Congrats, You Did The Thing — Here Are 36 Things To Reward Yourself With That Are Actually Super Useful
1. A set of self-heating foot masks that’ll help bring some relief after a long shift or a night out with your deadliest shoes. Just pop on the included booties and enjoy the tingly sensation of Epsom salts, lavender, and peppermint.
Get a closer look on TikTok!
BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord has these in her self-care toolkit:
“I’m a long-ish distance runner, and these were certainly an interesting experience for my feet! You slide them on and, after a few minutes, feel a tingling, mildly burning (in a good way) sensation. It doesn’t quite numb your feet, but it relaxes them. I kept them on for 30 minutes and then toweled my feet off, and the tingling sensation slowly faded over the next 30 minutes. After that, my feet felt very refreshed and relaxed at a time of day when they’re usually aching from all the miles I put in. The whole thing was a mess-free, easy process, and I will definitely keep them on hand for longer run days!”
Promising review: “Very soothing. My husband and l used these on our European vacation, and they definitely felt good on our feet!” —KS2018
Get a set of three pairs from Amazon for $14.55.
2. A three-pack of polarized sunglasses to ensure you’re fully stocked with a hearty supply of sunnies that look expensive but won’t break your heart when you inevitably crush a pair in the bottom of your purse.
Promising review: “I’ve been buying these for years. They replaced my Ray-Bans, which look identical! Fit great, and with the price point, I don’t have to worry too much with my kids and being on the go!” —Jessica M
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 13 sets, as well as two-packs and individual pairs).
3. E.l.f.’s new sheer tint “Squeeze Me” lip balm infused with moisturizing hyaluronic acid because a little birdie told me it’s a mega-affordable alternative for the viral Summer Fridays butter balm. No pouting over prices with this pocket-size formula!
Check it out on TikTok!
You can count BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord among this balm’s many fans:
“I love love love this lip balm. I compare it to the $24 version from Summer Fridays, which I’ve been splurging on — I love that brand because it lasts so long and is so high quality, but this $4 E.l.f. version feels comparable and, more excitingly, comes in smaller versions so I can stock my totes and bathroom with them whether I’m at home or on the go. It’s hydrating, lightweight, doesn’t get sticky, and adds a perfect ~subtle~ gloss whether I’m using it alone or on top of a lip color. I love the vanilla flavor so much, it’s got a similar vibe to the birthday cake flavor that Glossier sometimes carries.”
Promising review: “I got this product because of the hype of it on TikTok. This lip balm smells SO GOOD. And hydrated my lips.” —kayla
Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five flavors).
4. A set of pastel “unbreakable” deep plates if you’re looking for dishware that looks splurge-worthy without the scary price tag. These minimalist beauties work for just about any meal you can dream up, are surprisingly lightweight, and are dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
Note that the dishes are microwave-safe for up to 3 minutes!!
Promising review: “These are microwaveable and light to carry. Love the colors. Wish they were available in one color only, but I can’t complain. I primarily bought these for microwave purposes. But can be used for salads, hot soup, etc. Also, it’s an in-between size, like a medium. Just right for me.” —M. Zolnosky
Get a set of four from Amazon for $9.55 (also available as bowls!).
5. A pair of “floating” air conduction headphones for everyone who would hands-down pick headphones if they could — but who’s got the bag space for that?! This is all the compact convenience of AirPods in a less invasive style that perches comfortably on your ear without sacrificing privacy or audio and call quality.
Purity is a small business that specializes in tech products and accessories.
Promising review: “I’ve tried soooo many different types of earbuds over the years with no success. But these Purity open-air headphones are the first pair I’ve ever tried that actually fit well, don’t hurt, and sound great! So, after many years of trying, I’ve FINALLY found the right ones for my ears!! Woohoo! They are comfortable, lightweight, have great sound clarity, are easy to operate, have great battery life, and people can hear me clearly when I talk on the phone with them. I definitely recommend these, especially if regular in-ear buds don’t work for you either.” —CPic
Get it from Amazon for $16.49 (available in 19 styles).
