This "Buy It for Life" list is inspired by a Reddit post advocating for quality over quantity. It highlights durable, well-crafted products that stand the test of time, encouraging people to invest in items that will last a lifetime rather than succu...
Sections
15
Footwear & Belts
Bags/Backpacks/Wallets
Kitchen
Pens
Beauty/Personal
Clothing
Footwear & Belts
Once broken in, like butter.
Red Wing Shoes | Work Boots and Heritage Footwear
“they do hold up super well, are well constructed, have great support, and are very comfortable - highly recommend.” -Reddit User
The only time you replace them is if your dog chews up LOL
Women's Snow & Winter Boots - SOREL
“I used their belt as a daily belt for 5+ years and a mix of putting a tape measure on the belt and gaining / losing weight made the buckle part bend. I messaged them if I can buy the buckle. They just said we'll send you a new one. Belts are $100 an...
Men's Leather Belts
STOP i need these!!!!!!! NEED. “I used their belt as a daily belt for 5+ years and a mix of putting a tape measure on the belt and gaining / losing weight made the buckle part bend. I messaged them if I can buy the buckle. They just said we'll send y...
Sheepskin Slippers - Saddleback Leather
“Birkenstock shoes. Some of mine are 20+ years old. A few I’ve had resoled but definitely worth every penny. My foot doctor recommended them. It’s all I wear unless I have a reason to dress up (wedding, etc)” -reddit user
Birkenstock Women's Fashion Sneakers
1
Quality made!
Men's Wicked Good Moccasins | Slippers at L.L.Bean
cannot go wrong with ll bean
Slippers at L.L.Bean
take a look at that leather :) ugh i would never take them off
ROMA Leather Fawn Tan
“Crocs, ugliest shoe ever makes a great house shoe. And in the winter you can just use them with socks” -reddit user
Clogs, Shoes & Sandals | Free Shipping | Crocs™ Official Site
“I have a pair of house Oofos. So comfy. I am a size 13 and Crocs don't fit me.” -reddit user
OOFOS Recovery Footwear - Official Store
“I’ve been chasing this for years, but I think I have it sorted finally. I have a pair of glerups with a superset insole that is good for probably 300+ days of the year. The really hot humid days I have a pair of Oofos flip flops for in-house use. Th...
glerups.com: Slippers | Order slippers, felt slippers & felted shoes
“Minnetonka brand are my goto! They have a Buffalo, or moose, hide version that have lasted me like 4 years.” -reddit user
“Honestly? I get plantar fascitis and I need to wear shoes indoor sometimes. Vessis are waterproof, breathable incredibly comfy sneakers. I would just get a pair of vessis for indoor use” -reddituser
Vessi: Waterproof Shoes in Everyday and Seasonal Styles | Vessi ...
Bags/Backpacks/Wallets
They'll fight over it when your dead. STRONG branding!!! I mean sold really.
Front Pocket Leather ID Wallet
“I gave up on plastic and metal and went and got an LL Bean canvas laundry bag. It's self standing and huge.” -Reddit User
Canvas Laundry Storage Tote | Baskets & Totes at L.L.Bean
“Luggage is only as good as it's weakest link - zipper, wheels, extended handle, etc. TravelPro is the way. TravelPro brand is the way. I probably have a million air miles, and TravelPro is what I use.” - Reddit User
Travel Luggage, Suitcase Sets, Weekenders & More | Travelpro®
40 comments on this backpack!!
Backpacks Built for Work & Play | Lifetime Warranty | Timbuk2
“Tenba bags. Been using their bags for more than 15 years and still have the original ones I bought. I use the messenger style bags and my new one is the DNA 16 pro which is the max size personal item bag that is a monster for travel. It holds my Mac...
Tenba: Toploader, Camera Accessories, Backpack, Shoulder Bag
“Tumi. Expensive, but my 15 year old backpacks looks like I pulled it off the store shelf brand new this morning. Edit: it hit me that I didn’t really answer the question as my bag is 15 years old. What I can add is colleagues have since purchased si...
Women's Backpacks | Tumi US
“Filson. I’ve had one of their canvas satchels for just under 2 decades and my waxed canvas backpack just hit 10 years and I use it almost daily. It did need a repair at one point after I got in a bike accident with it on, but they do free repairs / ...
