In a world dominated by fast fashion, planned obsolescence, and single-use plastics, the cheapest, most popular products aren’t always the most frugal. Reddit’s buy-it-for-life community — whose slogan is “durable, quality, practical” — understands this. The 1.4 million-strong subreddit is a place for savvy shoppers to share high-quality products that can be “bought once and used for life,” as the community’s mission statement reads. While a well-made product (a cast iron pan, for example) might cost more upfront, you’ll save money in the long run if it lasts a lifetime. We sifted through the subreddit’s 2022 gift guides to bring you the ultimate list of buy-it-for-life products for the holidays and beyond.
Related: 50 Gifts for $50 or Less
Leatherman Micra
$60 from Amazon
Backed by a 25-year warranty and built to last, this stainless steel keychain multitool comes equipped with scissors, a knife, nail file, and more. One Redditor, who described the tool’s quality as “amazing,” said that the Micra has been helpful in countless situations.
Related: 50 Unique Gift Ideas for Guys Under $50
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
$40 from Amazon
Heavy, durable, and surprisingly cheap, Lodge cast iron skillets will last years, if not lifetimes. While they come pre-seasoned, home chefs should be sure to properly clean, care for, and store their skillet to ensure it endures.
Related: The Best Gifts for Men Who Like to Cook
Revlon Glass Nail File
$12 from Amazon
Looking for an affordable, buy-it-for-life stocking stuffer? Unlike normal emery boards, which are prone to deteriorate over time, a glass file will last years. One Redditor recommended the model from Revlon, though most glass files should do the trick.
Related: Gifts for Minimalists and People Who Say, “Don’t Get Me Anything”
Darn Tough Socks
$15 and up from Backcountry
Given that Darn Tough Socks come “unconditionally guaranteed for life,” it’s no surprise that buy-it-for-life Redditors are crazy about these merino wool socks. They’re made in the U.S. at a mill in Vermont.
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KitchenAid Stand Mixer
$450 from Sur La Table
For a truly buy-it-for-life kitchen appliance, save up your cash to buy a KitchenAid stand mixer. Multiple Redditors write that their models have withstood years of heavy use in the kitchen and still work perfectly. This 5-quart version comes in nine colors, has 10 stirring speeds, and three mixing heads.
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AeroPress
$35 from Amazon
When retired Stanford lecturer Alan Adler launched the AeroPress in 2005, he changed the world of third-wave coffee. The portable and fast brewing system — a simple syringelike plunger made of heat-resistant plastic — is so popular among coffee aficionados that there’s even a barista competition dedicated to the device. One Redditor shared that their AeroPress is still functional after 10 years, describing it as “bombproof.”
Shinkosha Can Opener
$10 from Amazon
If you’re looking for a can opener that’ll last decades, consider this simple stainless steel contraption from Japan. While it may look confusing and hard to use, a Redditor says “it feels natural to use” after you open five to 10 cans.
Legos
Prices vary
If you’ve ever stepped on a stray Lego piece while barefoot, you know how durable (and painful!) they are. Many of the popular building blocks are made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a hard engineering plastic that will last a long, long time. This X-Wing Lego set is a particularly popular model that’s under $50.
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Shiseido Eyelash Curler
$16 from Amazon
A Redditor calls this eyelash curler “the best one in the game.” One reviewer on Amazon writes that they’ve used the same curler for a decade, adding that it’s “worth paying a bit extra for a curler that actually works.”
Pendleton National Parks Blanket
$270 and up from Amazon
While the price tag might make your jaw drop, know that this wool blanket will last generations. The National Parks line comes in fun striped designs and each is emblazoned with an important national feature.
Nalgene Water Bottle
Prices vary
It’s a rare product that can be long-lasting, high-quality, and cheap, but Nalgene has managed to tick all those boxes with its reusable plastic bottles. Developed orginally for laboratory use, these colorful BPA-free, American-made water bottles can take a beating and last for years.
Rainbow Sandals
Prices vary
These leather sandals are a favorite among r/BuyItForLife superfans. “I got my husband a pair based on a recommendation from this sub and they are probably one of his top 5 favorite gifts of all time. They’re pretty great,” a Redditor writes. With several models and a variety of colors, shoppers are sure to find a pair that fits their style.Double-Edge Safety Razor
$26 from Amazon
Although disposable razors have supplanted their old-fashioned, double-edged counterparts, some swear by the latter. Razor blade replacements are cheap, they provide a closer shave, and they can last decades. For beginners, Redditors recommend the widely available King C. Gillette Safety Razor, though the subreddit r/WickedEdge has a full list of entry-level razors.
Thermoworks ThermoPop thermometer
$21 from Thermoworks
Redditors “love” this no-frills kitchen thermometer, which comes in nine fun colors from hot pink to jet black. Readings are fast and accurate, and the ThermoPop’s replaceable battery should last 5,000 hours.
Bruder Toys
Prices vary
Forget cheap, glossy toys that break in just a few years (or months). Bruder’s German-made assortment — from realistic cement trucks to action figures — are sure to be passed down to future generations. And even if they do break, Bruder offers replacement parts.
