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Yes, you do need a singing timer for your pasta and a mini umbrella for your phone.

Awkward Essentials is a woman-owned small biz!

Promising review: "This product is a game-changer! Super easy and effective. It makes post-fun cleanup a breeze, and you aren't left dripping for hours... I wish I had known about it sooner!" —KL

Get a pack of 10 on Amazon for $14.99 (also available in a pack of 20).

Promising review: "Fun little kitchen gadget — it really works. Bought this as a gift last January and ended up keeping it with the plan of buying several more to give as Christmas gifts this year." —KW

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two colors and a set of two).

Promising review: "Hands-down, one of the coolest and cutest kitchen gadgets I own. I bought this pitter because my father is a HUGE Bing cherry fan. When cherry season is in, you can guarantee he'll be sitting in his recliner with a bowl full of cherries. He normally eats cherries and pits them in his mouth, but in his older age, I worried about him cracking a tooth or choking on the pit. So I bought this pitter, and it was an INSTANT hit! He loved how cute it was, and the pitter does an amazing job. Easy to use, not a ton of force needed, and then the pits are in one place and easy to throw away!" —cocade27

Check out a TikTok of the phone umbrella in action. 

Promising review: "I got this little umbrella because I'm always outside for work, and the sun shines bright. I always have to put information in my phone for work, and sometimes I can’t step into the shade to do so. The sun protection is good, and the performance and size are perfect for my phone. I’ve had people ask where I got it because they also need one." —Garza Jboss

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 11 styles). 

Check out a TikTok of the Portawipes in action. 

Portawipes is a small business that specializes in personal care products for travel. 

Promising review: "I kept some of these in my fanny pack and backpack while traveling. I used them when bathrooms didn't have any toilet paper, and also for cleaning spills or washing my hands when out and about. Really nice to have them around for peace of mind. Easy to use with just a few drops of water to make them expand, or add more for cleaning." —Chamomile

Get a 100-pack (!!) from Amazon for $14.27 (also available in larger quantities and multi-packs).

Promising reviews: "I was looking for some cute little office supplies to make my office a little less boring, and this was the cutest thing I've ever seen, so, of course, I had to get it! It definitely serves its purpose!" —J

Promising review: "This is one of my favorite kitchen gizmos, and it doesn't take up room in the drawer! I eat lots of olives, and this keeps me from having to wash or get a clean fork when I'm in the middle of making a salad or just want a snack, and it makes spearing the olives easier, too. It comes with two sizes to fit any jar (even though if you need this, I feel like you probably get the big jars right?). They are stretchy and easy to get on and off. I usually just rinse it between uses and then wash the whole setup when I open a new jar (which is about weekly)." —Emily

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in fork/tong and spoon versions).

Promising review: "I bought this last month, and I love it! I've never been a fan of the key hanger by the front door (it never felt safe to me), but I always end up turning my apartment upside down, looking for my keys. This is a cute and fun place to remember to grab my keys when I am heading out, and it's endearing to return them to the goose when I come home." —JAK

Get it from Amazon for $22.98 (available in two colors).

And then I always try to get it off with a Kleenex, and I end up with little fibers all over. No, these sponges are a far smarter bet.

Promising review: "I'm not really sure what else to say about this besides that it works! I change clothes frequently, so this product is a godsend. Gets the deodorant stains right out!" —Amazon Customer

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.99.

Reviewers even mention that these help prevent dirt from getting in their nails!

Promising review: "I laughed when I first saw the picture of this item. I thought, well, if they don’t work, I’ll use them for a costume. But they are amazing at pulling weeds. I use mine for those pesky weeds in the rocks. One pull and you get root and all." —cynthia Williams

Get it from Amazon for $6.96+ (available in three colors and as a pack of two).

Promising review: "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me. Smells great, too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little so the salt texture was visible, scrubbed it all over my face so there was plenty of product, then used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like me." —LuckLocust

Get it from Amazon for $12.50 (also available in a two-pack).

Dryer balls are eco-friendly *and* budget-friendly because you can use them over and over. Friendsheep is a small business that sells dryer balls handmade by women in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Promising review: "These work very well! They can also be used to spread essential oils throughout the dryer and do it so well. At first, I was worried that the black color of the wool would stain clothes, but that hasn’t happened at all. Very cute and highly recommend!" —Lanikai

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $21 (also available in other styles and larger quantities).

Shower Cat is a small business established in 2021 specializing in products to prevent shower clogs. 

Promising review: "I first saw this product on TikTok, and I knew immediately that I needed it. I just moved into a new apartment, and I didn’t want to be how I used to be, where I’d just let hair go down the drain and eventually plug it, or peel it off the drain after each shower. It works great, but I probably need some practice with it. I currently just floss my hair through it so it will hold them, and there are a few stray hairs that don’t stick. I would recommend to anyone who is tired of putting their loose strands of hair on the shower wall." —Cari Schwartzkopf

Get it from Amazon for $14.95 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "My significant other has a butt that wants to violently suffocate everyone. This was originally a gag (pun intended) gift, but when used, it actually worked. Most, if not all, of the smell went away with the particularly terrible poots. We joke that we should get some more." —Sunshine

Get a pack of five from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a reusable version).

Promising review: "I love this little guy. I found him on a BuzzFeed list and had to have it as soon as I saw it! I’ve minced as many as five cloves in it in seconds. It’s a little tricky to get all the garlic out once it's minced (I use a silicone basting brush to get most of it, but I always use more than the recipe calls for anyway, so it’s not a deal breaker). Cleanup is a breeze because he goes right in the dishwasher!" —Barbie

Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (also available in other styles).

