Does anyone know what day of quarantine we’re on? Day 12? Or 20? 832? Who f*cking knows anymore. The only thing I do know is that the end still seems to be nowhere in sight. You know, since we as a country can’t seem to follow the extremely simple direction to STAY HOME. So since it’s pretty much guaranteed that at this point we’re going to be quarantined in our bunkers a bit longer (trying to be positive) now is the time to do a quick inventory to make sure you have all of the most pertinent quarantine essentials. Of course, by “essentials” I’m referring to #firstworldproblem necessities that my fellow millennials require for getting through this unimaginable quarantine season.
1. Blue Light Glasses
The Book Club Twelve Hungry Bens Blue Light Glasses, $30
Blue light glasses are a quarantine essential for two main reasons: one, they protect your eyes from blue light while you’re staring at screens all day, and two, You can utilize them to hide your face and get away with minimal makeup during the countless unnecessary video conference calls. Not to mention, glasses make everyone look like they have their sh*t together, it’s just a fact of life. I personally have this pair and they’re the perfect trendy yet sophisticated option to get you through quarantine.
2. Lap Desk
Creative Manufacturing LLC Lap Desk White Marble, $29.95
A more recent discovery that I feel compelled to share with the class during these quarantine times is a laptop desk. Now, I’ve had a laptop desk before that was the kind where it’s an actual mini table with legs, and it was annoying af. It was a hassle every time I had to get up. However, this lap desk is a different story because it’s a flat surface on one side with a soft bottom on the other. Meaning, it seamlessly lays on your lap and it doesn’t have to become a whole process every time you get up to pee. Plus, it’s even got a cup holder so you’ll be ready to go come Zoom happy hour time.
3. Journal
Intelligent Chance Five-Minute Journal, $24.95
There’s been a lot of concern around the state of people’s mental well-being during this quarantine and it’s for good reason. Most of us feel a lot of anxiety and fear around the uncertainties of our world right now, which can really start to take a toll on our mental health, and ultimately physical health. That’s why I highly suggest you get yourself a journal to write out all that chatter in your head that’s just swirling around and weighing you down. I like this journal specifically because it has guided prompts to help you get your thoughts to paper, especially if you’re someone who hasn’t journaled before.
4. Tumbler
Brumate Uncork’d Marble Wine Tumbler, $22.98
If you’re like me and trying to avoid the countless trips to the kitchen in which you inevitably end up eating all your snacks which are supposed to last you for the next month, then get yourself a portable tumbler. You can use it to keep your beverages hot or cold so you don’t have to keep going back and forth to the kitchen. It can do double duty, acting as a coffee mug in the morning and then a wine glass come 5 o’clock (or, if we’re being honest, 12pm). Just make sure you thoroughly wash it in between uses.
5. Oil Diffuser
SERENE HOUSE Ranger Essential Oil Diffuser, $25
If you haven’t already bought an oil diffuser, then now is the time to do so. Something about essential oils just makes you feel like the epitome of ~wellness~. Different oils have different scents for different purposes—whether it’s to uplift your mood, help you relax, help you focus, you can find one you’ll like. Just don’t post on Facebook that you’re looking for essential oils, or you’ll get inundated by messages from girls who bullied you in high school.
6. Aromatherapy Hand Lotion
Eucalyptus Spearmint Hand Cream, $7.50
Staying on theme with aromatherapy here, I highly recommend some stress relief hand lotion. Not only is it great to utilize as a pick-me-up throughout the day, but Lord knows all of our dry, cracked hands could use the extra love right now.
7. Robe
Reina Butterfly Sleeve Lace Robe, $26.52
First rule of quarantine is that you don’t have to wear real clothes. So then instead of changing from one pair of pjs to another, why not just wear a super cute and cozy robe for part of your entire day? Get yourself a beautiful one like this so that you can feel bougie and luxe all day long, even as you do your far-from-glamorous work.