Premium Backpacks | Filson
“Have the leather Passport wallet, great quality. Went through at least 2 or 3 others that maybe lasted a few trips each before finding Main Street Forge. Reasonably priced as well.” -reddit user
Full Grain Leather Wallets - Main Street Forge
your mom had one of these for good reason. i see other moms getting one with their kiddos name on it for each of their children to use during their 18 years at home and to be able to take it with them when they move out. thats a good review right the...
Boat and Tote®, Zip-Top | Tote Bags at L.L.Bean
“I love Portland Leather. I've not had one bag from them wear out.”-reddit user
Mini Crossbody Tote | Portland Leather Goods
“I really like my leather Dagne Dover tote. Holds an incredible amount and mine has undergone heavy usage toting text books, used as personal item, etc for two years now and still looks great.”-reddit user
Tote Bags for Work & Travel - Dagne Dover
“Flowfold makes a cool trifold wallet constructed of recycled sailcloth.” -reditt user
Minimalist Wallets + RFID Made in USA of Recycled Sailcloth
Kitchen
“I have extensively used a Lodge and a Dutch oven from Aldi. Both have similar problems that, by all accounts, Le Creuset do not. First, chipping. Both of my Dutch ovens have chips with ~2 years use. I have seen Le Creusets older than I am that look ...
Dutch Ovens Shop - Le Creuset
1
“Had these in my family forever and are built like tanks” -Reddit User
Shozaburo 280mm Dressmaking Shears Scissors
Break resistant. My parents got us a set YEARS ago and I imagine ill be passing them down to my kids or getting them a set as well. LOVE
“Dualit toasters. Very expensive up front, but every part on them is fully replaceable at low cost. They will outlive you.” - Reddit User
Dualit Toaster
“My family has used the same vitamix base station since the late 90s! We've only had to replace one component, that thing is a tank.” -Reddit User
Vitamix: High Performance Blenders - Blending Machines
1
BOSCH dishwashers are the best!!
The industry's most advanced clean meets the ultimate dry.
BIFL
Global Cutlery
“Magimix. Most food processors come from big consumer electronics conglomerates, but Magimix keeps selling food processors that will last for life. 30 year warranty on the motor.” -Reddit user
Magimix
“Breville (to my knowledge) is still making great kitchen products. I’m sure there’s varying quality, but their appliances along with their customer service have kept me coming back for espresso machines, and I recommend them to my friends. The issue...
Home Espresso Coffee Machines - Automatic & Manual - Breville
hands down the best cooking set ALL CLAD made in usa
Stainless Steel Cookware Sets, Pots and Pans | All-Clad
i mean, of course
Stand Mixers | KitchenAid
“It's expensive, and personally I think the AMERICA motif is a little overdone, but my great grandchildren will be able to crank out awesome, perfectly crispy outside but still soft and fluffy inside waffles with it. I tried to find an older cast iro...
Great American Waffle Iron - Appalachian Cast Iron Co.
“Technivorm Moccamaster. We had one in Germany and it was the best coffee maker husband had ever had. We recently got one in the States and it's still fantastic. They have a great warranty and are really repairable.” -reddit user
Moccamaster USA: Premium Pour-Over Coffee Brewers
“This. I’ve had several Edlund kitchen tongs for over 20 years. Bought them at a restaurant supply store. I like the locking variety. They’re available on Amazon. Aren’t cheap, but they definitely last. I run them through the dishwasher and I’ve neve...
Heavy Duty Gripper Tongs - Edlund
“zojirushis stand the test of time. I feel like families never actually buy one, they just end up with it after a while and it keeps going until the torch is passed again.”-reddit user
Rice Cookers - Zojirushi Online Store
“lovely stoneware with nice colours and finishes. The pizza stone gets a lot of use and works well. Made in France.” -reddit user
Rectangular Baking Dishes | Emile Henry USA | Made In France
“lovely stoneware with nice colours and finishes. The pizza stone gets a lot of use and works well. Made in France.” -reddit usr
Ridged Pizza Stone | Emile Henry USA | Made In France
“went through many brands, but ultimately settled on Cutipol Polished Moon flatware. Modern style that is clean and unfussy, and can easily be polished up to look like new when needed. Nice weight in the hand, 4 tines on the forks, round soup spoons,...
