Rewritten Version
Baffling Items You've Managed to Survive Without Throughout Your Existence
You're gonna freakin' love our recommendations! Some of these might have been sent as samples, but all were picked out by our editors without any favoritism. Just so you know, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners might kick some back of the sales from the links on this page.
We present to you some awesome game-changers that'll rock your world and make everyday tasks like drying your hair, walking your pup, and working from home (WFH) easier (and better) than ever. Ready? Here we go!
1. Wet & Forgotton Outdoor Cleaner: Say goodbye to scrubbing, rinsing, and power washing! This magical stuff removes moss, mildew, and algae stains with the help of mother nature. All you need to do is spritz it on, let it sit, and let nature do the rest. It'll work its magic over the course of a few weeks or months (depending on the type of stain) and keep your outdoor surfaces squeaky clean.
www.amazon.comPromising review: "I have a brick patio that was once covered in moss. I've been struggling to keep it moss-free for two years, but this stuff changed the game. I applied it this April, and I haven't seen a single moss wisp since – absolutely nothing! I highly recommend it. When you apply it, it might not look like you've done much, but trust me, it does exactly what it says it will." -PM in NH
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
2. Workstation Ergonomics: Stand up and work it like a boss! This two-tier standing desk converter is the MVP of WFH. With ample room for all your tech and adjustability, you can raise it up for a standing work session and lower it back down when you feel like sitting. Bonus points – it's easy to assemble and perfect for improving your posture and alleviating lower back pain.
www.amazon.comLearn more about the benefits of ergonomic workstations at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "I bought this standing desk converter because I didn't want to replace my entire desk. The entire unit slides up and down easily. There's plenty of room around the monitor for speakers, pens, notes, and even a fan. It's easy to assemble, and I find myself wanting to stand more often than I thought. Highly recommend!" -halaly
Get it from Amazon for $169.99 (available in seven sizes/styles and three colors).
3. Portable Worky Station: Say hello to home office setup on the go! This compact, foldable wonder comes with adjustable LED light, two outlets, and USB-A and -C ports. It's packed with compartments for your gear, and the inner lid is a magnetic dry erase board. What's not to love?
It's created by a small business, and you can see it in action in this TikTok!
Promising review: "I've had my Worky for three months now and have loved it. I love that everything is in one place and when I close it, my work disappears. The LED lights are helpful on Zoom calls when lighting isn't ideal. Everything in one place, simple and convenient. Highly recommend!" -Amy
Get it from Amazon for $99.
4. Nail Concealer Polish: Achieve a polished (literally and figuratively) look without spending hours at the salon! This sheer, buildable neutral polish helps cover discoloration and even out nails. If you're all about keeping your beauty routine minimal, this'll change the game.
www.amazon.comPromising review: "This stuff seems to be magic! Goes on flawlessly with no base coat, dries nearly instantly, and has a gorgeous color (two coats). No wear after two days. And I'm a person who can never apply sheers properly." -RZH
Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in four colors).
5. Extra-Long Oven Mitts: Accident-prone or anxious cooks, unite! These waterproof silicone mitts will protect you from burns and save you from flimsy fabric mitts. They're flexible, stretchable, and have long sleeves that cover your arms, so no more slipping pans due to bulky cotton mitts.
www.amazon.comPromising review: "There is nothing to dislike about these oven mitts. They arrived quickly, and I use them every day. I've baked cookies, bread, and roasted meat and veggies without a single burn, which is a first for me. These long mitts protect way up on my arms and are extremely flexible. Not too heavy. I've really enjoyed being able to stand at my desk. I've been struggling with lower back pain, and standing more seems to be helping. I find myself wanting to stand more often than I thought. Great price. Would highly recommend." -Georgia grandma
Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in 12 colors).
6. Airplane Pocket Tray Cover: Keep your workspace clean and organized while traveling! This tray cover helps protect against germs, provides stretchy pockets for storage, and ensures you never leave your stuff tucked into the seat pocket in front of you again. It's also water-resistant and machine washable in case you spill.
www.amazon.comCheck out this product – made by a small business – on TikTok.
Promising review: "I used it last week and it was terrific. It fits everything: a magazine, iPad, tissues, gum, glasses, phone, earplugs, and water bottle. It stretched easily but tightly over the tray, and both the flight attendant and my seat mates complimented me on it. I plan to use it every time I fly. It would be perfect for children too. Highly recommend it." -Sue G.
