Unnecessary Necessities
All under $50!
They say that money can’t buy happiness, but we all know that’s a lie. Despite not having an excess of cash, growing up I’d describe both my parents as people who were (and are) adamant about the fact that you should never feel guilty about shelling a few extra dollars out on something that makes you smile. For some, that’s ordering Seamless once a week. For me, it’s adding random shit to the top of my dresser.
I like to attribute a lot of my style to my mother. Growing up, she always made our house feel like a home. “Home-y” is a descriptor she receives often when guests are over, friends, family, neighbors, or the guy recaulking the bathroom. I’d credit its coziness to the uncountable number of decorative things around the house. Without her eye, they’d be clutter, but she has a special way of making her amalgamation of items (most all thrifted or antiques) feel curated, and purposeful. She also has a wall of sticks my brother and I used to bring home as kids, as well as a jar of rocks we’ve helped her gather: the only thing she asks we get her when we travel.
I say this all to say, whether it’s a $50 candle, a freebie off the street, or a coffee table book you’ll dust once a week and never open—I love random stuff, it makes me happy. So, here are a few things under $50 you can purchase to unlock a sense of joy™️.
1. Overpriced thing that makes me smile
I purchased the everybody tissue box at the Modern Chemist by my job. After working from home for 2+ years, I was given the rare opportunity to begin working five days a week from an office. Wanting to give my once empty cubicle more life, I purchased a tissue box that makes me smile whenever I see it. Plus, I am now sick a lot, so this has been very useful. 10/10.
2. Something I own & use every day
My Electric Water Kettle from Bodum is melted at the front from a too-long stint sitting directly next to my emotional support burner. Despite setting it on fire, it continues to boil my water every morning faster than I can say “Honey, where’s my matcha whisk?” (my imaginary domestic scenario). Plus, it’s cute. I will say, despite how cute the green kettle is, it doesn’t look like they sell it anymore (eBay has one, though!). I love Bodum’s coffee grinder as well. Yes, specifically the white and red one from their Emma Chamberlain collaboration.
3. Something I don’t have (but want)
Owning this $34 Plunger from Coming Soon is a scenario I have often daydreamed about. It’s the same daydream in which I purchase a vintage IKEA bathroom set from one of my favorite places to scroll, BILLY.forsale. Can you imagine this red 6-piece 1980's bathroom set decorating a wall of custom tile? In the daydream, I am enamored by the yellow acrylic handle of the plunger. It’s useful, I grasp it while unclogging my toilet in which I have flushed down a nebulous large object. I plunge to no avail and think: should I just call the maintenance guy…again? Until I look up, and catch a glimpse at the small smiley face on the tip of the plunger’s handle and remember everything will be OK. When the toilet flushes I stand amazed, unsure when I got it done, but SO thankful I have this plunger.
4. Something I don’t own but I believe will spark joy
Unlike the plunger I shared, the Takashi Murakami Flower Pancake Pan from the MoMA Design Store is something I’m considering, and can justify. I make pancakes kind of often for a 26-year-old adult who lives alone. My best friend and former roommate can testify to this. I strongly believe any addition to your home that can elicit a childlike wonder is a purchase worthwhile. That is why I own legos.
4a. Pair with…
Honorable mention: Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix. I am f*cking obsessed with this. It is the perfect food.
What’s your favorite unnecessary necessity?