Page 13 | Unexpectedly brilliant purchases

Parata · 2025-07-16T18:49:02+00:00

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.

BlinkyBlank · 21/07/2025 14:42

Barbadossunset · 20/07/2025 16:12

A small serrated knife that I bought in a French market for a few euros which could cut through tungsten. It made slicing and chopping effortless.
Alas it’s lost and I can’t remember exactly where I bought it and attempts to find one online have come to nought. I have bought a couple from Amazon which looked similar but aren’t at all sharp.
I fear the parrot chucked it in the bin which is next to the draining board - we lost a number of teaspoons that way and we only discovered when we were in the garden and saw her doing it through the window.

I don't know if this is the kind you mean but the Victorinox Tomato Knife sounds similar and it is easily my most used knife (or should I say knives as I have multiple!) - they're cheap and fabulous. Obviously it's great for tomatoes but I use it for almost everything - vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, it can do it all. I've heard professional chefs use them.

They're great for camping etc as they're small cheap and so versatile. They make a folding version which I would like to buy for picnics etc (but for some reason it's four times the price of the non-folding one)

itsnotagameshow · 21/07/2025 14:44

Thindog · 20/07/2025 19:32

I got a cheese box, from Lakeland, which has a charcoal filter in the lid. It's brilliant for stopping the smell from pooey French cheese from stinking out the fridge.

Tefal! I've got one, it's brilliant.

godmum56 · 21/07/2025 14:49

BlinkyBlank · 21/07/2025 14:42

I don't know if this is the kind you mean but the Victorinox Tomato Knife sounds similar and it is easily my most used knife (or should I say knives as I have multiple!) - they're cheap and fabulous. Obviously it's great for tomatoes but I use it for almost everything - vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, it can do it all. I've heard professional chefs use them.

They're great for camping etc as they're small cheap and so versatile. They make a folding version which I would like to buy for picnics etc (but for some reason it's four times the price of the non-folding one)

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yup that's the one mentioned as part of a set further up the post. Have you got a link to the folding one please?
edit, found it but can not bring myself to cough up for it!

Ohnobackagain · 21/07/2025 15:17

@PotatoBreadForTheWin I always end up grating myself so now I have a crusher and it came with a little rubber/silicon tube that you roll the garlic in to remove the skin first. Much safer for the likes of me! Lasted over 3 years so far. I use the brush to clean the crusher before washing rather than on the garlic you just crushed …

https://amzn.eu/d/4TfVk3M

DailyMaui · 21/07/2025 15:50

Barbadossunset · 20/07/2025 16:12

A small serrated knife that I bought in a French market for a few euros which could cut through tungsten. It made slicing and chopping effortless.
Alas it’s lost and I can’t remember exactly where I bought it and attempts to find one online have come to nought. I have bought a couple from Amazon which looked similar but aren’t at all sharp.
I fear the parrot chucked it in the bin which is next to the draining board - we lost a number of teaspoons that way and we only discovered when we were in the garden and saw her doing it through the window.

I def need to know more about this parrot. Plus I'm sure there's a parrot tax (picture) when such a talented pet is mentioned.

Have added the sleep headphones to my wishlist.

My own genius buys are:

A peeler that I got in Waitrose - I've had a few but this one peels spuds/carrots etc so quickly and easily.

A Braun epilator - boy have these things come a LONG way. Mine is painless and removes even tiny hairs.

A handheld hoover from Aldi that cost £15. Used almost daily for keeping the floor free of hairs, crumbs, blown in petals etc.

My Sony WH-1000xm5 noise cancelling headphones - I worried they would make my head sweat in hot weather but they don't and they make my commute into something bearable because I'm immersed in music. I also no longer have itchy, flaky ears from using in ear buds.

Pleasing Big Lip Moisture balm - the best lip plumping balm I have ever used and gives your lips a lovely sheen. Plus my last one lasted me four years.

Velcro rollers - still the best thing for giving my shitty, thin hair the lift and bounce it needs.

