Skip to Content

Our Readers Are Stocking Up on College Essentials As We Exit Summer

TBH, some of these popular products can suit any room — even if you've graduated.

By
what's in my cart: 10 most popular products of august 2025

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

In the Readers' Faves edition of What's In My Cart, we reveal the top products our readers can't stop buying right now, selected from our editors' latest gift recs, trending new launches and the best products tested by Good Housekeeping Institute experts.

August can slip away like a moment in time, which is all the more reason to get pre-school shopping checked off your to-do list so you can enjoy the remaining weeks of summer. Within the last 30 days, Good Housekeeping readers have been stocking up on dorm room essentials — many of which you can even use in your home.

We selected 10 of the most popular products from August and put them in one place for easy-breezy shopping. Our list includes top-tested items that experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute have evaluated for performance, including ultra-cozy throws and nourishing shampoos and conditioners.

1
DORM BATHROOM MUST-HAVE

Shower Caddy

Shower Caddy

WHAT TO KNOW: This shower caddy packs eight organizational features into a compact size so you can store your fave skincare products without crowding the bathroom counter. In addition to mesh and zippered pockets, internal bottle holders, and a clear, water-resistant pocket for your phone (per the brand), the caddy also has a hook so you can hang it up in your dorm room or by your mirror.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAID: "My daughter used this for her Freshman year of college. It held up well & was easy to dry out," shared one five-star reviewer.

2
COZY GIFT FOR BOOK LOVERS

Reading Pillow

Reading Pillow
Credit: Blissful Diary

WHAT TO KNOW: Students, bookworms and anyone who works remotely from their bed (no judgement) will appreciate this comfortable and stylish pillow available in five colors. You can remove some of the foam in the armrests for customized support, per the brand — and there is a side pocket for your phone. Plus, the cover is removable for easy cleaning.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAID: The Amazon's Choice pillow has hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied shoppers. Multiple customers report back that the pillow offers great neck and back support.

RELATED: Shop the Best Gifts for Book Lovers

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
WHEN THE DINING HALL IS CLOSED

Electric Hot Pot

On Sale
Electric Hot Pot
Now 19% Off
Credit: Dezin

WHAT TO KNOW: Campus tour guides may not say it, but poor dining hall food is a common theme in the college experience. Fear not, though. This electric hot pot is non-stick for easy sautéing, per the brand, and can be used to fry or steam food.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAID: "Literally the best thing I ever bought," expressed one Amazon shopper. "This heats up in literally about a minute!"

4
QUINTESSENTIAL GADGET

Extension Cord

On Sale
Extension Cord
Now 14% Off
Credit: One Beat

WHAT TO KNOW: Even if a dorm (or bedroom for that matter) has a fair amount of outlets, it can quickly become challenging to satisfy your needs when you need to charge multiple things at once or have roommates. This Amazon's Choice extension cord has a two-sided design and eight AC outlets (plus three USB-A ports).

WHAT REVIEWERS SAID: "I use it between the bed and the nightstand and it fits perfectly without being seen too much," said one five-star reviewer.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
PLAIN, BUT ESSENTIAL BATHROOM ACCESSORY

OXO Good Grips Toilet Brush

Toilet Brush

WHAT TO KNOW: This innovative toilet brush features angled bristles that are designed to reach under the rim of a toilet seat — a hard-to-reach area for many toilet brushes. In GH Cleaning Lab tests, it only took five swipes around the toilet bowl to successfully remove messes. We found the handle to be comfortable to hold and appreciate the ventilated drip tray.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAID: "The brush is sturdy and cleans very well," shared one five-star reviewer, while another satisfied shopper added: "It is an attractive item so having it out in the open is a no-brainer."

RELATED: Shop the Best Bathroom Cleaners

6
MOST POPULAR THROW BLANKET

Bedsure GentleSoft Throw Blanket

GH Seal
GentleSoft Throw Blanket
Now 23% Off
Credit: Bedsure

WHAT TO KNOW: A cozy throw is essential to any bedscape, and especially so when you are away from home. This Bedsure throw blanket impressed our experts so much that it earned the GH Seal of Approval. It has a gorgeous ribbed design that feels velvety soft and lightweight.

WHAT TESTERS SAID: "It's now my go-to for snuggling on the couch, and I want to buy it in every color," shared one tester.

RELATED: Shop the Best Throw Blankets

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
MOST POPULAR HAIRCARE PRODUCT

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Shampoo

Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Shampoo

WHAT TO KNOW: GH Beauty Lab pros have evaluated a variety of Briogeo haircare products, from conditioners to hair-thickening shampoos. According to the brand, this shampoo and its matching conditioner are fragrance-free and formulated with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, green tea extract and oat milk.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAID: One satisfied Amazon shopper wrote, "This shampoo is truly unscented, works great with my fine hair, and calms my scalp."

RELATED: Shop the Best Shampoos

8
UPGRADE YOUR CLOSET

60-Pack Velvet Hangers

On Sale
60-Pack Velvet Hangers
Now 21% Off
Credit: HOUSE DAY

WHAT TO KNOW: Whether you're moving into a new space or are in need of more hangers after shopping summer clothing sales, this 60-pack of hangers will do just the trick. Available in a variety of colors, the hangers are lined with velvet to help prevent clothes from slipping off and have a slim profile so you can fit more in your closet.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAID: "I have replaced every hanger in every closet in my house. It took me months, but I'm so glad that I did! The hangers are sturdy and very reliable," said one five-star reviewer.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
UNIQUE WFH ACCESSORY

BedShelfie Bedside Shelf

Bedside Shelf
Credit: BedShelfie

WHAT TO KNOW: If your teen is off to college and plans to loft their bed, this convenient bedside shelf means they can keep their water bottle and electronics nearby. The shelf can hold up to 35 pounds, according to the brand — and it's also great for smaller apartments where you may not have room for a bedside table.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAID: "I used it for my son's loft bed and it stays so well. The cord holders are perfect and the product seems to be very high quality and a good price," shared a satisfied customer.

10
LEVEL-UP YOUR STORAGE

HomeHacks 3-Pack Clothes Organizer

3-Pack Clothes Organizer
Credit: HomeHacks

WHAT TO KNOW: Make the most of your closet or under-bed area with these organizers that have a large viewing window so you can see what's folded up inside, as well as a double zipper and reinforced handles so you can lug these out from underneath.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAID: "I've bought this product multiple times," said one Amazon shopper, while another satisfied customer added: "These cubes are durable, easy to pack and great for storage."

RELATED: Shop the Best Organization Gifts

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Shop Our Readers' Favorite Products from Month's Past

good housekeeping institute beauty lab eye makeup remover testing

In the Readers' Faves edition of What's In My Cart, we reveal the top products our readers can't stop buying right now, selected from our editors' latest gift recs, trending new launches and the best products tested by Good Housekeeping Institute experts.

Headshot of Elizabeth Berry
Elizabeth Berry
Updates Editor

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

Watch Next 
what's in my cart: 10 most popular products of august 2025
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below