The Best Things We Bought in 2021

Delta Faucet HydroRain H2Okinetic 5-Setting Two-In-One Shower Head ($225 in chrome at the time of publication)

This showerhead is certainly a splurge. Yet every time I take a shower, I think it’s worth the cost. I know we have other great—and less expensive—options in our guide, but Delta Faucet HydroRain showerhead’s high pressure and large spray area make it feel like a warm rain. My wife says the added pressure makes washing her hair much easier. And since it can cover your entire body, you don’t have to constantly turn in the shower to stay warm. We know we’re going to be selling our house and moving next summer, and when we do, we’re going to uninstall this showerhead and bring it with us because it’s that good.

—Chris Heinonen

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 9½-Quart Oval Dutch Oven ($460 at the time of publication)

One of the first truly grown-up kitchen items I ever owned was a 5½-quart round Dutch oven from Le Creuset (the upgrade pick in our Dutch oven guide). When I first bought it, as a 20-something, it seemed impossibly huge and heavy. (Especially since I lived in a small New York City apartment, where devoting an entire shelf of precious cupboard space to a single French braising vessel felt like an act of lunacy.) But over the years, life expanded. My family got bigger, my storage options got better, and my appetite to feed large crowds grew. Though it’s still a wonderful workhorse, my OG Le Creuset—shockingly—just didn’t have enough capacity. With a thud, I realized that I needed the larger, 9½-quart oval model. I’ll freely admit that both the supersize dimensions—it could house a small dog—and hefty price tag can be a lot to handle. (Psst: I ended up finding a used one on eBay for around $200. The Marseille-blue exterior is worn, but the enamel on the inside is still perfectly smooth, because these things are built to last.) These days, I can happily cook two chickens at once or a big-ass batch of bone-in short ribs. It’s the largest Dutch oven that Le Creuset currently makes, but I’m so pleased with my new addition that … who can say what the future holds? If the company ever decides to level up to a cauldron, they know where to find me.

—Ingela Ratledge Amundson

Crow Canyon Splatter Mug ($10 each at the time of publication)

I’ve been trying to reduce plastic at home with my kids, who have long used IKEA plastic cups in the apartment. I snagged a set of four of these pretty Crow Canyon Splatter enamelware mugs for them to use at home, to take out camping, or to go to the park for picnics. The colors are great, and the vessels are durable. And they look just a bit nicer than the standard enamelware cups you’d pick up at a camping store. If you want to go all-out, the company also has bowls, dishes, and storage containers.

—Christine Cyr Clisset

Baloo Weighted Blanket ($220 for a 15-pound full/queen at the time of publication)

Like many during the pandemic, I was doing poorly with every aspect of sleep—falling into it, staying in it, not getting kicked in the face by my bed-invading toddler while doing it. I was intrigued by the promise of weighted blankets, but I was worried they’d make me sweat even more than I already did. So when I saw the Baloo Weighted Blanket recommendation in our weighted blanket guide, it seemed almost too good to be true. The price threw me a bit, but I was desperate, so I ordered it and tried to manage my expectations as I awaited its arrival. The first time I pulled it over my tired, sleep-deprived body, I nearly wept with relief. Turns out it is the perfect gentle hug I need to fall and stay asleep, and it’s cool and soothing to boot. Now to figure out what to do about that toddler foot.

—Marilyn Ong

Swstinling Large Hair Claw Clips ($13 for six at the time of publication)

These are the exact same hair clips being sold at Anthropologie—and basically every other trendy clothing store right now. But this pack of six is much more nicely priced. I like that they're matte and come in a mix of bold and muted colors, so I can always find one to match my outfit. My hair has gotten pretty unruly since I started working from home full-time, so these clips have been a convenient way to keep it tamed for Zoom calls (or for a quick up-do on the rare occasions that I venture outside).

