Summary With My Comments Of - Ask HN Post Life-Changing Purchases Since 2020

Why I wrote this

This Hacker News thread inspired me to summarize my purchases and find out what else I may need

First things I can personally confirm

Item	Price	Explanation
LED Panel Lights	<$100	Bright, efficient lighting for workspaces or home improvement projects.
Electric Toothbrush	<$100	Improves oral hygiene, gentler on gums.
Bright Desk Lamp	<$100	Helpful during grey winters
Earplugs (Loop or Foam)	<$100	Improves sleep quality, reduces noise in loud environments.
French Press Coffee Maker	<$100	Simple and affordable way to make delicious coffee.
Houseplants	<$100	Improves air quality, adds beauty to living space, connects with nature.
Digital Kitchen Scale	<$100	Improves cooking accuracy, makes following recipes easier.
House Cleaning	Varies	Reduces household chores, frees up time, reduces stress.
Therapy Sessions	Varies	Supports mental health, promotes personal growth and emotional regulation.
Quality Cookware	<$1000	Improves cooking experience and results, enhances flavor.
Philips Hue Bulbs And Google Home	<$1000	Customizable lighting, enhances ambiance, improves sleep.
Robot Vacuum	<$1000	Automates cleaning, reduces household chores.

Then things not mentioned in the post

Item	Price	Explanation
Darn Tough Socks	<$100	Lifetime warranty
Home Soda Machine	<$100	For sparkling water, like Sodastream. No need to carry bottles anymore
SwitchBot Smart Switch Toggle	<$100	Timer to open blinds every morning to wake up easier
Noice-Cancelling Headphones (Bose Quietcomfort 35)	<$1000	Life saving in the office or a plane
CLEW Step-In Snowboard Binding	<$1000	Crazy to think you have to lock in without them

Things from the comments

Marked with ❌ where I don’t agree after owning, and with ❓ where I hadn’t noticed the difference

Health & Fitness

Item	Price	Explanation
Bidet	Varies	Better hygiene, reduces toilet paper use.
❌ Ergonomic Keyboard/Mouse	Varies	Prevents wrist strain, improves typing comfort.
❓ Standing Desk	<$1000	I’m a bit lazy to use it at times
Under-Desk Bike/Elliptical	<$1000	Integrates exercise into workday, improves fitness.
❌ Fitness Tracker/Smartwatch	Varies	Not clear what to do with the data
CGM	<$100	Monitors blood glucose, helps manage diet and health.
Waterpik	<$100	Effective alternative or supplement to flossing.
Weighted Blanket	Varies	Enhances sleep quality, reduces anxiety.
CPAP Machine	<$1000	Treats sleep apnea, improves sleep quality and overall health.
Head Shaver	<$100	Efficient and convenient hair removal, simplifies grooming routine.
❌ Blue Light Glasses	<$100	On the shelf, just use apps that change screen color
Chirp Wheel	<$50	Back pain relief, easy to use.
Theragun	<$200	Muscle massage, releases knots and tension.
❌ Dynamo-Powered Bike Lights	<$100	Makes bike slower

Digital Wellbeing & Productivity

Item	Price	Explanation
❌ Dumbphone	<$100	Reduces distractions, improves focus and mental well-being.
❌ E-ink Phone	<$1000	Minimizes eye strain, simplifies tasks, less distracting.
❌ iPad Mini (dedicated use)	<$1000	Focused sketching/reading, promotes digital minimalism.
❌ Password Manager	<$100	Just use google passwords
❌ Digital Timer	<$10	Improves time management, reduces distractions.
❌ ChatGPT/Claude Subscription	<$30/month	Just use several APIs

Home Improvement & Automation

Item	Price	Explanation
Smart Lock	<$1000	Keyless entry, enhanced security, remote access.
❓ Air Purifier	Varies	Improves air quality, reduces allergens.
Chest Freezer	<$1000	Enables bulk buying, reduces food waste, streamlines meal prep.
Cable Management Boxes	<$100	Organizes cords and power strips, declutters workspace.
Hoselink Hose Reel	>$100	Easy to manage garden hose, simplifies watering.
Ember Mug	<$100	Keeps tea warm

Hobbies & Recreation

Item	Price	Explanation
❓ Musical Instrument (Guitar, Piano, Ukulele)	Varies	Fosters creativity, provides enjoyment, connects to musical communities.
Telescope	Varies	Encourages exploration of the universe, sparks interest in astronomy.
3D Printer	<$1000	Enables creation of custom objects, supports DIY projects and repairs.
Welder	<$1000	Empowers metalworking projects, facilitates repairs and fabrication.
Oscilloscope	<$1000	Aids electronics learning and troubleshooting, enhances hobby projects.

