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.

the serrated ones with the rounded end are amazing. I use them in the kitchen but also for cutting up heavy cardboard for recycling and also for cutting upholstery foam. They are a bitch on fingers though!

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

@strangerthanfictions Where did you get the Mosquito bite zapper thing? Would you have a link?

A Scholl Nano-Glass Foot File and Callus Remover. Leaves my heels lovely and soft. I was using a body shop foot file for years but this is much quicker!

My best purchase last year was this olive oil spray bottle - it just gives me pleasure every time I use it as it sprays so well (or you can put I’d you need to but I rarely do!).
And like this other post it has also significantly cut down the amount of olive oil I use despite using it frequently for salads or over roasted vegetables or on a steak before frying.
It just works really really well, much better than I was expecting from a cheap amazon spray bottle; planning on giving them for Christmas presents this year!

This sounds good! I swear by the back of the hot teaspoon method so looks to be the same principle.

Back in the mid 90s i remember winning a competition in a teen magazine and these are what i got as a prize. Silkymits they were called.

They did work but there were a few occasions where my skin was either more sensitive or i must of rushed/done something which caused a kind of stinging friction burn, hair was gone though 😆Thats the only reason i never purchased any

Olive oil spray - it has halved my oil consumption.

This sounds excellent, especially given the price of olive oil these days.

I have one, I find it really painful 😮

Do they do a nice spray?
I tried some before and got a small fine ‘spray’ rather than a wide coverage spray iyswim

It is the same principle. Google mosquito heat pad or heat pen - there are loads on all online shops and work off a battery.

Possibly the least glamorous item on this thread, but I saw some on Facebook and ordered them, and they are blimming brilliant.

Thin scrubbing brushes that you use around taps, grout, etc. Spray some Viacal on the basin/tap etc, wait a bit, scrub round the awkward bits with one of these - total game changer. Looks like a professional cleaner has been in 😆 About six quid for three. Also brilliant for keyboards.

Do you have a link for these?

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.

A giant Christmas tree bag, like a massive holdall, which I got a few days after Christmas about 15 years ago, reduced to about £2 in Tesco. You just stuff the tree inside, all the lights and the bigger decorations, and put the whole thing in the attic ready for next year. No faffing about with stupid boxes and binliners. It's really tough plastic and damp/insect proof.

Just search on your favourite online supplier, something like "crevice cleaning brush" ooh er missus 😄

I can vouch for the shoe grips for icy weather - they're amazing: www.yaktrax.co.uk/

WHAT IS THIS SAUCERY? (See what I did there)

Please explain how it works?

But does it take 'normal' cling film rolls.? I'd looked at one years ago (I always lose the battle with foil or cling film) and thought they only took lakeland rolls.

You take a garlic clove, don’t even need to peel the outer layer. Slightly wet the plate and swirl away! I saw a man demonstrating at a Stratford market. Bought 2 immediately. I love it.

Ninja Luxe coffee maker. The best thing I have ever bought

Are they better than old toothbrushes?

This holder for my kindle

it has changed my life, it holds phones as well

i can lie on my back and read or watch Netflix in bed

https://amzn.eu/d/5VvuN35

Do you have a link please?

I second this especially with a new mattress takes a few months to break in so it’s comfortable.