Cutlery | Cutipol - Official Store
another silverare option that reddit loves
Flatware - Oneida
personally have always loved knives built like this!
WÜSTHOF Chef's Knives - WÜSTHOF - Official Online Store
“Greenpan anodized cookware (a lot of cancer in my family so converted to this and cast iron a long time ago)” -reddit user
Hard Anodized | The Cookware Company (USA), LLC - GreenPan
reddit loves butcher block cutting they have had them for years and years
John Boos Butcher Block Cutting Boards | Chopping
hand wash it will last a life time. Me personally i put mine in the dishwasher but i am obsessed with them!!!
Nordic Ware - Baking & Cookie Sheets / Bakeware
“I was inspired by Kenji and finally picked up multiples of the volrath heavy stainless steel mixing bowls in every size.” -reddit user
if you have tried the pink paste cleaning product, it shines up the copper in no time!!
Revere Ware 8 Qt Copper Bottom Stockpot
1
“Ekco utensils (spatulas, spoons, carving forks, etc.), with the black riveted on handles. They match my knives and the spatulas are perfect for cast iron” -reddit user
Ekco Kitchen Utensils
exceptional knive set DROOLING
Renaissance® 7 Pc. Knife Roll Set - Mercer Culinary
1
“er. Bought it refurb direct from Baratza. Still stupid expensive, but worth it. Already had to replace the hopper because a well meaning housemate broke it trying to clean it; it was inexpensive. They sell most parts as replacements, which I like. C...
Sette™ 270Wi - Baratza
CAST IRON is the goat of BIFL!!! I have one that was passed down generations. still use it!
Cast Iron Cookware: Skillets, Pans & More
talk about the cadillac of cast iron
FINEX 10" Cast Iron Skillet, Pre-Seasoned
“Insulated metal (yeti) cup with and ALUMINUM straw, aluminum feels colder on your lips and makes the ice water in it so much better. My kids call it my North Pole water” -reddit user
Cast iron STAUB Cocottes & Dutch Ovens | ZWILLING.COM
“Things I still literally have and use from my 1983 marriage: a Cuisinart mini food processor, a set of copper-bottom Revere pots and pans, a gorgeous glass salad bowl, an electric Singer sewing machine (repairs happen!), and the I Hate to Cook Book ...
Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus 24 Ounce Processor
“Good Japanese knives. If you want something easier to deal with, then I suggest Miyabi from Zwilling.” -reddit user
MIYABI - Knives & Knife Sets | ZWILLING.COM
they are great reddit said
Sakai Takayuki Knives by hocho knife | Japanese knives
“Good Japanese knives. If you want something easier to deal with, then I suggest Miyabi from Zwilling. But if you're willing to go all-in, then Sakai Takayuki is a great, not-crazy expensive option. However, if I had money, I'd love a Yu Kurosaki.” -...
Kurosaki Senko - Chef Knives To Go
“Zeroll Original Ice cream Scoop. Can't underestimate the marriage-bonding power of a good ice cream Scoop! And these Zerolls are among the best there are.” -reddit usr
Zeroll Original Scoops
“Got a block of six Wusthof steak knives. We use them constantly, and haven’t sharpened them in ten years. I think they were $100 at the time. We also got a traditional set of Wusthof knives but we reach for the steak knives much more.” -reddit user
Steak Knives - WÜSTHOF - Official Online Store
Ask you family if they have any cast iron they wanna part with lol hand me downs are the best
Any cast iron will last!
Pens
"It's one of my favorite pens. The weight is perfect and it writes so smoothly. I remember when I bought it, the salesman in the store commented: "Oh, you're going for a classic design." It really is." - Reddit User
Waterman Pens
"Sailor pens have a signature feel to them that only a Sailor pen has (some other brands have a signature "feel" too, but a lot of people like Sailor's unique feedback when writing). Echoing some other commenters, Amazon sometimes has Sailor gold/ste...
Sailor Pens
“I bought a Parker Jotter fountain pen in a back to school sale when I was about fifteen. It was a fiver. Nearly twenty years on it still hasn't leaked, it's still going strong, and I'm a lefty.”
Parker Jotter Fountain Pen, Stainless Steel
Beauty/Personal
“My Wahl hair clippers are older than I am and have cut my hair since I was born. My father special ordered them from a barber when he was in college and they still work great. I calculated that they've saved me over $2000 in hair cuts as well over m...
