The perfect ‘purchase it for all times’ merchandise, backed by Mashable reporters and editors

Desk of Contents

“Buy it for life,” or BIFL, is a purchasing motion whose doctrine is thus: Make one monetary funding in a sturdy, well-made merchandise upfront, and you will not must buy a alternative down the street, if ever.

BIFL is a extra considerate and sustainable strategy to purchasing in our present period of quick vogue, mass manufacturing, and rife consumerism. It is also virtually definitely a response to it. Down with low-cost particle board couches from Amazon and polyester Shein shirts that disintegrate after one wash, say BIFL apostles.

BIFL is not a brand new idea — the r/buyitforlife subreddit was based in 2011 — however it’s now extra standard than ever. Google Tendencies information for the phrase “buy it for life” hit an all-time peak in December 2024. r/buyitforlife now counts over three million members, and plenty of of its suggestions have spilled over to TikTok amid the rise of the “underconsumption core” development.

Shopping for stuff for all times finally means shopping for much less stuff. To that finish, being a BIFL-er does not essentially imply swapping all your present possessions for higher-quality variations. It may well simply imply taking higher care of the stuff you already personal by way of common upkeep and repairs, doing all your half to make it final for all times.

However what when you are out there for a brand new merchandise? Searching for BIFL merchandise could be difficult, since you will not formally know if one thing is able to lasting years till you’ve got really used it for years. r/BIFLfails exists for a purpose. Complicating issues additional is the truth that the high quality of most items has been steadily reducing as producers concede to fleeting development cycles and shopper demand for reasonable costs. 

Such is the significance of doing all your analysis. Do not simply take producers’ phrase for it: Speak to individuals who can vouch for the longevity of sure merchandise and types.

After chatting amongst ourselves and polling different Mashable staffers, we have give you a listing of 10 purchase it for all times merchandise that we will vouch for. (We have both used them repeatedly or completely examined them as a part of a “best of” information.) These suggestions come based mostly on the merchandise’ sturdiness and construct high quality, their ease of repairability, and/or the extent of their warranties, together with the flexibility to return gadgets or discover a comparable mannequin if wanted. And we’re pondering exterior of the standard recommendations of a forged iron skillet or Darn Robust socks.

In the long term, constructing the muscle that’s evidence-based purchasing is the final word money-saving hack — and you may apply it to simply about any class you are perusing on the time. From residence items to magnificence to touring, allow us to put you onto the merchandise we really feel are in it for the lengthy haul.

Patagonia Black Gap baggage

If there’s one Patagonia product that’s reached true icon standing, it’s the model’s well-known Black Gap baggage. Patagonia launched a brand new model of those backpacks and duffel baggage in 2024 (I reviewed them for GQ on the time), making them much more eco-friendly and repairable. There’s a purpose gorpcore nerds are obsessive about them. They’re powerful, trendy, and equally helpful trekking by a nationwide park and LaGuardia Airport. Personally, I choose the duffel baggage over the backpack, because the extra spacious duffels include backpack straps which you can tackle and off as wanted. With an inexpensive price ticket, tons of versatility, and real legend standing within the outside world, Black Gap baggage received’t simply final for 50 years; we expect they’ll nonetheless be in vogue 50 years from now.

Sturdiness: The latest model of the Black Gap baggage use a ripstop polyester cloth (recycled polyester, after all) with a laminated end for further safety. I attacked my baggage with a pair of scissors, and I needed to assault fairly arduous simply to get scratches to look. (Patagonia baggage scratch the place different baggage rip.) All the handles and {hardware} additionally maintain up properly.

Repairability: Few merchandise are as repairable as Patagonia baggage. The corporate will even enable you repair older merchandise, irrespective of how previous. So, in case your Black Gap bag will get broken, Patagonia will change the broken panels, although not essentially with the identical coloration cloth. The concept is {that a} patched and color-mismatched Patagonia bag can be a supply of delight for patrons who admire the model’s stand in opposition to quick vogue and consumerism.

