‘Summer essential’: Viral $24 item solves common beach problem

Beachgoers are loving this affordable Kindle accessory that makes reading at the beach so much more comfortable.

A clever brand has developed a simple yet ingenious product that is set to revolutionise your summer beach reading game.

The viral Kindle accessory, by the brand Strapsicle, is designed to provide e-reader users with comfort while reading and prevent them from accidentally dropping their devices on their faces – we’ve all been there!

It makes the perfect gift for anyone obsessed with their Kindle.

The product consists of two straps (you can choose to use one or both, based on your preference) that easily attach to the corners of your e-reader.

This allows you to comfortably hold your device while reading, whether you’re at the beach, poolside, or in the comfort of your own bed.

A set of two straps is $23.95 and comes in 14 colours across four different sizes.

The straps are made from high-grade, silky-soft silicone and can be effortlessly slipped on and off in seconds.

Strapsicle was founded by Aussie mum Lou Rice and her partner Ben Stainlay with a $10,000 investment.

Just two years later, the company is valued at $2.5 million.

The origins of Strapsicle

The idea for Strapsicle came about in the early hours of the morning when Ms Rice was breastfeeding and accidentally dropped her Kindle on her baby’s head.

Mr Stainlay’s temporary solution — a DIY silicone strap — soon evolved into the product prototype.

“We had been living in Bondi for five years when we came up with the idea for Strapsicle,” Ms Rice told news.com.au.

“The beach has been our inspiration, our backdrop, and our happy place. Nothing beats reading a good book on your Kindle when you just want to kick back and relax. Kindles definitely have the edge over physical books at the beach, as they are lightweight and portable. We certainly had that angle in mind when designing the straps.”

Comfortable reading at the beach is notoriously difficult — you find yourself lying on your back, trying to angle your Kindle to prevent the sun from getting in your eyes, and ending up with hand cramps after a while.

“Strapsicle provides the perfect solution for this,” she notes. “You can easily hold your e-reader at any angle, and with the straps attached, you’ll never drop your device — whether it’s on your face or in the sand.”

A Kindle accessory has gone viral on social media. Image: Supplied

It’s called Strapsicle and it makes reading your Kindle a lot easier. Image: Supplied

The straps are used by a range of different people

With the addition of new matching clutches, you can now carry everything you need for a day at the beach, like your e-reader, phone, sunscreen, and lip balm, while the soft silicone bag keeps everything protected from water and sand.

Customers from all over the world have shared photos on social media of their experiences using Strapsicle at the beach.

Travellers seem to particularly like using e-readers as a lightweight alternative to physical books, and the straps improve the reading experience while on holiday or out and about.

Many people, including the elderly, those with disabilities, or those with mobility issues, can also benefit from using the straps.

“Strapsicle straps offer comfortable reading for hours because they keep your hand and wrist in a relaxed, neutral position, which is ideal for those with mobility issues like carpal tunnel or arthritis,” Ms Rice explained.

“Every day we receive stories from people who have rediscovered the joy of reading!”

Lou Rice created the Strapsicle after her Kindle fell on her baby’s head. Picture: Supplied

Rave reviews

In their first year, the pair sold $200,000 worth of straps, and in the second year, they sold more than $1.5 million.

The product currently has a 4.91 average review rating on their website, with happy customers praising the straps.

“I’ve had a Kindle for ages, but after surgery on my hand, I’ve found it hard to hold for very long. These straps have made reading enjoyable again. Thank you!” one customer wrote.

“They’re easy to use, reliable, and look good. They don’t add much bulk, especially compared to other solutions,” another customer raved.

“Such high quality and easy to attach to your Kindle. Highly recommended!” a third customer said.

You can use one or two straps. Picture: Supplied

BookTok goes wild for Strapsicle

BookTok influencer Dan Dan took to TikTok to share her love for Strapsicle in comparison to other solutions.

“It fits perfectly, it’s a game changer. It feels like the Kindle is weightless, you’re completely strapped in. It’s so comfortable,” she said.

Another reviewer, Mary Reads, praised the item in a clip that has amassed more than two million views.

“This is my favourite Kindle accessory. It’s super comfy, removable, and comes in tons of colours. It’s so easy to take on and off, and you can position your hand however you want.”

Creator Bookish Tay Tay added: “It’s super, super secure.”

Shark Tank and future plans

Ms Rice and Mr Stainlay appeared on Shark Tank in October to attract prominent investors and expand production and their team.

Four out of the five sharks competed to invest, and the Strapsicle co-founders secured a $250,000 investment from two of the sharks in exchange for a 22.5 per cent stake in the business.

In terms of what’s on the horizon for Strapsicle, Ms Rice said, “We’d love to build partnerships with beach or summer brands.

“And we definitely have some cool ideas in the pipeline … But we can’t share them just yet!”

Originally published as ‘Summer essential’: Viral $24 item solves common beach problem