You Probably Don't *Need* These 26 Products, But You'll Be Thankful You Got 'Em

You Probably Don't *Need* These 26 Products, But You'll Be Thankful You Got 'Em

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-07-21 13:05

1. A roll-on sunscreen sponge — this genius gadget eliminates the hassle of sticky fingers and sunscreen dripping everywhere. Just squirt your favorite sunscreen into the applicator, pop the lid on, give it a good shake to saturate the sponge, and you’re ready to roll! Literally.

Amazon

Reviewers recommend using a more watery sunscreen; if your preferred sunscreen is quite thick, this may not work for you. And JSYK, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)says most adults need about an ounce (the equivalent of a shot glass) of sunscreen to cover their face and body adequately.

Promising review: "Not just for kids. I told all my friends it's awesome. Pricey, but better than wasting expensive sunscreen in globs. This makes the sun screening process much less messy and not as much of a drudgery. They even have replacement pads available so the ergonomic container can be reused indefinitely. Consider one to keep at home and one packed to travel. MAKES A GREAT GIFT FOR KIDS. They can almost apply sunscreen on their own with little assistance." —Bette Henry

Get it from Amazon for $15.98 (available in 10 colors).

2. Along with doggie sunscreen to protect your furry four-legged adventure buddy from the sun’s harsh rays. This nongreasy, all-over spray is perfect for protecting those sensitive spots like bellies, noses, ears, paws, and legs that can easily get sunburned. No matter the breed, this sunscreen is a must-have, but it’s especially awesome for pups with white or pink skin and those with thinner, shorter coats.

www.amazon.com

Read more about why dogs need sunscreen at American Kennel Club, and be sure to patch test to be sure it doesn't cause an allergic reaction.

Emmy's Best is a small business that creates various pet and home care products made from gentle ingredients.

Promising review: "This has been a wonderful product! I was a little skeptical because of the price, and our pit has skin issues, as many pits do, but this works great. He was going out and getting very pink colored on the white parts of his coat, becoming even more itchy than usual with his skin issues, and you could tell it was bothersome. I asked my vet about this, and she said it was OK to use, so I tried it a little bit first to see if he had any issues. There were none, so I used it all over.

"I couldn’t believe the difference! This is definitely worth the price! He can now go out even in the hot sun (of course, with breaks) and not get pinkish/red all where the white is. He knows he has to get it on and really doesn’t like it but he doesn’t like baths, rain, or to be wet at all. Once it’s put on, I let him sit inside or in the shade for it to dry before going out in sun exposure, just as I do for regular sunscreen, and it seems to work great. I could tell a difference when my husband took him out without it; you could see he was pink again compared to going out with it on." —Awesome Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $18.95.

3. An electric travel kettle so you can have your tea, coffee, oatmeal, INSTANT SPICY CARBONARA NOODLES, or whatever else you need flowing through your body while at home or on the go. Some reviewers even use it to warm up baby bottles! It boils liquids super fast, and its compact size will take up very little space in your kitchen while also making it easy to bring along when commuting.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This gorgeous lil' portable kettle has been the best companion during all my travels this year! I drink a LOT of tea and am religious about making my special elixirs and healing potions every morning. I appreciate how quickly it heats up, and how long it keeps water hot. I have always followed the directions and use common sense when handling it, and have never had any issues with anything so far. Very satisfied with this purchase! Would highly recommend." —Sassy Mama 

Get it from Amazon for $29.91+ (available in six colors). 

4. An inflatable pool cooler if you've ever been lounging in your pool on a hot day, only to realize you have to get out and trudge back to the house to grab a cold drink or snack. This cute, nifty thing will keep all your essentials chilled *and* afloat so you can continue relaxing in your pool without a care in the world.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Perfect floating table. We have an above-ground pool without a deck and nowhere really to put our stuff. This is a perfect solution. I put my phone in a dry box and set it on this float. I keep my sunscreen, my waterproof speaker, lip balm, and snacks all in the middle, and then, of course, drinks in the DEEP cup holders, no tipping or spilling! I bought this one because I can put a small umbrella in it and just lean it against the rainbow — it shades my phone and speaker from the sun and keeps my drink in the shade. I love this float! Highly recommend!" —Marshall

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

5. A neck and shoulder relaxer that may look a bit...odd at first glance, but it's here to help soothe neck stiffness and shoulder tension in as little as 10 minutes. If you find yourself hunched over your laptop and your neck and shoulders are practically screaming for relief, this was made for you.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

(Psst — you should consult with your doctor before trying anything new involving your neck/back area to make sure it's safe for you!)

