1. A gloriously glossy lip balm made with Brazilian Açaí Butter and lactic acid — which means it moisturizes and lightly exfoliates at the same time! It has a super smooth jelly-like texture, and the subtle tint adds a pop of color and shine.

Amazon

Promising review: "I was looking for a brown gloss and decided to give this a try. I ended up loving not only the color but the packaging and applicator. The metal applicator is cooling, applies the gloss evenly, and is super easy to clean. Formula is great, very hydrating and glossy. Can’t wait to try other colors from them." —Erica

Eadem is a small business specializing in skincare.

Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in four shades and a multipack).

2. A set of anti-crease memory foam inserts so you can keep your kicks looking as fresh as the day you bought them — and it'll even help get rid of old creases! All you have to do is slip the sleeve over your foot, put the memory foam insert in the sleeve, then walk around without worry of ruining the shoes you woke up super early to score. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love this product! I use it almost every day. I’ve tried numerous others, but this one stands out as the best. It’s definitely worth the investment if you own a variety of shoes/sneakers." —Jose C.

Crease Beast is a small business specializing in anti-crease shoe accessories.

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four sizes and two multipacks with various sizes).

3. A superbly scrubby African net sponge that will make you look at your old loofah with absolute disgust. The 100% nylon mesh has tiny knots throughout that help exfoliate dead skin cells — just lather it up with your favorite soap and start scrubbing away. Your skin will feel soft as silk and your body lotions will glide on more seamlessly than ever. Oh, and it dries way faster than a typical loofah, so less worries about it harboring bacteria!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

It also machine washable!

Promising review: "I used to use a loofah, and this just throws it right out of the water. It’s soft but durable, and doesn’t harbor bacteria like a loofah. Plus, you can wash it and it basically lasts forever (yes, a cloth can too, but it lacks the exfoliation you need in the shower). It’s long and stretchy so you can scrub your back, or you can scrunch it together if you want to wash a smaller area. Overall, I just feel so clean and smooth after I get out of the shower. I will never go back! I bought these for most of my friends and family and they’re all HOOKED. Just get it already!" —Koko

Bellanomi is a small business specializing in skincare products for skin of color.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 11 colors).

4. A durable pack of hair ties — they won't snap on you the moment you try to tie your hair up while you're out enjoying the sunshine. These are specifically designed for thick, curly hair (no snagging!!) and the snap-closure design is genius. Just unsnap it, wrap around the hair you want to tie up, then loop hair through like a regular hair tie. Reviewers with locs and braids say these actually hold up and are comfy enough for all-day wear.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is the best version of scrunchies for when you have long braids or whatever and you want to quickly put your hair in a ponytail or bun. Instead of having to fight with your usual scrunchies, this allows you to avoid the tiresome battle while its material refuses to snag on your hair at any point in its installation or removal. Highly recommend for my fellow naturals. Just buy it, you won't regret." —Doll

SwirlyCurly is a small business specializing hair accessories.

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $17.99 (available in two colors).

5. A delicious hot saucemade with garlic, peperoncini, and honey to take your taste buds on a sweet and spicy journey. Reviewers say this is perfect for people who don't handle heat well but still want a little kick. Prepare to pour this on tacos, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and even sliced fruit. Oh, and if it looks familiar, that's probably because it was featured on Hot Ones! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I LOVE this!! My husband was surprised that I bought hot sauce because I'm not a big 'heat' person. This is delicious, though, and not overly spicy. Perfect little sweetness to it with the honey. I'm stocking up because this is instantly a favorite for me." —Ashly

Hot N Saucy is a woman-owned small business specializing in flavored hot sauces.

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

6. A BBQ grill mat to take your cookout game to the next level. Using a grill mat can stop the juices from dripping away from your meats, leading to more tender, juicy results. It's also a game changer for grilling up chopped veggies that would normally slip through the racks. Oh, and it makes cleanup an absolute breeze.

www.amazon.com

The mat is heat-resistant for up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and works on gas and charcoal grills. 

Promising review: "I tested them with the lid on at 400 degrees Fahrenheit over briquettes and they looked great and weren't affected in the least by the heat. Threw some burgers on 'em. Everything was a breeze and tasted so great. No sticking, and the mats were plenty charred, but afterwards the char just rinsed off with no scrubbing needed. Simple, easy, and I hope to be a lasting arsenal in my grilling load out. Great low-priced addition to up your outdoor grilling experience." —FullPantry

Kona is a small business specializing in grilling essentials.

