Best ‘buy it for life’ products: 10 items that last

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“Buy it for life,” or BIFL, is a shopping movement whose doctrine is thus: Make one financial investment in a durable, well-made item upfront, and you won’t have to purchase a replacement down the road, if ever.

BIFL is a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to shopping in our current era of fast fashion, mass production, and rife consumerism. It’s also almost certainly a response to it. Down with cheap particle board couches from Amazon and polyester Shein shirts that disintegrate after one wash, say BIFL apostles.

BIFL isn’t a new concept — the r/buyitforlife subreddit was founded in 2011 — but it’s now more popular than ever. Google Trends data for the phrase “buy it for life” hit an all-time peak in December 2024. r/buyitforlife now counts over three million members, and many of its recommendations have spilled over to TikTok amid the rise of the “underconsumption core” trend.

Buying stuff for life ultimately means buying less stuff. To that end, being a BIFL-er doesn’t necessarily mean swapping all of your current possessions for higher-quality versions. It can just mean taking better care of the stuff you already own via regular maintenance and repairs, doing your part to make it last for life.

But what if you are in the market for a new item? Shopping for BIFL products can be tricky, since you won’t officially know if something is capable of lasting years until you’ve actually used it for years. r/BIFLfails exists for a reason. Complicating things further is the fact that the quality of most goods has been steadily decreasing as manufacturers concede to fleeting trend cycles and consumer demand for cheap prices. 

Such is the importance of doing your research. Don’t just take manufacturers’ word for it: Talk to people who can vouch for the longevity of certain products and brands.

After chatting amongst ourselves and polling other Mashable staffers, we’ve come up with a list of 10 buy it for life products that we can vouch for. (We’ve either used them regularly or thoroughly tested them as part of a “best of” guide.) These recommendations come based on the products’ durability and build quality, their ease of repairability, and/or the extent of their warranties, including the ability to return items or find a similar model if needed. And we’re thinking outside of the usual suggestions of a cast iron skillet or Darn Tough socks.

In the long run, building the muscle that is evidence-based shopping is the ultimate money-saving hack — and you can apply it to just about any category you’re perusing at the time. From home goods to beauty to traveling, let us put you onto the products we feel are in it for the long haul.

Patagonia Black Hole bags

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable ; Patagonia

If there’s one Patagonia product that’s reached true icon status, it’s the brand’s famous Black Hole bags. Patagonia released a new version of these backpacks and duffel bags in 2024 (I reviewed them for GQ at the time), making them even more eco-friendly and repairable. There’s a reason gorpcore nerds are obsessed with them. They’re tough, stylish, and equally useful trekking through a national park and LaGuardia Airport. Personally, I prefer the duffel bags over the backpack, as the more spacious duffels come with backpack straps that you can take on and off as needed. With a reasonable price tag, tons of versatility, and genuine legend status in the outdoor world, Black Hole bags won’t just last for 50 years; we think they’ll still be in fashion 50 years from now.

Durability: The newest version of the Black Hole bags use a ripstop polyester fabric (recycled polyester, of course) with a laminated finish for extra protection. I attacked my bags with a pair of scissors, and I had to attack pretty hard just to get scratches to appear. (Patagonia bags scratch where other bags rip.) All of the handles and hardware also hold up well.

Repairability: Few products are as repairable as Patagonia bags. The company will even help you fix older products, no matter how old. So, if your Black Hole bag gets damaged, Patagonia will replace the damaged panels, though not necessarily with the same color fabric. The idea is that a patched and color-mismatched Patagonia bag would be a source of pride for customers who appreciate the brand’s stand against fast fashion and consumerism.

Warranty: Patagonia doesn’t just have a lifetime warranty; they have a famous “Ironclad Guarantee.” The brand promises that if anything goes wrong with your Patagonia gear, they’ll make it right. “We guarantee everything we make. If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, or if one of our products does not perform to your satisfaction, return it to the store you bought it from or to Patagonia for a repair, replacement, or refund.”

—Timothy Beck Werth, Tech Editor

A Yeti cooler

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable ; Yeti

What do Yeti and Dyson have in common? Their products have both become surprise status symbols, with diehard partisans who follow their every launch. Of course, only one of these brands regularly tests its products against actual grizzly bears. Sure, Yeti coolers might be a bit overpriced. Actually, scratch that, they are overpriced, especially since you can get similar quality from brands like RTIC. But there’s just something about a Yeti, and these coolers really are as tough as advertised. Add to that a range of stylish colors and a magic-like ability to keep ice frozen, and it’s easy to see why people love these coolers so damn much.