For this, instead of like a regular pillow, you're supposed to lay on it in 10-minute intervals; the seller suggests working your way up to it by starting yourself off at five minutes at a time, with a one- to three-day adjustment period before regular use.

Promising review: "This neck relaxer is so easy to use! It took a few times to get used to, but it is not uncomfortable and is very much helpful with my chronic neck pain and shoulder tension. I felt pain relief after the first use! I have even been able to cut back on my chiropractor appointments because of this product. So thankful for this amazing find as I am only 41 and have been struggling with neck pain for several years now." —Mary Beth

Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in five colors).

6. A "Nap Guardian" doorbell cover — a godsend for all the parents, pet owners, and nap aficionados out there. This helps prevent your doorbell from being rung at the most inconvenient time, interrupting your peace and quiet. Your little ones can snooze soundly, your overly excited fur babies can stay blissfully on the couch, and you? You can finally get that glorious shut-eye you've been dreaming about!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Nap Guardian is a small business that specializes in doorbell covers for home use. 

Promising review: "This is well-made and very easy to apply. I have it on my Ring doorbell camera, and it keeps delivery people from ringing my doorbell very well. It also does not obstruct my view or notifications for my Ring doorbell camera. Great for when taking a nap!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for$19.99

7. A set ofcowboy straw toppers ready to saddle up and wrangle germs with style. These cover the end of your straw so it's not exposed to the open air; plus, they're just downright delightfully absurd and sure to make you smile every time you take a sip.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "So SO CUUUTE! 10/10!! Good product and keeps my straw from getting bugs or germs on it! Plus, it’s really cute." —JennA

Get a set of four from Amazon for$5.99 (available in five styles). 

8. A cleansing balm made with this innovative grinding mechanism so you get *just* the right amount of product you need, and it's also way more hygienic than sticking your fingers into a container. It's formulated with plant-based oils that can remove sunscreen, makeup, and even waterproof mascara!

Amazon

Promising review: "Sensitive skin ladies!!! Acne-prone skin ladies!!! Runnnnnnn straight to it!! Do cleansing oils break you out no matter what you try? Yeah, me too. But not Dr. Althea!! I swear that little bit I used took off all my makeup (I contour, bake, the whole nine lol) and emulsified AMAZINGLY." —Jade @Theclemonswayy

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

9. A set of legging organizing hangers for those of us who have more leggings than a Lululemon store, and currently, they're all jumbled up in a dresser drawer. These hangers will not only free up some much-needed space but also keep you from wrestling through a sea of spandex to find that one pair that makes your butt look phenomenal.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Each hanger holds 10 pairs of leggings. 

Promising review: "Yes...I have too many clothes. I LOVE my leggings. These saved me soooo much room! Now I have much more space, AND I can see them all easier." —Larry Seymour

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $14.99 (available in three colors). 

10. A set of Bluapple freshness balls — just by existing in the same space as your fruits and veggies, these can extend their lifespan and save you a ton of money in the process. No more wasted trips to the grocery store just because your bananas and bell peppers went bad too soon!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

BluApple is a small business that was founded 2009 to help combat food waste. Just snag a refill kit and refresh your freshness ball with a new packet every three months.

Promising review: "I didn't really expect this to work, but it was so cheap I figured it was worth a try. I can't believe a head of iceberg lettuce was still crisp after two weeks in the fridge. It's not a miracle — it did not seem to help my cilantro last longer, but if I can stop throwing away a fraction of the produce I currently toss each week, I think it's worth it." —momin8er

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $15.99.

11. A human-sized "dog bed" — I know you're raising an eyebrow, but hear me out! You can drag this oversized cuddle cloud into your living room, office, or basically wherever you want to plop down and live your best life. Some reviewers call it the best thing they've ever purchased because of how soft and cozy it is *and* the way it's supportive enough to make you feel totally cradled.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Best. Purchase. Ever! I purchased this dog bed for our two pups when we moved to our new house. We wanted to make sure they were feeling safe and comfortable in the new home. First day we got it, I slept in it with them for hours! It is extremely comfortable and very soft. Thankfully, it is larger than I expected and I can fit myself and both of my dogs (both are over 60 pounds) in it at the same time. Total winner!!" —Allison S.

