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Lifestyle

Best Unnecessary Items Everyone Somehow Owns

The guilt-free guide to stuff you didn't know you didn't need

We spend $2,000+ annually on things that sit in drawers—but some are prettier while gathering dust.
đź‘‘ #1 Pick

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1

The kitchen appliance that promised to change your life but mostly makes rice

All 5 recommendations

Est. prices as of 5 Mar 2026

#1 · Instant Pot · Most Overhyped

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1

$99.95

The kitchen appliance that promised to change your life but mostly makes rice

  • âś“ Legitimately fast cooking
  • âś“ Takes up less space than separate appliances
  • âś“ Cult following with endless recipes online
  • âś— 90% of owners use only the pressure cook setting
  • âś— Steep learning curve for beginners
  • âś— Still slower than stovetop for most actual cooking
#2 · Dyson · Premium Pick

Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum

$749.00

A luxury handheld that costs more than most vacuums but weighs less regret

  • âś“ Genuinely powerful suction
  • âś“ Laser dust detection is weirdly satisfying
  • âś“ Cordless convenience is real
  • âś— Battery dies after 60 minutes of heavy use
  • âś— Maintenance filters cost $50 each
  • âś— Overkill for 90% of households
#3 · AeroGarden · Hidden Gem

AeroGarden Harvest with LED Grow Light

$399.95

Indoor hydroponic garden that turns brown within three months of ownership

  • âś“ Actually grows fresh herbs indoors
  • âś“ Low-maintenance water system
  • âś“ Great conversation starter
  • âś— Seed pods cost $30 for 6 refills
  • âś— High electricity usage
  • âś— Requires consistent attention or algae blooms
#4 · Nespresso · Crowd Favorite

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee Machine

$219.00

Single-serve pod coffee maker that costs more per cup than your local café

  • âś“ Beautiful countertop aesthetics
  • âś“ Consistent cup quality
  • âś“ Wide variety of capsule flavors
  • âś— Non-recyclable aluminum pods create waste guilt
  • âś— Descaling required every 3 months
  • âś— Capsules cost $0.70+ per cup
#5 · Lululemon

Lululemon ABC Joggers

$128.00

Premium athleisure pants that cost as much as five regular joggers but feel worth it

  • âś“ Exceptional fabric quality and durability
  • âś“ Look professional enough for casual work
  • âś“ Strong resale value on secondhand markets
  • âś— Premium pricing for sweatpants
  • âś— Limited color/style freshness
  • âś— Pocket functionality still mediocre for the price