Whenever products have bonus words in the title, like extreme razors, ultimate lash curlers or turbo hair dryers, I am immediately suspicious. I already expect my products to be the best possible and wonder what the difference between the ultimate lash curler and the average (never actually labeled that) lash curler is besides marketing. I evaluate every product with the same skepticism, so when I find one that actually lives up to the hype I take note.

The Solo Traveler Plus, a mere disposable coffee cup lid, is one of these products that caught my attention. The plus is such an improvement over the average lid that I now refer to it by its full name and search for shops that offer it. Unlike most lids, it has a sliding mechanism that opens and closes to keep your coffee warm and secure inside while allowing for easy drinking. It is also made from a thicker, higher quality plastic that allows you to take the lid off, add your milk and sugar, and put the lid back on without cracking the lid and creating leaks. This is critical when taking coffee to go and you have to walk through the crowded streets of New York and hop on the equally packed, shaky subway. I’m sure it costs the coffee shop more to provide it, but since the plus in this case actually equates to valuable features, I’m willing to pay for it.

So far I have found the Solo Traveler Plus available at Tarallucci e Vino in the East Village and Balthazar Boulangerie in SoHo. Help spread the word if it’s offered at your local shop.