Get it from Amazon for $118.99.

12. A jumpsuit that's also shapewear (???) — I know it sounds wild, but stay with me now. It's got a built-in bra and compression to give you support without skimping on comfort. The ribbed fabric is thick, yet stretchy and breathable enough for those hot girl walks or days when you're dashing around the city running errands. To top it all off, it passes the squat test *and* doesn't roll up your thighs!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

I own this in both green and brown, and I'm planning to grab every color so I can rock a new one every day of the week! Initially, when you hear "shapewear," workout clothes might not be the first thing that pops into your mind — it certainly wasn't for me. But let me tell you, the support is phenomenal. Despite the thick material, it's surprisingly breathable, keeping you comfortable and cool even while you're working up a sweat. Also, I was never really a fan of activewear with that scrunch on the butt crack — these don't have that but still have some booty-lifting magic!

Promising review: "Run to get this! PURCHASE!! I ordered a large — I usually wear an XL; however, it fit perfectly. It does not cut off my thighs, and it's so, so comfy! No bra is needed; it will be a staple this summer. It’s not overly thick, but it’s not cheap material. I’m obsessed!" —Andrea

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 10 colors).

13. A "lifting" essence reviewers on TikTok are referring to as "Botox in a bottle." It's made with NAD+, which can help boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, along with 50 types of peptides to help plump and firm your skin. With a stretchy texture that's similar to snail mucin but thicker, this gem can help make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable in four weeks!

Amazon

Here's how to use it: Take 2–3 drops and apply evenly all over your face — if you want to target any particular areas that have wrinkles, like smile lines, frown lines, and your forehead, you can apply extra there. Gently massage the product into your skin until it's fully absorbed. For an added boost, follow up with their lifting sheet mask at night to lock in the benefits!

Promising review: "It lives up to the hype! This gives great hydration, plumpness, and glow to my 52-year-old skin. I feel like my skin has more bounce since adding this to my regimen and fine lines are fading. The ingredient deck is impressive and Korean beauty products tend to be cleaner which is important to me. This product layers well without any pilling which I like. A little goes a long way and the price for the amount you get seems fair." —SunshineGirl

Get it from Amazon for $26.40.

14. A silicone toe cap to help protect and heal ingrown toenails, corns, and bunions that might have snuck up on you. Not only does it work its magic to make you feel better now, but it also helps prevent those issues from getting any worse in the future.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is an unbelievable product! I work 12-hour shifts in the hospital and need protection for the corn on my left great toe. I purchased the size large and it fit well. Underneath my socks and athletic shoes, I completely forgot I was wearing it — bonus! The silicone is very soft and flexible and cleans easily. The product is priced well for the quality and quantity (six) that is provided. Each toe cap is packaged individually in the bag so the order can be shared with others if desired. I would absolutely recommend this since it has held up quite well for the 17 hours I often have it on (from the time I wake up until I am back from my shift). Cleans and dries easily and has maintained its shape." —LJ

Get a set of six from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two sizes, including a pack with different sizes, and five colors).

15. And an itty-bitty toenail brace that gently corrects the curve of your nail so those vicious ingrowns stop digging into your skin.  It's easy to apply *and* discreet, so you can still flaunt those cute open-toed shoes without anyone being the wiser.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This comes with a kit containing 10 toenail braces and tools for application. Each brace lasts three to six weeks.

Former BuzzFeeder Haley Zovickian says, "After spending hours upon hours of my youth in tight cleats playing sports, I now deal with gross, painful ingrown toenails. I put off seeking a solution for them for a long time — I hoped they'd improve on their own (spoiler: they didn't) and was resistant to shelling out any money to deal with them. A few months ago, I lightly brushed my big toe against the floor, was met with bloodcurdling pain from an ingrown, and finally decided enough was enough. I ordered this kit, and stuck the brace on my most severe ingrown. 

"Honestly, I was astonished by the improvement this made, even within just a few days. Now, a few weeks later, my nail is straight and evened out like a healthy toenail should be, and it doesn't hurt at all when I wear shoes or when it knocks against something. They recommend you keep the brace on for a full nail growth cycle to fully correct the ingrown, so it'll be a longer road for me, but I couldn't be happier with the results so far. Note: The brace causes a very slight discomfort at first. If you feel any pain, you should take the brace off immediately and apply it with less pressure."

Get it from Amazon for $44.99.

16. An acupressure mat and pillow because it feels like every day you're waking up to new aches and pains like you just ran a marathon. With over 7,000 acupressure points, this magical duo works wonders in targeting key areas of tension and stress. Just lounge on it for 10–30 minutes, and you'll feel like a whole new person — seriously, it's like hitting the reset button on your body.

Amazon

Read more about acupressure and stress at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "Honestly a friend sent me a TikTok video on this item. I was like for $20 I'll try it, and oh my god, I have lower back problems and 20 minutes lying on this spiking mat helped relieve pressure. I work remotely and am sitting down for 8–10 hours a day, so tension builds up and this totally worked. So many ways to try using the mat." —Arlington Ink

Get it from Amazon for $18.55+ (available in two sizes and 15 colors).

17. A set of convenient suctioning "Food Cubby" dividers if you shudder at the thought of your mac 'n' cheese mingling with the collard green juice on your plate during Sunday dinner. These silicone walls suction right onto your dish, creating perfect little sections for your food.

Amazon

Check out a TikTok of the food cubby in action. 

Food Cubby is a small business specializing in family-friendly kitchen accessories. 

Promising review: "I love these! Even as an adult, I hate my food touching. Thought they might keep things apart but not juices or things, but they really stick to the plate, and the meat juice doesn't run into the salad. It saves me from having different plates for each food. I wish I had these a long time ago." —Superbeckee 

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in green or clear).

18. A Sock Dock to bid farewell to the days of mismatched socks because the washer/dryer keeps snacking on them. This nifty little contraption will hold onto your socks, keeping each pair safe and sound through the wash and dry cycles.

Amazon

Promising review: "This product is genius! I LOVE it!! Seriously, I hate putting my sock matches together, and as a wearer of colorful ones, it’s kind of important that I pair them up after the wash! Now I don’t have to! I would totally recommend this to anyone who hates playing the match game, or anyone who loses socks in the washing machine or dryer vortex!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four colors).

19. A battery organizer that's so genius, you'll be side-eyeing your junk drawer because now it serves no purpose. Just pop in your batteries to keep all the different types neatly sorted, making it easy to see when it’s time to restock your AAAs. If you choose to mount it, the slots are slightly angled to keep your batteries secure, and it even has a removable battery tester so you don't accidentally hoard any duds!

www.amazon.com

It can hold up to 54 AA, 36 AAA, five 9-volt, five C, four D, and 10 button batteries. It comes with everything you need if you want to mount it, or you can just leave it in a drawer.

Promising review: "A really compact and ingenious way to store and keep track of your batteries. Whenever I needed to search for batteries in the past, I had to rummage through a box of loose, assorted-size batteries. Now the batteries are arranged neatly and securely in this storage case. The removable battery tester works great and is a real asset in trying to determine the remaining life of a battery. It can be stored lying down in a drawer, on a shelf, or mounted on a wall for convenience. Hardware was even included. Being the neat freak I can be at times, I highly recommend this battery organizer." —Ron Williams

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

20. A space-saving yogurt organizer because you took full advantage of that irresistible 10 for $10 yogurt sale (I mean, who wouldn’t?), but now your fridge is bursting at the seams. This mounted organizer will free up precious fridge real estate while looking so cool doing so.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the yogurt storage rack in action. 

Storage Theory is a small business that specializes in home and office organizational products. 

Promising review: "Works great, wish I would have gotten more!! So very handy to have and see how many yogurts we have. Comes with two super-strong 3M adhesive stripes. Highly recommend product!!" —The Adams Family

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in packs of one or two).

21. An inflatable wedge pillow you'll be glad to have while sitting in the dreaded middle seat on a plane (stop waiting last minute to book that flight, pookie 🤨). You can pump it up and rest your head against it, saving yourself from neck cramps and drool stains. There's also a hole in the middle for your face so you can still breathe comfortably. 

www.amazon.com

Can't sleep while traveling? No worries, because this gem also doubles up as a back rest *and* seat cushion for optimal comfort.

