What are your favourite things under 50$ that make your life a bit easier or more pleasant?

fossilesque@mander.xyz to Asklemmy@lemmy.ml – 372 points –

I need some holiday gift ideas (that I will probably gift to myself as well)!

365

You are viewing a single comment
View all comments

I have recommendations that depend entirely on lifestyle, so not great general stuff but amazing for the people they're for:

  • Wurkkos FC11 Rechargeable LED Flashlights Max 1300Lumen High 90CRI EDC Flash Light USB C Charge,IP67 Waterproof Torch, Magnetic Tailcap, Great for Dog Walking Home use Emergency(5000K) https://a.co/d/fncjQhi

This flashlight is light, bright, cheap, and USB C rechargeable. It has a magnet in its ass so you can easily mount it and do whatever you're trying to do hands-free. As a power plant operator who runs around outside or climbs inside of condensers and tanks and shit, this thing was incredibly handy. Probably pretty good for hikers and campers too.

It doesn't necessarily need to be this exact pair, but Darn Tough brand wool socks are the general recommendation. They reduce impact, wick sweat/moisture, and they're comfortable. This is the only kind of socks I will wear at work or else my feet hurt and itch and stink.

  • OontZ Ultra Bluetooth Speaker, Portable Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Speaker, 14 Watts, up to 100 ft Bluetooth Range, IPX7 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Black) https://a.co/d/dXlV5bY

It's a surprisingly good sound quality waterproof Bluetooth speaker. I take mine into the shower and listen to music. You could use it in the kitchen, outside in the yard, etc. but mine is pretty much entirely used in the shower or sometimes the bedroom 😉

Obviously not for everybody, but these are great bang for your buck if they suit somebody you know!

Out of those 3 options, I would prefer the flashlight.

Even if you already have a flashlight, you can always find another place that would benefit from one nearby.

I also just say that I don't buy in at all to Darn Tough socks. This person can't where any other brand of socks? Bullshit. You can just buy new generic socks before you get anywhere close to the price you'll pay for gourmet socks.

Also depending on the person's interests, getting them a boardgame could be nice.

Regarding Darn Tough, part of why I recommend that brand in particular, which I really should've mentioned, is they come with a lifetime warranty. If they get a hole, you ship them back and they straight up just replace them. They're sturdy as fuck. I do 12 hour shifts in them on ladders, stairs, gravel, incline, etc getting thousands of steps and they are the gold standard for that. Just be wary of counterfeits, especially on Amazon.

Board games can be an incredible gift because there's also the implicit bonus gift of "I will spend time with you playing this game."

I prefer smart wool, but am totally on board with nice merino wool socks from any brand. Happy feet have helped me maintain a happy life. It's like a good pillow or the right jacket for today's weather for me.

Totally agree on the boardgame suggestion if it suits their personality. You need to know what complexity they are into, first.

I've had three or four pairs of smartwool socks, and they haven't lasted more than a couple years. I have Scott ten pairs of Darn Tough I got on sale at REI that I've had for about seven years, and they're all in great shape, even the pair that I snagged on a nail once. They're fantastic, and also really comfortable.

Dunno about darn tough socks, but I have some smart wool socks i've been wearing for years and years. No idea what they go for now, because I bought mine over a decade ago, but whatever the cost they are absolutely worth it.

I also knit my own, and it's the only way i've gotten near the same quality and durability, and the cost for that is pretty high, even without considering the time it takes to knit them.