I’m frugal, so it can be difficult to justify big purchases—think a $200 sheet set, $300 pair of jeans, or $400 dutch oven. In my late 20s, I started to realize the importance of investing in quality items and how it can actually save money in the long run. No longer do I own 15 pairs of cheap jeans, nor am I forced to toss piled bedding after repeat washes, or dull knives after a few months. I’ve also stopped buying so many books, bras, and expensive feminine products, all because I started spending money more strategically.
There are some items worth splurging on, because they’re built to last and won’t need to be replaced as often—if ever. Here are eight things I always recommend spending extra on, from kitchen tools to tech and clothing.
✔️ Nice sheets
I’m a firm believer that high-end sheets will change your life (and quality of sleep). Investing in quality fabrics means less piling, tearing, and thinning from regular washing. I rotate between three sets from Brooklinen, and they’re all in perfect condition after years of regular use. Don’t trust me? The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab team of textiles scientists tested 393 sheet sets and voted Brooklinen’s Luxe Core Sheet Set the best sheets.
✔️ Bras
As someone with a big bust, bras are always expensive and even though I’m hesitant to splurge, it’s always worth it in the end. Quality designs will last longer with proper care. My advice? Always hand wash bras to prolong the life of the underwire, and stick with neutral colors to get the most use. You’re better off buying three expensive bras, then filling your drawer with six to seven cheaper options.
✔️ Wood cutting boards
I used to buy cheap plastic and bamboo cutting boards, and had to replace them every few months. Then, there’s the risk of plastic shards and wood splinters, which always started showing up way sooner than expected. A few years ago, I invested in a Boos Block and it’s a game changer. It does require some maintenance, like hand washing and frequent oiling, but the quality makes it worth it (at least, to me). The board is heavy, sturdy, and has a large surface area for cutting, plus it looks really great displayed on the counter.
✔️ Quality dutch oven
There’s a lot of hype surrounding Le Creuset’s line of enameled cast iron dutch ovens, and our editors deem the versatile kitchen tool worth the high price tag. Several staffers have had their pots for 20 years or more and still get consistently great results. I have a budget version from Lodge, which honestly is still durable and really practical for one-pot meals.
RELATED:Le Creuset Dutch Oven Review: Is It Worth the Money?
✔️ Kindle (or another e-reader)
I once swore by paper books, but now I tell everyone that’ll listen about my Kindle. Not only do I love the experience of consuming a book with an e-reader, I’ve stopped spending money on books that I don’t have space for in my one-bedroom apartment. The Libby app allows you to download e-books for free with a library card, so you can save money in the long run.
✔️ Jeans
I’m no stranger to impulse buying jeans from Amazon or other fast-fashion brands, but they always end up shrinking, tearing, or losing a button. Meanwhile, a great pair of jeans—like Rage & Bones denim—can last for years. My advice? Hang your jeans to dry to prolong their life.
✔️ Period underwear
It’s no secret that tampons and pads are expensive, but period underwear can help you cut back. This pair from Knix claims to absorb the same among as 2.5 super tampons or one regular pad’s worth, and our testers were impressed by the performance. Another tester said they were "the most comfortable period underwear I've ever tried."
RELATED: Best Period Underwear, Tested in Our Labs and by Real Users
✔️ Chef’s knives
I reach for my chef’s knife multiple times a day, from cutting fruits, dicing onions, and chopping parsley to slicing steak. Invest in one versatile, quality knife, and you won’t have to worry for years. Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab have tested hundreds of kitchen knives (and knife sets) over the years, and deemed this one the best. The blade is sharp and durable, and it’s held up for years in our test kitchen without scratches, rust, or fading on the handle.
