I need some holiday gift ideas (that I will probably gift to myself as well)!

  • hope@lemmy.world
    1171·
    1 year ago
    • A bidet attachment.
    • For me, an under-the-sink trash can that hands on the cabinet door has been a huge QoL improvement.
    • A back scratcher.
    • Much more situational, but our back gate has a padlock that was originally different from our house keys. Kwikset actually sells “programmable” padlocks so now it is the same key as our front door, which makes life a tad easier.
    • A computer mouse that fits my hands.
    • Enough phone and laptop chargers to not have to constantly go to another room to grab one.
    • EfreetSK@lemmy.world
      46·
      1 year ago

      Enough phone and laptop chargers to not have to constantly go to another room to grab one.

      Yes! I had enough of this so I bought like 6 USB-C cables at once, best buy ever

      • Otter@lemmy.caEnglish
        12·
        1 year ago

        What’s the current recommendation for those? Is it still Anker?

        Also be sure to get a medium length one. It’s so much nicer having a 6’ cable, or 10’ if you want to get crazy with it. It makes traveling and transit much nicer (ex. University students working on campus), and it might be nice for home so you can roll all over your bed while on your phone

        • Fester@lemm.eeEnglish
          8·
          1 year ago

          I’ve heard good things about Nomad Goods. I have some of their other accessories for iPhone and watch, and it’s the best quality stuff I’ve ever found. I can’t personally recommend the USB-C cables or wall adapters, but I plan to get some soon. I have a leather case, MagSafe mount stand, and a few watch bands. All are incredible, but pricey.

          I do have some Anker cables and they’re perfectly fine. Much better than others I’ve tried, including Apple shit. Anker also makes some nice outlet extension/USB adapter combos that are super convenient.

          If you want a fancy coiled cable, try Ventec edit: Ventev. It’s amazing for the car - keeps it off the floor.

          CableMatters is my go-to when I need something I can’t find above, like a USB extension cable or high-speed HDMI. They don’t feel as premium and are a bit stiff, but they’re reliable, and they just seem to make every option you can think of.

        • MrFunnyMoustache@lemmy.ml
          4·
          1 year ago

          Personally, I don’t buy Anker products since the eufy scandal, but their chargers are still top notch so I am sure you won’t have much to complain about.

          I use Ugreen right now and am satisfied. I don’t have the equipment to measure efficiency, so I can’t comment on how good it is.

          Edit: Spelling.

          • Virtual Insanity @lemmy.worldEnglish
            2·
            1 year ago

            Any more info on this Eufy issue? A came across a camera system if theirs that’s having issues. Might have to read up tomorrow.

            • MrFunnyMoustache@lemmy.ml
              2·
              1 year ago

              They sold these cameras claiming it does not use any cloud service, but that was a lie. They produced unencrypted streams and lied about it. They lied so much that it proves they are not trustworthy as a company, and why I personally won’t be buying any Anker products for a long time. They apologized and what I took from this is “we are sorry we got caught”.

              Their charging department is probably not the same ones, but still, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

        • Chev@lemmy.world
          1·
          1 year ago

          Everything but Anker. They constantly make false marketing, that’s why they lost Sponsor Deals.

      • Ragdoll X@lemmy.world
        845·
        1 year ago

        I’m gonna guess yall over 30 since getting up and taking 10 steps to and from another room is such a big deal lol

          • Ragdoll X@lemmy.world
            83·
            1 year ago

            Oh my time will definitely come. My back is already fucked at 23 so I’m like halfway there.

              • grabyourmotherskeys@lemmy.world
                81·
                1 year ago

                I started working on my generic grunt in my 30s and use it for all kinds of things: getting out of chairs, into chairs, picking something up off the floor, the first stair up or down, lifting anything with both hands, etc.

                As time goes on I’m developing specialized grunts like a go slightly deeper on the first step down a flight of stairs than up.

                It’s been quite a journey.

        • raptir@lemdro.idEnglish
          5·
          1 year ago

          Eh lazy or not my chargers are all plugged into outlets behind furniture.

    • grue@lemmy.worldEnglish
      9·
      1 year ago

      Kwikset actually sells “programmable” padlocks

      Pretty much all locks are re-keyable. Kwikset’s “smart key” system is different only in that you don’t have to buy new pins and take the lock apart to do it.

      (I’m switching from Kwikset to commercial-grade Schlage because I wanted to upgrade the durability of my interior locks and wanted the exterior ones to match, so I’m about to find out how much more difficult normal re-keying is. Wish me luck!)

      • bpm@lemmy.ml
        2·
        1 year ago

        Normal rekeying is pretty easy, if you’re careful - push out the core (the “follower” will hold your spring pins in place), dump out the old key pins, swap to the new key, and put in the new key pins, replace the core. Even when I’ve completely screwed it up (pushed the follower too far so the springs came out, mixed all the key pins together so I had to work out which was which, and more) it’s not been more than a 10-minute job.

