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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Make your own bagels, live out your karaoke dreams, and froth your own fancy lattes from the comfort of your own couch.
Perhaps most importantly for anyone out there planning to go full Leslie Knope on these is that they're designed not to bleed through thin pages!
Promising review: "I bought these pens during quarantine, not expecting much, considering they are quite inexpensive. I've used well-known brand marker/pens in the past, and didn't want to pay much for markers I'd use for coloring. I was concerned about the tips bending or bleeding, but I was completely wrong and am very satisfied with this product! They do not bleed, and the tips are strong and thin. I use these pens for coloring, hand lettering, and note taking, and they're exactly what I was looking for! The only regret I have is that I did not order the larger pack with more colors!!" —Michael Fanizzi
Get a set of 18 from Amazon for $6.99.
So a bunch of kids in my neighborhood have been doing this since quarantine started and leaving these rocks on the path in the woods behind the houses, and it makes my human day every time I see them. They keep swapping them out every few weeks and inviting other people to leave their own, and it's become this very sweet, socially-distanced pick-me-up for everyone in the area.
Each kit comes with 10 rocks, eight colors of waterproof paint, a paint brush, rock transfer designs, and tracking stickers.
Promising review: "This is the cutest thing to come out of quarantine. I made the most adorable lady bug, and now I have a weird emotional attachment to her. I might be in love with a rock that I painted. Her name is Daisy, I tell her about my day when anything happens. Like when someone walks past my house on their daily walk or when they gave me the wrong drink at Dunkin Donuts but I didn't say anything because essential workers are trying their best and I would never want to blame or upset them. She is a great listener. Luv u Daisy <3" —Cindy Mackey
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three versions).
Grandma Be Wildin' is an California-based Etsy shop established in 2020 that specializes in DIY meme-based cross stitches and vintage style pieces.
Each set includes instructions, a stitch pattern, embroidery floss in nine colors, the embroidery hoop and cloth, and a needle.
Promising review: "LOVED this little stitch!! So cute and fun and it has been a great way to pass the time during this quarantine. Perfect for beginners." —Cindie Ellis
Get it from Grandma Be Wildin' on Etsy for $24.77.
It comes with eight different light modes, including a *twinkle* mode, with a controller attached to the lights so you can easily switch between them.
Promising review: "OK, so it's quarantine time. Life is a bit grim. You want a little bit more light in your sphere, so you see these, and you think, maybe. Well, I'm here to turn your 'maybe' into a 'yes.' Not only do these lights add a bit more illumination to a bedroom that's quite dark, but they're just so magical and fairy-like. They infuse a little bit of joy into my world that I really appreciate. I have beams going across my ceiling, so I ended up stringing them across the whole room. I also appreciate that the remote (which is another warning part of the actual strand of lights) has various settings depending on your mood. I usually opt for the stable one, but these offer several modes. ENJOY!" —Tess
Get them from Amazon for $17.99.
Promising review: "I am not a good cook, I’ll admit. I’m one of those 'burn a salad' kind of girls. In quarantine I’ve decided to expand my horizons and try new ways to make food. Outside of my air fryer this is the best product I own. One can figure out how to work it with no instructions (ask me how I know) and it cooks waffles PERFECTLY every time. I was so thrilled with the way my food came out I tried it again to ensure it wasn’t a fluke and guess what — it's not! At the price point I know what all my family and friends are getting for Christmas! Easy to use and clean and store. I would recommend this to everyone." —Danielle
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in red and nine other non-heart-shaped colors).
Phat Straps is a Texas-based Etsy shop established in 2008 that specializes in leather camera straps and face masks in a variety of prints.
Promising review: "I'm so excited to flaunt my Schitt's Creek mask! It fits my face perfectly and the fabric is durable, yet breathable." —Reba
Type Of Fit: Elastic ear bands
Pocket For Filter: No
Fabric Type: Cotton & Polyester
Shipping Time: Expected to ship in 3-5 business days
Get it from Phat Straps on Etsy for $18.95+ (available in three sizes).
