promising review:"Spent ages trying to find a good acrylic clear stand that would also hold records, look good, AND be sturdy. Bought this thinking it might be a temporary solution, but it's spot on! Records fit perfectly at the bottom, and my Rega turntable on top. Acrylic is thick and clear. Love that it doesn't take up visual room and just fits seamlessly." — Marianne Cantwell Get it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in six colors). 17. A colorful and challenging 1,000-piece mushroom village puzzle — you and your friends will get to visit a whimsical and magical land of fairies when y'all complete this puzzle. You might as well get a frame now so you can immortalize this lush landscape forever. Promising review:"After deciding to have a girls' date with a few gal pals, I ordered this puzzle, and it is just beautiful and a great value! The quality of the pieces was great, nothing missing, and it was challenging but definitely fun. It was the perfect way to spend the day with some good friends." — Michael A. Luis Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 18. A stainless-steel firepit to keep you warm on chilly spring nights as you make s'mores and share ghost stories. It even comes with a grill grate and cover, so you can cook a few burgers outside this spring. Promising review:"This firepit offers all the ambiance you need. It is super easy to start the fire, and the wood packs make it easier if that's what you're looking for. The fire gets going fast and develops a nice hot ember bed (all from one pack). I was very impressed and wasn't expecting that. This could be used without the wood packs if you have your own wood. Either works perfectly. The pit sits off the ground and flames are contained well within the pit. The design was done very well. Lastly, the heat this throws off is amazing. I was sitting a couple of feet away and felt a lot of warmth. This isn't one of those pits you have to hover over for heat." — Michele R Get it from Amazon for $195+ (available in three sizes). 19. Or a practical 2-in-1 fireplace you can also toss ice into and use as a drinks cooler — when it's not aflame, of course. A backyard must-have! The firepit comes with a mesh screen lid, poke, rain cover, and assembly instructions. Promising review:"Excellent product for the price! A lot of screws to be placed, but that's it; assembly was easy, and I did it alone in under 45 minutes. Had no problems with the threaded holes for the screws like some seem to have had. It's great that it comes with a spark screen, grill, long fork, and a rain cover (I used it last night for several hours, and it was perfect). Got the copper-colored one. It looks really nice, people are shocked by the price when they see it. Very pleased with purchase." — S. Bastura 20. A nostalgia-inducing countertop popcorn machine for wow-ing your friends on movie nights. This can make up to three gallons of deliciously perfect popcorn per batch! Promising review:"Love this machine! Great for the family on movie nights and entertaining larger parties." — AE "Very fun, and the kids love to come to our house and enjoy warm popcorn!" — NC2CA Get it from Amazon for $169.95+ (available in two colors). 21. A fancy-shmancy mini framed magnet featuring a sophisticated art print that'll turn your fridge into a museum worthy of a high ticket price. BEmbellished Designs / Etsy BEmbellished Designs is a Maryland-based small Etsy shop. Promising review:"Omg, this is literally the cutest thing ever and so well made. Love it!" — Lori Cook Get it from BEmbellished Designs on Etsy for $14.99 (available in seven styles). 22. A portable outdoor Bluetooth projector and screen because the only thing that could possibly make movie nights better would be to host them in your backyard now that the weather has become more agreeable. Promising review:"I couldn't be happier with this projector! The picture quality is absolutely stunning, even on a large 120" screen. The colors are vibrant, the details are crisp, and it feels just like being at the movies. The sound output is surprisingly good for a projector — clear and immersive without needing external speakers immediately, though you can connect them if desired. What impressed me the most was how quiet the projector was during operation. It runs so smoothly that you barely notice it's there, which makes the viewing experience even better. And the price? Unbeatable for this level of quality. It's rare to find a projector that balances picture quality, sound, and affordability so perfectly. Highly recommended for movie lovers, gamers, or anyone looking to upgrade their home theater!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $79.98. 