38 Unnecessary Necessities That Just Make Life A Little Sweeter

38 Unnecessary Necessities That Just Make Life A Little Sweeter

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-09-06 05:07

1. A pack of four Croc-inspired car air fresheners that promise to smell a lot fresher than actual clogs. The, uh, unconventional car accessories clip onto your vents and come with 12 scent pads (four lavender, four fern, and four unscented).

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.

2. A pack of mini ramen erasers complete with realistic wrappers to really sell the experience. No hot water needed to get these to start working! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Super cute and they are going to be such a hit in my treasure box!" —Octavia

Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $8.99.

3. A novelty candle that perfectly sums up this year...and last year, and the year before, and the year before, and — you get the picture. 

Wick Works Candles / Etsy

Promising review: "This candle is simply the BEST!!! The perfect gift for a loved one who is having one heck of a dumpster fire of a year! We need more gifts like this! Perfect way to spread some laughter!! And a great product!" —Debra

Get it from Wick Works Candles on Etsy for $19.97.

4. A "Penny the Penguin" silicone measuring cup in case you want to cuteify everything in your cabinet. Unlike your old glass measuring cup, this soft silicone one will make it easy for your little one to help with cooking. If someone drops it, it won't break! 

Amazon

Promising review: "​I LOVE the unique and cute design of this measuring cup because the penguin is my favorite animal! ​​The cup is made of silicone, so it is kind of slippery, but safe and will not break if I drop it.​" —Jimmyzzxhlh

Get it from Amazon for $14.95

5. A hand sanitizer keychain case compatible with Touchlandthat'll allow you to grab your fave spray at a moment's notice — it's not like anyone wants to dig through their bag with GERMY HANDS. 😱

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Works perfectly with my Touchland hand sanitizer!! Great because I can put it on my keys, my bag, etc!" —Alison

Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in seven colors and multipacks). 

6. A double-buckle slides in biteable jelly styles that are — I'm sorry, I have to say it — cooler than Adidas slides! People at the pool, spa, and grocery store are gonna be chasing after you to find out where you snagged these '90s-inspired cuties. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "So soft and fitted to my feet. Probably going to get other colors very soon. Love an easy slip-on that’s affordable." —Bran fish

Get it from Amazon for$27.99 (available in women's sizes 6–11 and dozens of colors). 

7. A set of mushroom bookmarks because I know I'm not the only one who wants to live in a fairytale home. Since the silicone mushies are flexible, you can even pop them in the middle of your book to save your spot mid-page. 

Amazon

Promising review: "These are very cute! I love the flexibility. The stems are long so it will not get knocked out 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).

8. Moodmatcher's color-changing lipstick that starts Elphaba green and then reacts to the pH of your skin to create a Glinda-approved pink. The truly magical formula defies grav— I mean, time by staying on all day, even after eating and drinking. 

Amazon

Moodmatcher is a small business that specializes in color-changing lipstick. 

Promising review: "This color is beautiful and shows up differently on everyone. The thing that I like most about this product is that it stays on all day, even after eating several meals. I have to use a microfiber cloth to remove it at night!" —Rasheda

Get it from Amazon for $6.59 (also available in nine other colors). 

9. A set of witch- and wizard-shaped chocolate pretzels if you want a step up from the usual witch finger spread. They're made to order in Pennsylvania, which I understand is a great place to get chocolate from. 

Chocolates Unlimited / Etsy

Chocolates Unlimited is a small business that sells novelty chocolate. They offer cold shipping options to keep the treats from melting. 

Get a pack of four from Chocolates Unlimited on Etsy for $26 (available in white, milk, or dark chocolate, or a variety pack).

10. A set of vintage-inspired spoons — if these aren't cottagecore, I don't know what is. Set them out at your next tea party and let the compliments roll in. Praise for your good taste? Sweeter than two lumps of sugar. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The perfect little coffee spoons on my coffee bar! They go with my modern vintage thrifted decor and make me smile. 🥰" —Lindsey

Get a set of six from Amazon for$4.76

11. A long-lasting temporary tattoo kit for when you're bored of your current ink situation and wanna mix it up — for a little bit, at least.

www.amazon.com

Apply the ink with a stencil and the tattoo will develop over the next day to look like the real deal.

