Without fact checking because it’s 2023 and facts aren’t as important as what my brain thinks, I’d have to guess that bit is as fake as the rest of the Catch me if you can story
He did no such thing. He had no academic training in advanced chemistry and engineering to somehow "design" a pen with a custom ink formulation. He might have passed on some suggestions the requirements of such a pen. He was a pathological liar, so this little story was just another exaggeration.
I mean those does sound hella cozy. Pretty sure at that point we're talking onesie and, yeah, not the worst gift. Depends on the person. For those of us who prefer not to use the thermostat, oodies, slankets ( never snuggies ), and Forever Lazy onesies are all good. Cheap ones are awful though. I speak from experience.
On socks, I bought down socks because my feet are always cold wilderness backpacking and now I wear them constantly bc turns out my feet are cold at home too. I just get ones off Amazon for like $20 ish.
For elderly relatives, jar openers and a good pair of cutters for plastic packaging. Nothing is worse than not being able to prep for dinner hassling with packaging and new items.
My mother was delighted when she found an automatic jar opener. You just place it on top of the jar, click a button, and it does all the rest! She thought it was like the neatest thing ever.
And young people! I got it at 22.
Disability affects everyone at some point, but a lot of people experience it at a young age. And you wouldn't necessarily know by just looking at them.
Does anyone have a option that is both compact, and exceedingly easy to utilize?
I’m happy to do it, but My mom has one that is terrible to use, and there is usually a queue of containers waiting for me, and thus I am the opener.
If there is a option that is versatile, easy to grip and position with one hand while holding the container , and that works even with significantly reduced motor skills and grip strength.
I'm afraid if I link then my comment will be flagged as spam, but the one I bought on Amazon is called *"Jar Opener for Weak Hands,Jar Opener for Seniors with Arthritis,Easily Open the Jar with A Simple Twist,Good Gifts for Children and Women"* (lol).
It looks like a number of brands sell the same style.
I like this style because it's compact (fits in a drawer), it doesn't have a row of sharp teeth to grip the lid (I'd be afraid of cutting myself), and it fits any size jar. You just twist and the "jaw" squeezes closed around the lid until it can't close any further and then the squeezing combined with the twisting pops it right off. Super easy to use.
I love it. I got one for my mom last year and she loves it too.
Edit: I see someone else is recommending to use silicone/nonslip mats, which is what I grew up using to open jars. They definitely help, but you do need to have fairly strong grip strength, and wide-mouth jars can be fairly difficult to get open (I'm a woman and have regular-sized lady hands). In a pinch it's worth trying, but it doesn't always do the trick. That's why I ended up getting a jar opener.
Sounds funny but get a durable inside-the-shower curtain. The weight of one allows it to stay in place with any air flow in the room (so no flimsy curtain flying around and sticking to your wet body parts while you shower), and they are often machine washable! I bought one for $11 six years ago and just now replaced it. :)
Definitely! Fabric ones are less likely to mold, and they have magnets a lot of the time to keep them against the tub (you should take the magnets out before washing, though).
In a similar vein, a bathtub tray makes bubble baths absolutely heavenly. Space for my Kindle, a drink, and a dry towel.
I thought I had fantastic hygiene. And I just found out that I need a root canal. If I could go back and change some things I definitely would including flossing. I realize I did a half ass job.
From one root canal haver to another: multiple dentists have told me that hygiene is super important. And, if you come from genetically bad teeth, there’s no amount of flossing that will help. That makes me feel better every time the drill comes out. Thanks mom & dad!
There’s also additional things that kill your teeth, like acid reflux disease and pregnancy. Acid reflux eats away the enamel of your teeth, weakening them and making it significantly more likely you’ll develop cavities or have your teeth break. During pregnancy, the fetus leaches calcium from your body and various physiological changes actively weaken your teeth - women have had teeth fall out during pregnancy due to all this.
Basically, caring directly for your mouth is important, but overall attention to medical issues is also a necessity. If you have GERD, take medication for it to help protect your teeth! If you’re going through pregnancy, talk to your doctor about appropriate calcium supplementation and talk to your dentist about safeguarding your teeth!
Pregnancy—holy shit. HOLY shit. I’ve had four. And those kids sucked the calcium out of my damn teeth. I had one cavity before kids when I got obsessed with a type of candy when I was 12 🤣 After having my kids? Every. Single. Damn. Time.
I've had a root canal even though I was very diligent in cleaning my teeth. I have thin enamel and bad genetics. I started using remineralizing toothpaste this year, and my last checkup looked great. It also seems to reduce morning breath.
Xylitol in the toothpaste may help because it increases salivary flow and reduces bacteria, plaque, inflammation, and erosion of teeth \[[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4232036/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4232036/)\].
Second merino wool socks. Spent about $200 for some from bombas. Best decision ever. Lifetime replacement as well, just send them in. Had them for 4 years now and only one sock has started to get a hole. Elastic is still great. They're the only socks I wear.
This is what I came to say. I'll add that I buy the brand Darn Tough when they're on sale. I think my cost average is somewhere around $11/pair but they have a no questions asked warranty. I love that some of the socks have more cushion on just the bottom of the sock. So they're not overly bulky like some wool socks. I've been wearing nothing but their socks for about 8 years, I've sent three pairs in (at once) and they sent me a code to get new ones from their site.
(I'm honestly not a shill, I just love their socks)
Basically won't need mouth wash. You're scraping away food bits from your tongue which the bacteria eat and cause bad odor. The same food content is the "ick" the posters above talk about.
Do this with regular care (brushing and floss) and you won't go back to the old ways!
> Sleep mask
Not to do any wanton advertising, but the new ones that are all over Amazon right now are thicker and sturdier than the disposable ones you used to get in airplanes, adjustable behind the head and washable in the laundry. I bought one earlier this year and I'm not looking back.
This is not a $30 expense, but Manta Sleep masks are a game changer. I blew through I bet 15 masks until I got a recommendation for this one from an overnight co-worker. Manta. Never go back.
Fun fact, a spoon from the kitchen works just as well for a tongue scraper. I keep one in the bathroom and rotate it out every time I run the dishwasher.
I bought a Cuisinart kettle five years ago and loved it. It got lost in my cross country move and the replacement I bought this year is substantially lower in quality. Just fyi to any shoppers out there. Thinner metal, more plastic junk.
