What’s been the most useful/boring thing you’ve bought this year?

[CanIGetALattaaaaay]

For me it’s an plug-in heated foot warmer for under my desk. It’s made my whole day a million times more pleasant and comfortable.

We also got a shoe rack that fits over our hallway door - the days of tripping over shoes are over and it was worth every penny.

@Thelnebriati

Decent headphones and an extension cable long enough to reach from the telly to my chair. They are comfortable to wear and improve listening to music and watching films. I also have headphone splitters. I had hoped I could jack the volume up and not bother the others but the stupid tv doesnt cut out the sound if you use headphones.

My son uses wireless headphones when playing on his games console. He has to turn the volume down on the TV or the sound also comes out of the TV speakers. May be the same for your telly? I tried to @ you but think you must have it turned off

@SophieGiroux yep, that's killed it for me. Maybe when I'm dogless I'll reconsider!!

We moved house in March so bought lots of useful furniture etc however something that has benefitted me is toaster tongs!! Love them and has stopped me fishing bread products out with cutlery

Eufy here too. But also a new dishwasher to replace the old crappy one and a heated throw.

Cordless vacuum
Earplugs for DP snoring
Coat pegs screwed to the wall instead of stupid hatstand that always fell over
3 in 1 Colombia coat so there's the warm puffa inner and waterproof outer to wear on their own or together meaning perfect coat every day
Big monitor screen and wireless mouse and keyboard for WFH to stop me hunching over laptop
Extra long phone charger cable. Want more of them.

All these dull items have improved quality of life this year.

@Twobrews can I ask which water flosser you have? I want to buy one but am being out off by others telling me they're messy and not effective

A toaster which fits a whole slice of bread in! Ours broke and so I found one which is actually big enough.

My eufy, although I wish they did stairs!

Lots of organising boxes from Tesco. Only a fiver each with lids and the office is much tidier now which is good on video calls

A dyson hairdryer, I’m genuinely in love with it. Plus it means the cat isn’t scared when I dry my hair.

Standing desk, I can’t sit still and when I sit for long periods my hips hurt, so now I can work and my wriggling around etc isn’t a problem.

Garden kneeler/stool, a hori hori blade (from niwaki) and a greenhouse. All have been life-saving for me this year.

There are hundreds of other small things but I've forgotten them already as they've slotted into my life seamlessly. This year has been so awful that I made a promise to myself that while I could afford it I would eradicate all those minor irritations I usually just accommodate. I've bought sharper knives, warmer coat and boots, etc.

@Lurkingforawhile

I've got the waterpik cordless.
It is messy. I have to cover myself with a towel! However my technique has improved a lot.
I have very little room between some of my back teeth but really struggle to use floss or interdental brushes there, and when I do it really hurts. With the waterpik I know the water is getting between them as can see the bits of food I'm spitting out and its pain free.

This year has been so awful that I made a promise to myself that while I could afford it I would eradicate all those minor irritations I usually just accommodate.

That's a very wise thing to do @RoobyMyrtle It's the small things (like not struggling to cook using a blunt chopping knife) that make the difference to our lives.

Mine has been actually admitting to myself that I do need varifocals, and getting some. Yes, a huge difference, and I am a vain fool for not doing it earlier.

The garden seat was in the same vein nemeton. I've been struggling to garden for years and mostly not managing and feeling sad. Suddenly I thought "who cares if I admit I struggle to stand up and have to sit on a stool to do it?" It's changed my life. Shame I can't persuade my other half that a wheelchair/ scooter would help me get out more into the world but you can't have everything

At the moment I would say a really warm, cuddly teddy bear fleece sweatshirt from Next. Previously I was really cold and wearing two hoodies which made me look a bit like a bag lady but now I'm warm and cosy .

Also a patio heater so we can still see friends or family members in the garden . It's not as effective as we hoped but it definitely makes it more comfortable for sitting outdoors .

Shame I can't persuade my other half that a wheelchair/ scooter would help me get out more into the world but you can't have everything

Oh @RoobyMyrtle that seems like a sad situation to be in. I hope 2021 brings better things for you.

A Nana trolley.

I get ‘knowing’ looks from fellow Nana’s in the supermarket.

I’ll be pimping it for Christmas.

www.fruugo.co.uk/lightweight-4wheel-shopping-trolley-large-30kg-capacity-mabag-easylife/p-51036919-102149240?language=en&ac=croud&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqL_jouK37QIVF53VCh2kLgTvEAQYBiABEgKeLvD_BwE

Oh no @Tronkmanton.

How bad is the F&P? I really (really) want one ^^

The first one we had broke within 6 months, was replaced under warranty (after much faffing with F&P). Second one must have been a Friday batch as it never washed anything properly- frequently had to rewash. If someone puts a fork in wrongly it jams the whole machine but it doesn’t tell you- just a lovely ‘surprise’ when you come to empty it. I think if you were on your own or a couple it would probably be brilliant but it cannot cope with a family on lockdown! A real shame as in theory the idea is brilliant & they look beautiful.

@AuntyFungal

I love my FP. On my second (two in two houses) never had an issue. Family of 6, loaded by the DC who are known for their care and attention.

@Lurkingforawhile

Please tell me about your toaster! I’m looking for one big enough to fit a whole slice of our homemade bread (Panasonic bread maker) without an uncooked strip along the top and failing dismally!

My best buy has to be the Eufy robo vac., we don’t currently have any pets to worry about awful incidents and it is wonderful to hear him trundling around cleaning whilst I’m doing something else!

not known

They are careless, throw everything in without much consideration

A thermos flask for work. Enough for a pot and a half and can share a cup with my colleague. Drink a cup when making then a second cup at work. Keeps warm for most of the day. Clorox wipes & Room sprays too but think that’s mildly obsessive rather than helpful.

A salt pot with a tiny spoon. It makes me happy when I use it.

@merlotbythefire it’s this one. Definitely recommended www.argos.co.uk/product/7308482

@Lurkingforawhile thank you very much!

Dyson cordless vacuum...I can't believe I waited so long to get one. Have always hated vacuuming and having something easy to use has been a game changer.