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31 Cheap Products That’ll Cheer You Up If The Heat Is Bumming You Out

I desperately need to show you this little penguin that holds your ice cream pint for you.

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by Daniel Boan BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff

I'm a Shopping Editor who uses my passion for hitting "add to cart" (and my 8+ years in media) to curate the best products on the web — I'm particularly passionate about finding the best beauty products, which probably stems from my days of working at Lush Cosmetics, where I learned about effective skincare ingredients while getting covered in bath bomb dust every day.

1. A portable rechargeable fan with a genius feature I honestly can't believe all mini fans don't come with — a clip! Now you can attach your portable fan to your shirt, handbag strap, car visor, baby stroller, beach chair, or anywhere else you need a little extra breeze. The fan's head can rotate 180 degrees, and the battery can last for up to six hours, depending on which of the four speeds you use (the higher the speed, the lower the battery life).

www.amazon.com

It recharges via USB-C.

Promising review: "It’s super compact, lightweight, and easy to carry everywhere. The pink color is adorable, and the design feels modern and cute. I really like that it comes with a clip and wrist strap. The airflow is surprisingly strong for such a small fan, and it charges quickly with the included USB cable. The battery lasts a good amount of time, and it’s also very quiet." —Jaime

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in six colors).

2. E.l.f. Skin Thirst Burst Lip Treatment in summery flavors like Guava, Blue Hibiscus, and Pomelo so you can treat your pout to some fruity goodness and moisture at the same time. It features a 1% peptide complex to provide a subtle plumping effect and cocoa seed butter for some long-lasting hydration (up to 12 hours, to be exact!) Save your $24 and step away from the overpriced tubes of lip balm at Sephora.

www.instagram.com, Amazon

See them on TikTok here.

Promising review: "The texture is thick! But it’s a good thick. These feel so smooth on the lips and are very glossy. Currently my favorite E.l.f. lip product, over the Glow Reviver Oil. Smell is not overwhelming and neither is taste. I came back to order them all." —Khloe3

Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in three flavors). 

3. A pack of Dunkin' Refreshers if you need a lil' caffeine boost with your fruity bev. You'll get 80 milligrams of caffeine from green tea while treating your taste buds to summery flavors like 🍓 Strawberry Dragonfruit Lemonade 🍋 and 🥭 Mango Pineapple. 🍍

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Just mix one stick with 16.9 ounces of water. See it in action on TikTok here.

Promising review: "Love Dunkin but have never tried their refreshers. These are now one of my top favorite drink enhancers. These packets are super affordable! They are also extremely tasty and don’t leave the aftertaste some water enhancers or powders do. They come in a variety of flavors, and all are equally yummy! It’s also 'refreshing' that these don’t cost an arm and a leg. I plan to order more today. I love that these will help you meet your daily water intake goals easily!" —Mississippi Mama!

Get a 40-count variety pack from Amazon for $12.98.

4. Pebbles the Penguin — a precious pal who will hold your ice cream pint for you so you'll never have to deal with frosty hands again. Everyone knows about brain freeze, but we don't talk enough about finger freeze. 🥶 There are even two slots on the side to hold a spoon for you and your ice cream-loving buddy if you feel like sharing (no judgment if you don't).

See Work Design / Etsy

This is designed to fit most 16-ounce ice cream pints. 

Promising review: "How convenient, keeps the ice cream cold and my hands from getting sticky. And it’s cute too!" —S

See Work Design is a small Etsy shop specializing in 3D-printed goods.

Get from See Work Design on Etsy for $19.85+ (originally $20.90; available in nine colors).

5. The Crème Shop x Hello Kitty oil-blotting sheets that come in an adorable matching compact. The game changer is the Hello Kitty-shaped puff with an adhesive strip that makes picking up the oil sheets a breeze. Just press the puff down on the sheets to pick one up, then press it on your face to mop up excess oil.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Works great. Small enough to put in a purse and very cute too. Absorption is awesome." —K. Mac

Get it from Amazon for $8.95.

6. McCormick Zesty Lemon Finishing Saltto add a citrusy kick to all the meals you're forcing yourself to stay in and cook (saving money + staying out of the heat = win/win). Sprinkle it on everything from grilled chicken to steamed veggies — and I have a sneaking suspicion it would taste amazing on seafood.

