Five Below Is Selling a $5 Version of the Handheld Fan I Take Everywhere I Go (It Charges Your Phone!)
If there’s one thing to know about my relationship with the summertime, it’s that I keep a hand fan nearby in those months. Even at home, there’s a paper fan on my desk and at least three portable fans on shelves throughout my apartment. It didn’t used to be this way, but after nearly sweating my makeup off in the southern heat while traveling with friends, I picked up a fan to throw in my bag and haven’t looked back. Since then, I’ve tried enough of them to know which ones to skip and which ones that are actually worth a try. Best of all, you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a fan to take on the go that’s going to hold up even after being jostled around in a bag. This year, my cousin bought us matching $5 mini fans that she found on a whim and they turned out to be a godsend when we spent hours waiting in lines at an outdoor festival. I didn’t think the fan could get any better until I found an upgraded version at Five Below that offers more fan speeds and charges your phone, too. And get this: It’s the same price!
While it isn’t the exact device that I was given, Five Below’s 2-in-1 power bank and portable fan is a clear step up. In fact, the only similarities between the two are their shape and the ability to fold in half to make them even more compact and portable. You can also set the fan down on a table and aim it to blow in your direction hands-free. Unlike my fan, Five Below’s has three speeds (mine has two), a wrist strap for travel (mine does not), and a built-in power bank with overcharge protection for charging your phone on the go. The power bank alone would be a game-changer for my current fan, especially since I take it with me to concerts, festivals, and other events where I’m out in the heat and constantly using my phone. Even more impressive is that the fan from Five Below is just $5 with all of these benefits while mine was the same price and is only a fan.
Outside of its phone-charging capabilities, the portability of the 2-in-1 power bank and fan is seriously impressive. I’ve used multiple mini fans in the past, and this style is by far my favorite design. It folds in half like a compact mirror and is small enough to tuck into your bag or pocket. It has a similar design to a tiny handheld box fan so all of the blades are contained within the frame of the fan, which lessens the chance of it breaking while jumbling around in a backpack, purse, or carry-on. Its durability, portability, and overall convenience make this fan a no-brainer to have with you this summer. Not to mention it comes in the following five colors: black, white, green, blue, and pink. If you’ll be camping, at the beach, or plan to go to any festivals, fairs, and other lively events at any time of the year, having this fan on hand is a huge plus. It’ll keep you cool while you’re spending time outdoors and won’t clutter up your bag in the process. Trust me, it’s the summer essential you didn’t know you needed.
Buy: Five Below 2-in-1 Power Bank & Fan, $5