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You’re going to want to start that holiday shopping a little early.

Welcome to the 2026 Buzzy Awards! We here at BuzzFeed Shopping have been researching, vetting, and testing products for years. There are a lot of products out there, and it can be overwhelming to find the ones that are actually worth it and backed by (real) people who really stand behind them. We feel the same way, but we get to spend hours (upon hours) week in and week out poring over product listings, digging into reviews, looking into the little details, and trying things ourselves.

For our first-ever product awards, we have selected 100 tried-and-true products across a range of categories: beauty, gifting, home, pets, parenting, style, travel, and more, each that get the BuzzFeed Shopping stamp of approval.

What set this year's winners apart? They're beloved by reviewers, BuzzFeed Shopping staff, and our readers, and they solve everyday problems and bring a little bit of joy to day-to-day life.

It's time to reclaim your space from yet another in-progress puzzle. This baby has four drawers built in to store pieces while construction is on pause, and the whole thing is easy to move from place to place, so the dining room table can actually be used for...dinner. It's available in two sizes (to fit up to 1,000 and 1,500–piece puzzles) and with or without a spinner, so it's extra easy to build a border using all those edge pieces.

Get it from Amazon or Walmart for $64.99+.

When you can't think of something nice to say, say it with a judgy fish sticker.

Have you ever wanted to respond to an asinine question or comment with the unblinking, mouth agape posture of a fish? Are you often unimpressed by the thoughts and actions of coworkers, neighbors, and other people in your life? Does your sarcastic sense of humor sometimes get you in trouble? Well, this book of 60+ illustrated fish stickers who have some very snarky things to say couldn't be more perfect for you.

Get it from Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, and Brass Monkey for $8.39+.

For the readers and the listmakers alike. 

This bookmark combines whimsy and list-making into one super cute bookish accessory. If part of the joy you feel when finishing a good book comes from adding the title to your "Finished" list, this ensures you can keep that list of all your literary adventures close at hand. It's a super cute way to track the books you've read throughout the year while also holding your place in the current story you're engrossed in. We love a cute, functional product!

British Book Art is a small business based in the UK.

Staff review: "I love adding my finished books to this bookmark tracker! It makes me feel like I've accomplished a task and is also just such a fun way to see all the books I've read previously whenever I open the book I'm currently reading. As a certified type A person who loves a good book *AND* a good list, this is my bookish sweet spot." —Courtney Cummings

Get it from British Book Art on Etsy for $4.95. 

This was made for anyone who is, like, always cold — or just anyone who values being cozy above all else. This Shark Tank gem is made with a smooth velvety microfiber exterior and a plush faux-shearling lining that'll put even your warmest throw blanket to shame. And not only is it incredibly soft and comfy with an oversize fit you can snuggle up in, but it has sleeves, a giant front pocket, and a hood. Which means you can stay tucked away from the drafty air while you eat, clean, work, and move around the house. 

Staff review: "I LOVE this thing. It allows me to literally wrap myself in a blanket, but still be able to use my hands, without my poor arm suffering in the cold breeze. I wear this while working from home, watching TV (and eating snacks), and while taking naps. It's so comfy that there have been times I don't want to take it off when I have to run out of the house — the only reason I do is that I don't want it to get dirty. I can't really imagine a person who wouldn't be happy to have this wonderful bundle of coziness." —Kayla Boyd

Get it from Amazon or The Comfy for $39.99+ (available in 12 colors).

Every bathroom deserves the little *bounce bounce wiggle* these frog, hippo, piggy, bunny, or slime-monster creations bless their sinks with. Equally practical, giftable, and treat-yourself-worthy, it's a cherry on top that artist and shop owner Liên Nguyễn makes these vegan soaps by hand. Fun color-coordinated scents abound: the pink frog smells like strawberry shortcake, the green frog like chocolate mint, and the purple bunny like berry. Turn most shapes around to reveal a cheeky lil' booty to boot (sorry, not sorry). 

Frolic Creations is a small business based in Florida. 

Get it from Frolic Creations or Frolic Creations on Etsy for $15+ (available in mini or full sizes, six shapes, and 13 scents; each shape offered in select scents). 

A color guessing game that's easy to learn and fun for everyone.

If you're a walking encyclopedia of Pantone color chips, this is the game for you. And don't worry, Hues and Cues is also for anyone who loves games. Whoever's turn it is can offer only one- or two-word clues to the other players, who have to guess which colored square the speaker is talking about when they say "bubblegum" or "Lightning McQueen." Reviewers say it's oodles of fun for all ages and for large or small groups.

Staff review: "I played this at a friend's apartment with a mix of people I did and didn't know, and we all had a BLAST. It was a fun opportunity for us to reference hyper-specific things when trying to lock down a specific shade (if memory serves, "zombie Barney" and "aggressive banana" were the ones that got thrown around) and to get to know each other's tastes and ways of looking at the world. The rules and scoring system are super easy to learn, too, so there wasn't a big hurdle in getting everyone on board. I ended up buying the game for my own apartment, and whenever I have guests over, we pull it out and end up in stitches. I highly recommend for some good, wholesome, often laugh-out-loud party fun!" —Emma Lord

Get it from Amazon, Target, or Walmart for $24.97+.

