Desk of Contents
“Purchase it for all times,” or BIFL, is a buying motion whose doctrine is thus: Make one monetary funding in a sturdy, well-made merchandise upfront, and you will not should buy a alternative down the street, if ever.
BIFL is a extra considerate and sustainable method to buying in our present period of quick style, 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 — however it’s now extra well-liked than ever. Google Developments information for the phrase “purchase it for all times” 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” pattern.
Shopping for stuff for all times finally means shopping for much less stuff. To that finish, being a BIFL-er would 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 out there for a brand new merchandise? Purchasing for BIFL merchandise might be difficult, since you will not formally know if one thing is able to lasting years till you have truly used it for years. r/BIFLfails exists for a cause. Complicating issues additional is the truth that the high quality of most items has been steadily reducing as producers concede to fleeting pattern 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 provide you with a listing of 10 purchase it for all times merchandise that we will vouch for. (We have both used them often or totally examined them as a part of a “better 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 power to return objects or discover a comparable mannequin if wanted. And we’re considering outdoors of the standard strategies of a forged iron skillet or Darn Powerful socks.
In the long term, constructing the muscle that’s evidence-based buying is the final word money-saving hack — and you’ll apply it to simply about any class you are perusing on the time. From house 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 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 cause gorpcore nerds are obsessive about them. They’re robust, fashionable, and equally helpful trekking via a nationwide park and LaGuardia Airport. Personally, I want the duffel luggage over the backpack, because the extra spacious duffels include backpack straps which 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 predict they’ll nonetheless be in style 50 years from now.
Sturdiness: The most recent model of the Black Gap luggage use a ripstop polyester cloth (recycled polyester, in fact) 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 look. (Patagonia luggage scratch the place different luggage rip.) The entire handles and {hardware} additionally maintain up effectively.
Repairability: Few merchandise are as repairable as Patagonia luggage. The corporate will even enable you repair older merchandise, irrespective of how outdated. So, in case your Black Gap bag will get broken, Patagonia will substitute the broken panels, although not essentially with the identical shade cloth. The thought is {that a} patched and color-mismatched Patagonia bag can be a supply of satisfaction for purchasers who admire the model’s stand towards quick style 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 assure all the pieces we make. If you’re not glad with one in all our merchandise on the time you obtain it, or if one in all 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 grow to be shock standing symbols, with diehard partisans who comply with their each launch. In fact, solely one in all these manufacturers often exams its merchandise towards precise grizzly bears. Positive, Yeti coolers may be a bit overpriced. Truly, scratch that, they are overpriced, particularly since you may get comparable high quality from manufacturers like RTIC. However there’s simply one thing a couple of Yeti, and these coolers actually are as robust as marketed. Add to {that a} vary of fashionable colours and a magic-like skill to maintain ice frozen, and it is easy to see why individuals love these coolers so rattling a lot.
Sturdiness: What a part of robust 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 over time, that solely provides to its appeal, 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 throughout the guarantee interval (and generally even out of guarantee). That mentioned, scratches, punctures, and put on and tear aren’t lined.
Guarantee: Yeti Tundra coolers are lined below a five-year guarantee.
—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 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 nearly each day.
There are newer, extra superior stitching machines with digital screens and removable embroidery capabilities. I used a Singer 50T8 in highschool and faculty, 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 price, 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 clean, 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 buy new ones from Amazon or craft sellers. For greater 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 huge 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} 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, however it 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 is going to solely cowl labor for the primary 12 months. And for mechanical elements and changes, the corporate will substitute elements with out charging for elements 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 lookup precisely how outdated 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 possible final for years. The KSM90 is most similar to the Basic and Artisan sequence mixers.
Mashable Pattern Report
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 preserve it stabilized on the counter have began to corrode a bit, however that’s not too stunning contemplating they’re 34 years outdated. And that’s one thing I might simply substitute myself.
Repairability: I’ve not personally needed to substitute or restore any a part of my KitchenAid, however as one Redditor mentioned, “Just about each half is replaceable.” You may possible discover a restore service close to you, and KitchenAid supplies restore providers out of its Greenville, Ohio, manufacturing facility — and even gives transport kits so you’ll be able to safely transport your mixer to and from the manufacturing facility.