6. A stick-on prismatic window film since it doubles as a privacy screen for a curtain alternative with a big visual impact. What makes for better decor than LITERAL rainbows?!
Check out our full write-up on this rainbow window film.
Promising review: “SO EASY TO INSTALL! I was expecting more difficulties but had none at all. The light prism effect gives my apartment a very whimsical feeling that I love. Now I don’t have to worry about people looking into my apartment. However, keep in mind at night people can probably still kind of see through. Do what you will with that info lol.” —Violinanonymous
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 11 sizes and three colors).
7. A set of eye-popping fine point pens because why settle for just black and blue pens when you could have all the colors of the rainbow at your disposal?!
These are designed not to bleed through thin pages, so all your planners and journals can get the flair pen treatment.
Promising review: “I love how this pen feels to hold and it writes beautifully! I am very picky about how the ink looks from the pens I use and I don’t remember having one that writes so smoothly and beautifully! I will buy these whenever I need more. I actually just purchased another package of all black!” —Kate
Get a set of 18 from Amazon for $8.99.
8. A NeeDoh Nice Cube if you exist at the center of a Venn diagram where “fidgeter” and “slime lover” intersect. This goo-filled sensory toy has the most delightful *squish*, a satisfying weight, and is magically not the type of sticky that picks up every fleck of dust in the tri-state area.
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising review: “High quality and very durable! This cube is fantastic for any age and any need. The cube provides slight resistance when compressed, which is both stress-relieving and satisfying!!! Once squeezed, it quickly returns to its natural shape. A great choice!” —Joe stevenson
Get it from Amazon for $8.14 (the color is either blue, pink, or purple and gets selected for you at random!).
9. Death Wish instant coffee packets to challenge everything you thought you knew about instant coffee with a high-end, artisanal taste and a whopping 300mg of caffeine per cup!
Check out a TikTok of the Deathwish Instant Coffee in action.
Death Wish Coffee is a small business that specializes in coffee pods, grounds, whole beans, and more.
Promising review: “So let me start by saying that this coffee is delicious and works if you’re someone like me who wants to stay awake. I work night shifts at a hospital, and in the mornings, when I get home, I’m quite tired and sleepy. I made myself a cup of coffee and waited for it to work. Now let me tell y’all!!! This coffee kept me awake for hours!! BOY, WAS I WOWED INDEED. Best believe I went ahead and ordered three more boxes. This is now my to-go coffee if I need a BOOST!!!!!! If you like coffee and want to stay awake, then BUY THIS COFFEE!!! I’m happy I no longer have to take naps to get re-energized.” —nancy
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $10.99.
10. A padded cropped workout tank with a built-in bra so you can ditch painful underwires and hot layers in favor of something lighter, cooler, and oh-so stylish.
Promising review: “I ordered this bra/tank top to compare to the Lululemon Align tank. It is amazing! For reference, I wear a size 8/10 in the Align tank, and I ordered a size medium in this one. The similarities are endless, with the only difference being the material. The material of this tank seems to be more sturdy than the Align tank, so I definitely love that the material will hold up better and likely longer than my Align tanks! If you’re looking for a cheaper option this one is it! I cannot wait to purchase it in more colors :)” —Z
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women’s sizes XS–3XL and in 29 colors).
11. A lil’ polar bear hydrating eye stick if your puffy, aching eyes feel like cinderblocks in the morning they’re so heavy. Kickstart your routine with sweet, sweet relief thanks to this hydrating formula, which is blended with Iceland glacial water to help relieve puffiness, tighten skin, and tackle dark circles.
Check out one user’s glowing review on TikTok.
Promising review: “I tried this after seeing TikTok reviews. I love how it feels when it goes on. It’s very cooling and soothing. I used it during the day to freshen my under-eye area. I just ordered more, so I have one in my purse and car as well!” —MaryR
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three formulas and multi-packs).
