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41 Things To Improve Your Morning Routine In Small But Meaningful Ways
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. You'll be well on your way to a smoother start to your day with this self-stirring coffee mug, heated toilet seat, and anti-soggy cereal bowl. Promising review: "I wanted this clock for the sunrise lighting effect and didn’t want to pay for the really expensive clocks. I think it’s aesthetically pleasing and has tons of options. It really does help you wake up softer with the sunrise light. It’s easy to use and a good value for your money!" —Brianna Hughes Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two styles). Check out a TikTok of the drink dispenser in action. Promising review: "Super happy with this purchase. Our two little ones (five and three years old) can now easily fill their own drinks. We also purchased a dual cereal dispenser from Amazon, so now the kids can get their own breakfast cereal with milk!" —April M. Ramos Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in four colors). Check out this cereal dispenser on TikTok! Promising review: "We have three kids and a very small kitchen with very little cabinet/counter space!!! We used to keep our cereal boxes on top of our refrigerator, but I've been trying to declutter and also come up with a solution for our kids to be able to get their own cereal in the mornings. THIS IS IT!!!! It looks great on our counter, and we have very little space, so it fits just right! This has been the perfect solution to giving our kids the independence they need to get their own breakfast! It has been a lifesaver!!! Love it!!!" —tenle Promising review: "This product is something I didn’t know I needed. It’s like the creator crawled into my soul and found the deepest desire of my heart and then invented it. If you think I’m being dramatic, you should try soggy cereal and then eat cereal from THIS bowl. I’ll take 30 more, please, and hand them out as gifts." —Sarah F. Get it from Amazon for $9.79 (also available in a three-pack for $19.99 or a six pack for $32.99). This is IP44 waterproof certified, meaning it can withstand splashes of water. DO NOT put this in the water with you or place it somewhere where it can fall into the water or will get wet, but know that it'll be ok if splashed. Your nighttime shower mood lighting will be just as cozy with this on your bathroom counter or shelf. Safety first. Hear one TikToker's thoughts on the shower lamp. Promising review: "I bought this kind of as a joke for our shower, but it's the best thing I've purchased so far this year! It's easy to use, love the dimmer, and it creates a nice ambiance." —Holla Get it from Amazon for $33.43+ (available in five colors and a taller version). Promising review: "For those not fully familiar with how it works, what it's accomplishing is trying to surround your liquid with as much ice-behind-metal as possible. So, it has a center chamber of ice behind the metal, then an outer chamber of ice. The inner chamber fits inside the outer with about a cup's worth of space that's between the inner and outer chamber. This exposes your liquid to the greatest surface area of super-cold metal that they can, and since your liquid is only touching metal, and not the ice itself, it doesn't matter the temperature of the liquid poured in. You can pour in boiling water and while it may end up melting a bunch of the ice behind the metal, none of that water will mix with your drink. So, whether you're chilling a wine, dropping hot coffee to cool it off, or just wanting to rapidly drop the temp of that fresh lemonade you made without making it watery, this will get that done." —P. E. Get it from Amazon for $20.49+ (available in four colors). Each of these holds up to 36 standard-sized K-Cups. Promising review: "I am so glad I got this. It makes for such great streamlined storage. Keeps things tidy and neat, and also helps me keep track of how many cups I have left to determine whether or not I need to add to my grocery list. It is very sturdy and I fit my machine on top. The top is very durable, hard plastic and does not buckle with the weight of the machine filled with water on top." —tunisianswife Get it from Amazon for $15.16+ (available in two sizes and three colors). Pure HQ is a small business that specializes in kitchen products. Promising review: "Works great for my Keurig. I feel better not throwing away all those pods! Love the pod measuring scoop! The pods work great and are easy to use and clean. I just open the pod top and tap the bottom of the pod over the garbage to empty. Great value for money." —Kindle Customer Get a set of four from Amazon for $13.95 (also available with a scoop). It has three warmth levels, a built-in night-light, and a gentle-close seat and lid. Promising review: "We live in a very cold area where overnight temperatures are actually below-freezing in the wintertime. This thing takes the fear out of sitting