1. Say “I love you” with an ice-cold Slurpee or Big Gulp from 7-Eleven — with a Valentine’s twist. The world’s largest convenience store chain celebrated 50 years of selling the Slurpee in 2016 and continues to quench customers’ thirst with the classic Big Gulp.

And since everything tastes better when you share it with someone you love, 7-Eleven is selling a special heart straw that’s split at one end so two people can sip at the same time. Separate Slurpee and Big Gulp versions are $1.99 each at 7-Eleven stores, though Feb. 14.

— Jason Genegabus

2. Cleansing water is trending, and it’s for real. It’s makeup remover, cleanser, toner and serum all in one, and it’s very affordable. I love it for those nights when I’m just too tired to run through my usual skin care routine. Just squirt the clear liquid onto a cotton pad, give your face a few quick swipes and you’re done — no rinsing necessary. This “micellar water,” as it’s known, was developed in France to help Parisian femmes deal with the city’s harsh tap water.

I won’t try to explain the science behind micelle molecule clusters — you can read about that online — but just know that cleansing water works. And because it’s alcohol-, oil- and fragrance-free, it’s ideal for sensitive skin. Longs Kahala had a 13.5-ounce bottle from the Simple brand for $9.99 (the CVS version was $6.99).

— Christie Wilson

3. During a conversation about Dael Orlandersmith’s play “Yellowman,” recently staged by The Actors’ Group in Iwilei, a friend recommended “Negroland,” Margo Jefferson’s memoir about growing up a light-skinned member of Chicago’s upper-class “colored society” in the 1950s (Vintage, $16). In “Negroland,” published just over a year ago, Jefferson describes being raised with strict standards of dress and deportment, and being taught to see the lifestyles of lower-class (and darker) “Negroes” as something whites used to justify their racial prejudices against all black people.

Jefferson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cultural critic, provides historical context with her account of America’s African-American elite through the centuries: One of the first men to own black slaves in New England was black. One of the wealthiest men in Philadelphia in the early 1800s was black. During the Civil War, members of the free “mulatto” upper class in the South volunteered to fight for the Confederacy.

She brings the story forward with the experiences of her grandparents and parents. “Negroland” continues with Jefferson’s experiences from the mid-1960s onward when suddenly “black” was beautiful and some said “beige” wasn’t black enough.

— John Berger

4. It seems everyone was smart enough to pick a smart TV but me, and our not-so-smart TV is barely a year old. The Roku Streaming Stick is the next best thing to a brain for my TV. After seeing the device listed on several tech gift guides last year, I bought one for my husband.

Plugged into the TV, the stick, barely the size of a pack of gum, feeds off our wireless internet signal, allowing us to stream Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and hundreds of other free and subscription services. Plus it’s portable, plugging into the TV on vacation, at grandma’s house, wherever.

Available at stores that sell electronics; I bought ours at Wal-Mart for $49.99.

— Donica Kaneshiro

5. After opening the Hawaiian Pineapple soy candle, I just had to buy one. It smells absolutely delicious. Other fragrances include Hawaiian Lei and Island Coffee. Island Candle’s 3-ounce travel tins are available for $10.50 at the Scoop of Paradise ice cream shop, 66-935 Kaukonahua Road in Waialua. Call 637-3020.

Candles can also be ordered at islandcandle.com.

— Nancy Arcayna

“5 Things We Love” is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.