12. A roomy duffel bag that’s got everything you’d want in a travel bag. On top of being surprisingly durable for the price *and* water-resistant, it features a side panel for mounting onto rolling luggage and a set of genius compartments to separate clean and dirty clothes. What better way to test it out than booking that weekend getaway you’ve been pondering?
Yes, it does include an adjustable long strap!
Promising review: “I recently went camping and was able to pack a lot into this bag. It zipped up easily. I love the color; it’s almost a ‘neutral pink’ and not too ‘look at me, I’m Barbie in the woods!’ The shoulder strap was comfortable, and the handles were comfortable, too. It was snowing while unloading from the truck to the cabin, and despite this bag getting wet (and VERY cold), everything inside was very dry.” —Smile Saurus
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in a variety of colors and two styles).
13. A rechargeable electric lighter because it’s windproof, splash-proof, portable, and just overall very nice to look at. No more empty plastic lighters in the trash with this around!
Promising review: “I got the three-pack, one for me and two as gifts to friends who are trying to reduce waste. We all love these lighters because a single charge really does last; we don’t have to buy any more disposable lighters for the foreseeable future, and the length is perfect for hard-to-reach wicks. Getting used to how to place the arc on the wick and understanding that there was a safety timeout took me a bit to get used to but wasn’t frustrating.” —Salim
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in eight colors).
14. A pair of wicker organizers to effortlessly turn that one cluttered surface you hate into an aesthetic catch-all your eyes can gladly gaze upon.
15. A copy of Burn After Writing if you want to spend less time scrolling and more time reflecting. This guided journal is filled with loads of prompts, questions, and thought experiments to get in touch with feelings and memories, both old and new.
Promising review: “I first saw this book on TikTok and decided to look more into it. I purchased four total because I know some people holding onto things that are difficult to let go of. It’s a great way to look at things from a different perspective and truly hold yourself accountable for different things in your life. I love what it stands for, and I look forward to when I burn mine after I’m done. Self-love, self-care, and meditation for a better state of mind tomorrow are always the goal. I definitely recommend it to those susceptible to change and the willingness to try things differently. You’re so much more than what’s been done to you, and someone’s inability to see your worth does not decrease your value. Choose you for a change.” —Brent Helm
Get it from Amazon for $7.32.
16. A box of six shower steamers to enhance your shower experience with a scent for every occasion. Need a morning pick-me-up? Try the grapefruit. Stuffed up? Menthol and eucalyptus. Help to unwind? You guessed it — pop open that lavender-scented steamer and enjoy!
Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins.
Promising review: “I knew of bath bombs but never got the shower! I got a variety pack with 6 different scents. The first I chose was lavender. I did as directed, placing it under light steam, and my shower turned into a wonderfully scented home spa shower! I stayed in my shower longer than usual since it was such a pleasant experience! I HIGHLY recommend buying these, especially if you enjoy showers versus baths. They’re also packaged in such a nice way they’d be great for gifting!” —Rumeur
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $16.99 (available in larger pack sizes).
17. A pack of cult-favorite Clean Skin Club Clean Towels because bacteria on your terry towels and washcloths (even freshly clean ones) could be the sneaky culprit behind your breakouts. This disposable alternative is absorbent enough to dry your hands and face but can also be used wet when paired with your favorite makeup remover or cleanser. One towel with endless possibilities!
Clean Skin Club is a US-based small business specializing in hygienic, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare products.
Promising review: “I absolutely love these. I saw these on TikTok and bought them. I will be buying more. They are great for my face. Really soft and VERY durable and strong, even when wet. You can wash your face [with it] or just dry your face, either way, it’s the best option.” —Sahara
Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $17.95.
18. A non-stick trio lasagna pan so you can accommodate the whole crew’s dietary restrictions (no meat, no cheese, no gluten, etc.) without cross-contamination or employing far too many dishes. Attention, crispy-edge lovers! This is basically a requirement in your kitchen IMO.
Not just for lasagna! You can fully use these for brownies, blondies, and bread too.