Promising review: "I purchased the kit for me and my GF. This was my first time doing this kind of tattoo making, so I wasn't sure what to expect aside from having a lot of fun. Well, we had way more than fun as we started inking each other. The tattoo-making process is really easy. My tat is now six days old and still looks dark and sharp." —Golan

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes).

12. A *brand new* Groovy Jewel fidget toy from NeeDoh, the leading company in "stuff I wanna squeeze." Like everything else made by this brand, this mesmerizing jewel has the perfect amount of give and will be oh-so satisfying to squish and stretch. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Schylling is a small business that specializes in modern and retro toys, games, and sets. 

Promising review: "My kids love all of the NeeDoh stuff! We’ve collected many over the years, and very few have popped. This one was a birthday gift for a 10-year-old friend, and she loved it!" —mom of girls

Get it from Amazon for $6.99(you'll be randomly sent one of three colors).

Check out the rest of the Nee-Doh fidget toy options on their Amazon storefront! 

13. A Polly Pocket shaped like Michael Scott's mug. Inside, you'll find some of the beloved employees of Dunder Mifflin (Pam, Jim, Dwight, Michael, Kevin, and Kelly), accessories (like the stapler in Jell-O or Dwight's pumpkin head), and tiny rooms for the characters to try to work in. There's even Angela's cat and the bat in the attic! 

www.amazon.com

How many show references can you find in this set? I can't believe they included Kevin's spilled chili. 😭

Promising review: "I'm a vintage Polly Pocket collector as well as a huge pop culture fan, and this is SUCH a fun addition to my collection. It's detailed with tons of fun little Easter eggs and pieces. The packaging is great, and clearly designed to display the set without unboxing it. I kept the packaging but display it on a shelf, and it's cute whether open or closed. It's relatively large compared to the original Bluebird compacts, but it makes up for it with how many rooms and scenes it depicts. I also have the Friendscompact, and the two coffee mugs look adorable together (despite the handles being on opposite sides). I love Mattel for making this." —Laura

Get it from Amazon for $43.49.

14. An egg mold setthat turns regular eggs (boring) into bunnies and bears (exciting, adorable). Reviewers mention they also work well for rice, so maybe it's time you enter your creative bento box phase. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this! This does exactly what it’s supposed to! My daughters fave lit up seeing her hard-boiled eggs look like bunnies. So easy and a breeze to clean." —Karen

Get a set of two from Amazon for $5.30

15. A jar of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnadust seasoning if you want the best cereal flavor to extend past breakfast time. Just imagine how tasty this would be sprinkled over a hot beverage, ice cream, apple slices, or  buttered toast. (Cinnamon Toast Crunch cinnamon toast!)

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The flavor is great and tastes better than the cereal. I sprinkle it in coffee with sweet cream, and it makes a very good morning cup of coffee. I love it.❣️Keep it as a normal and necessary household seasoning, y’all. All the best! 💋" —JessiSarai7186

Get it from Amazon for $3.49+ (available in two sizes). 

16. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit that comes with three different numbered canvas designs, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and an easel to display your tiny masterpieces. It's perfect for adults and teens looking for a quick project and kids working on their fine motor skills. 

www.amazon.com

The kit comes with two landscapes and one portrait of Bob.

Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross) and What a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" —slb m

Get it from Amazon for $6.80.

17. A mini scrunchie made to be worn without double-tying so it looks like a butterfly. If this doesn't earn you 1,000 compliments, nothing will.

Chunks

Chunks is an Asian woman–owned small business based in Seattle that makes cute hair accessories. 

Promising review: "So cute to put over a bun. Thinking about buying more for myself and as gifts!" —Bryanne

Get it from Chunks for $35 (available in two sizes).

18. A handy fork that clips onto the side of your pickle jar for easy midnight snacking.

www.amazon.com

The fork has three prongs to make it easy to spear olives and pickles.

Promising review: "This is one of my favorite kitchen gizmos, and it doesn't take up room in the drawer! I eat lots of olives, and this keeps me from having to wash or get a clean fork when I'm in the middle of making a salad or just want a snack, and it makes spearing the olives easier, too. It comes with two sizes to fit any jar (even though if you need, this I feel like you probably get the big jars, right?). They are stretchy and easy to get on and off. I usually just rinse it between uses and then wash the whole set up when I open a new jar (which is about weekly)." —Emily

Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

19. A giant pack of *100* Welly fabric bandages with the amazing ability to change colors in the sunlight! Watch in awe as a scrape becomes a magical work of art. 😎

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are the best children’s bandages. I love the color-changing design — it makes these fun and less daunting for a child to wear. I actually have to hide these so my child does not put these on for fun/fashion statement, haha. Very comfortable and flexible material that stays on quite well/but not too much so that it is hard to take off." —Mama N 

Get them from Amazon for $17.99.

