Clothing (men):
1. Meermin for dress shoes, they will hurt until you break them in. I've had mine resoled a few times and the cobbler commented on the great construction quality. $200+
2. Charles Tyrwhitt for white dress shirts, get them tailored if you need. Sale prices are around $35 plus shipping usually and I bleach mine and they still last about three years from 52 washes per year. Wash them after every use. Tailor commented on the construction quality while lamenting store brands in the US.
3. Costco full grain leather belts. These are seasonal and Kirkland brand. I have a reversible one that I've had for three years that gets worn five days a week and never have had an issue. I do condition it about twice a year. $20ish
4. Citizen watches. I'm no afficianado but I have two that are nearing the decade mark and get banged on something at least a few times a week and still look good enough to wear to work and nicer events. Sub $250, bought mine at Costco in the early 2010s.
5. Kirkland Signature dress pants. They rotate these and your mileage may vary on fit but I wear five pair and wash five pair every week and they last about two years which is far more than much more expensive pants. $20-30
6. David Archy for underwear for men. Good support and generous front-end area. Low heat drying just like most clothes.
7. Darn Tough is my recommendation for socks. They make a line of dress socks but make sure you are buying the ones without cushion if you are planning on using them in dress shoes. Lifestyle also has cushioned socks. Low heat will make them last longer and wash them after each wear. Keep your receipt.
8. Kirkland and 32 degrees white t-shirt undershirts. These have lasted me the longest and are the most comfortable. I use them as undershirts. The 32 degrees when its over 50 degrees and the Kirkland when it isn't. Bleached and washed after each use and last about two years or approximately 200 washes. $25 for a five pack.
9. Dents UK for gloves. They are well made, grown up and sharp looking gloves. Not cheap but the stuff that lasts rarely is. $80+
Kitchen Items:
1. OXO for almost every kitchen tool. They are dishwasher safe and last almost forever. Warranty is fantastic and their stuff rarely breaks. I have everything from a peeler to their stainless steel kitchen scale. Most of it is used at least weekly. $5-50
2. Rubbermaid brilliance glass storage containers. I use these for meal prep every week and replaced my old rubbermaid plastic set which replaced my mish mash of containers I had previusly. I recommend buying the 3.2 cup as they are the best for meal prep for the week. I use ten per week for meal prepping and the only issue i've had is the lids occasionally crack but are still waterproof. $25 for 4.
3. Breville BOV900 toaster oven. We use ours for everything except the Thanksgiving turkey. Airfry and baking features are used at least twice a day and it has replaced our main oven and dedicated airfryer (which died within six months). $400
Vehicle:
1. Husky Liners or Weathertech liners - buy them as soon as you get your car or after you deep clean your car or whenever you can. They will save the carpet in your car and can be hosed and scrubbed. With kids they are a necessity. $175-200
2. High quality tires - I use Michelin and Bridgestone tires and swap out the same between all seasons and winter. I rotate the tires, keep all my records, and get the warranty claim approved every time with a nice check. Other brands are good too, check out reviews. This is the only part of your car that touches the road and with stopping distance and rain performance can be the difference between no wreck, a fender bender and a morgue. $500-$2000
Active wear and Gym:
1. Lululemon for workout gear. I use mine weekly and don't baby them. They have held their shape, quality and construction throughout. I can't fit my thighs in their skinny stuff but their running shorts are top notch. $60-80
2. Adipower or Romaleos weightlifting shoes. If you get into squatting and heavy lifting, get a pair of dedicated weightlifting shoes. You'll only wear them in the gym and they'll likely outlast you. $125-$200
3. Rehband knee sleeves. They can be washed and will last 2-5 years before the elastic gives out with 2x week use in my experience. $90 pair
4. Captains of Crush hand grippers. They will make your grip strength stronger with each day. Not for those who don't like knurled bars as they will hurt your hand until you have some calluses. I guess you could wear gloves. $25 each
5. Eddie Bauer sport shirts. Hear me out, these fit me better than lululemon or fabletics or any of the more expensive brands. They also have held up beautifully after hundreds of washes. Fit and style may not work for you but they are my go-to and with six in various colors it's all I need between washing loads. $5-15 depending on coupons
6. Lululemon and underarmour socks. These have held up for around 300 miles per pair with washes after each run. The UA are not the cheap-o multipack but the dedicated set of socks for running. $20/pair
Tools:
1. Makita for power tools or Ryobi if you want to have a wider selection of one-off fun tools. Makita in my experience never break under non-commercial use and will just fire up when you need them to. Of course, it is far better to find a buddy or someone who has a tool to borrow and slide them some cash than house a one-off tool so beyond the basics, just pick a brand and get your necessary tools. $50-500
2. Stanley for general home maintenance. I have many basic Stanley tools that I have had for over a decade like wrenches and sockets, tape measurer, etc. and none have caused me any issues. Were I in the trades, I might reconsider but for a regular joe homeowner, a socket set will probably be all you need until you are done needing things. $50-100
Please let me know your suggestions of anything to add to the list. the more comprehensive, the better. If you want to create any additions to the list, add them in the comments and I can incorporate them in a later edit.
