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36 Things You Should Just Go Ahead And Buy Now Instead Of Waiting For Someone To Give Them To You As A Gift

Because if you want a capybara night-light, you should probably just buy a capybara night-light.

Posted 7 hours ago

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by Chelsea Stuart

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by Rebecca O'Connell

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Life is too short to keep a running list of things you hope someone else will eventually buy for you. If a giant pretzel floatie, thong bookmark, shark onesie, or dead dinosaur-inspired perfume is going to make you smile, you might as well click "add to cart" and call it a day. 

1. A handheld capybara night-light you can illuminate with a boop on the head when you wake up at 2 a.m. and head to the bathroom in complete darkness. 

www.amazon.com

This night-light can be turned on by tapping or squeezing it. It has two brightness settings and turns off automatically after 20 minutes. The listing has other fun shapes, like a pizza, a lucky cat, and a unicorn. 

Promising review: "Cute night-light for any capybara lover. Gives off a good amount of light and it’s not too bright or overpowering." —jaydynomite

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (also available in nine other styles). 

2. A hardcover sticker book with Victorian-inspired designs just begging for a place in your junk journal, on your laptop, your Nalgene, you know... wherever you can stick a sticker. If you have commitment issues when it comes to permanently placing your favorites, you can even opt for a reusable sticker album so you can peel 'em off and use 'em again later!

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These, as well as the other two books in the set, are easily the most beautiful stickers I’ve ever seen or used, and for significantly less than you’d be spending on stickers this pretty on Etsy, or anywhere else. —Layla

Get it from Amazon for $13.69 (also available in book and dream themes).

3. A miniature clay pottery wheel if you've been wanting to take up ceramics, but the time and price commitment are a bit scary. Instead, you can dip your toe in the pottery pool with this $15 setup and create your own bud vases (and shot glasses) right at home. 

Amazon

Promising review: "This mini pottery wheel was great for my daughter, and we had a blast playing with it. It was a bit of a learning curve at first, but we figured it out. I wish the pottery we made could be bigger. Maybe this is just a beginner's kind of device, but it sparked my interest so much that I want to get something larger now and do some real pottery. Overall, it was worth it." —Jason Custodio

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in regular or deluxe, which doubles the number of projects). 

4. A flower food charm made from copper — a natural antibacterial material that'll save your fresh-cut bouquet from murky water and fungi. If you've ever popped a penny (post-1982, that is) in your vase, this works much the same! It's just cuter, honestly. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My blooms lasted for three weeks with this copper heart. It’s not only beautiful, but it miraculously works! I could not believe how long the flowers my husband sent lasted. I usually get one week at best with plant food. Having fresh blooms around makes me calmer and happier. I am actually still in shock at how well this simple little copper heart worked. I felt like it warranted a 5-star review. A+ product!" —LPB

Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in two shapes). 

5. A smart birdfeeder so you can keep tabs on the family of tufted titmice that you've affectionately named and come up with a whole backstory for. When they're not around, the AI camera can also help you identify other species that pop by for lunch, and if (read: when) a squirrel tries to make off with all of the feed, you can use the app to trigger flashing lights or warning sounds. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

You can opt for notifications when birds come to visit (reviewers note that this can be overwhelming if you have a lot of birds in the area) and save videos for later. The videos are high-def and have night vision, so you can see every feather on that cardinal's head. 

Promising review: "Got this for my 95-year-old dad. He loves watching the birds come to visit, and I get to watch his feed from my home, too. I recommend this for any bird lover." —Cathy W

Get it from Amazon for $129.99+ (available in two colors). 

6. A shark onesie we suggest you buy NOW, so you can debut it during the Discovery Channel's 38th annual Shark Week this July 26 through Aug. 1. 🦈 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Note: Reviewers mention that you should size up.

Promising review: "I got this for my son, and since the day it came in, he's barely taken it off long enough for me to wash and dry it. He even sleeps in it. Needless to say, he really likes it! Great quality, too." —Jessica flores

Get it from Amazon for $19.90+ (available in sizes XS–XXXL).

