We Put This Year's Most Viral Home Products to the Test

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There's no denying the influence social media has had on our shopping habits. If you've ever bought a robot vacuum after midnight while scrolling TikTok, we're right there with you. Impulse buys aside, this digital landscape really is the best way to find the hacks and life-changing products the world is giving a standing ovation. As home-obsessed editors, we're no strangers to watching videos of viral home products and discussing among ourselves whether they're worth it or not. For Live Better Awards 2023, we decided to put some of the internet's favorite items to the test.

With the help of a few content creators who've influenced our shopping habits and many hours of scrolling, we chose the items we wanted to bring into our spaces. Join us in awarding the best viral products vetted by editors who love to be on the pulse of what's new and trending. Prepare to say "TikTok made me buy it" more often!

The Plufl Human Dog Bed

"Okay. I know what you're probably thinking, but after watching my dog cozy himself up in his donut bed, I always wonder how soft it really could be. Plufl is the answer! When people come over, I fold it in half and place it in my closet, but I would consider offering this bed to an overnight guest instead of a futon. One power nap in this orthopedic memory foam bed, and I have the energy to take on the remainder of my day. Plufl was also on Shark Tank and Drew Barrymore's talk show, and it has more than 90 million searches on TikTok!"

—Medgina Saint-Elien, Senior Market & Partnerships Editor

Candle Warmer Lamp

The moment we saw Creator Class member Sir Candle Man use a candle warmer, we ran to Amazon. With more than 100 million searches on TikTok, candle warmers are chic and effective flameless additions to any candle lover's shopping cart. The lamp evenly warms the wax, slowly but surely, to fill your space with your favorite scent. It's a thoughtful addition to a guest room or coffee table—they won't realize what they're looking at!

The Mystery of Growth Book Vase

"You know you've made a great purchase when the second you post it on Instagram, everyone is DMing you asking for the link. That's exactly how I acquired this book vase after one of my friends shared a pic of hers, and it is without a doubt my best impulse buy of the year. It immediately elevates any floral arrangement and space. Plus, it's the ultimate gift for book lovers in your life."

—Katelyn Lunders, Digital Deputy Editor

Disney Tangled Tonie

"I didn't know what Tonies were until my nephew got one for his birthday—and then I learned all about them. A Toniebox is a soft interactive speaker; you sit a figurine on top, it snaps into place with a satisfying magnetic pull, and it starts telling stories or singing songs it loves. It's designed so that kids three and up can control it themselves. (Squeezing the "ears" on top adjusts the volume; switching figurines changes the channel.)

My nephew is obsessed with Lightning McQueen, but Tonies is partnering with kids' brands to bring more fan-fave characters—Peppa Pig and the Cat in the Hat are recent additions—off TVs and into kids' hands. The goal is more imaginative playtime for kids. Since his Tonie collection is starting to rival his matchbox cars, I'd say it's a success! I can't wait for my daughter to be big enough to try playing with them."

—Elyse Moody, Contributing Senior Editor

Big Beachy Blanket

"After experiencing the size and sand-resistant material of the Big Beachy Blanket, I will never go to the beach without it. I love that even though it's massive (10' x 10'!), it's compact and lightweight, making it a breeze to toss in my beach bag when heading out for a fun day with my friends. The red checkered blanket makes the perfect fireside companion for cool fall evenings as well."

—Kaitlin Kemp, Assistant Video Producer, Social Media

The Windmill AC

"This AC rescued me this summer, and I officially understand the hype around it. I've tried cooling sheets, cooling mattresses, cooling pillows—trust me when I say the Windmill AC is not only the best-looking AC but an investment you won't regret."

—Medgina Saint-Elien, Senior Market & Partnerships Editor

Clear Rainbow Chaise Lounger Pool Float

"I got this pool float to use while visiting my parents in South Florida, and it has become a family favorite. It's big enough for two people to lounge on it comfortably (no one has to squish), and it doesn't get scalding hot no matter how long it's been sitting in the sun."

