20 Viral TikTok Gifts That Are Actually Worth It
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For the Beginner CookDash Mini Waffle MakerRead more
For the Mom On-the-GoStanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler (40 oz)Read more
For Those Bougie BlowoutsDyson AirwrapRead more
For the Comfort Conscious Lululemon Everywhere Belt BagRead more
“I saw it on TikTok.”
You've probably heard someone say that over the past few years. Maybe you said it yourself. The popular app started out as a platform for creative dance routines, quick skits, and memes, but it's quickly turned into a catalog of shopping recommendations. But can you trust a viral TikTok product rave? Or will it turn out to be one of those shoddy products from as-seen-on-TV ads? Don't worry, the WIRED Gear team has you covered! We found some of the most popular TikTok gadgets and put them to the test, to find out if they're both viral- and gift-worthy.
Updated November 2022: We've added more items, like the AirPods Max, Shark FlexStyle Drying & Styling System, Windmill AC, and Stanley Tumbler.
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- Photograph: Dash
For the Beginner Cook
Dash Mini Waffle MakerI never made waffles from scratch until I used the Dash Mini Waffle Maker. I’ve always relied on an old-fashioned toaster to warm up frozen waffles from the grocery store, but this mini (and cheap!) contraption opened my eyes to a world of delicious homemade recipes. I've used it to make chocolate chip waffles, cinnamon roll waffles, and “chaffles” (a waffle made from shredded cheese and eggs for those not on keto TikTok). I even ventured out of waffle territory and successfully made cheese quesadillas and breakfast sandwiches.
Its compact size means it doesn't take up much room in my already cluttered countertop, and it's easy to stow away in my cabinets. I do recommend grabbing a dish brush for cleaning though; a traditional sponge won’t reach all the crusty crevices. —Brenda Stolyar
- Photograph: Stanley
For the Mom On-the-Go
Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler (40 oz)Yes, you’ve probably seen one of these (or a dozen) in the hands of your favorite long-haired, balayaged Utah Mom on TikTok. But you might not know that Stanley’s tumbler bears a remarkable resemblance to the gigantic plastic hospital mug everyone gets right after they give birth. In those chaotic postpartum days, we cling to our huge tumblers of water, clinking with life-giving ice, and drink from the straw that saves a precious tiny bit of energy from having to bend our head, using the handle to guide the mug toward our exhausted, dehydrated face. The Stanley tumbler will never disintegrate when you need it most; I cling to it like my kids clutch their blankies.
Back in September, Stanley launched a new and improved “2.0” version of its viral tumbler. We haven't tested it, but it comes complete with a splash-resistant lid, ergonomic handle, and new colors. It's available for purchase through Stanley's site, but you can also purchase the original at third-party retailers (which we've listed below). —Adrienne So
- Photograph: Dyson
For Those Bougie Blowouts
Dyson AirwrapSince the Dyson Airwrap (8/10, WIRED Recommends) has been at the top of many holiday wish lists for a while now, it constantly fluctuates in stock. But if you can find it, it's worth the effort. The multi-use hair tool comes with a variety of attachments, including a round brush, soft smoothing brush, curling barrels, and a hair dryer attachment. When used correctly, you can achieve salon-level blowouts in the comfort of your own home. If you're confused about where to even start (as I would be with that many attachments), you can find plenty of tutorials on TikTok.
- Photograph: Lululemon
For the Comfort Conscious
Lululemon Everywhere Belt BagI hate carrying handbags of any kind, including totes, clutches, wristlets, shoulder bags, and most crossbody bags. I'd rather cram my belongings into my jacket pockets than schlep a bag around the city. But when I saw Lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag all over my FYP, I was intrigued by its versatility and gave it a shot. Now, I don't leave home without it.
You can wear it as a crossbody bag or a fanny pack. I mainly wear it across my chest, but it's nice to have the ability to swap between the two styles. It's super roomy inside. I've easily packed in my wallet, keys, chapstick, travel-size lotion, and wads of receipts without causing it to burst at the seams. I use the exterior zippered pocket to store important things like my license and insurance cards. It sells out frequently, and color choices are at times limited, so you'll have to keep checking to see if it's back in stock (or get the fleece version, which is otherwise identical). —Brenda Stolyar
- Photograph: Shark
For the Beautician on a Budget
Shark FlexStyle Drying & Styling SystemDyson has sent the internet into a frenzy for years, but Shark has come for its throne. My TikTok FYP showed a slew of users discovering the $270 FlexStyle drying and styling system, a far cheaper version of the Airwrap. I tried it and prefer it for one simple reason: The hair dryer is the main event, not an afterthought. This one item can be your only tool, whereas with the Airwrap, my curls need a separate hair dryer with a diffuser.
Shark's system comes with two curling barrels that use the Coanda air effect to draw your hair to it, curling strands without singeing them. Depending on which bundle you get—there are options for straight or curly hair—it includes oval and paddle brushes too. You can build your own bundle and choose three stylers for $250 (the two curling barrels count as one!).
