Navigating Adulthood Can Be Overwhelming, Yet These 29 Items Can Simplify the Journey
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Check out these 29 game-changing products that'll make you wonder why you ever lived without them!
Welcome to the wonderful world of adulthood, where you have to take care of yourself, manage your time, and whip up your own meals (sniffle). But that doesn't mean you can't also add a few fun, quirky, and super helpful items to your life to make grown-up living (somewhat) bearable. So grab your wallet and get ready to say goodbye to stress, wasted time, and messy homes forever!
1. Ulla Smart Water Reminder
For those of us who forget to hydrate more often than we'd like to admit, this is the perfect solution: a genius water bottle attachment that blinks when it's time to take a sip. It's stretchy, fits most vessels, and has a six-month battery life! Check it out on TikTok.
Promising Review: "I purchased the Ulla because for some reason I cannot remember to drink enough water. I have had this for one week and it absolutely helps! Even though it's tiny, the light will grab your attention in an instant. My water intake has tripled, my skin is improving, and I feel better than normal. Definitely worth trying!" -Hope S.
Get it on Amazon for $24.99!
2. Meal Planning Pad
Love the idea of meal prepping but can't stand the thought of planning out every single meal for a week in advance? This easy-to-use meal planning pad lets you map out your munchies for each day, make a shopping list as you go, and tear off the list when you're ready to hit the store! It's a total game-changer. Plus, it's got magnets on the back so you can easily hang it on your fridge.
Promising Review: "This simple tool is just what I need to get dinner organized for each week. Deciding what to cook one night at a time can be stressful for me, and the added time of running to the store for the day's missing ingredients can really add up. Sometimes we'd just give up and go out for dinner. This product has saved me time and money." -minmom24
Get it on Amazon for $6.95! Available in five designs.
3. VIVO Two-Tier Standing Desk Converter
If you're sick of the same old seated work setup, it's time to upgrade to a standing desk! This two-tier standing desk converter does the job without requiring a whole new desk. It's adjustable, has plenty of room for all your tech, and allows you to easily lower it back down when you want to sit. Trust us, you'll be more productive (and maybe even your back will thank you).
Promising Review: "Just buy it! Been looking at these for months and finally decided to buy one. Super happy with my purchase. I didn't want to replace my entire work desk so I opted for this. The entire unit slides up and down easily. Plenty of room around the monitor for speakers, pens, notes, even a fan. Easy assembly. 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." -halaly
Get it on Amazon for $114.99! Available in six sizes/styles and three colors.
4. Blind Spot Mirror
Love parallel parking but hate having to squeeze into those annoying parking spaces? This blind spot mirror will seriously elevate your driving game. It's adjustable and easy to install, so you can finally park like a pro (or at least like someone who isn't afraid of parallel parking).
Promising Review: "I got this on a whim that it would improve my driving experience, and it has significantly. I did not attach the swivel base as others had mentioned in these reviews, and my experience has been great. Lets you see your blind spot pretty well. Where it really shines is parking and backing up; it gives a ton more visibility." -Stork
Get a two-pack on Amazon for $6.99! Available in four shapes and in multipacks.
5. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker
The cult-fave Instant Pot has become a staple in thousands of kitchens, and for good reason. It's a programmable wonder that can serve as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, sauté pan, steamer, and rice cooker. It's so easy to use, you'll be cooking like a pro in no time. No more excuses for not cooking at home!
Promising Review: "Gone are the frantic mornings trying to throw things in the crock pot and gone are the 'I'm too tired to make dinner - let's eat out' evenings. Even after a long day, we are able to throw some frozen chicken and a sauce in the Instant Pot and have dinner in hardly any time at all. We use this to make pulled pork, chili colorado, chicken verde in a flash. My favorite use is for cooking dry beans. No soaking overnight and then simmering all day. I can cook perfectly tender and delicious beans in about an hour and meanwhile prepare other ingredients, or surf the internet, or do whatever. I love that you don't have to babysit the pressure cooker and the presets are a huge help. The cooker lets you know with a chime when it is properly closed and when the lid is opened. This made me feel better about cooking with pressure - it won't let you start it if the lid isn't secured correctly." -phantomdeity
Get it on Amazon for $79.99! Available in three sizes.
6. The Happy Pill Organizer
Gone are the days of digging through a messy pill box to find the right medication at the right time. This super handy pill organizer lets you store your meds in a modern and stylish way, so you never have to worry about missing a dose again. It's even got a compatible app to help you remember!
Promising Review: "Love this thing!!! I'm only 30 and didn't want an old-lady pill box...and this one was modern and cool. The little slots to push in pills is fantastic and the containers are very large. It keeps my huge vitamin pills on either side and could fit over 10 large ones if needed. Love this thing. Worth the price and looks like it'll last forever. I do wish the magnets were stronger. They just keep them in place but will slide off if bumped. I assume this is helpful for people with arthritis. It's an easy fix. I take down one day's worth of pills, set it on my counter, and now I'm not too lazy to take my pills!" -Chicken McNugget
Get it on Amazon for $34.99! Available in four colors.
7. MediMATE Medication Reminders
If a giant pill organizer isn't your thing, these medication reminders are the next best thing. Just peel them off and stick them on your pill bottles, and they'll remind you after a certain number of days that it's time to take your meds. They're reusable, so you can easily peel them off and stick them on new bottles when you get refills.
Promising Review: "Where has this been all my life? I love it. This is a lifesaver! I've been looking for something like this for years. I always forget 10 minutes later if I actually took my medicine or just put it down. I've tried so many different ways, making marks on the bottle, making stickers, and other pill containers. None ever work. And pill containers are so bulky when I only need one pill." -Niki
Get a pack of five on Amazon for $19.99! Available in three colors.
8. Aroma Goddess Plug-In Night Light
Night-lights don't have to be only for kids. This stylish plug-in night light colors-shifts based on the temperature, so you can choose the perfect hue to help you fall asleep (or wake up). It's a beautiful and practical addition to any grown-up bedroom.
Promising Review: "I LOVE this night-light. It's in my bathroom and is a lovely addition. Even though it's tiny, the light will grab your attention in an instant. It turns off the second the lights go on which is nice that I don't have to worry about accidentally leaving it on. Super cute, and the little itty-bitty lighting element does a good job lighting, just enough so I don't have to turn the main lights on in the middle of the night." -1Thand
Get it on Amazon for $5.99!
9. Daily Planning Pad
It's time to get your life organized and planned out with this adorable daily planning pad. It's got space for what you're grateful for, priorities you must do that day, a to-do list, appointments, achievements, meal planning, logging exercise, notes, and doodles. Plus, it even has a water intake tracker and a blank clock to fill in if you do better with images than words.
Promising Review: "So glad I bought this! This is a great little notepad! Cute, practical, and with just enough writing space to capture the most important things. Well worth the price!" -Nikki Grillo
Get it on Amazon for $9.99! Available in nine other styles.
10. automatic bleach toilet-cleaning system
Never again have to worry about taking care of your toilet. This genius system sends cleaner into the bowl every time you flush, so your toilet will basically clean itself! It's easy to install, and one cartridge can last up to three months.
Promising Review: "I installed a new toilet in my house a little while ago. It would get filthy quickly and I'd have to clean and scrub it every 3-4 days. I clean it once every week-10 days now just because, but I don't need to; it's still spotless. Easy to install, and one cartridge can last up to three months!" -GCH
Get it on Amazon for $11.29!
11. Snugginlabel Shirt Folder
Folding clothes has never been easier than with this Snugginlabel shirt folder. It's simple to use, with a small sliding tray that holds your shirt in place while you fold it. Plus, it'll actually help your clothes look neat and pressed.
Promising Review: "Everything folds so pretty, neat, and easy. I still couldn't believe it, so I ended up organizing our bedsheets and towels. I am amazed at how much of a game-changer this is. Must try! Am in love with how beautiful it left my clothes." -Jesus Antonio Vedia
Get it on Amazon for $16.99! Available in five colors.
12. Miracle-Gro Water-Storing Crystals
Make your plants thrive with Miracle-Gro water-storing crystals. They absorb water and release it when your plants need it, so you don't have to worry about watering as often. Just mix them with the soil and watch them do the work for you!
Promising Review: "These are fantastic! We have a raised-bed vegetable garden and our plants were forever dying. I mixed these in with the soil this year and our plants are flourishing! I was even able to see how much the crystal expand when I was taking out some of the soil to add new plants. I'm excited to see how long they hold up. But, so far, we've been using them for over a month and we are beyond pleased." -Amazon Customer
Get a bag on Amazon for $12.23!
13. Zak Designs Stackable Meal Prep Containers
Meal prepping has never been easier (or cuter) than with these stackable meal prep containers. They're microwave-, oven-, dishwasher-, and freezer-safe, so you can use them for virtually anything. They're even BPA-free and non-toxic.
