Essential Extras: 20 Things You Never Knew You Needed

Published February 9, 2023
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There's been a lot of talk online about being "extra" lately, and it sometimes carries a negative connotation. It can describe someone who's completely over the top, dramatic, or even self-obsessed. But I'm here to tell you that being a little extra is actually a good thing. After all, life would be pretty darn boring without those fun extras, right? Sure, you probably don't need any of the products on this list, but I dare you to make it to the end without adding at least one or two to your cart.

So, in the spirit of living life to the fullest, I'm officially giving you permission to become as extra as possible. Start scrolling to discover the 20 products you never knew you needed.

We're all so reliant on our smartphones for photos these days, but why not go old-school with this Fujifilm instant camera? I bought this last year to use with my three-year-old son, and we love going on walks together and using it to document our adventures. This set even comes with a handy carrying case and glittery photo album.

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I am wearing these slippers as I type this, and I cannot recommend them enough. I have bad circulation, so my feet are always freezing. These have a plush faux-fur lining that keeps me toasty, and the memory foam insoles are cushy and supportive. I also love the slip-on design and rubber soles for quick trips outside.

I have become a smoothie addict since buying this Magic Bullet, and I especially appreciate the mini size, since my kitchen is on the smaller side. It comes with a ton of different attachments, has a powerful motor that crushes ice without breaking a sweat, and it's safe and easy enough for my preschooler to use (with my help).

If you've never experienced this bubble clay face mask, do yourself a favor and give it a try. The green tea extract and charcoal powder pull out impurities for deep cleansing, and the cool bubbling design cleans deep into pores and makes it easy to rinse clean. Yes, the bubbles make you look a bit goofy, but that's part of the fun!

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My grandmother used to swear by Dermablend products, so when I needed some new loose powder and came across this option, I immediately wanted to give it a shot. It's completely translucent, so it won't leave behind a ghostly white film, and a little goes a long way. I've had the same tub for six months now and it barely looks used.

My husband and I take our kids to visit their grandparents in Minnesota a few times a year, and being stuck in the car with them for five-plus hours can be a struggle. This car organizer has been a total game-changer, and I've been recommending it to other parents since it arrived. It attaches to the back of the front or passenger seat and has spots for drinks, snacks, art supplies, Kleenex, and the Amazon Fire tablet.

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My job is 100% remote, which means I do a fair amount of Zoom meetings during the week. This ring light gives off the perfect amount of warm, natural lighting, so I no longer look like I'm working out of a dark cave. It clips right onto my laptop and has five different color temperature modes and brightness levels.

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Before I got this Keurig coffee maker, I would make an entire pot in the morning, drink a cup, and go back mid-morning for another one only to find that it's become burnt, bitter, and disgusting. It's so nice to be able to throw a pod in and brew up a single cup so every sip is as fresh as possible.

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This Amazon Fire tablet is a shopper favorite, and it's not hard to see why. It's incredibly user-friendly, has a powerful octa-core processor, and includes 3 GB of RAM. The 12-hour battery life makes it perfect for long car trips. Our son loves to play games and watch videos, and I use it to read recipes while I'm cooking.

No one really needs a bidet, but after you try one for the first time, going back to toilet paper will seem like a cruel punishment. This one has a sleek, minimalistic design, can be easily installed by you (no plumber needed), and has front and rear wash settings. And if you thought bidets were expensive, this one might surprise you.

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Not only does this scalp massager help to lather up your shampoo and evenly distribute conditioner, but it also deep cleans and exfoliates your scalp. The ergonomic handle gives you a comfortable grip, and the soft and thick silicone bristles provide a luxurious massage that's never too rough or abrasive.

If you want to upgrade your shower experience even further, I highly recommend this body scrub. It contains zero toxins, additives, or chemicals, and uses Himalayan salt to gently exfoliate. The lychee oil complex and sweet almond oil leave skin smooth and moisturized. I like to use this scrub after shaving to keep my legs soft and fuzz-free.

Home workouts don't have to be boring. This weighted hoop is a totally new way to exercise right from your own living room. To use, hook the hoop around your waist, attach a weight to the strong and secure tether, and move your hips in a way that will swing the weight around in a circle. It's surprisingly easy to master and way more fun than a workout video.

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Life can get stressful, which is why self-care is so important. These shower steamers are an easy way to de-stress without taking time out of your already hectic schedule. Simply throw one of the little discs onto the bottom of your tub or shower, and the hot water and steam will cause it to melt and release a variety of soothing scents. Each disc offers unique benefits, such as mood-boosting, refreshing, and calming.

Don't you hate it when you finally master the perfect up-do only to find a million little stray hairs sticking out everywhere? This nifty little hair-finishing stick offers a clever solution. It's shaped exactly like a mascara wand but has a strong, naturally derived formula that keeps hair in place without making it stiff or greasy. It's a great product to keep in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups.

Customizable and oh-so-comfy, this WonderSleep pillow takes your bedroom setup to cozy new heights. I like a really flat, firm pillow, so I removed a good amount of filling to make it the perfect thickness. It's filled with premium shredded memory foam that's supportive yet soft, and the cooling technology keeps you from overheating.

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Wisconsin winters are horrendously cold and dry, so I have multiple humidifiers going at once for several months out of the year. This mini option is small enough to fit in the cup holder of your car, on your desk, or anywhere else you could use a major dose of moisture. It features two different mist modes and even includes an optional nightlight.

You might already have a water filter in your kitchen, but what about your bathroom? This showerhead with a built-in filtration system uses high-quality stones to remove impurities, heavy metals, and chlorine in your water, resulting in healthier skin and hair. It also has built-in LED lights that change color based on the temperature.

And speaking of showers, this waterproof speaker the perfect way to start your day on a good note. It can be fully submerged in water, so it's also a great gadget for pool and beach days. The rechargeable battery offers 12 hours of playtime, and the superior HD sound quality is crystal clear even with the shower on.

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Breakfast in bed is all kinds of "extra," and this folding tray allows you to experience one of life's greatest luxuries without worrying about spilling orange juice all over your bedsheets. It's made from natural bamboo for added durability, and the two hollowed-out handles on the sides make it easy to carry. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and treat yourself!

Essential Extras: 20 Things You Never Knew You Needed