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31 Things To Treat Yourself To This Memorial Day

31 Things To Treat Yourself To This Memorial Day

Buzz Feed21-05-2025
A Harry Potter Polly Pocket playset (you heard me!!) for 30% off — is THIS the most ambitious crossover of all time?! If you find yourself dreaming of the old days when you'd wait outside a bookstore until 12am to snag the next Harry Potter novel, or dream of the even *older* times when you'd spend hours playing with your Polly Pocket clamshell, this toy is sure to delight your inner child. Or your actual child, if you feel like sharing.
The collector's item has Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, and McGonnagle figures and includes a train engine, sorting hat, boat, four goblets, a suitcase roller, Hedwig, books, and luggage. The clamshell features a train station, moat, and great hall scenes.Promising review: "I mean, all aboard the Hogwarts Express! Combining two beloved childhood favorites makes this a wonderful collector's piece! The packaging is immaculate and ready to be displayed. The pieces are so tiny and detailed, just like the Polly Pockets I remember from my childhood. I can't wait to share this with my own children." —KKearnGet it from Walmart for $34.98 (originally $50).
A hydrangea umbrella from Rifle Paper Co. for 25% off that'll romanticize your rainy days. Just picture yourself strolling through the streets underneath this bushel of flowers, listening to the rain patter above you while staying nice and dry. Ahh, I'm soothed just thinking about it.
Right now Rifle Paper Co. is up to 25% off site-wide, including wallpaper, rugs, furniture, and more with up to 50% off sale items. This 40oz. Corkcicle collab bug tumbler is in my shopping cart as we speak.Promising review: "I bought this to take on a trip to Maine. It fit perfectly in my bag and I received many compliments on it. It's the best." —Michelle B.Get it from Rifle Paper Co. for $37.50 (originally $50; available in nine styles).
A pair of gold-plated huggie charm hoops for 31% off (their best discount to date) — reviewers rave about being able to wear these earrings 24/7, including in the shower/ocean, without them tarnishing. If you're totally here for charm-forward fashion, grab these — at this price — before they're gone!
Promising review: "I bought these in February 2023 and it is now August 2023 (almost six months later) — they are still in perfect condition. I wear these in the shower, the pool, and even the ocean and have seen zero tarnishing. I definitely recommend these!!" —RyleighGet them from Amazon for $9.28+ (originally $13.45+; available in 10 styles).
A stacked candle tower for 62% off that'll basically feel like the grown up home decor version of building blocks. This modular set includes five different candle bases, designed to be moved around into new configurations as you melt it, so you'll be creating a whole new look every time you light it up! That's a genuinely ~bright~ idea, if you ask me.
You can get up to 50% off highlighted gear of all sorts right now at Bespoke Post.Get it from Bespoke Post for $29 (originally $78; available in two color sets).
A waffle linen couch cover for 20% off sure to save the day (and your savings account) when your sofa is looking less than its best but you're not about to drop the $$ on a new piece of furniture when it still works just fine, thank you very much. Simply cover it up with this chic piece and your whole living room is sure to feel brand new! P.S. Pet parents love this thing — the reviewer below has *five* dogs. So yeah, it's sure to handle life with your family just fine.
Magic Linen is offering up to 25% off everything on their site. Sweet.Promising review: "I absolutely love these covers on my couch. They are a beautiful color and has truly redefined the mood of my room without needing to buy new furniture (and I have five dogs). They're perfect." —Julie S.Get it from Magic Linen for $70.40 (originally $88; available in three sizes and eight colors).
A pickleball kit for up to 34% off with two paddles and a carrying case. This is available in many patterns, all of which are so darn darling you may find yourself too dazzled to hit anything with them. The set works great for the game, but feel free to skip the exercise and just enjoy picnicking with your buds beside a beautiful pair of paddles.
Promising review: "My husband and I love this set! It's good quality for the price and also cute! The carrying bag is also a plus!" —Bella JonesGet it from Amazon for $32.99+ (typically $42.99+; available in multiple styles and kit sizes at various discounts).
A pair of bow sandals for up to 38% off that'll be the comfortable dress shoe of your dreams. Though they are lightweight, they have grippy outer soles, so you'll be able to strut your stuff all wedding season long without worrying about slipping on the dance floor when the music starts speeding up.
Promising review: "I bought these last year in black and they ended up being my most worn sandal! For the price you can't beat it. They're stylish and comfortable! I needed them in white too! The quality is amazing. The sizing and fit was perfect. Get your usual shoe size! Just buy them!!" —TheresaGet them from Amazon for $27.18+ (originally $43.98+; available in 4 on-sale colors and 2 original-price colors).
A Through The Seasons version of the cult favorite Reverse Coloring Book for 35% off. If you, like the 4,000 other five-star reviewers, loved the original (or if you're just learning about this style now) this is sure to stimulate your creative side. Rather than coloring between the lines, or even outside the lines, you can color the lines yourself! Sweet.
Each book includes 50 pages of watercolor art and includes prompts if you'd like a little bit of direction. Plus, the pages are perforated so you can tear them out and hang your art up on the fridge like the good ol' days! Promising review: "I love the variation in the designs provided. The style of a reverse coloring book is great for traveling with when you don't want to have to have 100 different markers or pencils to keep track of. Being able to work in one color pen for a while is nice on road trips and I like being able to be more creative with my own designs on top of the colored pages." —Katherine DexheimerGet it from Amazon for $8.29 (typically $12.70).
Laura Geller New York Baked Balance-n-Brighten Powder Foundation for up to 51% off — this reviewer-beloved foundation has a demi-matte formula that'll help conceal hyperpigmentation, dark circles, and blemishes, all while giving your skin a lifting glow. The lightweight powder is buildable and won't leave your skin looking cakey, just delicious.
Promising review: "Finally! A perfect foundation. I love this for my skin! It matches perfectly (I got it in tan), and the coverage is amazing. I have never left a review for any product that I have ordered from Amazon, but I had to let others know. It hasn't been easy finding a foundation that matches my skin complexion, plus it goes on like a powder and covers my dark circles! Glad I finally purchased it!" —Tira HunterGet it from Amazon for $17.99+ (originally $37; available in nine shades and in six travel-size shades).