Promising review: “As someone who has a child (now a teenager) who will not eat any form of cheese, this pan is amazing! I typically avoid making any food that has cheese mixed into it but now I can make him a section without cheese and the rest of us our regular cheesy goodness. Another benefit to this pan is how well the portions slice. One cut with the spatula gives you a perfectly formed square. Each section makes four regular-sized portions for our family.” —TRU
Get it from Amazon for $22.99.
19. An adjustable mini belted pack to wear around your waist or shoulder for unobtrusive-yet-convenient access to all your essentials. The jig is up! Fanny packs are cool again (not to mention so functional), and reviewers love this one as a cheaper alternative to the Lululemon bag you’ve probably seen everywhere.
20. A heavy-duty mason jar cold brew maker because it’s surprisingly aesthetic for something this straightforward, so you can really start ~romanticizing~ your coffee routine. More of an iced tea fan? Reviewers have used it for delicious brews with great success.
County Line Kitchen is a small business specializing in mason jar-style cold brew makers, pitchers, and accessories.
Promising review: “This has been a hit in my house. Makes the most delicious cold brew and is of great quality. Has saved a ton of money on going out and on pods I used to buy. I try to let it sit for 48 hours so I can dilute it with a little water to get it to last longer, and I throw it in my dishwasher in between uses. Perfect!” —Jo
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors).
21. A subtle nail concealer that adds a semi-sheer, buildable wash of color to easily mask any uneven discoloration or ridges without splurging at the salon.
Promising reviews: “I’ve been using this for a few weeks, and I can’t get over the change to my nails! They’ve grown and managed to resist breaking during a cross-country flight. Zero chips or cracks after some serious abuse. Deep ridges in one nail are completely concealed. It gives the look of health and youth in one quick coat.” —McLister
Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in five shades).
Check out our Londontown Illuminating Nail Concealer review for more deets!
22. A suction overflow drain cover since shallow water and that ambient draining sound isn’t exactly your idea of relaxing. With this simple cover, your teeny apartment bath can become the deep soaking tub of your dreams!
Promising review: “This product is genius, and I wish I had it years ago! I love to take baths — that’s my ‘me’ time and time to relax. The downfall was just never feeling like there was enough water in the tub and I was annoyed with the sound of water always draining from the overflow. This has solved my problem! A FULL tub of water and no annoying draining sounds! When I’m done, I just remove the cover and hang it up to dry. Easy peasy! The suction is strong, and I’ve not had a single issue so far. You can’t beat the price, too!” —K.C.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in nine colors).
23. A silicone Magic Mushroom funnel for a kitchen tool that’s cute enough to leave displayed on your countertop even when it’s not working hard as a regular funnel.
To use it, just flip it inside out and stick the “stem” through your container’s opening. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe!
Promising review: “I am obsessed with this funnel!!! I juice a lot of citrus and juices for cocktails, and this little guy is the perfect size for bottling. It’s beyond cute and really great quality. I’m always hesitant about buying silicone items, as I don’t want them to be too thin. This is perfect! Sturdy and cute! Can’t get better than that! The perfect addition to any cottagecore kitchen!” —Abbey Klem
Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in two sizes).
24. A snazzy two-slice touchscreen toaster to majorly upgrade your ancient one without succumbing to the TikTok hype of a similar $350 style. Choose from seven different toastiness levels (complete with a helpful visual guide), and even get specific about the carb type for results worth cele-bread-ing.
Promising review: “I love this toaster! It has all the options I need: lifter, countdown timer, visual icon of the toast colors, and all the toast varieties anyone could want, from white to grain to bagel to waffle to English muffin to gluten-free. It not only has reheat and defrost options, but you can even add more toasting time. Truly, it has all the bells and whistles anyone could want and is easy to use.” —Tanya Feddern-Bekcan
Get it from Amazon for $47.99+ (available in five colors and a four-slice toaster style).
