
33 Products To Prove You're A Cool Aunt
Twister Splash, an updated version of everyone's favorite body-contorting game that'll shoot water at you unless you can cover the hole with your hands or feet. Everyone's gonna be EXTRA hydrated whether they wanna be or not!!
A set of kid-friendly temporary hair chalk to turn yourself and everyone within reach into a sentient rainbow (pot of gold not included).
Ocean Scene, a beloved stress relief coloring book for kids and adults from Coco Wyo, a brand that's made itself famous on TikTok for its cozy, relaxing, easy-to-draw themes. This one is full of happy little sea creatures frolicking in the water. 🌊.
And a set of rainbow aesthetic coloring pencils for some extra adventurous artists who aren't afraid to shake things up — each pencil has a whole bunch of different shades woven into it, so you never know just *quite* what it will look like as you draw. It's worth the risk, though — the beautiful results speak for themselves!
A "shark bites" mini hot dog mold sure to make ~waves~ when you show up to the family barbecue with the coolest snack of all. Sorry, pigs in a blanket — your time in the spotlight is over.
NeeDoh Groovy Fruit, one of the many variations in the *elite* NeeDoh sensory fidget toy line that subtly says, "Yeah, your aunt is on TikTok, too, punk." This comes as an orange, banana, or a strawberry, and reviewers love that it doesn't have the kind of stickiness that picks up debris and makes it hard to clean.
And a set of TikTok-famous Globbles, a stress-relieving fidget toy that will lead to pure, unadulterated MAYHEM. These colorful balls are squishy, stretchy, and stick to pretty much any flat surface you throw them at *without* leaving any messy residue.
A mess-free, reusable Bluey aqua art pad for a deeply convenient, screen-free, portable way to keep kids occupied when you're on the move.
A giant bubble powder kit, because why should Glinda and her giant bubble have all the fun?? Unleash your inner bubble powers and impress the whole neighborhood with your big beautiful planet-sized bubbles all summer long.
Disney Princess Uno so the next time you Reverse Uno a family member so hard they cry you can turn on "Let It Go" and tell 'em the past is in the paaaaaast.
A Lego-inspired brick waffle maker that's about to become the MVP of breakfast. Lego fans will love them for "building," waffle fans will love that they're small enough that they maximize crispy edges, and everyone will love that these are the perfect size to make whole breakfasts or eat as snacks!
A color-changing LED flying disc to make it feel like you're tossing a lil' UFO back and forth, even in the daytime. Reviewers love how beautiful the colors are, and how durable the disc is despite all its glitz!
A crinkle cutter tool for veggies, fruit, potatoes, and cheese that not only makes meal prep a breeze, but makes certain foods more enticing for the picky eaters in the fam. Everyone knows a squiggly-shaped thing tastes better than a regular shape ... it's just science!
"The Peckish Pirates," a brand-spanking-new addition to the cult-favorite Magic Puzzle series so beloved on TikTok. Like the others before it, this isn't just a puzzle, but a whimsically illustrated, colorful journey — there are tons of Easter eggs in it, a collection of miniature scenes full of optical illusions and surprises, *plus* a magical twist at the end. Everyone will have to work together to find out!
A light-up solar frog figurine for your garden or porch so every time the fam comes to visit, they'll have to give their regards to this croaky lil' fella first.
A truly ginormous, cult-favorite beginner's art set that is truly a Mandatory Aunt Purchase if there ever were one. It includes just about everything you can think of under the artsy sun — which is astonishing considering just how high quality and affordable this set is, and how many different mediums you can make art with.
A ~Magical Flame~ colorant you can use in your fireplace at home or in outdoor campfires to basically flex to your tiniest family members that you are, in fact, a wizard now.
A set of reviewer-beloved chocolate bar molds to DIY bonkers chocolate bars together like your name is Aunt Willy Wonka. These are great for mix-ins like nuts and cereal, but also have enough depth for you to add fillings like peanut butter, jam, and caramel.
A family-friendly DIY clay dish craft kit so you can use a rainy afternoon with the kiddos to create a cute trinket dishes you can use for jewelry, your keys, and other small baubles.
A truly WILD pack of ~~zombie~~ plant seeds that grow into a plant that will literally PLAY DEAD whenever you touch it. Can't wait for your nieces and nephews to brag to their friends about their "aunt with the undead plant"! No alarm bells here, folks!!
