Vaccines are shipping across the US as I write this, and that’s wonderful news. It means that there’s some light at the end of this gloomy, deadly tunnel that we’ve been in since mid-March. 
 
Yet while the COVID-19 vaccine begins to be administered, consumers still need to keep their guards up—and that means masks and elevated hygiene and cleaning routines need to remain in place.
 
Masks have taken a fashionable spin. From the earliest days when people were sewing them at home with their own left over crafting project fabric, you can now buy masks from just about every single fashion company from Old Navy to Dolce Gabbana. From seasonally appropriate to statement-making, they are perfect for protection, not to mention gift-giving too.
 
What about cleaning products? These have been flying off store shelves. Over the course of the spring and summer supply was so tight, retailers were rationing what could be bought and consumers weren’t always able to find their favorite or preferred brand. Moms in hyper local social media posts were sharing where they spotted stocked shelves, reminiscent of the Cabbage Patch craze  (for those of you who might remember).
 
Could cleaning products be the “it” gift of the season?
 
Scotch-Brite, a 3M-owned brand, thinks so—and has teamed up with actress Busy Philipps to launch a one-of-a-kind holiday gift guide featuring playful cleaning-inspired gifts and cleaning supplies. 
 
In a survey commissioned by Scotch-Brite, 51% of Americans have cleaning necessities on their holiday wish lists. 
 
“Given the importance of cleaning in 2020, it's no wonder that two-thirds of Americans claim they feel relief or thrill when they see cleaning supplies stocked on store shelves,” said Beth Edinger, vice president of 3M's home care division. “We introduced the Scotch-Brite Brand Holiday Gift Guide to not only help support home care and consumers' wellness, but also bring a smile to people's faces amid an incredibly challenging and stressful time.” 
 
Scotch-Brite’s Holiday Gift Guide includes disinfectant-themed pajamas, hoodies and t-shirts to bedazzled toilet scrubbers and dish wands to tree-toppers. The gift guide also includes 3M's TB Quat Disinfectant Ready-to-Use Cleaner, which was recently approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for kill claims against SARS-CoV-2.  
 
As part of its holiday program, Scotch-Brite has partnered with Cleaning for a Reason, the nonprofit organization that offers free home cleaning services to patients battling cancer. With Scotch-Brite Brand's support, the homes of an additional 3,000 patients will be cleaned in 2021, according to the company.
 

Pine-Sol has also created its first-ever online retail shop, the Pine-Store, a one-stop shop featuring gifts and gear for the brand’s superfans. And, to honor the Black community, which has upheld Pine-Sol's heritage for generations with a Saturday morning deep clean routine, the Clorox-owned brand is donating 100% of Pine-Store proceeds to women of color entrepreneurs. The products include candles, blankets and “It's a t-shirt, baby!” t-shirt featuring the Pine-Sol Lady Diane Amos.
 
We all need a little uplifting this holiday, and the right gift can help. But according to Scotch-Brite, 82% of Americans expect to get gifts that are less useful than cleaning supplies.
 
So maybe it is time to return that Oculus Quest headset and grab some disinfectant instead.