If relaxing in a warm and sudsy tub on February 14 with a tray full of multiple beverages, snacks, beauty products, and tech devices streaming Celine Dion is wrong, then do we really want to be right? What started as a viral Twitter thread — poking fun at elaborate bath-tray stock images of various women sipping lattes to Cab Sav, operating iPads and iPhones at the same time, and dining on cornflakes to charcuterie, all while bathing — has turned into an IRL consideration. Are we confused by the absurdity of these “unrealistic” depictions or are we fascinated by all the luxurious possibilities they present?
Only you can decide if spending Valentine’s Day in a bubble-filled tub complete with both hard and soft cheese atop an attachable bamboo tray is ridiculous — or if it’s the ultimate form of the proverbial “treat yo’self” practice. Test it out ahead by shopping any one of the infamous trays ahead — coupled with real reviews from women out there that actually bathe (among other things) with them.
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Pristine Bamboo Bathtub Tray
What Real Bathers Say: “If I could give this 10 stars, I would! I searched and searched for a tub tray for my new jetted tub. There were the usual metal slotted ones, most of which had bad reviews and would allow lots of splashing to the underside of whatever you had on top of them. Then there were bamboo ones like this, some of which had open slots like the metals ones — again allowing for splashing upon objects, AND they did not have any kind of anti-skid rubber coating to sit on the edges of the tub. Since I mainly use my phone and Kindle there, I have nightmares of a tub tray collapsing into the tub if I mistakenly bumped it, etc. and my expensive electronics ruined. NO THANKS. So when I found this one, I knew it was THE ONE! Here’s why: 1. Where the main objects sit, there are no open slots to splash water from below. 2. Thick rubber coats the bottom edge that sits along the lips of the tub. 3. There is a ‘splash proof’ fold up/down stand that holds a Kindle perfectly. 4. There are dedicated slots for other objects too, such as the phone slot (stand up or lay sideways), cup, wine glass, and an extra square for whatever (handy to put the matching soap holder in). 5. When I read the dimensions carefully, I realized even at its most collapsed length, it is too big to ever ‘fall in’ my tub, I’d have to practically get it sideways in order for that to happen. SOLD! Talk about living it up in the tub!” – OkTravelChick, Amazon Reviewer
Pristine Bamboo Bathtub Tray- Packed with 10 Features, $, available at Amazon
ToiletTree Acrylic Bathtub Caddy
What Real Bathers Say: “The minimalist design really does blend seamlessly with the tub. It feels much more like a part of it than the metal ones ever did. The handles give me clear “zones” where I can put a drink on the left and my phone on the right and then have the middle section for whatever I’m doing. The tray does *not* slide around and the things I put on it do not slide around very easily, either.” – Alexandra, Amazon Reviewer
ToiletTree Products Clear Acrylic Bathtub Caddy with Rust-Proof Stainless S, $, available at Amazon
AmazonBasics Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray
What Real Bathers Say: “I always wanted a bath tray. I imagined the decadent baths I could be taking if only I had a tray to hold my book, my candle, my glass of wine… This tray did not disappoint. Made of bamboo (very sustainable), it’s attractive and adjustable. The ‘arms’ pull out or push in depending on the width of your tub, and they sit on tubs edges. It’s very secure and there’s plenty of room for everything. They even included indented areas for bowls (snack anyone?) and cut out notches for wine glasses. (Although I can’t for the life of me figure out why they thought I needed enough notches for FOUR glasses of wine – Hey, my tub is not THAT big!) Nothing ‘Basic’ about this AmazonBasics offering.” – Knowlengr, Amazon Reviewer
AmazonBasics Standard Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray, $, available at Amazon
Estala Non-Slip Bathtub Tray
What Real Bathers Say: “I absolutely love this product. It’s very well built and I seriously take the most relaxing baths possible since buying it. The non-slip pads that they include work very well and it doesn’t slip around for me. Also, I got a handwritten thank you note from the business that makes them. It’s super impressive to see a company who is so devoted to the satisfaction of their customers down to sending them handwritten thank you cards. I would buy another one if I had a second tub. But I really love this caddy. Do yourself a favor and get one so you can unwind with the most chill bath of your life.” – Talon, Amazon Reviewer
