Quaran-Treat Yo Self! The Gift Guide for Getting By (PHOTOS)
OK, so you’ve finished Netflix, cleaned everything (probably twice), and had your fill of Zoom happy hours, right? We get it. Life is a lot right now, and for every commercial that reminds you we’re in this together, there’s a tweet that insists mankind is doomed.
Our solution? Well, obviously TV, since it’s the ultimate form of escape. But if you need a break from even that, we suggest a little retail self-care. There are some great small businesses (and a few big ones) that could use our help, and there is nothing wrong with buying yourself a bauble, book, or pop culture-related treat as a pick-me-up.
Scroll down for some of our recent faves.
Magnolia Signature Candle Bundle
Chip and Joanna Gaines’ lifestyle collection is filled with yummy, cozy goods that make everything better. Case in point: this two-pack of their soy-coconut wax mini candles in Greenhouse and Linen scents. Hand-poured in the U.S., these 4 oz joys will fill your home with a combined 60 hours of fragrant bliss. $38, shop.magnolia.com
Nocking Point Coffee Club
The caffeinated spinoff of Arrow star Stephen Amell’s wine club lets java addicts order monthly shipments of awesome small-batch roasted coffees (in 12 oz. bags). Bonus: Each delivery includes branded swag items like cups or collectibles. Boxes start at $39, nockingpointwines.com/coffee-club
Passion Planner
No, not that kind of passion. A favorite among journalers—and we all have time to journal now!—these sleek planners are designed with your goals and untapped potential in mind. Available in dated and undated editions, the books provide a pathway to staying on task while also offering to-do lists, focus items, and oh-so-helpful pages devoted to reflection. Sizes and prices vary, passionplanner.com
Bike Messenger Bag
Forget rideshares. Tons of us have taken to our bikes to get around these days, but unless you’re 8 years old, a basket just isn’t gonna cut it. Instead, toss your gear into this iconic over-the-shoulder bag, sling it around your back, and hit the road! Reflective stripes and that arresting orange will keep you safe and stylish. Also available in black and navy. $125, manhattanportage.com
SWAT Harry Potter Nimbus
Trapped inside with kids who love roughhousing? Hook ’em up with Factory Entertainment’s collection of Soft Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) playthings. These plush items, which also include Harley Quinn’s bat, Wonder Woman’s sword and shield and the Potterverse’s Golden Snitch, let those, uh, active children get out all of their energy without leaving bumps and bruises. Prices vary, factoryent.com
Game of Thrones Direwolves Cubs
C’mon, how cute are these guys? Packaged in a 2018 San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive box, the set features lil’ (6-inch) versions of Ghost, Nymeria, Grey Wind, Shaggydog, Summer, and Lady—perfect to cuddle with during those midday naps we’re all about right now. $60, factoryent.com
Roku Ultra
TV has never been more vital—for both news and escape—so Roku’s updated streaming device is here for it all. With HD, 4K and HDR streaming capabilities, the Ultra also packs an enhanced voice remote and personal shortcut buttons that let you jump to your favorite movies and TV shows by just talking to the remote. The player comes with a sick pair of JBL headphones so you can watch in peace or, if one of the kids is wearing ’em, avoid hearing Frozen II yet again. $199.99, roku.com
Ew, David T-shirt
Let’s face it, comfy clothes predominate right now, and a T-shirt reminder of the joyful comedy Schitt’s Creek will only add to the warm-and-fuzzies. Alternate options include hoodies, beanies, and a “deluxe staycation” robe-and-slippers set that would please even Moira Rose. $28, schittscreek.shop
All Things Scoob!
Scooby-Doo’s big movie dropped on May 15, and rabid fans have a litter of goodies to grab up, starting with Walmart’s exclusive Funko POP! figures of the dog of the hour and his bestie, Shaggy. Then there are Basic Fun’s two-pack action-figure sets featuring Scooby and Captain Caveman, Dick Dastardly and Super Scoob, and more. Also at Walmart, movietime treats! Kellogg’s has whipped up baked graham-cracker Scooby snacks, while Betty Crocker is serving up fruit-flavored gummies. Ruh-roh…we want it all! Prices vary, walmart.com
Living Dead Dolls’ The Joker
Wait till you get a load of this! In honor of the iconic Batman baddie’s 80th anniversary, LDD has unleashed a 10-inch toy that is not joking around. With five points of articulation, a comics-faithful three-piece suit and the green hair we’ve come to fear/love, it’s the collectible that will drive your DC Comics fan crazy. $50, mezcotoyz.com
Back to the Future by Playmobil
Great Scott! This rockin’ 64-piece set includes Marty McFly, Doc Brown, the canine Einstein (which we love), and, of course, the DeLorean—with functioning lights! You will lose your flux capacitor (and gain hours of amuseme for the kids). $49.99, playmobil.com
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires
Grady Hendrix’s latest horror novel is like Desperate Housewives meets True Blood, and it is awesome—scary enough to keep you up at night and funny enough to have you welcome the insomnia so you can finish it! Available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and Google Play. Also, check your local booksellers who could use the order.
Monopoly: Ghostbusters Edition
If you’ve been staying at home with loved ones, you know that game night is getting a little tired. Who ya gonna call to spice it up? Hasbro’s new, Ghostbusters-themed take on the classic board game has you covered, although we expect some squabbles over who gets to play as Dana Barrett’s Cello. $29.97, walmart.com
Saw Burst-a-Box by Mezco Toyz
Did you know that the horror franchise’s puppet is named Billy? Neither did we, until Mezco’s demented twist on a jack-in-the-box appeared in our email and got us thinking about a new way to freak out friends in socially distant safety. Just don’t blame us if he pops up unexpectedly while you’re not looking! $50, mezcotoyz.com
Peggy Li Creations
Just because you’re not going out doesn’t mean you can’t fancy it up! Peggy Li’s delicate pieces, like this gorgeous Tiny Gemstone Circlet Necklace, have been seen on Riverdale, The Bold Type, All American and Little Fires Everywhere. Now we just need a men’s collection. $89 to $104 (depending on material and length), peggyli.com
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services