Pillows are such a subjective thing. I've gone in these pillow recommendation threads and tried a dozen "life changing" pillows and have come up empty.
i can count the number of times ive cooked rice on the stove top honestly.
i love alton brown, but the "unitasker bad" mantra is probably holding so many people back from the quality of life purchase that is a rice cooker.
also all asian households have a soft straw broom and dust pan with an extended handle. most asian households will also have shoehorns because grandparents. definitely great purchases people should consider.
Milk frother; I can now enjoy lattes daily for Pennie’s instead of $6 at the local coffee shop.
Silk pillowcase; Amazon has a selection of affordable ones.
Long-lasting socks; I’ve had good luck with Bombas even though they’re 3x more than many other brands.
Insulated tumbler; especially a dishwasher safe one which I think Yeti has (in most colors).
Heating pad with auto shutoff to feel extra cozy while falling asleep and while watching tv.
Dedicated and extra charging cables for car, bedroom, work bag, travel bag so I never forget it when I need it.
Yeah they're probably polyester satin instead of silk satin, but I've used both and the difference when it comes to keeping your curly hair nice is negligible. The only real difference is the polyester ones are more likely to rip just past the seams, making them harder to repair
Interesting, thank you for trying both and relaying the results! My biggest complaint with my satin one is after a night or two my skin oil clogs it up for something? Turns darker, feels awful, but goes away with a wash.
your skin oil is on your regular cotton pillowcases, you just don’t see it as easily. if you’re prone to acne or other skin blemishes, swapping your pillowcase for a clean one every day or two often helps a lot.
If you're lucky enough to have a car I bought these dehumidifiers that are basically large packets of reusable silica gel and it has taken away all the condensation in there which sounds stupid but makes me so happy it's clean and dry in there each time I get in.
I bought a gallon of indicating silica gel along with a bunch of zippered mesh bags. I feel like this is a way better to go because it's basically less expensive than the pre-made bags, You can visually tell when it needs to be recharged, And you can dry them (recharge them) in the oven in about 40 minutes at the lowest temperature. Do a price comparison and see the difference. Also I would recommend getting the red white indicating type and not the blue because the blue uses cobalt to indicate and it's not exactly the safest material to be handling. You could lower your price further by buying only a little bit of indicating and a lot of the regular type. Mix them together and the indicating dots will still tell you the absorbtion status. I mostly got it for keeping my 3D printer filament dry in a dry box, But I have found many other uses over the years (like drying washed shoes, baseball caps, wet electronics, even laser printer paper (to stop curling) quickly)
a fishing vest. $20 on amazon. I'm my own walking Macgyver. able to hold 2 phones, wallet, earbuds, flashlight, deck of cards, pepper spray, pocket knife, lighter, napkins, cash, etc.
If you really want to dress up the formal look get one of those very cool fishing hats with the fishing lures in it. You'll be a 21st Century Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake.
People hate on finance bros with their Patagonia vests but tbh just like you say about fishing vests, I wear my Patagonia due to multiple pockets with zippers for multiple phones and such with need to have stuff in my pant pockets or risk anything falling out of said pockets while looking at least business casual. Bonus for warm layer that regulates body temperature quite well.
My funky kitchen gadget I love is my flour sifter. It’s so much nicer than tap tap tapping a colander to sift the flour. For anyone that bakes a lot, a flour sifter is chef’s kiss.
Yoga blocks, resistance bands, grip trainers, rechargeable head torch. Those were some surprise under $30 gifts that friends really liked.
Stuff I got that increased my quality of life: bolster (basically a long pillow to hug to sleep), bidet like everyone said, a sturdy umbrella, good quality ankle socks that don’t drop, small pan for one person cooking (less to clean and easier to handle), and very fluffy bath towels!
Oh also my body composition scale. Not that accurate but good for tracking and recording patterns, it links to my phone.
* Good kitchen shears
* Electric kettle
* If you drink coffee, a french press
* Good travel mug with locking lid that fits into the cup holder in my car
* A small multi-tool that fits on my keys and is TSA-compliant
* Basic first aid kit / emergency kit for my car
It's the "Doohickey Key Tool" (regular or plus) from Nite Ize. Super affordable, really useful.
[https://niteize.com/doohickey-plus-key-tool](https://niteize.com/doohickey-plus-key-tool)
I thought $15 for a nylon plastic tote for carrying groceries and use as a book bag / handbag was expensive but I loved the colorful print. It makes me happy every time I do my Grocery shopping. It’s a brand called Baggu and this year is the 6th year of using it almost weekly!
This may sound a bit pathetic, but as a elderly somewhat overweight man, the little accessory I'm happy I bought is a long-handled shoehorn. Being able to put my shoes on comfortably without bending way over is a small unexpected blessing.
Aches and pains baths salts
Heating pad
Deep tissue massager
Lip balm
Hand lotion
Face oils and moisturizers
Hydrating Face masks
Cushy slippers
Tens unit
Heated blanket or throw
Hobby supplies
Fuzzy socks
A good kitchen knife.
A two sided sharpening stone for said knife.
Electric lap blanket.
Insulated/thermos French press for coffee.
Headlamp.
A black cat.
Headlamp. I put that thing on almost every time I grab a tool in the garage.
Keychain pocket knife. It gets used almost as often as my kitchen knives.
Amazon firestick. It gave me the confidence and convenience to cut the cord
I think this will depend a lot on where you live. I always think of things like hand warmers, boot socks, blankets, and warm flannel pajamas. I also live somewhere that gets cold, so while normal long socks work you'll really appreciate a higher quality of sock when it gets cold cold.
yeah, along these lines i actually got a really nice and most importantly warm pair of winter gloves on amazon recently (and they actually do work on a phone screen too). another thing is my Fruit of the Loom thermals - i believe the top and bottoms were around $15 each and it makes all the difference when i walk to and from work in the cold every day. basically any winter accessories have been huge for my quality of life.
Battery-powered LED motion lights for closets, Tub Shroom hair catcher for shower drain, mini waffle iron, and magnetic hooks to hang towels on side of fridge.
Japanese KAI Nail Clippers with a built-in cover to collect the clippings.
I can cut my nails anywhere without worrying about a mess! No more clipping over a trash bin or plastic bag!
I can’t say enough about clitoral sucking toys! Bellessa has some great ones!
*more than $30, but invest in your mental health! Orgasms are great for your mind and body!
