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I have a weakness for those "What's In My Bag" TikTok videos, and 10 times out of 10, I'll stop my mindless scrolling to watch one when it pops up in my feed. There's something about seeing what other people — often celebrities — schlep around that makes me feel like I'm getting to know them better. Maybe that's why I always look forward to compiling this monthly roundup of my colleagues' favorite purchases.
No, we're not Hollywood royalty, but as shopping editors, we do know a thing or two about what makes something a good buy; after all, we test products like it's our job (because it is). With that in mind, we're admittedly a little — OK, a lot — jaded, so when something impresses us, you know it has to be good.
June was a month filled with summer essentials like portable fans and sun hats — no big shock there. But there were a few surprises among the bunch; a tub of peanut butter, anyone? It must be pretty stellar if it made it onto this list. If PB isn't your jam, there are plenty of other fun finds we uncovered last month. Let's dive in, shall we?
The best things Yahoo shopping editors bought in June
"My puppy has lots of energy, so I take him on at least four walks each day. I usually enjoy our strolls, but come summer, mosquitoes and other flying critters make my life miserable. I hate the lingering smell that bug spray leaves, so these repellent bracelets have been a game changer for me. I usually wear one on each wrist — sometimes I'll even wear them on my ankles if it's especially humid and muggy — and they work like a dream to keep bugs away from me. My stash from last summer was running low, so I grabbed a 10-pack on sale for just $10. That's $1 per bracelet, and the set will easily last me a few months." -Jeanine Edwards, Commerce Initiatives Director
"I can't even begin to tell you how many mascaras I've bought and hated over the last few years — too drying, too clumpy, too flaky, too irritating ... the list goes on and on. That is, until my colleague, Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini, recommended this option. I can't believe how well it filled in my sparse eyelashes and how easy it was to remove at night (just a bit of makeup remover on a cotton pad). The best part, though: It doesn't smudge! Like, zero smudge, even on days when I'm wearing the mascara for hours and hours. I'll definitely be adding this to my makeup must-have list moving forward." -Rory Halperin, Senior Commerce Editor, Branded Content
Related: The best mascara of 2025 is just $8
"My husband and I just completed a home renovation that included adding a small patio. We love the space, but don't have furniture to fill it out yet. Luckily, one of our neighbors just moved and left a set of wood outdoor dining chairs on the street as a freebie. I nabbed them right away, but they're a bit uncomfortable to sit on without cushions. So I was pumped when I spotted these seat pads during my weekly Target run. They're made from what looks like a very durable polyester, and I love the bright cobalt color, which reminds me of the Greek islands." -Jessica Dodell-Feder, Senior Home Editor
"After years of suction mounts melting off my windshield in the hot Colorado sun, I finally threw in the towel. And wow, I've been missing out. This mount is super secure, easy to use and doesn't require anything extra — my phone and case work perfectly with it. Sure, I still wish my car had Apple CarPlay (maybe someday — I'm planning to drive this thing into the ground), but for now, having a reliable spot for my phone — and more importantly, my maps, because I can't get anywhere without them — for just $11 feels like a huge upgrade." -Chris McGraw, Senior Deals Writer
"How to solve the conundrum of post-sundown dog walks that inevitably end in phantom poops in your neighbor’s yard? If you’re a dog owner, you know exactly what I mean. When night falls, a dog’s poop seems to vanish into the grass like a well-executed magic trick. This dandy doodad, however, has been the ultimate foil to those disappearing deposits, and it’s possibly my best purchase ever as a dog parent. It’s the smoothest bag dispenser I’ve ever used, plus it comes with a built-in flashlight that shines right where you need it to locate those sneaky stashes." -Janelle Randazza, Commerce Editor