Get it from Amazon for $21.95.

7. The wildly popular Topicals Faded Serum, which helps to fade dark spots in as little as two weeks. It's formulated with kojic acid to help brighten any discoloration, while niacinamide adds an extra glow and protects the skin barrier. Just spread a thin layer on after cleansing but before moisturizing — reviewers say the results take time, but it's so worth it.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This has been a staple in my skincare routine over the years. It has helped me with my dark spots and hyperpigmentation. I can’t give you a timeline on how fast it will work, but it definitely works for me over time... The formula in the product absorbs in the skin effortlessly, leaving the skin soft. And I also use the Paula’s Choice exfoliantalong with this cream, both help my skin so much." —Tameika

Topicals is a small business specializing in science-backed skincare.

Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).

8. And Topicals Faded Brightening Under-Eye Masks to add some ~glowy radiance~ before heading into the office. The hydrogel material provides an instant cooling sensation, and the caffeine can help temporarily brighten the appearance of dark circles so your concealer doesn't have to work as hard.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Caffeine can brighten skin and temporarily minimize the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, if that’s something you’re looking for in a product. Read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "These are my go-to eye masks. They work and do not irritate the skin. Reduces puffiness and swelling of eyes. They are a bit pricy, but they do work. No weird smell or stickiness. They stay where they are put and are so easy to put on." —Meagan

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $22.

9. A sleeveless maxi dress that makes elegance look effortless. This can easily take you from work to happy hour, and it even comes with a self-tie belt so you can switch it up from day to night. Oh, and reviewers say the fabric feels ~expensive~, which is always a plus!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Love this dress! Quality is good for the price. Shoulder pads give structure but they are not too rigid or obvious, just enough for an architectonic look. Belt ties very nicely, and it's optional — the dress does not come with belt loops, so you don't even need to wear one. Slits are moderate, up to the knee or so, not too deep." —Kitty

Pantora is a small business specializing in both casual and formal clothing. 

Get it from Amazon for $54 (available in women's sizes XXS–4XL and three colors).

10. A Hairbrella — the umbrella upgrade you deserve in 2025. This spacious hat is made with 100% waterproof microfiber polyester that'll keep your style protected and your face shielded the next time you get caught in the rain. And now your hands will be free to call an Uber instead of walking home!!

www.amazon.com, B09XN9SW6D

Promising review: "Works like a charm! So...of course the day I get my hair done, an unexpected torrential downpour occurs and I have NO umbrella. But...I DID have my Hairbrella in my bag! This was the 1st time I would get to try it out since I purchased it so I was REALLY hoping it would live up to its hype. I loosely pinned my hair up with a few bobby pins, secured that sucka in place and took off! While I looked like I just exited a dunk tank after my valiant sprint to my car, my hair was BONE DRY!!! 🙌🏾 Not a drop of moisture hit my hair. Hairbrella is the TRUTH!!!" —Lina

Hairbrella is a woman-owned small business that specializes in hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather. 

Get it from Amazon for $39+ (available in nine colors).

11. A pack of detergent sheets that'll make you wonder how you ever fumbled around with those bulky liquid bottles. The best part? It's ridiculously easy to measure — just half a sheet for a small load, a full sheet for a medium load, one-and-a-half sheets for a large load, or two sheets for an extra-large load. Say goodbye to the days of squinting to read the measurement markers in liquid detergent caps. 

True

True is a small business specializing in laundry products.

Get a box of 60 from True for $15.99.

12. And a pack of 100% wool dryer balls so you can cross single-use dryer sheets off your shopping list forever. Just toss these in with your laundry and they'll help reduce drying time while softening your clothes and preventing wrinkles.  

Amazon

Promising review: "These have cut my drying time in half and significantly reduced the lint collected. I have had these a few weeks and have used them since receiving. They are great! And I love how cute they are!! Also, not noisy at all. I just leave them in the dryer. Not sure how long they last, but I've had them for a couple of months, and they've maintained like new with six people in my house. Thanks, LooHoo!" —S Flores.

Loo Hoo was created by Cyndi Prince, a mom on a mission to create a healthy home environment for her family. 

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in three colors). 