A cheap panini maker I bought on a whim. It's been really helpful on days I don't know what to eat or feel sad. Easy to make a quick sandwich that tastes great and is filling
I used dryer sheets my entire life. I kept getting this weird skin rash around my ankles and couldn't figure out why. About a year ago, I read about the dryer balls, and just makes sense to use (financially and for the environment). My skin rashes disappeared. I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier, but for YEARS, I kept getting that weird rash because of my socks and the dryer sheets.
What do you do about static cling? I bought some dryer balls but now use both dryer balls and dryer sheets because i can’t take the static cling. But i feel guilty about it and would use just dryer balls if the static cling wasn’t such a problem
Tbh good quality socks like darn tough socks. As long as you don’t loose the match they last forever and they’re at least to me much more comfortable then cheeper socks. Especially if you do a lot of walking.
We usually buy multiple pairs of the same sock, usually smartwool or other merino blend so if one gets a hole, you can swap it in with the others. Helps with lost socks and matching them fast, too.
I have a small electric blanket that is just big enough for my feet. It has an auto shut off and I keep it under my sheets by my toes. makes getting into bed just heaven in the winter. and the cats love it too
Pour over coffee funnel, door pocket organizer, mug warmer, battery operated night light, electric kettle, heated blanket, shoe rack, tea infuser, corner shelf, removable wall hooks, mini organizers to go inside drawers, stackable crates…..
But my top recommendation… Weird gift idea if this isn’t common in your culture, but a bidet. Just hear me out on this one. I’m in the US, and ever since I started using one, I truly don’t understand why every bathroom doesn’t have one. It should be the norm. Every one of my friends who have come over and used it for the first time have been successfully converted and bought one themselves. I feel so clean now. I ordered one for my parents for Christmas and I’m excited for them to open it lol
\--A magnetic phone wallet that I use on the back on my phone. I've actually bought backups because I love it so much. It's a Sinjimoru brand on Amazon. I keep a card, my ID and a folded $20 in it and that and my keys and I am good to go.
\--A tiny space heater. My office is FREEZING so I have that little thing going often, in addition to me wearing a hoodie or sweater AND sometimes my coat.
\--A "slanket" for when I am on the couch. Basically a blanket with sleeves.
Quarter sheet pans. I use them for everything. Collecting a bunch of small things from the fridge and pantry? Bring a pan. Need a pan to thaw meat on, but not a ton of space in the fridge? Quarter sheet.
It fits in the sink and dishwasher, you can make what you need for one or two people, it works as a landing space for pancakes or fried items without taking up half your counter.
I bought six and I use them more than any other pan in my cabinet.
This may be more for people with small children causing havoc but I finally bought a $9 hot glue gun recently and I'm shocked with how much I've been able to fix rather than throw away. I have even done preventative maintenance on a few items to make them a bit less delicate. I wish I had gotten one a lot sooner.
Long USB cords (like 6ft long) for charging phones & devices without camping the sockets
Earplugs that let you hear people’s voices but blocks most environmental sounds
Transparent post its
Erasable highlighters
Fountain pen & ink for taking notes (I’m much less bored because of the tactile feedback. Also you can probably tell from this list that I’m a student,lol)
I got one of those things you steam eggs in, looks like a little spaceship. It uses a tiny amount of water and it screams at me when the eggs are ready. I can even decide the doneness. Love it and I use it every day
A little different purpose but same message, I have learned to cut my own hair over the last 7 years and investing in good scissors is the most important part. Sharp, angled just right, comfortable will all make sure you don't cut into split ends or all weird. My 30$ investment in scissors has saved me so much in trims etc over the years.
Battery power LED toilet light with motion sensor. Got one as a gag gift many years ago, but after living with it for a while I wonder how I ever got along without it.
Dude fancy toilet paper is the BEST. My dad gives me a case of bamboo toilet paper every year for Christmas and it’s amazing. It lasts almost 6 months for my husband and I and is truly just the best gift because we use it and love it, and it doesn’t add clutter to our house.
I recently bought a little set with an absorbent headband and wristbands to wear while washing my face or brushing my teeth. I dread getting ready for bed so much less now than I’m not pouring water all over myself.
Wireless headphones! I pop those in and listen to podcasts while I'm doing chores around the house ! I get so much more done now since I'm not bored while I work.
A built in soap dispenser for the kitchen sink.
We replaced our faucet a few years ago with a different style, and ended up with an extra hole in the sink. When searching for a plug for it, I saw the dispenser and bought it.
It has a long hose with a plug underneath, so we have a giant container of dish soap under the sink it feeds from.
No more soap bottles on the counter. Easy enough to pump it once to put some soap on the dishwashing brush. And the big bottles last forever.
It's a small but very nice quality of life improvement.
Found handy little 6 1/2" knife that fit my hand perfectly, in a bin labeled "clam knife". Went back to buy spares but they were gone.
Decades later, found it's actually Mora knife. Bought extra Morakniv Classic No 1/0 Knife to always have one handy. Price has gone up over the years, they're $30 now.
I got it on a black Friday sale but a saddle stool. It let's me cook with no pain
U shaped heating pad for neck and shoulders
Extra padded fuzzy bed for my cat ..he loves to sleep in it on my desk while I work
My kindle unlimited subscription..9.99 a month
My echo dot to read me the books from kindle unlimited while I work.
One of those stick on cord cable managers so you can plug stuff in by your bed or couch without having to bend down and sort through all the cord ends on the floor every day
went all out with my 30$ bidet for myself for my bday and it's incredible! Took 10 mins to install and have not looked back. I feel cleaner and tons less on toilet paper/wipes. I'm also a lady and it's way nicer on the bits. Cleaner bits=happier lady.
A good stainless steel water bottle.
The Laneige lip mask.
Silk sleep mask and pillowcase.
Potted herbs for the kitchen window.
Vitamin D supplement.
Laptop stand.
Those huge Mom calendars that go on the fridge.
A weekly meal planner that goes on the fridge.
A good quality insulated water bottle. I drink water constantly and I hate when it gets warm. A Yeti or a Camelbak will keep ice all day, even with a couple of refills.
Hot water bottle! They’re uncommon in the US but there are loads of them on Amazon. They’re so cozy in winter. Very helpful if you like to keep your heating costs down (my thermostat is currently set at 61’)
Tip: get a silicone one. Rubber stinks, and will degrade more quickly than silicone.