Promising review: "Quarantine made me do it but I’m not sorry. Don’t bother buying the expensive name brand Orbeez — these are essentially the same and work great. My kids LOVE these! A million uses and great for all ages of kids (except for babies). We have filled up a huge bin and used cups to scoop and play. We have put them in the water table outside. We have used a funnel to fill up balloons and make homemade squishy stress balls. We have made foot spas. We have talked about filling a baby wading pool and lounging, but I’m not willing to buy enough. 😂TIPS — a small amount of these goes a LONG way. About half the beads in this container will fill up half of a Rubbermaid garage storage tub. Just pour them into your container with a large amount of water and wait, wait, wait. Did I mention WAIT — It will take ONE TO TWO DAYS for them to fully expand, so plan ahead!!! We’ve gotten hours of fun and I’ve also heard they’re good for gardens, so you can dispose of them there when you’re done (though you might want to do your own research on that one!)" —Deeber
Get a set of 50,000 from Amazon for $8.99.
Promising review: "These are amazinggggg! So buttery soft and comfortable. A lot of shorts ride up and move around while working out but these did not. So soft and comfy I want to get more for workouts and just hanging out. I LOVE these. They look just like the picture and fit perfectly." —Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in sizes S-XXL and five prints).
Psst — one reviewer mentioned that it was also easy to make creamy fruit pops by adding Greek yogurt!
Promising review: "My grandkids eat Popsicles everyday and with the 2020 pandemic I did not want to go to the store every couple of days for popsicles so I got these. They are just so easy to use. They clean easy they freeze solid and evenly and I only wish that they came with plastic reusable sticks. But I'll still give it five stars because I'm so impressed with how well and how fast and how even they freeze. It was such a nice surprise to have the individual bags so that I could keep making them. And a booklet of recipes was nice too. Good price." —Penta
Get it from Amazon for $26.99.
Psst — here's an extremely easy-to-follow Greek yogurt bagel recipe you can add your own spices and ingredients to (plus a lot of reviewers mention using this for keto bagels, if that lights your fire). BRB, slathering everything in cheese and garlic salt and living the dream.
Promising review: "Quarantine got me like Martha Stewart and Betty Crocker! So It was my first time making protein donuts and I needed pans. These looked cute. Might buy some. And sure did. Love them. They don’t even burn like the dang metal pans. Easy to clean. Nothing stuck to them. Usually if I bake, half of the mix stays on the dang metal pan. Well not anymore! Also they come with recipes. Score. My recipe was from Kodiak pancakes though. I modified." —Gloria Reneau
Get it from Amazon for $7.29.
The objective of the game is to collect matching sets of cards faster than everyone else, which earns you points — but if you happen to be armed with one of the foam burritos and aim it at someone before they can dodge, you can knock their points out (and distract them from finding other matches). The game includes a few other niche rules to keep everyone on their toes, and is good for ages 7 and up and for two to six players.
Promising review: "So... I can’t even begin to describe this game 😂. I’m 32, my husband 38, and our children are 14 and 11. We ALL love this! We had to stock up on games for the quarantine and this has been our favorite. Make sure to take your glasses off before playing if you wear them 😂 You’ll have bruises. You’ll break things. You’ll yell. It will be the most fun you’ve had in a long time. If you drink and aren’t playing with children, I imagine it would be even more fun! This isn’t hard to play and there aren’t many rules and I love how it doesn’t really matter if you cheat because no one cares as long as you get to throw a burrito. If you have dogs, watch your burritos because they look like fun dog toys and will disappear with a quickness. Just buy this, you’ll have the most innocent fun you’ve had in years!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24.93.
Similar to other Alexa-enabled devices, the Echo Show 5 responds to voice commands and can be synced with Audible, Amazon Music, Amazon Video, and other apps and programs like Spotify, iTunes, and NPR.
Promising review: "I bought these for my mother, brother's family and mine for Christmas. Figured it was a quick way to communicate between Michigan and Indiana where everyone is spread out over. Usage was so-so the first few months, but now it's at least once a day. Thank you for coming up with such a simple product that does so much to keep my family connected face-to-face in these times!" —mike
Get it from Amazon for $69.99.
Here's a YouTube playlist of mini trampoline workouts to get you started!
Promising review: "Being in quarantine makes it hard to exercise, and I'm too afraid to go to the gym. My apartment is small, which this mini trampoline Is a perfect fit. Now I can enjoy doing something fun and also gets my body moved. The quality seems reliable after I have been using it for a week." —Jessica
Get it from Amazon for $74.99 (available in two colors).