Guarantee: Patagonia doesn’t simply have a lifetime guarantee; they’ve a well-known “Ironclad Assure.” The model guarantees that if something goes improper along with your Patagonia gear, they’ll make it proper. “We guarantee everything we make. If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, or if one of our products does not perform to your satisfaction, return it to the store you bought it from or to Patagonia for a repair, replacement, or refund.”

—Timothy Beck Werth, Tech Editor

A Yeti cooler

Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable ; Yeti

What do Yeti and Dyson have in widespread? Their merchandise have each grow to be shock standing symbols, with diehard partisans who observe their each launch. After all, solely one among these manufacturers repeatedly assessments its merchandise in opposition to precise grizzly bears. Positive, Yeti coolers could be a bit overpriced. Truly, scratch that, they are overpriced, particularly since you will get comparable high quality from manufacturers like RTIC. However there’s simply one thing a few Yeti, and these coolers actually are as powerful as marketed. Add to {that a} vary of trendy colours and a magic-like capacity to maintain ice frozen, and it is easy to see why individuals love these coolers so rattling a lot.

Sturdiness: What a part of powerful sufficient to face up to a grizzly bear do not you perceive? Whereas the outside of the cooler could endure some put on and tear through the years, that solely provides to its allure, and it will not have an effect on its performance one bit. In our testing, all the inner and exterior elements are properly constructed and durable, too.

Repairability: Yeti will usually change merchandise or elements that break down throughout the guarantee interval (and typically even out of guarantee). That stated, scratches, punctures, and put on and tear should not coated.

Guarantee: Yeti Tundra coolers are coated beneath a five-year guarantee.

—TBW

A Husqvarna Viking Emerald stitching machine

Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; Husqvarna

My grandma has been stitching since properly earlier than I used to be born, and she or he’s solely had two stitching machines in my 29 years of life. She’s had a Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 stitching machine for round 20 years. My grandma now lives in a reminiscence care facility, however her stitching machine continues to be kicking with my mother, who sews virtually every day.

There are newer, extra superior stitching machines with digital screens and removable embroidery features. I used a Singer 50T8 in highschool and school, then took a stitching hiatus, and just lately purchased a Brother SE700 stitching and embroidery combo machine. Some Redditors have famous a drop in high quality in entry-level Singer and Brother machines in recent times. For what it’s value, I by no means had points with my Singer, and my Brother machine is working completely about seven months in.

Sturdiness: My mother stated that each a part of the Viking machine nonetheless feels sturdy. The dials to vary the stitching are easy, the pedal and machine sound in nice working order, and it sews properly. Nothing shakes or feels prefer it’s going to interrupt whereas stitching.

Repairability: Stitching machines are inherently fairly repairable on a small scale. In case your presser foot or needle breaks, you should purchase new ones from Amazon or craft sellers. For larger repairs, you may seemingly discover a native store that can service Husqvarna Viking machines (in addition to Singer, Brother, Janome, and different large stitching machine manufacturers).

Guarantee: The Emerald 116 stitching machine has a 10/2/1 guarantee, which suggests the product body has a 10-year restricted guarantee, {the electrical} components have a two-year restricted guarantee, and the mechanical components have a restricted one-year guarantee. This doesn’t cowl regular put on and tear which will include utilizing the stitching machine, however it covers manufacturing defects. For the product body, SVP Worldwide (the maker of Viking, Singer, and Pfaff machines) will present free alternative components, however the purchaser pays for labor prices. For electrical components, the corporate will present free alternative components, however it is going to solely cowl labor for the primary yr. And for mechanical components and changes, the corporate will change components with out charging for components or labor.

—Miller Kern, Deputy Buying Editor

A KitchenAid stand mixer

Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; KitchenAid

Once we moved my grandma to the reminiscence care facility, I acquired her KitchenAid stand mixer that I’ve been baking with at her home since I used to be a baby. I used the serial quantity to search for precisely how previous the KitchenAid is, and it was made in 1991. This stand mixer is older than I’m. It’s the KSM90 mannequin, which KitchenAid not makes, however even the newer fashions are dependable and can seemingly final for years. The KSM90 is most corresponding to the Traditional and Artisan collection mixers.

