Last spring, in the midst of panic-buying toilet paper and canned goods, many people also rushed to buy board games, fitness equipment, and home office essentials to make pandemic isolation bearable. Some of these items were quickly forgotten hoarded into oblivion. Others made a lasting impact. I find myself reflecting on the things we bought that proved to be the best investments in our own emotional wellbeing. Sometimes, what may have seemed trivial ended up providing a jolt of gratification, and even real joy. And in a year of such devastating loss, I ll take all the tiny moments of joy I can get, even if they come from a kitchen appliance, an art set, or a hula hoop.