The novelty of SAH or WFH eventually wears out and what can hold your attention most during these times apart from all the apps? Online shopping! The latest hot picks in online shopping are air fryers, Nintendo Switch and potted plants, to name a few. Although they do not keep us safe from infection, they help us kill lockdown boredom. But are these in-trend items worth snatching up? Guru delves deeper into the 'it' items bought during lockdown to find out how they've helped people cope with the situation.
Pachara "Tung-Guard" Aungsusuknarumol, 26
Attache, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
What items did you buy during lockdown and why?
Most of my shopping expenses surrounded my workstation because gadgets and toys help boost my productivity. To a certain point. I either spent most of my time in bed or at my desk. To compete with my super comfy bed, I decided to make my workstation a little bit more exciting. I made use of the online 'auspicious-date sales' on e-commerce platforms -- 6.6, 7.7 and 8.8. Month after month, I ended up buying more and more gadgets for my workstation. Things escalated quickly and my desk got smaller and smaller. It started from an adjustable stand for my laptop to a big screen and a multi-device keyboard. The latest investment is a Blue Yeti microphone.
(Photo: Pachara Aungsusuknarumol)
Have the items sparked joy?
I am happy with everything I bought, especially the microphone. During the WFH period, I had to attend several meetings via Zoom and other online platforms. I find it handy to have a microphone set that can pick up better sound quality, so I don't have to shout awkwardly at my laptop anymore. I also found that a few of its features are extremely useful for my conference sessions. The microphone I bought has put my mind at ease because it is equipped with a mute button and a red LED light, all of which help make sure that I am not interrupting a call with unintended noise.
What would be your top recommendation?
Obviously, the Blue Yeti microphone. The sound pick-up function is versatile with four different patterns, customising how it picks up sound. The microphone is also super easy to install with no software needed. Just plug the cable into a USB port, select it in your audio settings and you are good to go! I like the design, too. It blends well with my desk and I consider it a fun decorative piece that makes my desk an enjoyable place to work!
Supitcha "Eve" Wisethpanish, 25
Accountant
What items did you buy during lockdown and why?
Watching unboxing vlogs and K-series during lockdown convinced me to buy unnecessary stuff without thinking thoroughly. I still ask myself daily, 'Why the heck do I need a mini-shabu pot when I already have a family-size one?'. On second thoughts, it's convenient when you get a midnight craving for instant noodles. Another thing I found pretty useful at night, is a LED clip-on lamp. I pinched it to my bedhead. The reason why I bought this lamp is simple. I'm too lazy to walk back and forth between my bed and the light switch panel.
(Photos: Supitcha Wisethpanish)
If you are a K-series fan, you have probably seen many cool gadgets that the 'oppas' [older brothers] use. One oppa has a portable air purifier/diffuser in his office, and yep, I got the exact same for my desk. I think sometimes we all need an excuse to buy something listed in the sale campaigns on e-commerce platforms. During the 8.8 campaign, I got myself a dust mite vacuum at half price and that made me proud! Moreover, I just found out that my mother is allergic to dust and dog fur. So, the vacuum is kind of my victory moment in online shopping.
Have the items sparked joy?
It's more about quenching my online shopping thirst during the lockdown. I was obsessed with those items when they first arrived. Now, they are in a pile of neglected items in my storage.
What would be your top recommendation?
I recommend my mini-shabu pot. It heats your soup very quickly, plus it is easy to clean, too.
Chayanid "Paint" Udomrattanasirichai, 23
Key account executive
What items did you buy during lockdown and why?
The lockdown unlocked a new skill for me: cooking. I'm sick of eating cold and tasteless meals I order. Who does not love savouring hot and freshly cooked food, right? I decided to fill up my kitchen with appliances. I started with a must-have item that everyone is crazy about, an air fryer. And yes, those netizens were right. It does its job excellently. Besides owning a new toaster and a low-sugar rice cooker, I also decided to squeeze in a new coffee machine, creating my own coffee corner. My coffee grinder has been ordered and is on its way now. The only problem is that I have no idea where to place it.
(Photos: Chayanid Udomrattanasirichai)
Have the items sparked joy?
