28 Useful Products Your 30-Year-Old Self Would Send Back In Time To Your 20-Year-Old Self
1. A vacuum-free space-saving compression bag if you’re tired of the struggle that comes with storing clothes every time the seasons change. These bags can compress even the bulkiest items into a neat little package. Just stick your clothes inside, zip it up, roll the bag, and watch the air get squished out, magically shrinking your clothes.
Emma Lord / BuzzFeed
It’s great for packing a suitcase too — because, let’s face it, we all need emergency backup outfits!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord is OBSESSED: “Despite all the rave reviews I was definitely skeptical of space-saving bags that didn’t require a vacuum, and even as they were actively squishing my clothes into oblivion I still couldn’t quite believe it. I had easily two suitcases worth of clothes I wanted to pack for a three-week trip to London, and I managed to neatly pack the entirety of my wardrobe in one roller carry-on bag. Truly all I had to do was put my clothes in the bag, push them to the bottom, and then sit on it to get the air out before sealing it up. I had tons of extra bags and make a habit of taking them with me in case other people joining me on trips need them to be able to pack souvenirs on the way home. I’m never taking a long trip without these again — these are worth every damn penny.
“Psst — just note that airlines will still enforce weight limits, so don’t fly TOO close to the sun packing these up!!”
Get a set of eight from Amazon for $15.97.
2. A set of family-friendly pastel “unbreakable” deep plates that are so practical, they basically pay for themselves. These lightweight plates are made of wheat straw fiber and won’t break when you (or a kid) accidentally drop them, and they have a thickened bottom that’s anti-slip. They’re durable enough for the dishwasher and will survive *all* of your moves, and they come in the cutest colors that make every meal feel special!
You can also microwave them for all your reheating needs (just don’t microwave on high for more than three 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).
3. A lightweight, hypoallergenic heat-absorbing cooling blanket — one side is made of 100% Egyptian cotton, while the other has “Arc-Chill” cooling fibers that absorb your body heat and wick away moisture, instantly cooling you by 4–9 degrees. It’s perfect for hot sleepers who love to snuggle but hate waking up sweaty!
Promising review: “WHAT KIND OF SORCERY IS THIS??? I have never once felt a blanket that constantly keeps you cool? I am ALWAYS hot, but I love to be under blankets. This is the PERFECT blanket to keep from overheating. It feels like athletic-type material. A must-buy!!!” —Kenzie
Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in five sizes and 11 colors).
4. A magnetic acrylic weekly planner to turn your fridge door into an aesthetic command center for all your plans. You can jot down dinner ideas, keep track of appointments, and slot in reminders for soccer practice and birthday dinner invites.
Check out a TikTok of the magnetic acrylic planner in action.
Each planner also comes with six colorful markers!
Promising review: “I love the bright colors of the markers that it comes with it and it’s super helpful to remember what we’re having for dinner for the week! Comes with markers, an eraser, a little cloth, and some little sticky pads to put on the back of the magnets so that it doesn’t scratch your fridge up, love that!” —Krista Paige
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three sizes).
5. Three pairs of ~tingly~ self-heating soothing foot masks infused with a soothing blend of Epsom salt and menthol — the gentle warmth helps these ingredients dive deep into your foot muscles for instant relief, while shea butter and essential oils leave your skin incredibly soft and moisturized. They’re perfect for anyone who’s on their feet all day — like this hairstylist who gave them a glowing “10/10” rating.
Emma Lord / BuzzFeed
Check out a TikTok of the foot masks in action.
Emma says: “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 $11.97.
6. A zero-effort, no-scrub, once-a-week Wet & Forget cleaner that does all the hard work for you while you work on other tasks that have been piling up. This bleach-free cleaner removes soap scum and hard water deposits, leaving your shower sparkling clean when all you did was apply, walk away, and rinse off the next day.
Promising review: “This product was everything I wanted to clean the shower walls and base. I followed the instructions and waited longer than 24 hours due to my busy schedule. The results were fantastic. Cleaning the shower is no longer a chore.” —LaCatarinaGrande
Get it from Amazon for $20.98 (also available in a two-pack and a refill size).
