It’s been a challenging, unpredictable, and totally unprecedented period. From the COVID-19 outbreak and “Tiger King” to the Pentagon’s acknowledgment that UFOs might actually exist, the past year has felt utterly bewildering. Honestly, I can’t tell which way is up or down, nor can I differentiate my left from my right. However, one of the oddest aspects of 2020 and the early months of 2021 is undoubtedly our online shopping habits. As we all hunkered down, our purchasing decisions took some strange turns. Why? Because with life on pause, many of us turned to online shopping and bought much more than just essentials like hand sanitizer and toilet paper. A casual survey conducted by the Home Insemination Kit team highlighted how wildly varied our shopping choices became.
Here are some of the most curious purchases made during quarantine:
- Hydroponic Garden Kit
A self-watering and self-fertilizing hydroponic farmstand caught the eye of many. “This was my attempt to become self-sufficient and prepare for whatever was coming,” said Jamie. - Heated Vest
Feeling chilly or achy? A portable heating pad vest is the answer. With multiple heat settings and an auto-shutoff feature, you can move around effortlessly without any hassle. - A Dog
While not exactly a bizarre choice, many people chose to adopt pets during the pandemic. With isolation taking its toll, a furry companion provided the love and comfort we all craved. - Harmonica
Looking for a new hobby to annoy your partner? Pick up a harmonica! With no lessons or experience needed, what could possibly go wrong? Spoiler alert: it went very wrong. - A Trampoline
As schools and parks closed, parents were left in a panic about how to entertain their kids. Enter the trampoline, a large source of fun (and potential injuries). - Peanut Butter by the Dozen
Many people went on food shopping sprees during the pandemic. One individual, Alex, ended up ordering 24 jars of peanut butter on Amazon without realizing it. “Let’s just say, we had a peanut butter Christmas,” Alex chuckled. - Miniature Rainbow Christmas Tree
One person ordered a festive 6-foot rainbow Christmas tree, but when it arrived, it was a mere 18 inches tall and colorless. Talk about deflated holiday spirits! - Medical Marijuana
Some choices were driven by necessity. “I spent money on a doctor just to get a medical weed card,” said Jenna. “The quarantine stress was unbearable.” We totally relate, Jenna. - Bulk Bubble Gum
In uncertain times, nostalgia often comforts. After reminiscing over childhood candies and maybe a few drinks, one partner ordered four giant tubs of Bazooka bubble gum. That’s a lot of bubble blowing! - A Goose Lamp
While this quirky purchase isn’t common, it certainly caught attention. The oversized goose lamp is both amusing and bizarre. Prefer something different? This retailer also offers duck, mouse, bear, and mushroom lamps!
Of course, not all purchases were whimsical. Some opted for practical items like power tools and gardening supplies to tackle DIY projects, while others invested heavily in technology. As we became more digitized, the demand for tablets, cameras, and noise-canceling headphones surged.
A study from Ibotta revealed a significant increase in food sales during this time, with spirits rising 33%, bakery items up 17%, and both wine and frozen foods seeing a 12% boost compared to the previous year.
What was your most unusual quarantine find?
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In summary, the pandemic led to some truly unique shopping experiences, with many individuals making purchases that reflected both their desires for comfort and their attempts to adapt to an unprecedented situation.