
43 Smart Self-Gifts For The Responsible You
A super absorbent floral dish drying mat to bring a touch of the season into your kitchen without sacrificing your limited counter space. It's a functional *and* pretty option for anyone in need of somewhere to dry their cups, bowls, and plates.
A statement checkered cutting board with a high-end feel to it, without the cost. Hosting book club? Break this baby out and craft the most chic charcuterie board anyone has ever seen — so beautiful it might rival the too-hot-to-handle main character in the novel you're supposed to be discussing.
A 2-in-1 knife and cutting board for anyone who detests cleaning full-sized cutting boards — they're so awkward to fit into my sink, and I somehow always end up drenched in the process. It'll also be a great option for making custom salads for the whole fam who don't necessarily want the same thing in theirs. Cut a few pieces of cucumber into your bowl and a few slices of bell pepper into your partner's!
Oxo's new compact Brew Rapid Brewer that'll have you wondering, "Where has this been all of my life?" It won't take up much counter space at *all*, and it doesn't need to be plugged in or charged, so you'll never find yourself waiting around too long for a fresh cup of joe.
A doctor-recommended Squatty Potty you probably wish you had access to in your office when your first cup of coffee hits (if you know, you KNOW). Alas, you'll have to wait until you return to your humble abode to reap the benefits of this bathroom accessory.
A spooktacular popcorn maker and bowl that'll pair perfectly with your weekly horror movie fest — who says you can only indulge in the month of October?! All you have to do is pour your kernels into the "skull" and let the microwave do its thing for three minutes. Then, voilà! You'll have eight cups of popcorn to toss all over your couch when a jumpscare gets the best of ya.
A two-piece pajama set you'll wish was appropriate to wear to work — it's so soft and will make you feel like royalty the second you slip into 'em (instead of someone who works a 9 to 5).
A stylish mini skort starring built-in shorts that'll protect you from having an unwanted Marilyn Monroe moment the next time a big ol' gust of wind comes along.
A deep exfoliating shower back scrubber that'll become the most cherished part of your post-work routine — no more awkwardly stretching to try and scrub your back in the shower! It's super soothing and gently scrubs away dead skin.
Solar-powered string lights to transform your backyard into the chill spot you've always imagined it could be. They even have a dimmable feature so you can truly *set the mood* at any time.
An instant foot-peeling spray that'll have you saying, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Was this concocted by a witch in the woods?" because it works so incredibly well you won't believe your eyes as it renews your poor feet (I know, you've been standing on them at work ALL day) and leaves all of your dead skin in its wake.
A 44-piece Mjölnir toolbox you'll want if you're the one everyone asks to fix everything — if you're *also* a Marvel fan, you will have an absolute ball reaching for Thor's mighty hammer the next time you put together a dresser.
A garden colander to fill up with all of the fruits and veggies you've worked so hard to grow from little seedlings — wash 'em off outside with the hose to prevent getting dirt all over your kitchen.
A "Gracula" garlic crusher that'll make you want to say "bleh, bleh, bleh" a la Hotel Transylvania whenever you use it — just don't let the Count hear you! With a few twists you can use it to mince garlic, ginger, nuts, chilis, and herbs.
A compact Kindle for any lit lover who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good story after a loooooong work week — fill it to the brim with all the books on your "to-read" list and crack it open as soon as you get home. No need to head out to the library or bookstore after the office. (Save that as a relaxing weekend activity!)
Plus, a Bluetooth scrolling remote that'll take your laziness trait to the next level but leave you feeling smug at the same time for working smarter, not harder. You can set this bad boy up, get under your covers, and enjoy some seriously cozy, hands-free scrolling.
Kitsch's claw clip, which will help you tame your tangled locks into a stylish updo — no need to lose patience trying to look presentable on days your hair simply won't cooperate. It's super strong, has a sturdy clamp that'll serve every hair type, and has a delicate look to it that'll make you feel like a princess on their day off.
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoes that'll leave your feet feeling ~heavenly~ after each mile. You can slip right into these without even wasting time fumbling with laces!
Double-buckle slides for anyone who adores the look of Birkenstocks but has a more *~footloose and fancy-free ~* style when it comes to their footwear choices. These are just as comfortable but come in some more playful styles.
