What are the best things you purchased in 2022 and why?
To help you get the best bang for your back in 2022 and beyond, we asked founders, CEOs, and other business leaders this question for their best recommendations. From smart coffee mugs to high-quality lunch bags, there are several ideas below that may help you source exceptional gifts for yourself, your family, or coworkers for the holidays.
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Here are 17 recommendations for outstanding purchases from 2022:
- Smart Coffee Mug
- Wocket Smart Wallet
- Meta Quest for Business
- Apple Airpods
- Roller Therabody Therapy
- Fitbit Device
- Weighted Blanket
- Air Purifier for Office (and Home)
- Weighted Eye Mask
- Wifi Extender
- The Book “Hooked” by Nir Eyal
- Tula Microphone
- Foldable Wine Bottle
- The Book, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance”
- Blundstone Boots
- Lettuce Grow Farmstead
- Baggu Duck Bag
Smart Coffee Mug
If there is one constant in my workday, it is that no matter the task, it will always be accompanied by a cup of coffee, which makes the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug my best purchase of 2022.
Although it may seem trivial, having to constantly go back to the microwave to reheat a cup of coffee that I had not yet finished, was not just annoying, but a waste of time.
However, I found the solution in the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug as it maintains the piping-hot temperatures that I desire at all times. They say it is the simple pleasures in life that are the most rewarding, and not having to constantly reheat my coffee while always keeping it at the perfect temperature certainly backs those sentiments.
Cody Candee, CEO, Bounce
Wocket Smart Wallet
I spend a great deal of time traveling for business and would often carry a multitude of credit cards that would essentially make my wallet the size of a softball, and this is the reason the Wocket Smart Wallet was the best thing I purchased in 2022.
Though there are other electronic payment methods, the Wocket Smart Wallet offers the most practical and convenient technology.
You can input any payment method, whether it be a credit card, a gift card, or even a membership card, and have access to all of it in one place where it can be easily scanned.
Its biometric security, which includes both voice and pin recognition, makes certain that no one else can gain access to your cards or information.
The Wocket Smart Wallet eliminated the need for me to carry an uncomfortable bulky wallet, and its convenience and ergonomic design make it one of my favorite purchases ever.
Matt Miller, Founder & CEO, Embroker
Meta Quest for Business
The best thing I purchased in 2022 was initially bought only as a toy to keep myself amused with. I love technology and try to keep up as best as I can with the latest developments, so the Meta Quest 2 VR headset intrigued me enough to finally take the plunge and spend some hard-earned cash on it.
It delighted me it was good as I was told it would be. It certainly provides endless hours of fun when I can get it off my family. After the initial buzz had passed, however, I thought of the commercial applications we could use it for.
I then discovered that this has been thought of previously and that work is ongoing to provide a Meta Quest for Business application, allowing users to collaborate with their teams similar to the way Dropbox or Slack presently does.
The possibilities appear intriguing and have led me to a new way of thinking about how our remote team could operate in the near future.
Colin Toh, CEO, Headphonesty
Apple Airpods
The best investment I made in 2022 was purchasing a pair of Apple AirPods. For example, as a busy business leader, I can stay on the phone while being hands-free—walking out of a coffee shop, biking through the park, or carrying groceries from the car is no longer a hassle.
I’m always on the go—I didn’t realize how much of a difference AirPods can make when moving from one activity to another while also blocking outside noise.
Patricio Paucar, Co-Founder & Chief Customer Officer, Navi
Roller Therabody Therapy
The Therabody Wave Roller is one of the best purchases I consider in 2022 since it updates the classic design of a foam roller with innovative features.
This roller relieves muscle tension and soreness using vibration therapy and a wavelike surface pattern. I may use it on any part of the body that could use a workout, and it comes with an app that will lead you through a rolling regimen, not to mention the five different vibrating settings.
Max Whiteside, SEO & Content Lead, Breaking Muscle
Fitbit Device
One of the best things I’ve purchased in 2022 is a Fitbit device. The device makes me more aware of how active I am throughout the day.
I also enjoy seeing my progress toward my health goals and milestones throughout the day on my Fitbit dashboard. I also love being able to connect with and motivate other family members and friends who also have Fitbits. It’s a great way to stay connected and encourage each other!
Admir Salcinovic, Co-Founder, Pricelisto
Weighted Blanket
I am so glad that I finally invested in a weighted blanket.
They are heavy blankets that have proven to be therapeutic and improve sleep quality drastically. I use mine every night and have noticed an improvement in my sleeping patterns.
The snug fit puts me to sleep easier and prevents sleep interruption. I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for better quality sleep.