13. The iconic Black Girl Sunscreen — a face and body SPF 30 moisturizer designed to blend in seamlessly and not leave a white cast on deeper skin tones. Unlike most similarly-priced sunscreens, this formula actually has moisturizing ingredients like jojoba and avocado oils. Reviewers say it sinks in super quickly and is a perfect base for makeup — which is a rare find in the SPF department.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The product may appear white at first, but once applied to the skin, it becomes clear, seamlessly blending in without leaving any white residue. It feels incredible on the skin and enhances the overall appearance of my makeup. I believe it adds a subtle glow to my complexion. Initially, I can sense its presence on my face, but after a few minutes, it feels weightless. As someone with oily skin, I appreciate that it doesn't contribute to excess shine or greasiness. A small amount is all you need for great results." —Stunner Jay

Black Girl Sunscreen is a small business specializing in SPF products that work for deeper skin tones.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

14. A set of colorful wineglasses so you can wow everyone with your impeccable glassware taste the next time you host a rosé and Netflix night. Wait, you aren't regularly throwing those?? Well these gorgeous pieces made with hand-blown glass will inspire you to literally any kind of party to show these off.

Estelle Colored Glass

Promising review: "I cannot recommend these wineglasses enough! The quality, the color, the style — AMAZING! I am so happy with my purchase and I can’t wait to add more to my collection! They came packaged in a gorgeous white box with plenty of protection, perfect for a gift." —MCM2121

Estelle Colored Glass is a small, Black-owned business specializing in cake stands and stemware. Founder Stephanie Summerson Hall named her small business after her grandmother, Estelle, who had a love for antiquing and collecting colored glass. The pieces are made by artisans in Poland.

Get a set of two from Anthropologie (available in eight colors and also packs of six), or from Estelle Colored Glass (available in various colors and mixed set options) for $85.

15. A Bolden Skin-Brighting toner to help banish the dark spots, breakouts, and enlarged pores you've been picking at for years. It's super simple to add to your routine: Just swipe some on with a cotton pad after cleansing, then let the witch hazel, niacinamide, and licorice root work their magic while you move on to the other steps in your routine.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have oily skin and honestly have never used toner until now. About a month ago I started to break out so I decided to use it after washing my face. The results have been kind of amazing." —Jasmine

Bolden is a woman-owned small business specializing in skincare.

Get it from Amazon for $22.49.

16. A stainless-steel kitchen knife set that not only includes basically everything you need to slice and dice your way through all those TikTok recipes you've been saving, but also comes in a super sleek clear stand that looks straight from the future. It even comes with a sharpener to keep the knives in perfect condition for years and years.

Karibe

Promising review: "This is the most beautiful knife set I’ve ever seen and the knives are also precise and sharp. I love how slim the set is, it fits perfectly on my countertop in a modern way." —Amber Heyward

Karibe is a New Jersey-based cookware company founded by Vernon Williams in 2018.

Get it from Karibe for $79.99.

17. A TGIN styling mousse made with rose water and acai berries to help define your curls and stop them from becoming extra frizzy by the time the afternoon rolls around.

www.amazon.com

Reviewers with hair types ranging from 2a–4c say the lightweight formula makes it easy to define waves and curls.

Promising review: "This is my favorite hair system for my curly, 3a–3c, medium-coarse, very dry hair. This mousse makes my hair soft and bouncy, and it holds the curl well. My hair does not get as dry and frizzy as it used to. This gets reactivated easily with the Curl Refresher Spray, and my curls last for days." —ShaniAZ

Thank God It's Naturalis a woman-owned small business based in Chicago, Illinois.

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

18. A box of Blk & Bold coffee pods because you deserve to start your day with a cuppa joe that doesn't taste like dirt (I'm looking at you, every grocery store brand ever). Reviewers say these brew a smooth, rich, full-bodied cup of coffee — and of course, you can't beat the convenience of a K-Cup.

Target

Promising review: "I was a dark roast drinker and decided to try this brand. This is, hands down, the best medium-roast coffee I've ever purchased. The taste is strong, yet there is no bitter aftertaste. You can't go wrong with this coffee. This is the ONLY coffee that I purchase now." —MzRoss

Blk & Bold Coffee was founded by childhood friends Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson. They pledge 5% of their profits to initiatives that support workforce development, sustain youth programming, and eliminate youth homelessness.

Get a box of 20 pods from Amazon for $18.29 (available in three roasts and boxes of 32 and 60), from Target for $24.49 or from Blk & Bold for $18.49.

19. A pack of 100% bamboo toilet paper your 🍑 peach 🍑 will be so grateful for — reviewers say they're strong yet soft, and have zero shedding. This three-ply, 100% bamboo TP is biodegradable, meaning it'll easily break down in septic or sewer systems. Even those adorable Charmin bears would be impressed — and would probably ask Reel Paper if they're hiring.