"This may be called a stroller fan — and we got it for that use — but I love using this breezer all around the house too, especially with the current heatwave. Thanks to its bendy legs, it can be wrapped around and attached to just about anything with a pole or protrusion (like a beach umbrella or deck chair). It can even be stood on its legs, tripod-style. There are four speeds, an LED night light and an ultra-long battery life of 12-27 hours on a single charge." -Carrie McCabe, Senior Deals Writer
"As I've gotten older, my tolerance for the sun has decreased dramatically. Sunscreen is simply not enough; I need something that prevents the rays from searing my skin every time I step outside. Enter this sun hat that has a shockingly cult following on Amazon and around the internet. It's adjustable, the brim can be worn flat or folded up, and it has UV protection built in. I wear it every chance I get, and without fail, someone always tells me how much they love my hat. I would normally balk at paying $40 for a hat, which feels expensive in my opinion, but after weeks of stalking, the price just wouldn't drop. So I took the plunge, and I have no regrets. In addition to effectively blocking the sun, it looks super cute. I'm praying it goes on sale for Prime Day so I can get another color." -Jeanine Edwards, Commerce Initiatives Director
"A crossbody bag that's comfortable, stylish and big enough to hold more than the essentials — consider me sold! I'm really loving this straw style that radiates those warm-weather vibes. Plus, it's so versatile that it pairs well with everything in my summer wardrobe. The crossbody strap is removable, so I can switch it up and carry it by the top handle when I want to dress up a bit." -Rebecca Carhart, Senior Style Writer
"Yes, this is meant to be used for frozen treats, but I purchased it to portion out cookie dough. As a former professional baker (turned Type A home baker), I always use a scoop to ensure my cookies are the same size, and while I already had some smaller ones, I was recently looking to make some massive treats. This tool holds half a cup of dough (or ice cream), and I was surprised by how smoothly the release lever operated. I was able to get consistently round, equal-sized mounds of dough that baked into aesthetically pleasing circles, and the scoop never once got stuck — something I've experienced far too many times while baking (with tools that cost twice as much as this)." -Britt Ross, Senior Deals Writer
Psst: These are the best ice cream scoops we tested for, you know, actual ice cream, in case you're in the market for one this summer.
"I have a lot of hiking trips on the books this year — I just got back from Iceland, and I’ll be heading to Joshua Tree in a couple of months. That said, I decided it was time to invest in a quality pair of hiking shoes, and these fit the bill. I wore them for five days straight in Iceland — they were insanely comfortable (no break-in period!) and grippy enough for rocky, uneven trails. I opted for the taller style since it offers more ankle support — plus, this pair is waterproof, which was crucial when I walked through streams and behind waterfalls." -Amanda Garrity, Gifting Editor
"My dog, Blue, runs at life (and squirrels, and balls, and shadows ...) at 100 mph. A veritable wrecking ball of a dog. Needless to say, her, um, zest for life can be hell on a collar. When hers began to unravel recently — making her look like a canine hobo — I went online looking for something that could hold up to her rambunctiousness. Enter this thing. Constructed of double-layer nylon with a zinc alloy buckle, it definitely feels more hardcore than any collar my dogs have had before. It comes in a bunch of sizes and nearly 20 colors, so if you believe your dog has a signature color (and who doesn't? Blue's is Oregon Haze), there should be an option for you." -Kris Scott, Commerce Editor
"I like wide-leg jeans, but sometimes they're just a little too wide all over. I recently got these, though, and they're perfect. They're fitted at the waist and wide in the legs, have tons of stretch, and I love the creases on the front — it makes them a little dressier, I think. These jeans also have Madewell's signature 'Magic Pockets' in the front that 'hold you in' for a flattering fit." -Ellie Conley, Initiatives Writer
Psst: Enter code SUMMERTIME at checkout to save 60%.