A striped ceramic side table for 30% off you can use both indoors or out on your patio. The glazed clay material is weather friendly, so you can turn your backyard into a secret garden with a cheerful splash of stripes. If you're more of an indoor cat, this color pallet can lift up your home in an instant (I'm already picturing two of these beside my bed...and it's looking good).
Anthropologie is celebrating Memorial Day with up to 30% off select items.Promising review: "Love these end tables! We are using them for our screened in patio. They are perfect outside tables and remind me of Italy. The color combinations are so fun. I would definitely repurchase." —AliKGet it from Anthropologie for $138.60 (originally $198; available in peach and citron).
A Nori Press steam iron for 25% off — perfect for adults who spent the early '00s straightening their hair every dang day...but who can't seem to figure out how to get wrinkles out of their new grown-up clothes. With this you'll get wrinkle-free clothes without worrying about water leakage or burn marks. We don't have room in our apartments for ironing boards or upright steamers anyway.
This is a woman-owned small business based in Connecticut hoping to make your life easier with this all-in-one travel iron and steamer.Promising review: 'I am so impressed with this travel steam iron! As someone who travels frequently and loves looking polished on the go, this little gadget has been a game changer. It heats up quickly, fits easily in my carry on, and works like a charm on everything from delicate blouses to thicker fabrics. I love that it combines the functions of an iron and steamer plus, it's super easy to use and doesn't take up much space at all. My clothes look crisp and fresh in minutes, no ironing board needed. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to stay wrinkle free while traveling!" —MercuryKristinGet it from Amazon for $89.25 (originally $119; available in five colors).
A horeshoe lariat necklace for 63% off so you can subtly show off your inner horse girl with a chic piece of jewelry worth bragging about. This is made with eco-friendly recycled brass (sexy) and has an adjustable chain so you can wear it daily and adapt the length to different necklines accordingly.
Check out tons of styles available at up to 50% off right now at J. Crew.Promising review: "Purchased on a whim, but very pleased. The chain is delicate, but sturdy and looks more expensive than it was versatile and have received many compliments. Great outfit topper." —ShaneowaGet it from J. Crew for $14.50 (originally $39.50).
A pair of Bose QuietComfort Wireless Bluetooth Headphones for up to 34% off with three levels of noise cancellation, a mic and speaker perfect for calls, luscious deep bass, and up to 24 hours of music on a single charge. Snag these and they'll help you tune out the mouth sounds of the overzealous snacker you're sitting beside when traveling this summer.
Promising review: "These new Bose headphones are seriously impressive! The noise cancellation is like wearing your own little bubble of peace – whether you're in a noisy office or plane. And the battery life? It's insane! I've used them for hours without needing to charge, which is awesome for traveling. But let's keep it simple: the sound quality rocks. It's clear, it's crisp, and it's just plain awesome. Plus, they're super comfy to wear for long periods, which is a big plus! Overall, if you want headphones that make the world quieter and keep going forever, these headphones are totally worth it, 10/10." —Stephen GangemiGet them from Amazon for $229+ (originally $349; available in eight colors).
A luxe sateen hardcore sheet bundle from Brooklinen for a whopping 50% off — made with 100% long-staple cotton and with a 480 thread count, these luxe sheets offer year-round comfort. So if you find yourself tossing and turning from being sweaty as sin *or* rather chilly in your current bedding, this may be just the upgrade you need!
You'll get a core sheet, a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, four pillow cases, and a duvet cover.Enjoy 25% off site-wide at Brooklinen for Memorial Day.Promising review: "I have just ordered my fourth set of these luxe sateen sheets. The colors are excellent with no fading. The material is so comfortable for sleep, they are nice and cool with excellent warmth retention. If I have my way these will be the only sheets in my house until I die." —NicholasGet it from Brooklinen for $171.76 (originally $347; available in six sizes and 21 styles).
A trio of gourmet mayo for 30% off (which is the best price they're offered at) crafted by Molly Baz, who has somehow found a way to bring her larger-than-life personality into the flavor of...mayonnaise. The Tangy Dijonayo, Dillo Pickle Mayo, and Hot Gardinayo are sando sauces ready to take your tastebuds for a RIDE. Buckle up.
Molly Baz is the author of Cook This Book and More is More (which is on sale for Memorial Day). Promising review: "If you love a flavor explosion, these are it!! My 13-year-old started cooking himself grand breakfasts and lunches last summer. He's since become a condiment connoisseur. I told him about these mayo variations and he's been begging me to order them. When they arrived today we collectively rushed to the pantry to grab a box of seed crackers. We tried the dijon flavor first. I was worried it would be too pungent for him, but we're both surprised by how much we love it. The briny cornichons add the perfect kick. The dill was next; it was pleasantly herby, almost refreshing, the pickle flavor sealed it with a nice acidic bite. I was most excited to try the giardiniera flavored one. It was everything I dreamed of. We both love the heat from the chiles and the punchy pickled veggies. It was literally mouth watering. Molly Baz is a genius." —TaniaGet them from Amazon for $17.48 (originally $24.97).
A Homesick candle for up to 27% off available in several different state-inspired scents. If you're from Massachusetts (Don't ask me if I needed autocorrect for that. I will lie to you.), get ready to enjoy the scent of coffee, apple cider, clove, donut, and vanilla. If you're from North Carolina...you're out of luck. I've run out of room to name all the state scents. But believe me ~and the reviewers~ it's gonna smell great.
BTW, click the coupons below for 10% off if you buy two candles and 15% off when you buy three. Each candle has a 60-80 hour burn time. Snag a wick trimmer and snuffle while you're at it to keep your candles in good shape!Promising review: "This is the scent of my home. It's my most purchased candle of ALL TIME!! I am sensitive to artificial scents and this scent is so incredible. It's also a great idea to gift as it comes in a really cute box." —PierceGet it from Amazon for $21.99 (originally $29.99; available in 16 on-sale scents at various discounts and 7 full-price scents).
A smocked crinkle gauze mini for 40% off that'll basically be the only outfit you need in your closet this summer. The 100% cotton gauze fabric is frilly, fun, *and* breathable. And there's even a side pocket. For your treasures.