Sturdiness: My stand mixer nonetheless feels extremely sturdy and doesn’t shake whereas in use. I’ve additionally by no means had any points with burning smells or overheating. The one put on I see is that the rubber ft that maintain it stabilized on the counter have began to corrode a bit, however that’s not too stunning contemplating they’re 34 years previous. And that’s one thing I might simply change myself.

Repairability: I’ve not personally needed to change or restore any a part of my KitchenAid, however as one Redditor stated, “Pretty much every part is replaceable.” You’ll be able to seemingly discover a restore service close to you, and KitchenAid offers restore companies out of its Greenville, Ohio, manufacturing facility — and even presents delivery kits so you may safely transport your mixer to and from the manufacturing facility. 

Guarantee: KitchenAid has a one-year restricted guarantee, beneath which the model will organize to ship an equivalent or comparable alternative to the customer’s door and organize a pickup of the faulty mixer. One yr shouldn’t be that lengthy, contemplating my stand mixer has been within the household for greater than three many years, however it’s good that KitchenAid will absolutely change the mixer at no cost. And the repairability ought to have you ever coated in lots of instances.

—MK

A Jansport backpack

Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; JanSport

My dad gave me his JanSport backpack once I was slightly child as a result of I instructed him I believed it was cool, and I nonetheless use it to this very day. I feel it’s from the early ’90s? It isn’t in the identical form because it was once, however after many years of heavy use, it’s nonetheless going sturdy. I feel that actually speaks to the craftsmanship of those baggage — when you care for them, they will final you a lifetime (or no less than a very very long time). They undoubtedly don’t make this actual mannequin anymore, which is a disgrace as a result of I personally don’t suppose it’s gone out of favor. Fortunately, they nonetheless make one which’s fairly comparable!

Sturdiness: JanSport backpacks are undoubtedly made to final. Or, no less than this one from the ’90s was. There isn’t a lot put on and tear after a few years of use, and the supplies really feel simply as sturdy as they did once I was first given the bag. I actually just like the thick canvas on the entrance a part of the bag, which feels almost not possible to puncture, in addition to the ripstop-like materials on the again and the straps. The adjustment buckles are nonetheless intact, in addition to the zippers and mesh pockets on the edges. It has definitely withstood the take a look at of time.

Repairability: If this backpack did rip or break ultimately, there’s not a lot I might do to restore it. I’d suggest in opposition to DIY’ing, as a result of that might void out the restricted lifetime guarantee that the model presents. I feel it’d be a greater thought to submit a declare with them to see in the event that they’d restore it.

Guarantee: JanSport presents an honest restricted lifetime guarantee that covers “manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product…” If there are any defects, JanSport presents free repairs and, in some instances, replacements.

—Dylan Haas, Lead Buying Reporter

A Yeti stainless-steel water bottle

Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; Yeti

One signal that somebody’s a hydration freak is a cupboard strictly devoted to a mass of consuming water vessels: bottles of assorted supplies, themed tumblers with peeling ornamental stickers, and others. I used to be repeatedly rotating between all of mine up till I obtained my Yeti Rambler in 2018. Then, I ignored every part else however that Yeti for 2 years straight. Seven years later, I would nonetheless select the Yeti if I might solely maintain one bottle.

Pre-Yeti, I had tried so many low-cost stainless-steel choices that could not maintain water chilly for shit. So, most notably, my trusty 26-ounce Yeti Rambler has reliably stored water chilly and ice frozen for numerous lengthy days on the seashore or on a ship. I am not going to the seashore almost as typically since I moved, so it is not my on a regular basis bottle for the time being. However it’s nonetheless my pure intuition to seize my Yeti forward of any street journey or lengthy day on the pool.

Sturdiness: Yetis are extremely heavy-duty. Any Yeti proprietor in all probability has an anecdote a few time they unintentionally put their Yeti by hell, and it survived. My Rambler is just about unscathed after being crushed at the back of a truck, rolling round on the ground throughout bumpy boat rides, and falling off tables onto pavement and porches. There could also be a floor nick or two, however no dents.