Promising Review: "These are spectacular!!! They are airtight so the week's food I do for lunches and such stay fresh for the whole week. They are strong and very durable. The four-part latching system ensures your food is completely sealed. The seal ring is removable for easy cleaning. The nice pop-top vent allows food to cool if packed in hot. Once cool, close pop-top and stick in the fridge. Husband is rough on things including his lunch box and so far these are holding up so nice!! Many others I have tried have been broken in a matter of days. I love these!!!" -Deborah
Get a set of five on Amazon for $29.99! Available with one, two, or three compartments and multiple pack sizes.
14. The Pink Stuff All-Purpose Cleaner
If you're a clean freak but struggle to find a cleaner that really gets the job done, look no further than The Pink Stuff. This amazing all-purpose cleaner can take on practically anything, from cookware to shoes, and leave it sparkling clean. And the best part? It doesn't have that nasty chemical smell.
Promising Review: "WOW!!! This stuff is amazing. I love it. This is a lifesaver! I've been looking for something like this for years. I always forget 10 minutes later if I actually took my medicine or just put it down. I've tried so many different ways, making marks on the bottle, making stickers, and other pill containers. None ever work. And pill containers are so bulky when I only need one pill." -Niki
Get it on Amazon for $15.78!
15. Leather and Suede Brush
Keep your leather and suede items looking new with this handy tool. It's got four parts - a soft bristle side, a hard bristle side, and curved edges for hard-to-reach parts. It's easy to use and will give your items a whole new life.
Promising Reviews: "BUY THIS THING! I got mud on my new suede boots and thought for sure they were ruined, but this brush completely restored them. I was shocked. I even used it on an old pair of boots from college that I have considered ruined for several years and it did wonders on getting rid of the filth on top of the suede. I was so impressed. It's absolutely worth getting and trying for yourself! Scuff marks take a bit more time to improve, but they do look better after brushing them." -Gaby Scott
"I rarely write reviews but I just received this and it's amazing. I have a grease stain on my new Uggs that I was so sad about. Corn starch almost ruined them. This brush minimized (if not totally removed) the stain. I love that no chemicals are involved and it's pure magic. I think it would be extra perfect for kids, too!" -Jennifer
Get it on Amazon for $6.99! Available in three styles.
16. Shower Curtain Clips
Never again have to worry about floor-wetting showers with these handy shower curtain clips. They're easy to install and will keep your shower curtain in place, even when it's windy or your shower has a lot of pressure.
Promising Review: "Got these to hold our shower curtain in the camper. The curtain on our camper shower is just barely wide enough, so water would leak out. Not anymore!!! They blend in, so they look great. Just slide the curtain in and go - no more clean-up after your shower. Wish I had discovered these years ago." -Amazon Customer
Get a set of four on Amazon for $9.99!
17. Life Binder
If you're looking for a way to get your whole life organized, look no further than this Life Binder. It's got pages and pages of templates to help you keep track of everything from vehicle records and insurance to personal documents, finances, chores, medical information, exercise, accounts, and so much more. It's a total lifesaver.
Promising Review: "I haven't found a set as complete and beautifully designed nor as large as I need it. This is invaluable and will be used for years to come." -Renee J.
Get the digital download from Life's Lists on Etsy for $23!
18. Bedsheet Fasteners
Never again have to struggle to keep your fitted sheets in place with bedsheet fasteners. They're easy to install, reusable, BPA-free, and come in three colors. They'll keep your sheets securely in place and save you from having to adjust them every time you get into bed.
Promising Review: "What a game-changer! My husband turns a lot in his sleep and has always woken up with the fitted sheet halfway off his side of the bed. We bought these and we have NEVER once had to adjust the sheet in the morning! These are amazing! They're the kind of thing you'll never know how you lived without before." -LinseyB
Get a set of four on Amazon for $7.99!
19. Glisten Disposal Care Foaming Cleaner
Tired of a stinky garbage disposal? Say goodbye to bad smells with this incredible foaming cleaner. Just run some hot water, drop in the packet, let it foam, and wait for it to disappear. It'll leave your garbage disposal smelling fresh and clean.
Promising Review: "WOW! holy cow, I didn't realize how easy and quick it was to clean a garbage disposal until I bought this product! Typically, I'd just use vinegar and baking soda down the drain and call it good. I didn't know that there was an actual disposal cleaning product available until I stumbled across it through a BuzzFeed article. I had to try it. The instructions are very simple. It literally takes 5 minutes and some hot water and VOILÀ! you have a clean, no-longer-stinky garbage disposal! Plus, the blue foam bubbling in the sink was amusing to watch. Worth every penny!!" -VadersGirl
Get it on Amazon for $3.78!
