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HuffPost
1 Aug 2024
Rainbow Sandals, Amazon
Heartbreaking news: Sometimes, the splurge is worth it. You never want to hear that spending a ton of money on a product is actually a good thing, but there’s no denying that some products, from cleaning appliances to cookware, have more than earned their steep dollar count. And if you’re a pragmatic shopper like me, you probably want to know for certain that you’ll get all possible bang for your buck before you dig out your wallet to drop hundreds of dollars on an item sight unseen.
That’s why I asked some of my colleagues at HuffPost and BuzzFeed for the best big purchases they’ve ever bought, to find out what people really think is worth the splurge. The answers I got from writers, editors and other staffers ran the gamut from shoes to baby carriers to so, so many vacuum cleaners. (What can I say? Everybody loves a good vacuum cleaner.) If you want to make sure your next big purchase is spent on something you can trust, keep reading to see our picks for the most splurgeworthy products out there.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
1
Miele
A high-suction Miele vacuum
HuffPost Shopping managing editor Emily Ruane previously sang the praises of the Miele Compact C1 vacuum last year, and still loves it. "Mine is a slightly older version, but I think this is the most up-to-date model. It is the most simply, thoughtfully designed vacuum and it works incredibly well after more than 10 years of heavy use," she said in previous HuffPost coverage. "The suction power is incredible and it's so easy to use on both carpet and hardwood floors thanks to the variety of attachments. Last year, we added the parquet twister attachment to our arsenal, which I also highly recommend."
2
Amazon
The self-charging Roomba 692
"Hands down, I never regret purchasing my Roomba," says Marquaysa Battle, HuffPost Shopping deputy managing editor. "It's easy to use and it PICKS UP SO WELL. It's even gently pushed doors open to clean a room when I've forgotten to widen it. I experience a lot of neck and back pain that doesn't always allow me to push a broom or vacuum the way I would like to and this thing totally helps. I purchased it for a little relief on my bad days but also because I had a Shark vac that was just horrible, whether I was having a good day or not. I've since purchased one for my mom and she loves hers too."
3
Amazon
Or the upgraded self-emptying Roomba i3+ EVO
"I was such a Roomba naysayer for so long — it just seemed SO GIMMICKY and ridiculous. A robot vacuum? How good of a job could it possibly do? WELL I WAS WRONG," says Noah Michelson, the editorial director of HuffPost Personal. "I bought my first one in November (this one) and just upgraded to the version that empties itself (even more of a game changer because it doesn't need me at home to tend to it if its bin gets full — it can just go empty itself at its base and then head back out into my apartment and keep cleaning) and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. It's especially great if you have pets and are constantly dealing with hair everywhere — a daily Roomba run keeps things remarkably less hairy."
4
Rainbow Sandals
A durable leather pair of Rainbow sandals
"I had a pair of Rainbows in high school when I worked at a summer camp and always remembered them being supportive and comfortable," says HuffPost shopping writer Griffin Wynne. "Last summer I got a few pairs of $2 plastic flip flops that I ended up breaking or walking through. After seeing a guy wearing Rainbows in a bar, I remembered them and went to buy a pair, only to be shocked at the $70 price. I bit the bullet and got them anyway and have not regretted it once. They’re so light and easy to pack, the leather looks nice and ages well, they can easily be dressed up or down and they’re actually supportive and give me proper arch support. If you’re in the market for a universal flop — I’d recommend investing."
The sandals are available in up to five colors in women's sizes 5.5-11.
The sandals are available in up to five colors in women's sizes 5.5-11.
5
Amazon
An automatic self-cleaning cat litter box
"The Litter Robot may be the best purchase I’ve ever made, for the life-changing reason that I have not scooped a single bit of litter since I bought it nearly a year ago," says shopping writer Haley Zovickian. "To say this has been a quality of life upgrade for me and my cat is a dramatic understatement. I now never interact with cat poop except for when I empty it out every nine days (!), and my cat has a fresh, hygienic bed of litter ready for her use all the time. It’s the most precious thing I own — besides my kitty.
Yes, it’s more than I ever anticipated spending on a litter box, but for me, it was worth every penny I paid for it. (Check out my ode to the Litter Robot here.) If you’re curious about how the Litter Robot works, check out the process in action on TikTok or YouTube. It automatically scoops litter by rotating its inner shell, shaking clumped litter through a filter and depositing the soiled litter in a sealed drawer-like compartment underneath the box (which also effectively and blissfully traps odor)."
Yes, it’s more than I ever anticipated spending on a litter box, but for me, it was worth every penny I paid for it. (Check out my ode to the Litter Robot here.) If you’re curious about how the Litter Robot works, check out the process in action on TikTok or YouTube. It automatically scoops litter by rotating its inner shell, shaking clumped litter through a filter and depositing the soiled litter in a sealed drawer-like compartment underneath the box (which also effectively and blissfully traps odor)."
6
Amazon
The highly-rated Kindle Paperwhite e-reader
Like myself, Zovickian is a Kindle Paperwhite devotee. She previously wrote, "With the Kindle, instead of lugging around a 15-pound bag of books from place to place, I can hold thousands of titles at a fraction of the weight in my bag or a large pocket, completely comfortably. This has been nothing short of game-changing."
My Kindle Paperwhite is the reason I was able to more than double the annual amount of books I read, from 12 in 2022 to 28 in 2023. My Kindle has essentially paid for itself, too, since I use the Libby app to check out digital copies of library books to read on my Kindle for free — no more time or money spent agonizing over bookstore prices, and I can have my next read in my hands within minutes of adding it to my TBR list.