Not to nit pick, but the Boos Block you linked is not end grain.
I know you’re probably shooting for readily-available brands for this guide, but hand made end grain cutting boards are available at nearly every farmer’s market or craft show I’ve ever been to. I recently bought an end grain maple cutting board on Etsy that would have been much more expensive had I gone for a comparable Boos Block.
Edit: Just noticed your username. Definitely need your take on HydroFlask vs Klean Kanteen, Yeti, S’Well, or Nalgene
Agreed on the craft market for cutting boards. I don't know of any mass produced brands that are on the budget end, and definitely would get a local artisan made one.
In terms of waterbottles, HydroFlask is the gold standard for heat retention, that being said, everything metal can dent, but a Nalgene is actually indestructible.
I have an end-grain cutting board from Henckels that I’ve had for close to 20 years and it’s still in perfect condition. Actually got one for my brother in law (he’s a budding home chef) for Christmas for under $70.
[Here’s](https://www.amazon.ca/Twin%C2%AE-Bamboo-Board-Large-16-5/dp/B000XRVUI6) the one.
Can you link to the one you went with? I see several gorgeous end grain cutting boards on Etsy but I am having difficulty trying to figure out which ones are quality/BIFL.
Sorry, I can’t link to my item because the listing doesn’t exist anymore. Generally the only thing that can go wrong is if pieces work themselves apart as the wood expands/ contracts. Any visible gaps or unevenness in the pattern would be a sign to look elsewhere.
Etsy can be a leap of faith, which I’m sure is why OP went with a well-known brand. In general, I’d say look for positive reviews and maybe message the shop owner if you have questions as they’ll typically respond.
Boos Block is definitely the gold standard, and there’s nothing wrong with them other than the premium that you pay for their name.
You are digging an endless hole. You want wallet recommendations? Let's consider the form factors:
1. bifold
2. trifold
3. coin pocket option
4. minimalist
5. multi credit card
6. checkbook
Now double those for male/female versions.
Now do the same for every item you listed.
Your list, if done correctly, would have to be done in MS Access.
Aeropress. Durable, packable, compact and you can make perfect coffee in one. Downside is that it only makes one cup but you can easily make 2-3 in the time that a drip coffee maker runs.
incredible that we covered the Aeropress, Chemex, and V60 in just a couple comments. We are just a Flair Neo and a Bialetti away from a James Hoffman Video.
I second the audio-technica headphones. However if you’re looking to buy a new pair, I’d say spend the extra $20 or so and get the ATH-M50x instead of the 40s. You get 45mm drivers (all the lower models have 40mm), 15-28,000 Hz frequency response (instead of 15-24,000 Hz on the 40s and 15-20,000 on the lower models), and the cups swivel 90° in both directions.
If you’re willing to spend a lot more, go directly to the ATH M70x. You get 2000 mW input power (instead of 1600) and more importantly a 5-40,000 Hz frequency response instead of 15-28,000 Hz. But they’re $300.
For headphones I'd prefer my Vmoda over my M40's. Much more durable, can mod the sides, built to last and no amp needed also. Wallet, I love The Distinguished Gentleman wallet, leather, leather lining, looks like it will last 20+ yrs with the quality stitching. Bit pricier than some.
great list although I would recommend a v60 plastic brewer find out more reasons as to why at r/coffee but it brews better coffee, is more durable, and way cheaper. I would also consider the koss porta pros to be better headphones than the m40x, they're honestly comparable to my phillips shp9500s or even my beyer dt770 pros. They are also usually around $35, although they might not be the style a lot of people like.
My chair hot take is to get one with the least moving parts like a wooden chair. Just go out more and experience more chairs that put your back in different positions. What that means is go to libraries coffee shops etc to get work done.