Wahl Clippers, Trimmers, Grooming Products - Professionals and ...
“They are handmade in Japan and use high quality materials. Very soft bristles if that kind of thing is of importance to you, they also have a full range of synthetics too. Makeup artists enjoy them because they have a brush for everything, hundreds ...
Basic Selection Brush Set 3 pcs HAKUHODO by ...
“I bought some pricey Wayne Goss brushes and they are so good. I expect to have them until I'm a senior citizen” - Reddit USer
Wayne Goss
“Best purchase I’ve ever made in the beauty department. I have one for my bag, one for home. Had them both years and years and they’re still perfect. I bought my niece one for her 3rd birthday too, to treasure forever. Or, at least, treasure in the f...
Mason Pearson Hair Brush
“Have been using the same flat iron for like 7-8 years now & still works like day one. Got a hairdryer from them about 3 years ago, same thing” -Reddit User
ghd Air® - Professional Salon Hair Dryer
“Have been using the same flat iron for like 7-8 years now & still works like day one. Got a hairdryer from them about 3 years ago, same thing” - Reddit User
Professional Flat Irons | ghd®
not BIFL but lots in group agree this lasts a long time and health is important!
Compare Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrushes
“Add a squatty potty. Never been more excited to poop in my life than on Christmas morning when I finally got a squatty potty! My roommate moved in with a squatty potty and it was life changing. I don't always use it, but when I need it, boy does it ...
Squatty Potty - The #1 Way to #2! – SquattyPotty
“They're a little more pricey than your asking, but Prose makes extremely good boar bristle brushes. Not sure of their longevity though, but my stylist absolutely swears by hers.” -reddit user
Hair Brushes - Hair Care - Prose
“I have a Kent brush that seems to be going strong.” -reddit user
Ladies Bristle Hairbrushes | Round Bristle Brushes by Kent
Clothing
“Patagonia clothes because they are generally well made but more importantly because their customer service and warranty are fantastic” -Reddit User
Patagonia
“I still have some Lands' End stuff from the 90s, and supposedly they have a lifetime guarantee on everything.” -Reddit User
“Only ones I wear. Highly recommend. I have both buck naked and armachillo. Buck naked is hard to beat. Don't sleep in the long version. Armachillo is super cool but can feel really thin and definitely ass sweats your pants but your ass will stay coo...
Flint and Tinder: Heritage Underwear Shop | Huckberry
“I have several Tilly Hats. Love them. They’re pricey but they hold up amazingly well. I’ve had a canvas one for 24 years. They also float ” -Reddit User
Tilley Hat
“-My women’s lululemon shorts have been practically indestructible. Literally hundreds of wears on each (HR hotty hot, speed up, & align shorts) and they’re still just like new besides some slight wear on the aligns (understandable since they’re ...
Women's Shorts - Lululemon
“Bombas for socks. I’ve had some of my socks for almost 10 years now and only 1 has a hole. Plus no stupid toe seam. I personally don’t think things like socks and underwear can truly be BIFL but I’ve gotten way more use out of these than any other s...
Bombas. Socks, Underwear, T-Shirts, Slippers designed for comfort ...
“I heard they lasted so I bought a Greenland parka about 7 years ago & it still looks great.” -Reddit user
Shop Men's Pants and Trousers | Fjallraven US
“Fjallraven! Almost every piece of outdoor clothing is from this brand and have trusted it in some intense weather. Lifetime warranty and ethical practices keep me coming back as well. Theres a store in Denver which has a seamstress working there and...
Shop Men's Outdoor Clothing | Fjallraven US
“Love all my carhartt clothing! Even buy it for the kids since it holds up so well during washing. I do live on a farm though, so you need tough and durable clothing” -reddit user
Carhartt
classic whites
TRIGEMA Briefs double pack white | Businesshemden.com
“High price per pair, but they will last you for years and your feet will be more comfortable.”-reddit user
Darn Tough Vermont - Merino Wool Socks Guaranteed for Life
“I’m going on several years with a flannel nightgown from LL Bean that sees frequent wear during cold months and has probably been washed half a million times at this point. It’s still going strong! They make pant/top sets in the same fabric.”-reddit...