Right now Target is offering up to 50% off select items in several categories. Looking for outdoor furniture, summer swimwear, and inflatable ice cream floats? They've got you (and a whole lot more).Promising review: "This is a beautiful summer dress. I love a good strapless moment. This dress really makes you feel comfortable and cute at the same time. Very easy to get on and off. Target always has the best clothes." —BrittanyGet it from Target for $15 (originally $25; available in sizes XS–4X and two colors).
A sunrise alarm clock for up to 34% off — this nifty gadget has 17 different light settings, 25 sounds for soothing you to sleep (or gently helping you wake for the day), and a sleep timer that can be set to different daily schedules. I'm sorry, roosters. You've become *so* unnecessary.
Promising review: "This clock does everything I need it to. I appreciate the nature sounds and the sunrise aspect. I also love that if I turn off the display before I go to sleep, after the alarm goes off the next morning, the display turns on again so I can see the time during the day. I also like that I can set the alarm to go off only on weekdays, only on weekends, or every day." —Diane MatsuwakaGet it from Amazon for $29.95+ (originally $45.44; available in three styles at various discounts).
A Zwilling Coffee Grinder for 33% off for folks who have ~bean~ meaning to up their home barista game, this tool is sure to do the trick! It boasts 140 different grinding options (lol, grinding) so you can use perfectly sized grounds for different daily brewing methods (i.e. coarse for French press, medium for drip, you get the idea).
Sur La Table is offering up to 50% off during their Memorial Day sale. Promising review: "Beautiful design, looks great on my counter. I noticed a HUGE improvement in the flavor of my French press morning coffee the very first day I switched from a blade grinder to this one!" —Sur La Table CustomerGet it from Sur La Table for $99.96 (originally $150; available in two colors).
A double nest hammock for up to 25% off suitable for one or two people. If your idea of a good hike ends in a comfortable nap at the top of a mountain, this is gonna be your special little treat at the top of the peak. This has a 400lb. capacity, includes a storage pocket, and it's weather resistant. Plus it's pretty. Like, super pretty.
Promising review: "I am so delighted with my hammock! It was packaged nicely and shipped quickly! The quality is outstanding and the color is so beautiful! What a treat to come home to after working. Relaxing in it it takes pressure off my back and legs. . I've also found it to be dog friendly (I have to share because they love it too)." —PaulaGet it from Amazon for $63.71 (originally $84.95; available in 28 colors at various discounts).
Julep's Tint of Color lip balm for 36% off (matching their lowest price ever) so you can pucker and pout your way through the day with a long lasting, bold color that's *also* formulated with hydration in mind. This vegan and cruelty-free balm is infused with sunflower butter and Vitamin E. Sounds tasty*.
*DON'T eat it. Promising review: "This is a holy grail lip balm. I was surprised by how deep the color was when I first tried this — it looks like lipstick! But you can apply this without a mirror. I swipe my bottom lip, then the middle of my top lip, and press my lips together, and my lips are comfortably smooth. The balm provides good moisture with a welcome, natural-looking pop of color on my lips. It's non-sticky, scent- and flavor-free, which I love. I have one on my nightsand and one in my handbag. It fits easily into a pocket. I've never before seen a lip balm that provided definitive but natural-looking lip color. A little color goes a long way, so I can see where these lip balms would last a while." —La Chat CeriseGet it from Amazon for $9 (originally $14; available in 23 colors).
A quilted toiletry bag in a cozy blue floral pattern for 20% off (the best price it ever goes for) — despite being lightweight, this fits an absurd amount of stuff. So all you over-packers? Rejoice! Bring *everything!* Plus, it's so darn darling you may just wanna cuddle up with it the moment you make it to the hotel.
Promising review: "This is an ideal toiletry bag. A lot of space inside and has a zipper on the top. It's not too soft to wear. It isn't durable once it's zippered and has a few things in it. It sits very nicely. It's good for travel. And seems like it will be very durable. Good price for this item." —MariaGet it from Amazon for $7.98 (originally $9.99).
A pair of chunky sandals from Timberland for 30% off for folks who want a comfortable statement shoe this summer that their feet can breathe in. Pedicure season is upon us — show off those toes!
Promising review: "If you are a fashionista looking for a sandal you can walk 10+ miles in, dress up or down, and still look stylish then LOOK NO FURTHER. I have worn them ALL over London and Barcelona. I've walked over 10 miles per day in them with NO issues. These are 1000% the best sandals that I've ever owned!!" —AnonymousGet them from Timberland for $74.99 (originally $110; available in sizes 7–11 and four colors).
A pair of water shoes for 26% off, which is the best price they go for, for outdoorsy folks who love the *idea* of digging their toes into the sand, but prefer to keep their feet pain-free when mucking around in an ocean or lake.
Promising review: "Took these on a cruise, as I just needed something comfortable to wear on the beach. Our excursion was cancelled and we ended up doing a hike through the jungle in Belize. I wore these for four hours hiking and they were actually really comfortable. I never imagined that's what I'd use them for. Highly recommend. They're not some orthopedic shoes by any stretch, if you have foot problems I'm not suggesting these will be great for you. Just pointing out I was surprised my feet didn't hurt at all after hiking in them. I ended up wearing them to explore Mayan ruins the next day and they were just as comfortable climbing around then. Decent quality and just good for outdoors in general" —ShastaGet them from Amazon for $5.94 (originally $7.99; available in women's sizes 3–14 and in 41 styles).
A set of three oversized corduroy pillow covers for up to 28% off (plus another 15% off when you clip the coupon available for some sizes) that'll help solve the "we have too many decorative pillows on the bed" problem your partner complains about. Okay, problem solved! Now there will only be THREE gorgeous, aesthetic-enhancers on the bed. You're welcome.
Don't forget to grab some inserts while you're at it! Promising review: "These pillowcases are beautiful quality and they wash well. They're also perfectly oversized." —Amazon CustomerGet the 30"x30" versions from Amazon for $28.89 (originally $39.99; available in seven sizes and six color sets at various discounts).
A 12-pack of Rip Van Wafels snickerdoodle stroopwafels for a tantalizing 52% off (their best price) for folks who know how to treat themselves right! These spiffy snacks taste super sweet, but they're pretty low in sugar at 3g each.