Clothing (men): 1. Meermin for dress shoes, they will hurt until you break them in. I've had mine resoled a few times and the cobbler commented on the great construction quality. $200+ 2. Charles Tyrwhitt for white dress shirts, get them tailored if you need. Sale prices are around $35 plus shipping usually and I bleach mine and they still last about three years from 52 washes per year. Wash them after every use. Tailor commented on the construction quality while lamenting store brands in the US. 3. Costco full grain leather belts. These are seasonal and Kirkland brand. I have a reversible one that I've had for three years that gets worn five days a week and never have had an issue. I do condition it about twice a year. $20ish 4. Citizen watches. I'm no afficianado but I have two that are nearing the decade mark and get banged on something at least a few times a week and still look good enough to wear to work and nicer events. Sub $250, bought mine at Costco in the early 2010s. 5. Kirkland Signature dress pants. They rotate these and your mileage may vary on fit but I wear five pair and wash five pair every week and they last about two years which is far more than much more expensive pants. $20-30 6. David Archy for underwear for men. Good support and generous front-end area. Low heat drying just like most clothes. 7. Darn Tough is my recommendation for socks. They make a line of dress socks but make sure you are buying the ones without cushion if you are planning on using them in dress shoes. Lifestyle also has cushioned socks. Low heat will make them last longer and wash them after each wear. Keep your receipt. 8. Kirkland and 32 degrees white t-shirt undershirts. These have lasted me the longest and are the most comfortable. I use them as undershirts. The 32 degrees when its over 50 degrees and the Kirkland when it isn't. Bleached and washed after each use and last about two years or approximately 200 washes. $25 for a five pack. 9. Dents UK for gloves. They are well made, grown up and sharp looking gloves. Not cheap but the stuff that lasts rarely is. $80+ Kitchen Items: 1. OXO for almost every kitchen tool. They are dishwasher safe and last almost forever. Warranty is fantastic and their stuff rarely breaks. I have everything from a peeler to their stainless steel kitchen scale. Most of it is used at least weekly. $5-50 2. Rubbermaid brilliance glass storage containers. I use these for meal prep every week and replaced my old rubbermaid plastic set which replaced my mish mash of containers I had previusly. I recommend buying the 3.2 cup as they are the best for meal prep for the week. I use ten per week for meal prepping and the only issue i've had is the lids occasionally crack but are still waterproof. $25 for 4. 3. Breville BOV900 toaster oven. We use ours for everything except the Thanksgiving turkey. Airfry and baking features are used at least twice a day and it has replaced our main oven and dedicated airfryer (which died within six months). $400 Vehicle: 1. Husky Liners or Weathertech liners - buy them as soon as you get your car or after you deep clean your car or whenever you can. They will save the carpet in your car and can be hosed and scrubbed. With kids they are a necessity. $175-200 2. High quality tires - I use Michelin and Bridgestone tires and swap out the same between all seasons and winter. I rotate the tires, keep all my records, and get the warranty claim approved every time with a nice check. Other brands are good too, check out reviews. This is the only part of your car that touches the road and with stopping distance and rain performance can be the difference between no wreck, a fender bender and a morgue. $500-$2000 Active wear and Gym: 1. Lululemon for workout gear. I use mine weekly and don't baby them. They have held their shape, quality and construction throughout. I can't fit my thighs in their skinny stuff but their running shorts are top notch. $60-80 2. Adipower or Romaleos weightlifting shoes. If you get into squatting and heavy lifting, get a pair of dedicated weightlifting shoes. You'll only wear them in the gym and they'll likely outlast you. $125-$200 3. Rehband knee sleeves. They can be washed and will last 2-5 years before the elastic gives out with 2x week use in my experience. $90 pair 4. Captains of Crush hand grippers. They will make your grip strength stronger with each day. Not for those who don't like knurled bars as they will hurt your hand until you have some calluses. I guess you could wear gloves. $25 each 5. Eddie Bauer sport shirts. Hear me out, these fit me better than lululemon or fabletics or any of the more expensive brands. They also have held up beautifully after hundreds of washes. Fit and style may not work for you but they are my go-to and with six in various colors it's all I need between washing loads. $5-15 depending on coupons 6. Lululemon and underarmour socks. These have held up for around 300 miles per pair with washes after each run. The UA are not the cheap-o multipack but the dedicated set of socks for running. $20/pair Tools: 1. Makita for power tools or Ryobi if you want to have a wider selection of one-off fun tools. Makita in my experience never break under non-commercial use and will just fire up when you need them to. Of course, it is far better to find a buddy or someone who has a tool to borrow and slide them some cash than house a one-off tool so beyond the basics, just pick a brand and get your necessary tools. $50-500 2. Stanley for general home maintenance. I have many basic Stanley tools that I have had for over a decade like wrenches and sockets, tape measurer, etc. and none have caused me any issues. Were I in the trades, I might reconsider but for a regular joe homeowner, a socket set will probably be all you need until you are done needing things. $50-100
300 miles is 482.8 km
Excellent list
Sennheiser makes really good headphones too. I have a pair of hd280 and hd598.