An exfoliating shower glove designed to lift away dead skin (and remove a spray tan that's seen better days) — an excellent way for you to kickstart your spa-like experience at home.
A family-sized Perfect Pot you can use on both the stovetop and in the oven — it'll replace your stock pot, Dutch oven, saucepot, roasting rack, steamer, colander, braiser, and spoon rest! Talk about a fabulous gift, jeez.
The cutest cherry toilet brush — it's leak- and rust-proof (huzzah!) and will, of course, add some extra pizzazz to your bathroom. You might just start to look forward to cleaning your toilet. (I know, right?) 👏
A ravioli-shaped spoon rest you'll get use out of regularly — not just on pasta nights. It's durable, safe, easy to clean, and will win your heart over the same way your favorite local Italian restaurant has.
A set of sponges designed to look like cassette tapes for any music lover that wants to add some pizzazz to their cleaning sesh — it's the "NSINK" one for me 😅.
Stanley cup straw toppers to keep any dust or, yikes, critters from crawling into your beverage — the floral shapes will surely put a spring in your step and make your cup look cuter than ever in your next Instagram Story.
A clip-on strainer gadget for any pasta fiends who are tired of trying to locate their colander in the very back of their kitchen cabinet at the very last minute — al dente noodles are at risk here, people!!!
A veggie chopper because none of us have time to cry at the club anymore — and by "club," I mean your kitchen, and by "us," I mean myself (I'm reserving for my annual viewing of Titanic). Anyways, this baby will dice up anything you throw in it at record speed. Chop, chop!
A sandwich cutter and sealer that'll make it easier than ever to make Smuckers Uncrustables copycats at home — embrace your love of kid-friendly meals once and for all!
A Java Sok to keep your drink chilled, perfect for anyone who is sick and tired of drinking watered-down iced coffee. You can't help it that you had a very busy morning fielding emails — and your beverage shouldn't have to pay the price!
Mouthwatchers' flossing toothbrush has two layers of bristles designed to *really* deep clean your teeth and in between your gums. Your pearly whites will feel as fresh as they do after the dentist but without the whole...ugh-I'm-going-to-the-dentist ordeal.
An airplane phone holder to clip onto the tray in front of you whenever you travel — never stress about only owning wireless headphones again! No need to *only* choose from the handful of meh movies the airline is showing.
A Saucemoto dip clip, because eating fries while you're parked in your car just tastes better and you shouldn't have to sacrifice your favorite dipping sauce to do so! Thanks to this lil' clip you really can have it all.
E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer for anyone who, like Regina George, claims, "My pores are huge." Reviewers adore it because of its lightweight texture and how wonderfully it works to reduce the appearance of "huge pores." You can also count on it to help you apply your makeup smoothly and evenly.
A pair of wireless sleep headphones, because we're basically living in the future — you can listen to music, a podcast, or your go-to comfort show (helloooo endless hours of Gilmore Girls) to help you fall asleep without fruitlessly attempting to get cozy with earbuds bulging out of your ears.
A custom embroidered sweatshirt featuring the prettiest little bow you ever did see — perfect for ringing in your coquette era without sacrificing your preferred cozy wardrobe 🎀.
An acupressure mat and pillow set to help reduce muscle tension and back pain — a must-have for attempting to restore your body to its prime after an extra-long work day.
A silly windshield shade that'll keep your car cool while making it look like all four of the Golden Girls are cruising around — want to place bets that they're headed to pick up a cheesecake???
A washable Ruggable bath mat you can literally throw directly into the washing machine to ensure it gets a much-needed deep clean every so often.
A blackhead scrub stick that'll exfoliate your clogged pores and remove excess sebum while also being a bit reminiscent of the adorable lil' character from Finding Nemo that said "you made me iiiink!"
Shower door towel hooks, so you'll never find yourself standing around in the nude, rubbing your eyes because you *accidentally* got shampoo in them (again), and reaching for a towel that's just out of reach.
A motivating daily planner that literally says "You've got this!" at the top — it'll also look oh-so-cute on your desk or fridge and has sections to keep track of appointments, how much water you're drinking, a to-do list, what you ate (meal prep, perhaps?!) and a general notes/doodling area.