Amazon

Promising review: "Love this lemon salt. It tastes great on avocado toast. I’ve also added it to chicken piccata." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $3.47.

7. A basic tee that's anything but basic. Reviewers say it's extremely lightweight, buttery smooth, supremely stretchy, and brilliantly breathable, which are basically all the best things a warm weather top can be. Plus, some reviewers say it's similar to a similar style from Skims. 👀

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Best shirt for everyday casual, pair with a blazer, or use for a workout. I love the soft feel and being form-fitting without feeling restricting. It also doesn’t wrinkle easily, which makes it great for travel!" —Mermaid Mamma

Get it from Amazon for $8.41+(available in women's sizes 3XS–4XL and dozens of colors). 

8. A waterproof version of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, because it's basically the GOAT of family-friendly, easy-to-learn card games, which means everyone at the pool party will be able to join in. Even your brother, whose brain starts to melt the moment any game rules are explained to him. He'll learn as you go.

www.amazon.com

To play, pass out all of the cards to players and have everyone keep their pile facedown. Everyone takes turns putting a card in the middle while saying "taco," "cat," "goat," "cheese," and "pizza" in that order. If the picture on the card that's placed down matches the word that's been said, everyone races to slap the center pile of cards, and whoever slaps the pile last has to add the center pile to their personal pile. Oh! And there's also "narwhal," where everyone makes a unicorn horn with their hands clapped together above their heads; "gorilla," where everyone bangs on their chest like a gorilla; and "groundhog," where everyone has to knock on the table. Whoever does the motion last picks up the center pile. Whoever runs out of cards first wins! You can play with three to eight players, and the *recommended* age is 8+.

Promising review: "I always think about games to play when at the pool — especially when there are 10-minute swim breaks and everyone is out of the pool — this is the perfect game! First of all, our family loves Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. It's a game that's really easy to learn and is an energetic card game (perfect for kids!). To be able to bring this game around the water is awesome. I love how the cards are heavier, so they don't blow away as easily, too. The card ring makes them really easy to just toss in a bag, and I feel like it's indestructible. Honestly, we'll probably play this version of the game even inside just because of how indestructible it is (no one accidentally stepping on a card/ creasing it, etc.).

Dolphin Hat Games is a small biz that specializes in family-friendly card games.

Highly recommend!" —jessie

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

9. A set ofLego sunflowers that are basically summer in brick form. You'll get two brightly colored sunflowers in each pack, which are practically begging to be placed on your desk.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are so cute and easy to assemble. Highly recommend as a fun gift to adults and kids." —Katie A. 

Get it from Amazon for$14.24. 

10. A set of cooling towels — just soak it and wring it out to activate its magic powers. Not only is it cool to the touch for up to three hours, but it also works to wick away sweat. It's also super versatile: You can wear it around your neck, tie it around your wrist, wear it as a headband, or place anywhere else you need some sweet cooling relief.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It gets to be over 100 degrees in the summer where I live. These come in handy when working in the yard, at the beach or even at the county fair when it's super hot. What a relief these are to use when the weather is hot. I've purchased these many times because I always seem to give them out especially to those that work outside in the heat (mail carrier, pool guy, landscaper...) and they are always very appreciative." —Realfoodmama

Get a set of four from Amazon for $11.89+ (available in 10 color sets).

11. A pink cowboy hat disco ball, because it'll keep the dopamine flowing while you crank the AC and wait for your car to cool down. Plus, it'll pair perfectly with your "Kacey Musgraves Summer Bops" playlist.

Miami Design District/Etsy

Psst — these also make great ornaments during the holidays! 

Promising review: "Legit the cutest thing I have ever bought. Looks just like the pic, and the packaging was adorable! Legit in love." —Avery Forbes

Miami Design Districtis a Florida-based Etsy shop that specializes in handmade car accessories. 

Get it from Miami Design Districton Etsy for $7.49 (originally $14.99). 

12. An Olly body wash in the 🧊 Cool Mood and Skin 🧊 scent that's designed to feel icy-cold on contact with your skin. The secret? It's formulated with menthol for a tingly sensation. One reviewer even said the cooling effect lasted for a full 20 minutes!