8. Fuzzy Socks
PJ Salvage Striped Fuzzy Socks, $7.99
Since quarantine season means we’re also sans shoes, treat yourself to a cozy pair of fuzzy socks. I know it sounds silly, but it’s these little things that you can do to pamper yourself daily during this period that are going to be key to your sanity. And, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 26 years of life it’s that nothing eases my anxiety and makes my day better than a pair of fuzzy socks.
9. Water Bottle
Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Insulated Water Bottle, $29.95
Hydration is key. You’ve heard it before and I’m here to tell you again, staying hydrated is crucial to your health. So make sure you’re drinking plenty of water by getting a water bottle that will keep your water cold, and also happens to be cute. I know I sound like every other health and fitness influencer on Instagram right now, but I’d even recommend adding some zest to your water by adding lemon, lime, or mint to ensure you’re that much more likely to drink the necessary amount.
10. Loungewear
Knit Happens Sweater and Shorts Set, $30
Obviously we’re all living in loungewear right now, so why not treat yourself to a new matching set? Look, I’m not telling you to go blow all your money on a Gucci tracksuit, but just treat yourself to a new cute set that costs as much as your delivery order and lasts way longer.
11. Blanket
LOMAO Flannel Blanket with Pompom Fringe, $23.99
If you don’t have a go-to cozy throw blanket then you’re simply doing this whole quarantine thing wrong. Get a cute and trendy one like this that will look chic at the end of your bed for the rare times that you’re actually not all snuggled up in it.
12. Face Masks
Peter Thomas Roth Mask-Erade, $19
Quarantine season is prime time for self-care (which we all know means skincare). Personally, I’m a huge fan of Peter Thomas Roth products and am particularly a HUGE fan of the cucumber gel mask. I like this set because it consists of an assortment of different masks so that you can pick your daily quarantined skin needs.
13. Luxe Candle
Uncommon James Country Sandalwood, $27
I know this is basic, but I’m a sucker for a well-packaged, aesthetically pleasing candle. And leave it to Kristin Cavallari to create the cutest minimalistic glam candle ever. I’ve been lighting candles every day during quarantine since, for the first time in my life, I’ve been consistently home long enough to actually enjoy them. Plus, I’m also not having to obsess all day over whether I blew them out or not before I left the house.
14. Time Cube
The one thing everyone seems to forget when it comes to #WFHlife is that it requires MAJOR self-discipline. Especially when you can’t even “work from home” at the local coffee shop, it’s hard to stay focused in your own house. Since I tend to find myself wasting hours of my day watching 16-year-olds on TikTok, I’ll definitely be ordering this time cube. The whole idea is that by time blocking you’re more aware of your time and thus more productive. Sign me up.
15. Heating Pad
Huggable Hedgehog Cooling + Heating Pad, $27
Especially if you’ve been anxious and stressed, a heating pad provides a comforting relief to your tense muscles. And like, leave it to Urban Outfitters to have a kitschy hedgehog version of a heating pad…but low-key I’m kind of obsessed.
16. Back Cushion
If you’re working from home, you’re probably hunched over your computer, using whatever chair you have at home because it’s not like you could bring your office chair home. Which means your back probably is killing you (which means we are getting old). In addition to their super comfy mattresses, Purple also makes cushions, including this back cushion that will give you all the lumbar support you could need (that’s your lower back). It also comes with a travel case that clips onto the back of your chair so it stays put.
Hopefully these quarantine must-haves will help make your now-canceled spring at least slightly more enjoyable. I get it, it’s a tough time, so anything we can do to make our experience more elevated and luxe I’m clearly here for. So treat yourself to some of these quarantine essentials for the sake of your mental health, doctor’s orders.
Images: @belleam / Unsplash; South Moon Under (3); Barnes & Noble; Urban Outfitters (3); Bath & Body Works; Yandy; Hyrdro Flask; Nasty Gal; Amazon (2); Sephora; Uncommon James
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