Today, I’m trying a trio of interesting products to see if they offer the promised convenience and fun factor, or if they’re simply novelty items. I’ve reviewed the Hershey’s S’mores Maker, Boon Glo Nightlight (or what seems to be a knockoff), and the Boogie Board Jot, a digital writing tablet. Let’s see how each of these products stacked up!
Where to Purchase
Below are links to where you can purchase the items in this review.
Hershey’s S’mores Maker: A Mess-Free S’mores Experience?
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Hershey’s S’mores Maker, which I picked up on sale for $5, claims to make a “mess-free” s’more experience by allowing you to assemble and press your graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows neatly together. At first glance, the plastic seemed a little flimsy and, while easy to open, I could immediately tell it was a bit of a gimmick.
Trying It Out
Following the instructions, I loaded in the graham crackers, Hershey’s chocolate, and a toasted marshmallow. But when I tried to close it all together, it was less “mess-free” than advertised. Marshmallow ended up on my fingers, and the whole assembly wasn’t as smooth as expected. Despite these drawbacks, the taste of the s’more was still satisfying—no surprise there! While it’s fun to use, it didn’t quite live up to the “mess-free” claim. This product might appeal to kids or someone looking for a unique (but not necessary) gadget.
Final Verdict on the Hershey’s S’mores Maker
Ultimately, it’s a fun product, but not one I’d call essential. For five bucks, it was a bit of a novelty, but I’m not sure I’d recommend it at full price.
Boon Glo Nightlight: The Mysterious Knockoff
Unboxing and Concerns
Next up, I reviewed what was marketed as the Boon Glo Nightlight—a unique nightlight that’s supposed to include glowing, portable balls. The packaging was in rough shape, looking suspiciously like a counterfeit. The Boon Glo Nightlight has been hard to find online, and Boon doesn’t even list it on their site anymore, so I was curious to see if this Amazon find would hold up.
Testing the Glo Balls
The product claimed that the glow-in-the-dark Glo balls would retain their light for about 30 minutes once removed from the base, but in practice, they dimmed within seconds. I tried various methods—charging them under bright studio lights, a UV flashlight, and even the midday sun—to get them to glow for longer, but none were effective. Even after a 30-minute sunbath, they barely emitted light once back indoors. The nightlight function itself was decent, with a color-changing feature, but the glow-in-the-dark aspect didn’t meet expectations.
Final Verdict on the Boon Glo Nightlight
If you’re looking for a real Boon Glo Nightlight, this one doesn’t seem to be it, despite the Amazon listing. I would recommend looking for the original product on resale sites if you’re interested in its full potential. For $60, this “glow” nightlight felt like an overpriced knockoff.
Boogie Board Jot: Digital Note-Taking Made Easy
Unboxing and First Impressions
Last on my list was the Boogie Board Jot, a digital writing tablet priced at $20 with solid reviews. I had tried similar models in the past, and I was hopeful this official Boogie Board would offer a better experience. The device itself is straightforward and thin, with a stylus that also serves as a stand.
Testing the Jot’s Features
The Boogie Board Jot performs well as a quick, erasable notepad, whether you’re jotting down lists, quick reminders, or doodling. The erasing function is instant, which is a huge plus if you want a reusable list for grocery shopping or chores. There’s even an accompanying app that scans your notes and saves them in a photo format. Although basic, the app lets you keep a digital record of your handwritten notes if needed.
Final Verdict on the Boogie Board Jot
Of the three products, the Boogie Board Jot is definitely the most practical. It’s a bit situational, but it has enough potential uses to justify its $20 price tag, especially for families or anyone who frequently makes lists or notes.
Conclusion
In the end, none of these products feel like “must-haves,” but they each offer something unique. If I had to pick one, the Boogie Board Jot would be my choice for its utility. The Hershey’s S’mores Maker might entertain kids for a while, but it’s far from essential. And as for the Boon Glo Nightlight knockoff, I’d save your money or seek out the authentic product on a resale platform if you’re truly interested.
Have you tried any of these products? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Video Review
Below is the full video review of these three gadgets.