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Original poster

Inexpensive thing that has improved your life

393 replies

OnMyWayToday · 26/12/2018 21:37

Looking for some inspiration...

Is there something that is relatively inexpensive (£100 max) that has had an good impact on your quality of life?

I have vouchers that need used.

OP posts:
2019Mummy · 26/12/2018 22:18

Blanket for the sofa.

BillywigSting · 26/12/2018 22:20

Snow boots for the school run. Bought last year when we had weeks of horrible slushy sleety crap all over the roads. My feet would be frozen and soaked by the end of it.

£50 in decathlon. They look like trainers, and while a bit on the ugly side are the single most warm and comfortable pair of shoes I have ever owned. I live in them in the winter.

TheMincePiesAreMine · 26/12/2018 22:20

Hario v60 coffee dripper thing. Low tech, no cleaning or scraping needed, just chuck the filters. Pleases me every single morning.

Decent saucepans - boring as anything.

SheilaHammond · 26/12/2018 22:21

Sheepskin insoles for my boots. About 3 quid off amazon. Warm feet and no blisters, fab if you are on your feet all day.

Bumblebee39 · 26/12/2018 22:23

£1 each salt and black pepper grinders

Literally the cheapest thing I can think of but I was miserable without them

Teacherlikemisstrunchball · 26/12/2018 22:24

A £25 basic food processor from Argos-homemade shortbread/pastry in minutes!

A lovely fluffy blanket from Costco for the sofa.

Milton brown shower gel-the scents are amazing and they last for ages

MrsDeanWinchester75 · 26/12/2018 22:25

Heated throw for the sofa, I live under it from about 5pm every night, I'm hoping it'll lower the gas bill now I'm not paying to have the fire on to heat the whole room.

wellhonestly · 26/12/2018 22:26

Pants that are like fitted boxer shorts for women. OMG so comfy!
Sheepskin insoles for my shoes. Bliss in winter.
A down coat.
Slow cooker - dinner is ready when I come home from work.

sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea · 26/12/2018 22:27

A feather duvet. I always sleep in the nud in any case, but a feather duvet is revolutionary - the weight of it is so comforting, it keeps you warm in winter, cool in summer, and it just falls around your body beautifully. It is honestly the best thing I ever bought myself. I sleep so much better with it than I've ever done before.

moggiek · 26/12/2018 22:28

I second the Uniqlo thermals Smile

Emilydickensonsdogs · 26/12/2018 22:28

Audible, audio books. You can subscribe and get 3 credits (books) a month for £18. I think first month is free. I listen while walking, cooking, in the car.

thebaronetofcockburn · 26/12/2018 22:28

Yaxtrax. Perfect for walking and jogging when it's icy.

OopsInamechangedagain · 26/12/2018 22:31

Instant Pot. My turkey this Christmas turned out great! Brilliant for risottos and stews too.

katseyes7 · 26/12/2018 22:32

themagicamulet l'm with you 100% on this one. l don't use my heating, just the fire in the living room, and my electric blanket is a godsend. l can't get to sleep in a cold bed, and there's nothing nicer than getting into a warm, snug bed.

Pilcrow · 26/12/2018 22:32

I third the Uniqlo thermals Xmas Grin

katseyes7 · 26/12/2018 22:33

MrsDeanWinchester75 Please may l ask where you got that from? l'm thinking that might be a good idea for me!

KetchupOnRoastDinner · 26/12/2018 22:34

Ultra-slim washing brushes, for cleaning glasses and water bottles.

A lanyard for house keys, which attaches to a loop in my bag.

Amazon Dash buttons for the bin bags, loo roll and cat litter (the 3 things that I notice are running low whilst using them, therefore always forget to write it down).

PawneeParksDept · 26/12/2018 22:34

It's not inexpensive but the one thing I've bought this year I wouldn't be without is instant pot - can't imagine not having it now I think I'd cry.

katseyes7 · 26/12/2018 22:37

l'd recommend Fitflops. Not usually under £100, but if you can get them in the sales (l got a pair of boots for £65 last year) they're worth every penny. l've still got my first pair l got 20 years ago, and they're the most comfortable footwear l've ever had. They're like wearing slippers.

sprouts21 · 26/12/2018 22:42

Heated throw for the sofa.

Ali1cedowntherabbithole · 26/12/2018 22:43

A Breville single mug coffee filter machine. Costs less than £20 and makes proper coffee quickly with no hassle or mess.

Seasonal one - digital thermometer. no need to overlook the turkey “just in case” stop cooking once it gets to 70 and it will be fine. And still moist.

Plug in scented burner thing. Can be used with essential oils or body shop scents. Much Cheaper and safer than candles, and smells nice!

Thegingerpig · 26/12/2018 22:48

This is very boring and slightly over £100, but my Lakeland heated aired is one of the most useful things I have ever bought. We don’t have room for a tumble drier so it is a godsend with small DC’s.

PhaedrasChocolate · 26/12/2018 22:50

Another vote for an electric blanket. It's the one luxury thing in my house that I would have to replace immediately if it broke.

Fadingmemory · 26/12/2018 22:53

A Moleskin diary with a week per double page. Diary part on the left page, lined page for notes on the right. Helps me keep track (even if my phone is lost or stolen). Very simple but it’s made a big difference.

Inexpensive thing that has improved your life
chocoholicanon · 26/12/2018 22:54

Slow cooker. I live alone and work long hours, prep meat and veg the night before throw stock over in the morning and leave to cook all day, ready for a home cooked meal when I get in from work.