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
7. Pumpkin Punchers: Carve perfect jack-o'-lantern faces with ease! These stainless steel cutters are perfect for kids or adult novice carvers, and you can pair them with a rubber mallet to effortlessly punch out pumpkin faces without sharp knives.
www.amazon.comPromising review: "Decided to order this kit to carve pumpkins with my kids who range in ages from 3-10. These were literally the best invention ever. My fiancé and I did our pumpkins first, and we carved the coolest-looking pumpkin. We started the piece in the pumpkin for the kids (so we didn't get hit in the fingers with the mallet) and let them hammer the rest of the way. They had a blast and didn't have to worry about cutting fingers with knives, and they got to be a part of the carving process! It even came with a design guide so you could create designs from that. My youngest made a cat. And the pieces are dishwasher safe!" -Brittaney C.
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
8. Barbie-Inspired T-Shirt: Feminist horse girls, unite! If you saint-screamed in the theater at this line, add this t-shirt to your cart. This New York-based small business is a go-to for super comfy, clever, and unique pop culture tees.
www.etsy.comPromising review: "Super soft and exactly as pictured! Owner was quick to answer my questions and super nice. I got it in the pepper color (pictured above) and washed it once and didn't shrink. I'd recommend!" -Gabrielle Lepensky
Get it from Shop Eddie Lane on Etsy for $33 (available in unisex sizes S-4XL and in seven colors).
9. Detangling Brush: Curl queens, rejoice! This ergonomic brush is perfect for curly styles and makes dealing with tough tangles a breeze. It's ideal for all hair types and is suitable for both wet and dry hair. No more tangles, no more tears!
www.amazon.comPromising review: "I love this brush! My goddaughter and I both have long hair. It's always been difficult to brush our hair. Now it's not with this brush! It's easy on both wet and dry hair. Also, I see less hair on the brush compared to when I use my other brushes. This is a must-try, must-keep-forever brush! Give it a try. What do you have to lose? Your hair will thank you for it." -SugarANDSpice
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in 10 colors and prints).
10. 2-in-1 Mattress Topper: provides double the coziness and comes with two inches of memory foam and two inches of pillow top. Who wants to pick just one cuddly topper?! Pair it with the plush pillow top layer and enjoy a luxurious, squishy sleep.
www.amazon.comPromising review (for "plush support" style): "Rarely do I take the time to leave a review. But this case I felt I must. I suffer from back pain, and this new topper is just simply amazing for me. I have not slept so well in a very long time. It's very comfortable and supportive, and as I said above, I wake up without back pain. First time in years. We have a very firm mattress underneath, did this on purpose. The last topper was OK, this topper is amazing. Highly recommend it." -Sarah Machol
Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in five sizes, two thicknesses, and three styles: "cool comfort," "enhanced support," or "plush support").
11. Cerave Hydrating Cleanser: Removes makeup, dirt, and oil while hydrating your skin, making it perfect for dry or sensitive skin types. With ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it's gentle on the skin while still being effective at cleansing. Wooohooo!
www.amazon.comPromising review: "Obsessed!!!!!! This face wash is sooo hydrating! Soo comfortable and non-irritating on the face. My skin is dry and sensitive, and this cleanser is forever a staple for me. My skin doesn't feel tight after use or have that nasty feeling film. And for the price of this value size, I recommend buying it off Amazon!" -Kingdm
Get it from Amazon for $15.48.
12. Customizable Earrings: Upgrade your earring game with these earrings that can be customized using your enamel pins. If you have way too many awesome pins that don't get to shine, these will be your perfect solution!
They're from a Coconut Creek, Florida-based small biz that specializes in acrylic earrings!
Get them from Shop Pop Pastel on Etsy for $11 (available in four closure options – including options for non-pierced ears – and two lengths).
13. Exfoliating Foot Peel Booties: Soak your feet in these booties for an hour, and prepare for dramatic (and somewhat graphic) peeling results over the next week or two. The heated water in the booties helps to draw out impurities, leaving you with seriously soft feet.
www.amazon.comwww.amazon.comPromising review: "I've worked retail for almost 30 years, and it takes a toll on your feet. I recently had a deep crack develop in my heel, and it hurt badly. After weeks of pampering my feet, the crack healed. I really needed a pedicure but was afraid of the salon using the cheese grater thing on my freshly mended heel. I opted for this instead to hopefully shed some of the hardened skin first. IT IS NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE. After one application, my feet are beautiful and soft! It feels so nice to get rid of all of that old, hard skin. Seriously, just buy this. It's amazing and so easy. Plus, you get two applications. I'm saving the second one and will do that one in a couple of months." -Beth
Get two pairs from Amazon for $11.99 (available in five scents).
