I like to be thrifty whenever possible, and there are many things that I can do without. However, some things are worth it. I call it frugal splurging! The idea is to buy quality over quantity (i.e., buy one really nice coat instead of a collection of hoodies, or skip five mediocre meals at a chain restaurant for one terrific meal that you will savor and remember.) My frugal splurging philosophy also prioritizes buying experiences over things.
However, when you do buy things, and you use them every day, make sure they are good ones. These items represent (is that Julie Andrews?) the everyday items in my life that are worth an investment. Note: The following contains affiliate links.
Apple Watch
My Apple watch keeps me healthy! It gently taps me on the wrist and tells me to move, breathe, and drink water. Once you learn to appreciate “closing your rings” on the Activity app, you will want to wear this device all your waking hours. My workouts and ring-closing milestones are also shared with my mom, my brother, and a friend using the Sharing feature, which is awesome. It’s not over-sharing when it comes to your health and people who love you! I find it very motivating for workout accountability. It also keeps my seventy something mother moving.
The Apple Watch Series 3 and above features cellular service, as well. So, you can go for a jog with just your watch and make calls, get texts, and listen to your music. The Walkie Talkie feature is fun, too (until your friends walkie-talkie you in church—for fun.)
Apple Air Pods
Apple Air Pods are used daily in our household for personal calls, out-of-office conference calls, podcasts, audio books, music, and more. The sound quality and clarity are terrific, and the magnetic charging case is sleek and innovative. If you are concerned about losing the small ear buds, you can always try different wireless headphones, such as headphones from Beats, but they do have a tracking feature like all Apple products.
Quality Bedding
Think about how many hours you spend in your bed. A quality mattress, high thread count sheets, and a super soft blanket are ways to optimize this experience, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to make a big difference. In the winter, I like to add an electric blanket to layer, making my sleep environment extra warm and cozy.
Electronics Charging Station
These are evolving rapidly and come in many different brands; however, we have a large charging station organizer with slots in the kitchen for different devices (smart phones, iPads, Kindles, tablets, etc.) and a personal organizer beside the bed for Apple devices: iPhone, Apple watch, and AirPods. Not only do these stations help with cord management, but they also keep your electronics in one place.
Multiple Screens for your Home and Office Computers
This is a productivity enhancer to the nth degree for the home or office. Two or three large screens added to your PC or laptop docking station and you can manage multiple applications simultaneously with visuals all around. You’ll never want to work on just a laptop again once you optimize your setup.
Essential Oil Diffuser
Maybe some have not considered essential oils; however, I think they’re awesome. I like taking a bath, or going to bed at night, with essential oils flowing nearby. The experience can be peaceful (lavender) or rejuvenating (citrus). Just fill a simple diffuser with a small amount of water and a few drops of oil. Ah! For ten to fifteen bucks, you can experience aromatic joy. For a little more, find a diffuser that blends in with your decor. It’s better than smelling old house, shoes, or dirty clothes!
Coffee / Expresso Machine
Let’s sum this up as good coffee you can get at home. For some, this involves a Keurig or Nespresso machine with a milk frother. For others, a handy grinder and some high-quality beans will suffice. As much as I love drinking Folgers with my grandmother, have you ever met anyone who regrets upgrading their coffee?
Cutco Trimmer Knife
A good set of knives is always splurge-worthy and Cutco rocks. Known as “the knife” in our family, the Cutco Trimmer is the one that barely makes it out of the drying basket before it is used again. Cutco also offers many other high quality American-made knives that can be mailed in to be sharpened anytime. This is one of the highest use items in our entire home.
Glass Tupperware or Glass Food Storage Containers
Why glass? Because you can reheat leftovers safely in glass containers without dirtying up two dishes. No re-heating in plastic. Why did glass Tupperware make this list, of all things? Because eating from home is almost always healthier (and cheaper) than eating out.
Home Workout Gear
The older I get, the more I realize that any investment in health is one worth making. Weights, mats, exercise balls, and stationary bikes that you use? Worth every penny. Just find your niche for working out at home and make your environment friendly to exercise. Set up an area for workout videos (they all stream through the same source now). Splurge on a Pelaton bike or treadmill. Clear a path inside to walk while you make phone calls. Make it easy to move in your home.
A Favorite Jacket or Coat
If I could, I would wear comfy, outdoorsy-type clothing all the time; thus, in Yoda-speak, no fashionista am I. However, when you do have to dress up beyond a t-shirt and sweatpants, you can make lots of so-so outfits look pulled together with a nice coat, blazer or jacket.
- For work: Classic wool coat (You wear it every day, so buy one notch nicer than you would for casual wear; favorite colors: camel or gray)
- Cold weather climate: There are many coats today that are like wearable blankets. The North Face Metropolis made living in Boston better, covering my backside from the cold air while keeping the puffy down insulation tailored.
- Casual Sporty: Patagonia Nano Puff. I heart this lightweight jacket, and it’s like adding two feathers to your suitcase for travel.
- Casual Fashion: Try a shorter stylish jacket (not one that hits at your hips) or a comfy, yet structured sweater blazer.
Perfect Fit Jeans (whatever style fits you)
As someone who is tall, the perfect fit part can be hard to find. Just keep searching for your niche: curvy, petite, tall, high rise, etc. I like Joe’s Honey Curvy Skinny Jeans, but no ankle styles, please (those skim my shins). Another best seller with 2000+ good reviews on Amazon is Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women’s Totally Shaping Pull-on Skinny Jeans (only $25 in short, medium, and long). What are your perfect fit jeans?
High-Quality Hair Dryer
My hair is naturally curly, coarse, and frizzy, so life changed when I traded in my $15 Conair for a high-powered hair dryer. Men will never understand this problem; however, compound the time it takes to dry your hair every day, or every other day, and it adds up. Let’s also not forget the miracle of de-poofing frizz.
- Hair dryer: Dyson Super Sonic, BaByliss PRO Ceramix (less expensive option for high quality), BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Portofino Full-Size (this is a fast dryer), or another salon grade hair dryer.
Great Pair of Sneakers
A great pair of sneakers will not only make you feel good but will be comfortable to match. Find your favorite workout sneakers (I love ASICS Gel Quantum 360 Running Shoes with a large open toe box) and then consider some casual sneakers. Tennis shoes for my kids also fall in the same category – these are almost always a high-use, high-value purchase.
Sunglasses That You Love
This category comes down to personal preference (cheaper is better if sunglasses have a hard time staying in your possession.) However, I am a definite Ray-Ban fan, alternating between comfortable Wayfairer sunglasses and lightweight Aviators (always purchased during a mega sale.)
Otherwise, choose your favorite brand, knowing that if you buy nicer sunglasses, you are more likely to take care of them. Note: I prefer polarized options, if you can handle the cost (polarized lenses have a special filter that blocks intensely reflected light, such as when you’re on the water, reducing glare and discomfort.)