on a cold toilet seat on a cold winter day. This seat is really warm, even on the lowest setting." —U.M. Read more about constipation relief at home, including using a squatting position, at the Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "I didn’t know I needed this until I tried it, and now I can’t imagine going without it! This toilet stool is an absolute game-changer. It puts you in the perfect position, and let me tell you, it really helps everything come out smooth and effortless. I feel lighter, healthier, and honestly, a little bit like royalty every time I use it. The design is sturdy, the height is just right, and it tucks neatly under the toilet when not in use. It’s subtle but so effective. If you’ve ever had any 'struggles' in the bathroom, do yourself a favor and get one of these. Your body will thank you. Seriously, 10/10 recommend!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $20.69 (and check out more Squatty Potty styles on their store page, like a folding bamboo version for $39.99). P.S...If you're still not convinced, check out our Squatty Potty review. It has two heat settings (low and high), plus a cool air option, and it's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b–4c hair mentioned it working for them. Promising reviews: "This is a game changer! I used to blow dry my hair then use a curling iron/flat iron to straighten my hair. Not anymore. This blow dryer brush does it all. It is so easy to use. It gives me volume without product and my hair is smooth, soft and shiny. Bada bing bada boom. Oh, and it's not annoyingly loud. You'll love it. I know I do and I love telling people about it when they complement me on my hair." —Lorilee Bulak Get it from Amazon for $49 (available in two colors and two barrel sizes). Promising reviews: "If you have long and/or thick hair, this is absolutely necessary! Just a few sprays over your head and your hair will dry so much faster. If you're thinking 'it's so expensive for such a small amount,' you only need a small amount and it lasts a really long time. I have long AND thick hair; I use it every time I wash my hair and a bottle lasts me about 6 months." —Wanda H. "This product was AMAZING. It made my 4c kinky-curly hair so silky soft and cut my blow drying time down significantly. It also has a very pleasant smell and I couldn't stop myself from using it. I'd recommend buying the bigger size as the small one will not last long and the amount is that good for the price you pay." —MB Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack). Snug Plugs is a small business that specializes in home improvement products. Promising review: "These are SUCH a game changer. We rent, so I can't do much about the loose outlets around the house. These have made several outlets usable again!" —Minerva G. Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $10.99. It's designed for all hair types and reviewers across the board mostly report a good experience with it, from users with fine, thin hair to coarse, curly strands. That said, JVN says it's especially good for people with frizzy, wavy, curly, or coily hair. Promising review: "I’m one of those curly-haired girls who used oil, cream, gel, and hair spray religiously. My routine was complicated, and I honestly never thought switching to fewer products was possible, but this air-dry cream proved me wrong! It has completely simplified my mornings while still giving me the definition and softness I love. My curls look natural, feel lightweight, and I don’t have to layer several products anymore. If you’re looking for an easy, effective solution for hair, this is a game changer!" —Teacher Heather Get it from Amazon for $23+ (available in two sizes). Sink Topper is a small biz that specializes in this product. Promising review: "Great for messy teenagers. Cool item for my teenager's bathroom. She likes to lay her hair/makeup stuff on it so she can keep her other bathroom decor on the sides. When she's done she puts what she was using under the sink and folds up the sink tray so it can slide under the sink as well." —Melina Get it from Amazon for $25.69+ (available in two sizes and seven colors). *I asked myself the question, "What would happen if I just called Therabreath up?" And then I verified with a brand representative that this toothpaste's pH is 7.5–8, which is alkaline enough to effectively clean teeth without harming enamel. Who says shopping writers aren't also investigative journalists? Always be sure to check with your dentist to make sure you are using the right toothpaste for you, though. Tragically, the one part of my beauty routine that I neglected as a teenager was maintaining the health and aesthetics of my (formerly) not-so-pearly whites. As an adult, I'm paying the hefty price — cavity fillings, root canals, crowns, and implants galore (do not be like me, me and my wallet are both begging you). I seriously am not sure that I have a single tooth in my mouth without some sort of restorative