1. Gifts
  2. Coronavirus coverage

The Best Things We Bought in 2020 (Or How We Learned to Cope in a Pandemic)

By Wirecutter Staff and Daniela Gorny
Published
Some of the best things we bought in 2020.
Photo: Rozette Rago

Each December, Wirecutter’s staff shares the items we’ve purchased over the year that have genuinely made a difference in our lives. The events of the past 12 months made us rethink this list in an entirely different context. Like many people, we’ve found ourselves looking for ways to adapt and figuring out how to cope in a new normal (and we know we’re lucky to even be in a position to do so). From the items that improved our homes to the gear that helped us get outside more, here are the best things we purchased for ourselves and our families that made an unbelievably weird year just a little more manageable.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall

An IKEA Hovet Mirror hanging on a wall.
Photo: IKEA

IKEA Hovet Mirror ($130 at the time of publication)

A gigantic wall mirror can cost several hundred dollars, but I’m happy to tell you that this gem at IKEA gets the job done for $130. At 77 by 30 inches, IKEA’s Hovet mirror (which you can hang vertically or horizontally) sits between two windows on my wall, creating the illusion that my room is double its size, which proved helpful during a year I could rarely leave home. The Hovet is gorgeous in its simplicity, too: Its slim frame is made from aluminum, blending artfully into the mirror itself. It looks as good as anything from CB2 or West Elm, yet it’s a fraction of the price. If only I had more rooms in my apartment for more Hovet mirrors—something to consider in 2021.

—Justin Krajeski

Plant care, simplified

A Wet Pot with a plant inside.
Photo: Wet Pot Systems

Wet Pot ($50 for a small pot at the time of publication)

In a year spent mostly at home, I finally committed to learning how to care for my collection of finicky houseplants. But no matter how many hours I spent troubleshooting my plant woes, the Wet Pot did a better job caring for my water-loving flora than I ever could. Available in three sizes, the Wet Pot system consists of a partially unglazed terracotta planter placed inside a water-filled, glass reservoir. This self-watering planter has kept my Pothos thriving with virtually no effort on my part. Rather than pouring water on the soil directly, I refill the outer glass reservoir when it’s empty. The terracotta inner pot then allows for a gradual absorption of water into the soil as needed. Another bonus: The Wet Pot looks sleek in my living room, striking the perfect balance of design and functionality.

—Beth Niegelsky

A big screen for small spaces

BenQ HT2050A Projector
Photo: Chris Heinonen

BenQ HT2050A Projector ($750 at the time of publication)

Technically I bought the BenQ HT2050A projector in December 2019 as a family Christmas present, but it has repeatedly been the best thing in our apartment during the long months of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have a small apartment, so devoting permanent wall space to a TV was always too big of a commitment (which is why we didn’t own a TV). During March, April, and May, the projector provided a soothing and distracting activity for my husband, the kids, and me after days spent trying to work and to homeschool under stay-at-home orders in New York, with nonstop sirens in the distance and helicopters circling over our neighborhood. To stream movies, shows, and workouts, we also got a Roku Streaming Stick+, which you can conveniently plug into the projector. There are lots of ways to set up a projector, but for our small space this projector mount and a roll-down screen attached to the ceiling worked best for us. That way, we never trip over the projector, and we can always roll up the screen when we aren’t using it. Wirecutter also has advice on how to pick the right projector for your space, as well as a guide to all the best gear that you may need to go along with it.

—Christine Cyr Clisset

Baking together while far apart

Google Nest Hub Max
Photo: Rozette Rago

Google Nest Hub Max ($230 at the time of publication)

My uncle and I started baking bread together this year during the pandemic. I sent him a portion of my sourdough starter, purchased originally from a local (to me) bakery in Austin, Texas, to his home in El Paso. Like me, he had never baked bread before this year, so I walked him through the proper way to “stretch and fold” the dough. That’s really hard to do while you’re holding a cell phone. A smart display, namely the Google Nest Hub Max, made all the difference. I keep the display in my kitchen, where I can easily call him or my mom when I’m cooking or if I just want to feel closer to home.