And gradient tempered glass for your iPhone — it'll act as a privacy screen (sorry to the Nosy Nancy sitting next to you on the subway, they won't be able to see your texts to your mom), will help filter blue light, prevent your screen from scratching, and add a little bit of *~flair~* to your phone in the process.

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27 Home Items Amazon Customers Are Loving July 2025
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The design is lightweight and easy to hold, and the battery life lasts way longer than I expected. Plus, it's sturdy enough to survive being tossed in a bag or dropped a couple of times." —Balanced Behavior MamaPrice: $13.99+ (available in six colors and a 2-pack) A BIG bag of wild bird food so you can fully embrace your birding era and convince more feathered friends that *your* bird feeder is where it's at. Promising review: "The bag is smaller than I thought but weight is weight! My birds LOVE it! I have the Birdfy feeder and get to see them in life action eating the food. I have about 20 birds frequenting my feeder every day. I will be buying again (just know the birds eat the sunflower seeds first)." —Christina CruzPrice: $12.48 A cool-mist humidifier you and your houseplant babies will love because it helps keep everyone happy and hydrated. (Your succulent called: They approve this purchase.) Promising review: "This humidifier is great! 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Promising review: " was skeptical, but the Zevo plug-in bug trap completely won me over. We had a sudden wave of fruit flies in the kitchen (classic summer problem), and within 24 hours of plugging this in, we noticed a major difference. After a few days—basically zero bugs. It's totally silent, there's no smell, and it's way more discreet than a fly strip or zapper. The light is soft and not obnoxious, and I love that it catches bugs on a hidden sticky pad facing the wall—no gross visuals. Plus, it feels safer than sprays around pets or food." —Piper $19.97 A mulberry silk pillowcase which can help keep your hair from tangling overnight and that many reviewers swear keeps them much cooler than their nonsilk cases. Promising review: "Rich colors and well-made with excellent invisible zipper. They're cooler than standard pillowcases, and they reduce the amount of tangles caused as you sleep. 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It should be noted that Jackery changed the charging port design slightly from the last generation of solar generators, and my older solar saga 100-watt panels would not pair with the unit to charge it. Really happy with the newer tech in the unit and its functionality. For its capabilities, it's not too heavy and packs easily into my vehicle without taking up needed space. Will be purchasing more Jackery equipment in the future." —Jeff $799+ (available in two sizes) And a portable neck fan for those many, many outdoor adventures you'll have this summer, where a floor fan can't lend you a hand. (Er, neck?) Promising reviews: "This neck fan is amazing! It's so light you won't even know you are wearing it. It comes with chargers, and a charge will last all day! It has the speeds, and the air is ice cold, which is amazing and relieves the heat! The price of this fan is better than most! 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They are one of my new favorite purchases! They are so sturdy and stay upright. I will often have wet towels or clothes on the top of them to dry before placing them in and it stays upright under their weight. They are large and can fit at least two loads in them. I love the look of them and they are a nice thick quality which I wasn't expecting. The best part is when I'm lugging them down two flights of stairs to the basement I can loop my arm thru the handle and carry them on my shoulders. I highly recommend them and can't tell you the number of times I have thought about how much I love them." —MariePrice: $14.99+ for two (available in four sizes and four colors) A waterproof mattress protector no one thinks they need until they do. Fun summer drink season is upon us, and while I fully support sipping your ice-cold beverage cuddled up in bed, you and your mattress will be grateful for a super-easy cleanup in the unfortunate event that you spill a drop or a hundred. Promising review: "This is a great product! The material is soft and comfortable, which I really appreciate, especially for something that's also fully waterproof. It doesn't feel stiff or crinkly like some other covers can. The mattress cover offers full protection—it completely encases the mattress and zips all the way around. The zipper is sturdy and smooth, making it easy to put on and take off without hassle. It fits well and stays in place without bunching up." —Amazon CustomerPrice: $18.99+ (available in sizes twin–California king, including options for RV king, short queen, super queen, and sleeper sofa queen, and multipacks) A two-pack of telescopic fly swatters if you're tired of the really smart bugs sitting *just* out of reach of your plain ol' one-size fly swatters. THEY CAN'T HIDE FROM THESE: They expand up to 25 inches! Promising review: "Best in the game. I've had these for 1 year+ and I was moved to come back and leave a good review. The quality makes a difference. I've bought cheaper ones before and they are no good." —Priscilla UPrice: $6.59 for two Some reusable rug grippers because slip and slides are for outdoor heat waves in the grass, not in your house when you're on the way to grab a midnight snack. Promising review: "Got this to keep our new Turkish rug in place. My rug is close to 4 x 6 and I trimmed the gripper just a wee bit so it would fit without showing. My floors are luxury vinyl planks and this gripper holds it in place! I have two 30 lb dogs that run around and play on it and it still won't budge. The rug company tried to sell me something similar for literally 10x the price. So glad I got this instead!" —Amy $6.99+ (available in tons of sizes and shapes) A cervical memory foam neck pillow that's gone viral on TikTok for a reason: Reviewers SWEAR BY IT. What better way to get your bed in tip-top summer napping shape than by optimizing your pillow game? Promising review: "The pillow is firm yet so soft. It has adjustable heights on either side of the pillow so it makes it ideal for different sleepers. The memory foam is a dream to sleep on. l placed a silk pillowcase on mine and it makes it that much more comfortable." —jack spielman Price: $33.99+ (available in five sizes and 12 colors) A tube of cockroach gel bait to finally kiss that annoying cockroach problem, sayonara FOR GOOD. No odor, no annoying stains, just pure roach-killin' powers you'll be so glad you threw in your cart. Promising review: "I don't ever write reviews but if there are people out there who are battling cockroaches you NEED THIS! I have had my house sprayed several times, it hasn't I decided to try this product out and it's worked better then the 300 bucks I spent on someone to come out and 'take care of the problem'. I would buy this product over and over again, as it really is that good!! I applied the bait to many areas in my house last night and the results showing already are incredible! Not even 24 hours later!!" —MWPrice: $26.93 for a pack of four tubes A Bissell multipurpose carpet and upholstery cleaner reviewers swear by for carpets, car seats and car seats (iykyk), rugs, and anything else upholstered that has been through any rough summertime oopsies and spills. A pair of Fiskars pruning shears if you've been putting off some lawn work because your old tools are "shearly" too dull to go up against your bushes. (But rest assured, these beauties aren't! They have over 5,000 5-star reviews!) Promising review: "These garden shears to be high-quality tools that work well, particularly for pruning roses, with blades that stay sharp even after repeated use and cut through branches easily. They are easy to use, especially with one hand, and offer good value for money. Very happy with this purchase. I bought two pair!" —AJ NashPrice: $13.56 A pack of matching frames your soon-to-be gallery wall will thank you for putting in the cart. Promising review: "I used these to frame some of my children's artwork they did at school to have above my TV in the living room. I am so happy! The little hanging things work amazing! It was easy to put the art in the frames, and the back holds the frames very securely. And I love that the front is plastic instead of glass so I don't have to worry about anything shattering." —Sarah McLeroy Price: $18.99+ (available in 19 sizes and seven colors) Some comfy, breathable sheets to make sleeping in the too-hot summer months more bearable. Promising review: "I recently purchased the queen size four-piece sheet set and have been extremely pleased with my purchase. The sheets are incredibly soft and comfortable, making for a luxurious night's sleep. The fitted sheet has deep pockets, ensuring a secure fit on my mattress without slipping off. Additionally, the sheets wash well and maintain their softness after several washes. The four-piece set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, providing great value for the price. Overall, I highly recommend the queen size four-piece sheet set for anyone looking for high-quality, comfortable sheets at an affordable price." —Permelia ThomasPrice: $24.99+ (available in sizes twin–California king, including split king sizes, and 45 colors) A set of four hotel-quality towels that'll take self-care past the "next level" and straight to the penthouse of at-home luxury. If you're like me and say, "These are fine" about something you use every single day... this is your sign to join me in ordering some new towels. Because we deserve it. Promising review: "Soft and absorbent, not too thick for easy drying. Look beautiful on the towel bar, but get the job done. Dimensions are generous. I'm very pleased!" —YellowroseoftexasPrice: $36.99+ for a set of four towels (available in 15 colors and various other sets) Some double-hook shower curtain