—Sarah Witman

Caddis Miklos Sun ($150 at the time of publication)

Being a longtime contact-lens wearer, when I started needing reading glasses (the injustice!), I first sought out slim, subtle frames that I hoped would (if not vanish entirely) at least not make me look like a little-old-lady-in-waiting. Then I discovered Caddis Eye Appliances, whose frames are bold, almost heavy-looking, but also light-hearted. (The top of one pair is stamped with the words Port and Starboard, and another pair with Goofy and Regular.) After a few months, I somehow had a pair of Caddis readers in almost every room in my apartment. (I hope our HSA administrators aren’t reading this!) Now, Caddis also makes progressive sunglasses, which allow you to read when you’re outside—of course, I bought a pair.

—Christine Ryan

Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale ($10 at the time of publication)

I’d always heard about the benefits of using a kitchen scale to weigh ingredients, but I kept blowing it off as a mild suggestion. My grandma never used a kitchen scale, and no one seemed to be turning down all of the cookies I was making without one! After reading our guide, I decided to see what all the fuss was about and grabbed our budget pick, the Ozeri Pronto kitchen scale. It has transformed my cooking and—especially—baking, which I do a lot of. I never realized how off my measurements were. It has become a kitchen staple that I use at least once a day.

—Rachel Cericola

Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone ($220 at the time of publication)

You don’t have to be a creator to appreciate great-sounding audio in any context. This microphone provides superb, podcasty sound for all kinds of occasions, from everyday Zoom calls to more-professional voice-over or video production. It is extremely user-friendly, with a USB connection and a companion app that gives you easy access to simple settings. Our USB mic guide has several excellent options. But what makes this one stand out for me is its XLR analog output—useful in professional setups—making it a great choice if you want to grow your audio-production chops over time.

—Michael Hession

Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven ($350 at the time of publication)

Somehow, my partner and I missed the whole 2020-bread-baking memo. In its place, though, we have pizza. In the past, I’ve envied friends who own backyard pizza ovens. But our backyard isn’t big enough to fit one (nor are our construction skills polished enough to build one). However, when he started lobbying for an Ooni Fyre, I checked with our kitchen team staffers (who happened to be testing a few Oonis for a guide), and they gave it the thumbs-up. The wood pellets are easy to manage; the oven really does top 900 degrees Fahrenheit; the whole thing is small enough to bring with us on road trips; and it’s given us a project. Practice, after all, makes perfect.

—Christine Ryan

Corkcicle Sling ($45 at the time of publication)

After making too many impulsive purchases, I often joke about how social media ads work too well on me. But in the case of Corkcicle’s Sling, I have no regrets. Being able to carry my water bottle and have room to bring my phone, wallet, hand sanitizer, and more with me has been a game changer on long walks and hikes. Friends who see it keep asking me for the link to purchase their own. Plus, it can fit up to a 40-ounce bottle. I’ve recommended this sling to everyone so much that it even appears on another Wirecutter gift guide list this year. I just love it.

—Rozette Rago

Sugar & Cloth White Melamine Tray and Multicolor Condiment Cups Set, 8 Pieces (about $25 at the time of publication)

I bought this Sugar & Cloth melamine set on a whim during a sale, mostly because I love a good matte melamine, and the colors really drew me in. Sure, the irregularly shaped dishes don’t stack perfectly in my cupboard, but they don’t spend a lot of time in there because they’re constantly in use! The kids love them for snacks, sauces, and small servings of fruit, and I love pulling them out for … just about every excuse I can come up with. These are perfect when I need a place for my tea bag, a spot for that garlic I chopped while the pan heats up, or to bring just a few chocolate-covered almonds back to my desk (so I don’t eat the whole bag). The white tray is also great for holding my tea (and maybe a pastry) when I’m WFB (you know, working from bed). Every piece in this set has been super-handy. They wash up nicely in the dishwasher, the wonky shapes make me smile, and the price tag doesn’t hurt! These could make a great stocking stuffer, white elephant gift, or heading-off-to-college dorm-room present.

—Marilyn Ong

Jelly Belly Jelly Beans 49 Flavors (2 pounds) ($10 at the time of publication)

Every December, my mother gets one of those giant, 4-pound tubs of Jelly Belly Jelly Beans from Costco, available only at Christmastime, and rations them out throughout the entire year. We are each limited to five beans a day. But even so, by last July, supply was already running low (to be honest, I think someone was exceeding their allotment). I couldn’t face the rest of the summer without watermelon or root beer beans, so I snagged a 2-pound bag and just kept refilling her jar, like the magical house elf I am.