Amazon

Just a heads-up that menthol can be drying, so you may want to spot-test if you have dry or sensitive skin.

Promising review: "​I'm officially obsessed with this body wash! It delivers a rich, creamy lather that cleanses deeply while keeping my skin's natural moisture intact. Unlike heavy formulas, it leaves behind a silky, breathable barrier that feels lightweight and fresh — never greasy. The 'Cool Mood' fragrance is a total game-changer; it’s crisp, invigorating, and perfectly matches the name. Between the convenient pump bottle and the incredible value, this is now a permanent staple in my shower." —Superwmn

Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 

13. A 6.7-ounce *micro* Hydro Flask you can easily throw in basically any bag — and yep, it's leakproof! This is perfect if you want enough water to keep you hydrated in a pinch but don't want to carry around a giant 40-ounce tumbler (those things get heavy). It'll keep your beverage cold or hot for seven hours, meaning you can even fill it with some coffee if you're more concerned about being caffeinated. 

Amazon

See it on TikTok here.

Promising review: "Adorable, and way more useful than you'd think. I've been using it for water; it fits in my purse or pant pocket perfectly, and it holds more than you think. I bought a second one for my daughter, and it was great at Disney the other day, not too heavy or cumbersome. It fit perfectly in the side outer pocket of her Loungefly mini backpack and kept her drink cold, and she just refilled it as needed." —erinm51 

Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in several styles).

14. Pantene's Sunkiss Glow Multitasking Spray, which is designed to provide UV hair protection in just a few spritzes! Heading to the beach or pool? It can also help provide protection against chlorine and salt damage (though be sure to reapply after taking a dip). You'll also get a dose of vitamin E and niacinamide to lightly hydrate and prevent tangles.

www.instagram.com, www.instagram.com

Though this is designed to help protect your hair from UV rays, it is not an SPF sunscreen. A UV hair-protectant can help stop color fading and protect the keratin proteins, while SPF sunscreens are meant to help protect the skin. So, if you're looking for something that can also protect your scalp, consider opting for an SPF scalp mist, like this popular option from Sun Bum.

Promising review: "This is such a great idea to have for hair during the summer or even living in a warmer climate. I put it in mine and my three girls' hair today before the pool, and hair felt great after washing. Highly recommend." —Alyssa Speaker

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

15. A set of The Met Band-Aidsfeaturing the work of Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. They're made of a flexible fabric material that'll easily move with you, and each of the three sizes features a different print so you can turn your boo-boos into works of art. Don't be surprised if people start crowding around your knee scrape like it's the Mona Lisa.

Amazon

See them on TikTok here.

Promising review: "So totally awesome. 😬 I needed new Band-Aids — I’m always doing something ridiculous, and with these, so pretty. I have one cat that likes to let me know when she’s done with pets, and I have claw marks from her — not to mention my general clumsiness with gardening and cooking. Love them!!" —Mom the Handyman

Get a set of 50 from Amazon for $6.29.

16. An ILNP nail polish in the shade High Dive, a *stunning* shade that can only be described as a ✨ periwinkle-violet poolside moment. ✨ It's designed to give you full coverage in just two coats, and reviewers say it's reliably chip-resistant.

Amazon

Promising review: "This is the most perfect periwinkle nail polish I get so many compliments on this!!! I got a North Face hoodie that pairs with it perfectly, and periwinkle is like the new color for spring-summer 2026. I'm in love with this color and the nail polish is a great quality." —Sheena B.

Price: $10

17. A pair of beach socks if you're the type of person who loves the idea of the ocean but hates the sensation of jagged rocks and shell bits stabbing your feet (hi, it's me — that type of person). These have a durable anti-slip outsole with a stretchy, breathable, sock-like upper that'll keep you comfy on all of your beach adventures. Also, no more rinsing sand off your feet!!!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Water sports shoes save the bottom of my feet from being torn up by the pebble tech on the floor of my pool. It also protects feet from the intense Arizona heat on pool decks (yes, even pool decks get extremely hot in Arizona). I will definitely wear them when at the beach — walking on sand and in the ocean." —noslip

Get them from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in women's sizes 4–13.5, men's sizes 3–12, and various designs).