25. A whimsical cloud-shaped magnetic key holder because its too-cute design just might be motivation enough to finally put your keys in an easy-to-find location, so you don’t tear apart your room hunting for them later.
26. A ~berry~ cute glass water bottle for staying hydrated on the go without succumbing to plastic packaged temptation. Its slim size makes it perfect for slipping in any bag, and it’s dishwasher-safe, so you don’t have to fret over proper cleanings.
Rachelle Yang / BuzzFeed
BuzFeed Shopping writer Rachelle Yang loves her new bottle:
“I recently received this bottle (just in time for summer), and I absolutely adore it. The little strawberries are oh-so darling, and whenever I bring this out with me, I get endless compliments — seriously. Plus, the glass isn’t slippery on the outside because it has a silicone coating, so I’m never scared of dropping it, especially because I’m quite the klutz. It holds the perfect amount of water for me and is slim enough to fit in any of my purses and bags. Even though it’s not insulated, it surprisingly keeps my water cold for a while, even when it’s blazing hot out! I also love that it’s dishwasher safe (the glass part only) because I cannot tell you how much I hate cleaning the inside of bottles!!!”
Get it from Amazon for $30 (available in two other designs).
27. A cutesy cloud-shaped utility knife if you’re an online shopping FIEND. This will make quick, clean work out of slicing open all those packages, and six come in a pack so you can stash them in your desk, home, car — wherever!
Check out a TikTok of the cloud knife in action.
Promising review: “I love these — sturdy, sharp with retractable blade. I keep them in different rooms for opening packages or breaking down boxes to recycle. Would recommend and buy again.” —Amy Yasneski
Get a set of six from Amazon for $13.99.
28. A rechargeable 3-in-1 hand fan to beat the heat no matter where it strikes. It’s the perfect size to keep stashed in a bag *and* it doubles as a power bank for on-the-go charging. Did I mention the built-in flashlight? Just in case it wasn’t already multifunctional enough for ya!
Promising review: “This is one cute little powerhouse. It’s a fan, a flashlight, and a power brick all in one. I got this a few weeks ago to help when I’m in the throes of a pre-menopausal hot flash. I’ve used it quite a few times, and I just had to charge it for the first time today. The fan has two powerful speeds, and I like that it has a quick automatic turn-off feature if the blades come in contact with anything; the blades are plastic and don’t hurt, but it’s still a nice feature. The flashlight is bright, and the charging feature is really great. I love it!” —HolNicHai
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in six colors).
29. A Dracula garlic crusher because it’s obnoxiously cute and can mince several cloves at once with a simple twist of his head. Now, you can quickly prep garlicky goodness that’ll keep the vampires at bay. Well, all of them except this one!
This little bloodsucker is 100% food-safe, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe!
Promising review: “I was getting very tired of the garlic presses that turn garlic into a mush and require incredible force to mash the clove into unrecognizable oblivion. This is far easier and turns the garlic into pieces rather than mush.” —C. Pearlman
Get it from Amazon for $22.95.
30. A genius candle warmer lamp that looks so darn good and releases the fresh scents of your fave candle without the pesky fire hazard of a lit flame. Plus, you can easily use it as a 2-in-1 mug warmer, too!
It includes a halogen warming bulb and even has a dimmer so you can adjust it to your desired brightness level.
Get a closer look at it on TikTok (it looks super cute in a kitchen, too)!
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis says: “🎶 It’s me, hi. I’m the impulsive buyer, it’s me. 🎶 After seeing this gooorgeous candle warmer online time and time again (and trying to ignore the urge to buy what I absolutely didn’t need)…I finally did it, and WOW, am I glad I did. This lamp looks even better in person, it warms all of my candles evenly, and after moving it to my desk, I figured out it can be used as the cutest mug warmer, too! It comes with two compatible 50-watt warming bulbs that melt candles from top to bottom. The dimming feature is also really convenient for both the brightness of the light and for how fast or slow you want your candle to melt! This would definitely be a 12/10 gift.”
Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in two colors).
