Desk of Contents
“Purchase it for all times,” 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 highway, if ever.
BIFL is a extra considerate and sustainable method to purchasing in our present period of fast fashion, mass manufacturing, and rife consumerism. It is also nearly actually 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 — but it surely’s now extra widespread than ever. Google Traits 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 lots of of its suggestions have spilled over to TikTok amid the rise of the “underconsumption core” development.
Shopping for stuff for all times in the end means shopping for much less stuff. To that finish, being a BIFL-er does not essentially imply swapping your entire present possessions for higher-quality variations. It will possibly simply imply taking higher care of the stuff you already personal through common upkeep and repairs, doing all your half to make it final for all times.
However what for those who are available in the market for a brand new merchandise? Looking for BIFL merchandise might be difficult, since you will not formally know if one thing is able to lasting years till you’ve got truly used it for years. r/BIFLfails exists for a purpose. Complicating issues additional is the truth that the quality of most goods has been steadily reducing as producers concede to fleeting development cycles and client demand for reasonable costs.
Such is the significance of doing all your analysis. Do not simply take producers’ phrase for it: Discuss 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 an inventory of 10 purchase it for all times merchandise that we are able to vouch for. (We have both used them repeatedly or totally examined them as a part of a “best of” guide.) These suggestions come primarily based on the merchandise’ sturdiness and construct high quality, their ease of repairability, and/or the extent of their warranties, together with the power to return objects or discover a related mannequin if wanted. And we’re pondering outdoors of the standard options of a forged iron skillet or Darn Powerful socks.
In the long term, constructing the muscle that’s evidence-based purchasing is the last word money-saving hack — and you’ll apply it to simply about any class you are perusing on the time. From home goods to beauty to traveling, allow us to put you onto the merchandise we really feel are in it for the lengthy haul.
Patagonia Black Gap luggage
Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable ; Patagonia
If there’s one Patagonia product that’s reached true icon standing, it’s the model’s well-known Black Gap luggage. Patagonia launched a brand new model of those backpacks and duffel luggage 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, fashionable, and equally helpful trekking by means of a nationwide park and LaGuardia Airport. Personally, I desire the duffel luggage over the backpack, because the extra spacious duffels include backpack straps you can tackle and off as wanted. With an affordable price ticket, tons of versatility, and real legend standing within the outside world, Black Gap luggage received’t simply final for 50 years; we expect they’ll nonetheless be in style 50 years from now.
Sturdiness: The latest model of the Black Gap luggage use a ripstop polyester material (recycled polyester, after all) with a laminated end for additional safety. I attacked my luggage with a pair of scissors, and I needed to assault fairly exhausting simply to get scratches to seem. (Patagonia luggage scratch the place different luggage rip.) All the handles and {hardware} additionally maintain up effectively.
Repairability: Few merchandise are as repairable as Patagonia luggage. The corporate will even allow you to repair older merchandise, irrespective of how previous. So, in case your Black Gap bag will get broken, Patagonia will substitute the broken panels, although not essentially with the identical colour material. The thought is {that a} patched and color-mismatched Patagonia bag can be a supply of satisfaction for patrons who recognize the model’s stand towards quick style and consumerism.
Guarantee: Patagonia doesn’t simply have a lifetime guarantee; they’ve a well-known “Ironclad Guarantee.” The model guarantees that if something goes incorrect along with your Patagonia gear, they’ll make it proper. “We assure all the things we make. If you’re not happy with one among our merchandise on the time you obtain it, or if one among our merchandise doesn’t carry out to your satisfaction, return it to the shop you obtain it from or to Patagonia for a restore, alternative, 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 develop into shock standing symbols, with diehard partisans who observe their each launch. After all, solely one among these manufacturers repeatedly checks its merchandise towards precise grizzly bears. Certain, Yeti coolers is perhaps a bit overpriced. Really, scratch that, they are overpriced, particularly since you will get related 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 potential 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 might endure some put on and tear through the years, that solely provides to its attraction, and it will not have an effect on its performance one bit. In our testing, all the inner and exterior elements are effectively constructed and durable, too.
Repairability: Yeti will typically substitute merchandise or elements that break down inside the guarantee interval (and typically even out of guarantee). That mentioned, scratches, punctures, and put on and tear aren’t lined.
Guarantee: Yeti Tundra coolers are lined beneath a five-year warranty.
—TBW
A Husqvarna Viking Emerald stitching machine
Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; Husqvarna
My grandma has been stitching since effectively earlier than I used to be born, and he or she’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 remains to be kicking with my mother, who sews nearly day by day.
