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Original poster

To ask for - Best low cost thing you’ve bought recently ?

407 replies

PollyCherry · 12/07/2025 23:42

As a flip side to the expensive letdowns thread , has anyone bought anything low cost that’s been good ?
I got a mascara in b and m that’s great on my long blonde but thin eyelashes.
And an ineos hand wash that is actually really nice.

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19
beetr00 · 04/08/2025 14:40

Butthechildrentheylovethebooks · 13/07/2025 15:12

A Solar Buddy! Its a sun cream applicator. I haven't actually used it yet but watched a family cover themselves in suncream using one at a theme park on Friday. I asked what it was and the lady said she gets asked all the time. It looked amazing.
Got mine on Amazon prime day (whilst still at theme park) for £7.50. Saving it for hols.

how did I miss this?

drspouse · 04/08/2025 12:07

Butthechildrentheylovethebooks · 13/07/2025 15:12

A Solar Buddy! Its a sun cream applicator. I haven't actually used it yet but watched a family cover themselves in suncream using one at a theme park on Friday. I asked what it was and the lady said she gets asked all the time. It looked amazing.
Got mine on Amazon prime day (whilst still at theme park) for £7.50. Saving it for hols.

I can confirm they are great, we have had them for about 6 or 7 years, we just had to get replacement tops.

UtopiaPlanitia · 04/08/2025 11:43

My contribution to this thread is not cheap cheap but it is reasonably priced and very good quality.

Meaco portable fan:
https://www.johnlewis.com/meaco-260c-usb-fan-white/p110056481

or a 2 pack from Costco:
https://www.costco.co.uk/Appliances/Cooling-Air-Treatment-Heating/Cooling-Fans/MeacoFan-260c-Rechargeable-Portable-Fan-Twin-Pack/p/2602602

The fan has four very good speeds, lasts 14 hours on the lowest speed, charges in 6 hours I use an Anker USB charger plug
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-PowerPort-Charger-Compact-Samsung/dp/B07X1RW3RL

The fan can be used while charging, it has a nightlight and is very quiet during use.

I bought one a few months ago and it gets used every day in this warmer weather. They often sell out during hot weather but keep an eye out for restocks.

PeggyMitchellsCameo · 02/08/2025 11:09

Arraminta · 01/08/2025 09:12

Some people really cannot help themselves. They see a lovely, enjoyable thread and immediately have to descend on it with their dour righteousness. So annoying.

I'm going to use extra fabric conditioner today in order to cheer myself up. Think I might have some of those scent booster pearls too?

You devil 😈 😂

zingally · 02/08/2025 10:33

I recently went to Lakeland and bought 10 of their cheap but tiny baking pans. They are designed for individual portions of things, and great for blasting a few chips and nuggets for kids teas, and take up LOADS less space in the dishwasher!

dizzydizzydizzy · 02/08/2025 10:04

beetr00 · 02/08/2025 09:22

@Itsasecretnow

I think this is the link @dizzydizzydizzy meant to post

Ooops! Yes that’s it. Thank you!

Rina66 · 02/08/2025 09:44

I bought this £3 gadget last week and I can now wear all of my bracelets without having to ask someone to do them up for me!

To ask for - Best low cost thing you’ve bought recently ?
beetr00 · 02/08/2025 09:22

@Itsasecretnow

I think this is the link @dizzydizzydizzy meant to post

dizzydizzydizzy · 01/08/2025 14:52

Itsasecretnow · 01/08/2025 14:38

Could you possibly link to those ones please? How have you found them? I’ve not used anything like that but I’m wondering if I should and I like the look of those because I think I can feel how they’d feel, if that makes sense? Thank you!

Edited
Show quote history

Here you go;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/your-orders/pop?ref=ppx_yo2ov_mob_b_pop&orderId=204-7268950-7316359&lineItemId=nhmgkwjukplqqoy&shipmentId=UJLCgS1FW&packageId=1&asin=B0B38RMPN5

I feel my anxiety reducing when I play with them. I always thought the value of fidget toys was exaggerated but I have found my thing.

Amazon Sign In

https://www.amazon.co.uk/your-orders/pop?asin=B0B38RMPN5&lineItemId=nhmgkwjukplqqoy&orderId=204-7268950-7316359&packageId=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_mob_b_pop&shipmentId=UJLCgS1FW&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-am-i-being-unreasonable-5372495-to-ask-for-best-low-cost-thing-youve-bought-recently

Itsasecretnow · 01/08/2025 14:38

dizzydizzydizzy · 13/07/2025 15:18

Very squishy stress balls. I am neurodivergent and my psychiatrist recommended getting some fiddle toys. I have tried varies toys in the past and they did nothing for me but these squishy balls are wonderful. They bring my anxiety down. Less than £10

Could you possibly link to those ones please? How have you found them? I’ve not used anything like that but I’m wondering if I should and I like the look of those because I think I can feel how they’d feel, if that makes sense? Thank you!

deeahgwitch · 01/08/2025 13:43

It isn’t low cost but if it broke I would buy it again - it’s a little hand held Shark vacuum. So handy when you can’t be bothered to get the big hoover out.
It has a tiny collection area and it doesn’t run for long but that’s ok by me.
It’s just to get crumbs up or reach hard to reach places ( particularly in the car ).