—Jessica Cherner, Associate Shopping Editor

Restore 2

Gone are the days when you're unsure of how to tell your guests to wake up. The new Hatch alarm is a gentle but effective nudge with the most relaxing sounds—and they can help you go to sleep in peace too. The sunrise alarm begins to glow and motivate you to start your day by getting up on the right side of the bed.

Wiggle Pillow Cover

It's impossible to scroll Instagram or TikTok without seeing this body pillow, which actually is perfect for every restless sleeper or lounger who puts comfort first. Some finds are just for you! So give yourself the extra cushioning you deserve. Grab the pillow and a removable, washable cover; the latter comes in linen or fleece and five soft neutral colors.

Rainbow Bounce House

"Being the cool aunt is a goal of mine. My siblings and I came across this adorable bounce house on Instagram, and I knew we had to purchase it for our cousin's birthday party. Kids' gear can be a bit of an eyesore sometimes (the red and yellow plastic slides or bounce houses are fun but outdated), so I had to switch things up. It was easy to assemble, and the kids played with it for hours. I left with a goodie bag and all the brownie points."

—Medgina Saint-Elien, Senior Market & Partnerships

Paper Towel Pump

The cleaning and organization corner of social media is a super-satisfying place to be. You'll see genius gems that make you wonder how you ever lived without them, like this paper towel pump. The holder is actually a spray bottle! Plop in the scented cleaner capsule, then spritz away. And the side lever makes tearing off a sheet easier than ever. To replace the roll, just open it, slide a new one on, and you're good to go tackle messes.

BV-01 Brewer

"This is a coffee lover's coffee maker: gorgeous to look at, good for the environment, and also happens to make a killer cup of coffee. The touchpad is sleek and very intuitive, and there's a flavor option for every coffee snob in the house."

—Joanna Saltz, Editorial Director

X21 Double-Fold Treadmill

"When I saw everyone tucking a treadmill under their standing desks on TikTok, I knew I had to try it. I saw a few comments with the sentiment: Why? You're working already! But as someone who relishes taking long strolls in the morning (and who doesn't find Peloton classes to be a huge party), I decided to walk to the beat of my own drum! When I work from home, I walk and take in the view of the space I curated. It's my own party of one away from the chaos."

—Medgina Saint-Elien, Senior Market & Partnerships Editor

Movie Night Sofa

A sofa dedicated to movie night? Sign us up! Hanging out with friends just got cozier thanks to Sundays. If your get-togethers tend to get messy, the stain-resistant cushion covers will allow you to shrug off spills or paw prints should your pup decide to join in. Just toss them in the washing machine. Even better, you can add more pieces to make the sofa bigger if you need to. It's a modular sofa that's crafted for a lifetime of entertaining.

Placemats

Letterfolk is an HB favorite: We gave its tile bath mats an award last year. We weren't surprised that the placemats are just as fun. They work the same way: You arrange colorful tiles (sold separately) on top to spell out a sweet message or create a design. It's a thoughtful way to make your guests feel welcome whether they're seated at the adults' table or the kids' table.

R01 Compact Countertop Dishwasher

"As someone who lives in a dishwasher-free small apartment, my least favorite part of hosting people for dinner is the dirty dishes I'm left with at the end of the night. The HAVA RO1 Compact Countertop Dishwasher makes the post-hosting cleanup a breeze! The programming is intuitive (there's even a setting for 'fruit washing'), and the cleaning ability is insanely impressive."

—Kaitlin Kemp, Assistant Video Producer, Social Media

Homecoat

The day after hosting can only be remedied by slow mornings and lots of coffee. But Offhours allows you to do so in style in comfort with its duvet robe. It's like taking your bedding with you in the chicest way possible! You won't feel embarrassed opening the doors to surprise guests or going out to handle a few errands.

Convertible Smart Crib

"The idea of a smart crib honestly does not appeal to me. (I'm a manual breast pump/cloth diaper/wannabe homesteader at heart.) But I get by with a little help from my friends. Having a Cradlewise crib has been a win for our whole family. When the baby sleeps, the toddler sleeps, we sleep, and somehow four people fit comfortably in this tiny apartment."

—Amanda Sims Clifford, Executive Editor

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