P.S. their gluten free version is 20% off!Promising review: "These are delicious, every bit as good as the stroopwafels I've had before. What is really amazing is as low sugar as these are, they actually taste sweet." —Lone Star PenguinGet them from Amazon for $12.99 (originally $26.95).
A puzzle board for 35% off (another best price so far) that'll help solve the puzzling issue of what to do when you're only partway through a big project. This has a turning feature and includes several storage spaces that'll hold pieces yet to be placed.
Promising review: "This may be the best thing I've ever bought on Amazon and I've been shopping at Amazon since 1997! I have always wanted a puzzle board but couldn't justify the prices of the ones I've seen. I ordered this one during Prime Days and I don't regret it! This puzzle board is well-made, roomy, and super easy to put together. Just add the easy-to-screw-in knobs and adhesive stickers for the lazy Susan. I had it unpacked and ready in seven minutes. It also comes with a thin cover that will keep my cats from tearing up my puzzles in progress. This board could also be used for other crafts so it will get lots of use in my house!" —Keve BGet it from Amazon for $35.90 (originally $54.99).
A cute little luggage tag for 30% off designed to look like a vintage Valentine's day card, with frilly edges and a (sweet) heart center. If you've invested in a great check-on bag, treat it to a little added security with an easy-to-spot luggage tag that's helpful *and* darling.
Use code "delight" at checkout for 30% off a bunch of items on Ban.do right now!Promising review: "This is great! I love these luggage tags! They're cute and durable." —Chloe I.Get it from Ban.do for $13.99 (originally $19.95).
A flowy tiered skort for up to 34% off (hello again, best price it's ever been) that is adored by reviewers because it moves just like a skirt, but has lightweight shorts underneath that are just as flowy. If your legs rub together uncomfortably in the summer *and* you want to celebrate short skirt season, here's your new necessity.
Promising review: "I'm in love with these. I have to stop myself from getting all the colors 🤣. They look really cute with my dressy shirts, lace tops, and sweaters. They look cute with both heels and flats." —Anna SelivanovaGet it from Amazon for $22.09+ (originally $35.99; available in women's sizes XS–XXL and in 18 colors at various discounts).
A snazzy snack pack for 56% off (the best price it EVER goes for!) beloved by many a snack-loving human. Whether you're trying to use fewer disposable bags or you just wanna give your snacks the cute storage they deserve, this grab-and-go bag is sure to satisfy.
Promising review: "Got this for my diaper bag instead of using a plastic disposables because it's the little things. 😆 This is super cute and as you can see (pictured above) I can hold quite a bit of snacks! I also got the stuff one to put extra clothes in for each of my toddlers." —HopeGet it from Amazon for $7.99 (originally $17.99; available in seven styles).
A mini highland cow plush for 20% off (that can be heated AND cooled!!) because these fuzzy cows are so on-trend right now, your friends are close to booking a trip to Scotland just to stare at some cows in a field. But YOU'LL have a mini one in your living room. Nice.
Promising review: "My wife bought me this little guy to help me sleep not knowing if I would even care for it, but the little guy is adorable and it was just what I needed to sleep better. It could be the lavender, but I think it is just how comforting he is to hold against your chest when laying down. I don't think you can go wrong with this guy, but I do suddenly experience guilt when eating burgers...probably just me!" —BryanGet it from Amazon for $19.99 (typically $25.11; available in several styles).
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Prince Harry Calls in Lawyers Over Prince Andrew-Meghan Fight Story
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If You Need Help Entertaining Your Kids This Summer, These 36 Products Will Surely Keep Them Busy
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Buzz Feed

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If You Need Help Entertaining Your Kids This Summer, These 36 Products Will Surely Keep Them Busy

An Elmer's glue slime kit since slime is easily your kids' favorite craft. From butter slime to glow-in-the-dark slime to color-changing slime — this'll def be a craft your kid will always be in the mood to do. The kit includes regular slime activator, crunchy slime activator, butter slime activator, glow-in-the-dark slime activator, cherry limeade scented activator, glitter glue, clear glue, color-changing glue, glow-in-the-dark glue, and translucent glue. Promising review: "My kids loved this kit. Hours of fun! Did it make a mess? Yes… but it cleaned up easily. I didn't allow the slime on carpet or fabric furniture, so I don't know how easily it would clean up off of that type of material. The mess was totally worth it for me. For reference, my kids' ages are 15, 10, and 7. They all enjoyed it." —Michael it from Amazon for $30.82 (available in one other kit). A pack of 12 reusable, latex-free silicone water balloons to keep the battles going all summer long. You know what this means, don't you? You won't have to pick up alllll those tiny pieces of destroyed balloons! A waterproof version of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza so you can avoid the "I'm borrrred" whining during adult swim this summer. Your kids may not even wanna get back in the pool cuz they'll be so into their fave game. Dolphin Hat Games is a small biz that specializes in family-friendly card play, pass out all of the cards to players and have everyone keep their pile facedown. Everyone takes turns putting a card in the middle while saying "taco," "cat," "goat," "cheese," and "pizza" in that order. If the picture on the card that's placed down matches the word that's been said, everyone races to slap the center pile of cards, and whoever slaps the pile last has to add the center pile to their personal pile. Oh! And there's also "narwhal," where everyone makes a unicorn horn with their hands clapped together above their heads; "gorilla," where everyone bangs on their chest like a gorilla; and "groundhog," where everyone has to knock on the table. Whoever does the motion last picks up the center pile. Whoever runs out of cards first wins! You can play with three to eight players, and the *recommended* age is 8+.Promising review: "I always think about games to play when at the pool — especially when there are 10-minute swim breaks and everyone is out of the pool — this is the perfect game! First of all, our family loves Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. It's a game that's really easy to learn and is an energetic card game (perfect for kids!). To be able to bring this game around the water is awesome. I love how the cards are heavier, so they don't blow away as easily, too. The card ring makes them really easy to just toss in a bag, and I feel like it's indestructible. Honestly, we'll probably play this version of the game even inside just because of how indestructible it is (no one accidentally stepping on a card/ creasing it, etc.). Highly recommend!" —jessieGet it from Amazon for $14.99. An inflatable chicken game, which includes two big ol' fighting chickens that your kids will wanna play with every single day. They'll have a blast wrestling each other off of these big, silly chickens, and best of all, they won't be wrestling in