They'll fit onto horizontal or vertical air vents *and* can hold sauce packs from all popular fast food chains! Saucemoto is a small business established in 2018 that specializes in unique car accessories. 

Check out the Saucemoto dip clip on TikTok!

Promising review: "How did I go so long without one of these??? The Saucemoto was my first 'TikTok Made Me Buy It' purchase, and I have no regrets. It clips easily to my car's vent, and the sauce cups clip in easily so I can dip and drive. No more trying not to dump the sauce by accident while steering with the same hand that's holding the dip cup. It even comes with a dip cup for places that use pouches for their sauces instead of cups. (I'm looking at you, Arby's.) Ya know, you end up squeezing the sauce onto the wrapper that's balanced on your lap, and you end up getting some sauce on your steering wheel. OR you try the whole 'wrapper and sauce on the passenger seat and try to dip while watching the road,' which usually doesn't turn out so great." —Pleasure Pamela

Get set of two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four colors and multi-packs).

Promising review: "Love these fun little quirky tea slugs. They work on all shapes and sizes of mugs and have brought a smile to all who have used them or been the lucky recipients of my own batch of tea slugs. They clean up well with just a quick rinse under the sink and are even fun to use on wine or cocktail glasses to help guests track their drink." —NC

Promising review: "TikTok made me buy it, and could I live without? Yes. But now I don’t have to slice my bananas every day. This does wonders for my OCD, too!" —Paige

The device self-adjusts to fit pots from 6–12 inches in diameter and 3–9 inches in depth. The motor will run for up to 13 hours per charge and then recharge in 30 minutes.

Promising review: "I love this device. It will stir your soups, sauces, and candies all day without complaint or tiring. Now I cook things that I enjoyed serving and eating, but hated all that stirring. No more burnt pots and ruined recipes due to under-stirring. It’s a little costly, but once you use it, you will never be without it. I may even buy another one to handle all of my stirring. This would also make a perfect gift." —Steve B

It comes with two AAA batteries, but if you need more, get some here!

Promising review: "I bought this for my wife, hoping that she'd like it. Oh my goodness, it has gone from bag to bag to bag and is ALWAYS with her. It's just so easy to use, as there are no switches to worry about. You just put your hand inside the bag to look for something, and the light comes on. Once your hand is out of the bag, it turns off after a few seconds. So simple! I have bought several others since then as gifts, and they are universally well-liked by everyone who gets them. Fabulous product." —OJBRIT

Promising review: "I purchased this product to clean those little spaces in my car filled with random crumbs from my husband and dog hair, and it works amazingly. Picked up everything and didn’t leave a residue. The lemon scent was faint and didn’t overpower the vehicle while I was cleaning it. But this definitely got in all the little nooks and crannies." —Kimberly

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "Bought this for a serotonin boost because it’s ridiculously cute. Little did I know how utterly functional it is. No more cracking eggs while dropping them into the pot, no more fishing them out, no more putting them back into the damp cardboard carton where they inevitably are forgotten right next to the equally neglected bag of spring mix. Just in the pot, out of the pot, into the fridge, where they cutely greet me every time I open the door. Gives me five seconds of joy every time. Highly recommend." —Kitty M.

Get it from Amazon for $17.90 (also available in a bear version). 

The sugar-free powder packets come in easy-to-carry sleeves.

Promising reviews: "These flavor packets are strong! I use one packet per 33-ounce bottle of water, and that feels like plenty." —Kat McD

Get it from Amazon for $4.87+ (available in two pack sizes and three flavor sets).

Promising review: "I have had this spatula since 2022. I reach for this one consistently above all my other spatulas, and I also use it instead of a butter knife for spreading. I absolutely love this tool. I have arthritis in one hand from a surgery, and the shape of the platypus also helps with that. It cleans off very easily, and still looks brand-new." —Thomas Norton

Get it from Amazon for $14.95 (also available in a cat version).

Promising review: "I cannot live without these for 12-hour hospital shifts. This is an unbelievable product! I work 12-hour shifts in the hospital and need protection for the corn on my left big toe. I purchased size large, and it fit well. Underneath my socks and athletic shoes, I completely forgot I was wearing them — bonus! The silicone is very soft and flexible, and cleans easily. The product is priced well for the quality and quantity that is provided. Would absolutely recommend this since it's held up quite well for the 17 hours I often have it on (from the time I wake up until I'm back from my shift). Cleans and dries easily and has maintained its shape." —LJ

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $12.99 (available in two sizes and five colors).

Promising review: "I love this so much. It feels a lot like hotel slippers, but less flimsy thanks to the mop part. You will not feel like you’re wearing a mop when wearing these. I have hardwood floors, so I vacuum a lot and rarely mop. These work so well in getting the dirt off the floor just by walking around doing your daily thing. I just throw the whole thing in the wash when it gets dirty!" —passionfrootgreentea

Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in women's sizes 4–10, children's sizes 3–4 years, and 16 colors/styles).

Promising review: "This thing is awesome! Initially, I was hesitant that it would squish the little guys or they would fall out in transport, but it's great! Highly recommend! Sorry, little guy, your GPS brought you into my house. I will help you find your way back outside. :)" —Crystal R

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Samantha Wieder is a freelancer and former editor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2017, with a focus on beauty, travel, and practical products, and in addition to writing, she’s in the process of getting her master’s in speech-language pathology.