23. A retro tabletop arcade game console equipped with three Pac-Man games sure to keep your guests busy trying to beat each other's highest score. Amazon, Promising review:"I purchased this as a gift for my mother, and it was a huge hit! She was absolutely fascinated by it, instantly transported back to the classic arcade days she remembered so fondly. The compact size is perfect for a tabletop setup, and the 7-inch screen delivers crisp, vibrant visuals that capture the retro feel perfectly. Having three classic games included makes it even more enjoyable, offering variety while staying true to that nostalgic charm." — Bologna Get it from Amazon for $149.99. 24. A stainless-steel pizza oven insert — not all barbecues have to be limited to burgers and hotdogs. This will fit in 22.5-inch kettle grills. Promising review:"I really researched and shopped around before I purchased this from Amazon. I cooked my first pizza on it, and it came out like a pro!! We will be using this, especially during the summer, as it pretty much stays in the triple digits here (the Mojave Desert). I cannot believe it took less than 10 minutes to bake an entire pizza. I recommend that you go to the KettlePizza website to get pointers from some of the celebrity chefs that they have videos of. These pointers really did help me to cook a perfect pizza!" — Kim Suzanne Get it from Amazon for $144.95. 25. A double hammock — this comes with a stand because the sun has been begging you to take a nap outside since it started peeking out of those spring clouds. Amazon Promising review:"This is hands-down the best purchase I have made in YEARS. I use this hammock as my bed replacement, and I have never looked back. As a matter of fact, I still snuggle in every night and have a little contented sigh of GRATITUDE because I KNOW I will sleep well. I don't mean sleep like a baby (right!) I mean sleep like a teenager at noon: mouth open, drooling, and totally OUT." — Dawn Grubb Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in four colors). 26. Monopoly Cheaters Edition if you've ever been tempted to cheat and just wished there were a game that encouraged it. Here you can follow, bend, or break the rules in order to win! Cheat cards even help you decide exactly how to attempt it. Amazon, Promising review:"Family of six here. Who knew I had a bunch of sneaky cheaters in my house?! My 10-year-old asked for this game for Christmas. It's a big hit at our house. It's a struggle for me to keep up with trying to spot everyone else's sneakiness and try to play my own game, but it's been hilarious. Even our 5-year-old was able to be sneaky and get money 💵 from the bank without anyone noticing." — Saadia Get it from Amazon for $31.53. 27. A farmhouse chic bar unit featuring woven rattan and a gorgeous caramel brown wood that'll keep the customers coming back for more than just mint juleps. Its interior has two tiers of shelving for all your wine storing needs, and it has a built-in stemware rack. 28. Or a more compact mid-century bar cart because it can be converted from a bar cart into a craft cart in the blink of an eye depending on what kind of festivities you have planned. Amazon, Promising reviews:"I'm so glad I trusted my gut and bought this. It only took hubby 15 minutes to assemble. Looks like an expensive piece, but it was so affordable. Now, we have a cute way to display all our alcohol without it being tucked in a bunch of cabinets all over the house. It's definitely a statement piece. I can't wait for people to come over and look at it!" — April Collett "Found this as [an alternative] for the Urban Outfitters Victoria Bar Cart, and it's 10/10." — erin Get it from Amazon for $94+ (available in eight colors). 29. A bocce ball set so you can school the little/younger ones on precision. Your arm has only gotten better with age. 30. A delectable pear table lamp if the current lighting situation in your home is less than sweet. Bask in the glow of this functional piece of decor! Get it from West Elm Kids for $99. 31. A giant (I'm talking over 9 feet tall!) inflatable giraffe sprinkler that'll spray water from its mouth, turning your backyard into a fun and savanna-esque playground! Promising review:"Put the stakes in to hold it in place and the giraffe stands up straight and holds steady. The spray coming out is good, and my kids have been really having fun with this sprinkler!" — kraaigirl Get it from Amazon for $59.99. 32. A pair of hydrating gemstone bar soaps because why shouldn't cleaning your hands feel like a magical experience? They even have real crystals inside of them! Amazon Promising reviews:"They lather really well, unlike an awful lot of artsy soaps. They smell really nice too." — Christina Li "I purchased this for my adult daughter's birthday. As you probably know, they are hard to shop for. The look in her eyes when she opened the package said it all. She also said it was so beautiful that she might use it as bathroom decor. This is elegance in the soap world." — Jus Sheryl Get them from Amazon for $22.95+ (available in four styles).