20. A miniature Stanley tape measurer keychainso you no longer have to wonder how tall something is and try to guesstimate with your hands. This would come in clutch when furniture shopping or calling out a date for lying about their height (JK, JK).  

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It can measure up to 3 feet, so it's better for measuring smaller things.

Promising review: "I thrift a lot and often wish I had a measuring tape to compare picture frame sizes, furniture, etc. This has come in handy so many times. It can attach to your keychain/bag, or you can keep it in your car for such an occasion." —KB

Get it from Amazon for $6.36.

21. A pack of self-heating lavender eye masks to help you get in the zone and let off some steam if upcoming travel plans, that one broken AC, an ant infestation, etc., have got you STRESSED! Just open, pop one on, and it'll heat up to 113 degrees — no microwave needed. Reviewers note that these are also great for headache relief. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins.

Promising review: "While they don’t reduce my dryness, I have never slept better wearing these before bed. The heat is so nice. The fit is perfect. Light on my face, and after about 30 seconds, I don’t even feel it around my ears. I’m so glad I discovered these. Will be buying again!" —Tiffany Campbell

Get a set of ten from Amazon for $6.99

22. A glow-in-the-dark Plumbob necklace for people who want to show off their love of the Sims. It's a subtle way to let other puppet mast— uhm, players know that yeah, you've also killed a bunch of people by deleting the pool ladder. 

Aegodesigns / Etsy

Aegodesigns is a small business based in London that sells glowing jewelry. 

Promising review: "This was a little more delicate than I was expecting, but honestly? I think that's on me lol. I love this necklace. The little glow holds pretty well! Might not be super bright by then, but it's subtle, and that's my favorite thing about this necklace. 10/10 Would buy again." —Raina

Get it from Aegodesigns on Etsy for $51.88 (available in seven lengths).

23. Londontown "Nail Veil" Protectant offering a low-maintenance way to keep your nails looking...forgive me...polished without having to deal with smudges, chips, or nail damage from gels. It helps protect your nails and gives them a subtle tint of color, so you can apply and forget about it for the rest of the week. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Londontown is a small business that specializes in nail care products. 

Promising review: "This nail veil is so pretty and perfect for a simple, bare nail look! It applies very smoothly, and one to two coats work well. With a top coat, it lasts almost perfectly for about five days, but chips are not very noticeable, so you can easily wear it for longer! I also feel confident in this brand's use of healthier, higher-quality ingredients, which makes it well worth the extra cost. My nails aren't left damaged by this product, and it has become my go-to when I don't have the time for a full-color look but still want my nails to look polished and pretty!" —Sofia K 

Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in nine shades). 

24. Uno No Mercy: a bestselling, but controversial, spin on the classic card game. There are tougher action cards (like Skip Everyone) and rules (if you get 25+ cards in your hand, you're OUT) to up the tension. If you were on speaking terms with all your family members before playing, you might not be after a few rounds... 

www.amazon.com

If you want something less cutthroat, check out Uno Flip, which has a special Flip card that leads to all the cards being flipped over to reveal new numbers and colors.

Promising review: "For highly competitive players! If you have players who can’t handle regular Uno without their feelings being hurt, they will not enjoy this version. We, however, have some very competitive card players in our family and had a blast playing this game. No Mercy means just that! Enjoy!" —Mom Reviews

Get it from Amazon for $11.24.

25. A pack of cherry blossom mochi chews reviewers are over the moon for. These pillowy, bouncy chews are not too sweet, but pack a nice floral punch that will have you reaching for more. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "As always, ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. I can't stop myself from eating them. The only way to prevent it is by having my friend hold onto the bag and ration them out to me. To me, they taste like bouncy, silky marshmallows with that gorgeous floral-tea taste on the end. Absolutely sinful. Not an overwhelming sweetness, either. Just the perfect amount to let you know it's a sweet treat, not just smacking you in the face with sugar. These are a STAPLE in my household and will be for as long as they're available for me to purchase; I don't give a damn how expensive it is. It is worth EVERY PENNY." —Samantha JR

Get them from Amazon for $19.25.