A magnetic rotating UFO-shaped Bluetooth speaker so you can have an ~otherworldly~ experience getting beamed up by your favorite bops (even if you have to endure the embarrassment of the younger set asking who the Spice Girls are).
A super popular Slammo game set you should only buy if you're prepared for HOURS worth of showdowns in the backyard at every party and family hang you throw from now until eternity. This compact, super portable net ball bouncing game has all the same energy as volleyball, but without taking up nearly as much space.
A "One-Step Tie-Dye Party" box full of everything you need to make your dizziest tie-dye dreams come true — this comes with 18 colors, rubber bands, gloves, and instructions so easy to follow that parents swear by it for kid parties. Bonus?? No need to presoak or prep fabrics before turning them into art — the colors are designed not to run on cotton, rayon, and wool.
A zero-ink, app-enabled Kodak instant phone photo printer to essentially transform your phone into a Polaroid camera, but with the ability to pick and choose which photos you print. You can even tag in the fam to help edit photos within the app with fun little graphics and other personal touches!
A set of cat-themed tarot cards purrrfect for swapping fortunes, complete with a guide on how to pull the cards and how to interpret them. (I'm pretty sure you just get mailed one of these for free when you become an aunt.)
A portable "boombox" that's basically the version you know from the '90s with a MASSIVE update — this handy gizmo not only supports CDs and radio, but connects to Wi-Fi to play music and stream content on the screen, whether it's coming from Netflix, a DVD, or your phone. Go, little Bluetoothed boombox, go!!
A unicorn head squirrel feeder because you know what kids really need for their development?? An aunt with mildly alarming hybrid creatures frolicking in their backyard. This is your task. Go forth, my friend.
A "girl dinner" print that's actually just a warning to your siblings of what you plan on feeding their kids whenever you babysit. (Fries are a food group, right?)
A ginormous "marshmallow cloud fleece" blanket you should only pull out for your nieces and nephews if you're prepared for them to burrow inside and never, ever leave. (Was this ... the plan all along??)
Foldology, an origami puzzle game that's sort of like if a Rubik's Cube and origami set had a fun little brain-teasing baby. You have to fold the puzzle this and that, using creative problem-solving to complete the picture hidden in each puzzle. Each set comes with 100 (!!!) puzzles with difficulty levels from beginner to advanced, so everyone in the fam can get in on the fun.
A fairy door garden kit you can install at the base of your very favorite tree in your backyard to let all neighboring fairies know they are always welcome in your space. ✨ (Don't worry about the fairies getting lost — these also glow in the dark!)
And a Cool Aunt Energy hat because being a cool aunt isn't just a title, it's an entire lifestyle. 😎
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UPI
29 minutes ago
- UPI
WWII veteran and social media star 'Papa Jake' dies at 102
The TikTok logo hangs in the TikTok media booth near Radio Row in the days leading up to Super Bowl LVII in Phoenix, Arizona in 2023. WWII veteran and social media star "Papa Jake" Larson, who had more than 1.2 million followers on the social media platform, died Saturday at the age of 102. File photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo July 20 (UPI) -- A World War II veteran who became a social media sensation and captivated millions of people with his stories has died at the age of 102. Jake Larson, who became known as "Papa Jake," died "peacefully and was cracking jokes til the very end," her granddaughter, Mikaela Larson, said in a TikTok post Saturday. "I am so thankful to have shared my Papa Jake with you all," Makaela Larson said in her post. "When the time is right, I will continue to share Papa Jake's stories and keep his memory alive. We appreciate all the kind words and posts. As Papa would say, love you all the mostest." Jake Larson was born in Owatonna, Minn. on Dec. 20, 1922 and joined the National Guard when he was age 15 by claiming that he was 18. He was assigned to the U.S. Army's 135th Infantry Regiment in the 34th Infantry Division, known as the "Red Bull." He was deployed to Ireland during WWII, and then shipped to June 6, 1944, one of 34,000 Allied soldiers who stormed Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, which was occupied by Germany. "Papa Jake" gained a worldwide following on social media with the help of his family, and later created a TikTok page with the "@storytimewithpapajake" handle, where his appeal grew to more than 1.2 million followers, and where his posts have garnered more than 11 million likes. He also has more than 16,000 YouTube subscribers. Many of his social media posts recounted his encounters on Omaha Beach, where he escaped enemy machine gun fire in addition to other recollections of fighting advancing German soldiers. "It seemed like the landing was an eternity, with all the firing going on....I can't describe it. And people would say 'Were you scared?' I was scared of stepping on a landmine, and that's what I was trying to prevent," he said in a video posted by the U.S. Army last month. "I was 5 foot 7 at that time. I weighed 120 pounds and I said, "Thank God the Germans aren't good at shooting toothpicks." At least 2,400 hundred Americans died during the Normandy invasion. "There's going to be casualties but we're willing to risk that," he said in the video. "We had to get this done. We have to relieve the world of this guy called Hitler." Larson was the recipient of a Bronze star from the U.S. Army Legion of Honor, which is France's highest honor. An interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour won an Emmy Award in June. Larson received a Bronze star from the U.S. Army and the Legion of Honor, France's highest honor. His interview on D-Day by CNN's Christiane Amanpour won an Emmy award in June.


Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
36 'Treat Yourself' Products That Make Your Life Easier
A limited edition (!!) Eos Marshmallow "Super Balm" lip treatment from the brand's "secret menu" so good that reviewers say it's better than Carmex for healing and better than Summer Fridays for quality. Lip care that also tastes like you're perpetually eating a s'more for less than $5?? My friends, life is good. A holy grail 5-in-1 Edgelift Curl Brush to define curls, waves, and coils, help prevent frizz, and create precise parts and sections. Reviewers of all curl and wave types are just short of shouting in the comments about how they never found a brush that worked as well as this one, and parents are especially grateful for how easily this untangles their kiddo's hair! A copy of Burn After Writing, a guided journal that tens of thousands of reviewers swear by — through a series of questions and thought experiments, it encourages people to take time away from their screens to explore their feelings, both new and old, so they can embrace meaningful ones and try to let others go. A NeeDoh "Dream Drop," another release from the *elite* Needoh sensory fidget toy line for anyone who wants to add more calm and focus to their day. This goo-filled, delightfully colorful fidget has a satisfying squish with a "slow rise" before going back to its original shape. Reviewers also love that it doesn't have the kind of stickiness that picks up debris and makes it hard to clean. A Lululemon-inspired mini wristlet wallet set that looks just like their $50 version, and also easily holds cash, cards, and lip balms, so you don't have to deal with the whole muss and fuss of a purse if you're going on a walk around the neighborhood. Plus, you know what they say — keep your friends close and your beloved lippies closer. A set of adorable pastel "unbreakable" deep plates perfect for anyone who wants to be practical, but doesn't want to sacrifice on prettiness. These chic plates are unexpectedly lightweight, but are still dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe for up to three minutes. Kitsch's flat claw clip with some modern meets retro vibes that will give your hair a chic little ~pop~ of volume and hold. Reviewers are especially impressed by how strong these little clips are, and how much hair they can hold! Reviewers also note that these make it more comfortable to lean back on chairs, since the claw won't dig into your head. An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra so comfy, supportive, and versatile that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed to be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat. A set of eye-popping fine point pens designed not to bleed through pages for planners and journals, so you can — gasp — color code your tasks, putting a fun twist on them that makes it all the more motivating to stay focused 🌈. A set of delightfully ~~tingly~~ self-heating soothing foot masks made with Epsom salts, lavender, and peppermint perfect for anyone whose recent step count is "too many." Nothing like a lil' self-care on those aching feet to lift your spirits! An effortlessly chic woven straw summer clutch to pair perfectly with any summer outfit, whether you're kicking back at the beach or fancying it up for a wedding. This is basically the purse equivalent of that one friend of yours who's always like "Yeah, I'm down" before you even tell them the plans. A pair of luxe retro-style oval sunglasses giving Miu Miu vibes without the $489 price tag. The devil's in the chic details on this one, including the little gold embellishments on the sides and the nostalgic shape of the lenses, which are softer than the typical skinny oval lens. A pair of lightweight, entirely waterproof cloud pillow slippers for anyone whose feet are pretty little princesses who need to be pampered at all times. These are near weightless, but have a cushioned, thick sole that absorbs impact on hard floors and surfaces. Reviewers with arthritis and plantar fasciitis also swear by these for alleviating foot pain! An oh-so-snuggly Kindle, iPad, and phone lap pillow holder so you can stream content or read the latest fairy, dragon, and/or "dead girl found in the woods" book in the *ultimate* comfort. This can rotate and easily adjust the angle of the screen, and even comes with a little spot to hold a snack! A pair of gorgeous kitchen shears that are as functional as they are stunning — reviewers love these all-purpose, super sharp blades for cutting everything from meat and fruit to opening packages and wrangling with complicated wrapping. A pair of pretty pastel wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price. A set of hair tie bracelets designed to look like *actual* jewelry, so you won't be kicking yourself when you realize you left a hair tie on your wrist for every photo. A wildly