onions, garlic, and/or shallots--make sure they are firm and blemish free. If you buy in bulk and find any with rotten spots or a soft texture, cut off the bad part and use right away; or toss it so it doesn't contaminate the others.
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brown paper bags--I used the lunch bag size, because they're easy to fold and punch. Also, bigger bags hold a higher volume and density of onions, and that reduces the amount of air circulation around them and accelerates spoilage. Smaller quantities
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a hole punch--you can buy one of these anywhere that sells office or craft supplies.