—Annemarie Conte

A local pottery class (price varies by location)

My partner and I started watching The Great Pottery Throw Down this spring after burning through what felt like all of the other available shows. And after watching a few episodes, I somehow got it in my head that I—a person who has never taken an art class—would really enjoy working with clay. Turns out I was right. Union Project here in Pittsburgh, where we live, is a nonprofit that uses ceramics as an organizing point for the surrounding community, and it offers all sorts of classes for a reasonable cost. I’m four months into my time with clay, and it has become an absolute unmissable part of my week—not to mention a true therapeutic practice that has helped “calm my nerves,” as my grandmother would say.

—Allen Tingley

OXO Steel Pizza Wheel and Cutter ($14 at the time of publication)

I had been casually shopping for a new pizza cutter for over two years, putting up with a subpar one that was frustratingly dull and prone to bending. The OXO Steel Pizza Wheel and Cutter is sharp and rock solid, and it makes pizza night more enjoyable. This pizza cutter will never bend because it has two support arms that hold the wheel on either side! It has changed my life.

—Gustave Gerhardt

Hally Sinks & Tables Stainless Steel Prep Table 24 by 60 ($350 at the time of publication)

This was the year that I got into gardening in a big way. I turned an unused space under our deck into a potting shed, and I needed a potting bench. Most things labeled “potting bench” are expensive and small. Plus, they’re almost all made of wood. And because I live in the Pacific Northwest, I needed something impervious to water damage. I also needed something that held a lot of supplies, was easy to clean, and was big enough to work on comfortably. I think my husband was the one who suggested getting a stainless steel kitchen prep table instead. And compared with the gardening gear I researched, this table was a bargain for the size. It’s been so fantastic that I can't imagine ever using anything else.

—Jackie Reeve

OXO Tot Perfect Pull Wipes Dispenser (about $20 at the time of publication)

“Better mousetrap” alert! This baby wipes dispenser is so simple and so genius, it will make you mildly furious that they’re not all designed this way. A weighted plate holds the wipes in place, so when it’s time for a diaper change, you just pop open the lid (one-handed) and pull out the exact amount you need. (The sliding-nursery-doors alternative: Wrestling frantically with a torn plastic pack while simultaneously trying to keep your baby from falling off the changing table and/or smearing poop across your face and walls.) It’s been such a game changer for us that I now use this as my go-to gift for new parents. Sure, it may not be the most glamorous item. But I’d like to think that when it’s 3 a.m. and they’re facing down a squalling infant, they know someone out there has their back.

—Ingela Ratledge Amundson

Crocs Classic Clog ($40 at the time of publication)

I used to slap around my apartment barefoot or in a pair of flat slippers that left my arches aching—especially while cleaning on the weekends. Ever since I got a pair of Crocs, they’ve become my go-to indoor “doing chores” shoes. I love the supportive cush they provide as I stand and wash dishes, sweep, vacuum, and pretend to fold laundry while watching Veep. I can wear them for hours at a time, and my feet are completely comfortable. They’re light and breathable, so they’re also great for the summer. And there’s plenty of space to layer on socks as the temps drop.

—Jessie Mohkami

Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set ($30 at the time of publication)

I’m sure it’s at least 50% my own perception, but these storage containers (the glass pick in our food-storage-container guide) make me feel more organized. I also love that I can clearly see what’s inside them. Again, this is probably my mind tricking me, but I even feel like I’m more likely to eat leftovers or reuse them in some way. Plus, it’s so nice to be able to reheat food in them and eat out of them. Before I purchased these, I was relying solely on takeout containers—which I’d inevitably fill with leftovers and give away to friends. Now I know exactly what I have in the cupboard at all times! And I will not be lending them to anyone (sorry!).