your house next to your very expensive china cabinet. Heck, you might even wanna get on one during your lunch break to partake in all the fun. Promising review: "These chickens are probably the most awesome pool floats we have ever purchased! We have two 12-year-old boys who are having a blast on these things! They also like to sit on them and battle with our pool noodles! They seem to be very durable and have held up well so far. They are not like the cheaper floats that you have to keep blowing up. Yeah, they are a tad bit on the pricey side, but trust me, they are worth it and tons of fun for adults as well." —Vanessa KGet a set of two from Amazon for $69.95. A friendship bracelet-making kit 'cause nothing says summer like arms full of colorful threaded bracelets. It also has a compartment that's perfect for storing all the floss! Or a rainbow loom kit with over 7,000 colorful latex-free rubber bands in 21 different colors that'll last your kiddo all summer. They'll be able to make themselves all the anklets, chokers, and bracelets their little heart desires. Reviewers love it because it keeps their kids busy for hours. Music to your ears, huh? You'll get 7,000+ rubber bands, 300 C-clips, a rainbow loom hook, 12 gift bags, instructions, and a handy organizer case, Promising review: "I have seven kids ranging from a 13-year-old boy down to a 5-year-old girl who all absolutely love making these bracelets. Keeps them busy for hours." —KeverlyGet it from Amazon for $21.99. A 150-piece marble run set that'll provide endless hours of fun and stimulate your little mini bestie's mind. Your kid will be able to build some pretty awesome mazes, and once they're done, they'll be able to take it apart and create a totally new one! The gift that keeps on giving. A splash mat — basically a slip-and-slide style, three-lane race with three inflatable bodyboards that'll keep your kids outdoors, playing together, rather than fighting and whining in the living room. Promising review: "We used this at my daughter's birthday party to distract the bigger kids. They played on this thing all night. It held up well and did not leak. The boards were the perfect size for the kids. We loved this slip and slide." —KelciGet it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four sizes). The Pastry Project monthly subscription box that your mini Duff Goldman in the making will go wild for. It's truly a win for everyone — your kid will be entertained, and you'll get to indulge in all the yummy treats they make! Caramel cheesecake brownies, cream puffs, pretzels, apple fritters — is your mouth watering? 'Cause mine is! Promising review: "My 11-year-old son loves to bake, but a lot of recipes are too involved for him to do on his own yet. However, he recently received a pastry kit subscription as a gift, and these kits are perfect! The instructions are easy to follow, the ingredients are high quality, and the finished products are delicious. My son can make these recipes all on his own and is learning new techniques with each one. He is SO excited to receive the next one!" —ShaylaGet a monthly subscription from The Pastry Project for $35 (also available in a one-time purchase, and 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions). A portable 120-inch screen because the only thing better than watching a movie is watching one outdoors on a summer night. Just set it up with a mini Bluetooth projector and *boom!* Your house is the place to be this season. And some movie trays to take your movie-watching experience to the next level. There's no way your kids won't be happily glued to the screen with their snacks in their lap. You'll get 12 popcorn bags and six movie trays!Promising review: "These are great for movie nights with the kids! Bags hold a decent amount of popcorn, trays are sturdy and not flimsy/cheap, and easily hold everything. Definitely recommend these!" —JRGet them from Amazon for $9.99. A clay pottery wheel kit for your crafty little one who can't get enough of a good ol' art project. And making your own jewelry dish is pretty dang cool, might I add. A two-pack of LED hover balls because your kiddos simply cannot understand why they aren't allowed to play soccer in the house. These have built-in bumpers, so you don't have to worry about your furniture getting all messed up as they glide across the floor. A collection of six Dog Man books for those days where your kid has so much energy you can not stand it anymore. Whip these out and they'll *actually* be excited to sit quietly for a while. Promising review: "My son was in the third grade and raved about these books all year. After volunteering at the school's book fair, I learned how popular Dog Man was, and not just to third graders. Kids of all grades from second to fifth took an interest in Dog Man. The books were sold out by the third day of a week-long book fair. Needless to say, this was a great buy!" —KyshaGet a collection of six books from Amazon for $42.87. A Dude Perfect tabletop game since it's their fave show and they *live* for the fun challenges these guys do. Now they can do one of their very own! Promising review: "My kids love all things Dude Perfect, and this game didn't disappoint either! The nets stick perfectly on the end of the table. Fun game and great gift for birthdays, Christmas, or just because!" —RaeGet it from Amazon for $18.30. A set of sprinklers to attach to your trampoline because everyone knows that water elevates any and every summer activity. It'll bring a whole new level of fun to bouncing around. Promising review: "The Trampoline Sprinkler Water Toy is a blast — easy to set up and perfect for cooling off. It sprays all around the trampoline, creating a playful water park vibe in your backyard. My kids loved bouncing through the mist — great for hot summer days." —KSNGet it from Amazon for $13.99. A Disney princess color-by-number coloring book that'll have your kid wanting to do absolutely nothing but sit quietly and color for hours. I have three of these coloring books (this one is on my wish list), and I'm obsessed with themmmm. I kept seeing them on TikTok and had to have them. Pro tip: grab some paint pens (these are the ones I bought). They make all the difference, and that's how the coloring pages end up looking so good. Plus, the paint pens don't bleed through! I have no regrets and plan to buy basically every single one of these coloring books. But for now, I'm loving the three I have (check 'em out — 1, 2, and 3).Promising review: "I absolutely love the Disney Princess Color by Number books! As an adult, I find them incredibly relaxing and fun to work on, and they turn out beautifully every time. My kids enjoy them just as much, making it a great activity we can do together. The designs are detailed enough to be satisfying for adults but still accessible for kids. I've already purchased several more because we can't get enough! Highly recommend for both kids and adults who love Disney and coloring. Perfect for display models, too!" —JenniferGet it from Amazon for $25.29. A splurge-y rechargeable laser tag set your child will NEVER stop talking about. Laser tag right at home? Sign me up! Your house will now be the house all the kids wanna sleep over and hang out at. And, admit it, you'll wanna play a round or two with them as well. A Black Panther Lego set with 2,961 pieces that'll have your kid occupied basically all summer. If your teen is Marvel-obsessed, they'll *actually* love this. I know, it seems like they don't enjoy anyFREAKINGthing, but trust me, they'll be tucked away for hours working on