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Because throwing a toddler-style tantrum when you’re overheated simply won’t solve anything.

I'm a seasoned Shopping Editor with more than 10 years of experience covering travel (my favorite), home decor, fashion, and pet products.

Summer commuting has a way of testing your patience, especially when heat, crowds, and delays all converge. The right everyday carry essentials can turn a sweaty, draining trip into something way more manageable. From portable fans and spray-on SPF to power banks, blister bandages, and mini Kindles, these small upgrades do a lot of heavy lifting. 

Promising review: "This great little fan is saving me this summer! I use it when I commute, at my nephews’ swim meets, and whenever the heat is overwhelming. You can use it many times on one charge. Great little fan!" —AMH

Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in three colors).

Depending on your setting, the fan can last four to sixteen hours. Once it needs to be recharged, just connect it to any USB cable.

Promising review: "I use it for my commute to/from work. The heat and humidity have been awful, and I tend to perspire A LOT. It definitely keeps my neck cooler. A few people have even stopped me to ask how well it works." —Emily Dominguez

Get it from Amazon for $27.19+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "We used this product on a three-week cross-country camping trip in late August and early September and it made a huge difference in the 'real feel' temp of our truck. What I mean is that 77 may feel comfortable to the person in the shade, but NOT to the person sitting in direct sun. These things were outstanding in blocking the sun — I didn't even have to use sunscreen on my legs and arms (I sunburn easily). I even used one in the driver's side window when I was driving on the interstate. I could still easily see approaching vehicles in my mirrors." —Brian Wilkinson

Promising review: "These earbuds are fantastic! I have purchased them about four or five times. Every time I lose one, I buy another set. The sound quality is great, and the noise cancellation works really well, which is perfect for my commute. I love that they're waterproof too. The battery life is amazing, and the charging case is super convenient. It fits perfectly in my ear; the size is not too big or small." —Marouka

Get them from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in seven colors).

The insert — from small biz Smart Kup — has a tapered base that goes from 3.2 to 2.6 inches, so it fits in most standard cup holders. It's suitable for cups and bottles 32 to 40 ounces.

Promising review: "The console cupholders in the Chevy Colorado are ridiculously small. Good for a 12-ounce paper cup and that's it. There is a thick rubbery liner within the cupholder area, and this Smart Kup slides in and grips nicely. Also, it goes in deep enough to be stable. With a full 40-ounce insulated Hydro Flask in it, the holder doesn't move or tip over or pop out of the cup holder hole during sharp turns. The cup also keeps the Hydro Flask from falling out of the cup, because it sits deep enough." —Bartimus Max

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

Psst — they're also gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free! And certain flavors — like Cherry Ring Pop — are even sugar free!

FYI, depending on your situation, water may be enough to rehydrate you! Read more about electrolyte-enhanced drinks and hydration at Cleveland Clinic. 

Promising review: "Liquid I.V. is amazing! It really has made my daily life 100% better. I constantly have to give blood samples every day, and not just a little, like at least 100cc every day, and when you're dehydrated, it makes this very difficult. And I really just don't have the time to drink water as I should. But with Liquid I.V., I can use three packets a day, and my blood will be flowing like a river. My veins thank you. So, thank you, Liquid I.V., for literally making my quality of life so much better." —wendy griggers

Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $23.46+ (available in 18 flavors). 

Promising review: "These are great for travel. Throw them in your purse or travel bag, or pack them with your toiletries. Lots of great uses. Don’t take up space, don’t count as a liquid, and WORK. Like them a lot." —Lloyd

Get a box of 15 from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in four scents or a variety pack).

Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has to say:

"I've owned this charger for more than a year and love the built-in cord. It just simplifies everything! I often throw it into my bag on regular days because sometimes I end up spending the whole day out and about (New York City is just like that) and need a charge without monopolizing an outlet in a coffee shop. It's a little heavier than other portable chargers I've used in the past, but I still adore it over all other chargers I've used. Oh, and the percentage indicator for how much juice it has is incredibly convenient and has probably ruined all other portable chargers for me."