Repairability: If I have been in a state of affairs the place a chrome steel water bottle actually snapped in half or one thing, fixing the water bottle would in all probability be the least of my worries. Nonetheless, Yeti’s customer support is understood for being fast to ship replacements for blips like damaged lids.

Guarantee: Yeti drinkware comes with a five-year guarantee that covers manufacturing defects like leaks or exterior coloration chipping. One in every of my household mates as soon as acquired a Rambler with weirdly brief ice retention. All she needed to do was begin a declare with the quantity that got here together with her Yeti, and so they despatched her a brand new one which day.

—Leah Stodart, Senior Buying Reporter

A Nutribullet 900 Sequence blender

Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable ; NutriBullet

I don’t know what they put on this Nutribullet blender, however it’s lasted me a decade and nonetheless works just like the day I obtained it. I obtained the Nutribullet 900 Sequence as a freshman in school for dorm room smoothies. It has since survived a number of strikes and the occasional kitchen accident.

The Nutribullet 900 is a workhorse in my kitchen. I exploit it for fast morning smoothies, mixing sauces and soups, and grinding spices or flour. And that’s to not say issues have all the time gone completely with the Nutribullet. 

Sturdiness: I’ve handled my justifiable share of mishaps. It leaks if I overfill it, and I’m responsible of overheating the machine whereas mixing soup. Plus, the blade attachment has even gotten caught within the machine. That being stated, the Nutribullet all the time comes again. Regardless of the accidents, the machine is form of indestructible and bounces again after a radical cleansing.

Repairability: Shopping for alternative components for the Nutribullet is a simple possibility if the extractor blade or cups break. For points relating to the mechanics and motor, there’s the opportunity of restore with assets on-line on methods to do a repair. Nonetheless, when you’re not feeling significantly helpful, an area equipment restore service might be able to enable you out.

Guarantee: Nutribullet presents a one-year guarantee that covers defects within the supplies and workmanship of the machine. To make use of the guarantee, you will need to register your product. The guarantee could be prolonged for 3 years for an extra charge.

—Samantha Mangino, Buying Reporter

The Thuma Mattress

Credit score: Thuma

The attract of the Instagram product is inevitable. That was the case of the Thuma mattress. It was aggressively marketed on my feed till ultimately, once I was searching for a brand new mattress body, I used to be reeled in by its promise of a tool-free construct and exceptionally sturdy, actual wooden design. In a world stuffed with wooden pulp and particleboard, the Thuma mattress stands out with its one hundred pc upcycled wooden building. After I pulled it out of the field and constructed the body, my first thought was, “Wow, I never have to buy another bed frame again.” After two years of sleeping on the Thuma mattress, that also stands true. Due to its sturdy supplies, it’s heavy so it doesn’t transfer round, nor has it gone squeaky with free screws. The slotted Japanese joinery design is extraordinarily steady, creating a chunk of furnishings with integrity.

Sturdiness: The mattress is constituted of one hundred pc upcycled wooden, plywood slats coated in recycled plastic felt, and two hand-tightened screws slot each bit into one another. Not solely does this negate the necessity for screws and Allen wrenches, however it creates a safer building that doesn’t wiggle or wobble whenever you apply the load of mattresses or our bodies.

Repairability + Guarantee: Thuma’s repairability and guarantee go hand in hand. It’s uncommon nowadays, however Thuma has a lifetime guarantee. All through your lifetime with the mattress, if a chunk is damaged or broken by common use, Thuma will change it freed from cost. The guarantee does exclude harm brought on by pure disasters or shifting.

At a look, individuals’s expertise with Thuma’s concierge, which handles guarantee points, appears to be overwhelmingly optimistic. Some individuals remarked that items of the body arrived damaged, however the model despatched a alternative half freed from cost. If a chunk breaks and isn’t coated beneath the guarantee, the mattress might pretty simply be repaired with some minor woodworking expertise.