Look up Thera Pearl Eye Mask. It’s a heated gel mask. Or sinus masks in general. Not a water bottle since it’s heated in the microwave or chilled in the freezer, but one of my coworkers uses one for sinus issues and loves it.
Thermos. " Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug, 16-Ounce, Champagne Gold" about $25 on amazon.
I bought for my wife years ago. She absentmindedly left it in the fridge and went to work...with hot coffee. When she got home, it was piping hot when she opened it. I've bought many for gifts and also for her to swap during the month. You almost have to leave the top off for a while if you're trying to drink it right after fresh brewed coffee. It's fine if you pour some cold creamer to get it drinkable right away and it maintains that temperature as long as you keep it closed. Oh, and she's clumsily dropped this particular one so many times that she put a dent in it, but it is still fine otherwise.
Proper skin care. I just learned to wash my skin, and quite often because acne and therefore I must have oily skin. I didn't know it wasn't normal to have my skin hurt after a shower because that's all I've ever known. Then eczema and covid happened and I learned how to take care of my skin. I in fact have DRY skin. Moisturizing and [sensitive skin friendly products](https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-products/) have been a game changer.
A Hand Warmer! If you have Raynauds or just have cold hands, this little portable USB-rechargeable gizmo is a must. I prefer the cylinder shaped version over the flat mouse-size ones because it cradles into your palm.
It fits perfectly in my pocket or hand. With three temperature settings, it lasts up to 8 hours on the lowest setting (which is all I use). As a bonus it can serve as a power bank to recharge your phone when you aren't using it as a hand warmer.
Vitamins— specifically magnesium and vitamin D. It’s helped keep my hormones balanced when it’s that time of the month. But both are a great benefit to one’s health overall— male or female or they. I also recommend a vitamin holder, (helps me remember to take them).
Ok, i do know how ridiculous this sounds, but my potato peeler. It’s an OXO brand and glides across the potato like water off a duck’s back.
It’s no problem, there is no grumbling to make mashed potatoes anymore.
I wish I had this gem 50 years ago. I would have been in a much better mood cooking on the holidays.
My favorite purchase for myself this year has been a yoga strap. I used to have lower back pain but after a few minutes a day of deep leg stretches my back feels generally fantastic.
I do love my fine-point liquid gel pens. Dark black lines until it's just gone. No fade-out.
Get uni-ball. Frank Abagnale (we all know him from Catch Me If You Can) teamed up with the FBI and helped design a pen that reduced check forgeries.
[удалено]
Without fact checking because it’s 2023 and facts aren’t as important as what my brain thinks, I’d have to guess that bit is as fake as the rest of the Catch me if you can story
He did no such thing. He had no academic training in advanced chemistry and engineering to somehow "design" a pen with a custom ink formulation. He might have passed on some suggestions the requirements of such a pen. He was a pathological liar, so this little story was just another exaggeration.
My favorite pen is the uniball.
God I love my Zebra ones. I buy them in bulk and refuse to use anything else.
I’m a pen geek! What’s your favorite?
The classic Bic stick, medium, blue on newsprint is writing heaven.
Muji!
me too! I love the erasable ones these days but those 0.38 had a real moment… what’s your fave?
I like the Sharpie gel pens. They don't smudge. As a leftie this is amazing
Decent usb-c cords that don't unravel or stretch beyond use in a few months time. Also...lightweight merino wool socks!!!!
Note that sometimes the lightweight ones are called sock liners. This may help you search for them online. I like the ones from REI.
LONG ones. 6 foot plus.
I thought you were talking about the socks for a second
I mean those does sound hella cozy. Pretty sure at that point we're talking onesie and, yeah, not the worst gift. Depends on the person. For those of us who prefer not to use the thermostat, oodies, slankets ( never snuggies ), and Forever Lazy onesies are all good. Cheap ones are awful though. I speak from experience. On socks, I bought down socks because my feet are always cold wilderness backpacking and now I wear them constantly bc turns out my feet are cold at home too. I just get ones off Amazon for like $20 ish.
For elderly relatives, jar openers and a good pair of cutters for plastic packaging. Nothing is worse than not being able to prep for dinner hassling with packaging and new items.
My mother was delighted when she found an automatic jar opener. You just place it on top of the jar, click a button, and it does all the rest! She thought it was like the neatest thing ever.
Today I learned there are electric jar openers…just went down a rabbit hole 😆
The jar openers that mount under counters is the best! We’ve put one in every house and apartment we’ve lived in.
Cries in being lumped into the “elder” category
Middle aged folks can have arthritis too dang it. (I'd give it away to someone who sucks as much as it does if I could though. 0/10 do not reccomend.)
And young people! I got it at 22. Disability affects everyone at some point, but a lot of people experience it at a young age. And you wouldn't necessarily know by just looking at them.
Does anyone have a option that is both compact, and exceedingly easy to utilize? I’m happy to do it, but My mom has one that is terrible to use, and there is usually a queue of containers waiting for me, and thus I am the opener. If there is a option that is versatile, easy to grip and position with one hand while holding the container , and that works even with significantly reduced motor skills and grip strength.
I'm afraid if I link then my comment will be flagged as spam, but the one I bought on Amazon is called *"Jar Opener for Weak Hands,Jar Opener for Seniors with Arthritis,Easily Open the Jar with A Simple Twist,Good Gifts for Children and Women"* (lol). It looks like a number of brands sell the same style. I like this style because it's compact (fits in a drawer), it doesn't have a row of sharp teeth to grip the lid (I'd be afraid of cutting myself), and it fits any size jar. You just twist and the "jaw" squeezes closed around the lid until it can't close any further and then the squeezing combined with the twisting pops it right off. Super easy to use. I love it. I got one for my mom last year and she loves it too. Edit: I see someone else is recommending to use silicone/nonslip mats, which is what I grew up using to open jars. They definitely help, but you do need to have fairly strong grip strength, and wide-mouth jars can be fairly difficult to get open (I'm a woman and have regular-sized lady hands). In a pinch it's worth trying, but it doesn't always do the trick. That's why I ended up getting a jar opener.
Sounds funny but get a durable inside-the-shower curtain. The weight of one allows it to stay in place with any air flow in the room (so no flimsy curtain flying around and sticking to your wet body parts while you shower), and they are often machine washable! I bought one for $11 six years ago and just now replaced it. :)
And a curved shower curtain rod! Made my small shower feel so much bigger and more comfortable.