14. Sight Word Bingo: Make teaching kids basic words a heck of a lot more fun! Instead of numbers, you'll call out one of 46 common words for players to mark off and go for bingo. Don't be surprised if, after a few rounds, the kiddos start reading along with these words in their bedtime stories.
The set comes with 36 playing cards, 264 playing chips, caller's mat and cards, and a storage box.
Promising review: "My 4-year-old granddaughter and I go to the library every weekend. Once she's chosen her books for the week, she loves to 'check out' the games in the children's section. This was one that she wanted to play over and over and over. After the third go-round, I noticed that she was beginning to recognize some of the words on her own. That sold me! The minute I got home, I purchased the game so she could play it at home. Every time I go over to her house, we play at least one round of this game, and I can tell her reading skills are increasing. And when we go to the library, she STILL wants to check this game out and play it there! The words on these bingo cards are words that can't be illustrated well – words like 'them,' 'her,' 'go,' 'if' – small, mostly conjunctive words, but essential to reading. This game makes it easy and fun to learn those words. I simply can't praise this game enough." -Molly Harrington
Get it from Amazon for $12.94.
15. Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel: Dry all hair types faster with this extra-absorbent microfiber towel. Bonus: it'll make you look like you just stepped out of a luxe salon or spa treatment!
www.amazon.comPromising review: "This was the first time I ordered this product and I am extremely happy. It is going to be on my forever list. If you use hair towels, you should try this one, I believe you will be happy with it." -Toni Delia
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in two sizes).
16. Kenra Blow-Drying Spray: While not specifically mentioned in the search results, Kenra blow-drying spray is an effective solution for reducing frizz and protecting hair from heat damage during styling. Bonus: it cuts hair-drying time in half, so get ready to enjoy more good hair days!
This formula is safe for color-treated hair and is recommended for medium-coarse hair types.
Promising review: "Love, love, love!! Has saved me so much time blow-drying my hair. Went from about 7-10 minutes to blow-dry to now about three minutes. Smells great too! Will forever be using this product!" -Mandy
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in three sizes).
- The 'WWF Cleaner' product on Amazon, favored by a majority of buyers, assists in maintaining cleanliness by eradicating moss, mildew, and algae stains from outdoor surfaces.
- BuzzFeed's market-priority-post highlights the Workstation Ergonomics, a standing desk converter from Amazon, emphasizing its benefits for working from home and improving posture.
- For content creators seeking a compact and efficient workstation, the Portable Worky Station available on Amazon could be a game-changer, providing an all-in-one solution for various tech gear.
- BuzzFeed's list spotlights the Nail Concealer Polish as a product that offers a polished look with minimal effort, helping to even out nails and cover discoloration.
- Shopping-hp-featured, the extra-long oven mitts on Amazon, made from waterproof silicone, offer protection against burns, featuring long sleeves for added safety and flexibility.
- BuzzFeed's market-priority-post features an Airplane Pocket Tray Cover, designed to keep workspaces clean while traveling and available on Amazon.
- For those planning on carving pumpkins, the Pumpkin Punchers, available on Amazon, are stainless steel cutters that offer a safe and easy pumpkin carving experience.
- BuzzFeed's post recommends the Barbie-Inspired T-Shirt, created by a New York-based small business and available on Etsy, to support feminist horse girls with their fashion choices.
- Shopping-hp-featured, the Detangling Brush for curly styles, available on Amazon, simplifies the process of detangling hair, making it gentle and effortless on all hair types.
- Simultaneously offering double the coziness, the 2-in-1 Mattress Topper, available on Amazon, features memory foam and pillow top layers for a luxurious and squishy sleep.
- Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, available on Amazon, is a cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and oil while hydrating the skin, perfect for dry or sensitive skin types.
- BuzzFeed's post recommends Customizable Earrings, allowing you to showcase your enamel pins, available on Etsy from a Coconut Creek, Florida-based small biz.
- Exfoliating Foot Peel Booties, available on Amazon, help to soften feet with dramatic peeling results over the next week or two, thanks to heated water that draws out impurities.
- Make teaching kids basic words more enjoyable with Sight Word Bingo, available on Amazon, where numbers are replaced with common words for players to mark off and go for bingo.
- The Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel, available on Amazon, offers faster drying times and a luxurious feel to various hair types.
- Kenra Blow-drying Spray, available on Amazon, reduces frizz, protects hair from heat damage during styling, and cuts down drying time, making it suitable for medium-coarse hair types.