Promising review: "An absolute must-have for anyone looking to eliminate cable clutter while keeping their devices charged at high speeds. The standout feature is the integrated USB-C cable, which is incredibly sturdy and doubles as a convenient carrying handle. With 30W bi-directional fast charging, it can power an iPhone 16 or 15 to 50% in just 30 minutes, and it recharges itself just as quickly. The vibrant smart display provides real-time information on remaining battery percentage and charging time, taking all the guesswork out of your power levels. Compact enough to fit in a small bag or even a pocket, it’s the perfect balance of 10,000-mAh capacity and portability for travel or daily commutes." —Chris

Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "I recently picked up the Anker Nano Power Bank for my iPhone 16, and it’s quickly become one of my everyday essentials. The built-in USB-C connector is a game changer—no more digging through my bag for a cable. Just plug it in and go. It connects snugly, charges fast, and is super convenient for travel or daily commutes. Despite its small size, the 5,000mAh capacity provides more than enough juice for a full phone recharge, and the 22.5W output powers up my phone quickly without overheating. It also works great with my AirPods and my partner’s Samsung S23. The sleek, minimalist design fits right in my pocket or purse, and it’s surprisingly lightweight for how much power it delivers. Anker continues to deliver reliable, high-quality tech accessories, and this one lives up to the name. If you’re looking for a portable, no-fuss charging solution that works across several devices, this is a must-have." —Annette G.

Get it from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "Love this sunglasses holder. It stays securely on the visor and I can put and take my sunglasses on and off from it with one hand. It's much better than the last one I purchased from Amazon. That one got so loose that it wouldn't stay on the visor anymore. I don't think I'll have that problem with this one. The visor is still usable with the sunglass holder on it, and the sunglasses are within perfect reaching distance to take off, even while driving with one hand. And the clips hold my sunglasses tightly. Best purchase ever!" —Tara S.

Check out a TikTok of the anti-blister balm in action! PS: It comes from small biz BodyGlide. 

Promising review: "This foot balm is wonderful!! I have had foot problems for as long as I can remember. I often get blisters on my feet, and nothing I tried helped. This product does exactly what I hoped it would. I can walk long distances or stand for hours without pain or blisters. Don't hesitate to give it a try if you have problems with your feet." —Mee

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in packs of two).

Promising review: "These are maybe the best bandages I've ever used on my blisters. They are discreet and stay on your feet forever! I had the two largest blisters I've ever had on my heels from new shoes, ordered these and put them on and was able to do intense workouts the next day and didn't feel a thing. Will be buying these for each purse I own!!" —Renee

Get them from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in styles for toes, heels, and spots, or in a combination pack).  

Promising review: "Living in New York and using public transportation every day really changes how you think about hand hygiene. Subways, doors, elevator buttons, and other shared surfaces are touched by countless people, so having a sanitizer on hand feels practical. I like this spray format because it’s compact, easy to carry, and quick to use on the go. The mist distributes evenly, dries fast, and doesn’t leave my hands sticky, which is important during a busy day. The packaging is slim and fits easily in a bag or pocket. Overall, it’s a convenient and well-designed option for everyday use, especially if you spend a lot of time commuting or moving around the city." —Valeriia 

Get the set of three from Amazon for $30 (available in various scent combinations; also available in packs of five).

Promising review: "Great trash can for my car! Admit it, if you're looking for a car trash can, your car probably looks like it’s been to a fraternity party — even though you're a full-grown adult. Don't be embarrassed. OK, maybe you should be, but just buy this trash can and get your stuff together, one candy wrapper at a time." —LF

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in eight colors/prints). 

Check out a TikTok of the nausea relief inhaler in action. PS: Allclair is a small biz!

Promising review: "Took this on my first cruise. Anytime that I started to feel woozy, I’d reach for it. I’m sure the required act of deep breathing helped a lot — and breathing in the fragrance of the essential oil is very calming and effective. Worked for me! Wonderful!" —Willy&Lilly

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a pack of four). 