- Photograph: Halara
For the Go-Getter
Halara Everyday DressAll summer long last year, I watched with suspicion as exercise dresses frolicked across my For You page. I didn’t get the appeal of a garment no one seemed to actually exercise in. Then I tried the Halara Everyday Dress and understood the hype. It was soft and stretchy enough to wear for a variety of activities, like riding my skateboard, playing fetch with my dog, doing laundry, and going out to lunch. And it has pockets!
My only gripe is that the straps aren't adjustable, so it might not be as comfy for all body types. It's also not designed for cold weather, but it's the perfect attire for a giftee who lives in a warm climate—or just enjoys looking cute while demolishing a to-do list. As they say on TikTok, the Everyday Dress just makes sense. —Pia Ceres
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- Photograph: Balkwan
For a Relaxing Vibe
Balkwan Sunset LampThese sunset lamps have been all over TikTok. And while I wish I could take credit for jumping on this trend, it was all my boyfriend. This small gadget really transforms the vibe of any room. It's easy to set up too. Place it on your floor, plug it in, and aim it toward a wall. He uses his in the living room, where the halo-like effect adds pops of rainbow colors that make the space feel extra cozy—especially on rainy days. —Brenda Stolyar
- Photograph: Simple Modern
For the Severely Dehydrated
Simple Modern Stainless Steel Summit Water Bottle with Straw Lid (32 oz)When my nutritionist told me I needed to start drinking at least 32 ounces of water per day, I knew I'd have to get creative to reach my goal. I decided to tap into my inner VSCO-girl, about three years too late. I didn't want to drop nearly $50 on a Hydro Flask, so I scoured TikTok to find a budget-friendly alternative with the same features: a stainless steel bottle that's insulated and has a straw lid. I also wanted to decorate it with stickers. I scrolled through multiple TikToks before I landed on Simple Modern.
For half the price, you get all those features plus a fun variety of color options like pink tie-dye and Carrara marble. I also bought a pack of these waterproof stickers to decorate it with. My only qualm is that it's not dishwasher safe, so I have to hand-wash it often. It's worth noting that it also doesn't keep my water cold for long, though I don't mind. —Brenda Stolyar
- Photograph: Merzy
For the Eye-Catching Lewk
Merzy The First Pen EyelinerBecause its algorithm is so fine-tuned, TikTok has allowed specific communities to find each other. In my case, that’s first-gen Asian American immigrant women who grew up eating terrible spaghetti for dinner on “American night,” and also never learned how to do eye makeup properly on mono-lidded eyes.
After about a zillion TikToks, I caved and bought Merzy’s liquid eyeliner and followed along. A quick summary: Float the eyeliner slightly above your actual lash line. For the very first time in my life, I was able to do a little wing, and it looked great! I eagerly waited for my husband to notice, and after a few minutes, he frowned and said, “Why do you look like one of those Instagram girls right now?” Mission: accomplished. —Adrienne So
- Photograph: Apple
For the Hot Girl Walks
Apple AirPods MaxWe gave the AirPods Max (8/10, WIRED Recommends) high praise for their excellent controls, comfort, great build quality, and seamless connectivity with Apple devices. WIRED editor Parker Hall says, “These are the best-sounding wireless headphones I’ve ever heard, and by a significant margin.” But I didn't expect to see these expensive cans everywhere.
Celebrities and influencers alike sport these over-the-ear headphones all over social media, and we've seen plenty of people wearing them on their runs, on bike rides, and in the subway in New York City and San Francisco. They're now a statement piece, though we should stress that most people do not need a pair of $500+ headphones. (Note to the wiser: these aren't water-resistant, so you really shouldn't work out with them.) —Brenda Stolyar
- Photograph: Sony
A Non-Apple Alternative
Sony WH-1000XM5Rivaling the AirPods Max on TikTok is the Sony WH-1000XM5 (9/10, WIRED Recommends). Mouthful of a name aside, these headphones are a popular and more affordable alternative, and they're nearly as great. (I'd like to unashamedly point out that we said the same first.) These have better noise cancellation than most headphones, 30-mm drivers that offer excellent sound quality, and 30 hours of battery life with active noise canceling turned on. They're less flashy than the AirPods Max, so there's a smaller chance someone will steal them off your head.