CBS News
23-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
How Salvador Dalí's art found a home in Florida
When Mike Wallace interviewed Salvador Dalí in 1958, the painter seemed to believe that he might live forever. Asked what he believed would happen to him when he died, the Surrealist replied, "Myself not believe in my death." "You will not die?" "No, no. Believe in general in death, but in the death of Dalí? Absolutely no, not." Dalí did die, in 1989. But in a way, he was right. The artist lives on at the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. The collection chronicles his career through more than 2,400 of his works, from oil paintings to sculptural mashups to fine jewelry. Inside the Dalí Dome, a "Dalí Alive 360" show fully immerses visitors in his art. "Its spirit is based in Dalí's," said Hank Hine, the executive director of the museum. "That is, Dalí was always trying to do things in new ways. The amazing thing about Dalí is that his impact is still felt today, not only in art, but in culture generally." Today, Salvador Dalí may be a household name, but his name first belonged to his parents' firstborn son. "His parents named him after his dead brother," said Hine. "That saddled him with a burden of identity that lasted all his life, and can explain a lot of his art – for instance, his double images, where you see one thing, and you see another. So, this Salvador Dalí was always wondering, 'Am I myself or am I the other?'" Many of Dalí's works combine the real and the surreal – a juxtaposition he could pull off thanks to his training as a precise classical painter. "He can paint like an old master; however, he wasn't content to stay there," said program director Kim Macuare. She said Dalí found inspiration by diving deep into the subconscious: "He was very interested in the writings of the Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. And so, when he cuts the drawers into the Venus, what's he's imagining is, 'What would happen if we could go up and open the drawers and look inside someone to see what really makes them tick?'" As far as ticking goes, Dalí's famous painting of melting watches, "The Persistence of Memory," is actually at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. But his follow-up is here, hanging in a museum in a state Dalí never even visited. The artist had no connection with St. Petersburg, Florida. But what he did have were two very big fans. A wealthy Ohio couple, Eleanor and Reynolds Morse, bought a Dalí painting to celebrate their first anniversary, a purchase that kicked off a lifetime of collecting and friendship. They acquired everything from Dalí's early Cubist paintings to his later, larger religious-themed canvases. Hine said, "They loved Dalí so much that they bought only Dalí for four decades, and were able to put together what is the preeminent collection of Dalí in the world." When the Morse family decided to donate their collection in the late 1970s, they were insistent that it all go to one location, but no museum stepped up. After the Wall Street Journal wrote an article ("U.S. Art World Dillydallies Over Dalís"), the people of St. Petersburg, Florida, said, "Well, heck, we'll take it." The city made an agreement to find a building for the collection – a marine warehouse that, in 1982, opened as the Dalí Museum. In 2011, the collection moved to its current location, where the Morses' son Brad now comes to see the paintings that once covered his childhood home. "There was not a square foot or inch even of wall space that wasn't holding a Dalí painting," he said. In fact, Dalí's 1956 oil painting "Nature Morte Vivante (Still Life-Fast Moving)" hung above Brad Morse's bed. Now, more than 300,000 visitors a year come to see the fascinating ways in which Dalí saw the world. Macuare said, "Dalí had a really great quote, and I think it's indicative of how he saw himself and how he saw the world, and that was, 'I don't do drugs. I am drugs.' He thought that seeing as he did would absolutely change your perspective." Dalí was perceived as an eccentric. Especially in his later life, he was known just as much for his wild persona as he was for his art. But in death his work has gained greater critical appreciation. "I think the height of his fame is not over," said Hine. "Dalí's star is still rising in the world, largely because of what he suggested in his art about the ability to see the world in a different way, something that we really need in this world today." WEB EXTRA: Why are Salvador Dali's clocks melting? (Video) For more info: Story produced by Jay Kernis. Editor: Chad Cardin.
