The Weekly Covet: The Best Things We Bought This Year

2022-05-13 03:31:02 By : Mr. Jianglong Han

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

As we get ready to leave 2021 behind, here are our favorite new items that we're bringing into 2022.

Once a week, we ask our editors to share the items they've been loving or lusting after—whether it's a new skincare product we're dying to try or a travel essential we can't live without. Consider "The Weekly Covet" your editor-approved wish list for beauty, travel, fashion, and everything in between.

"Okay, so maybe a foam roller isn’t the most sexy (or revolutionary) purchase in the world, but if there’s one item I have become most committed to, reliant on, and generally obsessed with in the past year, it’s this. After WFH left me working from rigid chairs, cushy sofas, and other non-ergonomic seating, I use this roller whenever I begin to cramp up, need quick relief, or a deep stretch." — Lucia Tonelli, Assistant Editor

"This tiny wallet has honestly been a gamechanger. The interior aluminum card protector can hold half a dozen cards effortlessly and has a handy toggle at the bottom that fans them all out so you don't have to try and fish them out of little slots. It's a perfect grab-and-go to tuck into a cocktail purse, travel purse, or even just a pocket for a quick run to the store." — Lauren Hubbard, Contributor

"When I first moved to Brooklyn five years ago, I thought, ‘Everyone here wears clogs. What is this clunky shoe madness?’ But the pandemic lowered my resistance—and made me truly understand the value of comfortable footwear—so I am now a proud owner of No. 6 shearling lined clog boots, and trust me, there is nothing more delicious than slipping my bare feet into their soft embrace for a morning dog walk (or anytime/anywhere walk). Consider me both an extremely slow adopter and a devoted convert." — April Long, Beauty Director

"This year, I became a first-time homeowner, and I've loved decorating the space, especially my new office. This Rifle Paper Co. rug in calming blue and gray is one of my favorite pieces that helps to pull the room together." — Caroline Hallemann, Digital News Director

"I had been using a kettle for years, when I decided to buy this electric water boiler. It works lightning fast and cheers me up when I see it on my kitchen counter. Plus, who doesn't want to know that fresh coffee is going to be ready less than 10 minutes in their future?" — Karen Lubeck, Associate Research Editor 

"A few years ago, I bought a Klein blue chair by the French label Moustache for my desk at home. I've loved this chair since I first saw it at the home of a friend in Miami, the design dealer Aaron Mapp, and immediately swooned for its whimsical design, and unexpected comfort. It's made from two tubes of metal encased in a cushy textile coating, and every time I look at it I smile. Well, I've since moved, and I was on the look-out for modern dining chairs for a chrome bistro table by The Future Perfect. Well, the answer was staring at me all this time, and my first blue Bold chair just recently got a sibling." — Erik Maza, Style Features Director

"I've been sprucing up my apartment over the year part of which included adding some colorful prints by Annemarie Buckley." — Fiona Lennon, Deputy Visuals Director

"My love of music from an early age has fueled my audiophile hobby for years. Getting into vinyl seemed much more complex but setting up this turntable was a breeze! I’ve been enjoying old and new albums available from both Amazon and my local record shop." — Michael Stillwell, Senior Designer

"Of all the things I've bought this year—clothes, books, art, endless dog toys that never seem to last—the most rewarding has been a membership to Future, the personal training app. While other shiny new toys have already begun to gather dust, I use and actually enjoy Future almost every day and plan to continue doing do into 2022 and beyond." — Adam Rathe, Arts Editor

"I'm so late to the game but this was finally the year I bought a set of packing cubes. They have been a revelation, bringing much-needed order—in a chic, monogrammed design—to the ever-chaotic process of stuffing a suitcase. I'm not sure how I have been traveling all this time without them!" — Leena Kim, Associate Editor