Durability: What part of tough enough to withstand a grizzly bear don’t you understand? While the exterior of the cooler may suffer some wear and tear over the years, that only adds to its charm, and it won’t affect its functionality one bit. In our testing, all the internal and external components are well constructed and sturdy, too.

Repairability: Yeti will generally replace products or components that break down within the warranty period (and sometimes even out of warranty). That said, scratches, punctures, and wear and tear are not covered.

Warranty: Yeti Tundra coolers are covered under a five-year warranty.

—TBW

A Husqvarna Viking Emerald sewing machine

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; Husqvarna

My grandma has been sewing since well before I was born, and she’s only had two sewing machines in my 29 years of life. She’s had a Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 sewing machine for around 20 years. My grandma now lives in a memory care facility, but her sewing machine is still kicking with my mom, who sews almost daily.

There are newer, more advanced sewing machines with digital screens and detachable embroidery functions. I used a Singer 50T8 in high school and college, then took a sewing hiatus, and recently bought a Brother SE700 sewing and embroidery combo machine. Some Redditors have noted a drop in quality in entry-level Singer and Brother machines in recent years. For what it’s worth, I never had issues with my Singer, and my Brother machine is working perfectly about seven months in.

Durability: My mom said that every part of the Viking machine still feels sturdy. The dials to change the stitching are smooth, the pedal and machine sound in great working order, and it sews well. Nothing shakes or feels like it’s going to break while sewing.

Repairability: Sewing machines are inherently pretty repairable on a small scale. If your presser foot or needle breaks, you can buy new ones from Amazon or craft sellers. For bigger repairs, you can likely find a local shop that will service Husqvarna Viking machines (as well as Singer, Brother, Janome, and other big sewing machine brands).

Warranty: The Emerald 116 sewing machine has a 10/2/1 warranty, which means the product frame has a 10-year limited warranty, the electrical parts have a two-year limited warranty, and the mechanical parts have a limited one-year warranty. This doesn’t cover normal wear and tear that may come with using the sewing machine, but it covers manufacturing defects. For the product frame, SVP Worldwide (the maker of Viking, Singer, and Pfaff machines) will provide free replacement parts, but the buyer pays for labor costs. For electrical parts, the company will provide free replacement parts, but it will only cover labor for the first year. And for mechanical parts and adjustments, the company will replace parts without charging for parts or labor.

—Miller Kern, Deputy Shopping Editor

A KitchenAid stand mixer

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; KitchenAid

When we moved my grandma to the memory care facility, I received her KitchenAid stand mixer that I’ve been baking with at her house since I was a child. I used the serial number to look up exactly how old the KitchenAid is, and it was made in 1991. This stand mixer is older than I am. It’s the KSM90 model, which KitchenAid no longer makes, but even the newer models are reliable and will likely last for years. The KSM90 is most comparable to the Classic and Artisan series mixers.

Durability: My stand mixer still feels incredibly sturdy and doesn’t shake while in use. I’ve also never had any issues with burning smells or overheating. The only wear I see is that the rubber feet that keep it stabilized on the counter have started to corrode a bit, but that’s not too shocking considering they’re 34 years old. And that’s something I could easily replace myself.

Repairability: I have not personally had to replace or repair any part of my KitchenAid, but as one Redditor said, “Pretty much every part is replaceable.” You can likely find a repair service near you, and KitchenAid provides repair services out of its Greenville, Ohio, factory — and even offers shipping kits so you can safely transport your mixer to and from the factory. 

Warranty: KitchenAid has a one-year limited warranty, under which the brand will arrange to deliver an identical or comparable replacement to the buyer’s door and arrange a pickup of the defective mixer. One year is not that long, considering my stand mixer has been in the family for more than three decades, but it is nice that KitchenAid will fully replace the mixer for free. And the repairability should have you covered in many cases.

—MK

A Jansport backpack

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; JanSport

My dad gave me his JanSport backpack when I was a little kid because I told him I thought it was cool, and I still use it to this very day. I think it’s from the early ’90s? It isn’t in the same shape as it used to be, but after decades of heavy use, it’s still going strong. I think that really speaks to the craftsmanship of these bags — if you take care of them, they can last you a lifetime (or at least a really long time). They definitely don’t make this exact model anymore, which is a shame because I personally don’t think it’s gone out of style. Thankfully, they still make one that’s pretty similar!