popular floral print sheer cover up for the perfect finishing touch to all your spring and summer outfits that won't make you swelter in the heat. Reviewers especially love how easily this packs (and photographs!!) for travel. Dr Teal's Sleep Body Lotion infused with melatonin, lavender, and chamomile for that precise "ahhhhhh" feeling that might help you drift off into dreamland and wake up with moisturized, happy skin. A cheerful fruit bowl for a pop of deeply functional color in your kitchen — this thing is secretly also a colander, so you can wash your fruit and leave 'em sitting pretty on the counter to dry. A weighted eye mask that's basically like a weighted blanket for your human eyes, designed to decrease stress and encourage ~deep sleep~. They also feature a 3D contour, so they're hollowed out in the middle and won't rest right on top of your eyes. A vintage-inspired flower table lamp so dreamy that it will feel like you pulled it out of a fairy tale and into your room. It features an adjustable "stem" neck and three brightness settings, making it the perfect option for late night reading and extra desk illumination! A roomy duffel bag that's practically *screaming* "take me on a weekend road trip — this durable, water-resistant duffel comes with long handles for easy maneuvering, a side panel to hook it to a roll-on suitcase, and even has compartments to separate dry clothes from wet/dirty clothes. A heated eye massager with so many bells and whistles, it's worth the investment and *then* some — not only does it come with five different massage modes and a 15-minute timer, but it has Bluetooth music so you can vibe with your eyes *and* your ears. Reviewers swear by this to help combat eye strain, headaches, puffy under-eye circles, and dry eyes, and insomnia. Ninja's new *portable* Crispi Air Fryer system, perfect for people with high foodie standards and a chaotic schedule. This "all-in-one system" cooks your food in the same container you eat from, so you can pop your meal into the air fryer, cook it, and either pack it for later or eat it right out of the container. Londontown "Nail Veil" Protectant, which is designed not only to protect your nails, but to act as a sheer tint to enhance their natural look. It's basically "no makeup makeup," but for your fingernails. Built's "Puff Protein Bars" that are basically chocolate-covered marshmallows that also, by some witchcraft, have 17 entire grams of protein in them?? And NO weird aftertaste. If you are also someone who is in a perpetual state of "I need protein or I will bite someone's brain off," I am telling you, nothing in this WORLD will feel better than pulling one of these out of your bag. A set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Reviewers especially love these because they're an affordable alternative to ones that typically run $18 per case! A marble board wire cheese cutter to serve as half decor, half kitchen tool, and 100% the biggest hit at any wine-and-cheese night when you let guests slice their own cheese with it. A flowerpot-shaped lemon juicer designed to flex on all your other kitchen tools — it's not only really good at its job, but it looks gosh darn adorable doing it. An "invisible" magnetized dry-erase board so you can organize all your family's chaos and still be unexpectedly stylish about it. "We need more toilet paper," but make it ✨chic✨. A chic structured toiletry organizer with a "window" so you can look inside and easily access whatever you need on the go. Reviewers especially love how the structure of it stops items like beauty products or medications from getting crushed inside (and that it's a heck of a lot cheaper than the $100 Truffle Clarity version). A wildly popular hummingbird projection lantern to light up your porch when you get home late and make your home look like it belong in a whimsical fairy tale. A guided visual sloth "breathing partner" you can use for meditation and calm to shift your mindset. This is designed to guide you through either the popular 4/7/8 or 5/5 "calming breaths" to help reduce stress and anxiety, using colors that fade in and out softly as cues. Bonus: it's kid friendly! A mini weighted blanket perfect for people who want a quick dose of calm and relaxation, but don't want to overheat or commit to the whole heavy shebang of a full-size weighted blanket. This one's the perfect size to easily drape over yourself on the couch. A "Penny the Penguin" silicone measuring cup designed with an easy grip, an even easier spout pour, and a design so adorable that you'll bake yourself out of house and home just for an excuse to use her.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
What are PK battles? The viral trend taking over TikTok and worrying Malaysian parents (VIDEO)
KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 — What began as a viral online trend has now sparked concern across Malaysia, as TikTok's Player Knockout (PK) Battles are drawing children and teenagers into addictive behaviours, including spending large sums of money and skipping school just to participate or watch. PK Battles — real-time, head-to-head competitions between streamers — have taken off in the country, with local influencers and even religious figures joining the craze but as reports of addiction and overspending among youth mount, parents, teachers, and even government officials are sounding the alarm. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recently announced it would be meeting with TikTok's management to address the growing backlash. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the ministry is investigating complaints, particularly those involving children making in-app purchases to send digital gifts during these live battles. What are PK Battles? PK Battles are a format where two streamers face off in real-time, with viewers determining the winner by sending virtual 'gifts,' which have real monetary value. Once both streamers agree to a PK, their live streams are merged, allowing audiences from both sides to tune in simultaneously. The 'battle' could involve singing, dancing, mimicking expressions, doing push-ups, or just chatting. The loser, often chosen based on who gets fewer gifts, must perform a lighthearted punishment. Origin of PK Battles The term 'PK' originated in gaming culture, short for 'Player Kill,' used in MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, Guild Wars, Lineage. Star Wars, Ultima Online and more where players could engage in PvP (player versus player) combat. PK battles in livestreaming were first popularized on Chinese platforms such as Inke, which integrated viewer gifting and audience engagement tools. The format quickly caught on across other platforms including and eventually TikTok and Douyin, where it has become one of the most popular and lucrative trends. Record breaking PK Battles Globally, PK battles have pulled in astonishing figures. One of the most high-profile matches involved Japanese streamer Mugen Siba (@mugen_siba) and Nunu (@nunu.d10). Despite having fewer followers, Mugen earned 324 million coins, equivalent to about US$4.2 million, in just one battle. Watch the match: Another major battle saw Anuoki defeating Nunu with 243 million coins (around US$3.16 million). Watch it here: Keeping the trend fresh To stay engaging, platforms are innovating their PK formats. Chinese app MOMO introduced 'Emoji PK,' where emojis drop across the screen and streamers must quickly match the expressions. Points are earned for accuracy, and fans can boost scores through gifts. Streaming platform YY even used PK battles as part of its talent competition rounds, turning them into high-stakes elimination matches. In Malaysia, the PK trend has gone mainstream. At the 2024 KamiSempoi Golden Award ceremony, local streamers Adelyn Heng, isseymiyakesg, and Madam Yaya engaged in a live PK battle on stage. Watch the event: Even well-known preacher Ebit Lew joined in, participating in a four-way battle that drew thousands of viewers. Watch here: While PK battles may seem harmless, there are serious risks. In 2023, a Chinese social media influencer met a tragic fate after streaming a PK battle on Chinese social media giant Douyin. On May 16, Sanqiange or Wang participated in the challenge against another influencer. He lost and the punishment was to consume baijiu, a strong Chinese alcoholic drink. A regular bottle of baijiu typically contains alcohol content ranging from 30-60 per cent. Wang had apparently consumed a minimum of four bottles of baijiu and tragically the punishment ultimately led to his death almost 12 hours later. In Malaysia, the danger lies in addiction. Teachers have reported students skipping school to watch or join PK battles. Parents are finding unexplained charges on their bank accounts linked to digital gifts purchased by their children as well as thefts. Not only that, the various types of punishment meted out to the losers have been revolting. Punishments include walking naked, streaming yourself live when you're showering, rubbing flour or cow dung on your face and other disgusting actions have been reported on the platform all of which go against the company's regulations. Some have even accused the trend as a means of washing dirty money. Pertubuhan Damai Revolusi Masyarakat president L. Francis said the MCMC and police should take action describing PK Battle as a harmful form of online gambling. He said it was a waste of time and could trigger social issues, including extortion, bullying, sexual exploitation and that some of the donations in the RM3,000 to RM10,000 range seems like a means of cleaning dirty money. The trend is raising serious questions about online regulation, parental controls, and platform accountability.