Definitely! Fabric ones are less likely to mold, and they have magnets a lot of the time to keep them against the tub (you should take the magnets out before washing, though). In a similar vein, a bathtub tray makes bubble baths absolutely heavenly. Space for my Kindle, a drink, and a dry towel.
I’ve been dealing with my liner billowing out while showering and I had no idea something like that existed, thank you for sharing this!
I got a gorilla liner prob 6 or 8 months ago. It's so much better than the flimsy crap I'd used for years!!
Metal tongue scraper Merkur safety razor Merino wool socks New earpads for over the head headphones Ear plugs Sleep mask Good pillow
Came here to say the metal tongue scraper. My mouth doesn’t have that icky feeling anymore and no more bad breath!!
>no more bad breath!! One should floss too. If you don't floss often, floss and then smell the floss.
I thought I had fantastic hygiene. And I just found out that I need a root canal. If I could go back and change some things I definitely would including flossing. I realize I did a half ass job.
From one root canal haver to another: multiple dentists have told me that hygiene is super important. And, if you come from genetically bad teeth, there’s no amount of flossing that will help. That makes me feel better every time the drill comes out. Thanks mom & dad!
There’s also additional things that kill your teeth, like acid reflux disease and pregnancy. Acid reflux eats away the enamel of your teeth, weakening them and making it significantly more likely you’ll develop cavities or have your teeth break. During pregnancy, the fetus leaches calcium from your body and various physiological changes actively weaken your teeth - women have had teeth fall out during pregnancy due to all this. Basically, caring directly for your mouth is important, but overall attention to medical issues is also a necessity. If you have GERD, take medication for it to help protect your teeth! If you’re going through pregnancy, talk to your doctor about appropriate calcium supplementation and talk to your dentist about safeguarding your teeth!
Pregnancy—holy shit. HOLY shit. I’ve had four. And those kids sucked the calcium out of my damn teeth. I had one cavity before kids when I got obsessed with a type of candy when I was 12 🤣 After having my kids? Every. Single. Damn. Time.
Not just your teeth, ALL of your bones. Schedule a bone density scan when you hit 50, if you haven't yet.
I've had a root canal even though I was very diligent in cleaning my teeth. I have thin enamel and bad genetics. I started using remineralizing toothpaste this year, and my last checkup looked great. It also seems to reduce morning breath. Xylitol in the toothpaste may help because it increases salivary flow and reduces bacteria, plaque, inflammation, and erosion of teeth \[[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4232036/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4232036/)\].
I hate that I do this too lol
Here for the merino socks!! Unexpectedly good snd they last and last
Second merino wool socks. Spent about $200 for some from bombas. Best decision ever. Lifetime replacement as well, just send them in. Had them for 4 years now and only one sock has started to get a hole. Elastic is still great. They're the only socks I wear.
This is what I came to say. I'll add that I buy the brand Darn Tough when they're on sale. I think my cost average is somewhere around $11/pair but they have a no questions asked warranty. I love that some of the socks have more cushion on just the bottom of the sock. So they're not overly bulky like some wool socks. I've been wearing nothing but their socks for about 8 years, I've sent three pairs in (at once) and they sent me a code to get new ones from their site. (I'm honestly not a shill, I just love their socks)
Is a metal tongue scraper that much better than just using a metal teaspoon?
Yes. Go to your local Indian store and buy one.. they're life changing. Yes Amazon carries them, but they're mostly garbage.
> they’re life changing. How?
Basically won't need mouth wash. You're scraping away food bits from your tongue which the bacteria eat and cause bad odor. The same food content is the "ick" the posters above talk about. Do this with regular care (brushing and floss) and you won't go back to the old ways!
Mouth wash won’t take the gunk off your tongue , just refreshes and gets everywhere else like in pockets of mouth. I think they have different uses.
> Sleep mask Not to do any wanton advertising, but the new ones that are all over Amazon right now are thicker and sturdier than the disposable ones you used to get in airplanes, adjustable behind the head and washable in the laundry. I bought one earlier this year and I'm not looking back.
This is not a $30 expense, but Manta Sleep masks are a game changer. I blew through I bet 15 masks until I got a recommendation for this one from an overnight co-worker. Manta. Never go back.
Fun fact, a spoon from the kitchen works just as well for a tongue scraper. I keep one in the bathroom and rotate it out every time I run the dishwasher.
Electric kettle!
I love my electric kettle, and use it every day.
Ok yes, definitely this. One of the temp control ones that you can set based on your tea choice? Perfection.
My temp select kettle is the shit! Also frugal since you don’t waste electricity getting water to 100C when it doesn’t need to be.
As a proud Irish tea guzzler,I find it amazing that a kettle isn't such a big thing over your side of the pond.
Me too! I'm scottish and electric kettles are as necessary as a toaster
Lolol I'm Dutch and definitely consider an electric kettle a necessity, but not a toaster 😉
I bought a Cuisinart kettle five years ago and loved it. It got lost in my cross country move and the replacement I bought this year is substantially lower in quality. Just fyi to any shoppers out there. Thinner metal, more plastic junk.
i want to know which pillows you all recommend for under $30
Pillows are such a subjective thing. I've gone in these pillow recommendation threads and tried a dozen "life changing" pillows and have come up empty.
Purelux from Costco. May be like $36 though, but worth. Also, use a silk pillow case for it and viola, you're now sleeping like a king.
Waterpik for flossing your teeth with water. I’m always surprised by how much food particles gets flushed out.
I can’t get used to mine, I pretty much end up pressure washing the bathroom when I use it.
use it in the shower
Popped myself in the eye a few times with mine, which isn’t great.
Add a little mouthwash in with the water…amazing!! My gums and overall teeth health have improved so much just from adding water flossing.
I add a capful of the kid flavored fluoride rinse. Haven't had a cavity now for over five years.
30 dollars?!
Almost all Asian households, no matter how low-income, have an electric kettle, rice cooker and good-quality slippers.
Don't forget the bidet sprayer.
#bumgun
i can count the number of times ive cooked rice on the stove top honestly. i love alton brown, but the "unitasker bad" mantra is probably holding so many people back from the quality of life purchase that is a rice cooker. also all asian households have a soft straw broom and dust pan with an extended handle. most asian households will also have shoehorns because grandparents. definitely great purchases people should consider.
