Chapter 1: Must-Have Purchases

I’m excited to share that most of these items are tangible, real-life purchases. While I certainly acquired my fair share of clutter this past year, some items genuinely stood out. I can wholeheartedly recommend everything on this list, and rest assured, I don't profit from any purchases made.

Section 1.1: Comfortable Seating

1. IKEA SKRUVSTA Chair £90 — Don’t dismiss this based on the brand alone; I mean it! I’ve tested numerous chairs, including a Humanscale model that I saved up for, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. Earlier this year, I experienced a surprising level of comfort while sitting in my wife's office chair, which turned out to be an affordable IKEA option. This chair not only felt great but also encouraged better posture. While I may benefit more from a simple stool than an elaborate chair, this offers an excellent balance at a reasonable price.

Section 1.2: Organizing Essentials

2. Office Oasis Magnetic Desk Organizer £36 — This product has been a game-changer for my workspace. After a long wait for delivery, I can say the modular design is its standout feature, allowing customization to fit my needs. I even replaced one of the trays with a wireless phone charger, which fits seamlessly. Imagine little plastic trays of various sizes, all magnetically attached to a wooden board; it's much better than I can describe!

Subsection 1.2.1: Subscription Deals

3. New York Times £25 (1 year), The New Yorker $6 (12 weeks), and The Athletic £10 (1 year) — These limited-time subscriptions offered fantastic value. I scored amazing deals, allowing me to enjoy top-notch content for a year, after which I can evaluate their usefulness and decide whether to continue.

Chapter 2: Comfortable Footwear and Entertainment

4. Skechers Foamies Go Walk £45 — These shoes are akin to Crocs but with a stylish twist. They're incredibly comfortable for lounging around the house, durable, and easy to clean. I’ve finally understood the appeal of this footwear.

5. Everdell £48 and other board games — Many people think of board games as just Pictionary or Monopoly, but there’s a vast world of games out there. Everdell was the first true board game I purchased, showcasing the depth and enjoyment this hobby can offer.

6. Light Bar for my PC Monitor £30 — I was skeptical about these for a long time, thinking they wouldn't make much difference. Now, I can't imagine my workspace without one! The improvement in lighting is truly remarkable, revealing just how dim my desk area was before.
7. High-Intensity Arm-Mounted Desk Lamp £110 — This lamp has become essential for my hobby desk. While pricier than most, it offers exceptional lighting for detailed work. I chose this specific model based on a recommendation, and it has certainly lived up to its reputation.

Now, let’s discuss three additional purchases I’m contemplating.

Chapter 3: Future Purchases Under Consideration

1. iPad Mini £469 and up — Although I currently own an iPad Air, I find the Mini more appealing due to its compact size, which is perfect for reading. Plus, my iPad Air is frequently commandeered by my child.
2. Aliens Omnibus Volume 1 £32 or £79 — As a devoted fan of the Aliens franchise, I’d love to dive into this graphic novel. However, I’m torn between purchasing the physical copy or opting for the Kindle version, which is significantly cheaper.
3. Eufy Security Camera System £229 and up — It’s time to modernize our home security setup. Upgrading to a smart doorbell and integrated camera system would be a significant improvement.

So there you have it. What standout purchases did you make in 2022?

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