Guarantee: KitchenAid has a one-year restricted guarantee, below which the model will prepare to ship an an identical or comparable alternative to the customer’s door and prepare a pickup of the faulty mixer. One 12 months just isn’t that lengthy, contemplating my stand mixer has been within the household for greater than three a long time, however it’s good that KitchenAid will absolutely substitute the mixer without cost. And the repairability ought to have you ever lined 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 just a little child as a result of I instructed him I assumed it was cool, and I nonetheless use it to this very day. I believe it’s from the early ’90s? It isn’t in the identical form because it was, however after a long time of heavy use, it’s nonetheless going robust. I believe that basically speaks to the craftsmanship of those luggage — for those who maintain them, they will final you a lifetime (or at the 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 favor. Fortunately, they nonetheless make one which’s fairly comparable!
Sturdiness: JanSport backpacks are positively made to final. Or, at the 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 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 inconceivable 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 take a look at of time.
Repairability: If this backpack did rip or break not directly, there’s not a lot I might do to restore it. I might suggest towards DIY’ing, as a result of that would void out the restricted lifetime guarantee that the model gives. I believe it’d be a greater thought to submit a declare with them to see in the event that they’d restore it.
Guarantee: JanSport gives a good restricted lifetime guarantee that covers “manufacturing defects in supplies and workmanship for the lifetime of the product…” If there are any defects, JanSport gives free repairs and, in some instances, replacements.
—Dylan Haas, Lead Buying 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 ingesting water vessels: bottles of varied supplies, themed tumblers with peeling ornamental stickers, and others. I used to be often rotating between all of mine up till I obtained my Yeti Rambler in 2018. Then, I ignored all the pieces else however that Yeti for 2 years straight. Seven years later, I would nonetheless select the Yeti if I might 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 almost as typically since I moved, so it is not my on a regular basis bottle in the intervening time. But it surely’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 most likely has an anecdote a couple of time they by chance put their Yeti via 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. Nevertheless, 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 guarantee that covers manufacturing defects like leaks or exterior shade chipping. One among my household pals as soon as acquired 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 Buying Reporter
A Nutribullet 900 Collection 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 Collection 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 take advantage of 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 an intensive cleansing.
Repairability: Shopping for alternative elements 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 learn how to do a repair. Nevertheless, for those who’re not feeling notably useful, an area equipment restore service could possibly enable you out.
Guarantee: Nutribullet gives a one-year guarantee that covers defects within the supplies and workmanship of the gadget. To make use of the guarantee, you will need to register your product. The guarantee might be prolonged for 3 years for an extra price.
—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 finally, 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 filled with wooden pulp and particleboard, the Thuma mattress stands out with its 100% 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. 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 secure, creating a chunk of furnishings with integrity.
Sturdiness: The mattress is constructed from 100% 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, however it creates a safer building that doesn’t wiggle or wobble once you apply the load 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 via common use, Thuma will substitute it freed from cost. The guarantee does exclude injury attributable to 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 lined below 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 may 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 house owners, with swappable mainboards, reminiscence, storage, keyboards, shows, bezels, and even ports. Shoppers should purchase 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 simply assemble from scratch along with your most popular working system. The laptop computer world is mostly fairly hostile to any kind 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 Collection) 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 encompasses a robust and clean aluminum chassis that does not cling to fingerprints, which provides 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. 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 cause 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 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 supplies and workmanship.” It would not cowl on a regular basis put on and tear, unintentional injury, or any points that come up from non-Framework elements the consumer would possibly set up. This might clearly be so much higher, however it’s very normal 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, fully 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 an alternative, 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 somebody 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 value, it prices $100, however it’s typically on sale for about $50.
Sturdiness: This straightener can positively face up to some unintentional slips off the toilet counter, however it’s not one thing you need to be placing its plastic case via often. With correct care, it may possibly final for years. That features not wrapping the twine 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 twine when storing — and you should definitely go away some slack the place the twine meets the straightener, to present the wires their finest probability at being purposeful for so long as doable.
Reparability: That is possible a product you’d should ship into Chi to restore, and even then, it seems to be like your choices are restricted (based mostly on the guarantee beneath). For normal upkeep, if you might want to clear the straightener, Chi recommends utilizing a humid fabric whereas the straightener is unplugged.
Guarantee: The Chi straightener comes with a two-year restricted guarantee when bought straight from Chi (the place it’s priced at $119.99) or from a licensed salon or salon chain. When you don’t wish to pay the inflated value on Chi’s web site however nonetheless need the guarantee, you’ll be able to seize it from Ulta for $99.99. Nevertheless, it’s possible price 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 twine, any damages attributable to misuse, or regular put on and tear.
—Bethany Allard, Lead Buying Reporter