26. A bear-y nice under-eye stick formulated with skincare darling niacinamide, along with soothing Icelandic mineral water and seaweed extract, to soothe puffiness and dark circles. If a beauty item isn't shaped like an animal, is it even worth getting?

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Saw this in a BuzzFeed article and was intrigued. The blurb was interesting, and the reviews were correct: this helps my tired eyes with just a swipe under each eye. My puffy eyes aren't so puffy, and my face feels less tense. I keep it in the refrigerator, too, which adds to the cooling effect. I also swipe it over my eyelids, which relaxed me before bed. Will definitely purchase again." —S. B.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three styles and also multipacks).

27. Bath spaghettiso you can feel like a lil' meatball swimming in a tub of marinara. If only you had this as a kid! Don't worry; this unique body wash doesn't smell like tomato sauce — instead, expect zesty orange and grapefruit. 

Paper Plane / Etsy

It's made with shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil. Just grab a pinch and rub it over wet skin. Paper Plane sells cute gag gifts from the UK. 

Promising review: "This is such a fun idea! It smells as good as it looks, plus I love that you can play with it and not get in trouble for playing with your food. ;) Definitely recommend!" —Amaya

Get it from Paper Plane on Etsy for $14.05.

28. A set of vinyl coasters offering a retro (and super cute) way to protect your furniture from condensation. Guests that actually want to use a coaster? How the turntables

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely adore these!!! They are so cute and definitely do the job! They keep the surface free from water rings and make me giggle!" —johnny williams

Get a set of six from Amazon for $4.99 (also available in larger sets). 

29. Crunji— aka the viral Korean flat croissant snack of your dreams. These crunchy treats have a sweet caramelized crust, a dash of salt, and work wonderfully alone or as a cracker. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "They're ridiculously good. They have a lovely, perfectly sweet caramelized crust. With added Himalayan salt. Crackery, buttery crunch. I can definitely see them being incredible with a pungent cheese spread and hot honey or something similar. Perfect for a unique addition to a charcuterie board. They came packaged really well. Not one was broken. I will absolutely be purchasing more, but the 30 count. The 10 count won't last me long." —SaraK

Get them from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two styles and two pack sizes). 

30. A thin scarf that comes in a variety of different patterns and can be styled in a myriad of different ways. Tie it around your neck, use it to keep your hair up, wrap it around your bag's strap — and then hope someone mistakes it for an Hermès Twilly. 

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

Promising review: "The look and feel of this scarf are very nice. It looks expensive, but was so affordable. I receive so many compliments on it, and no one could believe what little I paid. I’m going to be ordering a few more for friends." —Nikki

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 32 patterns).

31. Twist Imagine No. 78, a fragrance inspired by Killian's Love, Don’t Be Shy. If you're not familiar, it's Rihanna's signature scent and the reason why people say the singer smells like "heaven." 

Amazon

Notes include: marshmallow, pink pepper, bergamot, rose, vanilla, and orange blossom.

Promising review: "I bought this parody of Killian's Love, Don’t Be Shy, and it smells amazing. For spending less than $50 on what would normally be an almost $400 bottle of perfume, you just can’t beat it. I thought, based on the price, it was a risk and there might be a slight chemical smell, but there’s not; it’s absolutely amazing, lasts for several hours, and the bottle is huge. At first, it smells like a strong, sweet warm musk, but as it wears off, it just smells sweeter and sweeter. It’s absolutely the best, and I will be buying again." —Slates

Get it from Amazon for $36

32. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel in case you've always wanted to not only drink the energizing tea, but also wear it. This cult-fave can help quickly minimize eye puffiness and swelling using its combination of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. Finally, your eyes can look and feel as refreshed as you do after a bottle of White Label

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. 

Promising review: "This stuff is amazing!! I put it on every night and morning. I’ve been using a little over a month and you can already tell a difference. My dark circles are hereditary, so I truly thought nothing would work. However this stuff IS GREAT!" —Shay M. 