Estala Non-Slip Bathtub Tray, $, available at Amazon
Anthropologie Maison Storage Bath Caddy
What Real Bathers Say: “Bath lovers must buy!! I only take baths and really get annoyed with my body products ending up being spread all over the rims of the bath, so this was just perfect for me!! It’s so beautiful and elegant and in person. 🙂 So happy I splurged and made this purchase!” – Yellowcircus47, Anthropologie Reviewer
Anthropologie Maison Storage Bath Caddy, $, available at Anthropologie
Royal Craft Wood Bamboo Bath Caddy Tray
What Real Bathers Say: “Buying a bath tray was something I spent a long time deciding on. As someone who uses baths as a way to de-stress after long days, searching for the best fit for me was important. So, after weeks of thinking about how badly I wanted one, I decided to buy one for myself. I went onto Amazon to read plenty of reviews and filter lots of results. I wanted it to have at least 4 stars for ratings, be able to hold a good amount of items, be durable over time and overall have great quality. I decided to go with the Royal Craft Wood Natural Bamboo Bathtub Caddy/Bath Serving Tray because not only was it a nice price of $24.99 but it was highly rated and fit my bath perfectly (and yes, I did measure my bathtub prior to ordering). I was incredibly excited when it came through the mail with two-day shipping with Amazon Prime. I quickly tore it open and pulled out the tray, which was a lot more hefty and well built than I would have imagined. There were no defects or issues and it even came with 4 silicone grips you can apply yourself to protect it from slipping in the tub. I used the tray and it was absolutely wonderful! I brought in a few snacks, my phone, my laptop, and even a candle and lighter and it all fit perfectly on the tray with still extra room. There was no slipping of the tray itself, it sat right in place and was easy to pull closer or push back while positioned on the tub. It is also pretty to look at and with a nice finish, there is no worrying about splinters or rough patches. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase and highly recommend it to anyone considering a bath tray.” – Bailey, Amazon Reviewer
Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray, One Or Two Person, $, available at Amazon
Rebrilliant Castelli Stainless Steel Bath Caddy
What Real Bathers Say: “Didn’t want a chrome caddy — they rust — and didn’t want a bulky bamboo or teak one that won’t match my modern bathroom. This stainless steel caddy is on point: it comes with a book holder (no extra cost), safe places to put the iPhone for easy music listening, even cup holders…the only thing it doesn’t include is the candles. Good value for the money: feels weighty, stainless steel quality, no additional parts to buy. Perfect.” – Susan, Wayfair Reviewer
Rebrilliant Castelli Stainless Steel Bath Caddy, $, available at Wayfair
Etsy Natural Ash Wood Bathtub Tray
What Real Bathers Say: “Very useful for those who enjoy watching movies while having a bath. My daughter loves it.” – Dapper Flapper, Etsy Reviewer
WoddenUp Natural Ash Wood Bathtub Tray, $, available at Etsy
Birch Lane Beringer Bamboo Bath Caddy
What Real Bathers Say: “It’s amazing. I am able to use it as well as my husband lol. Who would have thought that its multifunction use would make my bathing even more relaxing.” – Dominique, Birch Lane Reviewer
Birch Lane Beringer Bamboo Bath Caddy, $, available at Birch Lane
Madesmart Expandable Bath Shelf
What Real Bathers Say: “This is great! Very sturdy and easy to use. I like having a drink and a snack and sometimes a portable charger while I am taking a bath. It is easy to move up when I run more water and then move back into place. It stays at the end even when we shower. Some times my cat even likes to sleep in it! Or crouch under it and bat at imaginary things in it.” – Ray, Amazon Reviewer
MadeSmart Expandable Bath Shelf – White, $, available at Amazon
Mosa Natural Bamboo Bathtub Tray
What Real Bathers Say: “This is an awesome gadget for the bathtub. This tray makes my bath much more enjoyable — I can have a glass wine while I am watching a movie, the sockets fit my phone and my iPad perfectly, and the slides work smoothly. It’s great quality bamboo, has a nice natural smell, and is definitely worth the price.” – Alexandra, Amazon Reviewer
Mosa Natural Bamboo Bathtub Tray, $, available at Amazon
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