Adventurous Beginner

The two best things I've bought for myself during this pandemic are both drinking vessels, both designed to keep your drink at the perfect temperature. One for hot drinks, one for cold.

The first, for cold drinks, is an insulated tumbler with a straw. I got it because my apartment is disgustingly hot nine months out of the year, so I started keeping a carafe of tap water in the fridge, but I was annoyed by the condensation when I poured it in a normal glass, and it would get warm faster than I could drink it. The tumbler with a straw is way better than an insulated water bottle for using at home because you don't have to unscrew a lid every time you want to take a sip. It's great for keeping by your bed at night since you don't have to sit up as straight as you would to drink out of a bottle or glass. It's kind of fun to drink out of, because it sort of feels like you're drinking from a Starbucks to-go cup. If you put ice in it, it makes a really satisfying noise when you shake it. It would be great for taking to your backyard, a pool, or other outdoor setting where you're mostly sedentary and don't need a sealed bottle. Mine is this 22-ounce tumbler from Hydroflask with this straw lid.

The second is a lot more indulgent because it's a $130 smart mug. I initially balked at the price but decided I had to have it after I read a bunch of reviews where people said, “I hate myself for loving this, but I love it.” The main feature of this mug is that it keeps your drink hot. But it's better than an insulated mug, because it first lets your drink cool to the perfect temperature, and then it keeps it at that temperature. So you're freed not only from having to drink lukewarm coffee, but also from burning your mouth. Since it connects to your phone, if you want to, you can get notifications when your drink has cooled to your perfect temperature. I have these notifications going to my watch, which makes me feel like a ridiculous person, but it's also convenient!

If you're a person who spends a lot of time at home, I think these are two of the most bang-for-your-buck purchases you could make to improve your quality of life. And while it's looking like we'll soon have the option of not spending so much time at home, let's face it: we're going to choose to keep spending a lot of time at home. Or, I guess these would be nice to keep at your desk at work, too!