treatment. As a result of that, I have super fragile, sensitive teeth that I need to be *extra gentle* with...and that means staying away from harsh whitening toothpastes. And that's super hard, because I want white teeth! Luckily, this "deep clean" is enough to scrub the stains away without causing pain. No stinging, no sensitivity, and it still leaves my teeth looking about a shade whiter after consistent use. It obviously cannot undo the damage that is already there, but it's helped my teeth feel much cleaner, and helped banish my inflamed gums. A tip I got from my dentist that's REALLY helped? In addition to brushing and flossing, I put a tiny bit of this toothpaste on an expandable floss (like Cocofloss) and scrub in-between my tightly crowded areas that my toothbrush can't reach. It's like magic if you're prone to cavities in those spots. Get a pack of two from Amazon for $13.98. Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord swears by these toothbrushes: "I usually use an electric toothbrush, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these?? Especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter *how* much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively. I've switched to using this in the morning and the electric one at night and definitely see a difference in that area in particular." Promising review: "I was skeptical, but my kids hate flossing their teeth, so thought this might help in between making them floss. They work amazingly! My kids said they could see and feel a difference on the first use and I agree! They are definitely worth a try! I would suggest not pushing too hard, those tiny bristles really get in there, and if you push too hard, you nights be sore like I was. It felt like after going to a dental cleaning." —AN Basic Concepts is a small business that specializes in personal care products, home goods, and office essentials. Promising review: "My husband and I have been using this product for a couple of months now, and we both think it is worth the purchase. It is not a magic fixer for bad breath or lack of oral hygiene, but paired with a good dental hygiene routine, we have noticed a positive difference, such as fresher breath for longer and fresher breath upon waking in the morning. It is easy to clean, and the shape prevents gagging. All in all, the product is definitely worth it." —Brimichelle It has magnets, so just stick it on your fridge for some easy, nonverbal communication with the members of your household. Promising review: "I wish I would’ve gotten this years ago. Takes all the guesswork out of 'was the dog fed?' Our poor dog either got several meals or nothing at all. It was so infuriating. I put this on the lid of the dog food container so you can’t get to the dog food without noticing if the tab was switched or not. Our dog gets fed more consistently now. I recommend this to anyone with a busy life who can’t remember anything or a family with many members who may or may not feed the pets!" —Kelly Oyster Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (also available in a "Did you feed the cat?" style). Take-n-Slide is a small business specializing in tools that make it easy to keep track of medications. Promising review: "How did I live without these? If pill boxes are just not working for you or your loved ones, and the automated dispensers are prohibitively expensive, do give these a try! I’ve been using them for a week now and have a lot of relief in seeing for certain whether the pill has been taken." —GingerSnap Get a pack of five from Amazon for $20.99 (available in two colors). Promising review: "This mug is exactly what I was looking for — sturdy, well-balanced, and holds a true 8 ounces without feeling oversized. The handle is comfortable and easy to grip, and the ceramic feels thick and durable without being heavy. It keeps my coffee warm and looks great on the counter or desk. The design is clean and modern, making it versatile for everyday use or gifting. It arrived well-packaged with no chips or flaws, and it’s held up perfectly through repeated washes. Highly recommend if you want a reliable mug that feels good in the hand and looks sharp in any setting." —Dana Get it from Amazon for $21.88+ (available in eight colors; also available as dessert plates). Reviewers suggest turning the heat down from high to medium once the drink gets down to about the halfway point so it stays a comfortable temperature! Promising review: "Got this for my husband. We like to drink our coffee in bed in the morning while we check email/news, etc. He would complain coffee doesn’t stay hot. Well, this coffee warmer is great. Husband loves it. One morning I hadn’t finished my coffee and it was cold, so I gave the warmer a try. Warmed it up to perfect temperature and didn’t alter the taste. I will probably get one for myself. Great product. Does what it says. Like that different temps light up & that it flashes red with no cup but when still hot and off course the