Quirkswork · 01/08/2025 13:11

Arraminta · 01/08/2025 13:08

Solidarity x

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The rivers and streams of the UK thank you for it 😃

Arraminta · 01/08/2025 13:08

JMSA · 01/08/2025 11:43

I added FC to my Tesco shop when I previously wouldn’t have thought about it 😄

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Solidarity x

UpMyself · 01/08/2025 12:33

JMSA · 01/08/2025 11:43

I added FC to my Tesco shop when I previously wouldn’t have thought about it 😄

Show quote history

I've just ordered a new phone, laptop and a printer despite the old ones just being manky but still working, all because of this thread.

JMSA · 01/08/2025 11:43

Arraminta · 01/08/2025 09:12

Some people really cannot help themselves. They see a lovely, enjoyable thread and immediately have to descend on it with their dour righteousness. So annoying.

I'm going to use extra fabric conditioner today in order to cheer myself up. Think I might have some of those scent booster pearls too?

I added FC to my Tesco shop when I previously wouldn’t have thought about it 😄

Quirkswork · 01/08/2025 10:50

Jaws2025 · 01/08/2025 10:35

Well no one's posting any bargains anymore, are they?

That's because everyone keeps banging on about the environmental dangers of mobile phones!! So people are frightened to use them now to post about bargains.

Honestly..you environmental fanatics!

Jaws2025 · 01/08/2025 10:35

Well no one's posting any bargains anymore, are they?

Quirkswork · 01/08/2025 10:22

teksquad · 01/08/2025 10:11

God another nice thread ruined by the thread police!

Lots of things are bad for the environment, particularly coltan mining for mobile phones. There is no amount of FC I could use that would touch the damage done by water companies dumping sewage. I like Fairy FC, some are way too strong. I dont use perfume though so thats an offset. Wonder if the FC police use it?

Is the thread ruined though? I don't think I'm policing anything? It's mumsnet. People probably don't immediately vomit at the.sight of a post they disagree with or don't want to see??

I do get it. The reaction just shows though how fanatical environmentalists like Extinction rebellion have ruined the general conversation as people now instinctively recoil at anyone suggesting chemicals in our water is not great for wildlife.

Anyway. As I keep saying. Back to the fun thread. The point has now adequately been made on both sides.

teksquad · 01/08/2025 10:11

God another nice thread ruined by the thread police!

Lots of things are bad for the environment, particularly coltan mining for mobile phones. There is no amount of FC I could use that would touch the damage done by water companies dumping sewage. I like Fairy FC, some are way too strong. I dont use perfume though so thats an offset. Wonder if the FC police use it?

Quirkswork · 01/08/2025 09:46

Arraminta · 01/08/2025 09:43

Are you aware that the mining and manufacturing of some components in the device you're using to post on here, cause massive damage to the environment?

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Yes. That's a proportionate and reasonable comment. My answer is that I need a mobile for work. I don't need to use fabric conditioner.

I'm not trying to attack anyone by the way. If you are happy using FC then that's your choice.

Arraminta · 01/08/2025 09:43

Quirkswork · 01/08/2025 09:21

I'd actually normally be with you on the not liking self-righteousness on threads. And I get you just want nice things said on this thread. But I live right next to two little rivers and am always really concerned about what goes into our water systems. All sorts of stuff is poured in and you can actually see the damage. And fabric conditioner is not biodegradable and is harmful to aquatic life.
I think it's good people are informed so they can chose. I'd like to know.

It's a bit like spraying wasp killer in a room with goldfish. You might like someone to let you know that it's harmful.

Anyway, self-righteous rant over and on with the fun thread.

Show quote history

Are you aware that the mining and manufacturing of some components in the device you're using to post on here, cause massive damage to the environment?

HotCrossBunplease · 01/08/2025 09:37

Quirkswork · 01/08/2025 09:21

I'd actually normally be with you on the not liking self-righteousness on threads. And I get you just want nice things said on this thread. But I live right next to two little rivers and am always really concerned about what goes into our water systems. All sorts of stuff is poured in and you can actually see the damage. And fabric conditioner is not biodegradable and is harmful to aquatic life.
I think it's good people are informed so they can chose. I'd like to know.

It's a bit like spraying wasp killer in a room with goldfish. You might like someone to let you know that it's harmful.

Anyway, self-righteous rant over and on with the fun thread.

Show quote history

Sure. Being sanctimonious on a Mumsnet shopping thread is the way to fix water pollution. If only someone had thought of it sooner!

Quirkswork · 01/08/2025 09:21

Arraminta · 01/08/2025 09:12

Some people really cannot help themselves. They see a lovely, enjoyable thread and immediately have to descend on it with their dour righteousness. So annoying.

I'm going to use extra fabric conditioner today in order to cheer myself up. Think I might have some of those scent booster pearls too?

I'd actually normally be with you on the not liking self-righteousness on threads. And I get you just want nice things said on this thread. But I live right next to two little rivers and am always really concerned about what goes into our water systems. All sorts of stuff is poured in and you can actually see the damage. And fabric conditioner is not biodegradable and is harmful to aquatic life.
I think it's good people are informed so they can chose. I'd like to know.

It's a bit like spraying wasp killer in a room with goldfish. You might like someone to let you know that it's harmful.

Anyway, self-righteous rant over and on with the fun thread.

Arraminta · 01/08/2025 09:12

Some people really cannot help themselves. They see a lovely, enjoyable thread and immediately have to descend on it with their dour righteousness. So annoying.

I'm going to use extra fabric conditioner today in order to cheer myself up. Think I might have some of those scent booster pearls too?

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