Women's Pajamas and Nightgowns | Clothing at L.L.Bean
“Check out Weavers of Ireland. Good stuff! I got their pyjamas for my wife a while back and she loves them and they've worn very well so far.”-reddit user
Pyjamas - Nightwear - Weavers Of Ireland
ll bean robe- another winner
Women's Robes | Clothing at L.L.Bean
“Understance is good (they are very size inclusive, expensive but always have sales, and the gussets are natural material - the rest of the garment varies which one but they always feel nice quality). I think with this kind of thing tho, at least for...
Comfortable Bras, Bralettes, Underwear, & More - Understance
“My L.L Bean Flannel robe makes me happy.” this comment had 17 likes lol
Men's Scotch Plaid Flannel Robe | Sleepwear at L.L.Bean
Furniture
“Your grandma probably rocked your parent in one and still has it.” -Reddit USer
Dutailier Gliders, Rocking chairs and Recliners
“Arhaus Furniture. We bought a leather couch and matching chair with ottoman in the early 90s. We paid around $6k for it. This was a HUGE amount of money to use back then but we wanted to buy something that would last for many years. We Used it daily...
the amount of times ive seen this brand suggested for office chairs. they say if taken care of will last DECADES.
Office Chairs, Modern Desk & Task Seating - Steelcase
“I have a Hartman set (although branded as Jamie Oliver) which is aluminium. I bought it on recommendation from a friend who's had his 10 years or so and is still good as new. Wasn't cheap at about £900 for the set, but it's great quality.” -reddit u...
Hartman
“Just for anyone finding this post via search later on, my wife and I had multiple LL Bean gift cards to use and ordered several of the All-Weather line pieces (All-Weather Waterfall Adirondack Chair, All-Weather Adirondack Footstool, All-Weather Squ...
stressless chair “I got one for cheap at an estate sale and it is amazing. I sat in it and as I reclined my back instantly stopped hurting.” -reddit user
“If it fits your decor and budget, buy the Harrison Leather Recliner from Macy’s furniture. I have two. I bought the first one seven years ago and the second six years ago and we constantly sit in them and recline in them. Very high quality and comfo...
Harrison Leather Pushback Recliner, Created for Macy's
“Have had mine for a decade and it's doing great. One of my armrests started falling apart ~3 years ago and I ordered a replacement from HM site.” -reddit user
Aeron Chair – Herman Miller Store
Bedding & Towels
made in usa since 1899, 2 year return policy, free shipping, quality
American Blossom Linens | 100% USA Bedding & Home Goods
If you want crisp, cotton bed sheets, comfy pillows that help neck pain, blankets and towels that are buttery soft to the touch - then you’re at the right place. We work with over 1,000 experts in this country to make the best products 100% Seed-to-S...
Authenticity50 Honest Made in USA Sheets, Pillows, Comforters & Towels
Pure 100% European Flax Bed Linen and more- CULTIVER- USA
1
“Someone gave us Hotel Collection towels for our wedding 17 years ago and they’re basically like new today. Love them, especially the bath sheet.” -reddit user…. im sold buying new towels
Hotel Collection Towels
“One additional thing I would splurge on, especially if you’re running hot, is a dual zone cooler/heater system.” -reddit user
Chilipad Cube: Cooling Pad for Your Bed & Bed Cooling System
the number of times sleep number bed came up for positive reviews in the reddit forums is crazy. “Sleep Number mattress. They're not BIFL but as parts wear out they can be replaced. Unlike foam or spring mattresses they can sustain firmness throughou...
"Look for linen or silk. Costco sells silk comforters that go on sale about once a year. Silk is both cooling and insulating so it is also great for couples with very different body temperatures." -reddit user
SmartSilk Silk Filled Comforter
good if you love a stiff pillow
Target
tons of great reviews for this pillow on reddit
The Most Supportive Pillow Science Can Dream Up - Purple Mattress
“FWIW, I’m a side sleeper and I got an Avocado mattress about 3 years ago that’s been absolutely fantastic. I went with the standard Avocado Green Mattress, which is a wool + coil construction, with individually wrapped coils that are different stiff...
