Asklemmy

I got a Swiss army knife and it has come in handy quite a bit.

Sounds dumb, but dishwashing gloves. I don't have a dishwasher, and not getting my hands clammy when I do dishes makes the process infinitely less horrible.

I recently got a sling bag for my EDC needs. It weights 1.2 kg loaded. the same as whole backpack that I used for years. It is quite good for if I need to go light but I want to grab some stuff and pockets are already filled to the brim with stuff.

Looking at my own purchases from the last year:

• spice rack
• flexible outlet extender with USB charging ports and surge protector
• mandolin slicer
• bathtub phone holder (for playing music in the shower)
• 2.4 gallon compost bin that hang off a cabinet door
• a sht load of microfiber clothes (great for cleaning all sorts of things, glasses, tables, walls, etc)
• magnetic dry erase board complete with dry erase markers (great for to do lists or writing down plans)

Second on the mandolin that was on someone's list.

Caveat being don't buy a shitty one or it will have the opposite effect.

A sturdy backpack with good support for the back

Definitely the opposite of making life easier but I love the stone mortar and pestle I got. I'm using it regularly not only to grind up spices like pepper or basil, but I also make pesto for pasta or rice dishes.

• Long (6 ft) USB cords that reach from the floor (where the charger is in a power strip) to my desk or couch
• A key hook that I mounted by the door. No more setting off the car alarm with the key in my pocket when in my house

I have recommendations that depend entirely on lifestyle, so not great general stuff but amazing for the people they're for:

• Wurkkos FC11 Rechargeable LED Flashlights Max 1300Lumen High 90CRI EDC Flash Light USB C Charge,IP67 Waterproof Torch, Magnetic Tailcap, Great for Dog Walking Home use Emergency(5000K) https://a.co/d/fncjQhi

This flashlight is light, bright, cheap, and USB C rechargeable. It has a magnet in its ass so you can easily mount it and do whatever you're trying to do hands-free. As a power plant operator who runs around outside or climbs inside of condensers and tanks and shit, this thing was incredibly handy. Probably pretty good for hikers and campers too.

• Darn Tough Men's Modern https://a.co/d/et9OPPu

It doesn't necessarily need to be this exact pair, but Darn Tough brand wool socks are the general recommendation. They reduce impact, wick sweat/moisture, and they're comfortable. This is the only kind of socks I will wear at work or else my feet hurt and itch and stink.

• OontZ Ultra Bluetooth Speaker, Portable Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Speaker, 14 Watts, up to 100 ft Bluetooth Range, IPX7 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Black) https://a.co/d/dXlV5bY

It's a surprisingly good sound quality waterproof Bluetooth speaker. I take mine into the shower and listen to music. You could use it in the kitchen, outside in the yard, etc. but mine is pretty much entirely used in the shower or sometimes the bedroom 😉

Obviously not for everybody, but these are great bang for your buck if they suit somebody you know!