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The world is filled with lots of mass-produced junk: Fast food, fast fashion, fast furniture, fast everything. Nowadays, it feels like we’ve just bought something and a short while later, we’re replacing it again. Either because it broke, went out of fashion, a better version hit the shelves, or we simply got bored.

It’s a far cry from back in the day, when our grandparents spent money on the things they knew would last. It’s no wonder they mutter, “They don’t make them like they used to.” But not everyone has been sucked into the trap of unnecessary consumerism. There are still people who believe in quality over quantity. They might have a shiny modern kitchen but on top of the counter sits an espresso machine, bought for $20 two decades ago.

‘Buy It For Life‘ is an online community dedicated to showcasing things that have stood the test of time. It’s filled with awesome photos of practical, durable and quality-made products that are still in near-perfect condition. Bored Panda has put together a list of some of the best pics. Many might have you thinking twice before replacing a perfectly-working appliance.

#1 I Bought This Espresso Machine Used For $25, 20 Years Ago. Still Works Great!

#2 Intellimouse Optical – 25 Years And Still Used Daily!

#3 This Is My 1960s Electrolux

It seems like some products are purposely made to be replaced while others are built to last a lifetime. And while certain people have no problem wasting money, others know better. It’s can be tempting to purchase something cheap, thinking that you’re saving a few bucks.

But often, you might be sacrificing quality, and paying a lot more in the long-run. Not only is it a major expense to constantly have to replace products, it’s also really bad for the environment.

#4 A Truly Bifl Appliance For $20 On Marketplace

#5 Bought These Clarks Desert Boots Almost 20 Years Ago And They Just Get Better Looking With Age And No Signs Of Giving Up Any Time Soon

#6 A Comb I Bought In The 80s And Still Use Every Day

You might think that the more expensive a product, the better the quality. But that’s not always the case. Take clothing, for example. One study, conducted by the University of Leeds, found that many items on the lower end of the price scale far out-performed the higher-end options. They came to this conclusion by testing the durability of hoodies, jeans and t-shirts in different price ranges.

“The quality of clothing has decreased with the dawn of fast fashion,” reports Remake.com. “To keep costs low, brands and manufacturers have been opting for cheaper fabrics and scrimping on finishings.”

#7 Took My 1982 Gravely 8162-B Out Of Winter Storage Today, And Got It Ready For The Mowing Season. Hard To Find Anything Built As Tough As This Vintage Machine Today

#8 Thrifted This Ekornes Stressless Chair For $30, Is It Legit?

#9 Almost A Decade Of Daily Use. Zojirushi Is Still The Most Reliable Thing In My Kitchen

A 2023 survey, conducted by UK environmental charity Hubub, found that “on average, people expect 26 washes from a £10 ($12) t-shirt before it starts to break down/not look good, compared to 42 washes from a £100 ($125) t-shirt. They expected 30 washes from a £20 ($25) pair of jeans compared to 44 washes from a £100 ($125) pair of jeans.”

But based on the Leeds researchers’ findings, the consumers might be misjudging the durability of their clothing. And this can have a negative impact on the environment.

#10 Probably A Controversial Bifl Because It’s Luxury And Not Practical, But Buying Used Designer Bags And Refurbishing Them Is My Hobby. This Bag Is 30 Years Old Next Month!

#11 The Kmart Fan That Will Outlive Your Hopes And Dreams

#12 35+ Years Of Service

If a garment is durable and lasts long, consumers are likely to purchase fewer replacement garments. They’re also more likely to keep their items for longer. This equals less clothing ending up in landfills, and a happier planet.

So how do you know if you’re buying a good quality garment of it’s not all about the price of the item?

One way, say Remake’s experts, is to inspect the inside. There are few signs you might find that point to quality. For example, if the hem is sewn down thoroughly, it’s a good sign. If it’s loose, it’s at risk of snagging.

#13 I’m In My Late 30’s And Just Purchased My First (Non Smart) Watch. How’d I Do?

#14 I Found My Late Grandad’s Pen. His First Journal Is Dated 1948, A Year After This Pen Was Released. It Still Had Ink In It. It’s Working Just Fine. No Restoration. Almost 80 Years Of Use

#15 16 Years Later, I’m Still Using This Harmony Remote. Just Programmed It For My Xbox Series X

“The size of stitching is also a good indicator – small stitches require more time and care and are more durable compared with long stitching which could be a sign of cutting corners,” reveals the site. “Also check for any flaws such as threads coming undone.”

If the item has a lining, check how it feels on your skin. A higher quality, say the experts, should be comfortable and not make you feel itchy, icky, or sticky. The buttons and zippers can also tell you something. Good quality garments won’t have cheap, plasticky-looking buttons that aren’t sewn on securely.

#16 German Haarschneidemaschine From 1950. Got It For 20€ And Its Never Been Used 🙂

#17 Ibm Flashdrive With 256mb That Costed Me A Fortune In 2001 And Still Works Flawlessly In 2026

#18 My Sister Asked Me What I Wanted For My Christmas. I Said A Braun Shaver. Her Hubby Retorted, “What’s Wrong With A Remington”? That Was 35 Years Ago.