Avocado Green Mattress - Natural & Organic Mattresses - Seattle
“This is our blanket for the summer. It's perfect weight and the quality is excellent” -reddit user
Luxury Organic Waffle Bed Blanket | Boll & Branch
“Faribault Mill wool throw. It's my favorite thing.” -reddit user
Throw Blankets - Faribault Mill
“My Dohm sound machine to help me sleep! Been at it 12 years now” -reddit user
Dohm® Classic Sound Machine - Yogasleep
“Sonoma Wool's duvet...I love it. That with Thomas Lee duvet cover and sheets, it feels very much hotelesque. I have had mine for months now (maybe since towards beginning of year?), and it still feels super fluffy and amazing.” -reddit user
Wool Comforter | Breathable Bedding - Sonoma Wool Company
“Sonoma Wool's duvet...I love it. That with Thomas Lee duvet cover and sheets, it feels very much hotelesque. I have had mine for months now (maybe since towards beginning of year?), and it still feels super fluffy and amazing.” -reddit usr
Percale Duvet Cover - Thomas Lee Sheets
“Sonoma Wool's duvet...I love it. That with Thomas Lee duvet cover and sheets, it feels very much hotelesque. I have had mine for months now (maybe since towards beginning of year?), and it still feels super fluffy and amazing.” -reddit user
Thomas Lee Sheets: Percale Cotton Sheets & Luxury Bedding
Pets
“Dude I suggest those to everyone. I got the carpet size one after using the handheld one. I gave them as Christmas gifts lol. We can vacuum our rug and use it afterward and it still looks like we got a whole cat worth of hair out of the rug.” -Reddi...
Uproot Cleaner Pro Pet Hair Remover
“Fluff & Tuff dog toys. Not 100% indestructible, but do outlast all others. Some more than 4 years with big 3 dogs!” -Reddit User
Fluff & Tuff Dog Toys
Yard & Garden
ALL felco garden tools
Felco Pruners
“The mail brought me a new addition to my Sneeboer garden tool collection today and she’s a beauty and will last forever.” -reddit user
Garden Tools - Sneeboer
“Also in this shipment was a second Dramm professional water wand because I’m tired of cheap hose nozzles that break every year.” -reddit user
Watering Tools - Dramm Corporation
good reviews on this sprinkler
Melnor Sprinkler
1
Jewelry
“Very reasonably priced and built to last.” -reddit user
Studebaker Metals
Household
I believe it, love shop vacs. “Henry vacuum cleaners. Those things don’t stop.”-reddit user
The Full Range of Henry Vacuum Cleaners
going on 25 years and used every summer
Vornado Fans - Costco
quality broom
REDECKER Horsehair Broom & Dust Pan Set
Tools & Knives
LIFETIIME
Swiss Army Knives from Victorinox
great knives i actually toured where they make them
Buck® Knives OFFICIAL SITE - Quality Knives Since 1902
“With Goal Zero's generators, you can just buy a new battery block when it dies, and install it within the existing casing. Been going for years!” -reddit user
Portable Solar Generators: Power Stations + Solar Panels - Goal Zero
“Stihl pro grade equipment. Majority is made in USA or Germany still, mostly USA.” -reddit user
STIHL Professionals | Professional Outdoor Products
“Buy a Swiss one. Have a wooden and an aluminum one from my dad. They're at least 40 years old.” -reddit user
Schneeschieber Schneeschaufel Alu Schneeschippe Klappschaufel ...
“Look into buying a metal grain shovel. Mine is going on 30 years, and my sons on 10 years. Only repair I had to make this year was to grind the edge flat due to all the scrapping against asphalt.” -reddit user
Aluminum Scoop Shovel with D-Handle
“I buy Wells Lamonts. Cow hide for heavy outdoor work, Deer skin for in the garage.” -reddit user
Wells Lamont | Quality Work Gloves Since 1907
someone said a must have for a new homeowner
Werner Ladder Home | Werner US
Electronics
“Sony personal electronics are still a cut above the pack. Can always rely on them to be well built and thoughtfully designed” -reddit user
Sony Headphones & Earbuds - Sony Electronics
Camping & Outdoors
“Nemo outdoor / camping gear. Well designed and well made” -reddit user
All Tents and Shelters - NEMO Equipment
yeti truly is elite. “Some of the best insulation and materials for a soft cooler with no zippers to fail. Arguably expensive but it’s pretty much the most bifl soft cooler I’ve seen.” -reddit user