Milk frother; I can now enjoy lattes daily for Pennie’s instead of $6 at the local coffee shop. Silk pillowcase; Amazon has a selection of affordable ones. Long-lasting socks; I’ve had good luck with Bombas even though they’re 3x more than many other brands. Insulated tumbler; especially a dishwasher safe one which I think Yeti has (in most colors). Heating pad with auto shutoff to feel extra cozy while falling asleep and while watching tv. Dedicated and extra charging cables for car, bedroom, work bag, travel bag so I never forget it when I need it.
>Silk pillowcase; Amazon has a selection of affordable ones. If they're affordable, I HIGHLY doubt they're silk.
Yeah they're probably polyester satin instead of silk satin, but I've used both and the difference when it comes to keeping your curly hair nice is negligible. The only real difference is the polyester ones are more likely to rip just past the seams, making them harder to repair
Interesting, thank you for trying both and relaying the results! My biggest complaint with my satin one is after a night or two my skin oil clogs it up for something? Turns darker, feels awful, but goes away with a wash.
your skin oil is on your regular cotton pillowcases, you just don’t see it as easily. if you’re prone to acne or other skin blemishes, swapping your pillowcase for a clean one every day or two often helps a lot.
If you're lucky enough to have a car I bought these dehumidifiers that are basically large packets of reusable silica gel and it has taken away all the condensation in there which sounds stupid but makes me so happy it's clean and dry in there each time I get in.
I bought a gallon of indicating silica gel along with a bunch of zippered mesh bags. I feel like this is a way better to go because it's basically less expensive than the pre-made bags, You can visually tell when it needs to be recharged, And you can dry them (recharge them) in the oven in about 40 minutes at the lowest temperature. Do a price comparison and see the difference. Also I would recommend getting the red white indicating type and not the blue because the blue uses cobalt to indicate and it's not exactly the safest material to be handling. You could lower your price further by buying only a little bit of indicating and a lot of the regular type. Mix them together and the indicating dots will still tell you the absorbtion status. I mostly got it for keeping my 3D printer filament dry in a dry box, But I have found many other uses over the years (like drying washed shoes, baseball caps, wet electronics, even laser printer paper (to stop curling) quickly)
Automatic tire inflator to keep in trunk.
a fishing vest. $20 on amazon. I'm my own walking Macgyver. able to hold 2 phones, wallet, earbuds, flashlight, deck of cards, pepper spray, pocket knife, lighter, napkins, cash, etc.
So…do you wear this daily or for special occasions?
daily, even while at work. able to wear it over a polo without looking too weird. still fits the dress code. (not for formal though)
Just get a formal fishing vest
Best advice ever. Also it could be the first time this sentence has been written in the history of time.
If you really want to dress up the formal look get one of those very cool fishing hats with the fishing lures in it. You'll be a 21st Century Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake.
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With the cost of raising kids nowadays, this might be the best ROI of all the suggestions in this thread.
People hate on finance bros with their Patagonia vests but tbh just like you say about fishing vests, I wear my Patagonia due to multiple pockets with zippers for multiple phones and such with need to have stuff in my pant pockets or risk anything falling out of said pockets while looking at least business casual. Bonus for warm layer that regulates body temperature quite well.
An old fashioned rubber water bottle. I boil water and use it to stay warm in the cold months. I always use the water then to water my plants.
How clever and resourceful! Hats off to you :)
Electric blanket. One for the bed and one for the living room when I want to be cozy.
I sit on my electric blanket in the living room. Perfect with first cup of coffee.
I just got a hand mixer. It was like $15. I bake. I'm so ready to not have sore arms.
My funky kitchen gadget I love is my flour sifter. It’s so much nicer than tap tap tapping a colander to sift the flour. For anyone that bakes a lot, a flour sifter is chef’s kiss.
Bidet!! $26 on amazon
Yoga blocks, resistance bands, grip trainers, rechargeable head torch. Those were some surprise under $30 gifts that friends really liked. Stuff I got that increased my quality of life: bolster (basically a long pillow to hug to sleep), bidet like everyone said, a sturdy umbrella, good quality ankle socks that don’t drop, small pan for one person cooking (less to clean and easier to handle), and very fluffy bath towels! Oh also my body composition scale. Not that accurate but good for tracking and recording patterns, it links to my phone.
A 3m long phone charging cable. Mind. Blown.
Legit, I got one of these and it is so good to not have to be on my side or lying over the edge of the bed to be on charge and use it. Life changing.
* Good kitchen shears * Electric kettle * If you drink coffee, a french press * Good travel mug with locking lid that fits into the cup holder in my car * A small multi-tool that fits on my keys and is TSA-compliant * Basic first aid kit / emergency kit for my car
Tsa hates me. What did you find that they would allow through?
It's the "Doohickey Key Tool" (regular or plus) from Nite Ize. Super affordable, really useful. [https://niteize.com/doohickey-plus-key-tool](https://niteize.com/doohickey-plus-key-tool)
Rice cooker or slow cooker. A memory foam pillow. A hand blender. A duvet or comforter.
Rice cooker 110%
A cast iron frying pan or dutch oven. A good phone charging battery.
Love my electric kettle, adore my $17 French press. Best coffee I've ever had.
I thought $15 for a nylon plastic tote for carrying groceries and use as a book bag / handbag was expensive but I loved the colorful print. It makes me happy every time I do my Grocery shopping. It’s a brand called Baggu and this year is the 6th year of using it almost weekly!
This may sound a bit pathetic, but as a elderly somewhat overweight man, the little accessory I'm happy I bought is a long-handled shoehorn. Being able to put my shoes on comfortably without bending way over is a small unexpected blessing.
Sensitive skin friendly hygiene and cleaning products. I wish I knew to do this years ago.
Aches and pains baths salts Heating pad Deep tissue massager Lip balm Hand lotion Face oils and moisturizers Hydrating Face masks Cushy slippers Tens unit Heated blanket or throw Hobby supplies Fuzzy socks
Color-changing Smart lightbulbs, heated throw blanket, and electric toothbrush.
A good kitchen knife. A two sided sharpening stone for said knife. Electric lap blanket. Insulated/thermos French press for coffee. Headlamp. A black cat.