—SM

A Framework Laptop computer

Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; Framework

Client tech is the antithesis of BIFL, so this could be extra of an honorable point out, however Framework Laptops are as shut as you may get among the many PCs I’ve examined. They’re designed to be serviced, upgraded, and customised by their homeowners, with swappable mainboards, reminiscence, storage, keyboards, shows, bezels, and even ports. Shoppers should buy a pre-built Framework Laptop computer that is prepared to make use of proper out of the field, or go for a barely cheaper “DIY Edition” that you simply assemble from scratch along with your most well-liked working system. The laptop computer world is usually fairly hostile to any form of at-home modifications, so Framework’s schtick is an enormous “proper to restore” win for the little man. 

I’ve particularly tried the $899 Framework Laptop computer 13 (Intel Core Extremely Sequence) DIY Version, however Framework additionally makes a 16-inch AMD laptop computer (ranging from $1,399) and a cute 12.2-inch convertible with a touchscreen (ranging from $549).

Sturdiness: The Framework Laptop computer 13 contains a sturdy and easy aluminum chassis that does not cling to fingerprints, which supplies it a premium, MacBook-y look that’ll by no means exit of favor. There’s a slight give to the highest of its lid, however it’s nothing of concern. All of its inside elements are well-made and simply snap or screw into place, so setup took me not more than 10 minutes. Total, I used to be blown away by the precision and class of its design. It undoubtedly did not really feel like a laptop computer I put collectively myself with no prior PC-building expertise.

Repairability: There is a purpose why all present Framework Laptops have a ten/10 iFixit rating. You do not have to haul them to a Genius Bar or a Geek Squad counter to restore or change a damaged half. Framework is continually including new elements to its web site, and it additionally maintains a market of refurbished components which you can purchase at a reduction.

Guarantee: Framework Laptops include a one-year restricted guarantee (with no possibility to increase) that covers “defects in materials and workmanship.” It does not cowl on a regular basis put on and tear, unintentional harm, or any points that come up from non-Framework elements the person may set up. This might clearly be quite a bit higher, however it’s very commonplace for PCs.

—Haley Henschel, Senior Buying Reporter

A Chi hair straightener

Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; Chi

My mother nonetheless owns the unique Chi straightener I used the primary time I heat-styled my hair at age 11. (I achieved pin-straight, utterly flat hair and felt like one million bucks.) At age 27, I’ve now owned my very own model of the straightener for about 5 years — and although I’ve ditched the flat search for enhancing my waves or including some curls as a substitute, it really works simply as properly, with zero indicators that it’s going to give out on me anytime quickly. There’s nothing too fancy about it: It’s a one-inch ceramic-plated flat iron with a single on/off change that brings the straightener to a max of 392 levels Fahrenheit. It could not have a ton of attachments or particular warmth settings, however as somebody who’s tried her share of fancy hair tech, I can confidently say the Chi straightener covers most styling wants — and for approach much less. At full worth, it prices $100, however it’s typically on sale for about $50.

Sturdiness: This straightener can undoubtedly stand up to some unintentional slips off the lavatory counter, however it’s not one thing you ought to be placing its plastic case by repeatedly. With correct care, it will probably final for years. That features not wrapping the twine round it as tightly as you may. As a substitute, you’ll need to use the velcro loop connected the the twine when storing — and you should definitely go away some slack the place the twine meets the straightener, to provide the wires their finest probability at being practical for so long as attainable.

Reparability: That is seemingly a product you’d must ship into Chi to restore, and even then, it seems to be like your choices are restricted (based mostly on the guarantee under). For normal upkeep, if it is advisable clear the straightener, Chi recommends utilizing a moist material whereas the straightener is unplugged.

Guarantee: The Chi straightener comes with a two-year restricted guarantee when bought immediately from Chi (the place it’s priced at $119.99) or from a licensed salon or salon chain. In the event you don’t need to pay the inflated worth on Chi’s web site however nonetheless need the guarantee, you may seize it from Ulta for $99.99. Nonetheless, it’s seemingly value it simply to seize the cheaper possibility from Amazon: the guarantee solely covers replacements if Chi despatched you a defective straightener, and doesn’t cowl metal or plastic components, together with the twine, any damages brought on by misuse, or regular put on and tear.

—Bethany Allard, Lead Buying Reporter