I still use them every day. The kitchen appliances have become the fifth requisite for my existence right now. Apart from making my cooking easier and convenient, they help me take my mind off work. As I am getting used to them, I find myself enjoying discovering new recipes and learning new cooking techniques.
What would be your top recommendation?
I recommend my Haier microcomputer rice cooker. It is a perfect life-hack tool for those serious about their calorie-counting. It features a sugar reduction when cooking your rice. This all-in-one rice cooker is also packed with many cooking functions, like porridge cooking and soup warming. Plus, it comes with a compact design to fit in your kitchen. If you are looking for a retro-designed appliance to decorate your coffee corner, check out the Korean-made Jenniferoom Vertical Toaster. It comes with nine levels of toasting, and an ice-melting function, too.
Chawat "Champ" Rerksumrej, 24
Strategic planner
What items did you buy during lockdown and why?
Just call me a gadget guy. I have purchased more than 20 electronic devices during the past few months, especially those must-have workstation gadgets that help me get through my WFH routine. For example, a laptop stand, a wireless keyboard, an iPad stand, a headphone set and even a back-supporting cushion. Honestly, I sometimes wonder if I walked into my room or the Xiaomi store because I've bought almost anything they sold ranging from an air purifier, a Bluetooth speaker, a portable fan to a digital scale and an electric shaver. And I haven't even mentioned the furniture and other knick-knacks, as yet.
(Photos: Chawat Rerksumrej)
Have the items sparked joy?
Of course, they are worth every satang. I might not use the gadgets every day, but they never collect dust.
What would be your top recommendation?
If you are suffering from backaches caused by working nonstop on your computer at home or office, buy yourself a back-supporting cushion or stand for your devices because those items will help you sit and work ergonomically.
Pimpisut "Pym" Subunjuiy, 23
Content creator
What items did you buy during lockdown and why?
The lockdowns drive me crazy! Pre-Covid, I would usually go to a park or take a road trip to escape the city every weekend. But now, the farthest I can go is my front yard. I said to myself, 'If I can't go to nature, why don't I bring it to me?'. In the past few months, I have ordered plenty of plants online, ranging from tiny succulent plants like cacti and baibuabokkod (Stephania erecta), air-purifying plants to the internet-crazed variegated monsteras. Gardening helps put my mind at ease and I feel calm when those leaves flutter in the wind.
(Photos: Pimpisut Subunjuiy)
I am also one of those people who jumped on the air fryer bandwagon. I had heard everyone talking about fried snacks from an air fryer being healthier. Frankly, I haven't noticed that much of a difference between an air frying and the normal method of frying. The air fryer also takes too much time and only allows me to cook a small portion at a time.
Have the items sparked joy?
The plants are so worth it! But I do regret my air fryer. The machine left me with a bigger electricity bill because of the long frying time. I live in a big family and it is a waste of time to fry small amounts of food in an energy-guzzling machine. Now it sits in my storage, covered in dust.
What would be your top recommendation?
I do recommend adding a green space to your home. The plants help reduce my stress from being at home and I think everyone needs a green space to distract them from monotonous routines during lockdown. It feels good to see the plants we take care of growing and blooming.
Nasarun "Nan" Amornchanthanakorn, 23
Artist/public relations
What items did you buy during lockdown and why?
The lockdown has turned my apartment into a multi-purpose room. It was enjoyable to find substitutes for activities that I miss during this time. A foldable treadmill is what I bought after gyms and parks were closed. I also filled my balcony with plants I bought from online stores, so when I walked on my treadmill with the shutter open, it made me feel like I was strolling in the park. I miss moo krata and shabu so much and I solved that problem by getting a two-in-one electronic shabu pot that came with a grill so I could savour my two favourite foods at the same time.
(Photos: Nasarun Amornchanthanakorn)
The Nintendo Switch is another life-saver gadget that has helped kill my boredom. It helps me clear my mind after a long day at work and allows me to spend time with my family, screaming over each other while playing Overcooked. Even though I got this one when the price was way beyond what it should be because of high demand, it was worth the investment.
Have the items sparked joy?
They are all worthwhile, even though I may not need to run on my foldable treadmill after the parks reopen.
What would be your top recommendation?
I recommend the air fryer. This cooking-hack machine will make your life easier. The best part is, you can eat bacon that is fried in an air fryer with less guilt.