- Photograph: Freck
For the Freckle-Faced Wannabe
Freck Beauty Freck OGI love freckles, but sadly, I wasn’t born with ’em. There are several products that let you create fake ones, and the one we love is Freck. It’s so easy to use—just dab a few dots on and pat them out with your finger. This will blend the color in so it looks more natural, and at the same time, it distributes that excess product elsewhere, creating more faux freckles. I tap a little bronzer over it and feel cute as hell. The bottle is teeny tiny, but a little goes a long way. —Medea Giordano
- Photograph: Windmill Air
For the Interior Designer
Windmill Air ConditionerMost air conditioners are ugly. Those of us who live in homes without central air have simply accepted that there's no hiding the eyesore on the windowsill. But the Windmill AC (8/10, WIRED Recommends) solves this problem. It's gone viral for its beautiful aesthetic, and for good reason. But modern design aside, the Windmill AC has other notable features. WIRED reviews editor Adrienne So says it's easy to install, it blows cools air upward instead of forward (ideal for smaller rooms), and it's recyclable. You can control it manually or use the included remote, but you can also use the companion app on your phone or voice controls via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. —Brenda Stolyar
- Photograph: KVD Beauty
For the Full-Coverage Queen
KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation BalmThere was at least a month where every time we scrolled through our For You page on TikTok, people were gasping over the Good Apple foundation. We finally got our hands on some, and it’s as amazing as it looked on TikTok. Redness—and even the darkest of dark circles—disappeared, leaving an even base to apply the rest of our makeup. It feels a little heavy at first, but it settles in nicely—a regular makeup sponge works great for application. It clung to dry patches but overall worked well on our skin. Unlike with a lot of popular foundations, there’s a good range of shades too. The shade matcher might help, but we had to go a shade or two darker. —Medea Giordano and Louryn Strampe
- Photograph: Amazon
For Dogs With Smol Snoots
UPSKY Dog Water BottleWhen taking long walks with my dog, I carry a bowl to pour water into. But often she turns up her nose at it or laps up only a teensy amount, forcing me to dump out the unused water. The Upsky Dog Water Bottle smartly solves this. Unlock the bottle, press the button to release some water, and let your pooch drink from the trough. Whatever my pup didn’t drink went right back into the bottle with another press of the button.
It’s super portable. I keep it in my tote bag, and it never leaks, thanks to the locking mechanism, but it also comes with a lanyard so you can carry it by hand. The drinking trough isn’t big, so it’s best suited for pets with small to medium-size snoots. —Brenda Stolyar
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- Photograph: Star Drops
For the Clean Freak
Stardrops The Pink StuffWhen you’re reaching the end of your twenties, suddenly you’re pushed into cleaning TikTok—and it’s exciting. If that's you, you’ve probably seen the Pink Stuff. I tried the paste-like substance on the burnt stains on my stove that wouldn’t budge with anything else, and spoiler alert, it took them right off. It's now what I reach for when my kitchen and bathroom need a good scrub. There’s an even easier-to-use spray that works for nearly everything the paste does. This bundle includes both, plus a bathroom cleaner I haven’t tried. —Medea Giordano
- Photograph: Bissell
For Maintaining Your Furniture
Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet CleanerIf you’ve stumbled across videos of Bissell’s Little Green Carpet Cleaner on your For You page, you’ve probably been mesmerized by its ability to suck up spills and stains that have been absorbed in upholstered furniture for a while—leaving it looking brand-new. I can’t say it's a miracle machine that completely transformed how my own furniture looks, but it definitely does its job.
I used it to clean my living room rug and upholstered office chair, and the Bissell's tank (which houses all the dirt it pulls) was filled with black, murky water. Gross. It's super useful to have around to maintain your furniture, and you can stow it away in a closet when you're done. It's not cheap, but it sure beats the hassle of calling and scheduling an appointment with a carpet cleaner. —Brenda Stolyar
- Photograph: Amazon
For Fur-Filled Homes
ChomChom RollerHaving fluffy cats is all fun and games until there are fur tumbleweeds rolling over your floors. The ChomChom roller is a staple in my household, and it’s weirdly fun to use. Push it back and forth across fuzzy furniture, rugs, or clothing, and be amazed—and grossed out—at the vast amount of fur it picks up. It’s reusable and not wasteful like sticky lint rollers, and the design is more intuitive than those handheld brushes that often deposit more hair than they remove. Fighting against fur is an uphill battle, but the ChomChom makes it much easier. (If all else fails, I’ll be able to start a cat-hair-knitting side hustle.) —Louryn Strampe
- Photograph: Scrub Daddy
For a Satisfying Scrub
Scrub Daddy Scrub MommyI fell down a satisfying cleaning TikTok rabbit hole and came out the other side determined to try this adorable, seemingly magical sponge. I’m convinced there’s some wizardry going on in the factory that makes them. The sponge gets stiff under cold water, squishy under hot water, and has two sides for different tasks. The eyes are meant to help you get a good grip—not that you need to scour hard—and the mouth is great for cleaning things like forks. Scrub Mommy’s smiley face has conquered my gross dishes, crummy countertops, grout, and backsplash—I have yet to meet a mess it doesn’t happily obliterate. It's impossible to make cleaning fun, but darned if this sponge doesn’t make it less burdensome. —Louryn Strampe
- Photograph: RevAir
For Amateur Hair Stylists
RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer (2022)The videos of the RevAir sucking up wet hair to dry and smooth it would be hard to believe if I hadn't tried it myself. It's easy to use—after a shower, put your damp hair into the vacuum-like wand for 60 to 90 seconds and it'll dry and straighten it, cutting styling time in half (or more), depending on your hair type. For me, I still had to smooth out the poofs with a flat iron, but folks with finer hair will find this to be a one-and-done device. The original made our 2021 Wish List too, and the 2022 version is a bit smaller and lighter. It's expensive, but if you can afford it and have someone on your holiday list who spends a lot of time doing their hair, it’s a great gift to make their life easier. —Medea Giordano
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