33 Things You Don’t Need But Will Probably Buy Anyway
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Maybe these things aren’t strictly necessary, but they *are* fun.
1. A cleansing jelly ball that smells like watermelon and cloudberry, because liquid cleanser is sooo last year.Â
Amazon
Dallas & James Skincare Co. is a mom-owned small business that sells skincare products.
Promising review: “I am on my third purchase of the Watermelon Dream line. I am someone who has struggled with skincare lines for years. I have severely sensitive skin that, in my ’30s, still also likes to act up like a teenager. I used it over the summer and felt I hadn’t noticed a difference. So when I ran out, I switched to something else I had lying around, and boy, did my skin feel BLAH. After about a week, I went online and bought the whole line again, plus the mask. My skin is so much happier, and now I am all in. The smell is light, not overpowering but still there and very good.” —Stephanie
Get it from Amazon for $28.
2. A variety pack of hard candies spiced with traditional Mexican flavors that will delight the senses. Spicy, sweet, and tangy all come together to create flavor magic. Tamalitoz is a Latinx- and Queer-owned business based in Texas. This ribbon-style candy is filled with a mild chili lime seasoning, making for a tangy, sweet treat. It was started in a tiny candy store in Mexico City by husband-and-husband team, Jack and Dec.
Promising review: “I once tried these after seeing them on a checkout line, and now I am completely in love. They are the perfect mixture of sweet, spicy, and salty! Since I go through them pretty fast, this is a great way to get all the flavors for a good price at once. They tend to get stuck together in transit, especially when traveling in Florida, but I’ve never had trouble separating them by gently patting the bag. If these candies pique your interest, go ahead and buy them!” —Katie
Get five bags from Amazon for $28.50.
3. A pair of hooking bear pins that help shrink the waistline of jeans that are a little too big. Plus, they just look really cute holding paws! I want what they have. :’)
Amazon
If you need help with pants that are too small, consider these.
Get them from Amazon for $7.99Â (available in 12 styles).
4. A clever butter spreader knife with little holes to produce spreadable butter from even the coldest of butters. Patience is for suckers! The serrated side also works well as a cheese knife!
Promising review: “Perfect spreader for refrigerated butter. No more torn bread and no waiting for butter to soften. Great purchase. Well-made stainless spreader knife.” —Apple
Get it from Amazon for $10.55.
5. A miniature clay pottery wheel that lets kids and adults make cute clay vases and sculptures in a mess-free environment.Â
Amazon
Promising review: “This mini pottery wheel was great for my daughter, and we had a blast playing with it. It was a bit of a learning curve at first, but we figured it out. I wish the pottery we made could be bigger. Maybe this is just a beginner’s kind of device, but it sparked my interest so much that I want to get something larger now and do some real pottery. Overall, it was worth it.” —Jason Custodio
Get it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in regular or deluxe, which makes double the amount of projects).Â
6. A set of Globbles, TikTok-famous fidget toys that are squishy, colorful, and stick to any surface you throw them at without leaving a residue. It’ll soothe childhood stress of throwing a sticky hand toy at the ceiling and getting screamed at by your parent for a week straight.Â
Promising review: “Bought a six-pack for my neurodivergent family. We are all either ADHD or autistic. I struggle with compulsive hair pulling and bought these to help keep my hands busy. They are the perfect size, more satisfying than a stress ball, clean easily, fun to hurl at the wall or ceiling, and so far have lasted very well. I did test the durability of one and did break one when I pulled it as hard as I could — the inside looks something like shaving cream and didn’t smell or anything. But if you have a kid who is an aggressive chewer, perhaps keep an eye on them.” —Amazon Customer
Get a set of six from Amazon for $11.99.Â
7.
A bead-filled weighted eye mask that offers gentle pressure while blocking light. It’s helped over 4,000 happy reviewers get decent shut-eye.
Amazon
Promising review: “This eye mask is so soft, perfectly weighted, and works great at keeping the sunlight out. As a side sleeper, this works perfectly. Love the color.” —Ali
Get it from Amazon for $34 (available in six colors).Â
8.
Kinfield’s Golden Hour bug spray made with a unique strain of Indonesian citronella that actually smells good — think citrus and vanilla. Customers looking to avoid DEET swear up and down that it really works.
Kinfield
Heads up: As far as “natural” bug sprays go, the CDC only recommends formulas with oil of lemon eucalyptus so I don’t recommend using this in super buggy areas. That said, based on the reviews, you should be covered for casual picnics and backyard hangs.Â
Promising review: “Mosquitoes like to eat me up and make me puff up like an itchy water balloon, but I’ve had absolutely ZERO bites while wearing this stuff. I love that it’s not a bunch of nasty, sticky DEET chemicals. I recommend applying it outside though if you have cats or dogs, since essential oils aren’t great for them to ingest or inhale. Made the mistake of applying inside one time and it was very strong so I cordoned my cats off from the area lol. A lot of people seem to complain about the scent but I personally love the smell of citronella so it doesn’t bother me. I’ll be using this for LIFE!” —TJ R.