7. A super squishy stick of "butter" you can squeeze, squish, pinch, pull — you name it — on the days when you're THIS close to having a menty b because your Dunkin' order doesn't taste like heaven... but like creek water. And $5 creek water, at that!

Amazon

Promising review: "This squishy looks so real that my husband was wondering why I was squeezing a stick of butter! It has just the right amount of tackiness, and the scent is pleasant." —davidandnina

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.20.

8. Avariety pack of Mexican hard candies with sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, including mango, watermelon, cucumber, tamarind, and pineapple, and a bold chile, lime, and sea salt center. You won't find these at your neighborhood corner store. 

www.instagram.com

Tamalitoz is a Latinx- and queer-owned business based in Texas. This ribbon-style candy is filled with a mild chili lime seasoning, making for a tangy, sweet treat. It was started in a tiny candy store in Mexico City by husband-and-husband team, Jack and Dec.

Promising review: "I once tried these after seeing them on a checkout line, and now I am completely in love. They are the perfect mixture of sweet, spicy, and salty! Since I go through them pretty fast, this is a great way to get all the flavors for a good price at once. They tend to get stuck together in transit, especially when traveling in Florida, but I’ve never had trouble separating them by gently patting the bag. If these candies pique your interest, go ahead and buy them!" —Katie

Get five bags from Amazon for $32.95.

9. A build-it-yourself Lego flower bouquet should you not have the patience/desire to cultivate *real* flowers, but are totally down to devote some serious hours to constructing a 756-piece arrangement of fake ones.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

See more floral options from Lego's Botanicals line.

Promising review: "This is a great gift for anyone who loves flowers. They are as sturdy as they get since they're Legos, and although they do take a while to build, it's a very fulfilling process. Love it and would set it aside as something to gift to several people at any point. They look beautiful!!" —Gaby

Get it from Amazon for $35.99.

10. Oh My Pigeons!, a family-friendly party game where the goal is to lure pigeons to your park bench and knock them off of your opponent's by flicking poo at them. The poop element certainly speaks to children, but adults will also enjoy the illustrations, which include things like a pigeon riding a cinnamon bun and a "biblically accurate pigeon."

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great game! Our whole family loves it! Our 5-year-old played it with cousins and grandparents, and they had a blast. It's quick and easy to set up and play. Makes for a nice after-supper game play. My child loves to 'fling poo' to knock people's pigeons over. There's value in learning to count, read, practice sportsmanship, and learning to roll with unpredictability packed into a quick, funny game involving collecting pigeons." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $16.19.

11. "Liquipens" — lava lamp–esque pens with mesmerizing bouncing bubbles. Reviewers say they double as fidget toys and make signing boring paperwork a bit more enjoyable. Imagine pulling out one of these bad boys to sign the dotted line on your divorce??

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I broke up the three-pack and gave one pen as a gift for a class gift exchange and put the other two in a stocking for Christmas. Good quality and approved by both the 8-year-old and 49-year-old husband, who is a kid at heart! Definitely recommend." —Kindle Customer

Get a set of three from Amazon for $16.99. 

12. A runaway alarm clock if you've missed countless appointments and slept through morning meetings because your iPhone alarm just isn't enough to rouse you. This lil' guy quite literally jumps off your nightstand and "rolls, vibrates, and plays hide-and-seek around your bedroom" until you wipe the sleep out of your eyes and turn it off. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Clocky is a small business!

Promising review: "My friends and family all know how terrible I am at waking up in the morning. Every alarm clock I have ever used has been defeated by my quick 'hit snooze button' reflexes. So much so that I find myself rushing for the door more often than I'd like. All that changed when I found Clocky. CLOCKY WORKS! Clocky moves, so I can't get comfortable or used to where the snooze button is placed. I easily carry Clocky to any room in the house I choose to get cozy, relax, and watch some TV until I fall asleep on a work night. I LOVE CLOCKY and highly recommend giving it a chance because you will fall in love with the results. I am now actively waking up at the original time I set my alarm to and also staying up so I can have a productive day. Get Clocky and save your day! ☆☆☆☆☆" —Valued Customer

Get it from Amazon for $25.05+ (available in 11 colors).