"I haven't been more tickled by any other purchase this year than my 23andMe membership. The service may be experiencing some challenges since its SPAC-backed public offering in June, but the findings of its ancestry report for me have kept me fascinated since I sent over my DNA kit back in April. Like many Cubans, I expected my heritage to be a kaleidoscope of influences, but I was delighted to learn I am 0.6 percent Ashkenazi Jewish. On that note, allow me to wish you a very belated Happy Hanukkah. Chag sameach, muchachos!" — Erik Maza, Style Features Director

"After adopting two kittens, I’ve spent considerably more time on the floor than usual, which led me to buy a few vintage pieces from Revival Rugs. Owning one-of-a-kind rugs that no one else has is certainly a plus, but the experience of sourcing said rugs from my sofa without having to rifle through piles of smelly wool was the real winning factor." — Olivia Hosken, Style & Interiors Writer

"A weighted blanket is a seemingly boring choice for "the best thing I bought this year" yet life changing nonetheless. As someone who can have a hard time slowing down and giving my body, and mind, well-deserved rest a weighted blanket was most definitely the best thing I could have purchased for myself. It is great for evening tv watching in the living room plus that extra push for a great night's sleep, arguably better than a hit of melatonin or CBD." — Cassandra Hogan, Fashion Assistant

"Dropped the kid off at college and then the Wife and I took a quick, 'EmptyNester' getaway to NonSuch Bay Resort in Antigua...heaven." — Darrick Harris, Visuals Director

"With over a year of working remotely and being unable to travel as much, I have begun to really appreciate the beauty and joy that art can bring, especially that of up and coming artists. This canvas print painting of the Pacific Grove by Bay Area artist, Malaika Santa Cruz brings such life to my NYC apartment with its rich colours and complex textures." — Ashleigh Macdonald-Bennett, Assistant Managing Editor

"Given that I made the big move from DC to NYC this year, most of my purchases have been purely practical, consisting of furniture, home decor items, and storage containers. But I did decide to treat myself with this Ralph Lauren tote, which has turned into my go-to bag for work." — Lauren Tappan, Assistant to the Editor in Chief

"Two words: Fuzzy slippers. Working from home for the past year has made my style very comfort focused, and these fuzzy slippers from ROAM combine comfort with cute. They’re now a staple part of my WFH uniform." — Tess Donlevie, Designer

"I think I'm happiest about two pieces of art I purchased, one by Chris Rivers and one by Martin Whatson. I'm also quite pleased with my new Eberjey pajamas which are so soft and sleep very cool—a must!" — Danielle Stein Chizzik, Deputy Editor

"After spending so much time at home over the last two years, I wanted to make sure that the air in the apartment was as pure as it could be. I decided to splurge on the Molekule Air Purifier and it has turned out to be well worth the investment. The auto refills also make it so easy to know when it's time to change the filter so you know fresh air is always circulating." — MaryKate Boylan, Senior Fashion Editor

"After the Covid restrictions lifted a bit in New York, I got dressed to go out and realized I only had colorful top handle bags (which are not hands free, an essential trait for a day out in the city), or giant canvas totes. Though I love these bags, they aren't always appropriate, and sometimes I want to lighten my load if I will be out all day. The Darcy bag by HOBO has been a gamechanger. It's a convertible bag and can be worn as a shoulder bag, crossbody, or wristlet, but the shoulder bag is my method of choice. It's the perfect grab and go bag that fits all my essentials (including a small umbrella), and never feels overdone or heavy. Plus it's black patent leather; I don't even have to think about matching." — Sarah Adams, Freelance Fashion Assistant

"Thrilled to get my hands on the Limited Edition Collana Necklace in celebration of Sidney Garber’s 75th Anniversary. Cherishing this piece for years to come as it will easily become a familial heirloom." —Dania Ortiz, Fashion & Accessories Director

"Tory Burch sweatshirt hoodie—two: one beige, one greenish-gray. I live in them. Great for home and travel." — Klara Glowzewska, Executive Travel Editor