—Alejandra Matos

An efficient mise en place

OXO Good Grips Chef’s Squeeze Bottle 12 Ounces next to a OXO Good Grips 16″ Turntable.
Photos: OXO

OXO Good Grips Chef’s Squeeze Bottle 12 Ounces ($5 at the time of publication)
OXO Good Grips 16″ Turntable ($18 at the time of publication)

This year I finally copied what a lot of professional chefs do and organized my oils, vinegars, and sauces into these OXO squeeze bottles. I used a few different sizes depending on how often I used a particular condiment and placed them on this OXO turntable along with my salt and pepper grinders, putting everything I needed to make a meal close at hand. No more fussing with pulling out large glass bottles, and it’s much easier to dispense the exact amounts I need. Masking tape labels make it easy to keep track of what is in each bottle. I get to store my big bottles of oil and vinegar away from heat and light, which can shorten their lifespan; the OXO bottles are also much easier to place on the table than the large bottles are. It’s a small change but one I appreciate every single day. You can also check out our guide to small-kitchen ideas for more kitchen-organizing tips.

—Chris Heinonen

A homemade-latte option

Bodum Latteo Milk Frother
Photo: Bodum

Bodum Latteo Milk Frother ($19 at the time of publication)

When the pandemic interrupted my normal coffee-shop latte habit, I sought out the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to make lattes at home. I landed on a French press and this manual milk frother. The method of frothing with its plunger is surprisingly efficient and requires very little effort. The carafe is made of glass, so you can pop it into the microwave to heat up the milk, and you can also run the whole thing through the dishwasher afterward. I could spend hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on an espresso machine (which I’m far too lazy to bother with) or a more expensive electric frother, but this system is so fast, inexpensive, and simple, it has carried me through 2020 without annoyance.

—Signe Brewster

The OG everything pan

Le Creuset Braiser 5-Quart with cooked chicken inside.
Photo: Le Creuset

Le Creuset Braiser 5-Quart ($360 at the time of publication)

My love for the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Braiser dates to my days working in a test kitchen, but it was only years after that job when I got one of my own. I use my 5-quart Le Creuset braiser to make braises (obviously), one-pot meals, casseroles, chicken and rice, roasted meat, fried chicken, sautéed greens, caramelized onions, and fruit desserts like cobblers, buckles, and crisps. The domed lid provides ample headroom for a whole chicken or a large chuck roast, and the handles are big enough for you to get a good grip with oven mitts. The 5-quart size is perfect for making one-pan dinners. And if you’re thinking you can already do that on a sheet pan, I have two words for you: pan juices. The Le Creuset braiser’s high sides and lid help to retain juices that make a tasty, effortless sauce.

—Lesley Stockton

Turn food scraps into garden gold

A Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 on a kitchen counter.
Photo: Vitamix

Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 ($400 at the time of publication)

This summer my mom bought my partner and me a Vitamix electric composter that turns our food scraps into ready-to-use fertilizer for our garden. We had already been composting for a while, and at first I thought the extra appliance was a bit unnecessary, but it’s so efficient that we’ve been using it nonstop ever since. It’s small and quiet, and it works through a whole batch (about 2 liters) in just a couple of hours. It can break down fruit cores, vegetable peels, dairy, and even some meat scraps into a dry, organic matter that’s ready to fertilize your soil. It’s the same process that happens in any outdoor composting bin, just much faster. Technically I have the FC-30, the predecessor to the current Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50, but this new model seems almost identical with a few improvements, such as a shorter processing time, a longer filter life, and a lid for the interior bucket. Like a lot of people, we’ve been cooking more than ever this year, and we also like to garden, so having a way to turn our waste into instant fertilizer is perfect. But even if using the fertilizer for gardening isn’t your main priority, it’s still great if you just want to reduce your daily food waste or extend the time between taking out the trash.

—Annam Swanson

Game-changing snacks

L.L.Bean Everyday Mini Whoopie Pies
Photo: L.L.Bean

Butler Foods Soy Curls ($20 for six 8-ounce bags at the time of publication)
L.L.Bean Everyday Mini Whoopie Pies ($30 for 20 at the time of publication)

Dandies Vegan Marshmallows ($5 for 10 ounces at the time of publication)

This was the year for pantry staples and comfort snacks. Early on, everyone stocked up on their favorite flour, yeast, condiments, canned tomatoes, and snacks because it wasn’t always clear when you’d be able to get them next. Managing editor Annam Swanson was having trouble reliably finding tofu and beans (her top two sources of protein), so she and a friend went in on a 12-pound bulk box of Butler Foods Soy Curls. “They are made locally (to me in Portland, Oregon), delicious, and shelf-stable, and I’ve been making a ton of vegan and vegetarian dishes with them since!” says Annam.