Barbadossunset · 21/07/2025 15:56

I def need to know more about this parrot. Plus I'm sure there's a parrot tax (picture) when such a talented pet is mentioned

I posted a photo of her hanging upside down on the door jamb yesterday on this thread at 17.25.
She is very sweet but that beak is a powerful tool.

ReadingTime · 21/07/2025 16:39

godmum56 · 21/07/2025 14:49

yup that's the one mentioned as part of a set further up the post. Have you got a link to the folding one please?
edit, found it but can not bring myself to cough up for it!

Edited

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I use these kuhn rikon knives for camping, they are also very sharp but the coloured coating gradually wore off mine when I used them at home every day which gave me the creeps as some of it could be ending up in the food. So now they are in my camping kit because the blade covers are so useful, because all kinds of stuff gets into the food when you're camping anyway so what's a little bit of paint. Also I suspect it was actually the dishwasher that took the colour off.

Kuhn Rikon Colori+ Prep 2 Pc Kitchen Knife Set (1x Paring Knife, 1x Serrated Kitchen Knife) Stainless Steel Blade Kitchen Knives Set. Sharp Knife Set – 3 Year Kuhn Rikon Kitchen Accessories Guarantee : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen

Great prices on your favourite Home brands, and free delivery on eligible orders.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Colori-Kitchen-Paring-Serrated-Stainless/dp/B097NB9RP5/ref=sr_1_10?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1mTSUoywIc5Bzilb_f82XYL8rSglyU6ad2s8Cwgyq059p_f3861sIfgPtKOo2f5lfIH0jgWzU6NNUgVtVDrFEePocw01q7jh8YB6hV8vd2Zv6M0N7c3MrhGuZtIlcO4zWCwmCnVpzi_HsbTy-PRj_L7bjZB-7oFEYK7Ua0hi6PxhNW9g51AlkWHqMYpCwCT0VG-f53uFTKpbZKfBc85k8RmNgETjgrTIi05WF29kvxtaGCC7w7HeekVM_OUCKDw49KZ3Hj5op0bkdjKQvyAnBXEAfCbBj4uoZJjEFGfsplA.UDYODakvmQhhQmZ0H3nOIbT5En5kxuAoi8jwid-Sxeg&dib_tag=se&keywords=kuhn%2Brikon%2Bknife&qid=1753111919&sr=8-10&th=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum--chat-5374889-unexpectedly-brilliant-purchases

godmum56 · 21/07/2025 16:56

ReadingTime · 21/07/2025 16:39

I use these kuhn rikon knives for camping, they are also very sharp but the coloured coating gradually wore off mine when I used them at home every day which gave me the creeps as some of it could be ending up in the food. So now they are in my camping kit because the blade covers are so useful, because all kinds of stuff gets into the food when you're camping anyway so what's a little bit of paint. Also I suspect it was actually the dishwasher that took the colour off.

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thanks but I really want a folding one....might have to just bite the bullet

angela1952 · 21/07/2025 16:57

@DailyMaui I wondered which of the Braun epilators you have? I've found them painful in the past. Thanks.

NegroniMacaroni · 21/07/2025 17:21

Cork massage ball.

I use it every night before bed - lean against the wall and massage my back. Sooo relaxing. The fact it's cork means I can easily pack it when traveling.

WhatdoesitmeanKeith · 21/07/2025 17:22

Kat70 · 20/07/2025 18:53

The little garlic plate. Game changer! Never have to chop or garlic press ever again. The plate has little sharp teeth in spiral and it grates it. You can also do ginger and chocolate on it.

That’s absolutely gorgeous @Kat70 . Functional and attractive!