Michelle Siy, Content Writer, Oliver Wicks
Air Purifier for Office (and Home)
This year’s best purchase came about because of COVID-related concerns—an air purifier. I wanted to keep my office air as clean and safe to breathe as possible, not just for COVID but for other airborne germs. Fortunately, there was also a huge bonus benefit for me!
As a mild allergy sufferer, my symptoms aren’t terrible or debilitating, but they’re always “there.” I noticed a vast improvement with less daily sneezing, coughing, and congestion, and other allergy-prone office mates felt better, too.
With less dust, pet dander, and other particles floating around, it’s far easier to breathe. I love it so much that I’ve also invested in one at home!
Brian Dechesare, CEO, Breaking Into Wall Street
Weighted Eye Mask
The best thing I purchased in 2022 was a weighted eye mask. It might seem low-tech and simple, but I’ve always had trouble sleeping and this year I wanted to take action after years of accepting this just had to be a part of my reality.
Since I started using an eye mask, I fall asleep faster, sleep better throughout the night without waking up, and don’t immediately wake when the sun from the early hours of the morning creeps through my window.
Getting consistent better sleep has already made me happier, less stressed, and more productive throughout my days.
Patrick Robinson, Founder & CEO, Paskho
Wi-Fi Extender
One of the best things I purchased in 2022 was a Wi-Fi extender. This handy device extended my interconnection into my backyard, thus enabling me to work-from-home outside for hours on nice days.
This simple change dramatically boosted my mood and mental health and helped me to get fresh air and sunshine during this very warm year instead of spending my whole day in my home office.
Kate Duske, Editor in Chief, Escape Room Data
The Book “Hooked” by Nir Eyal
In 2022, one of the best things I purchased was a book named Hooked by Nir Eyal.
The book dives into the psychology of why we get addicted to things and how companies can use these insights to create products that people can’t put down.
It was an incredibly eye-opening read that helped me understand myself and others better. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their understanding of addiction or human behavior in general.
Erik Pham, CEO, Health Canal
Tula Microphone
My best purchase so far in 2022 was the Tula microphone, a small piece of wonder that fits into my backpack and allows me to sound professional during calls or when I record videos for clients/case studies.
As a frequent traveler, the microphone had to be small enough to fit into my backpack, so the Tula was a brilliant choice and investment.
Deian Isac, Head of Agency Success, Service Provider Pro
Foldable Wine Bottle
You never know when you’ll need a more covert glass of wine, whether you’re heading to the beach or a concert tailgate.
Purchase Wine2Go’s foldable wine bottle to take a full bottle of wine about without the hassle of a glass container to throw away. In addition, you won’t have to stress about popping a cork in public.
Brad Burnie, Founder, Starships
The Book, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance”
The best purchase of this year is a book to boost my inner self with confidence and motivation: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.
The Author of the book Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and CEO of Character Lab, defines and shares the insights of ability and power to achieve your goal.
The influential thing I understand from reading this book is that true intelligence is not driven by talent or academic intelligence but is a combination of passion and perseverance, and strongly advises that grit is the actual secret of success.
Joshua Tibando, Content & PR Manager, Compare Storage Prices
Blundstone Boots
It may sound small and simple, but one of my favorite purchases of 2022 is my Blundstone boots.
These boots, made in Australia, are waterproof, and super comfortable. They slip on easily and they go with everything. For this reason, I can wear them on all terrains, and in all weather, and as an aesthete myself, I appreciate they look stylish no matter how I wear them.
With my busy lifestyle, it is so nice to have a go-to pair of shoes that I can keep by my door and throw on every day, knowing I will enjoy wearing them and feel confident in them in every season.
Cayla Gao, Public Relations Manager, Depology
Lettuce Grow Farmstead
The best thing I purchased in 2022 is my Lettuce Grow farmstead. This hydroponic tower is compact and amazing. I don’t have a garden at my home, but I do have a balcony. My Lettuce Grow farmstead makes it feel like I have an abundant garden in my backyard. I can grow 35 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs on it!
And it waters itself, so maintenance is so minimal. It is completely perfect for my busy lifestyle and encourages me to come home at the end of a long day and nourish myself with a home-cooked meal, which is the best feeling in the world.
Lionel Mora, CEO, Neoplants
Baggu Duck Bag
I have always enjoyed practical items that make my life more convenient or easier, and that is why one of the best things I have purchased this year is the Baggu Duck Bag. Although I enjoy eating out, when I know I cannot get away from the office, bringing my lunch is the only option.
This bag is great at keeping items cool, as it can maintain those desired temperatures for hours. In addition, it is spacious and big enough to hold a good size meal and many drinks.
Even though it seems like a modest choice, the Baggu Duck Bag is one of my favorite and best recent purchases.
Justin Olson, Chief Marketing Officer, Fast Pace Health