18. A hair tie keychain for anyone who is going to *LOSE IT* if they have to dive down to the bottom of their tote bag one more time to find one. This handy gadget can hold up to three ties and can hang out on the side of your bag so it's always within easy reach when you need to grab one on the go.

Amazon

Promising review: "I have left the house on numerous occasions and needed a hair tie and could never find one. I could dig through my purse, diaper bags, and car, and there was never a hair tie lying around. I have had to refill this hair-tie holder on about five occasions because of how many times I've taken hair ties off for myself and the friends who need one. Great invention." —Samantha

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in three colors). 

19. A three-pack of vintage-inspired sunglasses because let's face it, you're bound to lose at least one pair over the next few months, so you might as well have two more for backup. The glare-reducing polarized lenses will help block UVA and UVB rays, and the sleek Ray Ban-esque style will get you tons of compliments. Start practicing your response now: "Thanks! I got three for under $20!!" 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’ve been buying these for years. They replaced my Ray-Bans that look identical! Fit great, and with the price point, I don’t have to worry too much with my kids and being on the go!" —Jessica M

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $19.99 (available in five sets, as well as two-packs, and individual pairs). 

20. A hat clip you can attach to your bag strap so you can have a handy spot to store your hat without having to meticulously fold it back up. And yay for not taking up any extra space in your bag! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It’s so cute! Can’t believe I haven’t bought earlier. It’s so practical and perfect. I bought it for a festival so I didn’t need to carry all day/night if I didn’t want to wear my hat." —DF218

Get it from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in ten styles and in two-packs). 

21. A genius Sok It JavaSok because it's finally iced coffee season and you need something to keep your hands protected from pesky condensation. It also functions as a built-in coaster, so no more iced coffee rings on your wood furniture! It comes in plenty of fun prints, but the "Like Fine China" print is the fancy aesthetic your cold brew deserves.

Amazon

Promising review: "I'm obsessed!!! I keep this in my teacher desk so that I can easily use it whenever I stop for coffee in the morning on my way to school. It's a super cute pattern for an English teacher. I can hold my iced coffee without making my hands cold. The best part is that I don't have a puddle of condensation on my desk as the coffee melts." —Former Lifeguard, sunglasses expert

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in five sizes and various other prints).

22. A pair of open-toe sandals — if my calculations are correct, these should go with approximately 1,000% of your warm weather dresses. The elastic straps give these a super comfy and lightweight feel that'll have you reaching for them all season long.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love these sandals. I have four colors. They are comfortable, easy on and off, and go with so many types of outfits." —Kristi S.

Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and 14 colors).

23. Mrs. Meyer's multi-surface spray, because multipurpose cleaning products are truly the key to convincing yourself to pause your fun and get some actual cleaning done quickly. Plus, the seasonal Tomato Vine scent will have your kitchen smelling like a perfectly curated garden full of fresh produce just begging to be picked.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

See it on TikTok here.

Promising review (for tomato vine): "I buy a bottle of this every summer! Smells like summertime — exactly like a garden. The smell at first was like what am I smelling?? But it grew on me (no pun intended), and the scent lingers long after I've cleaned, so it has helped my apartment smell fresh and clean at all times. I love all Mrs. Meyer's stuff — the effectiveness goes without saying!" —Sarah Warnock

Get it from Amazon for$4.89 (available in nine scents). 

24. Batiste Sweat Activated Dry Shampoo — um, you read that correctly, this is literally activated by your sweat! It's designed to absorb excess oil and release a deliciously fruity scent as you heat up throughout the day.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My favorite dry shampoo! It smells great and truly is sweat-activated. I wear it during some heavy workouts, and I can smell it, and it helps keep my hair from being greasy if I have plans after." —Marianna Stutts

Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in two sizes).

25. Dr. Teal's Epsom salt in a limited edition 🌺 Hawaiian Bliss 🌺 scent. Your muscles will love it after a long day, and your nostrils will *adore* the summery scent of fresh papaya and hibiscus as your worries melt away.