Cooking & Food

Item	Price	Explanation
Rice Cooker	Varies	Cooks perfect rice consistently, frees up stovetop.
❓ Instant Pot	<$100	Versatile cooking, simplifies meal prep, great for busy schedules.
❌ Air Fryer	Varies	Healthy frying alternative, produces crispy results quickly.
❓ Quality Cookware	Varies	Improves cooking experience and results, enhances flavor.
❓ Cooking Thermometer	<$100	Ensures accurate cooking temperatures, prevents over/undercooking.
Espresso Machine/Pour-over	<$1000	Elevates coffee experience, allows for customization and experimentation.
❌ Immersion Blender	<$100	Quick and easy blending, simplifies food prep.
Quality Spatulas	<$100	Improves cooking efficiency, reduces food waste.
Car Fridge	<$1000	Keeps food and drinks cold on the go, convenient for travel and outings.

Personal Care & Fashion

Item	Price	Explanation
Rosemary Shampoo	<$100	Natural lice prevention, promotes healthy scalp.
Geox Shoes	<$100	Breathable and comfortable for walking long distances.
MUJI T-shirts	<$100	High-quality material and comfortable fit for everyday wear.
All-Season Tires	<$1000	Eliminates need for seasonal tire changes, saves money and time.
Patagonia Better Sweater Vest	<$200	Warm and versatile layering piece, elevates casual style.
❓ Matching Socks (Multiple Pairs)	<$100	Simplifies laundry, eliminates sock-matching frustration.

Tools & Miscellaneous

Item	Price	Explanation
Knipex Pliers Wrench	Varies	Versatile tool for various tasks, high quality and durable.
iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit	<$100	Essential tools for electronics repair and DIY projects.
Sebo Canister Vacuum	<$1000	Powerful and quiet vacuuming, built for longevity.
Slanted Soap Dish	<$20	Prevents soap scum buildup, promotes hygiene.
Mosquito Netting	<$100	Protects against mosquito bites, allows for comfortable outdoor enjoyment.
Bug Bite Soother (Heat-It/Bite Away)	<$100	Relieves itch and swelling from insect bites.

Specific & Niche Items:

Item	Price	Explanation
Playdate Handheld Console	<$200	Unique gaming experience, fosters creativity, encourages game development.
Wiim Mini Streamer	<$100-$400	High-quality audio streaming for vintage receivers, enhances music listening experience.
Meat Thermometer (Meater Plus)	<$100	Wireless thermometer for precise cooking, simplifies meat preparation.
Sous Vide Machine	<$100	Precise temperature control for cooking, consistently tender and flavorful results.
Ooni Pizza Oven	<$1000	Makes restaurant-quality pizza at home, enjoyable hobby for cooking enthusiasts.
Commercial-Style Toilet	>$1000	Powerful flushing system, prevents clogs, reduces plumbing issues.
Shark Hydrovac	<$1000	Efficient cleaning for hard floors, simplifies household chores.
Whole Home Humidifier	<$1000	Improves air quality and comfort, especially during dry winter months.
Litter Robot 4	>$1000	Automates litter box cleaning, reduces pet-related chores.
Radiance Films Blu-Ray Bundle	~$1000	Curated collection of foreign and genre films, expands cinematic horizons.
Koss KPH40 Headphones	<$50	Affordable, high-quality headphones for casual listening.
Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft Jacket	~$600	Premium winter jacket, provides warmth and comfort in cold climates.
VESA Mount Bracket	<$100	Optimizes desk space, improves ergonomics for monitor placement.
Non-Stick Wok	<$200	Makes cooking easier, reduces cleanup, especially for stir-fries.
Fruit Trees	<$100	Provides fresh fruit, encourages gardening, connects with nature.
Gymnastics Rings/Straps	<$100	Versatile exercise equipment, improves strength and flexibility.
Squat Rack, Barbell, Weights	<$1000	Creates a home gym, facilitates strength training.
Double-Edged Safety Razor	<$100	Cost-effective and eco-friendly shaving, closer shaves.
Car Jump Starter	<$100	Provides peace of mind for roadside emergencies, prevents getting stranded.
Quality Water Bottle	<$50	Encourages hydration, reduces plastic waste.
Multivitamin/Supplements	<$100	Supports overall health, addresses nutritional deficiencies.
High-Quality Bedding (Sheets, Pillows)	<$1000	Enhances sleep quality, improves comfort and relaxation.
Comfortable Backpack	<$100-$1000	Reduces back pain, makes carrying essentials easier.