Get it from Kinfield for $22.
9. A bottle of Bachan’s beloved BBQ sauce that’s truly a top-tier condiment. You’ll want to soak everything in your fridge in this magical elixir. Rebecca O’Connell / BuzzFeed
Bachan’s is a Japanese-owned small business founded by Justin Gill. The sauce is inspired by his grandmother, Judy Yokoyama’s recipe. Resisting advice to cut costs and water down this beloved sauce, Gill prioritized maintaining its integrity and only using clean ingredients. Their sauce is cold-filled, vegan, small-batch, non-GMO, BPA-free, and preservative-free.
I’ve tried this sauce and immediately made everyone I know try it as well. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you go “oh…wow, oh WOW” when you taste it.
Get it from Bachan’s for $12.99Â or Amazon for $9.49Â (there are also gluten-free, hot and spicy, miso, and yuzu options!).
10. A darling flower pillow that’ll bring a little mod style to your furniture. It’ll add some extra color *and* comfort to a couch or armchair.
Promising review: “I bought these pillows to liven up my office space. They are whimsical and fun. The larger pillows would be great to set on the floor and sit with children or pets! Love these.” —lovetoread
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 17 colors and three sizes).Â
11. A USB-C charging cube that looks like Susan Kare’s smiling macintosh that yep, lights up when it’s plugged in. You probably already have a charger, but is it this cute???
The smile is iconic, but the charger comes with stickers in case you want to change the screen design.
Promising review: “So glad I got this! It changes color whenever you charge and the battery charging performance is up to par with a standard Apple charger. Its design is super adorable.” —Grace B.
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
12. Some felt coasters shaped like miniature pizza pies. They even come in a pizza box to really sell the theme.Â
Promising review: “The cutest coasters ever! These are better than the pictures in the listings. Great gift idea and very good conversation pieces. This is also great if you have a pizza-themed room or space. The coasters are truly functional and space efficient. Highly recommend!” —Dara M
Get the four coasters, paddle, and box from Amazon for $9.97.
13. A set of bacon strip bandages that stick well and are surprisingly realistic. These won’t crackle under pressure!
Accoutrements is a small business that specializes in quirky themed bandages.Â
Promising review: “These are so fun to wear! They are true to description and they look very real. I concocted a story I’d read about using bacon to heal the wound and yet keep the skin moist around the wound. A couple of my friends freaked out and told me to get that bacon off my finger! So besides looking real and holding quite well they are definitely a conversation piece!” —path66002
Get a set of 15 from Amazon for $7.07.Â
14. A jar of “Ass Kickin” sweet and spicy jelly beans made with real habanero pepper. First they’re sweet, then they’re so spicy, you cry a little.Â
Amazon
Ass Kickin’ is a small business that specializes in spicy candy, popcorn, and sauces.Â
Promising review: “If you like spicy and sweet you will most definitely like these jelly beans. It didn’t take me long to devour the whole jar and will say that I enjoyed every spicy hot bean. I wouldn’t say it’s like over the top hot but it’s a comfortable hot that keeps me eating one after the other.” —Bill Reiner
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.Â
15. A camera lens-shaped thermos that’ll keep your drinks hot (or cold) while you’re on long shoots or editing photos at your desk. It’s leakproof and comes with a lil’ spoon.Â
Promising review: “I saw this while browsing, and at first I thought it was a real lens (until I saw the price). I clicked, and had to laugh because it incorporated my husband’s two loves — coffee and photography! I got it for him as part of his Christmas gifts, and he loves it. The designer did an excellent job with this. It looks real at first glance, and the raised areas make it very easy to hold. We laughed when he opened it, and it has become one of his favorite mugs.” —Susan
Get it from Amazon for $9.87.Â
16. A bottle of the ultra-beloved Everyday Oil. It balances, hydrates, and cleanses your face, body, hair — basically anywhere.Â
Everyday Oil
Everyday Oil was founded by Emma Allen, who was looking to make affordable skincare that could be used head to toe.Â
Get it from Everyday Oil for $52Â (available in four scents).Â
17. A tiny little gnome friend that peeks over your planter, mug, or vase and adds some cottage-y charm to your home.Â
Heartshake Studios
Heartshake Studios is a queer-owned small business based in Colorado.Â
Get it from Heartshake Studios for $10Â (available in two styles).
18. A cheese-shaped box for — yup, you guessed it — cheese! It keeps your cheddar fresh longer…and smells contained.Â
Amazon
Promising review: “Oh wow! I followed the directions and put that moist paper towel in with my cheese, on the bottom and put some unwrapped and cut Jarlsberg wedge in it. I left for vacation and two weeks later came back, and it was still fresh and moist and not moldy! Huzzah! I’m MIGHTY impressed with this simple gadget. I hate food waste and this is super helpful!” —Awesome Taste
Get it from Amazon for $11.79.