      • tabularasa@lemmy.world
        1·
        1 year ago

        Washes your bum after using the toilet. Saves toilet paper. Gets your rear cleaner. This is a great suggestion. No power needed, just hooks right into the plumbing. I have this one . Bio Bidet Bidet Attachment for Toilet, White, Non Electric

  • eezeebee@lemmy.caEnglish
    97·
    1 year ago

    Rechargeable batteries. They have paid for themselves many times over by now. Less guilt about throwing away dead ones, too.

  • Contramuffin@lemmy.world
    662·
    1 year ago

    Here’s an unusual one - an M.2 SSD to USB adapter.

    Most, if not all, laptops come with SSD’s nowadays, and they’re usually pretty easy to take out from a laptop. Gather some old, broken laptops, and take out their SSD’s. They’re so much faster than USB flash drives, I prefer to use SSD’s where possible. Plus, it helps with e-waste

  • Justfollowingorders1@lemmy.ml
    582·
    1 year ago

    This is stupid. But socks and underwear. All new socks and underwear.

    I love throwing out all my old ragged socks and having a bunch of brand new pairs in the drawer.

  • fossilesque@mander.xyzOPEnglish
    52·
    1 year ago

    Adding mine:

  • CarbonIceDragon@pawb.social
    48·
    1 year ago

    Electric teakettle if you use an older style stovetop one. The lowest end ones I’ve seen are only like $15, and work pretty much as well as some nicer ones, just don’t look as pretty, but they’ll boil water faster than the stove will. Even if you don’t make tea or similar, if you ever eat things like pasta that are cooked in boiling water, you can heat the water in the kettle first and then transfer to the pot to make things slightly faster, and use less gas if you happen to have a gas stove.

    • PunnyName@lemmy.world
      22·
      1 year ago

      Not only are they useful for their typical purpose, but they boil water faster in pretty much any boil water use case. Use the water for your pasta, hard boiled eggs, etc.!

      Relevant Technology Connections: https://youtu.be/_yMMTVVJI4c

    • fossilesque@mander.xyzOPEnglish
      11·
      1 year ago

      Haha, I am in the UK, so we all have at least 1. I have 2! One for my office desk because I am addicted to hot water bottles and nice tea. :) As a yankee transplant, I advocate an electric kettle hardcore to everyone in the US. Y’all don’t know what you are missing.

  • PunnyName@lemmy.world
    48·
    1 year ago

    • Aeropress for the coffee people who want something easy to store and clean.

    • Portable Bluetooth speaker. I have the Anker Soundcore 2, and use it all the time in my studio apartment.

    • Deli containers for food storage.

    • Electric mixer. It will save you a lot of strain if you often mix by hand.

    • Water filtration system of your choice. I use ZeroWater.

    • Humidifier for those dry months.

    • PC gamer? Use emulators for older console games? Get an Xbox controller for those non mouse and keyboard games (Journey et. al were on sale recently).

    • Canister vacuum cleaner. I use Bissell Zing (about $75), but they’re better than bagless vacuums.

    • Plants for literal quality of life. https://www.thespruce.com/easy-houseplants-hard-to-kill-4141665

  • chronicledmonocle@lemmy.world
    44·
    1 year ago

    Instant Pot (on sale): There is legitimately so many things you can make in these. Many of them do sous vide too, which is one of the best ways to cook meat.

    Powered ratchet: For anyone who works on their own vehicles, a cheap powered ratchet is a godsend. I bought one for oil changes and car repairs and it’s my most used tool in my bag. I’m mad I spent so much time without one. Walmart’s Hyper Tough brand powered ratchet is $40 and holds up very well. Extended reach one is often on sale for $50-55.

    E-Ink reader: Another often on sale item. If you have someone who loves books, having an entire library in your pocket with a built-in backlight for night reading that’s also easy on the eyes is a great thing. Coupled with Calibre and some…sourced epub files…and you can read a lot for free.

    Vacuum sealer: Never have freezer burned stuff again. And keeps things fresh in the fridge longer. Also works great for sous vide for the above-mentioned Instant Pot.

  • CylustheVirus@beehaw.orgEnglish
    36·
    1 year ago

    Kitchen scale. Baking is much better with weight measurements instead of volume. Also useful for calculating calories.

    Headlamp. Having light where you don’t need to hold a phone or a flashlight is great.

    Digital meat thermometer. No more guessing.

    USB charging hub. Charge many devices at once.

      • Zoop@beehaw.org
        2·
        1 year ago

        To my brain, that sounds like what someone would call their penis while jokingly trying to get their partner to take their temperature.

        “Open up for the thermomeater babe, gotta make sure you don’t have a fever!”

        …I was referring to taking a temperature orally, but I guess they could mean rectally, too, lmao

    • glob@lemmy.mlEnglish
      81·
      1 year ago

      I’ll second the meat thermometer. I bought one a little while ago and find that it prevents me from overcooking things out of an overabundance of caution.

      • Justfollowingorders1@lemmy.ml
        4·
        1 year ago

        No more dried pork chops or chicken! I probe everything I eat. I also used a “Meater” to cook our Thanksgiving turkey, came out ridiculously juicy.

