The 5 Best Purchases Our Editors Made In October

Now that temperatures are finally cooling down, we're all about getting cozy. From a stress-busting video game to a foot massager to a bird-friendly cup of coffee, here’s what the Chatelaine editors added to their shopping carts in October.

Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch, $79

“I am a self-proclaimed Super Mario Bros. obsessive. In fact, I might even be an expert: I’ve amassed more than 345 hours playing Super Mario Maker 2 on my Nintendo Switch alone. So when Nintendo released the latest side-scrolling game in the series this month—a glorious acid-trippy journey called Super Mario Bros. Wonder—I knew I would be spending many a chilly October evening trying to defeat Bowser.

But anyone not as video-game savvy need not worry: This is a game for all ages, and it's an incredible stress-buster. Play alone or with friends or your kids, and play at your own pace. Video games can be a sweet, cathartic way to soothe your soul on the weariest of days, and Wonder is no exception.” —Erica Lenti, deputy features editor

Renpho Foot Massager Machine with Heat, $190

“I've been wearing chunky platform boots for years (the Dr. Martens Sinclairs are my current go-to style) and I have no intention of stopping, but the sheer weight of them has absolutely ruined my feet. I finally decided to splurge on a foot massager to see if it might ease up some of the aches I get daily.

I spent a long time researching different models and reading reviews, and found the Renpho, which has over 10K 5-star reviews on Amazon. It features three different Shiatsu kneading and compression settings, and has a heat option.

I've been using it 15 to 30 minutes a day while I watch TV or work at my desk; it's so relaxing and, more importantly, it has considerably helped with the pain.” —Andréanne Dion, senior style and beauty editor

MaisoNovo Glass Soap and Lotion Dispensers with Tray, $40

“My kitchen countertop was cluttered with mismatched bottles of soap and a bunch of other kitchen accessories. I've simplified things by filling these chic and refillable glass soap dispensers with my hand soap and lotion. It includes a funnel for easy refilling, mix-and-match waterproof labels in three different styles and a cute concrete tray.

I chose the white bottles with gold pumps, but it also comes in different colour combos. I love how sleek it looks in my kitchen.” —Stephanie Han Kim, art director

Paw Pup Protector Waterproof Throw Blanket, $129

“My two big dogs are total couch hogs. It’s impossible to train them otherwise at this point—they’re 11 and 4—but I  hate always having to cover the couch with an ugly dog blanket. After being served what seemed like hundreds of targeted ads for Paw Canada on Instagram, I caved and purchased a Pup Protector Waterproof Throw Blanket in Polar White to cover the love seat in my home office, where both dogs enjoy lounging while I work.

All three of us are pleased with this high-quality purchase—the fake fur feels and looks luxe, and it’s machine washable. (One caveat: my ancient top-loading washing machine doesn’t get it totally clean, so now I take it to a laundromat.) I’m so happy with it, I just bought a second one for my living room.” —Maureen Halushak, editor-in-chief

Birds & Beans Bird-Friendly Coffee Subscription, from $16 per month

“I love birds, and I'm similarly obsessive about my coffee. After editing a piece on bird-friendly coffee, I knew it had to be my cup of choice. (Many of the birds you see in Canada spend their winters in coffee-growing areas in Central and South America. Bird-friendly coffee helps preserve avian habitat and biodiversity.)

I got a subscription from Birds & Beans, which is not only kind to birds but also the most cost-effective way I’ve found to buy premium coffee—I get five pounds of beans every six weeks or so (you can adjust the frequency as needed) and it costs $89, including shipping.

I like their Commit Espresso Blend, which makes a beautiful cup of both regular coffee in my Espro french press and espresso in my Rancilio Silvia espresso machine” —Gillian Grace, deputy editor, digital.