13 Fun & Productive Items to Buy When Stuck at Home

It’s not usually fun to be stuck at home for long stretches of time but with COVID-19 forcing quarantines and self-quarantines, more people than ever are going to be stuck at home for the rest of the month. And after all, there’s only so much to do at home.

But there are some things you can buy to make it a little easier. Some are for entertainment, others fill time, and others are good necessities that are super useful if you’re stuck inside.

1. Amazon Kindle

Getting lost in a good book is one of the best ways to pass the time when you’re stuck at home. With the Amazon Kindle, you can get lost in infinite books. The Kindle gives you access to millions of books in the palm of your hand. With a long-lasting battery and Bluetooth capabilities for streaming audiobooks, a Kindle can have you knocking off a book a day while you’re at home!

2. Rosetta Stone

Learning a foreign language can feel intimidating, but it’s a useful skill to have. With enough time on your hands and help from Rosetta Stone, you can build up proficiency in any language and eventually become fluent. What better time to start than while you’re stuck at home? You can choose any of the 24 languages Rosetta Stone offers and start learning immediately. The intuitive program has helped millions of people learn languages, and you can be next! Viel Glück! (Good luck in German)

3. Monopoly

For a family-friendly board game to pass the time, you can go with the age-old classic, Monopoly. We went with the National Parks Edition to help remind you of the outdoors, but any version will do. Monopoly is an engaging way to pass a few hours, and potentially create some long-lasting rifts in friendships. If nothing else, it’s entertaining for all ages.

4. Granola Bars

Whether you can’t make it to the grocery store or just need an energy boost while working from home, you can’t go wrong with granola bars. Loading up on Nature Valley bars is a great way to make sure your pantry is stocked even if you need to stay inside for a while, and they’re also a genuinely delicious snack for parents or kids.

5. Playstation 4

When in doubt, video games are one of the ultimate time killers. You can get the console by itself for as little as $258, but you can also snag a bundle that comes with a PS4 and three games – The Last of Us, God of War, and Horizon Zero Dawn. If you’re stuck inside for a while, these three titles will consume your time pretty easily. Next thing you know, the quarantine will be over and you’ll still be hooked!

6. Home Toolkit

If you’re cooped up inside, it can be the perfect opportunity to do some home improvement. If there are any fixes or DIY tasks you’ve been putting off, now is the perfect time to tackle them – and this 39-piece toolkit can help. The kit comes with all the essentials – hammer, knife, pliers, screwdriver, scissors – without feeling as overwhelming as a full toolkit. You’ll be well equipped to handle anything around your home.

7. Frozen Dinners

If you’re not sure when you’ll have time to make your next grocery store run, keeping a stack of frozen meals handy is a great idea. This HMR Variety Pack comes with 14 different meals for just $52, and the variety and quality are pretty stellar. These meals are made to last in your freezer and cook in minutes when you need them, so they can go a long way if you can’t make it to the store for any reason.

8. H&R Block Tax Software

Tax day is likely to be pushed back this year, but that’s no excuse to not get started on filing if you have the time. H&R Block offers five different tax software, so now is a good time to pick the right one and get filing. The software is easy to use and guides you through each step of the process. If you have any questions at all, H&R Block’s Help Center has 13,000 articles and FAQs to guide you.

9. Movie Snack Package

Nights stuck inside = movie nights. And every good movie night is well stocked with snacks. This 10-piece package has everything you need to have a full cinema experience from the comfort of your couch. All you need to do is find a movie on TV or streaming, throw popcorn in the microwave, pick out your favorite candy and relax.

10. 2020 Weekly and Monthly Planner

While you may be stuck inside for now, eventually you’ll get out into the world again. While you have some extra time, it might be a good idea to plan out as much of the rest of the year as you can. You don’t have to get too detail-oriented, but now is a good time to take stock of the calendar and get an idea of when you want to plan things down the road. If you have any events or trips planned, mark them well in advance so you’re more organized later. Planning isn’t exactly fun for most people, but it’s an effective use of time.

11. Yarn Knitting Kit For Beginners

Tons of people talk about learning to knit, but it’s time to put your yarn where your mouth is. This beginner’s knitting kit (which does not come with yarn) is a great way to start learning the craft. While some beginner knitting kits are a bit overwhelming, this one is simple and includes the essentials to get started, as well as a few basic patterns to try out. The next time you see your friends, you can have scarves for all of them!

12. Coding With JavaScript for Dummies

Coding is one of the most difficult skills to master, but even a basic understanding is a valuable talent to have. As the name implies, Coding with Javascript for Dummies won’t make you an expert overnight, but it’s a great introduction to coding. If you have a lot of free time on your hands while stuck inside, attempting to learn this skill is a great use of your time. Even if you find out quickly that coding is not for you, it’s worth trying to learn.

13. Cards Against Humanity 

Depending on who you’re stuck at home with, Cards Against Humanity can be a fun way to spend some time. However, if you’re familiar with the game, you know it’s definitely adult-oriented, and not for kids. It remains one of the most popular card games out there, and that won’t change as more and more people are stuck at home this month.