Thinkonmadam · 21/07/2025 17:24

My shower octopus - bit pricey for what it is but super useful if you don’t like those metal shower shelves (that go rusty/manky over time) my only caution is to make sure the bottles hang right way up to avoid accidental spills.

https://amzn.eu/d/1IjyIX0

also I live alone so he is one of the inanimate objects I say good morning to every day 😂

Formverket Octopus shampoo holder, shower gel holder, approx. 33 cm long, for hanging with 9 adjustable loops, latex, green : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen

https://amzn.eu/d/1IjyIX0?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum--chat-5374889-unexpectedly-brilliant-purchases

godmum56 · 21/07/2025 18:18

Didshejustsaythatoutloud · 20/07/2025 18:23

I didn't know you could get such a thing. Sounds amazing 👏

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I saw hair removal mitts in Superdrug for a £1. Thought why not give it a gamble.
Not expecting it to work but it did!!! No shaving bumps. Exfoliated legs too.
Honestly what the fuck have I been spending all this £££ on waxes for all these years.
Have done further research and found a permanent stone that apparently lasts 6 months. Very excited.
Mine justcarrived from smazon, blooming amazing! Bye bye lizard legs! My advice would be to go VERY VERY GENTLY thiugh

DailyMaui · 21/07/2025 18:36

angela1952 · 21/07/2025 16:57

@DailyMaui I wondered which of the Braun epilators you have? I've found them painful in the past. Thanks.

it's this one - the painlessness was a revelation. I have yet to try on my underarms but I'm very tempted. I would NEVER have even thought of doing that with the one I had years ago, I would have died of the pain!

www.braunshop.co.uk/p/epilators/silk-epil-9/silk-epil-9-9-030-epilator/15280350/?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19924341587&gbraid=0AAAAACUeP9zcasO1BFL-8yBKZ2hzX4RKT&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyvfDBhDYARIsAItzbZG400GDYVgjhWvrRzTUDlhlzmI6XwgMnGS-10uZj7q79fJOQnowK6IaAmJgEALw_wcB

DeanStockwelll · 21/07/2025 18:42

timestressed · 21/07/2025 14:25

Are they easy to dismantle for washing?

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I have the same kind of headphones , no they can not be taken apart at all .

godmum56 · 21/07/2025 18:50

godmum56 · 21/07/2025 18:18

I saw hair removal mitts in Superdrug for a £1. Thought why not give it a gamble.
Not expecting it to work but it did!!! No shaving bumps. Exfoliated legs too.
Honestly what the fuck have I been spending all this £££ on waxes for all these years.
Have done further research and found a permanent stone that apparently lasts 6 months. Very excited.
Mine justcarrived from smazon, blooming amazing! Bye bye lizard legs! My advice would be to go VERY VERY GENTLY thiugh

Show quote history

This is what I got. Really really pleased with it. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F5W9QK53?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

UQQU Crystal Hair Eraser for Hair Removal, Crystal Hair Remover for Men and Women, Magic Crystal Hair Remover with Gentle Skin Exfoliation, Reusable, Easy to Use, Works On All Body Parts - ‎Silver : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders of £20 or more. Buy UQQU Crystal Hair Eraser for Hair Removal, Crystal Hair Remover for Men and Women, Magic Crystal Hair Remover with Gentle Skin Exfoliation, Reusable, Easy to Use, Works On All Body Parts...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F5W9QK53?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum--chat-5374889-unexpectedly-brilliant-purchases

Lincslady53 · 21/07/2025 19:10

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 17/07/2025 10:06

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.

We make a big casserole, then use it a base for the next 2 or 3 meals, curry one night, tagine, Chili a brilliant way to get a good hot meal without a lot of faff.

Barbadossunset · 21/07/2025 19:10

Can't make the link cut and paste for some reason, but google Drain hair removal tool, or Drain Weasel.

I ordered these yesterday and they arrived this morning so I immediately put them to work.
OMG…….what came out of the wash basin plughole could’ve been used as props for a horror movie…….

Gwenhwyfar · 21/07/2025 19:10

Nchangeo · 20/07/2025 14:42

I saw hair removal mitts in Superdrug for a £1. Thought why not give it a gamble.

Not expecting it to work but it did!!! No shaving bumps. Exfoliated legs too.