13. NodPod — a weighted sleep mask that offers gentle, evenly distributed pressure and a light- and sound-blocking experience so you can feel like you're in a sensory deprivation tank minus the water and $10,000 upfront cost. 

Amazon

Promising review: "I bought this for my partner and he felt that it was too heavy. I, ON THE OTHER HAND, fell in LOVE with this product. It’s definitely more on the expensive side, but it’s so worth it. Especially if you have migraines, because it feels like someone is hugging your eyes/face. It feels so amazing. In the mornings, my room gets so bright and always wakes me up, so I use this and instantly fall back asleep. And I LOVE that you can put it in the freezer; it feels so amazing. Also, I like to sleep on my side with my head elevated and this thing does not slide down. It feels so comfortable. If you’ve been contemplating, definitely get it — it’s worth the splurge!" —Michael

Get it from Amazon for $38+ (available in six colors and two fabrics). 

14. A giant pretzel floatie with three different loops you can wrap your limbs around in order to find the most comfortable lounge position. Fair warning: reviewers say it is somewhat of a chore to blow up, so just make sure you have a pump (preferably an electric one) on hand. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is the best float ever!!! It's a tad hard to inflate, but nothing wild. My son and I love this because we can both float together, and I can even put my legs through the third hole to lie back and float. I'd definitely buy this again; it's so cute and seems pretty sturdy." —steph & tom

Get it from Amazon for $21.50 (also available in 17 other styles).

15. A banana-shaped bed for the pet who loves "hiding" under blankets and in cardboard boxes. The top flap — or, if we're talking anatomically, the peel — offers them a private and enclosed space to nap.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I got this cat bed as a gift for my sibling, whose cat is a Big Boy at 17 pounds. I bought the biggest size available, and it's more than big enough for him. He loved sleeping in it at first, but now he just sleeps on top of it, so it's kind of...not as banana-shaped? Regardless, he loves it, so mission accomplished. An excellent banana!" —ADrops

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three sizes).

16. A miniature zen garden — in the form of a turtle sandbox every millennial will surely recognize — if you're looking to practice mindfulness but in a non-traditional way. 

Otter Finds / Etsy

Otter Findsis a Florida–based small biz with all sorts of quirky home decor and desk toys. 

Promising review: "I had a sandbox just like this as a kid. Now I have one just like it for my desk. Nostalgic, satisfying, fun. Thank you!" —Brooke 

Get it from Otter Findson Etsy for $19.99+ (available in three sizes).

17. Snif's Dead Dinosaur perfume — THE perfume for our fellow freaks who secretly love the scent of gasoline. The long-lasting fragrance mixes gasoline accord with floral, woody, and spicy notes for a delish (albeit polarizing) signature scent. 

Snif

Promising review: "I don’t know what it is about this fragrance, but I love it so much! It is unique for sure, but it reminds me of summer days in a garage, which sounds weird, but that’s what it makes me think of. But then, as that begins to fade, it turns into a great, clean scent. It is the most unique perfume I own, and I own a lot of perfumes (over 100). Snif is an amazing brand!" —Jill T

Get it from Snif for $25+ (available in two sizes).

18. An eight-ball vase, because the world is a pretty depressing place rn and you know what never fails to cheer us up? Novelty items. 

www.amazon.com

PS: If you're not a plant person, reviewers say it also works for pens, makeup brushes, perfume samples, matchbooks, and more. It comes from small biz Ban.do.

Promising review: "I love everything about this! The size, the quality, and the glossy finish! Double thumbs up!" —Stevie

Get it from Amazon for $26.95.

19. A set of mushroom bookmarks that just look plain adorable when displayed on your bookshelf. 

Amazon

Promising review: "These are very cute! I love the flexibility. The stems are long, so it will not get knocked out of your book (my book is always roaming in my bag). The top is subtle. It really looks like a mushroom emerging from your book. Worth the buy." —Atticus

Get a set of four from Amazon for $8.99 (also available as cable ties).