rings so you can hang your shower curtain and liner ~separately~ which makes it so much easier to keep everything neat and tidy. (Especially helpful if you're about to go on a pre-vacay top-to-bottom house-cleaning spree.) Promising review: "I absolutely love these shower hooks!! I bought them approximately 6 months ago and they remain in great condition, even in a humid bathroom with little ventilation. They are sturdy and easy to use, as well as aesthetically pleasing! Highly recommend and worth the price! Having hoods for both the inner and outer curtain make such a big difference when cleaning or showering." —Gaby BurgosPrice: $5.30+ for a pack of 12 (available in 11 colors) A set of two down-alternative pillows to replace your flat-as-a-pancake situations and give you the OPTIMAL sleep you deserve! Also, peak guests-coming-to-stay season is upon us, so check on your guest pillow stash, too. Promising review: "Typically I end up buying pillows in the clearance bin at HomeGoods or buy a multipack at Sam's Club, but I figured I'm getting too old not to have good pillows. I saw these had amazing reviews so I decided to give them a try. I am not disappointed at all! They are soft enough to be really comfortable, but firm enough that they don't end up flat or your head doesn't get swallowed up by them. They turned out to be exactly what I had hoped for with regard to comfort and quality. I'm glad I spent the money to buy these." —RUINER41Price: $49.99+ (available in three sizes) An oscillating Dreo tower fan with four speeds if you're tired of the stagnant air getting you down and need a little easy ~breezy~ quick fix. Promising review: "This fan is fantastic. I can't believe I waited so long to put a fan in my office. 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Elle
14-07-2025
- Elle
This Low-Key, Affordable Sneaker Is About to Have Its Biggest Comeback Yet
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. If you need any further proof that the '80s are back in a big way, look no further than the runways. Yuppies, power suits, and oversized accessories are all enjoying a renewed moment in the mainstream. Luxury fashion is once again experimenting with indulgence, and styling stood out as a huge factor across recent collections (especially as men's fashion week becomes an increasingly popular event). Amid the excess, one simple sneaker, which has ebbed and flowed in popularity over the past 100-plus years, is finding its way back into the limelight: Keds. The biggest hint as to the shoe's revival? The rise of the ultra-minimalist sneaker. The silhouette feels like a natural progression of the already trending ballet styles seen across brands like Puma and Louis Vuitton. Not to mention the Nike Air Rift, which is finally getting the funky footwear appreciation it deserves. Even high-fashion circles are not immune: Michael Rider's debut for Celine was filled with low-key leather footwear. Seeing his relaxed contemporary-dance-like shoes pad down the runway with beautifully crafted jackets and wide-legged tailored trousers felt simultaneously modern and nostalgic—an increasingly common aesthetic combination given designers' current penchant for re-editioned accessories and '80s styling. Gone are the days of circa-2018 chunky dad sneakers that were too heavy to pack in your suitcase for fear of an overweight luggage fee. With the simple sneaker renaissance, there's no doubt we're about to see Keds return to embody the sense of high-low dressing and ultimate sartorial ease that defined its 20th-century heyday. Birthed in 1916, the canvas and rubber shoe initially gained popularity as one of the first pairs of athletic sneakers; however, its stylish appeal quickly escalated as it graced the feet of stars including Marilyn Monroe in Clash by Night (1952) and Audrey Hepburn in Two for the Road (1967). Yoko Ono even wore Keds as a part of her bridal ensemble for her nuptials with John Lennon. Jennifer Grey famously sported them in Dirty Dancing, further catapulting the shoe into stardom and permanently associating the silhouette with that carefree '80s prep-meets-aerobics-workout look. Cut to the 21st century, and the sneaker experienced its first renaissance as the brand continued to tap into celebrity power, partnering with The O.C.'s Mischa Barton as the face of its mid-2000s campaigns. Some celebrities and former spokespeople, like Lana Del Rey, never stopped wearing them either. (Perhaps that's why her style has always remained so relatable to her fans.) Of course, Keds aren't the only 2000s It item to begin to trickle back into the mainstream. Following recent celebrity co-signs, including Charli XCX at Glastonbury and Timothée Chalamet in New York City, McQueen skull scarves are bringing nostalgia back in all the right ways. Not to mention that, also on the Celine runway, a new version of the Phantom bag made a reappearance. Although, in comparison to these other accessories, the shoe can point to nearly a century of style longevity—the ultimate proof that the fashion tides always come back around.