Best stuff under $25

[whereismurder]

Inspired by this post on gear patrol https://gearpatrol.com/2019/03/28/re...-for-under-25/.

I wanted to start a thread where everyone recommends their 5 favorite things which cost under $25 (15 seems excessive). It doesn't have to just be clothes, although it could be. Very interested to see everyone's lists.

Mine:
1 Pendleton bandana - I just got this guy and it is fantastic. Head band, face mask, scarf, ascot, pocket square, hanky. Sized nice and large, but not too crazy, great pattern.
https://www.pendleton-usa.com/produc...rt=5&cgid=G200
2. Post it note dispenser - kind of left field but I have post its everywhere in my office and this completely changed the game.
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/3m-...SABEgI3GfD_BwE
3. Apple music - $9.99/mo = nearly every song you can ever think of. Hands down it is my favorite thing about living in modern society.
https://www.apple.com/apple-music/
4. Fresh 3/$12 flowers from Publix - adds a touch of life, class, and beauty to my house plus they smell great and come in a myriad of colors and types.
https://www.publix.com/pd/fresh-cut-...115359?ch=7.2.
5. Mystic Knotwork Original Sailor Bracelet - Go ahead, call me preppy. I buy one a year and it stays on my wrist until I get the next the following year.
https://mysticknotwork.com/products/...19472883744854

[skewl]

Like this idea a lot, my five:

1. MPow Cheetah bluetooth earbuds. Good sound quality (shockingly good for the price), sweatproof, and last a decent amount of time (I think I've had my current pair about 2 years) but cheap enough where replacing them isn't the end of the world
https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Headphon.../dp/B013U54BFG

2. Lodge cast iron skillet. Got 3 of them when I moved into my first apartment about 3 years ago, gifted one to my mother and the other 2 have touched pretty much every meal I've cooked since I got them.
https://www.target.com/p/lodge-12-ca...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

3. Capresso electric burr grinder. I got a floor model for like $20 a couple years ago on a deal but paying full price for that or a cheaper burr grinder is a very worthy investment and makes a huge difference in your morning coffee. Here's a cheaper manual one that sneaks under the $25 threshold:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HNVD6N2...d_i=B07HNVD6N2

4. Dollar shave club. Grooming aficionados, gasp away, but to walk out the door with no visible stubble after a 3 minute, reasonably comfortable shave for $3 a month is a beautiful thing and enough for me (I'm fortunate enough to have good skin that doesn't get razor burn)

5. Vibes earplugs. I want to be able to hear when I'm 60, so I wear these to concerts and they block a lot of noise, though you hardly even notice because what does come through is super clear
https://www.target.com/p/vibes-hi-fi...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Arête]

1. Chipotle Double Steak Burrito Bowl
2. Everyman Classic Book
3. Midnight in Paris (Movie)
4. An American in Paris (Soundtrack)
5. 1lb High Quality Coffee Beans

[idvsego]

1. Spotify Premuim
2. Dove Men +Care Ultra Hydrating Cream
3. A decent USB power bank
4. Any Kershaw pocket knife under $25
5. Barton Premuim silicone watch strap

Bonus...casio mrw-200h watches. Not too "dappered" but if you are active or need a beater watch, its hard to do better than these for the price.

[wsupjs]

What a fun idea!

1. Weller Antique store pick 750mL (pricing and quality of store pick will vary in your area, but both are great around here, when I can find it)
2. BestGrips Microperf Leather Golf Grips. They're handmade in the US, and perform better than standard rubber grips in every way. They cost a bit more up front, but save you money in the long run due to their longevity.
3. Sonax Perfect Finish. The best automotive polish (and probably detailing product overall) I've ever used.
4. Ex Officio Give N Go Boxer Brief
5. Burrito from Currito, Qdoba, or Chipotle (preference in that order). I eat them at least once a week.

[thedrake]

1. Rhodia/Clairfontaine notepads and notebooks https://www.jetpens.com/Notebooks/ct...b92e5e0ed6a0bc
2. Pilot Precise V5 rollerball pens https://www.jetpens.com/search?q=pilot+precise&v=2
3. REI boot socks https://www.rei.com/product/118963/r...ing-crew-socks
4. Allen Edmonds replacement glazed shoe laces (no joke, I think the replacements are better than the ones I originally got with my shoes) https://www.allenedmonds.com/shoe-care/shoe-care/laces/
5. RAF NATO straps (so much more comfortable than a standard NATO, the link is just an example, you can find these lots of places) https://www.cheapestnatostraps.com/c...al-nato-straps

[rd27]

1. Fisher Space Bullet Pen. This thing writes on everything! Well worth the $15-18 price tag. Can be found on Amazon.
2. Amazon Basics Wood Hangets. Some quality hangers for just under $25.
3. Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker. Often goes on sale for under $25.
4. Opinel No.8 Folding Pocket Knife. Simple, quality folding knife that looks great and performs well above it's pricetag.
5. Desk Plant. Great for the office. It looks interesting and according to some, people with desk plants are just happier. Cleans the air too.

BONUS: The Casio Worldtimer. A HODINKEE Approved watch option for less than $30. https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ca...ue-proposition

[LesserBlackDog]

1. Burt's Bees beeswax lip balm - ~$2.50 per tube

Keeps lips soft and moisturized, and once you've become accustomed to the nice soothing chill of the signature peppermint oil, all other lip balms will feel disappointing by comparison.

2. Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen - $15 and up

A great beginner's fountain pen that writes well and looks sleek and professional.

3. Psyllium fiber capsules - $15 and up for a 500 count tub

Not a polite subject of discussion but pleasant poops make for a pleasanter life.

4. Your favorite scented candle - ~$8 and up

Not all scented candles are created equal and 99.9% of them out there are garbage, but if you sniff around you will find one or two that you really enjoy. An evocative scent can really transform a space and transport you to a different headspace. I REALLY love hanging out in my living room on a rainy day with just candles and maybe some music going and a good book or cup of coffee to enjoy.

5. Cheapo foam earplugs - ~$10 for a big tub of them

I find these remarkably useful in a variety of situations. I wear them at the gym so I can shut out vapid conversations and people slamming weights. I wear them to sleep if my upstairs neighbors are getting a little too rowdy or if I'm just sleeping in a different space with different noises than I'm accustomed to. I wear them at the shooting range. I wear them at music rehearsals. They are great anytime I really need to focus and get into my own head and shut out what's happening around me.

[whereismurder]

4. Your favorite scented candle - ~$8 and up

Not all scented candles are created equal and 99.9% of them out there are garbage, but if you sniff around you will find one or two that you really enjoy. An evocative scent can really transform a space and transport you to a different headspace. I REALLY love hanging out in my living room on a rainy day with just candles and maybe some music going and a good book or cup of coffee to enjoy.

I was between flowers and candles for mine, glad to see they made it from someone else.

1. Rhodia/Clairfontaine notepads and notebooks https://www.jetpens.com/Notebooks/ct...b92e5e0ed6a0bc

How do these stack up against Moleskine?

[LesserBlackDog]

How do these stack up against Moleskine?

IME the texture of the paper on Rhodia's notebooks is a little bit finer/smoother and a little bit better suited for fountain pen writing compared to Moleskin.