Promising review: "This microphone is so much fun! Quarantine doesn’t have to be bland and it is definitely a game-changer with this gem! The sound is amazing, I love how sturdy it is, does not feel cheaply made at all. I spent the better half of my afternoon singing my husband’s ear off and making unnecessary announcements LOL!! Buy one and you won’t want to put it down either, that’s for sure! It also came with a very sturdy carrying case! Five stars!" —Mrs. T.
Get it from Amazon for $31.99 (available in 11 colors).
Extremely bonus: it actually comes with cocktail recipes in the coloring book, so you can keep your beverages on theme for booze-and-color nights.
Promising review: "I've taken up some silly hobbies while in quarantine. Coloring has been one of them. I love each picture these are so cute and fun. I didn't realize that there were actual ingredients in the book so that was an added surprise. I like the book. It's a two-in-one." —Taylor Rutledge
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
This set has a cocktail shaker, ice tongs, a bottle opener, a mixing spoon, a double jigger, a strainer, recipe cards, and a stand to neatly display them all.
Promising review: "I needed a new hobby while I shelter in place with my husband and college daughter so I decided to start mixing drinks but I did not have the proper tools. This set by Modern Mixology is perfect for my needs. I can’t wait to start." —Grace V
Get it from Amazon for $43.97.
Promising review: "If you’re on the fence — GET THESE! Best purchase I’ve made this entire quarantine. Amazing quality and fabric for the price!!! I want to wear them everyday. I got the grey color which is perfect for me because I like subdued colors other than black." —Amazon Customer
Get a pair from Amazon for $28.98 (available in 10 colors and sizes XS-3XL).
All you have to do is add generic kernels + whatever oils or butters you feel in your heart, and you'll be raring to go.
Promising review: "Looks weird, feels even weirder. But can it make popcorn? Oh, my, YES! With everyone hunkering in place because of COVID-19, we really need home movie night — complete with popcorn and refreshments! And this little popcorn maker helps to make it so very pleasant." —Edward S.
Psst — if you're looking for way to add some pizzazz to your snack, check out BuzzFeed's ideas for flavoring popcorn!
Get it from Amazon for $15.90 (available in 16 other colors).
Quick rundown if you haven't played before: this game is extremely PG-13, and involves a stack of prompt cards (black cards) and noun cards (white cards). The prompt cards all have a fill-in-the-blank scenario (like "Dude, do not go into that bathroom, there's ____ in there") and the noun cards have things to fill those blanks ("a gnawing sense of dread" or "tasteful sideboob"). Everyone gets five white cards to choose from and every round a judge (you take turns judging) picks a black card. Everyone (anonymously) puts down a white card to fill that prompt, and then the judge decides which is the funniest/worst/appeals to them most, and whoever wins gets to keep the black prompt card. Whoever gets the most blank prompt cards at the ends wins (and is probably a terrible person, as is the nature of the game!!).
Promising review: "Great game! We have been playing this with our adult children for a couple years now and it never gets boring. Always leaves us in stitches. We have played many different games and this is one our favorites that we always go back to. Since we each have our own set, we even played through FaceTime while quarantined. Highly recommend!" —Angela M.
Get it from Amazon for $25.
Psst — if you already have the game, CAH has a ton of expansion packs you can buy on Amazon for $5+, and a kid-friendly version called Kids Against Humanity to boot!
The kids in my neighborhood set up a LEGIT PERSONALITY QUIZ on the sidewalk the other day where you had to walk all the way down the street answering questions before you could tally up your results at the end of the curb to find out what kind of monster you are. It was very precious. I am not crying, there is just street chalk and the relentless creativity of adorable children stuck in my eye.
Promising review: "The chalk was sent to our grandkids in Michigan. We are trying to send items to help them enjoy quarantine a bit better. The five of them used the chalk to decorate their entire sidewalk up to their front door by making a giant mural. They sent us a great video of the finished product. Delightful! We are ordering another package of chalk today." —Jim R.
Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $11.94.
Each kit comes with clear written instructions and access to video tutorials to make over 100 different kinds of slime, from unicorn slime to glitter slime to fluffy cloud slime to floam putty. You can personalize the colors, textures, add-ins, *and* the smell — the box comes with beads, scents, glitter, ink, foam balls, the ingredients needed to make the slime, and containers to keep it in.
