AeroPress
The AeroPress is essentially a smaller, simplified French press. It has evolved and experienced minor changes over time, but the core of it has stayed relatively the same since it was invented 20 years ago. Made from BPA-free plastic, the AeroPress consists of a cylindrical tube, a plunger to go in it, and a cap that holds a paper filter. The plunger has a silicone seal (which can be removed for cleaning) and is pressed down over hot water and coffee grounds, forcing the mixture through the filter. It makes one cup of coffee, perfect for an individual who doesn’t need an entire pot of coffee.
It’s lightweight enough that you can easily fit it into a backpack or container and bring it on a trip (for example, moving from Seattle to England for your master’s degree in Web Design and Content Management). The plastic material makes the product relatively affordable, easy-to-clean, and it lasts a long time. Even though you can order individual parts for replacement as necessary, I have never heard of anyone breaking or damaging their AeroPress with reasonable use. The only thing that needs restocking is the paper filters, and you can purchase a year’s supply for £8.99 online or at most coffee shops.
Baggu
Baggu bags are a durable, sustainable, packable American bag brand. Items that live at the intersection of stylish and practical are hard to come by, and Baggu provides them in spades. These completely indestructible bags come in lots of cute prints, pack down to the size of a playing card, and are – most importantly – machine washable. I’ve been a proud Baggu user for years and don’t see myself stopping anytime soon (in part because my bags are still as good as new).
A standard Baggu bag is $14. It fits in your purse or even in your pocket. It carries 2-3 plastic grocery bags worth of groceries up to 40lbs comfortably in hand or over your shoulder. I don’t leave the house without one, since it hardly takes up any space, and now if I stop in a store on the way home spontaneously, I’m ready with a bag. The amount of bag costs I’ve avoided over the years by having a Baggu ready for an unforeseen shopping trip has more than paid off the cost of the bag.
They also come in mini sizes and extra-large sizes, but I’ve never had any issue with the standard size. It has transported my board games, contributions to friends’ dinner tables, thrift store finds, and groceries and it still looks the same as when I bought it. My pantry has seen many “reusable” bags come and go over the years due to ripping or sticky stains, but I’ve never needed to replace a Baggu.
Clips
These PVC-coated wire-based clips have moved kitchens, states – and now, countries – with me. Far outliving any clothespin I’ve encountered, these multipurpose clips have pinched chip bags, flour bags, cereal, laundry, craft projects, and more for the better part of the last decade. For me, the material has proved stronger than plastic alternatives or wood with a metal spring. The 2-inch clips comfortably withstand temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer, and can be easily cleaned with soap and water.
This was one of those purchases that I didn’t necessarily intend to keep forever, it was a replacement for past items that had broken and have just… lasted. And I can’t find a single aspect to nitpick. I had no idea they were so durable when I bought them (otherwise I probably would’ve gotten more!), since they weren’t expensive whatsoever, but clips like this remind me that the right purchases can last a long time if you choose wisely and treat them well.
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