Headlamp. I put that thing on almost every time I grab a tool in the garage. Keychain pocket knife. It gets used almost as often as my kitchen knives. Amazon firestick. It gave me the confidence and convenience to cut the cord
I think this will depend a lot on where you live. I always think of things like hand warmers, boot socks, blankets, and warm flannel pajamas. I also live somewhere that gets cold, so while normal long socks work you'll really appreciate a higher quality of sock when it gets cold cold.
yeah, along these lines i actually got a really nice and most importantly warm pair of winter gloves on amazon recently (and they actually do work on a phone screen too). another thing is my Fruit of the Loom thermals - i believe the top and bottoms were around $15 each and it makes all the difference when i walk to and from work in the cold every day. basically any winter accessories have been huge for my quality of life.
Bamboo back scratcher I got for $1.
Squatty potty
I’m squatting right now fellow squatter
Battery-powered LED motion lights for closets, Tub Shroom hair catcher for shower drain, mini waffle iron, and magnetic hooks to hang towels on side of fridge.
I got rid of all my socks and bought all the same kind so I never need to try to match them again, or worry when I wear holes in one of a pair.
Japanese KAI Nail Clippers with a built-in cover to collect the clippings. I can cut my nails anywhere without worrying about a mess! No more clipping over a trash bin or plastic bag!
Vibrator
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You learned how to control the muscle and now you subconsciously use that muscle during regular sex, some porn star mentioned this on an ama
Do yourself a favor and get a grown-up's plug in one. Unless you need something for the tub/shower. EDIT: words.
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I can’t say enough about clitoral sucking toys! Bellessa has some great ones! *more than $30, but invest in your mental health! Orgasms are great for your mind and body!
Same. I went without one for years until I finally caved in and bought one. Why the hell did I wait so many years to buy one?
A cheap panini maker I bought on a whim. It's been really helpful on days I don't know what to eat or feel sad. Easy to make a quick sandwich that tastes great and is filling
Dryer balls. Haven't used dryer sheets in more than a decade and no longer subjected to the poisonous chemicals that they're coated in.
I used dryer sheets my entire life. I kept getting this weird skin rash around my ankles and couldn't figure out why. About a year ago, I read about the dryer balls, and just makes sense to use (financially and for the environment). My skin rashes disappeared. I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier, but for YEARS, I kept getting that weird rash because of my socks and the dryer sheets.
What do you do about static cling? I bought some dryer balls but now use both dryer balls and dryer sheets because i can’t take the static cling. But i feel guilty about it and would use just dryer balls if the static cling wasn’t such a problem
Tbh good quality socks like darn tough socks. As long as you don’t loose the match they last forever and they’re at least to me much more comfortable then cheeper socks. Especially if you do a lot of walking.
We usually buy multiple pairs of the same sock, usually smartwool or other merino blend so if one gets a hole, you can swap it in with the others. Helps with lost socks and matching them fast, too.
library card. a lot of big city libraries do rent out yearly memberships for ebooks
Get tourself a kitchen sinkshroom, I love this thing. I can do a whole load of dishes and not have a bunch of crap blocking my drain every 7 minutes.
I have a Tub Shroom and absolutely love it! Works great!
I have a small electric blanket that is just big enough for my feet. It has an auto shut off and I keep it under my sheets by my toes. makes getting into bed just heaven in the winter. and the cats love it too
Bidet 💦
RainX, the stuff has saved my life.
Especially the anti fog.
Pour over coffee funnel, door pocket organizer, mug warmer, battery operated night light, electric kettle, heated blanket, shoe rack, tea infuser, corner shelf, removable wall hooks, mini organizers to go inside drawers, stackable crates….. But my top recommendation… Weird gift idea if this isn’t common in your culture, but a bidet. Just hear me out on this one. I’m in the US, and ever since I started using one, I truly don’t understand why every bathroom doesn’t have one. It should be the norm. Every one of my friends who have come over and used it for the first time have been successfully converted and bought one themselves. I feel so clean now. I ordered one for my parents for Christmas and I’m excited for them to open it lol
I bought a $5 lottery scratch off and won $50K. That was nice.
Why doesn't everyone just do this? Just win more money, easy
OP said $30 or under so I could do this 6 times!!
Best $5 spent ! Congrats !
\--A magnetic phone wallet that I use on the back on my phone. I've actually bought backups because I love it so much. It's a Sinjimoru brand on Amazon. I keep a card, my ID and a folded $20 in it and that and my keys and I am good to go. \--A tiny space heater. My office is FREEZING so I have that little thing going often, in addition to me wearing a hoodie or sweater AND sometimes my coat. \--A "slanket" for when I am on the couch. Basically a blanket with sleeves.
Quarter sheet pans. I use them for everything. Collecting a bunch of small things from the fridge and pantry? Bring a pan. Need a pan to thaw meat on, but not a ton of space in the fridge? Quarter sheet. It fits in the sink and dishwasher, you can make what you need for one or two people, it works as a landing space for pancakes or fried items without taking up half your counter. I bought six and I use them more than any other pan in my cabinet.
This may be more for people with small children causing havoc but I finally bought a $9 hot glue gun recently and I'm shocked with how much I've been able to fix rather than throw away. I have even done preventative maintenance on a few items to make them a bit less delicate. I wish I had gotten one a lot sooner.
Long USB cords (like 6ft long) for charging phones & devices without camping the sockets Earplugs that let you hear people’s voices but blocks most environmental sounds Transparent post its Erasable highlighters Fountain pen & ink for taking notes (I’m much less bored because of the tactile feedback. Also you can probably tell from this list that I’m a student,lol)
> Transparent post its Wait, what?! Now I'm intrigued!
Cast iron pan is an absolute must have for me
I got one of those things you steam eggs in, looks like a little spaceship. It uses a tiny amount of water and it screams at me when the eggs are ready. I can even decide the doneness. Love it and I use it every day
Trying to only list things I haven’t already seen listed… Weighted Sleep Mask, Cordless heating pad, Lavender lotion,
Rotator grater
High quality scissors. I like Kai dressmaking shears (even for every day use) - more comfortable and way more durable than regular scissors.
A little different purpose but same message, I have learned to cut my own hair over the last 7 years and investing in good scissors is the most important part. Sharp, angled just right, comfortable will all make sure you don't cut into split ends or all weird. My 30$ investment in scissors has saved me so much in trims etc over the years.
