The Essential Items That Got Us Through 2020

We bought a lot of new stuff in 2020: toilet paper, workout app subscriptions, sourdough starters, and masks that go with every outfit.

Then there were the purchases that will stick with us even after this horrible, terrible, no-good year is finally over. Here are our staff’s picks for the single items that got them through 2020.

Jordan Calhoun, deputy editor

Jordan has been playing a lot of video games since the start of the stay-at-home order, and recommends his PlayStation Plus subscription. For a monthly or yearly fee, you get two new PS games per month. That might have seemed like way too many games when you had other stuff to do, but now, it’s just right: the exact amount of time necessary to beat one game, then another, then choose two new ones.

Joel Cunningham, managing editor

Since we’ve given up on flying, Joel’s been taking lots of road trips, but his older car doesn’t have Bluetooth (or even an aux cord). So this FM audio transmitter allows him to connect his phone to his car’s radio for long drives. Now he has no excuse to tell his kids that they can’t listen to the Frozen 2 soundtrack on repeat.

Aisha Jordan, staff writer

You know how literally everything hurts? Not just emotionally, but your back, neck, and wrists from working at a dining table for nine months. That’s why Aisha recommends the Theragun Mini to massage away all those muscle aches.

Meghan Walbert, parenting editor

Remember the days when we were all scrambling for home workout equipment? Well Meghan had the foresight to buy exercise equipment before March. A compact elliptical machine allows her to burn calories while working from home and binging Schitt’s Creek.

Sam Blum, staff writer

Sam, like all of us, has spent much more time cooking at home this year. which is why he stands by this Lodge Dutch Oven Combo Cooker. The cast iron pan comes with a lid that also works as its own shallow pan. It’s safe for the oven or camping trips (since we aren’t flying anywhere exotic right now), and it’s easy to clean.

Beth Skwarecki, senior health editor

While most of us bought a set of 5-pound weights and yoga mat, Beth went a little further: She got an olympic barbell with bumper plates that allowed her to recreate her weightlifting gym experience in her own driveway.

Claire Lower, senior food editor

We all know how much Claire appreciates a good bath. An inflatable, suction cupped bath pillow makes it easier for her to relax and try to block out all the horrible memories from the past 365 days.