Whether it’s an item of clothing, a vacuum cleaner or furniture, it pays to buy durable products.

“Products that are designed to be reusable and uphold their quality over time reduce the need for replacements, and therefore the amount of waste generated,” notes Eurofins Sustainability Services. “The manufacture of new products requires significant energy, raw materials, and water. The waste generated from discarded products also contributes significantly to environmental degradation.”

#19 Backpack My Mom Bought Her Freshman Year Of College, Handed It Down To Me When I Started School (I’m 27) And Still Use It Everyday For Work

#20 Bought This Pot With My First Apartment 15+ Years Ago. Now I Feed My Family With It 🥹

#21 My Mom’s Tupperware From The 1970’s

Some companies that are confident in a product’s durability and quality will include a lifetime guarantee… or longer.

One skillet, for example, has a ‘multi-century warranty,’ so even when you’re no longer around, your great-grandkids can still make use of it. “Rather than using Teflon, the skillet is oil-seasoned to make it non-stick,” reports Business Insider. “This means you never need to worry about replacing it when the non-stick fades, as oil-seasoning can also be done at home.”

#22 My Dad Bought This Jacket In 1985 And Wore It Every Winter. Now It’s Mine!

#23 Purchased With My First Tax Return In 1986

#24 Patagonia Repair Program

If you’re looking for ‘Buy For Life’ products, it helps to search for those with a lifetime warranty. This doesn’t necessarily mean your lifetime.

“If you purchase an item because it comes with a lifetime warranty or guarantee, make sure you keep the receipt and remember where you kept the receipt,” reports MoneyTalks News. “Many of these offers require proof of purchase and do not extend to purchases through resellers.”

And don’t forget to check whether you need to register your product to qualify for the lifetime warranty.

#25 My Grandfather’s 60-70 Year Old Wooden Clothes Brush. Still Works Perfectly And Keeps All My Clothes Looking Beautiful

#26 My Grandmother’s Katsuobushi Planer (Dried Bonito Flake Shaver). Still Works Perfectly:)))

#27 Logitech Z-2300 Used Daily For Almost 20 Years. Got Them For Christmas In 2006 From Circuit City

#28 Here We Go For Their Second Life! 70s-80s Tupperware

#29 Peugeot Bali Fonte Pepper Mill – This Thing Is A Beast!

#30 My Aunt’s Refrigerator From The Late 70s. I Think It’s Beautiful

#31 A Spoon That Fed Me When I Started Having Semi Solid Food More Than 50 Years Ago

#32 Found For 3 Euros At The Thrift Store- End Grain Cutting Board

#33 After 50 Years In Service It’s Time To Say Goodbye

#34 R.i.p Hair Brush. My Grandmother’s Hair Brush She Got From A Door To Door Sales Men

#35 Finally Found A Set Of Speed Queen Commercial Washer And Dryer

#36 Reminder: Bifl Doesn’t Mean The Item Only Has One Job For Its Entire Life

#37 Birkenstock Profis Are Now Terrible

#38 The Best Thing I Did For My Kids Childhood

#39 My Tilley Hat – Used Constantly For 31 Years And Counting

#40 After 30 Years, I Can Finally Say That The N64 Is Buy It For Life

#41 Birks: ~6 Years Near Daily Wear (R) vs. Brand New Pair (L)

#42 Installed In 1978. Still Going Strong

#43 Legends Never Waste! Ge Clock Radio

#44 36 Year Old Toddler Jacket. Was Mine, And Now Handed Down To My Oldest Son. It Will Be Handed Down To My Youngest In A Couple Years. A 3 Generation Coat. Perfect Condition

#45 My Grandparents Got This Fridge For Free When They Bought Their House In 1968. It’s Never Needed Repairs And Still Works Like A Charm

#46 Eley Hose Nozzle Freakin’ Rocks

#47 70+ Year Old Water Heater Still In Use

#48 They Don’t Make Things Like This Anymore. Send $ 0.75 To This Address For …

#49 New Speedqueen Tc5/Dc5

#50 Over A Decade Later And The Griffin Survivor Aux Is Still Going Strong

#51 1996 Ursula Happy Meal Bath Toy

#52 12 Year Daily Carry Nite Ize Carabiner Came In A 2 Pack; Found The Other Unused Today. They Were Both Black

#53 My 1980s Nylon Goody Comb

#54 My Grandfather’s 60-70 Year Old Natural Whetstone. Still Sharpening Knife Today

#55 My Sandals Can Change Size!

#56 Two Bifl Items On The Same Goodwill Trip. A KitchenAid Mixer And A Little La Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Pan

#57 Easily One Of My Best Goodwill Finds Yet, A Luxo Color Correct For Only $10

#58 My Bifl Stud Finder (It’s Literally Just A Magnet)

#59 Found My “Whale” At The Flea Market

#60 50 Year Old Kmart Box Fan

#61 The Most Durable Fan In The World

#62 Received A KitchenAid And A Braun Immersion Blender At Our Wedding Shower, Which To Keep?

#63 20 Years And Going Strong

#64 Irish Sweater Bought 2/1996

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