Reviewers say they've also had success using it for chemotherapy, menopause, and pregnancy-induced nausea.

Promising review: "I don’t understand how these work, but they seriously do. These are a duplicate pair I got for a friend after using mine on a bus tour on vacation because I get car sick. They worked incredibly well, even though I was skeptical. Now, my friend uses them on a train commute to and from work. Loaned some to a different friend for a boat ride, and they didn’t get seasick for the first time in their life. Follow the instructions for placement and how/when to press. Seriously magic." —Steph

The seat gap filler is flexible and fits into most cars. The pack comes with two gap fillers (one for both the driver and passenger sides), a sticky pad for keeping items like your phone from sliding around, and an LED car light.

Promising review: "Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that provide the most satisfaction. I no longer have to stand on my head and stick my hand and arm down a narrow rabbit hole to clean the debris that falls between the edges of my car seats and the console. Simple to install, well constructed, and extremely effective. Wish I had invented this. It would have added years of enjoyment to my life." —Bhloscaidh

PS: The feel-good formula — from small biz Vacation — is vegan and cruelty-free.

Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information!  

Promising review: "I no longer have to compromise between ruining my makeup or protecting my skin. This product is wonderful for reapplying throughout the day without having to touch up my makeup. The spray provides smooth and full coverage across my skin without needing to drench my face in spray. Added bonus that it makes applying sunblock to my older kids much easier and without a fight; plus, we all enjoy the pleasant fragrance!" —GCS

Get it from Amazon for $24 (comes with a car air freshener in the same scent).

Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action. 

Promising review: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned Black woman and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin. Like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina

Get it from Amazon for $16.33 (also available in a pack of two).

Check out a TikTok of the mini Kindle in action. 

Promising review: "Best purchase ever. You can fit it in the back of your pocket! I recommend just the normal Kindle because it’s 6”. I can fit it in my purse and in a lot of small places, so I can take it everywhere. Makes commuting so much better. I recommend getting a case. I got one, but my friend didn’t and scratched hers up quickly. Also, splurge on no ads." —Jordan Parnell 

Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in black and matcha, and with or without an ad lock screen). 

Promising review: "Just got this today and I love it! I needed something that would keep my hair up, but not pull and not pull it out when I removed it, as well as something that was comfortable and safe to wear while driving. I haven’t driven with it in yet, BUT I am lying in my bed, on my iPad with my head in the pillow and am very comfortable. My new holy grail for putting my hair up. Could not be happier! My hair is long, and of moderate thickness, and it holds beautifully." —Kimberly A. 

Get it from Amazon for $6.79+ (available in three sizes and colors).

Promising review: "This is the third one I’ve bought... I love them!! The medium fits a large Starbucks or Dutch Bros drink just fine. They keep drinks cold and keep the sweat off of everything. Very cute colors. I keep one in my car and one at home, and I use it for lots of different drinks." —brittney thomas

Get it from Amazon for $6+ (available in dozens of designs and sizes S–XXL).

In case you're wondering — no, the volcanic roller doesn't mess up your makeup. And once you've given your face a quick touch-up, just twist off the top of the roller to release the stone and give it a wash before your next use.

Promising review: "This rolling device is like pure magic. You simply roll it around your oily areas and BOOM, the oil magically vanishes into the ball, never to be seen again! This is an item that #tiktokmademebuy for sure! I saw a video on TikTok and immediately went on the hunt, only to be disappointed that this item was sold out everywhere! I eventually got added to a waiting list here on Amazon, and once they had it in stock again, they charged my card and sent it my way! If you have the chance to purchase this and you have oily skin, get yourself on the waiting list if you need to, and just kick it until it shows up. You will be pleased. Thank me later. ;)" —Veronica Cooper

Promising review: "This is the best invention ever! I’m a sauce queen and this allows me to have sauce in my car without wasting it! Whoever invented this knows my love language!" —Quintana

Get set of two from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four colors and packs of 2, 4, and 6).

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

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