With the start of the pandemic in the spring came the selling out of items ranging from puzzles to paper towels. It’s a safe bet that hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes and spray, hand soap, thermometers, tissues, and toilet paper (WHY???) will top the list again as we move into the fall and winter months.
The planner in me has been thinking about what else should we anticipate seeing an increased demand for. Do we need any of these items? Probably not. But if they make this entire season feel just a little more tolerable, well, then sign me up.
In no particular order, here are my very unscientific predictions of items I suspect will be in high demand very soon.
Hot Tubs
Just as many of us don’t have the money to throw down on a pandemic pool, the same goes for hot tubs. One alternative, akin to the inflatable pool, is of course the inflatable hot tub which you can find in varying sizes and quality.
Indoor Things to Tire Your Kids Out
In the dead of winter when it’s too cold to go outside, the kids have been cooped up in the house for days, and letting them loose in the wild to fend for themselves isn’t an option—enter all things bouncy and climbable. Think mini trampolines, pop-up tents and tunnels, rock climbing walls, Pikler triangle (yes, I had to find the name by Googling “kids triangle climbing thing”), Nugget couches, and more.
Indoor Things to Tire You Out
Peloton now has a multi-week waiting list (and a sale on the original) but don’t forget you can actually get a good old-fashioned stationary bike too. That said, expect a jump in the search for any home gym equipment again.
Game Consoles
The PS5 pre-order was an instant sellout (the whole thing was a cluster you-know-what.) If you haven’t already pulled your ancient Nintendo out of the basement, it’s time. Don’t count out Nintendo Switch or even an old Sega or Super Nintendo.
Baking Stuff
We saw what happened with the bread making so add holidays into the mix and expect to see a LOT of baking going on this season. Items like baking chocolate, flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder will see an uptick.
Face Masks
With more people gathering indoors, face mask sales will go up. And at this point if you’ve been looking at the same one for months on end, it might be time to expand your collection. Plenty of local retailers are carrying fun and stylish face masks now.
Outdoor Gear
The Farmers’ Almanac predicts the Midwest can expect cold temps and “very flakey” snow conditions. So while we might not need snow shoes or sleds, it’s wise to stock up on warm boots, coats, and everything else to keep you covered outside.
Fire Pits and Outdoor Heaters
To continue to gather with friends and loved ones as long as possible in an outdoor setting, we’re sure to see an increase in the purchases of fire pits and outdoor heaters. S’mores anyone?
Knitting Supplies
‘Tis the season for knitting anyway so add in the fact that a lot of us will throw up if we even look at another puzzle, it’s going to be a popular way to pass the time. I’m sure I’ll be re-teaching myself for the 17th time.
Leslie Bailey is Co-founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of Indy Maven. She has been trying to learn to knit for at least 10 years.
