The past year has been a whirlwind of challenges and absurdities. From the COVID-19 pandemic and the cultural phenomenon of “Tiger King” to the Pentagon’s acknowledgment of potential UFOs, the last 365 days have felt utterly nonsensical. Honestly, it’s been hard to keep track of anything! But perhaps the most bizarre part of this experience is our online shopping habits. Faced with lockdowns, we turned to e-commerce, and our purchases went far beyond the essentials like hand sanitizer and toilet paper. An informal survey conducted by our team revealed some truly quirky buys during quarantine.
Here’s a roundup of the most unexpected items we purchased over the past year:
- Hydroponic Gardening Kits
These self-watering, self-fertilizing systems helped many seek a little self-sufficiency during uncertain times. One follower, Jenna, shared that it was her way of preparing for whatever challenges lay ahead. - A Wearable Heating Pad Vest
For those chilly days or sore muscles, a portable heating pad vest became a cozy solution. With adjustable heat settings and no cumbersome cords, it made moving around the house a breeze. - A New Pet
While adopting a dog isn’t exactly strange, it became a popular choice as many sought companionship during isolation. Pets provided much-needed love and comfort. - Harmonica
Looking for a new pastime? A harmonica may not be the best idea. With no prior experience and a slight disregard for others’ sanity, this purchase often led to some regrettable moments. - Trampoline
With school closures, many parents turned to trampolines to keep their kids entertained at home. These massive sources of fun (and potential injury) became commonplace in backyards. - Bulk Peanut Butter
Food purchases spiked during the pandemic, and one dad mistakenly ordered 24 jars of peanut butter. Christmas gifts ended up being a bit nutty! - Six-Foot Rainbow Christmas Tree
Hoping for a festive vibe? One buyer, Maria, was disappointed when her colorful tree arrived as a mere 18 inches tall and colorless. Talk about a letdown! - Medical Marijuana
For many, the stress of quarantine led to seeking medical relief. Alex shared that the anxiety of constant togetherness drove her to pursue a medical marijuana card. - Bulk Bubble Gum
Embracing nostalgia can be comforting during tough times, and one husband indulged in a little too much gum after reminiscing about childhood treats. - A Goose Lamp
While not a typical purchase, the quirky giant goose lamp stood out among the rest. Not your style? There are also duck, mouse, bear, and mushroom lamps available!
Practical purchases were also common, with many opting for tools and supplies for home improvement projects. For instance, Tom mentioned he transformed into a one-man landscaping business! The demand for tech also surged, leading to increased purchases of devices like tablets and noise-canceling headphones.
A study by Ibotta revealed that food sales soared, with alcoholic beverages up by 33% and bakery items by 17%. If you’re interested in more pandemic-related purchases, check out this other blog post or learn more about home insemination kits from Make a Mom.
What was your most peculiar purchase during quarantine?
SEO Summary
The pandemic has not only reshaped our daily lives but also our shopping habits, leading to an array of unusual purchases. From hydroponic gardening kits to quirky lamps, the last year has seen an uptick in unique items bought online. As we navigated the challenges of isolation, many turned to shopping as a source of comfort.
Keyphrase: pandemic shopping habits
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