Today, we’re celebrating all of those purchases that ended up becoming life-long commitments thanks to quality and durability, pandas. We’ve taken a trip to the Buy It For Life subreddit and gathered some of our favorite pics from the community down below. From indestructible household appliances to pens that have written countless notes, enjoy viewing these purchases that were certainly worth the investments! Image credits: neocamel Image credits: macnerd93 Image credits: tflynn09 We all want to make smart purchases and keep our belongings around for as long as possible, but nowadays, there’s a lot of pressure from corporations and society to keep up with the latest trends. "If you don’t have the newest phone or the fanciest earbuds, you’re missing out! Technology is advancing incredibly rapidly, so there’s no need to use things until they give up on you. Just purchase something new as soon as you have the chance! Right?" This “newer is better” mindset can be detrimental to our mental health and our wallets, so sometimes, it’s refreshing to have a reminder that taking care of things and making sure they last forever is actually very cool. That’s where the Buy It For Life subreddit comes in. This group is dedicated to sharing “practical, durable and quality made products that are made to last,” and thankfully, many people have gotten on board with the group’s mission. The community has amassed an impressive 1.5 million members over the past 12 years, and users are incredibly active in sharing the purchases they’re most proud of. Keeping items around for life is economic, sustainable and honestly, pretty impressive, so we’re happy to showcase some of the group’s best finds. Image credits: R4MZON Image credits: podaypodayson Image credits: Material-Ad6302 12 years ago, the creator of Buy It For Life shared their mission statement in the subreddit to make it clear what the group’s goals are. They explained that the community was inspired by the subreddit r/ShutUpandTakeMyMoney, which shares great purchases members have found. However, not every item shared in that group will last a lifetime, so BIFL was created “to fill a niche for only high quality and durable products.” Today, BIFL is a thriving community which shares suggestions for a wide range of products. The group even has a “Request Series” featuring clothing (headwear, gloves, shirts, jackets, belts, underwear, pants, socks and footwear), bags (luggage and backpacks), kitchen appliances, tools (knives and flashlights), beverage containers, music players, items specifically for women, gifts, a wallet compilation and even brands that are not BIFL approved. If you’re looking to make a big purchase, it might be wise to consult this community first! Image credits: d7it23js Image credits: Dirtdancefire Image credits: Sunshinehaiku We’re big fans of the Buy It For Life community here at Bored Panda, so it’s actually not the first time we’ve featured the group. And lucky for us, we were previously able to get in touch with one of the subreddit’s moderators, Robot_ninja_pirate, who shared how keeping the group’s goals a priority becomes tricky with so many members. “On one hand, we want to promote sustainability and buying higher-quality products, which means buying things less often. But since we have [over a] million subscribers, it means new people are sharing new products every day,” they explained. “There are products that many people never knew existed and might then want to go out and buy. It can almost conflict with the point.” Image credits: Jxnkuul Image credits: lotr5693 Image credits: lotr5693 The moderator noted that their team has to be “quite vigilant to promote grassroots efforts from the real users sharing items with real-world use,” as advertisers often want to take advantage of the community by disguising themselves as real members. But the group can be incredibly useful for those of us who have been impacted by inflation. “[The rise of living costs] has certainly made people become aware of their purchasing habits and what is and isn't frivolous spending as budgets get tighter,” Robot_ninja_pirate told Bored Panda. Image credits: R1ght_b3hind_U Image credits: Professional_Gap_371 Image credits: SenorKerry “However, [increased living costs] might also cause people to have to skimp on things and really evaluate what truly is BIFL and what they are just overspending on,” the moderator continued. “Channels like Project Farm, for example, do an excellent job showing where spending more money does not always mean a better product.” Project Farm is a channel where “all sorts of things” are tested “to help viewers make informed purchasing decisions and avoid getting ripped off.” Image credits: couts88 Image credits: Jdspoel Image credits: nivrams_brain While BIFL is incredibly popular at the moment, Robot_ninja_pirate did admit to Bored Panda that he worries it might not last forever. He fears it might simply “[become] trendy and that people will hop on