this. Promising review: "This Black Panther Lego set is amazing and quite large. My teen son put it together over three days working on and off. The Lego bust is detailed at every angle and even has its own necklace and moveable fingers. This was a great activity for my son, as well as an amazing addition to his Marvel collection. Definitely recommend." —MelitaGet it from Amazon for $324.99. Or a Venom Lego set because nothing will bring you more peace than sitting your kiddo down with 565 Lego pieces to assemble. No worries, it won't try to eat everyone. It's recommended for 18+, but reviewers say their kids were able to do it on their own, or only needed a bit of help. It could even be a fun activity to do with your kiddo who complains they're bored every five minutes. Promising review: "This thing is very cool. Bought this for my 10-year-old son to build. He is just getting into Legos and was able to build this with minimal help. Instructions are very easy to follow, and the end product looks amazing. If you're a fan, this is a very cool item to put on display." —Alinette HayesGet it from Amazon for $124.95. An inflatable tic-tac-toe pool game, an epic challenge your kids won't be able to get enough of. Much more fun and unpredictable than the paper-and-pencil version. Promising review: "I ordered this for the kids to break up the monotony of the same boring pool games and floats, and it's been a ton of fun! It's fun for all ages, my husband and I have also been playing tic-tac-toe with it! Highly recommend!" —C TuckerGet it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in three colors). An I Spy book because remember how long *you* used to sit and search through this riddle book? You may even be tempted to give this baby a go yourself. A guaranteed good time no matter the age. Promising reviews: "Kept the 5-year-old grandson entertained for hours! Great interactive book for connecting with your little one!" —Michael D. Barry"My grandsons love I Spy books. Like all the other I Spy books we own, this one did not disappoint. Such great quality books and such a wonderful alternative to tablet time." —Gregory M. MatliGet it from Amazon for $9.30. An air fort, so they won't need to arrange all the furniture and take every blanket in the house to make a fort anymore. The same level of entertainment with way less mess. A splurge-worthy Nintendo Switch because your kid is a total gamer and has been eyeing this baby for a while. It comes with two detachable Joy-Con controllers, and they'll be able to play this on the TV, tabletop, or as a handheld game. (Meaning it's portable!) A spacious inflatable pool they'll be so hyped about. Their very own pool?! IN THE BACKYARD?! Getting them to go play outside will be so easy. Or an inflatable water park to keep your kiddos cool and entertained. Avoid heat-induced meltdowns by giving your little one a play center equipped with two slides, a climbing wall, a splash pool, a deeper pool, a water bucket, and tons of little areas that spray water. Your house will def be the fun house all summer. Uh, do they happen to have one in an adult size? 'Cause I want one. A bubble gun that shoots out hundreds of bubbles at a time, creating a bubble frenzy! You won't be able to resist joining in on the fun, and it has lights! A paintable squishies kit because the only thing better than these soft little toys is making 'em yourself! Since your kiddo already has a squishy obsession, they'll probz flip their lid when you hand them this and they realize they can make their very own. You may need to stock up on these kits, cuz they're gonna wanna paint more and more of these babies. A glow-in-the-dark tumbling tower game with LED building blocks for some nighttime entertainment. It has three LED pattern modes for fun, challenging new ways to play this classic building game. Perfect for late-night BBQs and pool parties! Promising review: "We love this!! It's like light-up Jenga. We set it up, turn it on, and turn the house lights off. The kids love it!! Pieces are quality-made. Going to buy one as a gift for my brother!" —Janice ConklinGet it from Amazon for $65.99. A fully equipped Klutz Lego Make Your Own Movie Activity Kit for your little creative kiddo who has the imagination of the kid from Where The Wild Things Are. Give 'em this and let their little minds run wild. They'll be stoked to watch a mini-movie they made themselves. I think you've got a baby Steven Spielberg on your hands. Promising review: "My son got this for a Christmas present and it was hands down the best gift. He has made so many cute films using the props in the kit. He has also become very curious about how movies are made and the different jobs people have to make a movie. Highly recommend this a gift for a curious kid." —Wünderbar MuttiGet it from Amazon for $24.74. A "Sorry!" board game — sorry to your kids, that is, because you're def gonna kick their little booties in this. Your kiddos are gonna be the ones pulling *you* away from the board 'cause you won't be able to get enough of this super fun "classic game of sweet revenge." To play, each player draws cards that move them through the board. The first player to get all their pawns across the board and back home wins! Recommended for ages 6+.Promising reviews: "Nostalgia made me buy this game, and I couldn't be happier. Got my kids to enjoy a game I enjoyed as a kid, and they loved it — I kicked their butt :)." —AK"This was always a childhood favorite of mine. Still enjoy playing it now with my daughter. New rules make it more fun and quicker to play. The whole family enjoys it." —Jennifer TavaresGet it from Amazon for $9.84. An inflatable double-sided table set that comes with waterproof playing cards and two inflatable sling chairs with cup holders. On one side, they can play regular card games or even poker, and on the other side, they can play chess and checkers. Playing card games is cool, but playing card games with a cold soda in the pool = elite. Promising review: "Love love love this product!!!! We use it a whole lot. We usually play Uno at the pool. We have the Uno waterproof cards, and it's so cool for the kids and me to play together. The material is super sturdy, and the attachments are good material as well. No fear of tearing it, 'cause it's very thick. Excellent buy!!!" —MiguelinaGet it from Amazon for $45. A set of two Banzai Bump N Bounce Body Bumpers, kinda like the Sock'em Boppers your mom wouldn't let you have in the '90s. Totally don't be a regular parent, be a cool parent and snag these for the yourself. You know you wanna try. A What Do You Meme? SpongeBob edition that puts a wonderful Bikini Bottom twist on the regular game. If you and your minis love to spend the day reciting SpongeBob quotes, this game is *perfect* for your fam. To play, everyone will be given caption cards. A meme picture will be put on the mini easel, and players will all match a caption card to that meme. An appointed judge will decide which combo is funniest, and whoever wins that round gets to judge next and keeps the meme. The player with the most memes at the end wins! Recommended for ages 8+.Promising review: "This was a gift for my son, and he was so excited. It's a super funny game and had us all laughing! It is good quality, the cards are printed well, and I'm sure we will play it many times. Good for all ages, it is kid-friendly." —KBall18Get it from Amazon for $13.59. A create-your-own published storybook kit your creative kiddo will *swoon* over. Have them fill out the included papers with their own story and illustrations, slip the pages