7. A pair of reusable Nippies silicone pasties because the last thing we want is you in the chilly conference room recreating Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction during that big presentation. These little lifesavers last up to 12 hours (perfect for bra-free days), offer ultra-discreet coverage, and are totally waterproof.
Promising review: “I’ve tried so many nipple covers over the years, and these are just in a league of their own! They stick and don’t move (sweat, clothes, moisturizer, etc. — nothing budges them), but then they peel off so easily. It’s magic. They are completely seamless, and my husband (without prompting) said they looked like a second skin. I’ve got quite ‘triangular’ boobs, and they completely mold to the shape and look like I just have no nipples lol. Only when I’m suuuuuper cold does any level of nipple start to show through, and even then, it’s minimal. They’re more pricey than others I’ve bought before but so worth it. The others were one and done — these have held up through several wears and are still in perfect condition. Will repurchase them as soon as they wear out, without a doubt! No more bras!” —Alison
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Natalie Brown swears by these pasties too! Check out her Nippies review to learn more.
Get a set from Amazon for $26.50 (available in five shades and two sizes: one that fits cups A–C and one that fits cups D+).
8. An antimicrobial facial spray that’ll zap acne-causing bacteria without drying out your skin. It’s perfect for busy people who are always rushing to a meeting, catching a flight, or hitting the gym. Just spritz and go — no scrubbing needed.
Promising review: “The product is a great alternative to Tower 28, any HCl spray will have a bleach-like smell, but it fades right away. I spray it right after washing my face in preparation for my nighttime routine and after workouts. Just be careful when using it with skin and makeup products as if it’s not completely dry it will deactivate their properties. I use a fan to dry it out and it doesn’t take long. Also, the atomizer mists more than it spritzes so you get nice even coverage. I usually use 3–5 sprays to cover my face. Haven’t had any new breakouts since using it!” —Sophie
Get it from Amazon for $17.46.
9. An airtight cold-brew maker guaranteed to kick those Monday morning blues to the curb. You can prep your favorite coffee blend the night before and store it in the fridge for a perfectly chilled cup come morning. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious brew.
Maitland Quitmeyer / BuzzFeed
Promising review: “This has made my morning routine so much smoother! I love how easy it is to use, and it really feels like a high quality item. I never have to worry about leaks or spills, and it’s nice to be able to have a sealed pitcher for the fridge when I’m not brewing coffee.” —Victoria D.
Get it from Amazon for $19.59+ (available in two sizes and three colors).
And check out our full Takeya cold brew maker review for more deets!
10. An eight-second L’Oréal lamellar rinse-out treatment because less time spent on your hair = more time to focus on other stuff, like job responsibilities and staying on top of your social calendar. It instantly smoothes and detangles, and you’ll notice way less frizz, giving you that sleek, polished look with minimal effort.
Use this 2–3 times per week after shampooing your hair, and remember not to use it on your scalp. This treatment is just for the length of your hair.
Promising reviews: “I have 3c-type hair and struggle with a lot a breakage, unmanageability, and moisture. I never would’ve thought this brand would work on my hair. I have always used ethnic hair products and stayed away from brands such as this one. I have never in my 22 years felt my hair like this. I feel like I have a completely different head of hair. This product is so amazing and I will FOREVER be using this product in my hair regimen.” —Theressa Hailey
“I’m a professional hairstylist and Matrix, Redken, and L’Oreal are all owned by L’Oreal, and each line has a lamellar water in it at different prices. I am here to tell you that they are all the exact same ingredients in different bottles. So buy the cheapest and save yourself some cash. Your hair will love you for it. I love this stuff.” —Wenderella
Get it from Amazon for $10.97.
11. A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper I’m sure anyone who’s juggling work, chores, and everything in between would appreciate. This gadget perfectly dices all your favorite vegetables in a matter of seconds, perfect for when you want to whip up a tasty meal without spending ages in the kitchen (or $$$ on Uber Eats for the umpteenth time).
Check out a TikTok of the veggie chopper in action.
Promising review: “Makes life so much easier. I can’t imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. We used to have a Prepworks chopper, which was a similar idea, but you had to press so hard to chop and it broke after not too long. This one requires very little effort to cut through the food and it has a generous container.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in four colors and four sizes).