the bandwagon and then jump off when it's not as current anymore, rather than committing to the ideology. (An extreme example, but think like the miniature pig trend for a few years).” Image credits: Secundus_Scipio Image credits: sludgefudge Image credits: schmisschmina Apparently, the group had a huge influx of new members during the beginning of 2023, but it has started to slow down to its usual numbers in recent months. “We let our community sort of dictate the flow of the subreddit rather than us,” the moderator explained. “However, we are always looking for feedback and how we can improve the subreddit.” So if you all have any suggestions, pandas, the moderators are happy to hear them! Image credits: Sad-bisexual-cryptid Image credits: BaldyCarrotTop Image credits: befarked247 In today’s world of planned obsolescence and fast fashion, it may not be trendy to hold onto your possessions forever, but it certainly is wise. Your wallet and the planet will thank you, plus vintage furniture and clothing is totally in. So if you’ve been thinking about replacing that 30-year-old dresser or you have your eye on a new car, despite the fact that yours is working just fine, you might want to reconsider. And the BIFL community will certainly welcome you with open arms! Image credits: masafed Image credits: bighag Image credits: botanysteve We hope you’re enjoying these photos of great purchases that have lasted a lifetime, pandas. If you are still using appliances or tools you bought decades ago, be sure to pat those items on the back and let us know in the comments below what they are! Remember to think in the long term when making new purchases, and if you’re looking for even more pics that will inspire you to make commitments when you buy something new, you can find Bored Panda’s last article featuring the Buy It For Life subreddit right here! Image credits: Lavon_andy Image credits: Galraith Image credits: mhenson62 Image credits: azaku29 Image credits: joepa81 Image credits: w3stvirginia Image credits: Tatterings Image credits: LifeofSMILEY Image credits: jomamma2 Image credits: DeepWoodsDanger Image credits: Tamias-striatus Image credits: AngryMuppet_420 Image credits: Bakelite51 Image credits: Optimal-Chair1146 Image credits: Idigressthereforeiam Image credits: ripgoodhomer Image credits: whereiswaldo7 Image credits: BossHogGA Image credits: Sloth_rockets Image credits: Kamahis Image credits: whyisitdough Image credits: The_Sensitive_Psycho Image credits: undercookedhotpocket Image credits: mts2snd Image credits: Mr-RandyLahey Image credits: Ttokk Image credits: Nates94 Image credits: Limp_Ad_3268 Image credits: MandolinSynthMachine Image credits: damn_jexy Image credits: Cypherius Image credits: Maleficent_Health784 Image credits: friskyspatula Image credits: sworzeh Image credits: brewpubjim Image credits: otterland Image credits: reddit.com Image credits: polandlv111 Image credits: flames_32 Image credits: rottingcheese Image credits: JamieBensteedo Image credits: PM_ME_UR_CC_INFO Image credits: ckduke1 Image credits: CouldNotRememberName Image credits: Trainzguy2472 Image credits: wrinkleydinkley Image credits: xKobito Image credits: MeelsEsq Image credits: Cbennett3395 Image credits: glowend Image credits: Nates94 Image credits: marktherobot-youtube Image credits: Blastproof Image credits: duck-and-quack Image credits: SeaworthinessOk602 Image credits: aasikki Image credits: SaltyDogBill Image credits: Caver95 Image credits: _Mr_Roboto_ Image credits: Squintl Image credits: bstyledevi Image credits: sonicenvy Image credits: weindl Image credits: Haha1867hoser420 Image credits: Tihsdrib Image credits: GoodGuyGlocker Image credits: Zhydrac Image credits: Runt83 Image credits: 1e59 Image credits: Omnipresent715 Image credits: KeepTheBills Image credits: ME5SENGER_24 Image credits: DucatiMunster Image credits: hambuiscuit#1 Aurora Solar Calculator. Couldn't Confirm Its Actual Age, But My Mom Said, "It's Definitely Older Than You." I'm 39
#2 Most Of My Hifi Components Are Getting On For 50 Years Old In The Next Few Years. All Still Working Perfectly
#3 My Buddy Has Had This Alarm Clock Since The 80s
#4 This Bosch Drill Is From 1987, Gifted To Me From My Dad. Its Been In The Family 1 Year Longer Than Me
#5 Bifl Home Audio-The Mcintosh Mc275
#6 ‘70s Pioneer Sx 780 Receiver. All Capacitors And Resistors Replaced A Couple Years Ago
#7 This Ice Cream Scooper We Inherited From My Grandma When We Moved Into Her House
#8 My 25 Year Old Rivendell Atlantis With Home Made Bags. A Perfect Bicycle
#9 1979 West Bend Popcorn Maker
#10 Staedler Mars That Is 25+ Years Old
#11 Here's A 1925 General Electric 6" Desk Fan In Near Mint Condition. It's Been Cleaned, And Had The Blades Polished. It Still Has Its Original Paint. It Had The Power Cord Replaced With A Modern Reproduction. It Doesn't Get Used Much As It Might Be A Little Dangerous
#12 My 1993 Montgomery Wards Lawn Mower Still Runs And Cuts The Grass As Good As When It Was New!
