38 Fun Things To Buy Since Practicality Is For Squares

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Slushy-making cups, existentially fraught duck nightlights, color-changing nail polish and all kind of other things you don't really need ... but also do.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "I ordered this lamp because of its appearance. I didn't NEED a depressed duck lamp ... but it has totally filled a void in my life I didn't know existed. Everyone who sees it pokes it. The lamp is actually very functional. It's got a really nice set of brightness options and the glow is yellowish, which is much nicer than white in a dim/dark room. One thing that isn't mentioned in the description is that its legs are utterly floppy. It's terrific." —Literated

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available also as a cabbage?? I don't know, you do do).

Check out a TikTok of the Glimmer Glow lipstick in action.

Promising review: "The reviews were all good, so what the heck, I wanted to try it. Shocked how much I love it! My lips are always dry and it is like putting on a thin light layer of Vaseline, but my lips turn pinkish! I can’t stop putting it on, it’s a natural looking glow. I want a bunch of these for my purses, office, car … I’m definitely stocking up." —J. Boyer

Get it from Amazon for $3.99.

Check out a TikTok of the Slushy Maker Cup in action — it even comes with a spill-proof lid so it won't leak while you're crushing the cup!

Promising review: "I’m an absolute sucker for slushies. Why? Heck if I know. I saw this cup on TikTok, and bought it though I was very skeptical. However, it works!! I’ve made at least a dozen already, if not more." —C. Warrick

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in ten colors).

Check out a TikTok of the Silly Poopy in action.

Promising review: "Let me tell you that if you want hours of endless fun of hide and go seek without having to hide yourself, this is a must get! When it's hidden it makes various toot noises and says stuff so the kids know if they are close. And when they find it and press the button to do and sing the silly poopy dance ... even you will dance and sing along!!! Doesn't need batteries and come on, it's poop? Who doesn't think poop and toot noises are funny and if they don't they are lying to themselves. A must-have for fun with your kids without barely doing any work!!" —andrea kelli gorman

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

Cirque Colors is a small Brooklyn-based business specializing in handmade nail polish and nail accessories.

Promising review: "My favorite nail polish. I was iffy when I first put it on, it seemed an awkward consistency for nail polish...but I was happily surprised. It is matte and dries super fast and after two coats and 10 minutes they were done. I was going to put topcoat over them for a glossier finish, but I ultimately just left them matte. It goes on and dries beautifully, it changes to purple in cold temperatures, and it DOES NOT CHIP OR PEEL like many thermal nail polishes. I washed dishes, gardened, cleaned, and even without topcoat my nails still look perfect. I will definitely be buying more, they're worth the price." —Samantha Martin

Get it from Amazon for $16.50 (available in eight colors).

Promising review: "I LOVE this night-light. It's in my bathroom and is a lovely addition. 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 from Amazon for $5.97.

As you can see from the above GIF, I bought these for myself, and I love them to pieces. TBH, I use them as decor every bit as much as I use them to eat. Sometimes I just keep them in my work area to light them up during the day to feel fancy. They toggle back and forth between a bunch of different colors, like red, blue, yellow, purple, and multicolor, so you can either make them match *or* have a red and blue one together and bring ~balance~ to the Force.

Promising review: "The chopsticks are very durable, and the glow is bright. They're a bit bigger that I expected — but very pleased nonetheless with the product because it serves the purpose and is entertaining for kids, right up to adult Star Wars nerds. It also made the perfect gift for my fellow Star Wars nerds. I've been too busy playing with them rather than using them to eat food — but hopefully that will eventually happen before the batteries need changing." —Anthony

Get it from Amazon for $11.97.

Promising review: "OMG! I love this guy! These things large and small will ALWAYS make me laugh. My husband bought the desk version for me and I can always count on it to make me laugh. My co-workers love it too. People just stop by to turn him on for a quick pick-me-up. I would recommend getting the AC plug since batteries can run down fast. I think we should create a community of fellow air-dancer-havers and post clips of our little guys dancing to our favorite songs. Anyone in?" —Mark

Get it from Amazon for $9.58.