12. A wand wine filter designed to whisk away sulfites and histamines in your glass of merlot so you can savor every sip without the worry of a headache or congestion spoiling the fun later on.
Amazon
The wands are FDA-compliant and BPA-free! PureWine is a small business that specializes in wine accessories.
Promising review: “OMG!!!! This works. I love wine, but have terrible allergies to the histamines, sulfites, and preservatives in wine. I actually use one wand for two glasses of wine. I was very skeptical, but it works like a dream! Thank you PureWine. This is really a breakthrough for me.” —Penny Froh
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $11.99.
13. A bottle of Milani setting spray with SPF 30 — not only does it lock in your makeup and block UV rays, but it also has this amazing antioxidant-rich pollution shield. It ensures your makeup will stay fresh for up to 16 hours *and* leaves your skin with this subtle, dewy, hydrated finish. And get this: You can even use it alone on a bare face for a natural glow.
If you’re wearing makeup, this makes it way easier to reapply sunscreen throughout the day!
Promising review: “I work in an office where the women are always cold, which means the heat is always turned up. I am always getting hot/sweaty. My makeup would look terrible throughout the day as my T-zone would get extremely oily. I started using this spray (first-time user) once in the morning after makeup application (about 3–4 squirts) and it works for me all day. My face does not get oily and my makeup stays in place. It looks good with a matte finish as described. Super easy to use, and it feels good. It is not sticky whatsoever. I highly recommend this. I will be able to use the first bottle for AT LEAST one month. It’s worth the money.” —Vee
Get it from Amazon for $13.97 (also available in a matte or natural finish).
14. A pair of “floating” air conduction headphones so you can avoid the annoying discomfort of jamming in earbuds. These beauties hover right over your ears, playing music and picking up calls as effortlessly as any top-notch pair out there. They offer all the same convenience and privacy of earbuds — only you can hear the sound!
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).
15. The all-in-one Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm for those dry areas on your face and body that could use a little extra love. Packed with collagen and a natural fermented oil straight from Jeju Island, this balm is like a loving hug for your skin, giving it a 48-hour moisture boost and lifting effect.
Promising review: “Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly this stick is life changing!!! In a matter of minutes my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!” —Kristy
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in seven styles).
16. A lipstick-size cordless portable charger that’ll be a lifesaver when you’re waiting for your Uber to arrive, but you’ve just spent an hour trying to get the perfect shot of the Sydney Opera House and now your phone battery is at a mere 10%. This small but mighty charger is capable of charging smartphones lightning fast when in a pinch.
Britt Ross / BuzzFeed
My former colleague Britt Ross says, “I’d had my eye on this bad boy for a while, and finally ordered it to take on a two-week trip to Europe. Let me tell you: LIFESAVER. I’m the type of person who loves to spend hours and hours exploring new cities, but with the amount of photos and videos I take, my phone’s battery tends to drain really quickly (relying on Google Maps to get literally everywhere doesn’t help, either). With this, I knew I’d have some backup when there weren’t any outlets nearby, and it was *so* nice not having to connect my phone to a clunky charging bank via cord. 100% recommend!”
Promising review: “This is the perfect charger to take with you everywhere! I’ve taken it to football games, Disneyland and even used it in the hospital for two days. I can usually get two charges out of it.” —Janeo
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in five colors).
17. A fully machine washable Airplane Pocket tray cover so you don’t have to cram all your in-flight essentials (like your iPad, Twizzlers, and book) into the tiny built-in seat pocket, only to find a used napkin with *what I hope is* broccoli cheddar soup on it. It’s super easy to install, won’t take up any extra legroom, and an excellent way to keep your belongings germ-free.
Check out a TikTok of the Airplane Pockets tray table cover in action.
Airplane Pockets is a small business that specializes in sanitary, portable travel organization products.