All the retro fun of View-Master, with custom photos hand-picked by *you*! They make it incredibly easy to customize your reel, including adding text, adjusting the contrast and brightness, opting for sepia or black and white images, and previewing and cropping photos. They even have a handy-dandy guide that walks you through the process step by step. Btw, the founder of Image3D was the lead photographer at ViewMaster!

Staff review: "I bought one of these for my bestie a few years ago and made a custom reel with some of her wedding photos, and it turned out SO CUTE — she (and her hubby) loved it! So much so that I got another reel last year to add to the collection for her daughter's first birthday! The customization process was super easy, and I wouldn't hesitate to give this again, it's such a special way to revisit memories that...isn't scrolling back on your phone." —Maitland Quitmeyer

Get it from Amazon, Uncommon Goods, or Image3D for $34.95.

It has all the benefits you know and love from ereaders (compact size and weight, the ability to store thousands of books), but in an upgraded format. The glare-free screen looks like *actual* paper, even in bright sunlight — hence the "Paperwhite" name — but the adjustable light options (including warm light) make it super easy to read in dark spaces, like right before bed. The battery life lasts weeks, and the 20% faster page turns (compared to the previous model) mean you can get to that upcoming twist without skipping a beat.

Staff review: "I never thought I'd be an ereader person, but once I made the switch years ago, I've never looked back. I've been using a Kindle Paperwhite (a previous generation) for years — you simply can't beat the convenience, and I found myself tearing through way more books because I could squeeze chapters in on the train, in the park, wherever I had a few minutes to spare. The best part? You can check out ebooks at your local library (through platforms like Libby) and read them on your Kindle for free! I got to upgrade to this new Kindle Paperwhite when it came out in 2024, and it is a true improvement on previous models and worth every penny. The warm light feature is a game changer, especially if you're someone who likes to read before bed like me. And the page turns and responsiveness of this model are indeed much faster — and I can really tell the difference compared to my old Kindle!" —Maitland Quitmeyer

Get it from Amazon, Target, or Best Buy for $199.99+ (available in three colors, and with or without lockscreen ads).

If you love the look of a vintage film camera but don't feel like shelling out the money for an actually expensive one (and the film that comes with it), this allows you to capture that retro look and transfer it right to your computer, no film hassle required. These also make great little gifts — you never know which one you're gonna get, so it's a surprise whether you're purchasing for a friend or treating yourself!

Staff review: "If there's one thing my friends know about me, it's that I take A LOT of pictures. And as a millennial who grew up making scrapbooks, using disposable cameras and digicams, I absolutely love the nostalgia of this thing. It's such a fun throwback to those low-quality, no overthinking, just-for-the-memories photo moments that many of us grew up with. But, the modern twist of it having a super tiny screen and being able to clip on your bag as a cute little accessory really just adds to the ~ charm ~ of it, imo. I've taken it around with me on trips to Europe and Japan, and I've whipped it out at gatherings with friends and family. People alwaysss ask me about it and want the link! And with such an affordable price tag, I already plan to start gifting these to friends and family members. It's seriously such a fun little gadget to carry around! Just don't forget to grab a micro SD card so you can transfer all your memories to your phone or computer." —Kayla Boyd

Get it from Amazon, Urban Outfitters, Target, or BH Photo for $34.99. 

Grown-up, gift-worthy, and doubles as decor. 

These bookshelf-worthy sets boast all the features key to the Lego experience: the step-by-step instructions provide a stay-in-the-present focus, perfect for after-work wind-downs, teamwork date nights, or afternoons spent bonding with a picky teen. Bright colors pop wherever you display them, and top real bouquets and plants because they require zero care and last literally forever. The ever-expanding selection ~branches~ out to bonsai trees, succulents, and happy little plants to cater to a variety of tastes, making these a no-brainer gift option. 

Staff review: "Lego Botanicals really are the perfect 'me-time' activity. I was first gifted the small roses by a friend who thought I loved doing these because of how much I enjoy doing puzzles. And she was completely and totally right! (To be loved is to be seen, amiright?). The two roses were the perfect way to dip my toe in! Not time-consuming, not overly complicated — cute, quick, and something simple and basically mindless I did while listening to music. Love! I then moved on to the big orchids (first of all — 😍). While it took a bit longer, which I actually appreciated, it was just as easy and satisfying to complete! I love that these Legos are easy enough to do while watching TV or listening to an audiobook, but there are also some bigger, more intricate options that make you want to lock in a focus. There really are different focus levels and flower styles for everyone!" —Amanda Davis

Get them from Amazon or Lego for $14.99–$109.99 (available in 30 different kits). 