20. Or a crocheted thong bookmark if you're finally ready to replace the faded Target receipt you've been using to mark your page. Why a thong? I mean, why not? 

Trang Socks / Etsy

Trang Socks is a small business that also sells other book accessories like book trackers and page holders. 

Get it from Trang Socks on Etsy for $10.98+ (originally $19.97+; available in nine colors and with or without a charm).

21. A reviewer-belovedsparkling crystal suncatcher, sure to add a dose of whimsy to whatever room you place it in. I (Chelsea) fear that if I got one of these, my cats would be scaling the walls, trying to "catch" the sparkles. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Soooo pretty and makes the room dance with glittery disco spots. It’s such a whimsical little addition to the plant window." —KB 

Get it from Amazon for $16.99. 

22. Pigeon-shaped chip clips so your Doritos never go stale again 🙌🏻. And when they're not in use, the magnetic set sticks right to your fridge, so you won't misplace them. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are not only the cutest bag clips out there, but also are super sturdy! They function well and are easy to open and close." —Lindsay S.

Get a pack of four from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in five other designs).

23. A miniSurvivorflame puzzle if you're practicing for the day Jeff Probst and the producers FINALLY call you up for an interview. Look, season 50 winner Aubry Bracco bought a bootleg Simmotion off of Etsy and look how well that panned out for her!!!

Sands Game Co / Etsy

Sands Game Co is a small business that sells a handful of Survivor-inspired puzzles. 

Promising review: "We purchased this as a game to play at an upcoming family reunion. I am the designated tester, and I had fun putting the puzzle together. Looking forward to sharing it at the reunion this summer!" —Julia

Get it from Sands Game Co on Etsy for $24.99.

24. An ice cream cone flower planter with a sturdy ceramic build. You can use it as intended, or to store kitchen utensils, paint brushes, etc. — go wild with it!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Nebula Colors is a small business that specializes in unique home decor.

Promising review: "Absolutely obsessed! I have seen plastic ones, and well, ceramic is definitely a much better option. Beautiful quality, lots of compliments!" —Kate

Get it from Amazon for $29.95.

25. Wax seal stickers should you be using 2026 to revive the ancient art of snail mail. Better yet, as these are stickers, you don't have to worry about getting wax everywhere *or* burning your fingies. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I purchased the translucent wax seal stickers for my homemade greeting cards to add a seal to the envelope. These stickers do not look like stickers, they look like real wax seals, but better. I love them! Great adhesive that truly sticks well." —Sephina Shimizu

Get a pack of 72 or 108 stickers from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three styles). 

26. A disco ball watering globe if you've killed your fair share of plants from over- and underwatering. Simply fill the globe (each holds 180ml of water), pop it into your bb's soil, and watch it self-hydrate!

www.amazon.com

PS: DiscGrow is a small biz. 

Promising review: "I love the uniqueness of these watering tools! They sparkle subtly in the sunshine and provide me with the peace that I can go a few days without watering! Well designed, and I would buy from this seller again!" —Laura

Get a set of two from Amazon for $11.99.

27. A cutesy "books read this year" tracker you can plop on your bookshelf and update every time you finish another title. It's like a reward! 

Hobo Printing / Etsy

Hobo Printing is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin–based small business.

Promising review: "I am slowly creating my bookshelf — SO CUTE!! The little figure up top is magnetic, too — AMAZING. Super lightweight and good quality! Also shipped EXTREMELY FAST — I TOTALLY RECOMMEND!!" —isabella joanis

Get it fromHobo Printing on Etsy for $18 (available in four colors and your choice of four charms).

28. A set of  that *might* just make drying the dishes a little less painful.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

I (Bek) love these towels! I use them in my bathroom, and the pop of color really helps with the otherwise dreary look of the gray tiles. I rent, so finding easy ways to brighten the space is key. 

Promising review: "They're soft, fluffy, and vibrant. They're the perfect hand towels for your bathroom or your kitchen. Worth every single penny." —Carter James

Get a pack of four from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four colors or a mixed pack).

