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.

That looks very very similar to the ones I bought in 2021, which are still in nearly perfect condition though I am rough with them! Mine were Weerstone brand and are no longer being sold on Amazon.

BTW another thing I love is how they fasten securely onto your washing line so they can't blow off in a strong wind.

The only tiny niggle is if you have two, you mustn't set them down on top of each other when not in use because they love to get tangled together! I have learned to store them separately and not chuck them together onto the wet clothes in the laundry basket.

By the way, for anyone loves Oodies, they are very cheap on Vinted. I am guessing people love to give them as Christmas presents but the recipients may not like them.

I can see why some folks might not like them. They aren't exactly attractive and they are only suitable for dedicated lounge lizards, not for people who like to DO things. For example you can't really cook or wash up while wearing them. If there's clutter on a nearby table, you'll sweep it all off when walking past. You have to remove it to go to the loo.

But for those of us who literally like to sit and be warm, they are ideal!

Does anyone have a link for the Thread from last year too ...

Loving all these ideas MN!

Heated fleece over blanket. Best thing I bought recently.

Oh this is interesting as I suffer badly from the same. Maybe I need a topper...

You definitely do! I got one as a Black Friday deal - a Slumberland kingsize one for about £40 a couple of years ago - and it's been simply brilliant.

Here in California we call them “iced tea spoons.” We used to use them for adding sugar to iced tea, but now I use them for stirring a little cream into my coffee or anything that requires stirring something into a tall glass.
I couldn’t get along without them.

Good noise cancelling headphones (Sony ones) great for gym, being productive, commuting etc

Loop engage ear plugs (neurodivergent and struggle with loud noises). Allows you to hear what you need to at a lower volume.

Shark hairdryer. Dries my hair in under 10 mins and I have seriously long thick and challenging hair.

Gel nail lamp, drill, polish etc I do it at home rather than going to the salon every few weeks and found it looks just as good and lasts just as long but for a fraction of the cost

Hot wax kit, means I can tidy my face up and do my own eyebrows without having to find the time to go to a salon.

Oh and a weighted blanket to help with anxiety etc just regulates me better

I bought a power bank a couple of years ago. It's been a god send when I've been to A&E to ensure I can contact family. I had to take my son a couple of months ago and it ensured I could keep him entertained and keep in touch with family.

I miss my Noo-noo. It was programmed to do a full sweep of the ground floor everyday so we never had to vacuum. Just had to remember to pick up the sheepskin rug cos it got stuck once or twice.
I got a heated blanket for Christmas, i have also kept blankets on the sofa and complained of being cold in the winter so my husband bought me this, its the best present i ever got.

My Dad used to get these free with petrol in the 1970s. I still have them 50 years later.

I would love to know how you manage this - I got a water flosser and nearly took my eye out the first time I used it and have been too scared to try again. Even on the lowest level it is like a tiny water cannon uncontrollably firing stabby needle-like machine gun spurts of water all over the room.

Shamelessly place marking!

Isn’t this just pince nez? Interesting when something old comes back around

Great thread! I agree about the mattress topper, although mine's not memory foam. I bought a 4" thick one online from Robert Dyas. It was about half the price of others I'd seen and made the rock-hard sofa bed really comfortable. I never got on with my garlic plate though - it took ages to get the grated garlic off the plate.

What Kindle remote page turner? My hand aches from holding mine at an angle to press the button with each page turn so sounds interesting

I couldn’t find it 🫣. Which is why I started a new one. Maybe others have better luck than me in finding it (or it was somewhere where it disappears).

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5216058-most-useful-thing-youve-bought-under-ps30?page=1

Life changing. Let me know what you think Eyemask

@chimichangaz

@chimichangaz

I made two in pottery class. <preens> Mind, it was the only useful thin I made, so it was probably the most expensive garlic plate ever.

Loop sleep ear plugs - I’m the lightest sleeper and even a slight breathing sound from my husband drives me mad but they’re great and comfy.

I got one in B&M for £1.

I had the same problem, deluges everywhere and found it quite strange and painful in my mouth however it's a knack and with practice it gets a lot easier. I practiced over the bath or in the shower, you have to kind of make a seal round the flosser as you jet wash your teeth and gums but let it all run out as your mouth fills up then seal again. You have to hold your breath too. The more you do it the easier it will get and much less painful until you can take the full jet force.