You may have noticed some posts from our friends at the Strategist on the Cut. They’ll be dropping in every now and again, sharing their expertise on the basics you don’t have time to research and the weird and wonderful things you don’t yet know you need.
As we finish off another week of social distancing, we found a bunch of things on sale to help make the foreseeable future a bit more pleasant — like a root touch-up spray to tide you over until salons reopen, a tabletop air hockey set to keep kids (and adults) entertained, and several pairs of stretchy work-from-home pants that you might even be able to wear to the office when that time finally comes.
This easy-to-use root cover-up comes in black, brown, platinum blonde, even red, for just about any dye job. And at 25 percent off, it’s probably worth stocking up on a couple.
The spring sale at Nordstrom is still going strong, with lots of our favorite brands up to 60 percent off, like this not-too-fussy Natori underwear.
Ease back into bra-wearing with this wireless yet supportive option from Chantelle.
Rarely-on-sale leggings from eco-friendly and minimalist Girlfriend Collective, which we recently named among the best plus-size workout clothes, are also 25 percent off.
Lean into some light workwear for your next work-from-home fit with this Carhartt hoodie.
Or, if you’ve been avoiding going to the laundromat and need a restock on the essentials, here’s a three-pack of some classic, Marky Mark–approved Calvin Klein boxer briefs.
And some dino-pattered rain boots for their next backyard adventure.
This surface cleaner won’t sanitize surfaces, but with notes of bergamot, thyme, eucaluptus, lavender, and ylang-ylang, it’s a nice olfactory break from lemony Lysol when you’re just trying to get grease off the stove.
We’re longtime fans of Dusen Dusen’s graphic linens, so it’s a fun surprise to find this colorful, spring-y duvet set on sale.
If you’ve realized that maybe it’s time to cut back on coffee consumption without fully giving up caffeine, here’s a lovely set that comes with Japanese green tea leaves and a glass brewing mug.
These Issey Miyake pants still aren’t cheap, even if they’re on sale, but these elastic pleated pants will be just as comfortable as your pajamas but feel much fancier. Plus, they’re machine-washable.
There’s a bunch of tabletop games on sale at Wayfair right now, like this foldable table tennis table, if you’re looking to get competitive while maintaining a safe distance from opponents.
Take a break from puzzles and bring the arcade to your kitchen table with a mini air hockey set that’s less than two feet long.
Challenge your kids to set up this maze of dominos, which can go up steps and over ramps and under bridges, before being toppled in a dramatic chain reaction. It should keep them busy for at least an hour.
Or, keep yourself busy with a tiny Pac-Man arcade game. (Fair warning: It needs 3 AAA batteries, which are not included.)
This cool-teen-approved backpack is the cheapest we’ve ever seen at Urban Outfitters.
Pair those sneakers with this lightweight Patagonia hiking hat that’s got a built-in sweatband in case your walk gets steamy.
These “cozy time” joggers have a matching “cozy time” top that’s also for sale.
Jeans are a hard sell right now, but these rarely-on-sale Levi’s ribcage jeans are some of our favorites.
Here’s a proper rolling desk chair to make you feel more comfortable, even if you’re working at a makeshift desk.
If cooking every single meal at home has made you realize that you don’t have the right equipment, here’s a full set of nonstick cookware from Greenpan.
These pants are made from a stretch ponte fabric, which is a mix of nylon, rayon, and elastane, making them comfortable work-from-home pants for now and professional-looking work pants for later.
Yoga mats (and most at-home fitness gear) are sold out just about everywhere online right now, so we were excited to spot a lightweight, foldable Manduka mat that’s both in stock and on sale.
Now’s as good a time as any to start biking, both as a socially distant form of exercise and an efficient way to run errands. And this hot-pink bike from Cannondale will be hard to miss.
But don’t forget a bike helmet to go with your new set of wheels.
All Le Creuset cookware is on sale at Williams Sonoma, including this under-$100 stoneware French press that’d make a lovely Mother’s Day gift for the coffee-drinking mom. (You can find more Le Creuset deals here.)
These tie-dye Crocs are a nice slippers option if you want to avoid something too fuzzy or insulated as the weather gets warmer. (Plus, the plastic is easy to clean in case you do happen to wear them outside the house.)
There’s a flash sale happening at Huckberry on lots of spring styles, including this lightweight, hemp-cotton blend T-shirt.
Finally, some classic grey sweatpants, made from heavy-duty fleece with tapered elastic cuffs.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
