I’ll say it first…
I don’t need any of these.
Not one.
And yet… they make my life feel softer, slower, and dare I say slightly more beautiful.
There’s a difference between consumption and curation.
I’m learning that the goal isn’t to have more… it’s to choose better.
Some of these purchases are practical.
Some are unnecessary.
All of them, in their own way, make me smile.
And lately, that has started to matter more.
Why These “Unnecessary” Items Matter
There’s a subtle shift that happens when you stop buying for function only.
You begin choosing things that:
- elevate ordinary moments
- create small rituals
- make your environment feel intentional
This is something I’ve been exploring more deeply—especially after reflecting on how slowing down changes the way we experience everyday life (I talk more about that in The Subtle Power of Slowing Down in a Loud World).
These items aren’t about luxury in the traditional sense.
They’re about feeling something in your own space.
My Indulgent Items (No Particular Order)
Bookcase Cutting Board
I found this while watching a video about overconsumption which feels ironic.
But the moment I saw it, I knew it fit my space perfectly.
I love books.
I’m also a minimalist in training. (Heavy emphasis on training.)
This piece sits right in the middle of those two identities.
- Separate sections for meat, bread, and cheese
- Visually looks like a stack of books
- Functions… but let’s be honest it’s mostly for the aesthetic
And I’m okay with that.
Music Frame
A friend introduced me to this and honestly, it felt like a natural extension of owning a Samsung The Frame TV.
Was it impulsive? Yes.
Do I regret it? Not even a little.
There’s something about turning music into visual art that just hits differently.
Fancy Toothbrush
This one surprised me.
I didn’t expect much but people started commenting on my teeth.
The only variable? This toothbrush.
- Blue/red light makes brushing feel… futuristic
- Using it in dim lighting turns a routine into an experience
- Somehow made me more consistent
It’s one of those “tiny upgrade, unexpected impact” purchases.
🍷Wine Glasses (for Water)
This might be my favorite mindset shift.
I drink water out of wine glasses.
That’s it.
And somehow:
- I drink more water
- I slow down
- It feels intentional
This is what I mean by elevating your life by 1%.
Nothing changed… but everything feels different.
Water Pillow
For years, I avoided pillows.
Waking up with neck pain became normal.
Until this.
This pillow adjusts to you in a way traditional pillows don’t.
It quietly fixed something I had accepted as “just how it is.”
And that’s a powerful category of purchase.
Theraplush Lotion
People talk about the neck showing age.
I disagree.
Hands tell the full story.
This is non-negotiable for me:
- Every night before bed
- No skipping
- No exceptions
It’s less about skincare… more about discipline and care.
Journals
We need to bring journaling back.
Not for content.
Not for posting.
Not for validation.
Just for processing life.
Mine is expensive but I buy it every year without hesitation.
Because it:
- organizes how I think
- holds what I don’t share
- gives me clarity without noise
And in a world of oversharing… that feels rare.
Oura Ring Charger (Extra… but Useful)
You don’t need a second charger.
But when you travel?
You’ll understand.
Yes, there are cheaper versions.
Yes, I still bought the original.
Convenience quietly wins.
Dyson Dehumidifier
Could I have bought a cheaper one?
Absolutely.
But this is one of those purchases where:
- design matters
- performance matters
- long-term satisfaction matters
And I’ve had zero regrets.
Automatic Mouthwash Dispenser
This is… unnecessarily enjoyable.
- Cleaner
- Faster
- Slightly addictive to use
It’s one of those upgrades you didn’t know you needed.
Chandelier Fan
Installed by my dad and brother, which already makes it special.
But even now?
I catch myself just… staring at it.
That’s when you know something added more than function.
Nebula Projector
I don’t keep TVs in my bedroom.
But I still want guests to feel comfortable.
This solves that.
It’s practical—but also aligns with how I want my space to feel.
Crown Towel (Future Purchase)
This one hasn’t been purchased… yet.
But it sparked this entire article.
Sometimes inspiration comes from considering something not owning it.
Stay tuned.
This list will evolve.
Because I’m evolving.
And maybe that’s the real point.
Not to collect things…
But to notice what quietly improves your life and allow yourself to keep it.
“What’s one item you don’t need… but refuse to give up?”