    • akai_android@programming.dev
      41·
      1 year ago

      I bought a scale to start measuring my coffee a couple years ago and only recently realized I could be using it for cooking. Was definitely a game changer

      • CylustheVirus@beehaw.orgEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        Yep, got one. They’re lovely and read in one second and are extremely accurate, but a simple 4 or 5 second reader will do the job just fine for most applications. Those can be had for around 25 USD.

  • whofearsthenight@lemm.eeEnglish
    331·
    1 year ago

    So many things in your house that are probably pissing you off:

    • it’s very easy to replace an outlet that doesn’t hold a plug or is a little off for whatever reason.
    • ditto light switches
    • door handles and shit. We hated the jank handle on our patio door that barely worked and required specialized training to get to lock. $12 for a new one, that was much more aesthetically from this decade. (that said, some lock lube, which is a thing, goes a long way)
    • ditto for the various shitty faucets in this house (or any slightly older house.) You can get a ton of bathroom fixtures for under $30.
    • hinges. Unless you’re trying to re-hang a safe door, you’re going to be under $20.
    • faucet diffuser. They just screw on. Have you lived in your place for more than a few years and haven’t replace them? Just do it, it’s like $4 a faucet.
    • doorbell. Smart doorbells can easily be had for under $50. A little easier often than replacing the traditional bell because you usually have a plug in chime rather than something wired.
    • a can of sprayfoam. Seal that area that is letting in air. Trim it with a box knife, chances are you won’t know the hack exists.
    • Mr_Blott@lemmy.world
      5·
      1 year ago

      Pro-tip for the spray foam - if blocking air from the outside, spray a little bit of foam, add a “wall” of steel wool, then spray more foam on that. Stops the mice chewing through it

      • ilinamorato@lemmy.world
        2·
        1 year ago

        I mean, the electrical stuff makes some bit of sense; you can seriously cause damage if you don’t at least know somewhat what you’re doing. I don’t get the plumbing thing, though.

        • ReluctantMuskrat@lemmy.world
          3·
          1 year ago

          I disagree.

          It’s rare to hear of someone killing or injuring themselves working on home electrical fixes. I’m pretty old and can’t even recall an incident. Most people won’t do it because they do have enough fear not to play around with it. But if you do know enough, you know how incredibly simple it is to replace an outlet or light switch and how to do it safely. Even a overhead light or fan is pretty trivial. Also the US 120v standard is less likely to cause harm with a stupid mistake than some other countries that have higher voltages. I’m thankful the states allow homeowners to do this themselves.

          There are definitely things people shouldn’t do with a license, but swapping switches and outlets is more trivial than changing the oil on your car.

          • ilinamorato@lemmy.world
            1·
            1 year ago

            Swapping switches and outlets is more trivial than changing the oil on your car if you turn off the breaker first.

            And to be clear, I’m not saying that the US should adopt laws like Australia. I’m saying that I understand why Australia adopted those laws.

            I do know how to do the basics. I’ve installed smart switches and outlets, doorbell cameras, ceiling lights…I haven’t had cause to do an overhead fan, but I’m pretty confident I could manage it.

            I’m glad I have the ability and legal right to do so. But electrical fires destroy 51,000 homes a year, and most of those are caused by faulty or poorly-installed components or wiring; and that in particular can affect not only you, but people who live with you and even neighbors as well. And the U.S. CPSC estimates 400 non-professionals die of electrocution every year.

            Add to that that, as you say,

            Most people won’t do it because they do have enough fear not to play around with it

            …but those who don’t are split among the people who know what they’re doing and the people who are too stupid to see the risk. Is the danger caused by the idiots worth banning it for everyone? I don’t think so, but I understand and respect that decision for Australia.

          • whofearsthenight@lemm.eeEnglish
            1·
            1 year ago

            Indeed. I’ve DIY’d all of that and then some, and especially in the age of YouTube in which you can find a hundred videos from electricians that have been around as long the light bulb, it’s some of the simplest home repair/upgrade you can do. And although you do need to respect the inherent danger of working on currents like this, electrical is actually pretty easy to understand for the types of home upgrade/repair like this you might attempt.

            Just be mindful of what you can and cannot do based on local regulations. You definitely don’t want to have your house burn down and your home insurance tell you to kick rocks because there was a code violation somewhere, even if it didn’t cause the fire.

  • magnetosphere@kbin.social
    31·
    1 year ago

    A red nightlight or two somewhere between your bed and the bathroom. Red doesn’t wake you up as much or destroy your night vision. Ideal for trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

  • Nugget@lemm.ee
    28·
    1 year ago

    Great topic idea! Here are some of mine, I’ll add links later:

    • Heat resistant cooking gloves. These are basically oven mitts, but because they’re gloves, you can keep them on while cooking. I’ve gifted a few pairs of these and everyone loves them!
    • A percussion massager is great for getting out muscle knots. Foam rollers too.
    • Collapsible creates for the car and around the house - mine are made by InstaCrate
    • A refillable oil sprayer so that you can buy any oil you want and evenly coat a pan. Great for searing and air frying
    • Stainless steel pots are amazing. IKEA sells a set that’s around $50. Totally dishwasher safe, heat tolerant, just all around easy peasy
    • Costco membership