Ask the Strategist: Office Chairs Without Office Chairs

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In our newsletter advice column, Ask a Strategist, we answer your most pressing shopping questions by surveying friends, calling experts, and drawing from our own experiences. But we loved this latest issue so much, we wanted to share it with all our readers. To receive the next issue in your inbox, Sign here. And if you have your own online shopping question, send it to [email protected] with the subject line “Ask the Strategist.” We’re here to help.

Once you get rid of the wheels, finding a chair with all the bells and whistles is a bit more difficult. Namely, you lose a lot of the adjustability. But there are options: This office chair is super stylish and still offers some lumbar support. If you’re looking to spend a little less, this chair looks similar (although I’m a bit skeptical about the quality of the UO overall, the price is very good, so I’m including it). And if you want something less traditional, with an even slimmer profile that your body will thank you for, an ergonomic stool promotes good posture and movement all day long. —Dominique Pariso, writer

I started my search by checking out our list of the best lunch boxes for kids. I know, I know: you don’t want something that looks like childish, but I found two great options there that I think totally fit the bill: this bag from Hydro Flask (a company I generally love and trust) or one of these similar options from Baggu (a brand that everyone at the Strategist is totally into). Baggu offers a few different sizes, depending on how much you typically pack, as well as some fun (but not over the top) prints (and more subdued and sturdy options if that’s what you want). Other than that, they’re pretty similar: both are soft on the outside but still have a decent amount of structure for packing your stuff cleanly, and an insulated lining.

I have to confirm that the Yamazaki console table you’re looking for is no longer available (shipping in about two months), but I found a few options that are pretty close. If you can’t wait that long, the Yamazaki table measures approximately 50 inches wide, 26 inches high, and 8 inches deep. The “Slim” console table from Room & Board comes in a white powder-coated steel frame and is the closest thing to the Yamazaki at 40 inches wide, 27 inches high, and 8 inches deep. It does lack a second shelf, though, which may be a dealbreaker for you. It’s also the most expensive option, but the quality of the Room & Board is top-notch and built to last. I found a few others from All Modern that are more in line with the Yamazaki in price, but the dimensions aren’t as similar. I like the Kauai console (55″W x 29″H x 12″D) because it has a center divider and two extra shelves, but it’s four inches deeper than the Yamazaki. For something narrower, the Aisha console is another good choice (42″W x 30″H x 10″D). —Lauren Ro, writer

I use True Botanicals’ Rescue Balm on just about everything—lips, elbows, cuticles, you name it—and it’s great: It’s orange in the can but clear once applied, and it contains all-natural ingredients similar to those found in RMS balm, including shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba seed oil. But at $38, it’s definitely pricey and only comes in one slightly herbal scent. If that’s not your speed, Zizia Botanicals is also an organic, clean brand that offers versatile balms in a variety of fun flavors, including orange blossom, rose, and lime. —Kitty Guo, writer

Strategist is designed to provide helpful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Each product is independently selected by our team of editors, which you can read about HereWe update links when possible, but please note that offers may expire and all prices are subject to change.