Our staff also found some creature comforts in nostalgic sweet snacks, such as L.L.Bean’s box of mini Wicked Whoopies. Maine-based Wicked Whoopies has a retail store across the street from L.L.Bean’s flagship store in Freeport, and the retailer decided to share these local treats nationwide. Senior staff writer Jackie Reeve says, “These whoopie pies are basically my daughter’s favorite food. They are perfect to keep in the freezer—they thaw in 20 minutes for surprise pick-me-up treats.” Wirecutter contributor Sasha VanHoven likes to keep Dandies vegan marshmallows, which she says taste just as good as—if not better than—regular marshmallows: “They are the best at floating in cups of hot cocoa or for eating straight out of the bag.” They’re also free of any artificial flavorings, gelatin, and gluten, and they’re kosher.

Indoor games

close up of two kids playing the Ocean Bingo board game.
Photo: Marilyn Ong

Ed Emberley's Drawing Book Of Animals ($20 at the time of publication)
5-Minute Dungeon ($20 at the time of publication)
Ocean Bingo ($30 at the time of publication)

Anything that keeps kids entertained indoors this year is a major win. Editor Jon Chase got Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Animals, which uses simple shapes and steps to guide budding artists: “Kids love to draw, but they can also get frustrated when they can’t draw what they like. This book uses geometric shapes—circles, triangles, lines, dots—and step-by-step instructions that any kid can follow to make a whole menagerie of satisfyingly awesome characters.” It’s good for both little kids and big kids, too. Emberley has produced several other versions, including one with a monster theme (another staff parent favorite). Jon also got 5-Minute Dungeon, a collaborative, timed card game in which players have only five minutes to defeat a horde of baddies and escape a dungeon. “It kept my kids stable and entertained during COVID lockdown and inspired a love of family game time. It’s simple enough for my 5-year-old to get the hang of yet complex enough to remain entertaining, it teaches collaboration, and because it’s literally five minutes you can do a quick game or several in a row.”

Another kid-approved and family-friendly game is the beautifully illustrated Ocean Bingo, which editor Marilyn Ong bought. Marilyn says, “It’s simple enough for our toddler to place her tokens on her board, and infinitely fascinating for our animal-obsessed second-grader and kindergartener. I love peering at the gorgeous watercolors (who knew a goose barnacle could look so good?). It’s been a small but meaningful source of joy for our family this year.” The game comes in all kinds of other fun themes, from cat bingo and bird bingo to—we kid you not—a somehow-also-beautiful poop bingo.

Tiny remote-learning desk

Two children sitting on the ECR4Kids Bentwood Multipurpose Table and Chair Set.
Photo: ECR4Kids

ECR4Kids Bentwood Multipurpose Table and Chair Set ($180 at the time of publication)

We had no idea when we bought this kids table-and-chairs set (a recommendation from The Strategist) that Zoom “circle time” would be a thing. We just wanted a sturdy surface our toddler could make messes on that would fit, literally and aesthetically, in our small house. It ended up being the center of our remote-preschool setup: the perfect place for coloring, counting blocks, video-chatting with teachers and classmates, kneading salt dough, tracing shapes, and hosting tea parties for a rotating roster of plush toys. The set comes in three pieces—a table that’s also a desk or a bench, depending on how you position it, plus two chairs that are height “adjustable” (in that you flip them over or use them as backless stools). The pieces also store neatly at the end of the day. Several customers who bought this set through Amazon or Wayfair have said that theirs arrived damaged. We took a gamble and didn’t have any issues with our shipment, which was a small triumph on top of an unintentionally well-timed purchase.

—Tracy Vence

A stylish rug that feels like a gym mat

A toddler smiling while playing on a Ruggish Cali Play Rug.
Photo: Ruggish

Ruggish Cali Play Rug ($200 at the time of publication)

A newborn baby means a lot of time spent on the floor or standing over cribs and changing tables. Although our normal floors are fine on their own, the Ruggish Cali Play Rug we placed in the baby’s room is a genuine pleasure for our feet and knees. The play rug is a half-inch-thick memory-foam pad with the look and feel of an area rug on one side and an interactive play map on the other. It’s comfortable enough that I’ve even stolen a few precious minutes of shut-eye on it. Our robot vacuum can still manage to climb over it, while the waterproof material lets us easily clean off any of the messes that inevitably land on it.