"Change is hard. I've been wearing Levi's (and occassionally APCs) forever. But last month I bought a pair of Atlas Left Field jeans and they feel like they've been mine forever. It's a NYC company with a great back story. Not hard at all." — Norman Vanamee, Articles Director

"A dear friend of mine bought me this blanket for my birthday, saying it had become an obsession in her house. The same thing happened in my house, and I just bought two more to give as gifts this Christmas." — Erin Hobday, Executive Managing Editor

"The best thing I bought this year was a piece Ive wanted to buy forever: an Elsa Peretti jug pendant. For me this was the year of Elsa-a way to commemorate her incredible life and an homage to the gorgeous version of her in Dan Minhan’s Halston movie. The jug is one of Elsa’s earliest creations and legends of its inspiration are many but whether you believe she modeled the jug after neckalces she saw young women wearing in Portfofino or not, the jug is a classic of its form. I bought the jade-for good luck-and then found another all gold vintage one from DK Farnum. I wear them together and it makes me feel a little bit like Elsa. Or Liza. Either one works." — Stellene Volandes, Editor-in-Chief

"I bought this coffee table at the beginning of the pandemic as a way to perk up the space where I would be spending much of my time. It’s been great as my work-from-home base—although not great for my posture! The lower shelf, which is actually leather, is home to my work computer and my personal computer, as well as old issues of the magazine that I refer to constantly. " — Kristin Fitzpatrick, Design Director

"I've spent a fair amount of time in the Berkshires this past year and a local shop in Lenox has an incredible array of blankets, from cotton to wool to angora. no matter what time of year it's been during this unprecedented time, I've been able to nap under just the right cover." — David Murphy, Visual Director

"Since the collaboration between Asics and with Angelo Baque's 'Awake NY' brand, I have looked at Asics in a unique light. I have admired Asics fashion leaning pivot as they really have become a staple shoe in my day t0 day. This purchase was a must-have, especially when I heard all proceeds from this rendition of their new shoe release will go to Virgil Abloh's scholarship fund 'POST MODERN,' a program highlighted to help talented black creatives in all fields of creative spaces. In addition to to the proceeds going 'POST MODERN,' funds will be allocated into research of the rare cancer, Angiosarcoma, Virgil Abloh was diagnosed with and led to his passing." — Share Koech, Freelance Fashion Assistant

"If there's one thing I get preachy about, it's hydration. (This is your reminder to drink more water!) I drink about a gallon of water everyday, so smaller vessels become a hassle to constantly refill. Then I discovered the HydroJug. It clocks in at 73 ounces, features a very comfortable, sleek handle, and—here's the kicker—it's dishwasher-safe. Hold for applause. My favorite part, however, is the neoprene sleeve, which prevents condensation from dripping everywhere or leaving rings on surfaces. It comes with a shoulder strap, making it easier to take with you on the go. The sleeve also has little pockets that are perfect for holding small items such as keys." — Meg Donohue, Contributor 

"Living in New York, people often think it's all glamour, all the time. Not so. In fact, I find myself more often than not confronted with decidedly mundane tasks such as washing and drying my dishes. I have a dishwasher, yes, but some things you just have to do by hand, which can get cramped in my tiny studio kitchen. I bought this roll up dish drying rack that I can put out over my sink while non-dishwasher safe items dry off and it has changed everything for me. No more unsightly dish rack taking up space, no more dreading doing the dishes, and the best part is it rolls up and gets tucked away."—Roxanne Adamiyatt, Senior Digital Editor

"Like most people, I started walking a lot in the first year of the pandemic. By the second year, I decided to upgrade to my first-ever pair of real hiking boots. Why it took me so long, I don’t know. My new Merrell Moab boots are perfect: sturdy but light and so much more comfortable than a regular pair of sneakers. As for winter, no problem. They’re waterproof!"—Linda Crowley, Research Director