Emma is *also* obsessed with this: “I used this on a roundtrip from NYC to Tokyo, both with connecting flights in Canada, and cannot sing its praises enough. It fit all four of the different tray tables I used it on and was so ridiculously handy for keeping track of all my littler odds and ends like AirPods, the plane’s headphones, earplugs, a sleep mask, a book, gum, a scrunchie, and little snacks. The hanging end of it easily tucked into the built-in sleeve of the seat in front of me for takeoff and when other passengers needed to scoot past me in my aisle seat. Usually, I feel like a hot mess and get frustrated rooting around in the grimy sleeve for my stuff, and this was such a refreshing solution! Several flight attendants even asked where I got it to buy one for themselves!”
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
18. A rectangular lazy Susan designed to outperform the traditional round versions by holding an impressive amount of your favorite condiments and foods. It spins 360 degrees so you can bring those hard-to-reach items from the back of the fridge right to your fingertips.
Check out a TikTok of the rectangular Lazy Susan in action.
Promising review: “Wow! I love this turntable organizer! I can fit so many items on it, and because of that, I now have so much more space on the door shelves. With this organizer, I will have easy access to all of those extra items that just don’t have their own space. Now they do have a place to go! I would highly recommend this product to everyone who wants to feel more organized and doesn’t want to lose items in their fridge.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
19. A collapsible Magic Mushroom funnel I can confidently say Tinker Bell would def have in her kitchen. This funnel is a ~mush~-have for transferring powdery or liquid ingredients from one container to another (especially if the open lid is small). When it’s not in use, it collapses into a cute little mushroom shape, saving you precious kitchen space while looking absolutely adorable.
Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the magic mushroom funnel in action.
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 $16.95.
20. An adorable pack of four cactus-shaped dryer balls to keep all your clothes and bedsheets drying evenly every time. Not only do they tackle those annoying laundry clumps by separating layers as they roll around, but they also cut down on drying time so you can fly through your to-do list a little faster.
Promising review: “These are the only dryer balls I’ve found that actually made me not need fabric softener sheets. They cut down on static, and I don’t find pet fur clinging to my clothes when I pull them out of the dryer.” —Tianhui Fan
Get them from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four styles, including four- and six-packs).
21. A toilet tank cleaner powered by citric acid to wipe out hard water buildup and stains inside your tank without you having to scrub furiously. It’ll help kick unpleasant odors to the curb, ensuring your bathroom stays fresh and welcoming, *plus* it’s super gentle on your plumbing so you can use it worry free.
Promising review: “Wow! First of all, I was shocked when I noticed that my toilet tank was so filthy. I never looked in there, but there was a reason that my toilet bowl needed to be scrubbed every day. The tank was so nasty I couldn’t even see the bottom. I really didn’t want to drain the water and scrub the tank, then I saw this. I honestly didn’t expect that it would actually work since my tank was so nasty. I dumped this little miracle product in the tank and left it overnight, and the next morning, I saw a much cleaner tank. I can actually see in there now. No draining or scrubbing. Amazing stuff!” —Linda Baker
Get it from Amazon for $7.07.
22. A splurge-worthy personal collapsible shopping cart that’ll totally revolutionize your grocery shopping experience. Not only will you not have to worry about the handlebar having a questionable sticky substance on it, but you can actually move around the store without those wonky wheels that make awful squeaky sounds. *Plus* you can cut back on plastic bag use because you can just pop all of your items back inside the basket and load them directly into your car.
I personally own one of these and it makes my weekly grocery runs to the farmer’s market sooooo easy. It’s the perfect size to fit everything PLUS a pack of water. The wheels are also such good quality — you can easily glide and maneuver around crowded areas. It also has brakes, so you can lock it in place so it doesn’t roll away when you’re putting stuff away in your car. The best part: It completely folds down so you can store it in your trunk without it take up too much space.
Promising review: “I love this cart! I have gone to major stores and bought the cart. I don’t have to worry about bags; just scan go. I just Wheel my groceries into the house. Life couldn’t get much easier than that. Everything is collapsible and goes into your car perfectly.” —Michele
Get it from Amazon for $242.10+ (available in five colors).
23. A set of protective refrigerator door handles for those half-asleep, late-night snack runs when you end up smudging melted ice cream everywhere. These magical sleeves just slip over the handles, keeping them free from sticky fingerprints and mysterious drips. *And* you can just toss them in the laundry when they get dirty! Reviewers even use these on their microwave and oven handles.
Psst — these use Velcro to get a perfect fit on every handle!
Promising review: “Keeps my handles clean! What a game changer! These are the softest covers. Love how they just blend in with my stainless steel fridge. If you own a stainless steel fridge, ‘stainless’ is not true with the handles. These covers will change your life!!!!” —Debby from Warren
Get a set of three from Amazon for $11.99 (available in five sizes and in multipacks).
24. A teensy undetectable laptop mouse jiggler that plugs into your USB port to make you look super diligent on Teams, Slack, and all those other work-related apps — because TBH, sometimes you just need an extra minute in the bathroom or to go grab your Uber Eats from the doorstep. No more worrying that your screen will go idle and give away the fact that you’re not tied to your desk every millisecond of the day.
Promising review: “Saves me from auto logouts! My brother recommended this handy gadget. I work from home and have three monitors. When I leave my desk for lunch, the computer goes to sleep, and when I come back, everything is logged out, and whatever was on three monitors ends up on two. SO frustrating. This is programmable for three settings, and I use it on the minimal movement, so when I come back, everything is just as I left it. Revolutionary! Just remember to turn it on!” —Isaiah
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in seven colors).
25. A delightfully efficient wooden bread bow knife here to effortlessly slice through even the thickest crusts, giving you perfect, uniform slices every time. This is just what you needed for that sourdough loaf Nara Smith influenced you to bake at 2 a.m. Now you can make the most gorgeous sandwiches ever!
Promising review: “I recently purchased a bread knife, and it has become an essential tool in my kitchen. The serrated blade effortlessly slices through various types of bread, providing clean and even cuts. The ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, making it easy to maneuver. It’s a reliable and efficient addition to my kitchen arsenal, highly recommended for anyone who loves fresh, perfectly sliced bread.” —Mykayla Stump
Get it from Amazon for $22.99.
26. A retractable car charger so you can juice up your dying iPhone, your friend’s barely-surviving Android, and even that tablet in the backseat that’s barely hanging on — all at once. With a retractable iPhone cable and a Type-C charging cable, you can say goodbye to tangled messes while driving. It’s sleek and super handy for keeping everyone powered up on the go!
Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the car charger in action.
Promising review: “Didn’t realize I had so many cables in my car until I put this in. Now, I just keep a few wrapped up in the glove box that fit older connections. Great that the cables retract out of the way. Only complaint could be that it is rather large, but it is to be expected with four connections. Little car voltage display is nice to have as well (everyone should have one of these, by the voltage amount, it shows if your alternator is working).” —Jaxmoto
Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (also available in a version that *ONLY* has two Apple retractable chargers).
27. An RFID-blocking crossbody phone wallet, aka a convenient, hands-free way to keep all your essentials safe and accessible. It stops sneaky scanners from swiping your card info and has compartments for your phone, cards, and even a little space for cash. Bonus points: It’s a more affordable alternative to the Bandolier crossbody.
Claasico is a small business that specializes in wallet and tech accessories.
Promising review: “Loved everything about it. Only problem is I can never find my purse since it isn’t necessary 99% of the time. Hands-free carrying is great, and it can even fit a pen, stylus, and check-in with my phone. I can also attach my keys! This is a great purchase. Shoppers at stores have asked me where did I buy it because they wanted one too.” —Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in eight styles).
28. No Worries: A Guided Journal — this little lifeline is designed to help you manage stress, anxiety, and those overwhelming “what am I doing with my life?” moments. With daily prompts over 12 undated weeks, it helps you reflect on your thoughts and feelings, identify patterns, and figure out what’s really bugging you. It’s basically building a routine to help you tune into your mental space.
Promising review: “I’ve never been a journal or diary person, but needed an outlet for my anxiety and stress. Each day has the same two-page spread that prompts you to think about your day, how you felt, and why you felt that way. There isn’t really any inspiration or advice, just open lines for your thoughts without it being an intimidating blank page. This journal has already helped me see patterns in my thoughts/emotions, and I feel better overall. I would recommend this journal to anyone.” —Kari Madsen
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