Perfect for both novice and seasoned puzzlers, this delightfully whimsical 1,000-piece puzzle is beautifully illustrated and full of tiny details and easter eggs just waiting to be discovered. And when you think you've put it all together, you can experience Magic Puzzle Company's ~Magic Shift~ effect for a sweet surprise ending. Oh, and no puzzle dust!

Staff review: "This puzzle is so beautiful! I bought it as a gift for my parents one Christmas because they picked up puzzles as a hobby during the pandemic, and we ended up putting it together as a family. It's really well-built — clean edges, no puzzle dust in the box, no random pieces that just didn't belong or were missing — and was just the right level of difficulty for both my mom, who likes puzzles, and my dad, who really likes puzzles. I especially enjoyed the little "I spy" moments and the twist at the end...no spoilers though!" —Melanie Aman

Get it from Amazon, Walmart, or Magic Puzzle Company for $22.50+.

Fans of Clue and murder mysteries have probably already heard of Murdle — the online and physical detective game that follows Detective Logico as he tries to uncover the truth of a murder that took place, but we're here to re-emphasize its delight. It's up to you to help determine who the killer is, where the murder occurred, and what weapon was used through clues and your own deductive reasoning. This original Murdle: Volume 1 offers 100 puzzles to solve and is the perfect way to pass the time, exercise your mind, and just have a bit of detective fun. 

Staff review: "I am fully in my analog era, y'all. OK, maybe not *fully,* but I am finding more and more joy in screen-free activities these days. I'm also firmly in my ~Reader Girl Era,~ so when I saw that Murdle was both a brain-teasing activity and a murder mystery in one, I was immediately hooked. It's truly delightful and one of my favorite ways to wind down at the end of the day. Each puzzle has a Sudoku-style grid and an assortment of clues to sort through. Your job is to figure out who committed the murder, where, and with what weapon by using logic and deduction to put check marks and Xs in the grid until you find the solution. It kind of feels like a solo version of Clue (my FAVE childhood board game), so it’ll be right up your alley if you love all things deduction and mystery." —Daniel Boan

Get it from Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, or Target for $12.48+.

Who better and more capable of creating an artistic masterpiece and true tour de force than Chicken Soup the rat? Or Chickpea? Or Pistachio? Seriously. And don't worry, these rats have been trained via positive reinforcement to use their hands to paint.

Rat Paintings is a small business based in Virginia.

Get it from Rat Paintings on Etsy for $26.75 (choose from 10 primary and secondary colors).

This little figuring might help you (or anyone on your gifting list) release just a teensy bit of all that stress. Just press the button on the stump he stands on to hear those bleats that can't be beat — feel free to join in, too. Reviewers say this makes an *excellent* (and often coveted) option for gift exchanges.

Staff review: "I received this as a gift, and my initial thought was, 'Why?' even as I was saying, 'Thank you, I love it!' After spending one day with Gimli (we named him right away, of course), I understood the why. He's just a simple and endless source of amusement, as my partner and I make him bleat whenever one of us needs a laugh. I dare you to listen to Gimli scream with a straight face." —Morena Duwe

Get it from Amazon or Walmart for $7.96.

Not your grandma's Uno, but invite her to play.

There are certain things that really reveal someone's true nature, like going on a vacation or starting a (seemingly harmless) game of Uno. If the regular version of the card game turns you and loved ones into your most ferocious selves (complimentary), you'll adore this edition. It has 56 more cards, tougher action cards (hello, Wild Draw 10), and more rules. We can't be held responsible for any post-game tension. 

Staff review: "I LOVE THIS GAME! So, I've always enjoyed the original, but then this summer, while attending a friend's 4th of July BBQ gathering, someone whipped out this bad boy, and I was hooked. It truly is not for the weak, and might even reveal thee most savage side of friends that you didn't know existed. Expect big laughs, cutthroat competition, and lots of cussing — which is the only way to do game night right IMO. I loved it so much that I even bought it for my house." —Daysha Edewi

Get it from Amazon, Target, or Walmart for $7.24+.

Try not to smile when this little guy is cheering you on at work as you wade through a bog of spreadsheets or sit through a painfully long Zoom call. Ope! What's that I see? I knew you wouldn't be able to stop yourself from a cheeky little grin.

There's never been a better time to finally (finally!) learn to crochet, thanks to The Woobles' easy-to-learn crochet kit for beginners. Everything you need is supplied in the kit, including step-by-step videos and even unlimited text and email support. The only thing you need is a little patience and a free afternoon to bring your cuddly creation to life.

Get it from Amazon, The Woobles, or Target for $29.95+ (available in seven styles).

Perfect for kiddos and adults alike, this unique book asks you to get a little ~creative~ with your journaling process. With prompts like "Color this page red on purpose" and "Press leaves and other found things here," you might receive this journal in perfect condition, but the point is that it leaves you scuffed, bent, dirtied, and, well, kind of ruined. Reviewers note that it's a great way to help littles deal with big feelings, and even fully grown humans work through life's little hiccups in a more reckless way. 

Get it from Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, or Target for $9.59+.

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 have been edited for length and/or clarity.