—Thom Dunn

A handheld music maker

Artiphon Orba Musical Instrument
Photo: Artiphon

Artiphon Orba Musical Instrument ($100 at the time of publication)

This deceptively simple-looking music maker fits in the palm of your hand. It’s easy enough for my preschooler to make music on her own with it without any introduction or instruction (and small enough for her to march around with like she’s a one-person rave), and for me to noodle around on during breaks between Zoom meetings. But the Orba is also sophisticated enough for more ambitious music composition and recording. Through touch and motion sensors, it can work as a synth or looper, and it can even control a MIDI device or software. Whatever your ability or level of interest, this little instrument is fun and satisfying to play.

—Winnie Yang

Rolling with it

A kid outside riding a scooter.
Photo: Rozette Rago

Micro Maxi Deluxe Scooter ($140 at the time of publication)
Micro Mini Deluxe Scooter ($90 at the time of publication)

The Micro Maxi Deluxe and Micro Mini Deluxe have been Wirecutter’s top-pick scooters since we first published our kids scooter guide in 2018, but I had held out on getting the pricey scoots for my own two kids until last holiday season (actually, I requested them as grandparent gifts—thanks, Mom!). They were far and away the toy we used most during quarantine, when physical exercise was in short supply and “recess” became daily loops through near-empty city streets and vacant parking lots. When my 5-year-old’s school reopened, he transitioned to using the scooter for his daily commute, saving time and adding joy to this year when both have often seemed in short supply.

—Kalee Thompson

A whole new sitting experience

a person sitting on a Varier Variable Kneeling Chair
Photo: Varier

Varier Variable Kneeling Chair ($350 at the time of publication)

My previous cheap rolling desk chair wasn't doing my back any favors, and after years of putting up with uncomfortable chairs, I finally settled on Varier’s Variable Kneeling Chair. As the name implies, this kneeling chair lets me sit in a few different ways, encouraging my body to shift and move subtly throughout the day to whatever position feels best. I like that the seat cushion is flat (as opposed to contoured) and that it rocks gently back and forth. Several months in, my back is thanking me, and the chair is still holding up great.

—Annam Swanson

Beautifully crafted notebooks

Appointed Notebooks in different colors side by side.
Photo: Appointed

Appointed Notebook ($25 at the time of publication)
Appointed Brass Page Markers ($6 at the time of publication)

This year, like many folks, I spent most of my days at home. With nowhere to go, I rekindled my love of tinkering around in the kitchen. When I was a young cook, I could recite a recipe I made weeks—or even months—before, down to the finest detail from memory. But time is a cruel little goblin, and my brain won’t cooperate like that anymore. So I started documenting my off-the-cuff recipes and kitchen notes in a fresh hunter-green Appointed Notebook, while marking my favorites with these Brass Page Markers. The beautifully crafted notebooks are made one at a time in Washington, DC. They’re available blank or in lined or grid ruling, and you can add a handmade monogram for an extra $10. My notebook is my own kitchen diary, and it brings me so much joy. All the uncertainty and stress of 2020 aside, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to slow down and be a little more mindful with my first love: cooking.

—Lesley Stockton

Typing comfort and joy

Drop Alt Mechanical Keyboard
Photo: Michael Murtaugh

Drop Alt Mechanical Keyboard ($210 at the time of publication)

This year, I’ve been spending a lot more time at my desk, like most people, and I had been tolerating a cheap, clacky, full-size keyboard for far too long. I wanted a smaller keyboard to reclaim some desk space and to move my mouse closer for better ergonomics. Switching to the compact Drop Alt mechanical keyboard, the upgrade pick in our compact mechanical keyboard guide, has been an absolute pleasure. My typing speed has gone up, and the Alt looks great on my desk thanks to its impressive build quality and customizable RGB backlighting. Furthermore, its included Cherry MX Brown switches are a lot quieter than the clacky MX Blue knockoff switches in my last keyboard (you can read more about switch types in this how-to guide). I don’t really miss the extra number and function keys during my day-to-day work, but if you’re curious about different sizes of mechanical keyboards, be sure to check out our buying guide. And, yes, I used my fancy new keyboard to type these words.

—Joel Santo Domingo

A DIY do-it-all

Close up of a person using a Dewalt Atomic Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
Photo: Dewalt

The silver lining of pandemic cabin fever has been digging in to all those nagging home repairs as a welcome distraction. After having lived for years with an off-brand oscillating multi-tool that shrieked like an angry hornet and always spit out saw blades no matter how tight they were clamped, I splurged on the Dewalt Atomic Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit. And I’m prepared to call it my tool soulmate. Having fixed the long-neglected baseboards in one room, and trimmed the door frame in another, and sped up a Murphy bed install, and made quick work of a large-gauge copper pipe, I now roam the house looking for things to slice and dice.