#13 I Got This Jack Wolfskin Backpack When I Was 6 In 2007. Still Use It Daily After Almost 16 Years
#14 Merkur Safety Razor. About 10 Years Old Now, Still Like New
#15 After Replacing Our Fridge Twice In The Past 12 Years With Brand New Models, I Finally Gave Up And Just Put Our Garage Fridge In The Kitchen. It Fits Perfectly, And Has Been Running For Decades, And Could Probably Be Repaired vs. Thrown Away If We Ever Need To Fix It
#16 90s Polly Pockets Are Almost Indestructible, Better Well Made Than The Newer Versions. Now Our Children Get To Play With Them!
#17 Opinel No.6 In My Pocket For 5 Years. $20 And Sharper Than Any Knife I’ve Ever Known
#18 Bifl Request: This Style Spatula. Thin Stainless Springy Bottom Part, Strong Handle
#19 My First Potato Peeler (Sparschäler) I Got This Sparschäler 10 Years Ago Already Used By My Grand Mother. It Is Still A Mass Product And You Can Buy It For Round About 5 USD. But This One Is Made In West Germany So At Least 33 Years Old And Almost Daily In Use
#20 We Got These For Our DIY Kitchen Renovation For $2000. Barely Used And Working Great! Hopefully The Fridge Is Truly Bifl Because I Never Want To Move That Behemoth Ever Again
#21 My 1959 Frigidaire Custom Imperial
#22 This Salad Shooter At My Parent’s House Is Still Kicking After 32 Years
#23 My Boy Scout Pocket Knife
#24 I Bought This Breville Sandwich Iron When I Left Home At 18. I'm Now 50 And She's Ready To Go
#25 Vintage Original Zojirushi Thermal Pot In Mint Condition
#26 My 1977 Kosmos 1 Pocket-Sized Biorhythm Calculator. 46 Years Of Crunching Numbers
#27 From My Great Grandparents House
#28 Spotted At An Airbnb
#29 1975 Presto Harvest Gold Yellow Pressure Cooker
#30 My 6 Year Old Pair Ofblundstones vs. My Brand New Pair
#31 My Grandpas Chainsaw He Bought In 1966 To Clear Land To Build The House He Still Lives In. And To Note I Still Use The Chainsaw When I’m Doing Yard Work For Him
#32 1987 Play-Doh Multi Tool
#33 My Speed Queens Have Arrived
#34 My Grandpa’s 85-Y.o. Frigidaire From 1938 Still Works!
#35 Shock Cousteau Spent 2 Days Submerged In A Hot Tub
#36 Still Using Grandma's 1940's Egg Poacher For My Morning Breakfast
#37 •before/After 1987 Vermont Iron Elm In Midnight Green• (Story In Comments)
#38 Buy It For Multiple Lives. I Inherited The Family Pennsylvania Tuxedo
#39 Best Spatula I Have Ever Used
#40 My Rubbermaid Laundry Basket Has Been In Continuous Use Since The Early 80s. You Can Still Buy These New
#41 Mother In Law Melted Kettle I’ve Had For 15 Years. How Do I Clean It Off!
#42 Red Wing Work Boots, After 20+ Years Of Home Renovations And A Few Mosh Pits
#43 A True Bifl Jacket, The Stevenson Jacket Made By Boathouse. I’ve Had Mine For Over 15 Years, Rowed Multiple Seasons In It, Wore It Shoveling Snow, Commuting In NYC, And Hiking. A Waterproof 3 Season Jacket You Can Still Purchase
#44 This Backpack Has Done 10 Years Of School And 8 Years As A Tool Bag Packing Around ~30lbs Of Tools With No Signs Of Stopping
#45 My Dad Bought Me This Hp 48sx In 1992. Still Works Perfectly And I Still Use It
#46 Kenworth K100 Working For 30 Years
#47 My Stapler Is This Old
#48 My Most Used Appliance For The Last 12 Years. Presto Griddle. I’ve Been Through Multiple Nonstick Pots And Pans, But This Thing Still Works Like New
#49 Had This Patagonia Supercell For Like 10+ Yrs Now
#50 Vacuum After 3 Years And 1200+ Car Details
#51 The Heirloom Flour Measure And Sift. I’m 4th Gen User. This Tool Is Outlived 3 Lives, I’m Next
#52 Schlage Sent Me A Full Replacement Set
#53 Steelcase Chair I Got For $6 At A Thrift Store. Not Sure If The Mfg Date, But It's At Least As Old As I Am. Best Workbench Stool Ever
#54 1980 Cub Cadet. 43 Years Old And Ready For Another Mowing Season
#55 Circa 70s/80s Ernie And Bert
#56 Teva Hurricane Xlts. Blue Pair Is Brand New And Orange Is Closing In On 15yrs Old Of Heavy Outdoor Use Kayaking, Hiking, Fishing And Camping. A Solid 80$
#57 This Is My Fourth Hm Aeron Chair I Bought From Fb Market Place , This One I Got Yesterday For $40
#58 Vagarant Traveler C.e.o. 17" Backpack Briefcase In Coffee Brown
#59 Got A Herman Miller Office Chair For Free On Facebook Marketplace, It’s Super Comfy And Feels So Well Made! Minnie Approves!