Honestly what the fuck have I been spending all this £££ on waxes for all these years.

Have done further research and found a permanent stone that apparently lasts 6 months. Very excited.

I tried something like that years ago and it was extremely painful. Maybe they've improved...

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 21/07/2025 19:17

godmum56 · 21/07/2025 18:18

I saw hair removal mitts in Superdrug for a £1. Thought why not give it a gamble.
Not expecting it to work but it did!!! No shaving bumps. Exfoliated legs too.
Honestly what the fuck have I been spending all this £££ on waxes for all these years.
Have done further research and found a permanent stone that apparently lasts 6 months. Very excited.
Mine justcarrived from smazon, blooming amazing! Bye bye lizard legs! My advice would be to go VERY VERY GENTLY thiugh

Show quote history

I don't know what I was doing wrong with mine! But all it did was strip the top layers of my skin off, leaving my legs red raw and bleeding - and it didn't touch the hair. Do I have extraordinarily tough leg hair or something? Surely anything that basically wears away the hair is going to get the skin first?

What on earth was I doing wrong?

Multispool · 21/07/2025 19:22

DailyMaui · 21/07/2025 18:36

it's this one - the painlessness was a revelation. I have yet to try on my underarms but I'm very tempted. I would NEVER have even thought of doing that with the one I had years ago, I would have died of the pain!

www.braunshop.co.uk/p/epilators/silk-epil-9/silk-epil-9-9-030-epilator/15280350/?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19924341587&gbraid=0AAAAACUeP9zcasO1BFL-8yBKZ2hzX4RKT&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyvfDBhDYARIsAItzbZG400GDYVgjhWvrRzTUDlhlzmI6XwgMnGS-10uZj7q79fJOQnowK6IaAmJgEALw_wcB

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Jesus I still remember the one from about 35years ago. Whenever I watch torture scenes I just know I wouldn’t blab. I did both armpits before a holiday and I am super hairy. The blood…

HurdyGurdy19 · 21/07/2025 19:28

Ohnobackagain · 21/07/2025 15:17

@PotatoBreadForTheWin I always end up grating myself so now I have a crusher and it came with a little rubber/silicon tube that you roll the garlic in to remove the skin first. Much safer for the likes of me! Lasted over 3 years so far. I use the brush to clean the crusher before washing rather than on the garlic you just crushed …

https://amzn.eu/d/4TfVk3M

Edited

Is THAT what the bag's for. I've just shoved it in the back of the drawer 😂

Thank you!

Latenightreader · 21/07/2025 19:46

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 21/07/2025 19:17

I don't know what I was doing wrong with mine! But all it did was strip the top layers of my skin off, leaving my legs red raw and bleeding - and it didn't touch the hair. Do I have extraordinarily tough leg hair or something? Surely anything that basically wears away the hair is going to get the skin first?

What on earth was I doing wrong?

Show quote history

Were you using small, light, circular motions? I used to use them on my legs, and once on my hairy arms!

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 21/07/2025 19:48

Latenightreader · 21/07/2025 19:46

Were you using small, light, circular motions? I used to use them on my legs, and once on my hairy arms!

Show quote history

I thought I was. Didn't touch the hair at all and just wore away my skin. I've either got oversensitive skin or remarkably resilient hair!

CherryRipe1 · 21/07/2025 19:48

Ohnobackagain · 21/07/2025 15:17

@PotatoBreadForTheWin I always end up grating myself so now I have a crusher and it came with a little rubber/silicon tube that you roll the garlic in to remove the skin first. Much safer for the likes of me! Lasted over 3 years so far. I use the brush to clean the crusher before washing rather than on the garlic you just crushed …

https://amzn.eu/d/4TfVk3M

Edited

Ooh that looks good, must get one. I got so fed up with rubbish garlic crushers I smash mine in a supermarket foil nut bag with a metal meat tenderiser. I've got the rubber tube thing, sometimes it gets the peels off but sometimes the skins seem welded on.