—Jon Chase

Colorful clutter cutters

Smart&Cool Magnetic Silicone Ties
Photo: Smart&Cool

Smart&Cool Magnetic Silicone Ties ($20 for 20 at the time of publication)

Whether I’m tidying up power cords and USB cables behind my desk, packing for a jazz gig, or straightening up my home studio, I use a whole lot of cable ties—and I’ve had many come loose, sometimes resulting in tangles of wires right when I really don’t have time to untangle wires. I’ve found a great alternative in the reusable Smart&Cool Magnetic Silicone Ties. The stretchable ties are secured by tiny, powerful magnets, and their silicone grips the cables so the cords are less likely to come unwound in the back of my car or inside my bass case than they would be with Velcro ties. The bright colors make it easy for me to pick out what I need from a rat’s nest of barely distinguishable wires. When I’m done, I just stick the ties on any magnetic surface, and they wait there happily until the next time I need them.

—Brent Butterworth

A space for hanging

A person laying in a hammock outside.
Photo: Caleigh Waldman

ENO SingleNest Hammock ($50 at the time of publication)
Vivere Double Cotton Hammock ($120 at the time of publication)

For most people, this year involved spending more time than ever at home. Our staff found a few ways to make that time more enjoyable. Staff writer Sarah Witman bought our portable hammock pick, the ENO SingleNest, which she used outside to have a quiet place to zone out. Since it’s light and easy to travel with, you can take it with you for any trip, too. For a more permanent fixture, editor Ria Misra bought the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock for her backyard in Los Angeles. At 9 feet long, the steel frame is more compact than a regular hammock stand, so it can fit in most small backyards, patios, and maybe even a balcony.

A personal glampground

A Kodiak 12 x 9 ft. Cabin set up on wood deck with the lake visible in the background.
Photo: Jesse Thompson

Kodiak 12 x 9 ft. Cabin ($600 at the time of publication)

As the original writer of Wirecutter’s guide to family tents, I’ve spent dozens of hours setting up, taking down, and camping out in supersized nylon and polyester shelters. A couple of nice canvas tents were on that guide’s original comparison table, but we determined that their heft and expense made them overkill for the typical campground camper. These boxy yet beautiful canvas shelters were made for a month on the Alaskan tundra—or, as it turns out, a year when you’re seeking novel ways to create more space for your family to be together while staying (or at least sleeping) apart. Early last summer, I bought a Kodiak canvas tent for my extended family’s lake house in New Hampshire and furnished it with a real bed and actual bedding—our own personal glamping setup. We erected the tent in June and took it down in September. Typical camping tents aren’t made for that type of extended exposure to the elements, but I’m hoping we’ll pitch our spare bedroom in that exact spot for many years to come.

—Kalee Thompson

In the swing of things

An adult and a child on a HearthSong Giant Round and Round Swing.
Photo: HearthSong

HearthSong Giant Round and Round Swing ($70 at the time of publication)

Back in April, when all of the public parks were closed due to the pandemic, my husband and I splurged on a very expensive cedar swing set for our kids. They played on it half-heartedly until I added the HearthSong Giant Round and Round Swing. It can hold several kids or up to 400 pounds, it’s fantastic for both swinging and spinning, and it’s an absolute steal for the price. The best part is that my kids now burst outside as soon as their remote school day is over, so this relatively inexpensive purchase made the whole investment a true win. If you’re looking for other types of swings, we have a few recommendations for different ages in our guide to outdoor fun.

—Annemarie Conte

A backyard jungle gym

Hyponix Monkey Line Obstacle Course
Photo: Hyponix Sporting

Hyponix Monkey Line Obstacle Course ($145 at the time of publication)

Due to the pandemic, my kids have been routinely homebound, and the local playground is usually swarmed by kids with dubious mask habits. I needed a way to keep their chaotic energy levels below meltdown level, and I found salvation in the slack-line Monkey Line Obstacle Course. Essentially a portable jungle gym that you string between trees up to 50 feet apart, it comes with a ladder, a climbing net, and a healthy assortment of carabiners, rings, and trapeze bars that you arrange along the nylon slack-line’s length and then crank taut with the included ratchet. To my skeptical wife's surprise, the kids took to it quickly, and they continue to abuse it months later. And in that time they’ve gotten more physically confident, a bit more daring—and blessedly calmer.