"I take my peanut butter very seriously. As a born-and-raised Bostonian, I grew up on Fluffernutter sandwiches, and Teddy was my mom’s peanut butter of choice to pair with marshmallow fluff and just about anything else that was sweet. It was 'natural' before natural was cool, with a lightly smoky savoriness that pairs beautifully with the aforementioned Fluff, jelly, jam, honey, bananas — even a scoop of chocolate chips during a stress-eating moment. It also happens to be a family-owned business that’s been operating out of Everett, Mass., since 1960 (and before that, Boston proper since 1930), which tugs at my New Englander heartstrings extra hard (I now live 3,000 miles away). I love this stuff so much, I’ve started sending jars as gifts — including one to fellow editor Saundra Latham, which may have been my favorite buy of the month." -Janelle Randazza, Commerce Editor
"I didn’t use a setting spray for more years than I’d like to admit, which is a real shame because it meant that the makeup I so carefully selected rarely made it through the day. Then I discovered the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (Yahoo’s top pick!) and it changed my makeup game. I had every intention to pick up another bottle — until a Sephora employee started raving about this new One/Size release. It has the same staying power as their beloved matte setting spray, but this one melts makeup, leaving a dewy, glass-like finish. It makes my skin look like skin, which is exactly what I'm after!" -Amanda Garrity, Gifting Editor
"Listen, life is a lot right now. I don't even think I need to expound on that. Which is why, during a recent doomscrolling session, when this beauty popped up in my feed, I hit 'add to cart' while muttering to myself the words of one very wise Marie Kondo: 'It's OK if it sparks joy.' Does it spark joy? Oh yes. I mean, sure, it is technically headwear, but you can also just set it on a table bathed in early morning or late afternoon sun and decorate your walls in an explosion of lights that feel, dare I say, magical. I also recommend wearing it outside at noon for a dance party ... just trust me on this one. Do you NEED a disco ball helmet? We both know the answer to that. Do you WANT one? Trust me, you do — because we all could use a little extra dose of joy and magic right now." -Kris Scott, Commerce Editor
"I have super-fair skin, so if I spend too much time in the sun, I don't tan, I burn. That means self-tanner is my bff during the summer. Right now, I'm really into these tanning drops that I can add to my regular body lotion. A few drops give me subtle color — no sun damage needed." -Julia Webb, Initiatives Editor
"The 'feels like' temps soared well over 100°F here in Richmond, Va., this week, so I've been living in this lightweight cotton tank. It skims the body and feels like wearing nothing at all, but the biggest hook: It has 'baby snaps' to keep bra straps in line. Brilliant! I'm going back for more colors." -Libby Sentz, Contributing Writer
"I've been wanted to get outside (plus exercise) more, and landed on biking as a way to get my heart rate pumping — versus higher-impact workouts that can take a greater toll on your knees. I wanted something that was casual enough for cruising through my local park, but also equipped to handle higher speeds and different terrains for when I'm riding in Brooklyn or venturing upstate. I landed on this bike, and I can't get enough of it. Aside from its striking design (retro, but also modern … I went with the olive green), 'Beaumont' is made of a double-steel frame for durability and offers seven speeds, with easy gear-shifting. It also comes with a safety bell and a gear rack along the back. If you already have a bike, the brand also offers stylish helmets and baskets for added protection and storage when commuting." -Kristin Granero, Senior Commerce Writer
"I don't wear a ton of makeup day to day, but I love the look of a little sun-kissed glow during the summer. This double-ended blush and bronzer stick from Dibs is my current obsession — it's perfectly named the Desert Island Duo. Both formulas are super creamy and make it look like I just got back from a beach vacation without even leaving my apartment." -Julia Webb, Initiatives Editor
"Every once in a while, I like to splurge on a fancy soap, and I'm here to tell you this one is incredibly refreshing. It's made of 100% vegetable glycerin, infused with coconut and other moisturizing ingredients. It is like a tall glass of cucumber-lime water for your skin … exactly what I need to kickstart (or unwind after) a long summer day. This soap also comes as part of a special gift set with other tropical soaps for additional savings (plus, gifting!)." -Kristin Granero, Senior Commerce Writer
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