Amazon

Read more about how an Epsom salt soak or bath can help with muscle pain, soreness, and mental stress at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "I love a good Epsom soak and have at least three varieties in my cabinet. I used it specifically as a foot soak rather than a bath. The scent did not disappoint and I didn't notice any sacrifice in quality, or any irritation, with the added scent. It was a nice way to mix things up!" —Sara Q.

Get it from Amazon for $5.87.

26. Vaseline Sunlit Glow Body Gel — um, don't tell Sol de Janeiro, but reviewers are comparing this to its $36 Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Oil.  👀 🤫 This lightweight body gel is the perfect texture for hot weather and will add a gorgeous shimmer to your skin. Oh, and it smells like a delectable blend of vanilla and cocoa that might just make you skip your go-to perfume.

www.amazon.com

You can check outVaseline's radiant body oils and lotions for more options! 

Promising review: "I am shocked by how pretty it is and how good it smells. Also, great price and great quality. It’s not too greasy, just really nicely moisturizing :)." —Faith Bremmer 

Get it from Amazon for $8.97. 

27. A fabulously flowy dress you'll be tempted to live in all, especially once you feel how soft and stretchy the bodice is. Reviewers love it so much that they even pair it with a cardigan or denim jacket to keep wearing it in the fall.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This dress is so stinking cute! I love the vibrant colors and the fit — it's lightweight, stretchy, so it doesn't bind, and made of a cool, comfortable material so you don't overheat or feel scratchy." —Silver Sass

Price: $19.99+ (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 35 colors)

28. Biodance's Jelly Serum Mists, which is basically a sprayable version of their super iconic overnight face masks! If you've ever used those, you know they leave you with a dewy glow when you remove them, and these mists are designed to give you that same look instantly. The pink one features collagen peptides to help firm the skin and restore your moisture barrier, while the purple one features caviar water and caviar extract for extra hydration and brightening. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

See it on TikTok here.

Promising review: "WHERE has this been all my life?! I have AT LEAST 15 misters of Swiss Alp water, rose, aloe, serum, and toner mists, BUT this is unlike ANY of them! This is not watery and does look like a pretty solid gel in the bottle, but sprays on quite fine, then provides a skin barrier, and you do glow for a few hours. You look hydrated, and I thought I would be able to 'feel' it on like a mask, but even when you touch it, it does not have a film, nor does it flake or roll off. Think of it as a setting spray with a sheen to it — not totally noticeable and fake looking though — GLOW all day." —LeeLoo

Price: $16.99 (available in two formulas)

29. A colorful crystal suncatcher, which is perfect for any room in your home — except maybe your wfh space. It's so shiny and enchanting that you might just stare at it all day and get zero work done. If that happens, just send a pic to your boss. I'm sure they'll understand.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Sparkling and beautiful. I bought these to hang in my kitchen window, and they are perfect. The sun hits the crystals, and it creates a beautiful shine and radiance. I've received lots of compliments. Nice buy!" —Alicia Burciaga

Get it from Amazon for $13.76+ (available in eight colors/styles).

30. A Touchland hand sanitizer with a Hello Kitty carrying case — these trendy hand sanis are already super chic to begin with, but the Hello Kitty case makes them irresistible. Reviewers say this is worth the splurge, especially since it doesn't have that obnoxious alcohol-y smell cheaper sanitizers often have. (It smells like a juicy blend of berries instead!) Your B&BW sanis have some serious competition.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I made this purchase for my 10-year-old daughter, as she loves Hello Kitty and TouchLand hand sanitizers, and we both loved it so much, I ended up purchasing another for me! The scent is soo good, smells more like berries than alcohol... And we love that it has the cover that you can hang it on your purse or with your keys, and it’s removable, so we can put it on a new one when this one runs out!" —Priscilla C.

Get it from Amazon for $20.

31. A pack of four Croc-inspired car air fresheners — listen, Crocs are some of the most odor-resistant shoes out there, so I trust them when it comes to scent. These clip right onto your vents and come with 12 scent pads (four lavender, four fern, and four unscented) that will slowly overpower the lingering scent of the Five Guys fries you picked up for lunch.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Bought them as a gift, but now I'm keeping one lol just because they are so cute." —Jessica Geer

Get them from Amazon for $9.99.

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The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.