I’d grown up with an appreciation for the Spanish fan my mother would unfurl in hot churches or summer park trips with a poised and satisfying flick of the wrist. The confident clack of the fan made it clear her comfort was non-negotiable and needed no justification. At fairs and festivals as a kid, I’d tote around a battery-operated misting fan. These were easier than my mom’s fans and effective, sure, but they’re way too clunky for regular life. I needed a higher-tech, less conspicuous option I could bring to a variety of venues. Last summer, I found a solution: a USB-chargeable, folding handheld fan, which I likely first saw on TikTok, the source of all endorsements for sub-$20 plastic gadgets. The one I have is listed by the brand JISULIFE, and it currently goes for just $15. Long and pill-shaped, the fan has two rounded nubs on one end that, in combination with a decal on the side, make it look like a bear. I have the pink one, but the visual effect is clearest on the brown one. There are other, non-folding fan designs, but I like how sleek it feels when stored in my bag, with no risk of pens or balled-up old receipts falling into the blades. Just look past the appearance when it’s folded up — a few people have given me weird looks when I’ve pulled it out of my tote in public.