20. Silly Chair Pillow
Add some fun to your grown-up life with this silly chair pillow. It's comfortable, fuzzy, and will help you relax in style. It's perfect for lounging around at home or even for using as a desk chair.
Promising Review: "This product is a little smaller than maybe what I was expecting. But, regardless, it is still very comfortable. I spend a lot of my time sitting on the computer but don't have a legitimate desk chair, and this has definitely been a breath of fresh air for my rather unforgiving wooden kitchen chairs. Plus, I was looking for something cute and fun to bring some more color to my apartment, and this adorable duck certainly accomplishes that. I think it would be extra perfect for kids, too!" -Claire Rorick
Get it on Amazon for $35.99!
21. Emergency Survival Kit
Be prepared for any emergency with this incredible emergency survival kit. It includes a hand crank radio/USB charger/flashlight, duct tape, wet wipes, tissues, a 101-piece first aid kit, a towel, two bottles of hand sanitizer, a multitool, a biohazard bag, seven food bars, 14 water pouches, two emergency whistles, four packs of hand warmers, four glow sticks, four ponchos, four rescue blankets, a pair of gloves, and four dust masks. It's the perfect addition to your home or car.
Promising Review: "This was a great addition to my camping/emergency gear. The extra room in the bag is enough for clothes or my solar power generator." -Andrea D.
Get it on Amazon for $146.25!
22. Divided Cookware Pot
Cook up multiple dishes at the same time with this ingenious divided pot. It's perfect for day-to-day cooking or for cooking for picky eaters. Plus, it comes with a lid and a ladle. Check it out on TikTok!
Promising Review: "This thing works small miracles: I cleaned about half of my bathroom's grout to its original sparkling-clean cream color in 40 minutes, and it took honestly no effort at all. I literally sat on the floor, dipped the bristles in a Castile soap dilution (2-3 drops of soap + 1/2 cup of water; but you could use almost any cleaner of your choice), then lazily ran the scrubber back and forth over a 6-inch section of grimy, dark-gray grout - and it only took about 30 seconds for that grout to go from dingy to bright. I started by using the specialty grout brush, but then I decided to try it with the default brush and that seemed to work just as well, IMHO! Check out BuzzFeed's power scrubber review for more details." -Natalie Brown (BuzzFeed Shopping editor)
Get it on Amazon for $72.99!
23. Cart-Dividing Grocery Bags
Making multiple trips to the car when you get home from the store is a thing of the past with these cart-dividing grocery bags. They're large, waterproof, and can hold up to 60 pounds. Plus, they have long straps for easy carrying. They're the perfect addition to your grocery shopping routine.
Promising Review: "This is exactly what I've been looking for. It fits all the shopping carts and you can detach them and take only one to tow all of the bags if you are shopping for smaller quantities. I've been using these for a few days now and I love it. I used to have a bunch of different bags in my trunk and it was very messy. With Lotus Bags, I can finally get rid of all the other bags and have these sitting nice and pretty in the trunk. The cooler bag is especially awesome to keep groceries hot or cold and one bag with special pockets for fragile goodies like eggs and wine. Basically all your grocery bag struggles = solved." -JJ
Get a set of four on Amazon for $44.99!
24. Power Scrubber
Make cleaning a breeze with this power scrubber. It's easy to use, powerful, and gets the job done quickly and easily. Just dip the bristles in a cleaning solution and run it back and forth over the surface you want to clean, and watch the grime disappear. It's so powerful, it can even clean grout.
Promising Review: "This power scrubber changed my life! I cleaned about half of my bathroom's grout to its original sparkling-clean cream color in 40 minutes, and it took honestly no effort at all. I literally sat on the floor, dipped the bristles in a Castile soap dilution (2-3 drops of soap + 1/2 cup of water; but you could use almost any cleaner of your choice), then lazily ran the scrubber back and forth over a 6-inch section of grimy, dark-gray grout - and it only took about 30 seconds for that grout to go from dingy to bright." -Natalie Brown (BuzzFeed Shopping editor)
Get it on Amazon for $22.43! You can also get a special grout-cleaning brush head that can be swapped in for the regular one for $11.58.