Durability: JanSport backpacks are definitely made to last. Or, at least this one from the ’90s was. There isn’t much wear and tear after many years of use, and the materials feel just as strong as they did when I was first given the bag. I really like the thick canvas on the front part of the bag, which feels nearly impossible to puncture, as well as the ripstop-like material on the back and the straps. The adjustment buckles are still intact, as well as the zippers and mesh pockets on the sides. It has certainly withstood the test of time.

Repairability: If this backpack did rip or break in some way, there’s not much I could do to repair it. I would recommend against DIY’ing, because that could void out the limited lifetime warranty that the brand offers. I think it’d be a better idea to submit a claim with them to see if they’d repair it.

Warranty: JanSport offers a decent limited lifetime warranty that covers “manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product…” If there are any defects, JanSport offers free repairs and, in some cases, replacements.

—Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter

A Yeti stainless steel water bottle

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; Yeti

One sign that someone’s a hydration freak is a cabinet strictly dedicated to a mass of drinking water vessels: bottles of various materials, themed tumblers with peeling decorative stickers, and others. I was regularly rotating between all of mine up until I got my Yeti Rambler in 2018. Then, I ignored everything else but that Yeti for two years straight. Seven years later, I’d still choose the Yeti if I could only keep one bottle.

Pre-Yeti, I had tried so many cheap stainless steel options that couldn’t keep water cold for shit. So, most notably, my trusty 26-ounce Yeti Rambler has reliably kept water cold and ice frozen for countless long days at the beach or on a boat. I’m not going to the beach nearly as often since I moved, so it isn’t my everyday bottle at the moment. But it’s still my natural instinct to grab my Yeti ahead of any road trip or long day at the pool.

Durability: Yetis are incredibly heavy-duty. Any Yeti owner probably has an anecdote about a time they accidentally put their Yeti through hell, and it survived. My Rambler is virtually unscathed after being crushed in the back of a truck, rolling around on the floor during bumpy boat rides, and falling off tables onto pavement and porches. There may be a surface nick or two, but no dents.

Repairability: If I were in a situation where a stainless steel water bottle literally snapped in half or something, fixing the water bottle would probably be the least of my worries. However, Yeti’s customer service is known for being quick to send replacements for blips like broken lids.

Warranty: Yeti drinkware comes with a five-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects like leaks or exterior color chipping. One of my family friends once received a Rambler with weirdly short ice retention. All she had to do was start a claim with the number that came with her Yeti, and they sent her a new one that day.

—Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

A Nutribullet 900 Series blender

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable ; NutriBullet

I don’t know what they put in this Nutribullet blender, but it’s lasted me a decade and still works like the day I got it. I got the Nutribullet 900 Series as a freshman in college for dorm room smoothies. It has since survived multiple moves and the occasional kitchen accident.

The Nutribullet 900 is a workhorse in my kitchen. I use it for quick morning smoothies, blending sauces and soups, and grinding spices or flour. And that’s not to say things have always gone perfectly with the Nutribullet. 

Durability: I’ve dealt with my fair share of mishaps. It leaks if I overfill it, and I’m guilty of overheating the machine while blending soup. Plus, the blade attachment has even gotten stuck in the machine. That being said, the Nutribullet always comes back. Despite the accidents, the machine is sort of indestructible and bounces back after a thorough cleaning.

Repairability: Buying replacement parts for the Nutribullet is an easy option if the extractor blade or cups break. For issues regarding the mechanics and motor, there is the possibility of repair with resources online on how to do a fix. However, if you’re not feeling particularly handy, a local appliance repair service may be able to help you out.

Warranty: Nutribullet offers a one-year warranty that covers defects in the materials and workmanship of the device. To use the warranty, you must register your product. The warranty can be extended for three years for an additional fee.

—Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

The Thuma Bed

Credit: Thuma

The allure of the Instagram product is inevitable. That was the case of the Thuma bed. It was aggressively advertised on my feed until eventually, when I was looking for a new bed frame, I was reeled in by its promise of a tool-free build and exceptionally sturdy, real wood design. In a world full of wood pulp and particleboard, the Thuma bed stands out with its 100 percent upcycled wood construction. When I pulled it out of the box and built the frame, my first thought was, “Wow, I never have to buy another bed frame again.” After two years of sleeping on the Thuma bed, that still stands true. Thanks to its durable materials, it’s heavy so it doesn’t move around, nor has it gone squeaky with loose screws. The slotted Japanese joinery design is extremely stable, creating a piece of furniture with integrity.

Durability: The bed is made from 100 percent upcycled wood, plywood slats covered in recycled plastic felt, and two hand-tightened screws slot each piece into each other. Not only does this negate the need for screws and Allen wrenches, but it creates a more secure construction that doesn’t wiggle or wobble when you apply the weight of mattresses or bodies.