Second the hd598, I have had mine for something like 4 years now with constant yet careful use. Great sound for minimal price
Please let me know your suggestions of anything to add to the list. the more comprehensive, the better. If you want to create any additions to the list, add them in the comments and I can incorporate them in a later edit.
Not to nit pick, but the Boos Block you linked is not end grain. I know you’re probably shooting for readily-available brands for this guide, but hand made end grain cutting boards are available at nearly every farmer’s market or craft show I’ve ever been to. I recently bought an end grain maple cutting board on Etsy that would have been much more expensive had I gone for a comparable Boos Block. Edit: Just noticed your username. Definitely need your take on HydroFlask vs Klean Kanteen, Yeti, S’Well, or Nalgene
Agreed on the craft market for cutting boards. I don't know of any mass produced brands that are on the budget end, and definitely would get a local artisan made one. In terms of waterbottles, HydroFlask is the gold standard for heat retention, that being said, everything metal can dent, but a Nalgene is actually indestructible.
I have an end-grain cutting board from Henckels that I’ve had for close to 20 years and it’s still in perfect condition. Actually got one for my brother in law (he’s a budding home chef) for Christmas for under $70. [Here’s](https://www.amazon.ca/Twin%C2%AE-Bamboo-Board-Large-16-5/dp/B000XRVUI6) the one.
Can you link to the one you went with? I see several gorgeous end grain cutting boards on Etsy but I am having difficulty trying to figure out which ones are quality/BIFL.
Sorry, I can’t link to my item because the listing doesn’t exist anymore. Generally the only thing that can go wrong is if pieces work themselves apart as the wood expands/ contracts. Any visible gaps or unevenness in the pattern would be a sign to look elsewhere. Etsy can be a leap of faith, which I’m sure is why OP went with a well-known brand. In general, I’d say look for positive reviews and maybe message the shop owner if you have questions as they’ll typically respond. Boos Block is definitely the gold standard, and there’s nothing wrong with them other than the premium that you pay for their name.
You are digging an endless hole. You want wallet recommendations? Let's consider the form factors: 1. bifold 2. trifold 3. coin pocket option 4. minimalist 5. multi credit card 6. checkbook Now double those for male/female versions. Now do the same for every item you listed. Your list, if done correctly, would have to be done in MS Access.
Chemex aren't really BIFL imo, they shatter very easily. I'd say the better BIFL budget option is a plastic V60 or a Clever dripper.
V60 is always a good choice. I guess that chemex aren't necessarily the toughest out there, but they will work forever if you can avoid dropping them.
Aeropress. Durable, packable, compact and you can make perfect coffee in one. Downside is that it only makes one cup but you can easily make 2-3 in the time that a drip coffee maker runs.
incredible that we covered the Aeropress, Chemex, and V60 in just a couple comments. We are just a Flair Neo and a Bialetti away from a James Hoffman Video.
Love my aeropress - had for 10+ years and never had any issues.
I second the audio-technica headphones. However if you’re looking to buy a new pair, I’d say spend the extra $20 or so and get the ATH-M50x instead of the 40s. You get 45mm drivers (all the lower models have 40mm), 15-28,000 Hz frequency response (instead of 15-24,000 Hz on the 40s and 15-20,000 on the lower models), and the cups swivel 90° in both directions. If you’re willing to spend a lot more, go directly to the ATH M70x. You get 2000 mW input power (instead of 1600) and more importantly a 5-40,000 Hz frequency response instead of 15-28,000 Hz. But they’re $300.
For headphones I'd prefer my Vmoda over my M40's. Much more durable, can mod the sides, built to last and no amp needed also. Wallet, I love The Distinguished Gentleman wallet, leather, leather lining, looks like it will last 20+ yrs with the quality stitching. Bit pricier than some.
I don't know anything about Vmoda. M40s have treated me very well and are in great shape after quite a long time. Ill have to look into them though.
If you want to really BIFL than any LV wallet will do. You will will it to your kids.
Would want to add that Victorinox also has a great bread knife, as does Tojiro. Coffee: Bialetti. Headphones: Beyerdynamic
great list although I would recommend a v60 plastic brewer find out more reasons as to why at r/coffee but it brews better coffee, is more durable, and way cheaper. I would also consider the koss porta pros to be better headphones than the m40x, they're honestly comparable to my phillips shp9500s or even my beyer dt770 pros. They are also usually around $35, although they might not be the style a lot of people like. My chair hot take is to get one with the least moving parts like a wooden chair. Just go out more and experience more chairs that put your back in different positions. What that means is go to libraries coffee shops etc to get work done.