auto off. Definitely would recommend." —Diane Mc Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 13 colors). Promising review: "Soooo pretty and makes the room dance with glittery disco spots. It’s such a whimsical little addition to the plant window." —KB Promising review: "It has doubled my closet space in my apartment where I can’t make any damage in terms of adding another permanent shelf — so this has been a perfect solution. It was easy to assemble and is sturdy. I’ve had it for a couple of weeks now with no issue. Your closet has to be pretty high for this to work or else your shirts above are going to get caught on the hangers below and for my case, some of my shirts are dragging on the floor — just keep this in mind when you’re thinking about purchasing." —Alex Get it from Amazon for $18.97 (available in three colors). Psst: Some reviewers also said this is a great maternity piece! Promising review: "I’m a photographer and wanted a jumpsuit that had pockets and felt comfortable to wear all day! The fabric is very linen-like and light, it was super comfortable to work in this all day. I bought a second one in a different color because I loved the first one so much." —Stacey Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in women's sizes S–3XL and seven styles). Stealth Fitness is a small business that specializes in unique at-home fitness equipment. Here's what BuzzFeeder Mallory Mower says about this gizmo: "Getting a Stealth board was the very best thing that has happened to me during quarantine. Mixing the fun of games on your phone with the natural endorphins you get from exercising is, to put it lightly, genius. I have two in my home, and my husband and I compete daily to see who can last the longest. My favorite game is the paragliding challenge; he's into the planet-blasting space adventure. Nerd." Promising review: "Fantastic purchase to solve the boring plank exercises after a year of doing them. This has a quick, easy, simple hit-it-and-forget-it daily with a game, three-minute max, and great results. Much improved core strength, reduce lower back pain, and a high five from my doctor. Highly recommend this for those in need of core buildup and help to manage the time to fit this into a daily schedule." —James Corey Get it from Amazon for $149 (available in two styles). NewMe Fitness is a small business creating high-quality fitness products for strength training, weight training, and yoga. The mat is 24 inches wide x 68 inches long and 5mm thick! It's made with a moisture-wicking material that'll keep sweat at bay and is great for hot yoga, too. Promising reviews: "I use this mat more than I ever took classes. Not sure if it is good for beginners, but if you have basic class instruction already, it gives you a great sequence of moves you are familiar with. Most I can do, a few I have never done." —Mng Parker "This mat is great for a quick guide to various yoga poses. The length, thickness, and comfort make it a great purchase. I look forward to many future uses." —Baglady Get it from Amazon for $33.50+ (available in two colors). Kim Chi Chic is an Asian-American- and queer-owned (+ founded!) business created by RuPaul's Drag Race alum Kim Chi, who made herstory as the show's first Korean drag queen. Check out a TikTok of the primer in action. The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of four shades will work on any skin tone. Check out a TikTok of the brightener in action. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Placeholder "Seriously amazing for the price. This product makes it look like I didn’t just have a toddler who kept me up all night. Will definitely buy again." —Bethany Richardson Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). It can hold 7–9 bacon strips, and it's got grooves and a spout to make pouring excess grease out quick and easy. Promising review: "Best way to make bacon!!!!! I will never cook bacon any other way. Bought one for me and one for my daughter. Buying one for my MIL for Christmas." —Lisa Eldridge Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in three colors and two-packs). It even comes with a remote that can adjust the brightness! Promising review "This is a wonderful product; just what I wanted. Super easy to install and I love that it breaks off into sections so you don’t have any hanging over to hide. The remote is awesome and there are lots of brightness settings. I’m going to use these everywhere!" —Queen Halloween Get the six-piece kit from Amazon for $17.99 (available with white, warm white, or natural white light). You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water. Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." —Alex Bonick Promising review: "I'm a huge fan of coffee and I need it in daily life. Absolutely loving this new cup! Easy and quick to mix your coffee and milk, pretty handy! Cleaning the cup couldn't be easier with the self stirring function, just put a little dab of soap, fill the mug half way with water, turn it on and let it do its own thing." —Lina Get it from Amazon for $23.38+ (available in five colors). Check out a TikTok of the dry shampoo in action. Promising review: "Will be buying again!! This is a fantastic product. I have incredibly thin hair that gets very oily very easily. This is the first product that I’ve tried that actually works! I am so very happy!" —Katie_0_Baker Get it from Amazon for $17.60+ (available in five shades; refills and bundles also available). Unfortunately, you actually can't post on X from this thing. But it really does have all those different settings! Promising review: "I love this toaster! It has all the options I need: lifter, countdown timer, visual icon of the toast colors, and all the toast varieties anyone could want, from white to grain to bagel to waffle to English muffin to gluten-free. It not only has reheat and defrost options, you can even add more toasting time, too. Truly, it has all the bells and whistles anyone could want and is easy to use." —Tanya Feddern-Bekcan Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in four colors and in a four-slice toaster style). Promising review: "This sandwich cutter and sealer is a game changer for making fun, mess-free lunches for my kids! It works perfectly for sandwiches and creates neat, sealed edges just like store-bought Uncrustables. Easy to use, easy to clean, and the kids love the fun shapes." —Haus & Hype Promising review: "I bought this after I saw a video on TikTok, so I had an idea about the yummy waffles I could make. First waffles were stuffed with apple pie filling. Second ones with scrambled eggs with bacon and cheese. Just amazing!!! The only way you could make this better is to send a chef!! I definitely recommend watching a video on TikTok or YouTube to inspire you before you start!!" —Adirondackdarling Promising review: "My boys loved this! They were excited to see lego waffles and had fun building with them and eating them." —Emily Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (available in two sizes and two colors). Check out a TikTok of the collapsible whisk in action. Promising review: "Absolutely perfect. Easy to clean, easy to use, very sturdy. The whisk stays in the positions quite well, it stows away quite flat. The perfect solution for a kitchen with limited storage!" —CMA01 Get it from Amazon for $9.89+ (available in two colors). Psst..these come in all sorts of colors and designs, most of which have prices hovering around eight dollars. I have the pink one (pictured), but there's also a celestial version, a wild west version, a floral version, and so many more. Promising review: "The Burn After Writing pink journal has been such a surprisingly meaningful experience for me. At first, I thought it would just be another guided journal, but the prompts really make you pause and dig deep. Some are light and fun—like imagining dream scenarios or writing about favorites—but others are raw and thought-provoking, asking you to face things you might normally avoid. What I love most is that it feels like a conversation with myself. There’s no pressure to share, no need to make it “pretty” like other journals. It’s messy, real, and just for me. Some days I write a lot, other days just a little, but every time I close it I feel lighter, like I’ve released something I didn’t realize I was holding on to. The pink cover makes it feel personal and inviting, but inside is where the real magic happens. It’s not always easy, but it’s been healing—and honestly, a form of self-therapy I didn’t know I needed. If you’re looking for a safe space to reflect, vent, and be completely honest with yourself, this journal gives you exactly that." —Sydney Get the pink one from Amazon for $7.61. Reviewers love this because it doesn't require you to "smart enable" other parts of your home, and you can also set a schedule to automate different functions in your home! Also, just note if you want to connect with Alexa or Google Home, you'll need a Hub Mini. Promising review: "This is exactly what I was looking for and had no idea it existed until I saw someone mention it on TikTok! Our front walkway gets pretty dark at night, and I was frustrated with trying to remember to turn on the light every evening and off every morning. I looked into those light sensors you can plug in, but our front porch light is under an awning with enough shade that it would have kept the light on 24/7. This little Switchbot solved the problem. I applied it to the indoor light switch and set the time on my phone. It has worked perfectly ever since." —Alecia McLochlin Get it from Amazon for $24.65 (available in white or black and as a pack of three with a Hub Mini). 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. Karly Jacklin is a resident writer, cat mom, and obsessive online shopper who is passionate about quirky pet products, home decor, size-inclusive fashion, and, above all, perfumes. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.