19. A Ditto-shaped mirror that’s easily the coolest looking piece of Pokémon merch I’ve ever seen.Â
Transinthesis / Etsy
It’s 3D-printed, so the seller can accommodate some customizations, like different colors.Â
Get it from Transinthesis on Etsy for $45.
20. Glow-in-the-dark dice with a liquid core that swirls underneath soaring dragons. If you’re looking for some extra drama during your next campaign, this is it.Â
URWizards
Get it from URWizards on Etsy for $11.99+ (available in two colors, two styles, and different set sizes).
21. A pair of colorful beaker-like measuring cups that will make cooking feel like a science experiment. Great for those who wish they could have dinner with Bill Nye.Â
Great Jones
Promising review: “I bake a lot and need more than two cups for measuring liquids — these are aesthetically pleasing and functional.” —Tzahalla S.
Get two from Great Jones for $70.
22. A pack of mini cloud-shaped utility knives for anyone with a lot of packages to open. These are smaller and — most importantly — cuter than traditional box cutters.Â
Amazon
Check them out on TikTok!
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.Â
23.
A mini belt bag that you can wear across your waist *or* as a crossbody purse. Reviewers love how this small accessory can hold daily essentials (wallet, phone, keys, snacks, etc.) and feels comfy to carry all day.
amazon.com, amazon.com
Promising review: “This is SUCH a cute bag like I’m in LOVE I bought one for my trip to keep my passport close, and I’ll be buying two more colors because I love it so much. The quality is SO, SO GOOD.” —Shasta
Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 39 colors).
24. A sloth coffee mug serving up an A+++ affirmation for the day.Â
Promising review: “Love, love, love this mug! It’s sturdy and has held up in the dishwasher and microwave. My only ‘complaint’ is that the sloth comes up past the rim of the mug a little too much. It’s no biggie. Overall, super cute and puts a smile on my face!!” —Tiffany
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.Â
25. Leaf-cleaning tongs that make the process more efficient and a little less annoying. I can’t ~be-leaf~ I don’t own one yet!Â
World Market
Get it from World Market for $19.99.
26. A set of card-shaped sponges for anyone who’s not playing when it comes to clean dishes.Â
Amazon
Promising review: “I thought this product was so cute and unique, I had to purchase it for my mom. I don’t think they are really made for serious cleaning — just occasional cup or spoon cleaning — but they are SO adorable and fun.” —AllieClaire
Get a set of four from Amazon for $10.99.
27. A Soap Daddy — a tool that spits out dish soap from both ends. You can pick it up and squeeze from the bottom or push a Scrub Daddy on top to get a little soap injection.Â
Target
Promising review: “It’s a great product, easy to use and very convenient design. Best soap dispenser you’ll ever own.” —Target Customer
Get it from Target for $9.99.
28.
A linen hydrangea top that’s 100% adjustable and possibly the most summery thing I’ve ever seen.
Chefanie
Chefanie was founded by the New York-based culinary influencer Stephanie Nass. Also check out the cabbage version!
Get it from Chefanie for $58.Â
29. A hardcover sticker book chock full of Victorian-era illustrations, ranging from ornate fashion to beautiful flora. With 1,000+ stickers to choose from, you’re gonna have a great time scrapbooking.Â
Amazon
Promising review: “These, as well as the other two books in the set, are easily the most beautiful stickers I’ve ever seen or used, and for significantly less than you’d be spending on stickers this pretty on Etsy or anywhere else. —Layla
Get it from Amazon for $15.99Â (also available in book and dream themes).
30. A disco ball diffuser so your next dance party can smell like, really good.Â
Promising review: “This dopamine decor really hits the spot. Ordered one and noticed I wasn’t receiving a strong mist after a few uses. I contacted the company through Instagram and within minutes, I got a response and confirmation a new one was going to be sent. We are still going strong with this new one and I use it EVERY DAY.” —Addie Miller
Get it from Amazon for $37.97.
31. A satin bow throw pillow for anyone who wants their bed to look as cute as they do. 🎀🎀🎀
Urban Outfitters
Promising review: “I really love this pillow! I got the darker pink color and it looks great. It feels like good quality and it’s a decent size, a really cute decorative addition to my room. Overall would recommend. :)” —KSK9
Get it from Urban Outfitters for $49.Â
32.
A tank and front-tie skirt co-ord that’ll answer the ultimate summer question: What should I wear today?
amazon.com, amazon.com
Promising review: “I bought this for a release party for a friend who has started her own wine line. I love everything about it. I got a ton of compliments from the color to the fit.” —Jjones
Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in sizes L–5XL and 39 patterns).
33.
Pin backs to turn your pins into magnets so you finally have something to do with your collection after you’ve run out of space on your jacket.
joannabehar / Etsy
Get two from joannabehar on Etsy for $3.41+ (available in a set of two or a set of 10).Â
Reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