—Jon Chase

Comfy clothes for the long haul

A person wearing a Nike Sportswear Club Fleece in the color pink.
Photo: Nike

Aritzia CozyAF Perfect Hoodie ($80 at the time of publication)
Nike Sportswear Club Fleece ($45 at the time of publication)

Staying cozy and comfortable while the world was anything but was a priority this year. Soft hoodies were at the top of the list. “Once everything went into lockdown, all I wanted was softness,” contributor Sasha VanHoven says. “Jeans were off the table. Enter Aritzia’s CozyAF line. Yes, the name is obnoxious, but hear me out—these things are buttery soft. A soft that has even stayed through several washes.” Staff writer Justin Krajeski instead opted for a pink Nike Sportswear Club Fleece (which you may have spotted on social media). “It’s super comfy, it’s pink as hell to buoy my spirits, and I plan on wearing it—and loving it—for the next two years, or however long it takes for us to make it through this pandemic,” says Justin.

Your new everyday shoe

A pair of L.L.Bean Women’s Daybreak Scuffs slippers.
Photo: L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean Women’s Daybreak Scuffs ($65 at the time of publication)

I haven’t ventured out much since the pandemic started, so I haven’t had much need for shoes. Most days, I walk all the way down the hall to throw garbage into the chute, or I travel a whopping few hundred feet to get the mail—vertically, via elevator. These are tasks not worth the bother of laces, buckles, or a shoehorn. But floppy slippers lack protective soles (who knows where my neighbors’ feet have been?), and it’s too cold for flip-flops now. Enter L.L.Bean’s Daybreak Scuffs, a wool-covered version of our budget-pick slippers. These are as soft, cozy, and easy as the sweats I live in, yet they’re sturdy and presentable, complete with rubber bottoms and a little arch support. The rustic designs aren’t what I’d typically consider for going out, but they’re just the right amount of quirky for sheltering in.

—Joanne Chen

Skin care in the time of masks

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone
Photo: The Ordinary

Mask acne is real. And mine was determined to stay, despite my spot treatments and the addition of an exfoliant to my skin-care routine. After some research, I settled on The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone. It’s a bit more potent than other Vitamin C treatments, and it sometimes tingles for a few seconds after I put it on, but it’s much smoother than other versions I’ve used before. More important, within a week of using it in my bedtime skin routine, I found that my mask acne was already retreating. After a few months, the mask acne remains at bay, my overall complexion is much more even, fine lines are less noticeable, and the treatment has even given me a bit of a glow.

—Sasha VanHoven

A partial solution to screen-time addiction

Timex Expedition Scout 40mm Watch
Photo: Timex

Timex Expedition Scout 40mm Watch ($40 at the time of publication)

As my addiction to staring slack-jawed at my smartphone continued its downward spiral, I realized that incessantly checking my iPhone for the time was serving as a gateway drug. I’m too careless for a nice watch, so I needed the combination of cheap, rugged, and serviceably good-looking, or at least inoffensive. The Timex Expedition Scout 40mm Watch cost me a modest $40 yet checked every box—and it happens to be the one sartorial choice I’ve ever made that gets unsolicited compliments. The face is spare and clean, and when I push the dial it lights up blue, and the minimalist watch hands glow in the dark. The leather band is surely cheap but reasonably supple and comfortable (you can also get the watch with a nylon band in a variety of colors). The screen-time monkey is still firmly riding my back, but I’m getting better, one day at a time.

—Jon Chase

Snail-mail comforts

Ruth Asawa USPS postage stamps
Photo: USPS

USPS Postage Stamps (price varies)

In a year in which it felt like there was very little anyone could do about the many problems in the world, buying and using stamps seemed like a way to not only support the US Postal Service in some small way but also stay connected with family and friends when everyone is forced to stay physically apart. For me, the choice of stamp is often as meaningful as the contents of the envelope, and my almost-5-year-old gets it, too: Some of her mail recipients will see an Oscar the Grouch, while others will receive a T. rex on the rampage. From the designs released in 2020, I’ve added to my Forever hoard tributes to two heroes: Gwen Ifill (RIP) and Ruth Asawa (stamp is now discontinued).

—Winnie Yang

Meet your guides

Wirecutter Staff

Daniela Gorny

Daniela Gorny is the supervising editor for the home section at Wirecutter, covering home decor, textiles, and furniture. She previously studied and worked as an architect and received a master’s degree in urban planning. You can usually find her exploring the hilly trails of Los Angeles or adventuring in the Mojave Desert.

Further reading

Edit
Dismiss