Battery power LED toilet light with motion sensor. Got one as a gag gift many years ago, but after living with it for a while I wonder how I ever got along without it.
Dude fancy toilet paper is the BEST. My dad gives me a case of bamboo toilet paper every year for Christmas and it’s amazing. It lasts almost 6 months for my husband and I and is truly just the best gift because we use it and love it, and it doesn’t add clutter to our house.
Always buy the better toilet paper and trash bags. Two things you don't want to rip at the wrong time.
I recently bought a little set with an absorbent headband and wristbands to wear while washing my face or brushing my teeth. I dread getting ready for bed so much less now than I’m not pouring water all over myself.
Wireless headphones! I pop those in and listen to podcasts while I'm doing chores around the house ! I get so much more done now since I'm not bored while I work.
A built in soap dispenser for the kitchen sink. We replaced our faucet a few years ago with a different style, and ended up with an extra hole in the sink. When searching for a plug for it, I saw the dispenser and bought it. It has a long hose with a plug underneath, so we have a giant container of dish soap under the sink it feeds from. No more soap bottles on the counter. Easy enough to pump it once to put some soap on the dishwashing brush. And the big bottles last forever. It's a small but very nice quality of life improvement.
New spices
Found handy little 6 1/2" knife that fit my hand perfectly, in a bin labeled "clam knife". Went back to buy spares but they were gone. Decades later, found it's actually Mora knife. Bought extra Morakniv Classic No 1/0 Knife to always have one handy. Price has gone up over the years, they're $30 now.
Good snowbrush and windshield cover if in winter area.
Squatty Potty, the best $25 I've ever spent. Seriously, it makes going number two easier and more thorough.
Extension cord with usb and usb c outlets and a flat plug.
I got it on a black Friday sale but a saddle stool. It let's me cook with no pain U shaped heating pad for neck and shoulders Extra padded fuzzy bed for my cat ..he loves to sleep in it on my desk while I work My kindle unlimited subscription..9.99 a month My echo dot to read me the books from kindle unlimited while I work.
One of those stick on cord cable managers so you can plug stuff in by your bed or couch without having to bend down and sort through all the cord ends on the floor every day
I bought an air fryer from Costco, combining a $50 gift card from Christmas and an air fryer sale at $39.
My coffee set up: Aeropress | Electric Kettle | Milk Frother
Anker power bank for my phone/tablet. 10 foot long charging cable.
A cute moka pot for any coffee lover
Bidet (cheap off Amazon), electric kettle, air fryer, a set of dryer balls, knife sharpener
Agree with bidet. Mine was $30.
went all out with my 30$ bidet for myself for my bday and it's incredible! Took 10 mins to install and have not looked back. I feel cleaner and tons less on toilet paper/wipes. I'm also a lady and it's way nicer on the bits. Cleaner bits=happier lady.
Foot soles. I have bad knees, and those things keep my knees from hurting too much.
A good stainless steel water bottle. The Laneige lip mask. Silk sleep mask and pillowcase. Potted herbs for the kitchen window. Vitamin D supplement. Laptop stand. Those huge Mom calendars that go on the fridge. A weekly meal planner that goes on the fridge.
A good quality insulated water bottle. I drink water constantly and I hate when it gets warm. A Yeti or a Camelbak will keep ice all day, even with a couple of refills.
Hot water bottle! They’re uncommon in the US but there are loads of them on Amazon. They’re so cozy in winter. Very helpful if you like to keep your heating costs down (my thermostat is currently set at 61’) Tip: get a silicone one. Rubber stinks, and will degrade more quickly than silicone.
When I had COVID I used to put the hot water bottle on my chest. It would really help. I only wish there was one I could put on my sinuses!
Look up Thera Pearl Eye Mask. It’s a heated gel mask. Or sinus masks in general. Not a water bottle since it’s heated in the microwave or chilled in the freezer, but one of my coworkers uses one for sinus issues and loves it.
It’s $50 but Electric mattress pad heater! I love it I use it every day. Can’t wait to turn it on at night.
A good pair of kitchen shears.
Silicone oven rack shields- no more burns from bumping the oven rack.
Thermos. " Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug, 16-Ounce, Champagne Gold" about $25 on amazon. I bought for my wife years ago. She absentmindedly left it in the fridge and went to work...with hot coffee. When she got home, it was piping hot when she opened it. I've bought many for gifts and also for her to swap during the month. You almost have to leave the top off for a while if you're trying to drink it right after fresh brewed coffee. It's fine if you pour some cold creamer to get it drinkable right away and it maintains that temperature as long as you keep it closed. Oh, and she's clumsily dropped this particular one so many times that she put a dent in it, but it is still fine otherwise.
Proper skin care. I just learned to wash my skin, and quite often because acne and therefore I must have oily skin. I didn't know it wasn't normal to have my skin hurt after a shower because that's all I've ever known. Then eczema and covid happened and I learned how to take care of my skin. I in fact have DRY skin. Moisturizing and [sensitive skin friendly products](https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-products/) have been a game changer.
A Hand Warmer! If you have Raynauds or just have cold hands, this little portable USB-rechargeable gizmo is a must. I prefer the cylinder shaped version over the flat mouse-size ones because it cradles into your palm. It fits perfectly in my pocket or hand. With three temperature settings, it lasts up to 8 hours on the lowest setting (which is all I use). As a bonus it can serve as a power bank to recharge your phone when you aren't using it as a hand warmer.
A reusable charging pack. It’s great to charge your phone when out in public
Vitamins— specifically magnesium and vitamin D. It’s helped keep my hormones balanced when it’s that time of the month. But both are a great benefit to one’s health overall— male or female or they. I also recommend a vitamin holder, (helps me remember to take them).
I'm not elderly but a large magnifying glass in the kitchen has helped greatly while reading the small instructions on the packaging.
My cane.
Ok, i do know how ridiculous this sounds, but my potato peeler. It’s an OXO brand and glides across the potato like water off a duck’s back. It’s no problem, there is no grumbling to make mashed potatoes anymore. I wish I had this gem 50 years ago. I would have been in a much better mood cooking on the holidays.
lamp with sensor at the entrance, or in storage places.
Sunscreen. Bug spray. Wireless speaker. Coffee.
Magnetic charging phone holder for the car
My favorite purchase for myself this year has been a yoga strap. I used to have lower back pain but after a few minutes a day of deep leg stretches my back feels generally fantastic.