Get it from Amazon for $5.98

33. A pair of crossover flared leggings providing a silhouette so enticing, you'll find yourself getting distracted every time you see your reflection. If the 5,800+ happy reviewers are to be believed, these pants are so comfortable, you'll be asking questions like, "can I wear these to a wedding?" 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have a pair of the Aerie crossover flare leggings, and those are worn out, so I decided to purchase another pair because I can’t live without my flares! Y'all, these leggings are the truth!! I have never seen such a great [alternative] for the Aerie ones. They feel like butter soft on your skin and have the same durability and thickness, even the same stitching!! Save your money and get these!!!" —Jasmine

Get them from Amazon for $12.49+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL, four inseams, and in 32 colors).

34. And a super-soft longline sports bra some have compared to Lululemon's Align tank top for an Equinox-level workout look at a Planet Fitness price. Reviewers say it offers a little less compression, so you can wear it on casual days, too. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I wasn't seeing many pictures of small-chested ladies, so I was a little worried about how this would fit. Purchased X-Small, and it fits perfectly! The straps stay in place, don't look weird with the bra cups, and it is form-fitting in the back. I hate tank tops that have a big gap in the back. This one does not. It goes down to about my belly button. I wanted something similar to the Lululemon Align, but this is well worth it instead! It is not tight at all, does not dig in, and is super breathable. I am thrilled with this purchase!" —olivia schilling

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 38 colors). 

35. A box of Grace & Stella under-eye masks formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to give your eye bags the shot of hydration they need to get up and GO. Reviewers said the refreshing patches helped them reduce puffiness, redness, and dark circles. Spa day, anyone? 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The blue patches are illuminating eye masks (for dull under eyes). The gold patches are energizing eye masks (for tired under-eyes). The pink patches are moisturizing eye masks (for dry under-eyes).

Promising review: "I have tried many eye masks through the years and was pleasantly surprised by this product. It's worth the hype. I'm a skincare lover and have spent tens of thousands on skin products, including LED red light masks, infrared saunas, and every new facial device that has come along, including high-end skincare and everything in between. I have eye bags and hollows, and these do a phenomenal job at plumping and hydrating the under-eye area. Great quality and quantity for the price. I will be repurchasing." —Nvohpa88

Get six pairs from Amazon for $9.95+ (also available in packs of 24, 48, and 72 and in three styles).

36. Spiceology's best-selling Black & Bleu seasoning, a cajun and blue cheese blend that OBVIOUSLY is gonna make any steak or burger amazing — but why stop there? Nachos, pizza, fries, and popcorn could all benefit from a generous dusting of this cheesy, tangy seasoning. 

Amazon

Spiceology is a small business that sells creative spices and blends.

Promising review: "My stepdaughter uses this on EVERYTHING! She loves this stuff. She uses it on fries, chicken, burgers, steak, pork, vegetables, and just about everything else. It's one of the few things we keep right on the table. I may have to put it into a shaker! She can’t get enough — I have bought it several times now!" —Chandra

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

37. Amagnetic goose holder if you're alwaaaays forgetting your keys. You can use it to hold up anything magnetic (I'm envisioning maybe a mini metal basket filled with knickknacks) — some reviewers have been arming theirs with knives. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this last month, and I love it! I've never been a fan of the key hanger by the front door (it never felt safe to me), but I always end up turning my apartment upside down, looking for my keys. This is a cute and fun place to remember to grab my keys when I am heading out, and it's endearing to return them to the goose when I come home." —JAK

Get it from Amazon for $22.98 (available in two colors). 

38. A luxurious soap bar enhanced with goat milk and shea butter that reviewers are saying is perfect on all fronts: It smells good, lathers well, lasts a long time, and leaves skin feeling moisturized.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I purchased this soap on what seemed like an endless exploration to find a soap that works for my dry skin. One that smells decent and lasts a long time while actually getting us clean. THIS SOAP IS THE ONE. It feels amazing, and after a shower, I no longer feel itchy or uncomfortable. My wife is an automotive mechanic and was struggling to find a soap that truly deep cleaned stains from oil, grease, fuel, dirt, and grime. Let me just say the day she used it, what we thought were permanent black stains on her hands and nails just disappeared. She was so happy. This soap also lasts quite a while — it's not like those other natural soaps that disappear in a week. It suds up so well and smells amazing. This is an amazing soap, and you should definitely try it." —cameron

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in multipacks).

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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