#60 Unlikely Bifl - Grandma's Clock
#61 2007 Toyota Prius - 330k Miles, 5 Wrecks, And 1 Divorce Later It’s Still Going Strong!
#62 Wedding Gift Circa 1977. This Old School Crockpot May Outlive Me!
#63 Yet Another Stanley Insulated Jug. But This One Is About 100 Years Old
#64 92 Toyota Pickup, 500,000k, Daily Driven... And Worked
#65 This Old Sony Phone Before The Merger With Ericsson, Still Connects To Networks Here In Poland
#66 Stainless Steel Gator French Press
#67 Just Bought A House With This In The Kitchen. I Love It
#68 Psa: Oil Your Electric Fans/Electric Motors With The Correct Oil!
#69 Peugeot Is A Brand That’s Been Recommended For Bifl Pepper Grinders. Even Though I Bought This One Secondhand, Peugeot Replaced This Piece That Looked Ugly And Worn For Free. In Its First Life, It Was A Wedding Gift
#70 Gramp's Razor I Got From Him 26 Years Ago. I Can See Why They Stopped Making Stuff This Good. It Lasts Too Long
#71 Ford 4100 At Least 50 Years Old
#72 I See We're Posting Bifl Rice Cookers. Here's My 1964 Tatung!
#73 Old Philco Refrigerator Still In Use At My Local Fish And Game Club!
#74 Hailo Bins: 40 Years Old (Left) And 1 Month Old (Right)
#75 She Turns 30 This Year
#76 Corning Ware Percolators. The Guy I Bought Them From Said He Used Them All The Time, They Look Brand New
#77 It Won’t Win Any Beauty Contests, But This Rice Cooker Has Been Making Rice For My Wife And Now The Both Of Us Since The Mid 1980’s
#78 Grandfather Purchased This Cub Cadet In 1974. Almost 50 Years Later, It's Still Running Strong. It's Mostly Original Down To The Tires
#79 Ahhhh… Tonka, The Prime Example Of Buy It For Life Toys. Found For $12 Total At The Goodwill, Bound To Bring Me Years More Enjoyment
#80 This Sears Kenmore “Coldspot” Refrigerator Has Been Chugging Along Since 2004
#81 I Got This Pot From My ( Now Passed) Aunt, She Got It When She Married In Early 50's !
#82 My Mother-In-Law Bought This In 1978 And It’s Still Going Strong
#83 30 Year Old Dishwasher I Got For Free 5 Years Ago, Still In Daily Use And Refuses To Die
#84 Was Given This Ms Natural Keyboard Pro On Day 1 At My Job. 23 Years Later, I Was Told That New Equipment Will Be At The New Offices. Still Going Strong
#85 Was Given A Patio Set Because It Needed To Be Refinished. It Just Needed A Little Clr And Teak Oil
#86 My Grandmother’s Oven, Circa 1966. Many Holiday Meals Were Cooked With Love Here, Right Up Until The Day She Passed. Aside From One Shattered Glass Door That Was Replaced, Everything Still Works!
#87 Still Going, 60’s Microwave Oven
#88 Camelbak 100l Hydration Pack. Issued To Me In The Army In 2006. I Broke The Mouthpiece, They Sent Me A Whole New Reservoir, Tube, The Works
#89 My Dad's 1970s Crown Gas Range Stove!
#90 13 vs. 4 Years Of Daily Walkers
#91 Plow Truck My Grandpa Bought Brand New Back In ‘79, Been Working Every Winter
#92 When Mom Busted This Out, You Knew The Meal Was Going To Be Good
#93 Parker Jotter Purchased When I Started Working 35 Years Ago
#94 The Battery In This Little Alarm Clock Has Been Going For Almost 30 Years
#95 Small And Extremely Effective
#96 1992 Acura Legend. 203,000 Miles. Daily Driver. Everything Works
#97 Our Fully Restored Ge Brass/Cast Iron Fan…
#98 Bose Wave Clock Radio. Used Everyday For Over 30 Years. Works Perfectly And Sounds Better Than Most New Bluetooth Speakers. Made In USA
#99 My Aunt’s Ge Spacemaker Coffeemaker From 1988, Used Nearly Everyday Since
#100 $29 At The Antique Store, 29 Minutes In The Sandblast Cabinet, Ready For Another 50+ Years Of Service. Before/After Pics Of A Made In The USA Columbian Bench Vise
#101 My Apple II From 1982 And My Imac. Only The Apple II Still Works And It Was In An Abandoned Factory