Reel Paper

Promising review: "The best!! Best for the environment!! Best for the sewer system!! Best value!! Best for my bottom!!!!" —Terry C. 

Reel Paper was co-founded by Livio Bisterzo and Derin Oyekan. All of their shipping materials are biodegradable and use plastic-free packaging.

Get a 12-pack from Reel Paper for $27.99 (also available in packs of 24 and 48).

20. An oh-so-relaxing jelly pedicure pack so you get a spa-worthy treatment without being judged for swirling your feet around in the squishy mixture. This transforms into a softening jelly-like substance when mixed with warm water, which reviewers say feels satisfying as it sounds. Then you can follow up by pouring in the included dead sea salts, which will turn it back into a liquid so you can soak in their moisture-retaining properties — and it also makes it waaaaaaay easier to dispose of.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Absolutely FANTASTIC 😩 I haven’t had a jelly pedicure in literally ages and that last experience was at the nail salon. However, I’m now able to get the salon treatment at a fraction of the price thanks to So So Jelly! Buy this product, you won’t regret it!" —Ranet

Crafts and the City is a small business specializing in comforting aromatherapy and skincare products.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three scents).

21. A pair of moisture-wicking leggings for everyone who still wants to be comfy and cozy in the summertime. These will keep you cool and dry enough to head to a workout class, grab groceries on the way home, and lug said groceries into the house in the grueling June heat. 

Amazon

These are compression leggings, so the brand recommends going one size up if you want a roomier fit!

Promising review: "Took a leap — saw them via Oprah's fave things — she is so right — they are fantastic!... Fit beautifully. The compression is excellent for me; I wear them to work out, primarily. I miss them on days when they're in the wash. Getting another pair ASAP, so I can wear them more often! Good price point for the quality." —BB

Iconi is a woman-owned small business specializing in activewear.

Get it from Amazon for $45 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and five colors).

22. A super helpful habit tracker that gives you a perfect place to stay on top of your goals without feeling ridiculously overwhelmed (I'm stressed just thinking about my current notebook). This has a space to track your habits for each day of the week, and there's even a special section for self-reflection with questions like, "What was your proudest accomplishment this week?" Mine is introducing you to The 5 Habit Tracker.

Amazon

Promising review: "I LOVE this habit tracker so much! It's absolutely beautiful! It has a different design for every single week, and has the ability to track up to five habits, so it's not as overwhelming as some of those 30 habit trackers. If I do have a week where I want to track, say, 10 habits, all I do is double up on the lines, using a ruler. I seriously can't recommend this enough. I have seriously changed my life using this!" —Tank Girl

I Know Collection is a small business specializing in self-care products.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

23. A box filled with 52 surprise date night ideas so you can avoid the "um, what should we do this weekend?" discussion every Thursday night. Just pick a card at random and get ready to unlock your spontaneous side. There are even 300+ conversation starters so you never have to fill awkward silence with something like "so... what kind of groceries have you been into lately?"

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Each date night idea is covered at first — you can choose one based on the characteristics listed at the bottom of the card (such as how long it'll take, how much it'll cost, etc). The idea is that you commit to the idea on the card before revealing it!

Promising review: "I got this for my husband and I. We are doing a question a night and one date night a week. Both of us are enjoying this time together." —Sydnee G.

Dessie is a small business specializing in greeting cards.

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (also available in an "Intimate Conversation Starters" set).

24. A multi-surface cleaner concentrate from Pur Home that's basically the Frank's Red Hot of the cleaning world — you'll spray it on everything. From countertops to tiles, this plant-based formula can break down dirt and grime with the help of a little elbow grease.  

Pur Home

This is a concentrate, so be sure to dilute it before using! You receive a small glass bottle of concentrate and an empty spray bottle — just pour 1 oz of the concentrate and 16 oz of water in the spray bottle, give it a good shake, and get to spraying! 

Pur Home is a small business specializing in home cleaning essentials.

Get it from Pur Home for $9 (available in two scents).

25. A stain stick that'll be a lifesaver when the spaghetti you're eating decides to leap off of your fork and onto your favorite white top. Just wet the stain and the stick, give it a lather, then wash it as usual. It even works on set-in stains!

Loo Hoo

Loo Hoo is a small business specializing in laundry products.

Get it from Loo Hoo for $7.

Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.