25. Wad-Free Sheet Stabilizer
No more tangled, wet sheets in the washing machine with Wad-Free. This simple, reusable device helps your sheets dry faster and without wrinkles. Say goodbye to laundry-related stress!
Promising Review: "This product has changed my world! Washing and drying my sheets is a breeze! The sheets are not bundled up in the washer and they also dry quickly with no wrinkles! Do yourself a huge favor and try Wad-Free! You will not regret it! Thank you, Wad-Free, for making this chore simple and making washing my sheets a fun, easy breezy experience! I love them!!! I purchased a backup pair, too. Blessings!" -just cruisin'!
Get a set of two on Amazon for $19.99!
26. Snack Bowl for Stanley Cup
Elevate your snack game with this perfect snack bowl that fits right on top of your beloved Stanley Cup. It's the perfect accessory for a cold beverage and kettle chips, colby jack cubes, and fruit. It's a total game-changer.
Promising Review: "This holds a lot of snacks! Fits onto my tumbler and stays in place, even if the tray is loaded up with treats. This won't go over the lid so it's best to put it on before you put the lid in place. This is not silicone, it is hard plastic. Easy to wash and hand dry. Very cute and useful!" -Just My Opinion
Get it on Amazon for $9.98! Available in two sizes and five colors.
27. Printable Cleaning Checklist
Stay on top of your cleaning with this adorable, printable cleaning checklist. It's easy to use, customizable, and easy to print out and hang up in your home. It's perfect for anyone who struggles with keeping their home clean and organized.
Promising Review: "I purchased this because I needed a cleaning checklist for my family. I can't stand when things get cluttered, so it's important to me that my family contributes to keeping the house clean. This checklist really helped my family understand what needed to be done and when to do it. Highly recommend for any families or couples trying to stay on top of their cleaning!" -Lisa W.
Get the digital download from CreativeTypeStore on Etsy for $3.47!
28. Roomba i6+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Take your cleaning to the next level with the Roomba i6+. It's a robot vacuum that cleans your floors for you, so you can spend more time doing the things you love. It's compatible with Alexa, makes a map of your home, and even empties itself into its docking port for up to 60 days.
Promising Review: "This Roomba is the best time-saving smart home life hack EVER! The new app is awesome! I've had a number of iRobot product over the years and I'm truly impressed by the advancements that they've made with the Roomba i6+. We have kids and a dog and have been stretched very thin during COVID, so we finally made the call to upgrade to a self-emptying model that we can run every single day without lifting a finger and will cover the entire main floor of our house. We couldn't be happier with the experience and especially love the 'favorites' option in the new app. This seriously saves us many hours a week! Stop wasting your time vacuuming and spend that time doing something you love!" -Bollingsalley
Get it on Amazon for $580!
29. Screaming Goat Decorative Figure
Add a touch of humor to your home with this adorable screaming goat decorative figure. Just press him to hear him let out a cathartic shriek on your behalf. It's the perfect way to vent your frustration when adulthood gets too much.
Promising Review: "This is one of those things you don't know you need in your life until you see it. Yes, it may have been a late night, altered state kind of purchase that surprised me a bit when it showed up, but it's one of the best things that's ever happened to me. For just a few dollars, you, too, can receive an informational mini-book full of goat facts to awe and impress your friends as well as a miniature screaming goat. If you're a fan of the screaming goat videos on YouTube, this will be right up your alley. It sounds best when set on a hard surface like a table or desk, so the sound can echo. It's just loud enough for coworkers to ask 'did y'all just hear a screaming goat?' Yes. Yes you did, Phil. If you've read this far, it's been decided: You need this. This will be there for you longer than that dumb T-shirt you're considering. This screaming goat will complete you. Better get one for your best friend, too, while you're at it." -ekhobunny
Get it on Amazon for $7.65!
And there you have it - 29 incredible products that'll make your adult life just a little bit easier, better, and more fun. Happy shopping!
- Buzzfeed reader Hope S. stated that the Ulla Smart Water Reminder has been a game-changer for her hydration, noting that its light grabs one's attention instantly and has significantly improved her water intake, skin, and overall health.
- According to minmom24, the Meal Planning Pad is a total game-changer for meal prepping, as it allows for easy planning, shopping, and organization of meals for each day, with magnets on the back for easy fridge storage.
- VIVO's Two-Tier Standing Desk Converter has been praised for its ergonomic design, allowing users to easily convert their seated work setup to a standing one, freeing up space for all their tech and improving productivity, according to halaly.