This pillow has a unique valve that makes inflating and deflating easy. Just give it a push down to puff it up, and when you're ready to pack it away, just pull out the valve to release the air! 

Promising reviews: "I flew cross country and this will forever be my travel buddy. Very comfortable and easy to inflate. Best sleep I ever had on a plane." —Momma

"After using it for the first time on my 13-hour flight to Tokyo, I will never fly without it again! If you're traveling with a companion, it was also very comfortable being used between two people. I especially love how there are holes for your arms and can be used at different angles/positions. It made for a very restful flight overall." —Elizabeth B

Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 

22. A meat cooking temperature magnet that'll spare you from the chaos of googling "What's the temp for rare beef?" in the middle of prepping dinner. This little magnet sticks right on your fridge so you can reference those important cooking temps for fish, chicken, and more at a glance. 

Moonshine and Glitter / Etsy

Moonshine and Glitter is a small, North Carolina-based Etsy shop that makes handmade signs and home decor.

Promising review: "I love this; it's very helpful and looks awesome on my fridge. Practical and looks great. I got the 10-inch and it's the perfect size." —Alaina Sofia

Get it from Moonshine and Glitter on Etsy for $8+ (available in four sizes).

23. A Michael Scott/Prison Mike reversible dishwasher magnet featuring one side with a smiling, clean-cut Michael, letting you know the dishes are sparkling clean and ready to be tucked away. Flip it over, and bam! You're faced with Prison Mike's stern glare, warning you to fire up that dishwasher...or else. 

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the Michael Scott dishwasher magnet in action. 

Promising review: "My whole family is a fan of The Office, so when I was searching for a magnet we could use on our dishwasher, this was the hands-down winner. Does it go with my farmhouse decor? Nope, not at all. But it does get the attention of two teenage boys. Had I gone with something a bit more my decor style, I can guarantee you it would not be as useful. I mean, we all would much rather see Prison Mike staring back at us than suit-and-tie Michael Scott, right? And there is only one way for that to happen...clean out the dishwasher!" —R. Funk

Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

24. A"Gracula" garlic crusher that may not be capable of granting you immortality, but at least it’s got your back for dinner prep. This charming little tool smashes garlic cloves with minimal effort, transforming a mundane task into something surprisingly fun.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this little guy. I found him on a BuzzFeed list and had to have it as soon as I saw it! I’ve minced as many as five cloves in it in seconds. It’s a little tricky getting all of the garlic out once minced (I use a silicone basting brush to get most of it but I always use more than the recipe calls for anyway so it’s not a deal breaker). Cleanup is a breeze because he goes right in the dishwasher!" —Barbie

Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

25. A remote control ring on those days when you wouldn't dare to emerge from under the covers, not even to scroll on your phone. This teensy device lets you swipe up, down, left, and right through TikTok and reading apps at just the press of a button. You can also control the volume and pause or start videos.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

You can even use this to take pictures and record videos on your phone from up to 33 feet away! Its battery life is 14 hours on a single charge, with a total of 86 hours using the included charging case!

It's compatible with Apple iOS (above 14.8 version) devices, Android devices, the Kindle *app*, TikTok, Spotify, etc. However, it is not compatible with Kindle devices.  

Promising review: "If you are like me and watch TikToks while working out, you typically have to hold your phone to swipe. Not anymore with this gadget. Put it on your finger and click away. I get so many people coming up to me and asking me how I am doing that — I show them the ring, and they order right away. Wish I could give more stars. Definitely worth the money. It is also great when I am resting in bed — I prop up my phone and scroll through TikTok. No more finger cramps!" —PNW-Dog Pack

Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in six colors). 

26. An adjustable reusable shopping bag organizer to Marie Kondo all the paper grocery bags and reusable bags in your cabinet, clearing up so much chaos. 

www.amazon.com

YouCopia is a woman-owned small business that specializes in home storage solutions. 

Promising review: "I really loved the versatility of this product. I can choose how much room for each bag size needed and adjust when needed. Perfect for my art fair bags." —MrsDash

Get it from Amazon for $16.99

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

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