in the pre-addressed envelope, pop it into the mail, and they'll get a printed, hardcover book back. If your kid has a wild imagination, give 'em this and they'll be distracted with creating their book for hours, ~and~ it'll teach them that their imagination can take them far. It comes with a blank cover page, 20 blank storybook sheets, a guidebook, a pre-stamped mailing envelope, and 10 review: "My daughter, who is 10.5 years old, is working on her own book! She loves this gift so much. It has given her a project where, instead of racing through it, she is taking her time. She cannot wait to finish her personal story so we can ship her pages back and receive her hard-bound book. She will soon be an author! Thank you for making an affordable, creative, hands-on project for anyone to enjoy." —Jessica it from Uncommon Goods for $32. Some glow-in-the-dark beach balls that'll keep the kiddos entertained way longer than the regular ol' beach balls because who doesn't love a lil' glow-in-the-dark fun? Promising review: "We ordered these for a pool party for our teen. The kids absolutely loved them, and I am convinced it contributed to extending the outside time late into the evening and kept them enjoying the pool longer. The ambiance was fun and great for all! The quality seems great." —Leanne MolterGet a four-pack from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in an eight-pack). Your kids during adult swim when you pull out the waterproof Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza: The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

Harry Potter Theme Park Is Finally Coming To Abu Dhabi — Warner Bros. Confirms 2025 Reveal
Harry Potter Theme Park Is Finally Coming To Abu Dhabi — Warner Bros. Confirms 2025 Reveal

Forbes

time12 hours ago

  • Forbes

Harry Potter Theme Park Is Finally Coming To Abu Dhabi — Warner Bros. Confirms 2025 Reveal

Few brands have as much untapped potential in the theme park industry as Harry Potter. More than 600 million books about the boy wizard have been sold whilst the 11 movies about them have grossed $9.7 billion and the latest Potter videogame generated $850 million in just its first two weeks. Given this spellbinding performance you would expect to find Potter theme park attractions in all corners of the world but actually only three countries have them. That is set to change soon. Back in November 2022, Warner Bros., the studio which makes the Potter movies, announced that a land based on J.K. Rowling's stories would be coming to its theme park on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island. It ushered in a whole new world as Warner had previously partnered exclusively with Universal Studios on Potter attractions in its theme parks in the United States, China and Japan. They cast a powerful spell with attendance surging on the opening of the lands and the expansions to them. There is good reason for this. The lands are home to life-size recreations of legendary locales such as Harry's alma mater Hogwarts Castle and the Dickensian Diagon Alley. They are accompanied by first-of-their-kind rides including one which is attached to a robot arm on a roller coaster track to make guests feel like they are riding on a broomstick alongside the stars of the movies. Another is an innovative roller coaster that turns to face soaring 3D screens showing Potter and his chums being chased through the vaults of Gringotts bank. The latest attraction charts their exploits in an enchanted elevator – actually a ride car which rises and falls as it roves around. When the first Potter land swung open its doors in 2010 at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, the only Warner Bros. theme parks were in Spain and Australia. Although they are attractive, they aren't industry leaders so didn't make ideal homes for such a storied brand as Potter. Indeed, in 2001 Warner Bros. Movie World in Australia opened a walk-through attraction featuring sets from the Potter films but that didn't last long and closed in 2003 to make way for an exhibit based on the Matrix movies. This landscape changed in 2018 with the debut of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. The indoor park quickly won praise for its meticulous attention to detail and immersive theming. Instead of giving guests a tour behind the scenes of films, as was commonly the case in movie parks, Warner Bros. World puts visitors in recreations of the worlds where characters from the silver screen are meant to live. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Thanks to its indoor setting, the park is home to even more intricate details than Universal and Disney parks which are exposed to the elements. Ingeniously, the park also hides the ride buildings behind internal walls to immerse guests in a fantasy world in a way which outdoor parks cannot match. You usually know what you're in for when you head towards a theme park ride as a hulking building looms beyond the entrance. It breaks the fantasy and spoils the surprise. Not at Warner Bros. World. The elaborate entrances to many of its rides are set inside full-size houses, caves and towers which line the internal walls. The buildings blend into the landscape and this has an enchanting effect. Not only does it hide the rides but it makes the ride entrances seem like portals to different worlds. It doesn't stop there. An abundance of cloud-shaped lights ensures that the lands where animated characters live are bright and cheery as time is meant to be frozen at midday. In contrast, the gloomy atmosphere and soot-stained skyscrapers of Gotham City reflect the fact that every clock is set to just after midnight when Batman begins his nightly crime fighting capers. Over in Superman's home of Metropolis, the domed ceiling is covered in clever projections and paintings of a sky at golden hour which seems to stretch endlessly into the horizon. No stone has been left unturned as windows of artificial buildings have curtains and flower boxes, manhole covers are set into the floor and custom scents waft through the air in each land, from warm woody notes to sweet candy aromas. As this report explained, the wizards who developed Warner Bros. World come from Thinkwell, a division of design giants TAIT. Founded in 2001 by former Universal Studios park designers who didn't want to relocate when the company moved its creative team from the west coast to Orlando, Thinkwell went on to develop some of the industry's most immersive and engaging attractions. It has designed attractions for Universal Studios Singapore and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Hollywood but perhaps its best-known work is across the pond. In 2012 Warner launched a backstage tour of Britain's Leavesden Studios where all eight Harry Potter movies were made. It takes guests deep behind the scenes of them showcasing concept art for the characters, models of all sizes, costumes complete with video descriptions and of course props. They range from rows and rows of wands to cabinets containing full-size robotic creatures from the films which move at the push of a button. There are no rides but plenty of photo opps in front of green screens which insert guests into scenes from the films. Then come the sets. Guests can step into the famed Great Hall of Hogwarts Castle, pull up a squealing shrub from its greenhouse and walk through Harry's foster family's house. The sets are all either the actual ones that Daniel Radcliffe and co walked on or are replicas based on the original blueprints from the movies. They look even more authentic than the lands