31. A set of instant cocktail packets because it’s all the delicious flavors of your favorite craft bevvies without the time and energy spent shopping for obscure ingredients and mixing up your brew. Now, you can lean into the lazy at home or pack these as a convenient on-the-go option for a beach or camping trip.
Craftmix is a small business that specializes in instant drink mixers.
These are all vegan and gluten-free — all you have to do is add booze, water, or the seltzer of your choice! Reviewers also love it as a party favor.
Promising review: “These margarita mixes are absolutely perfect for hanging out with your girlfriends. They are so refreshing when mixed with tequila and sparkling soda. There were enough drink mixes for 12 margaritas. I also dipped the glasses in rock salt. Great value for your money. I’m going to purchase more for our taco night.” —Suze
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 10 different flavors and a variety pack).
32. A super lightweight minimalist mesh tote bag so you can go to the beach without finding sand in your bag for millennia after. Reviewers love this style for general travel, too, since it’s made of a super tough, tear-resistant nylon that can hold over 30 pounds and is cuter than something this useful has any right to be.
Promising review: “I got the khaki for a beach vacation at an upscale family resort, so I wanted to make sure to have something nice enough yet not over the top. This bag is perfect, nice looking, roomy, does not sag, and though it holds its shape, not at all stiff. You can really stuff it. There’s a good-sized zippered inner pocket for valuables that will protect from sand. It has a modern straw look that is nice enough for beach shops and restaurants. After lots of use, the only thing I did to clean it was to shake it out. It still looks brand new and is ready for next year.” —Yellow Rose of Texas
Get it from Amazon for $13.50 (available in 11 colors and two-packs).
33. An adorable nonslip waterproof shelf liner to bring some joy-inducing pizzazz to your otherwise dreary fridge and pantry shelves while simultaneously making future cleanup jobs sooo quick and easy.
34. Lookalike suede clogs that have been fondly referred to online as “potato shoes,” which makes perfect sense since you’re probably going to love this supremely comfortable shoe about as much as you love french fries and hash browns.
Promising review: “I love these! I was hoping they could compare for the Birkenstock brand, and I’m so glad they can! I debated whether to purchase these, but when they arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. They look and feel just like my Birkenstocks for a fraction of the price. I will definitely be buying them in the other colors. Their fit is accurate as well. I wear a size 10 and ordered a size 10. I have about 1/2 inch of the shoe behind my heel. I would say they are a perfect fit!” —Alicia Lewis
Get them from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in women’s sizes 5.5–14 and in seven colors).
35. A basically magic anti-humidity spray because it’s like an invisible raincoat for your hair, coating strands in an imperceptible layer of water resistance, meaning beads of liquid just roll right off. You do need heat to activate it, but results last through up to four shampoos, so you can cut back on time spent with your straightener.
Promising review: “This product is AMAZING!!!! I recommend 100%. I have long, wavy hair, and humidity is not my friend (did I mention I live in Miami, where humidity is 99% all summer?!?!). Since I started using this product, my hair is incredibly manageable and looks healthy, shiny, and smooth all day long. EVEN AFTER WORKING OUT!!! I really, really, really recommend this product. Oh, and yes…it does last up to three shampoos!! Totally worth every penny!!!!!” —Juan Pablo Diaz
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes).
36. A silly spinning pill dispenser for organizing your daily vitamins and pills, with the added side effect of feeling like you’re at a carnival spinning a fun-filled prize wheel. In this case, the prize is your prescription. Huzzah!
Check out a TikTok of the pill dispenser in action.
Promising review: “So I am horrible about remembering if I took my pills. And I HATE digging into the old pill boxes or doing the tip-over. I don’t know what it is, but I have always disliked it. I hung this on my wall right by the kitchen, so I pass it like 5,000 times a day, and I can’t not see it. It is so fun pushing the little orange button to watch the meds fall out. I mean, it kind of feels like a really weird game of Wheel of Fortune, but I like it.” —Grofica
Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in four colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