—Andrew Kalinchuk

Yamazaki Slim Rolling Storage Cart (about $65 at the time of publication)

After I moved into a small apartment with very limited storage space, this unobtrusive little cart changed the game for me. It holds so much, and it can slide into any corner or awkward gap, which makes a big difference when I’m trying to keep cluttered surfaces to a minimum. I have one in the kitchen for my dog’s go-to items, and the other is tucked away next to the washing machine, for tools and things I use less often. The price is a bit high, but it’s well worth it if you’re looking for a sleek way to store things.

—Daron Simon

Frienda Large Butterfly Window Clings ($8 for 40 decals at the time of publication)

I’ve been too lazy to get curtains for our sunroom, and, unfortunately, a disoriented bird flew straight into the window (it flew off, so I’m hoping it just had a really scary story to tell its nestmates). I immediately ordered these pretty butterfly decals, which add some whimsy to the room—and have so far stopped any other silly sparrows from crash-landing into our house.

—Annemarie Conte

De Négoce Wine Futures (around $8 to $15 a bottle, when bought by the case, at the time of publication)

Early in the pandemic, I read an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about local companies selling wine futures. One of them, De Négoce, was founded by serial wine entrepreneur Cameron Hughes, who’d made his name supplying wines to Costco. By signing up for his email list, you get the chance to buy, at astonishingly reasonable prices, cases of wines he hasn’t yet bottled—his own blends of surplus wines from often-famous-but-undisclosed sources (inspired by the French négociant business model he named his company for). Weirdly, buying wine that I couldn’t taste ahead of time—and that wouldn’t be delivered for months—gave me something to look forward to. And building up a (modest) cellar of wines with pedigrees beyond my budget made me view the future in a brighter light. Judging by the bottles my partner and I have opened—our favorite, so far, is a Walla Walla Syrah—my gamble is paying off. (If you can’t bear to wait, Hughes also sells any unspoken-for inventory by the bottle.)

—Christine Ryan

Yoto Player ($100 at the time of publication)

I bought my niece a Yoto Player with a matching Adventure Jacket for her 5th birthday this year, after asking around for something that met her parents’ criteria: They wanted a durable music player she could control by herself, one that lacked the screen and microphone of a tablet. The Yoto more than delivered on this task, and our entire family is smitten. She has a library of physical cards that slot into the Yoto, many of which are customized and all of which withstand the usual wear and tear of boisterous kiddos. Every single track can have a unique, simple pixelated image on the display (I added a whale for “Baby Beluga” and a top hat for “Chim Chim Cher-ee”). Yoto has a big library of music and story cards available for purchase. And you can also buy blank cards and put your own playlists, voice recordings, and albums on them. Parents can use a connected app to set volume and time limits, play other sounds with Bluetooth, or access any card virtually. The Yoto has a wireless charger, and the built-in clock and night-light are helping my niece learn to tell and keep time. The company recently announced a Mini version, right around the time I announced my candidacy for Long-Distance Aunt of the Year.

—Annam Swanson

HyperX Cloud Alpha (about $80 at the time of publication)

As the pandemic switched my hobbies to a more-digital world with friends, these headphones (our gaming headset pick) have made game nights easy and comfortable to carry on for hours. Seriously, I live in these headphones—some days they’re on my head for eight-plus hours. The sound quality is fantastic. And though they’re a touch heavier than other headphones, they’ve become my favorite thing to wear, even when I’m not playing games over a Discord server. My husband uses them too, within 3 feet of me, and we rarely have audio overlaps while we’re on games or calls together. These headphones have made this digital edition of our lives so much more enjoyable.

—Nena Farrell

Bob Ross Car Sun Shade ($25 at the time of publication)

Bob Ross has long been my own personal Buddha. And, to my delight, my kids have also found comfort in his benevolent example. Bob’s smiling mug on this car sun shade has provided us with protection from the scorching sun, as well as a much-needed daily dose of levity during a summer that was abruptly cooled off by yet another COVID-19 wave. One side of the shield we originally bought (now discontinued) has Saint Bob’s beaming face, the other reflective foil. Note that the newer, nicer model has replaced ours, and it’s made of a flexible fabric with two built-in hoops, so it can fold down easily and stow in a tote bag.

—Jon Chase