at Universal's parks and as this report revealed, it has been a dream ticket for Warner. So successful indeed that it has spawned a second site in Tokyo with another in Shanghai on the way. Using Thinkwell to design Warner Bros. World was a no-brainer for Miral, Abu Dhabi's government backed theme park operator. As this author has reported, Miral has gained a reputation as the leader in its field alongside Disney and Universal. This is thanks to its tireless quest for quality in order to maximise the number of visitors who stream through its turnstiles. Its ultimate objective isn't purely about ticket sales as the Abu Dhabi government is developing leisure facilities, such as theme parks, to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels due to its dwindling reserves. The grander the parks are and the bigger the brands they are based on, the greater the number of visitors they attract and the more diverse Abu Dhabi's economy becomes. Potter is the logical step in this process as its stories have such a wide fanbase. It takes more than the wave of a magic wand to create new attractions which live up to Miral's lofty standards and the 2022 Potter announcement stressed that the groundbreaking date was "yet to be revealed." Since then, fans have been clamouring to know when they would find out more but Miral has remained tight lipped. Until now. In a recent interview with this author, Miral's dynamic chief executive Mohamed Al Zaabi revealed that 'there will be a great announcement this year with a great milestone. Stay tuned, you will hear good news. I'm very excited about it, the project is moving in the right direction and I can't wait to open that expansion.' It isn't clear which company is designing Miral's Potter area but Thinkwell would be the logical choice given its work on Warner Bros. World and the Tours. Indeed, what Universal's lands lack is the Tour's authenticity and what the Tour lacks is rides so Abu Dhabi could offer the best of both worlds. With the government's deep pockets, the designers could use every trick in their spell books to conjure up the definitive Potter area. Middle East business title MEED recently claimed that it will include "three new rides, retail outlets, and food and beverage facilities". It added that the value of the construction contract is between $545 million and $816 million and the area will add 40,000 square meters to the footprint of Warner Bros. World, which is an increase of around 26%. The report suggested that Canadian engineering firm EllisDon is the project consultant while French firm Egis is the lead designer. It added that Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company, is already working on the project along with another local firm NSCC International, which is reportedly carrying out enabling works. It is important to note that construction projects in Abu Dhabi display signs showing the contractors and no photos have been published of one stating that it is for the Potter area. Themeparx, the leading source of theme park construction photos, posted an image of a sign which states that it relates to the 'Warner Bros. World Phase 2 Expansion' though this doesn't necessarily include Potter. The reason for this is that Miral has also announced that two new attractions will be added to Warner Bros. World's DC comics superheroes lands. Themeparx noted that there may already be evidence of where the entrance to one of these new rides will be located as a washroom area between Metropolis and Gotham City has been closed off with temporary banners saying 'Lexcorp' – the company run by Superman's arch-enemy Lex Luthor In response to MEED's initial report about the Potter construction bid submissions, Miral said that it "does not comment on speculative and inaccurate information from unknown sources." It is unclear what aspect of the article Miral was referring to though there is no doubt that it was not entirely accurate. That's because the article also stated that "the Abu Dhabi project will be the world's sixth Harry Potter-themed park. The others are in Florida and California in the US, Beijing in China, Osaka in Japan and Leavesden in the UK," the latter of which is not a theme park. What is for certain is that the Abu Dhabi Potter area, whatever form it takes, has had a long lead time. As far back as January 2023 Al Zaabi told this author that "my team, they are going in and out the US to go through many stages of design and many drafts and versions...I'm sure the quality of the master plan, the quality of the design, will be either at the same level or I'm pushing my team to be even better than what you have seen in Warner Bros." He added that the Potter area "will be a gamechanger for us." The high caliber of Warner Bros. World convinced the studio to entrust perhaps its most beloved Intellectual Property (IP) to Miral making it the only theme park operator outside Universal with Potter rides. In 2023 Al Zaabi revealed to this author that the "discussion started in 2018, literally one hour before the grand opening on 24th July. Kevin [Tsujihara] was here, at that time, he was chairman of Waner Bros. Mohamed Al Mubarak, His Excellency, our chairman, and Pam Lifford [president of consumer products] from Warner Bros, she was there. And myself and my team, Peter [van Roden, Warner Bros. senior vice president of global themed entertainment], was there as well. And we discussed, okay, what's next? "And we said, okay, let's do market research, see what's the right IP for this region. We did a very thorough study, and Harry Potter came out on top of the list of that study. We did a study in India, we did a study in China, in Europe, and this region, the GCC. And the result was Harry Potter. It took us some time to discuss, agree on commercial. But I think what helped us to close that deal is Warner Bros. they saw the quality of what we can deliver and the quality of the service and operation." Although it is unknown when Potter's new area will open, Abu Dhabi is already rolling out the red carpet for him. Earlier this week Harry Potter: The Exhibition opened on the city's museum district Saadiyat Island. It is the exhibition's first-ever stop in the Middle East and gives guests a close up look at props from the films as well as an opportunity to take part in iconic activities from them such as mixing potions or scoring at Quidditch. It runs until September 21 and earlier that month the Harry Potter Film Concert Series will come to Yas Island's Etihad Arena. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets will be shown on a soaring 40-foot screen whilst the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra plays John Williams' sweeping score. It could prove to be a blessing in disguise that Miral has spent so long giving a magic touch to its Potter plans. Since they came to light in 2022, Warner has announced that it will reboot the series with new actors on its HBO streaming platform in 2027. It could cast a dark spell on Universal's Potter attractions as they all heavily feature the stars and sets from the original films. However, Abu Dhabi might want to integrate the new actors in its attractions from the start if the new show is a success. There has of course been another significant development since Yas Island's Potter attraction was announced. As this report forecast, a Disney park will be coming to Abu Dhabi over the coming years so the Potter site will have to be substantial enough to compete with that. We will soon find out what tricks are up its sleeve.

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