Unexpectedly brilliant purchases

[Parata]

Last year there was a thread where people were recommending purchases they made or gifts they got that were unexpectedly brilliant. I got sleep headphones based off that thread for my birthday, and they have honestly been amazing - have helped me sleep better as I no longer turn to my phone and doom scroll when I wake up, but just put on a podcast or a meditation session and drift off to sleep. (Also got an acupressure mat that has been much less useful).

As my birthday and that of my kids, and as well Christmas approaches, I was hoping it is time to make a new similar thread maybe we could all find the next thing that changes our lives.

A heated throw I inherited from my mil. Tis cosy on a cold winter evening.

a rechargeable oil diffuser that puffs scented steam every five minutes keeping my bathroom nicely fragrant.

Mine wasn't a purchase - I was given a slow cooker by my son, who had had it while he was at University. I didn't want a slow cooker and couldn't see the point of it.
But I work late shifts, and it's brilliant to be able to put something in before I go to work and come home to a hot fresh meal and a house that smells of cooking! I live alone and often can't be bothered to cook something decent when I get home late at night, so the slow cooker surprised me completely! Now, especially in winter, I wouldn't be without it.

A USB multi charger plug. Permanently have charging leads for phone, watch, iPad and kindle plugged in. Has attachments for Europe and USA.

Whenever I go away I just put the whole thing in my bag and know I can charge everything.

Water flosser. I actually enjoy using it and look forward to how nice my teeth feel after.

@FourBlackCatsthat charger sounds amazing! Please could you post a link?

A shower squeegee. I’d never encountered them before staying with a couple with a German background. Now I do the shower screen and bathroom window after every shower - less mould progression.

It’s old so can’t see the exact one, but this one would be similar (although it doesn’t have the USA bit).

I love threads like this, thanks OP!

RIP my bank balance though

I bought a retractable multi charger type lead thingy that I keep in my bag along with a power bank. I always have a charger if anyone asks, and can charge any device on the go.

The pronged sandals that you strap over your shoes to aerate the lawn. They actually work, are easy to use, and do a brilliant job. Not sure they'd be welcome as a present though....

So many new charging devices! I’m always running around trying to ensure ivhave all the right cables and enough chargers etc. I need to look into one that has regular USB and USB-C chargers and ideally multi country (Eu+Uk) and if retractable would be the icing on the cake! But maybe I’m getting greedy now 😅.

We have a shower squeegee! Bought after we had to descale the shower glass and it took ages! Now we just squeegee everytime we shower (takes 4 swipes max) and it looks fine!

A memory foam topper for my mattress 3" thick. It means I dont wake up 3 times a night with my hips and back aching and I have the energy and pain-free-ness to be able to exercise, which in turn helps my sleep

Please give a link to the sleep headphones!

Integrated blinds, no dusting no unfortunate accidents with the cats, each window is individually adjustable, keeps the house cool when closed.

I got rimless/armless reading classes from Amazon so I could read my Kindle lying on my side.

Hands down the best purchase of 2024

@TomatoSandwichesthese sound great - are they in between panes of glass please?

They are like this (I guess I might have a previous model): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Voerou-Headphones-Adjustable-Bluetooth-Ultra-Long-Black/dp/B09ZYS4F5T/?th=1. I have also recommended them to others who have not bought the exact same, but they are all happy with them. Mine are not good to use eg when out walking, or during the day when there is house noise, as they do not isolate external noise,so there I use my regular headphones, but during the night they work perfectly as I can lie on them.

Do they help kill moss? Our 'lawn' could line millions of hanging baskets!

Off to have a look - they sound wonderful ... but I'm wondering a)how on earth they keep in place, and b) am I allergic to BlueTac!

They help provide conditions where the grass can thrive, but you have to take other steps to get rid of the moss. I follow the advice here https://www.lawnsmith.co.uk/lawn-care-advice/moss-control-removal/?srsltid=AfmBOop4WfzPGzZYOzdYxT2-YMk6sg5h15q4vVnALd0vL6BxoWYWLJ9_ and my lawn has been much better, though still not perfect.

Yes, each window has a slider on one side that you can use to move or adjust or you can get electric ones but they were out of our budget.

We used Morely Glass if you wanted a recommendation.

You know you can make the font size bigger right? 😉 I have mine on 8. The kids take the piss but whatever, I can read it without my glasses on.
I also tend to fall asleep reading so find the kindle somewhere in bed with me next morning so not sure how long the glasses would last 🤣

Now this is my definite best buy (probably ever!) Behold the ‘Wrapmaster 1000’ clingfilm dispenser. No more fighting the clingfilm and ending up throwing it across the kitchen (just me then?)
We went to a friend’s house and whilst chatting towards the end of a lovely barbecue I watched her cover all the leftover salads in seconds with one of these. I needed that efficiency in my life and cannot recommend it enough!

www.lakeland.co.uk/7518/wrapmaster-foil-and-cling-dispenser#product-details-accordion

I've just ordered the sleep headphones after reading this. My friend recommended them months ago and seeing them here has prompted me to take the plunge.