29. A pair of minimalist magazine holders where you can display the titles you *want* people to think you read. The New Yorker, Architectural Digest, and National Geographic? Why yes, ::adjusts bowtie:: I am that well-read.

Amazon

Promising review: "These are a very fun alternative shelf option in our RV. We needed a place to put our books and iPads. I even use it for my phone at night. The style fits perfectly, and also these were easy to assemble." —Frankly Just Nikki

Get them from Amazon for $34.

30. An animal cookie pillow if your home is one elephant (or camel, or rhino...) short of a circus, and you know what? You're leaning into it at this point. 

MiaBOWstyle / Etsy

MiaBOWstyle is a small business that makes the cutest homemade plushies. 

Promising review: "These animal cracker pillows are everything! So adorable, always make me smile." —Lauren 

Get it from MiaBOWstyle on Etsy for $31.92+ (originally $39.90+; available in three animals and two colors). 

31. A three-color adjustable book lamp you can use to illuminate your space as you dive into the new period drama you just picked up. See you in nine hours, outside world!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Good size, lights up very well. Changes colors easily by just opening and closing the book. Very nice light." —RKC

Get it from Amazon for $23.99.

32. A coconut soy scented candle with romantic, grounding notes of lily of the valley, wood, dewy leaves, and ylang ylang. Light it up, and you'll feel like you're staying in the French countryside with the windows cracked, birds chirping, and a fresh baguette just waiting to be devoured. 

Loam

Loam is a Black woman–owned small-batch candle company that draws inspiration from founder and urban farmer Jessica White’s time spent in gardens around Los Angeles.

Get it from Loam for $33. 

33. A clever two-sided travel cup if you're a multi-beverage person to your core. It's also a great way to encourage yourself to drink water alongside your coffee if you're perpetually dehydrated...

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "You NEED this. This product is AMAZING. When I run errands, I hate bringing both a water bottle and a coffee tumbler. This product solves that issue. I ran it through my dishwasher to clean it, and the plastic didn’t morph at all. 10/10 recommend!" —Megan Huffman

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in two colors). 

34. Hand-blown glass olive earrings you can wear to all of the social events on your cal. As each piece is handmade, no two are alike, either, which makes them even more special. 

Notte Jewelry

You can also find a matching olive necklace here. 

Notte Jewelry is a small business owned by Jessica Tse, a former accessories trend director.

Get it from Notte Jewelryfor $38+ (available in one or two earrings). 

35. A quilted pouch set with a darling pattern like teddy bears in overalls or delicate cherries against a gingham background. Taking your makeup off at the end of a long day is the WORST, but when your skincare is stored in here, at least it makes for a cute lil' moment. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "This is an ideal toiletry bag. A lot of space inside and has a zipper on the top. It’s not too soft to wear. It isn’t durable once it’s zipped and has a few things in it. It sits very nicely. It’s good for travel. It seems like it will be very durable. Good price for this item." —Maria

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in single bags or sets of three). 

36. And a pair of strawberry- and carrot-shaped utility knives so you can open all of your forthcoming treats in summer style. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I got these because I needed a way to cut open a packet that a medication I take comes in. I've now just decided to take them all out of said packaging and put the pills in a small container. Go figure. BUT I still use these all the time. They're small but mighty. They cut through cardboard like a dream. And of course they're super cute! Who doesn't want cute stuff? I do. They're great for on-the-go because they're small and you can attach them to a keychain. I love them." —realhorrorshow

Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.98.

Still deciding what to treat yourself to? Here are some additional options:

* Good-Vibes-Only Purchases If You’re In Desperate Need Of A Mood Boost

* Cute Little Treats That’ll Give You The Same Thrill As Picking Out A Gift At The Dentist’s Office As A Kid

* Under-$10 Buys You’ll Be Obsessed With This Summer

* Just 36 Things You Probably Never Thought To Buy (But Absolutely Should)

* Things You Can Buy Because You're An Adult And Make Your Own Decisions

Plus, finds from Amazon, Urban Outfitters, and Walmart.

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Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity. 

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