There are newer, extra superior stitching machines with digital screens and removable embroidery features. I used a Singer 50T8 in highschool and faculty, then took a stitching hiatus, and 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 mentioned that each a part of the Viking machine nonetheless feels sturdy. The dials to alter the stitching are easy, the pedal and machine sound in nice working order, and it sews effectively. 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’ll be able to possible discover a native store that may 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 warranty, which suggests the product body has a 10-year restricted guarantee, {the electrical} elements have a two-year restricted guarantee, and the mechanical elements have a restricted one-year guarantee. This doesn’t cowl regular put on and tear that will include utilizing the stitching machine, but it surely covers manufacturing defects. For the product body, SVP Worldwide (the maker of Viking, Singer, and Pfaff machines) will present free alternative elements, however the purchaser pays for labor prices. For electrical elements, the corporate will present free alternative elements, however it can solely cowl labor for the primary yr. And for mechanical elements and changes, the corporate will substitute elements with out charging for elements or labor.
—Miller Kern, Deputy Procuring Editor
A KitchenAid stand mixer
Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; KitchenAid
After we moved my grandma to the reminiscence care facility, I obtained 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 now not makes, however even the newer fashions are dependable and can possible final for years. The KSM90 is most similar to the Classic and Artisan sequence mixers.
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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 toes that preserve 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 may simply substitute myself.
Repairability: I’ve not personally needed to substitute or restore any a part of my KitchenAid, however as one Redditor said, “Just about each half is replaceable.” You possibly can possible discover a restore service close to you, and KitchenAid offers repair services out of its Greenville, Ohio, manufacturing unit — and even affords transport kits so you’ll be able to safely transport your mixer to and from the manufacturing unit.
Guarantee: KitchenAid has a one-year limited warranty, beneath which the model will organize to ship an an identical or comparable alternative to the customer’s door and organize a pickup of the faulty mixer. One yr just isn’t that lengthy, contemplating my stand mixer has been within the household for greater than three many years, however it’s good that KitchenAid will totally substitute the mixer at no cost. And the repairability ought to have you ever lined in lots of circumstances.
—MK
A Jansport backpack
Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; JanSport
My dad gave me his JanSport backpack after 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, however after many years of heavy use, it’s nonetheless going robust. I feel that basically speaks to the craftsmanship of those luggage — for those who care for them, they will final you a lifetime (or at the very least a extremely very long time). They positively don’t make this precise mannequin anymore, which is a disgrace as a result of I personally don’t assume it’s gone out of fashion. Fortunately, they nonetheless make one which’s fairly related!
Sturdiness: JanSport backpacks are positively made to final. Or, at the very least 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 robust as they did after I was first given the bag. I actually just like the thick canvas on the entrance a part of the bag, which feels practically 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 actually withstood the check of time.
Repairability: If this backpack did rip or break not directly, there’s not a lot I may do to restore it. I might advocate towards DIY’ing, as a result of that would void out the restricted lifetime guarantee that the model affords. 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 affords a good limited lifetime warranty that covers “manufacturing defects in supplies and workmanship for the lifetime of the product…” If there are any defects, JanSport affords free repairs and, in some circumstances, replacements.
—Dylan Haas, Lead Procuring Reporter
A Yeti chrome 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 bought my Yeti Rambler in 2018. Then, I ignored all the things else however that Yeti for 2 years straight. Seven years later, I would nonetheless select the Yeti if I may solely preserve one bottle.
Pre-Yeti, I had tried so many low cost chrome steel choices that could not preserve 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 seaside or on a ship. I am not going to the seaside practically as usually since I moved, so it is not my on a regular basis bottle in the intervening time. However it’s nonetheless my pure intuition to seize my Yeti forward of any highway journey or lengthy day on the pool.
Sturdiness: Yetis are extremely heavy-duty. Any Yeti proprietor most likely has an anecdote a few time they by chance put their Yeti by means of 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 had been in a scenario the place a stainless-steel water bottle actually snapped in half or one thing, fixing the water bottle would most likely be the least of my worries. Nonetheless, Yeti’s customer support is thought for being fast to ship replacements for blips like damaged lids.
Guarantee: Yeti drinkware comes with a five-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects like leaks or exterior colour chipping. Considered one of my household pals as soon as obtained a Rambler with weirdly quick 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 Procuring Reporter
A Nutribullet 900 Sequence blender
Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable ; NutriBullet
I don’t know what they put on this Nutribullet blender, but it surely’s lasted me a decade and nonetheless works just like the day I bought it. I bought the Nutribullet 900 Sequence as a freshman in faculty 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 mentioned, the Nutribullet all the time comes again. Regardless of the accidents, the machine is kind of indestructible and bounces again after a radical cleansing.
