The 6 best things I’ve ordered during lockdown

I’ve tried not to buy too much during the pandemic, between the risk to warehouse workers, the need to shore up my emergency fund as the economy tanks and the awareness that the impulse might just be emotional. But I have occasionally ordered things that have made this horrible period easier to endure or replaced services that are shuttered. I’ve listed a few of my favorite pandemic buys below, but I’d also love to hear yours. Let me know at janie.campbell@huffpost.com!

Janie

Take Back Your Life

There’s no shortage of recommendations for gadgets and goods that make lockdown easier, but not everything brings joy, as conscious consumers know. Here are a few things I’ve ordered that were actually worth it:

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Joseph Joseph Edge Dish Brush with Integrated Sink Rest ($5.59): That little fin on the handle of this dish scrubber grips the edge of your sink, so you can leave this little guy hanging to dry in the most tidy way possible.
The North Face Electra Sling L ($49.95): Like too many other people, I decided to take up roller skating during the pandemic, so I needed a bag to hold my keys, water bottle, phone and other things without getting in my way, throwing off my balance or digging into my body when I fall. This sling bag sits on your back, so your front is free to scrape the pavement without squishing your stuff. (For people who are doing less to injure themselves, it also has exterior straps to hold a yoga mat.)
Vitafusion Women's Gummy Vitamins ($9.28): I know vitamin supplements aren’t necessarily doing much, but taking them during the pandemic helps me feel like I’m doing something, which in turn reduces my anxiety. These fruit-flavored gummies are so tasty, you’d never know they weren’t candy.
Tweezerman Brow Shaping Scissors and Brush ($16.79): Without haircuts and pedicures and a reason to shave my legs, let’s just say things have spiraled out of control on the grooming front, and these super-sharp scissors and sturdy brow brush were a godsend when my eyebrows went to “Bigfoot.”
Blueair Blue Pure 411 Air Purifier for Home ($119): I paid less than $100 for mine a couple months ago, so keep an eye out for price cuts. This extremely unobtrusive and shockingly quiet little machine is Wirecutter’s former budget pick for best air purifier, and you can pick different colors to match your decor. Win-win during coronavirus.
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer ($78.24): There’s been a run on vacuum sealers during the pandemic, and I, too, had been looking for ways to make the most out of my groceries. This sealer is slimmer than most but doesn’t lack much that a casual user needs, and thankfully, you can use cut-to-size bags to reduce your plastic use, too.

Deal With It

Credit card issuers have been issuing fewer cards to Americans — and those who are approved are getting significantly lower credit limits. Newly opened credit cards fell by 65% from April 15 to May 15 this year versus the same period last year, marking the second consecutive month of significant declines. On top of that, credit limits are being slashed. Yahoo Finance has the deets behind this trend: