If you follow Mashable Shopping’s coverage, you know that we live to bring you the best product recommendations we can find based on countless hours of online research. But, what about the stuff that we buy for ourselves? The stuff that made it into our shopping carts? Well, we’re here to tell you about those things, and we’ll be back every month to do so again.
Here’s what the staff bought in April 2021.
“I finally caved to a year’s worth of Instagram ads and bought the Minimal Lamp. It fits into nearly any corner (with next to no rearranging) and makes me feel like I’m living in a damn art installation. Totally digging the chaotic-yet-aesthetically-pleasing twist on my modern farmhouse living room!” —Leah Stodart, Shopping Reporter
A candle that’s more for decoration
“I bought a floating shelf a few months ago that I finally put up this month, so naturally I had to buy some fun trinkets and knickknacks for it. I’ve been seeing bust and figure candles all over Instagram, so I bought this one from Etsy. It looks great and the smells amazing — though I never plan on burning it.” —Miller Kern, Shopping Reporter
“I have basically been living in my Crocs clogs during the pandemic, so naturally I get targeted ads for the brand. I’ve been on the hunt for cute platform sandals to replace my beloved Topshop pair that is definitely not going to make it through this summer, and when I got an ad for the Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedges, I was sold. I got the all-black pair and they are so comfy and don’t have a cheap plasticky look. —Miller Kern, Shopping Reporter
“Now that vaccinated people can see each other and outdoor restrictions are loosening up a little bit, I’m looking forward to hopefully spending more time with family and friends this summer. I love the nostalgic feeling that disposable film cameras give me, so I bought a couple to make sure I have them on-hand for the post-quarantine reunions.” —Dylan Haas, Shopping Reporter
“One of my favorite musicians, Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast, is also a brilliant writer. I picked up her new memoir, Crying in H Mart, which is based on a great New Yorker piece she wrote a few years back. I’m really excited to dive into it and get super emo.” —Dylan Haas, Shopping Reporter
I use my blender a lot for making smoothies and baked oatmeal. Almost every day, in fact. But, it was way too bulky, which made it even more annoying to clean on such a regular basis. So, I decided to pick up a NutriBullet, which is way more compact and is the perfect serving size for my favorite blended treats.” —Dylan Haas, Shopping Reporter
Another lamp!
“I got one of these lamps for a temporary rental over the summer because I’m obsessed with the mushroom lamp trend, and it’s dirt cheap and throws a beautiful little glow. I need to get another one now because my stepdaughter loved it so much I gave it to her” —Caitlin Welsh, Mashable Australia Editor
“Chalk up another victory for Instagram ads. Those Awe Inspired goddess necklaces were all over my feed. I almost gave in to buying one to wear on an extra-long chain, Natasha Lyonne in Russian Doll style, but instead bought this signet ring. My college seal has Athena so it seemed fitting.” —Chandra Steele, Senior Features Writer for PCMag
“I was an early adopter of Allbirds and their original sin was that they were designed for northern California, where it’s perfect weather all the time. The new Mizzles have a thicker sole and are more water-resistant, so they’re better for pounding actual pavement and don’t turn into soggy sheep in the rain.” —Sascha Segan, Lead Analyst, Mobile for PCMag
And some slip-ons for good measure
“The slip-ons are for taking out the trash or running down to Duane Reade. For a while I was doing that in flip-flops, but contrary to popular Internet memes, nobody should have to see my damn feet.” —Sascha Segan, Lead Analyst, Mobile for PCMag