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 | <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 | <1000 | Reduces back pain, makes carrying essentials easier. |