There's a particular tone kids use when they've found something on the internet and decided it's essential to their survival. It's the tone my daughter used when she showed me this three-pack of flavored lip balms with SPF protection. I looked at her chapstick drawer—the one that's somehow fuller than my sock drawer—and then looked back at her. We needed to have a conversation.

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Kid
Dad, this one comes in THREE flavors and it has SPF! Plus the packaging is actually cute. Everyone at school has one.
Dad
Okay, but you already have... *opens drawer* ...six chapsticks, two of which are still in the package.
Kid
Those are OLD, Dad. This is the NEW one. And it's specifically for kids, which means it's MADE for us.
Dad
The logic is flawed, but I appreciate the passion. Let me think about whether this is actually different from what we've got.

What Is It?

A three-pack of flavored lip balm with SPF 16 designed for kids. It's chapstick, but younger and with better branding. Does it do the job? Sure. Is it revolutionary? Absolutely not.

What Does the Internet Think?

This has solid reviews—4.5 stars across 7,200 reviews—which means a lot of parents have bought into the 'made for kids' marketing. The SPF is real, the flavors are apparently appealing, and nothing about it is broken. People seem generally happy, which is the bar for lip balm. ★★★★½ across 7,200 reviews.

😐 Meh.
★★★★½ 4.5 stars  ·  7,200 reviews

Here's the thing: this is MEH, and I say that with affection. It's fine. Your kid will probably use it more than the regular chapstick because it tastes like strawberry and the tube is cute. But if you already have lip balm at home—and statistically you do—this is more of a want than a need. It's not bad, it's just not essential. Buy it if you want to end the conversation. Skip it if you want to teach resilience.

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💡 We Have Something Like That At Home

Generic kids' SPF lip balm (store brand)
Literally the same thing in a less exciting package for half the price, if you're brave enough to fight that battle.
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