Oh, home isolation. So much free time, so little motivation. As the country faces the Omicron peak, the task of spending ten days at home can feel painstaking at best. In order to calm those nerves and keep morale high, we’re all going to need a little extra self-care.
Whether you’ve ended up feeling under the weather or you’re just starting to get stir-crazy, we’ve put together some affordable additions to make life stuck at home a little more bearable.
Here are 25 things under $25 to make your time in home isolation less of a drag.
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Available in four dreamy scents, these Maison & Muse candles are luxurious and affordable. The fruity, floral aromas will have your gloomy home quarantine feeling like a serene staycation in no time. | $25.00
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Speaking for itself, this cute mug will remind you why having to stay home is the respite that your inner introvert has been waiting for. | $20.00
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Need a boost of optimism to keep you going? Picking up Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King will remind you how caring for yourself is vital to a positive mindset. | $22.26
- There’s never been a better time for a little pampering, and this Foreo revitalising face mask with ginseng and olive oil will have your skin glowing in no time. | $19.00
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Packed full of nutritious nuts and seeds, Fix & Fogg’s Everything Butter is a delicious way to get some superfoods in your system. | $5.90
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In this time of baked goods and comfort food, Edmonds NZ Classics is a must-add to your cookbook collection. | $24.00
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Sometimes self-care is exercise, other times it's chocolate. Get your hands on a block (or three) of the sensational Whittaker’s Blondie if you’re not obsessed already. | $5.00
- In times like these, comfort is key—meaning a cosy pair of fluffy slippers is simply a necessity! | $20.00
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Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to pass the time and get out of your own head, and this one from Cotton On is pretty enough to frame when you’re done. | $5.00
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A go-to for helping relieve muscle soreness and promote relaxation, soaking in a bath of quality Epsom salts is a great addition to your evening routine. | $3.00
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If you’re looking for something to calm your anxious mind (and who isn’t right now?), Gwendoline Smith’s The Book Of Overthinking offers a science-based approach to the cycle of worry and how to break it. | $20.00
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This East Imperial Coffee & Tonic will add a zesty splash of fun to your morning caffeine hit—or your at-home happy hour, we don’t judge. | $14.99
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Mourning the loss of your post-workout endorphins? An online subscription to Sala Studio offers a range of high-quality fitness, yoga, and meditation classes to suit whatever kind of movement you’re in the mood for. | $25.00/month (plus a free 14-day trial)
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If you’re not bursting with energy, a bit of gentle movement on this extra-plush yoga mat can help you feel less sluggish during the day and aid relaxation in the evening. | $24.90
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Not only do they smell delicious, but these Maison & Muse diffusers are a sleek and sophisticated way to keep things feeling fresh inside. | $15.00
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Reiterating the fluffy slippers sentiment, warm and cosy socks are also an isolation must, not to mention how cute they are. | $14.99
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Refresh your skin and reawaken your senses with the floral-infused formula of this Hydrating Mist Toner by Trilogy. | $24.99
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Doing iso with your family or flatmates? Get a little friendly competition going with a classic game of Monopoly Deal (the keyword here is friendly—remember, you’re still stuck together if things get ugly). | $5.00
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If you’re craving a new binge-worthy show to make the days go by a little faster, look no further than a Neon NZ subscription. It boasts an all-star selection, and we’ve got more than a few favourites. | $15.99/month
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These adorable, super-soft cat plushies will have you feeling like a kid again in the very best way. | $24.00
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Good sleep is always important, right now more than ever. Treating yourself to a satin eye mask can help you achieve more deep sleep and feel extra glamorous while doing so. | $14.99
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There’s hardly a more wholesome activity than planting your own herbs, and with this starter kit you can live out your gardening dreams in your very own kitchen. | $19.00
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If your green thumb is a little more ambitious, a fig plant is a delicious way to start planting and growing your own fruit at home. | $23.79
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Trying to master at home bartending? This little set of books, one on each of your fave spirits, is perfect if you’re missing your local cocktail bar and want to take matters into your own hands. | $25.00
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And of course, you’ll need a snazzy cocktail shaker to bring your inner mixologist to life. | $24.00
Tested positive? We’re sorry to hear it—here’s a registered nurse’s guide on how to manage COVID at home.
Image credit: Surface, Maison & Muse, Fix & Fogg, Cotton On, Sala, Trilogy, The Natural Co.
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