Promising review: "This came today and my 10-year-old daughter is having a blast making slime! The kit has everything anyone could need to make fun slime. This is worth it for a gift and for fun on a lonely quarantine day." —Veronica Malbus
Get it from Amazon for $22.99.
Red Line Designs is a Michigan-based Etsy shop established in 2016 that specializes in handmade vinyl gifts like wine glasses, ring dishes, and custom decals.
Promising review: "Bought these glasses for myself and some family members for quarantine and everyone loved them! They’re the perfect size for wine or a mixed drink." —Emily Sneade
Get it from Red Line Designs on Etsy for $7.99+ (available in 35 colors, with optional personalization).
Promising review: "I was very slow to the e-reader game; I am a voracious reader and thought I would not want to read from a screen, since I do that all day at my job. I purchased one after four weeks of 'stay home stay safe,' and had read everything in the house multiple times. The library has been closed for six weeks. I LOVE THIS THING. With a few customizations of layout and font, I may as well be reading from a book. With the Kindle Unlimited, I can choose from soooooo many books. I’ve had this thing for three days and I’ve read five books. Can’t believe I didn’t get one years ago." —Jess Mo
Read BuzzFeed's closer look at the Kindle Paperwhite for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in four colors).
Promising review: "Just what my grandkids needed on a hot May Day. Perfect for little ones to splash around in and use up some pent up energy! The perfect addition to our new 'stay at home' backyard oasis!" —A Mitchell
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.
*Hamilton voice* "Look at my SON ..."
Promising review: "Probably the most lit and productive thing I've done in my spare time during these times of quarantine. 10/10 would recommend this puzzle for people looking for something to do indoors that doesn't involve staring at a TV or video games all day. I did the puzzle alone, took roughly six hours (unsure if that's fast or slow, maybe I'm not the quickest puzzle assembler - still felt pretty good about myself though). Since we realistically don't have a whole lot going on in our free time nowadays, this puzzle was worth the time/challenge, and fun! Will order more puzzles in the near future. Stay safe and wash your hands everyone!!" —Toby Rutkowski
Get it from Amazon for $9.91.
You can also control the settings with Alexa or Google Home, and even set them on a timer, if you wanted to wake yourself up to some ambient colorful light in your room. It comes with adhesive strips and hooks, a Wi-Fi controller, and an adapter, so you can easily install and sync it in your home with everything included.
Promising review: "With this pandemic I had been looking for ways to liven up the mood and I have to say these lights did the job!! They are so much fun!! They go with the music! If you are looking for ways to bring some fun to your life without leaving home or just to add a touch of brightness to your home, these lights will do the job!" —Haze
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two lengths).
Promising review: "So I bought this when the quarantine first happened and man oh man was that such a good idea!!! This was so much fun to destroy and let those feelings of not being able to leave just come out! I would recommend this and I think it would make a great gift too." —Jenn Rowe
Get it from Amazon for $6.52.
Promising review: "Wow, this product was amazing. Took a minute to figure out how to activate the markers by shaking and then pressing firmly until color flows into tip, but once I got the hang of it I was amazed by the quality of color brightness on my car windows. Used it to decorate car windows for my daughter’s sweet 16th birthday party drive by, during this corona quarantine. The colors looked great, it was easy to use and decorate using a variety of techniques. I made lots of big letters and drew colorful images and everyone who saw it loved it, most importantly it made my daughter happy on her special day. Overall I’m very pleased and highly recommend this product!!!!" —Wendy T.
Get a set of eight from Amazon for $12.97.
Each box comes with an assorted pack of 40 snack bags, including chips, nuts, bars, and fruit snacks. (My faves are Pipcorn and those Veggie Straws in case anyone needed more snack opinions from a stranger in their life.)
Promising review: "Sent this care package to my adult son and daughter-in-law, so they could enjoy healthy snacks while working from home. They love it!" —Fredese Wheetly
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
Each set includes instructions, sugar, a tea blend, pH test strips, a kombucha culture starter, a dropper, a gallon jar, and a cloth covering for it. Plus, you can customize flavors like orange, ginger, strawberry, and ~more~.
Promising review: "Bought this for my daughter for Christmas and she finally had time to get started during the quarantine and she LOVES it! The instructions were clear, everything was included, and she had success from the very first try." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $44.99.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.