My Kindle Paperwhite is the reason I was able to more than double the annual amount of books I read, from 12 in 2022 to 28 in 2023. My Kindle has essentially paid for itself, too, since I use the Libby app to check out digital copies of library books to read on my Kindle for free — no more time or money spent agonizing over bookstore prices, and I can have my next read in my hands within minutes of adding it to my TBR list.
7
Thera
A cozy weighted hoodie for weighted blanket enthusiasts
If you love cozying up in weighted blankets, Zovickian has also recommended this weighted hoodie from Thera in previous HuffPost coverage. "The jacket’s deep pressure melted away my tension and soothed my nerves surprisingly quickly, and it felt like I was wearing a secure, cozy cocoon," she wrote.
"It turns out this cocoon-like feeling is exactly the intended effect: Thera designed the hoodie to feel like a calming hug — aiming to reduce cortisol, calm the nervous system and boost oxytocin and serotonin like hugs do. (The jacket is also supposed to help support deeper and more restful sleep.)"
The hoodie comes in six colors in the fleece version and four colors in the minky version, in sizes XS-XXL. It weighs eight pounds.
"It turns out this cocoon-like feeling is exactly the intended effect: Thera designed the hoodie to feel like a calming hug — aiming to reduce cortisol, calm the nervous system and boost oxytocin and serotonin like hugs do. (The jacket is also supposed to help support deeper and more restful sleep.)"
The hoodie comes in six colors in the fleece version and four colors in the minky version, in sizes XS-XXL. It weighs eight pounds.
8
Amazon
These Sonos Ace over-ear headphones
"I received the Sonos Ace Headphones as a gift, and they are absolutely worth the splurge," says BuzzFeed IT project manager Jusanha Abobo. "I've almost convinced everyone on my team to get a pair. They're much better than the Apple AirPods Max — lighter and with incredible noise canceling."
Released this year, these over-ear headphones are available in white or black, have up to 30 hours of battery life on a single rapid charge and has spatial audio as well as Noise Cancellation and Aware modes so you can choose how much you hear of what's happening around you.
Released this year, these over-ear headphones are available in white or black, have up to 30 hours of battery life on a single rapid charge and has spatial audio as well as Noise Cancellation and Aware modes so you can choose how much you hear of what's happening around you.
9
Amazon
A durable 11-piece set of pots and pans
HuffPost editorial manager Erin Evans said this 11-piece Calphalon cookware set was still a splurge when she bought it on sale, but she loves it. The set includes a 10-inch fry pan, 12-inch fry pan, 1.5-quart saucepan, 2.5-quart saucepan, 3-quart saucepan, and an 8-quart stockpot, all of which (except the 10-inch fry pan) come with tempered glass lids. The pots and pans are nonstick but metal utensil-safe, oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and even dishwasher-safe to make cleanup easy. It also has a lifetime warranty.
10
Artipoppe
A luxe baby carrier for ultimate comfort without back pain
"[It's] so pricey compared to the other types of baby carriers but the Artipoppe baby carrier is worth the price," says HuffPost senior producer Leah Mark. "I have used other ones and they always end up hurting my back and always [need] two people to put it on. With the Artipoppe, I can put it on myself. This weekend, my baby spent about 90 minutes in the carrier at a baseball game and didn't complain at all and my back wasn't hurt."
The Zeitgeist Baby Carrier comes in 39 variants, with options for different colors, materials and patterns.
The Zeitgeist Baby Carrier comes in 39 variants, with options for different colors, materials and patterns.
11
Amazon
The Breville Barista Touch espresso machine
One HuffPost editor recommends the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine as a big upfront expense that will pay dividends later, especially if you're someone who's constantly going out to get coffee at coffee shops. By making coffee at home, you'll start saving money big time. (Ruane has a similar model from Breville that she uses daily and adores.)
The machine has a pictorial touchscreen, making it easier than ever to choose the coffee drink you want. You can adjust the coffee strength, milk texture and temperature to your preferred settings, then save them as a favorite so the machine remembers them for later. It also heats up in just three seconds and can brew one to two cups at a time. The machine is available in up to five colors. And if this splurge price has you hesitating, save the link for later, because the Barista touch is known to go on sale sometimes.
The machine has a pictorial touchscreen, making it easier than ever to choose the coffee drink you want. You can adjust the coffee strength, milk texture and temperature to your preferred settings, then save them as a favorite so the machine remembers them for later. It also heats up in just three seconds and can brew one to two cups at a time. The machine is available in up to five colors. And if this splurge price has you hesitating, save the link for later, because the Barista touch is known to go on sale sometimes.
12
Nordstrom
An UPPAbaby stroller with so many convenient features
That same HuffPost editor also commends this UPPAbaby stroller for growing with her family. The stroller comes with a water-repellent bassinet for babies up to 20 pounds, and a toddler seat for children from three months to 50 pounds. It also features an under-seat basket that can hold up to 30 pounds, shock-absorbing wheel suspension and a rain shield, bug shield and UPF 50+ sunshade to protect the baby. It's available in up to eight colors and currently has a hard-to-beat average rating of over 4.5 stars at Nordstrom and Amazon.
13
Amazon
A restaurant-quality Vitamix blender
Another HuffPost editor said his Vitamix 5300 blender was a worthy splurge because of how smooth it can blend ice. This model includes variable speed control and a pulse feature, has stainless steel blades that are built to last years and can handle everything from hot soups to smoothies to baby food, frozen desserts and even nut butters.