In fact, if you are looking for an immediate LOL, please head straight to the review images of this little gizmo — pages and pages of kitty cats having the time of their little lives. It is goodness and absurdity and light.

Promising review: "I have a whole room filled with cat toys that my cat is not interested in. It's funny how the least expensive cat toy I have makes him go crazy. He plays with this until he's panting like a dog and I have never seen him jump so high. I'm certain this toy will help him lose his belly. He loves it! I highly recommend it!" —Kwoo

Get it from Amazon for $3.53.

Pro-tip: these molds also work for making soaps, birthday candles, chocolate, and fondant, covering all your miscellaneous undead needs.

Promising review: "Got these to make ice cubes for a Halloween party. It's very easy to use and easy to clean. The cubes come out perfectly. I'm probably going to try to use it to make chocolate skulls next." —Amazon Customer

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $8.89.

Promising review: "So, yes, TikTok made me buy this, but so far I really like it. It's obviously very adorable and offers a charming spot to keep my keys that works with my entryway. I'm really surprised by how strong the hold is for such a small object — I carry my car fob and a few keys and so far it's holding strong. I hung it with Command strips to avoid any potential damage to the wall and I will say make sure it's level as the hold is not so good on an angle (but that was from the original in-hand testing). Definitely recommend and for the price, I'm very tempted to get one for my at-work office." —D. Carter

Get it from Amazon for $7.68.

Party People is a UK-based Etsy shop established in 2018 that specializes in fun gag gifts and party supplies.

Promising review: "This pet cloud is so full of life and energy! As soon as I opened the box he jumped out and gave me a big hug! Might’ve been high IDK." —Owen

Get it from Party People on Etsy for $6.70 (available with or without a gift bag).

Our family unearthed this because beloved To All The Boys I've Loved Before author Jenny Han mentioned that it was her secret to delicious popcorn, and it may have just wrecked me for other at-home popcorn for the rest of my life. It genuinely tastes just as salty and buttery and savory as fresh movie theater popcorn. I inhaled it so fast that every single one of my organs lit up in mild alarm.

Promising review: "I am a person who will make myself sick eating buckets of popcorn (I have no self control). This has by far been my favorite 'TikTok made me buy' item. My at-home popcorn is now my favorite thing to make and I don't need to go the theater for popcorn. Very much worth the purchase and this will last me such a long time." —S Martinez

Get it from Amazon for $9.60.

Check out a TikTok of the Michael Scott dishwasher magnet in action.

Promising review: "My whole family is a fan of The Office, so when I was searching for a magnet we could use on our dishwasher, this was the hands-down winner. Does it go with my farmhouse decor? Nope, not at all. But it does get the attention of two teenage boys. Had I gone with something a bit more my decor style, I can guarantee you it would not be as useful. I mean, we all would much rather see Prison Mike staring back at us than suit and tie Michael Scott, right? And there is only one way for that to happen...clean out the dishwasher!" —R. Funk

Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

Promising review: "They actually were bigger than I anticipated which was actually pretty awesome. I hung them in the window of my office and it's beautiful when they catch light. Definitely worth the money when it puts a smile on your face." —Emmy Ann

Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.39.

Check out a TikTok of the sticker in action.

Peachy Keen Design Co. is a Colorado-based Etsy shop established in 2020 that specializes in art prints, stickers, and other designs.

Promising review: "I can’t even begin to explain how much we love this thing! LOL it sounds so crazy but it’s such a joy-bringer. Our 4-year-old goes bananas whenever the rainbows streak across our living room and rightfully so, because it’s so awesome! We’re already planning where to put our next ones! Haha." —Renae Greene

Get it from Peachy Keen Design Co. on Etsy for $11+ (available in three sizes).

Check out a TikTok of the Globbles in action.

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 $9.99.

Promising review: "This shirt doesn't have a lot of stretch, so I'd advise you to size up. The shirt is very vibrant and colorful and looks just like the picture. I saw it on TikTok, which made me want to get it." —Keia

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in sizes XS–3X and 26 colors).

Also, these come in a TON of different colors and emotions (from angry to sad to, uh, murderous??), so you're guaranteed to find one to express yourself.

Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok like everyone else but I quickly realized, when I got one, how helpful this is to my family. Now they don't have to guess when they shouldn't bother me, they'll just KNOW. It's saving lives and it's adorable. The perfect thing. :)" —MCalms

Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in 43 styles).

Rapid Brands is a California-based small business that specializes in dishwasher-safe, microwaveable, BPA-free kitchen products.

Psst — people swear by this for dorms, studio apartments, and for safer, easier baking with kids!

Promising review: "Love this. Brownies come out very moist. Makes a half of a 13x9 inch brownie mix at a time. This is great for us because we don't have to search for measuring cups and mixing bowls; everything you need but the ingredients are included. The brownies come out moist and chewy and the 'pan' is very easy to clean. I like that I can make half a batch at a time, and what can be wrong with brownies in three and a half minutes?" —Jqbuckley

Get it from Amazon for $6.31.

Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has to say about it: "I, an adult woman, cannot remember the last time I bought a box of tissues for my home (though I have several purse packs?!). It may have been when I most recently had a sinus infection, which I guess was two-plus years ago. But now that I’m playing house as a grown-ass person in an apartment to myself, I’m trying to be *responsible*. So obviously buying this whimsical tissue box cover we’ve featured in a million BuzzFeed shopping posts is peak adulting. Perhaps the reason I’ve been so bad at keeping around a box of tissues is because tissues just look...kind of ugly out in the open. But not with this lil’ cover! Now it’s a ~design element~ that I’ll hopefully remember to keep full. For now, it’s filled with a square box of tissues I unearthed from my old apartment’s closet while packing; it's presently neatly housed inside the tissue box cover, providing the 'smoke' for the tiny chimney. The only downside to committing to this box is that I'll have to buy square-shaped tissue boxes only now. But I can live with that. And with my not-snotty nose."

Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in four colors).

Promising review: "Saw someone try this in TikTok and knew I needed it. It’s so good and sweet and spicy. I love it on fried chicken and even pepperoni pizza. It’s delicious." —Tricia

Check out BuzzFeed's review of Mike's Hot Honey for more info!

Get it from Amazon for $9.82.

Psst — these also make great ornaments during the holidays!

Miami Design District is a Florida-based Etsy shop that specializes in handmade car accessories.

Promising review: "Legit the cutest thing i have ever bought. Looks just like the pic and the packaging was adorable! Legit in love." —Avery Forbes

Get it from Miami Design District on Etsy for $7.49 (originally $14.99).

Check out a TikTok of the rainbow wine glasses in action.

The Wine Savant is a New York-based small business established in 2017 that specializes in unique, quality drinkware and accessories.

Promising review: "Love these! Wasn’t ready to splurge on Estelle stemmed glasses so I got these instead. I’ve run them through the dishwasher once so far and they held up fine. Glass is thin near the top which I love in a wineglass. I would recommend!" —Tricia

Get a set of six from Amazon for $54.95 (available in four styles).

Promising review: "You don't understand TikTok made me obsess over this microphone. As a 30+ year old woman, I resisted purchasing it. I finally broke down and bought it because it was haunting me in my sleep. I'm so glad I did. When I am in a bad mood I start karaoke in my house and am instantly better. It has 'ruined' my teenage son's life because my performances can be heard through his Xbox microphone. This is a must have product." —Zane A. Undercoffer

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (clip the $6 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in 11 colors).

Promising review: "Easy eggs and pancakes. This is a family favorite!! We love cooking with this. It makes breakfast quick and cleanup easy." —AmazonCustomer

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

The objective of the game is to collect matching sets of cards faster than everyone else, which earns you points — but if you happen to be armed with one of the foam burritos and aim it at someone before they can dodge, you can knock their points out (and distract them from finding other matches). The game includes a few other niche rules to keep everyone on their toes, and is good for ages 7 and up and for two to six players.

Promising review: "So... I can’t even begin to describe this game 😂. I’m 32, my husband 38, and our children are 14 and 11. We ALL love this! We had to stock up on games for the quarantine and this has been our favorite. Make sure to take your glasses off before playing if you wear them 😂 You’ll have bruises. You’ll break things. You’ll yell. It will be the most fun you’ve had in a long time. If you drink and aren’t playing with children, I imagine it would be even more fun! This isn’t hard to play and there aren’t many rules and I love how it doesn’t really matter if you cheat because no one cares as long as you get to throw a burrito. If you have dogs, watch your burritos because they look like fun dog toys and will disappear with a quickness. Just buy this, you’ll have the most innocent fun you’ve had in years!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

SaVi Home & Gifts is a family-owned Etsy shop established in 2021 that specializes in custom cups, budget binders, and stickers.

Promising review: "This cup is so freaking cute! The color changing effect was so cool and they gave me some free thank you stickers! Definitely would order from this store again. 😊" —Hayden

Get it from SaVi Home & Gifts on Etsy for $13+ (available with and without lid and straw).

Promising review: "I love this little scratch art pad. Sometimes I just need a break and a little distraction to let my brain breathe so I pull this out and make all sorts of designs. You do get a little of a mess by scratching the black off but I usually have a big mess cause I end up scratching the whole thing off. Can't help it. Kid at heart I guess." —Jane

Get a pack of 125 notes from Amazon for $7.51.

Psst — a lot of reviewers use silicone or plastic molds to get specific shapes!

Promising review: "It’s honestly just a really nice material to work with! If you want to create things with clay, this is definitely a good choice! It’s definitely not for professional use, but i feel like that’s a given? I mean, it is Crayola. But all in all, great for those who want to use it for fun!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $10.73.

Each container holds 24 slices of cheese.

Promising review: "I had an old Kraft cheese container from decades ago that finally broke and I didn't think I would be able to find a replacement, but this is even better! My kids named it Daisy immediately. It is cute to have in the fridge or even bring out to the dinner table. Great quality and should last a long time." —Karen

Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

A lot of parents and teachers swear by these as treat alternatives for bringing food into classrooms with allergy concerns!

Promising review: "These Squishies are quite the hit these days. Love that there are so many, lots of variety, and individually wrapped. Did you know they stick to walls and windows? Fun for all ages." —Amazon Customer

Get a set of 72 from Amazon for $16.99.

Bakel is a small business established in 2016 that specializes in edible glitters for food and drink.

Promising review: "Don’t think any further and just buy it. This was so cool and everyone loved it! I got the clear one because it will go with any drink. I will be the one to put this in all my friends drinks. Also had no taste so it was just the look. Sooooooo cool!" —gigi

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 17 colors).

Promising review: "My daughter uses this as her school water bottle. It’s great because it has a strap and she doesn’t have to squeeze it in her backpack! No leaks. Easy to clean but we only put water in it!" —Sarah Witt

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in two styles).

Promising review: "Adorable. Washing seems difficult but I couldn’t help it! Super cute and high quality." —xoabm5

Get it from Urban Outfitters for $18.

Promising review: "Mystical Fire Colorant is amazing. For a really fun experience, get some of these for your next camping trip. As if a campfire needs improvement... but this stuff is really neat. I'd say the adults love it even more than the kids. We only used one packet and the colors were so good — seems like they lasted at least 20 minutes. There was even color left in the ashes the next day. We will never go camping again without several packs of Mystical Fire on hand." —TeNe

Get it from Amazon for $6.85.

Promising review: "Bought as a gift for my mom to take to her girls' weekend trip earlier this year. They were such a hit! I will treasure the picture of six 60-year old women in animal face masks for a long time." —M Kim

Get a set of six from Amazon for $13.75 (available in 14 packs).

Promising review: "Always loved salt and vinegar and this is a great way I can satisfy a craving without necessarily having to buy a pricey bag of chips. Another reviewer said that this particular product was pretty tangy and not sweet like some other brands — I can’t speak to other products, but this stuff is definitely tangy and doesn’t really have any sweetness to it. The consistency is almost like powdered sugar, which is great because it sticks to almost anything. The flavor reminds me almost exactly of Lay’s S&V chips — it’s more of a white vinegar than a malt vinegar (more like Kettle brand or British S&V chips). Def will buy this again." —WJ

Get it from Amazon for $11.40 (and check out some other fun seasonings like sour cream and onion and wild buffalo for more options!).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.