Repairability: Shopping for replacement parts for the Nutribullet is a straightforward possibility if the extractor blade or cups break. For points concerning the mechanics and motor, there may be the opportunity of restore with assets on-line on learn how to do a repair. Nonetheless, for those who’re not feeling significantly useful, a neighborhood equipment restore service could possibly allow you to out.
Guarantee: Nutribullet affords a one-year warranty that covers defects within the supplies and workmanship of the gadget. To make use of the guarantee, you need to register your product. The guarantee might be prolonged for 3 years for an extra price.
—Samantha Mangino, Procuring Reporter
The Thuma Mattress
Credit score: Thuma
The attract of the Instagram product is inevitable. That was the case of the Thuma bed. It was aggressively marketed on my feed till finally, after I was on the lookout 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 filled 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 by no means have to purchase one other mattress body once more.” After two years of sleeping on the Thuma mattress, that also stands true. Because of 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 secure, creating a chunk of furnishings with integrity.
Sturdiness: The mattress is produced from one hundred pc upcycled wooden, plywood slats lined in recycled plastic felt, and two hand-tightened screws slot every bit into one another. Not solely does this negate the necessity for screws and Allen wrenches, but it surely creates a safer building that doesn’t wiggle or wobble once you apply the burden of mattresses or our bodies.
Repairability + Guarantee: Thuma’s repairability and guarantee go hand in hand. It’s uncommon today, however Thuma has a lifetime guarantee. All through your lifetime with the mattress, if a chunk is damaged or broken by means of common use, Thuma will substitute it freed from cost. The guarantee does exclude injury attributable to pure disasters or transferring.
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 lined beneath the guarantee, the mattress may pretty simply be repaired with some minor woodworking abilities.
—SM
A Framework Laptop computer
Credit score: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; Framework
Shopper tech is the antithesis of BIFL, so this is perhaps extra of an honorable point out, however Framework Laptops are as shut as you will get among the many PCs I’ve tested. They’re designed to be serviced, upgraded, and customised by their house owners, with swappable mainboards, reminiscence, storage, keyboards, shows, bezels, and even ports. Shoppers can 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 Version” that you just assemble from scratch along with your most well-liked working system. The laptop computer world is mostly fairly hostile to any kind of at-home modifications, so Framework’s schtick is a giant “right to repair” win for the little man.
I’ve particularly tried the $899 Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series) DIY Edition, however Framework additionally makes a 16-inch AMD laptop (ranging from $1,399) and a cute 12.2-inch convertible with a touchscreen (ranging from $549).
Sturdiness: The Framework Laptop computer 13 includes a robust 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 fashion. There’s a slight give to the highest of its lid, but it surely’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. General, I used to be blown away by the precision and class of its design. It positively 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 substitute a damaged half. Framework is consistently including new elements to its web site, and it additionally maintains a market of refurbished elements you can purchase at a reduction.
Guarantee: Framework Laptops include a one-year restricted warranty (with no possibility to increase) that covers “defects in supplies and workmanship.” It does not cowl on a regular basis put on and tear, unintentional injury, or any points that come up from non-Framework elements the consumer may set up. This might clearly be so much higher, but it surely’s very customary for PCs.
—Haley Henschel, Senior Procuring 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 1,000,000 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 effectively, 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 might not have a ton of attachments or particular warmth settings, however as someone who’s tried her share of fancy hair tech, I can confidently say the Chi straightener covers most styling wants — and for means much less. At full worth, it prices $100, but it surely’s usually on sale for about $50.
Sturdiness: This straightener can positively face up to some unintentional slips off the lavatory counter, but it surely’s not one thing you need to be placing its plastic case by means of repeatedly. With correct care, it could possibly final for years. That features not wrapping the wire round it as tightly as you’ll be able to. As an alternative, you’ll wish to use the velcro loop hooked up the the wire when storing — and make sure you depart some slack the place the wire meets the straightener, to provide the wires their greatest likelihood at being purposeful for so long as potential.
Reparability: That is possible a product you’d must ship into Chi to restore, and even then, it appears like your choices are restricted (primarily based on the guarantee under). For normal upkeep, if it is advisable to clear the straightener, Chi recommends utilizing a moist fabric whereas the straightener is unplugged.
Guarantee: The Chi straightener comes with a two-year limited warranty when bought instantly from Chi (the place it’s priced at $119.99) or from a certified salon or salon chain. For those who don’t wish to pay the inflated worth on Chi’s web site however nonetheless need the guarantee, you’ll be able to seize it from Ulta for $99.99. Nonetheless, it’s possible 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 elements, together with the wire, any damages attributable to misuse, or regular put on and tear.
—Bethany Allard, Lead Procuring Reporter