Repairability + Warranty: Thuma’s repairability and warranty go hand in hand. It’s rare these days, but Thuma has a lifetime warranty. Throughout your lifetime with the bed, if a piece is broken or damaged through regular use, Thuma will replace it free of charge. The warranty does exclude damage caused by natural disasters or moving.

At a glance, people’s experience with Thuma’s concierge, which handles warranty issues, seems to be overwhelmingly positive. Some people remarked that pieces of the frame arrived broken, but the brand sent a replacement part free of charge. If a piece breaks and isn’t covered under the warranty, the bed could fairly easily be repaired with some minor woodworking skills.

—SM

A Framework Laptop

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; Framework

Consumer tech is the antithesis of BIFL, so this might be more of an honorable mention, but Framework Laptops are as close as you’ll get among the PCs I’ve tested. They’re designed to be serviced, upgraded, and customized by their owners, with swappable mainboards, memory, storage, keyboards, displays, bezels, and even ports. Consumers can purchase a pre-built Framework Laptop that’s ready to use right out of the box, or opt for a slightly cheaper “DIY Edition” that you assemble from scratch with your preferred operating system. The laptop world is generally pretty hostile to any sort of at-home modifications, so Framework’s schtick is a big “right to repair” win for the little guy. 

I’ve specifically tried the $899 Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series) DIY Edition, but Framework also makes a 16-inch AMD laptop (starting from $1,399) and a cute 12.2-inch convertible with a touchscreen (starting from $549).

Durability: The Framework Laptop 13 features a strong and smooth aluminum chassis that doesn’t cling to fingerprints, which gives it a premium, MacBook-y look that’ll never go out of style. There is a slight give to the top of its lid, but it’s nothing of concern. All of its internal components are well-made and easily snap or screw into place, so setup took me no more than 10 minutes. Overall, I was blown away by the precision and sophistication of its design. It definitely didn’t feel like a laptop I put together myself with no prior PC-building experience.

Repairability: There’s a reason why all current Framework Laptops have a 10/10 iFixit score. You don’t have to haul them to a Genius Bar or a Geek Squad counter to repair or replace a broken part. Framework is constantly adding new components to its website, and it also maintains a marketplace of refurbished parts that you can buy at a discount.

Warranty: Framework Laptops come with a one-year limited warranty (with no option to extend) that covers “defects in materials and workmanship.” It doesn’t cover everyday wear and tear, accidental damage, or any issues that arise from non-Framework components the user might install. This could obviously be a lot better, but it’s very standard for PCs.

—Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

A Chi hair straightener

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable composite ; Chi

My mom still owns the original Chi straightener I used the first time I heat-styled my hair at age 11. (I achieved pin-straight, completely flat hair and felt like a million bucks.) At age 27, I’ve now owned my own version of the straightener for about five years — and though I’ve ditched the flat look for enhancing my waves or adding some curls instead, it works just as well, with zero signs that it will give out on me anytime soon. There’s nothing too fancy about it: It’s a one-inch ceramic-plated flat iron with a single on/off switch that brings the straightener to a max of 392 degrees Fahrenheit. It may not have a ton of attachments or special heat settings, but as someone who’s tried her share of fancy hair tech, I can confidently say the Chi straightener covers most styling needs — and for way less. At full price, it costs $100, but it’s often on sale for about $50.

Durability: This straightener can definitely withstand some accidental slips off the bathroom counter, but it’s not something you should be putting its plastic case through regularly. With proper care, it can last for years. That includes not wrapping the cord around it as tightly as you can. Instead, you’ll want to use the velcro loop attached the the cord when storing — and be sure to leave some slack where the cord meets the straightener, to give the wires their best chance at being functional for as long as possible.

Reparability: This is likely a product you’d have to send into Chi to repair, and even then, it looks like your options are limited (based on the warranty below). For regular maintenance, if you need to clean the straightener, Chi recommends using a damp cloth while the straightener is unplugged.

Warranty: The Chi straightener comes with a two-year limited warranty when purchased directly from Chi (where it’s priced at $119.99) or from an authorized salon or salon chain. If you don’t want to pay the inflated price on Chi’s website but still want the warranty, you can grab it from Ulta for $99.99. However, it’s likely worth it just to grab the cheaper option from Amazon: the warranty only covers replacements if Chi sent you a faulty straightener, and doesn’t cover steel or plastic parts, including the cord, any damages caused by misuse, or normal wear and tear.

—Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter