Three Things You Bought (or Received) and Never Use
I discuss “Stuff” quite a bit here at On Simplicity. It’s actually oversimplification on my part, since there are so many other aspects to the issue. Still, managing your relationship with Stuff (yes, with a capital) is a key part of simplifying your life. In that vein, this Wednesday I want to hear about three things you bought (or received) and never use? What useless items are lurking in your home? What purchases turned out to be turkeys?
For me, I’d have to say my top three unused items are:
- Rice cooker: We registered for it on the recommendations of others, and have used it a grand total of once. And I didn’t even cook the rice correctly that one time. Currently taking up space at the back of the pantry; I continue to think that we’ll use it someday.
- GT Xpress: This “As Seen on TV” cooking thingamajig has never been used. It just seems easier to use traditional pots and pans, so this plastic wonder is stashed in the rear of the cabinet until the gift-guilt wears off.
- PlayStation 2: I bought the PS2 when I was single and would get bored occasionally. I used it quite a bit for a couple of weeks, but since then, use has dwindled to a couple of times a year. I do play occasionally, so it’s not entirely useless. However, for the amount spent on the console, games, and accessories, it’s pretty much a bust.
What about you? Warn the rest of us about purchases that were busts, or inspire the rest of us to use the things we already have!
This post has 35 comments
September 17th, 2008
Mine would be a deep fryer, the kind that you use outside to deep fry whole turkeys. We used it to cook a few birds and now it sits. Even if you ignore how horrible a deep fried turkey is health wise, the oil is expensive and it’s a pain to set up. Then you have to figure out where to dispose of the oil. It’s just too much trouble.
On the flip side, we got an electric smoker and use it several times a year for Thanksgiving turkey and other tasty BBQ treats.
September 17th, 2008
My three things are
A specific Candle Holder I got at the Yankee Candle Store
A Table Top Water Fountain
A subscription to Twins Magazine that I thought would be insightful and isnt.
September 17th, 2008
Funny, I used your #1 and #2 weekly, but then again, we eat a ton of rice, and we make omelettes every weekend with the other.
my 3?
1- the digital picture key ring thing. I finally broke the box open because I knew my Mom was coming. The pictures are so small you can’t even see them
2-the wireless internet card. I’m just not a carry my laptop around and work person. I finally paid the contract fee to break it. In the long run, I’ll save money.
3-I’m bad about buying cheap toys for birthday parties that never happen. I’ll take the good deals to a toy for tots Christmas campaign and save my money next year.
September 17th, 2008
Josh: I’ve always loved the idea of deep-fried turkey (I’m such a fried food fan), but all the news stories about deep frying calamities the stations run in November have freaked me out. I bet my husband would love a smoker, though…
Christa: The bluntness of your comment just cracked me up. The idea of a table top water fountain is cool, but I’d rather try to make one. Of course, that might end up on a “Three DIY Projects That Never Should Have Been Attempted” list.
Carol: The wireless internet card is interesting. I absolutely love the idea of them, but like you, I don’t know if I’d actually get much use out of them. Probably something that should be tracked before purchasing… Your idea for donating the cheap unused toys for Christmas is fantastic. Way to turn that one into something useful!
September 17th, 2008
Hi Sara - I hate buying things I don’t use - it makes me feel so guilty. When I had my fire and flood restoration business, we had to have a special, superfast, expensive scanner. So I bought one for home too and only used it twice. That reminds me - I need to sell it on ebay.
Juicer - love it but never use it as it’s such a polava washing it.
Fancy coffee making machine - one of my admin assistants bought me it for a wedding present. But it’s so big it takes up half the kitchen and again it’s a pain to wash.
September 17th, 2008
My three are…
1) Text books (yeah, I do fine without using them)
2) Suspenders (not sure why I thought I wanted them)
3) A second pair or five-dollar aviator sunglasses
By the way, I’d be happy to take that rice cooker off your hands.
Let me know if you want my address.
September 17th, 2008
I am REALLY good about getting rid of stuff right away, so the only thing I can think of is a fondue set that we received for our wedding 15 years ago (I married young) and have never used. WE still have it!
September 17th, 2008
1. Linux CDs. Never use them, even though I still keep getting them. Hate Linux almost as much as I hate the Linux Penguinistas.
2. Ruger .357 Magnum Speed Six. Got this from the father of a friend of mine for home defense. Never used it at all. My Mossberg Defender 12 gauge pump shotgun with magnum buckshot loads was far more effective at frightening the burglars I caught in my home (but my old trusty Vietnam-era M79 40 mm grenade launcher with flechette loads would have been even more effective.)
3. iPod Nano. Got this as a gift, and gave it away as soon as I got it. Hate iTunes with a passion.
As for the tabletop fountain, I got one, and while I don’t use it, my kitties just love having their own drinking fountain, to the point that they ignore regular water dishes.
September 17th, 2008
1. Sharper Image “sound soother” with CD player. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I thought I’d like having the various nature sounds/white noise. I’ve used them three times to mask the neighbor’s barking dog. And the clock portion is an obnoxious blue light with no dimmer, so I can’t even use the clock function.
2. The KitchenAid stand mixer. It was a wedding gift a zillion years ago. It’s heavy enough to break my foot if I drop it, and I can’t find the pouring shield, so making whipped cream means splattering my kitchen walls with it. I have a hand mixer that’s easier to use and less of a pain to clean up…and won’t cripple me if dropped.
3. The 5 disc CD changer. I used to use it a lot…and then came MP3s, which it doesn’t play, and iPods. Now, it sits forlornly under the receiver collecting dust.
September 17th, 2008
1. China. We have FOUR different and complete sets. One from our wedding, one from my wife’s parent’s wedding, one from my wife’s grandmother’s wedding (complete service for 24), and one from when my in-laws divorced and my MIL wanted another set (she has since passed away and guess who inherited it). We NEVER EVER use any of these.
2. A portable fire pit that sits on our deck. Mostly it collects rainwater.
3. Our dining room set. It just never gets used except as a staging area for school lunch boxes, mail, and to support the fake hydrangea that needs a good dusting….
Note: I have a friend in North Carolina who’s wife is from the Philippines. He says the only time their rice cooker isn’t on is when the electricity is out due to storms! They eat a lot of rice.
September 17th, 2008
Cath: I’ve been tempted by juicers, but I don’t think I’ve got the follow-through to make it worthwhile. (And what does polava mean?)
Marshall: Okay, the suspenders intrigue me…
Vered: Wow–that must be some kind of record for you!
jrandom42: Ha! The kitties having a unique drinking fountain cracks me up. I’m curious of why you don’t like Linux. I haven’t used it, but have been wanting to go further into open source.
Gena: Aha! Finally, someone who doesn’t adore their KitchenAid mixer. I love the look of them, but can’t imagine anything easier than my trusty hand mixer. Of course, I don’t bake a whole heck of a lot, so that might be part of it…
Ron: That is a ton of china! Honestly, you just made me feel better about our decision not to get china. I was worried we’d regret it, but now I’m happy to save the space.
September 18th, 2008
Great idea, let me think.
1. Playstation 2 - when I came to South Africa I didn’t know anybody so thought I would be playing this all the time. Thankfully,I have a crazy social life
2. Light bulbs - I bought the wrong ones recently so I’ll never use those
Damn that was lame, I can’t think.
September 18th, 2008
1. Some big red thingy. I’m not sure what it is but it’s big. Maybe it makes juice or popcorn or spaghetti. It says KitchenAid on it.
2. Digital picture frame.
3. Tennis balls. I thought I was going to play tennis. I think that every summer. Hmmm … next year. I guess I should get a racket though.
Except for books and DVDs, I don’t really buy things. I give stuff away.
September 18th, 2008
1. Soya milk machine
2. A fondue set that was given to us.
3. Tapes on How to make money from Property Investments. This cost us nearly US$800!
September 18th, 2008
Oh good post. I’m pretty good at not bringing things into the house I don’t need, but when we got married 4 years ago I registered for too many things.
1. Overabundance of wine glasses - I think I have somewhere near 40 (combo of different types).
2. Vases - Our cats knock them over no matter how high we put them. Yet, somehow the collection grows. It’s killing me.
3. Books, books and more books. My husband loves books, and I enjoy reading, but how many books on one topic do I need?
September 18th, 2008
Hmmm. The three I don’t use is:
1. Electric Juicer - I REALLY thought I would use this in my pursuit to a healthier me but I have used it a wopping one time. It’s just too much trouble. I’ll just grab a piece of fruit. It’s hiding under my kitchen island right now.
2. As seen on t.v. slicer. One of those that’s supposed to make slicing things a million times easier. Not! The best thing I was able to slice on it was a carrot. Now that I have been married for a year I have gotten much better at slicing things and don’t even need the little booger. I’m selling that one to a friend tomorrow. :0)
3. Vegetable Steamer - One of the old school metal ones you can put in a pot but isn’t a pot. I hope you can visualize. Anyway I’ve used it maybe twice. Now that I figured out I just need a microwave dish with a lid I don’t ever use the thing. I really need to sell it.
I too despise buying things I don’t use but I guess it happens even to the best of us. Ha!
September 18th, 2008
1. Prescription sunglasses. I used to use them everyday when I had a car. Now that I sold my car I never drive and I never remember to wear them.
2. Cell phone. I end up using pay phones if I’m out and about because I often forget to charge my cell phone. I’ve had a cell phone for almost 10 years and I still haven’t become an adept user.
3. Gifts under $10. I have acquired many candles, mugs, cosmetic sample sets etc.; Which I never ever use. To combat this we strictly enforce a ‘no gifts for Christmas’ policy at work. Instead my co-workers and I all go out for a nice lunch or dinner together (separate from our department party). This idea does not work at my mom’s place of employment. So this year I have convinced her to try to convince everybody to donate to a charity they can all agree on, and hopefully she won’t end up with some weird assortment of fruitcakes and angel candle holders this year (which she always guilts me into taking off her hands). Also at work, we have a similar policy for birthdays; we all chip in for fancy pastries and share them, but no actual gifts.
September 18th, 2008
Great comments! Why complicate life keep it simple! Ever seen the Philip’s (Electronic company) catch line? “Sense and Simplicity”
September 18th, 2008
Why don’t I like Linux? Let me count the ways:
1. The command line and obscure commands. Takes me back to the days of DOS. Don’t give me this crap about real techies using the command line all the time. I don’t need the OS in my face as I try to get things done.
2. Applications. Far too many, doing the same things with glitches. If an application isn’t in your distribution’s repository, you either got to make the package yourself, or compile it from source, something I thought I left behind when I got out of software developement.
3. Hardware support. At various times, I’ve had no support for my RAID controller, wireless card and let’s not talk about video cards. If there isn’t a driver, your only option is to write your own, and again, I thought I left this behind when I got out of software developement.
4. Documentation. Even if you can find it (and that’s a big IF), it sucks worse than Jupiter’s gravity. Any tech writer would have been fired and blackballed for putting out what passes for documentation for Linux.
5. Software developement. Some have great support, some mediocre, and many have none. If you come up with bugs or suggestions, more often than not, you either get no response or “here’s the source code, fix it yourself.” Let’s not even discuss abandoned projects.
6. Distributions. While Canonical is attempting to fund further developement in the underpinnings for a common desktop distribution, it’s looking like herding tigers is going to be more productive and feasible. Distrowatch lists over 300 active distributions of Linux and FreeBSD. While choice can be a great thing, that’s just way too many to choose from. Again, as with software developement, what happens when your favorite Linux distribution goes belly up and is abandoned?
7. Penguinistias. The Penguinistas, those religiously fanatic Linux advocates have turned me off to even asking for support from many of the forums. Their main comment to any support requests is, “RTFM!” Any further requests are often met with contempt for the requester, insults both technical and personal, and a lot of high handed condescension that THEY know more than you and that you should grovel before their superior technical skill, knowledge and all around greatness. Any mention of any Microsoft products is grounds for them to ridicule you, savage you as a Microsoft shill, a clueless idiot who can only ‘click-and-drool’, and generally dismiss anything you have to say as idiotic, contemptible and not even worthy of serious discussion.
Is that enough to outline why I hate Linux? It’s a great teaching tool, for learning about software design and engineering. I’ve seen far too many problems and obstacles in getting it to work in enterprises, except in certain niche applications.
Again, this is MY own personal opinion and experience. Your mileage may vary.
September 18th, 2008
Doing a quick mental scan over my house (I’m not home right now), the only thing I can think of is….(1) is a giant top-of –the-line Kitchen Aid mixer. I used it a few times, but since I can no longer eat gluten or most grains for that matter (!) I don’t do much baking that requires a mixer anymore.
(2) Martini glasses I got from a yard sale several years ago. I have about 10.
Everything else, may not get used daily but they get used at some point during the year for dinner parties, certain holidays, seasons and so on.
September 18th, 2008
Weirdly, #1 is - toaster. I’m more apt to use the toaster oven on the rare occasions I want toast (or use the toasting fork and laze in front of the wood burner.) Only time I need it is for the random cravings the husband and I will get for dried beef gravy (or SOS if you were in the military).
2# Blender. I have a food processor, I use the FP. Finally tucked the blender under the counter.
3# Embroidery machine. I understand WHY I was given this (I’m a seamstress and a costumer), and it was a very lovely gift. But… I LIKE to embroider. I ENJOY embroidering. I get caught up in the motifs, picking colors, fiddling with it, the whole experience. Making it quick and easy for me… just kinda kills it for me. But, I got it as a 3 year dating anniversery gift from the now husband, and can’t bring myself to give it away.
September 18th, 2008
Oddly enough I just cleaned out my storage shed and found a lot of things I don’t use …
1. Ab Lounge. You know, those funny looking workout chairs they sell on TV? I found one on sale once and bought it thinking I’d use it a lot. Yeah, used it maybe once and then it’s sat outside for the past 2 years.
2. Dart board. I got it for Christmas from my brother maybe three years ago and still have yet to open it. Just don’t tell him that.
3. Bread maker. I used it a lot when I first got it! OK, I used it until I ran out of the mix that came with it. Honestly, I like to bake and having a fancy machine to do it all for me takes the fun out of it
September 18th, 2008
A trivet that converts to a small basket. Beautiful rosewood, but doesn’t do either job well.
Webber Grill. It’s a pain to clean and scatters ashes all over the patio. Don’t eat much meat anyway, and it’s just as easy to roast vegetables in a 400 degree oven.
Different kinds of book lights, none of which work well or provide enough illumination.
September 18th, 2008
1. A big dog crate. The woman at the greyhound adoption agency said the dogs loved their crates, but mine wouldn’t go near it.
2. Four wheel drive (on a previous vehicle). I lived in southern NC, where it rarely snowed, and I never used it.
3. A DayTimer with all the extras. It was too heavy and I never carried it with me.
September 18th, 2008
Oh gosh, I’m with Vered on this one. I’m pretty brutal. If I don’t use it, I don’t keep it. Think, think, think…I do insist on keeping the fondue pot but rarely use it. Perhaps Vered and I should get together and throw a fondue party!
September 18th, 2008
I second the digital picture frame. My husband got it from his sister before we were married. He got as far as putting a couple of pictures on it, but it uses electricity so we don’t want to leave it on all the time. Our thought is to turn it on when company comes over, but, of course, we never remember to. So it sits and gathers dust!
September 19th, 2008
Glen: That wasn’t lame! I’m glad to hear you have a social life.
And I hadn’t thought about lightbulbs, but I definitely have a pack of two of incandescents that probably won’t get used.
J.D.: “Some big red thingy.” You never can tell with the super specialized kitchen ware. Heck, maybe it’s a quesadilla maker!
Evelyn: Another vote for fondue! And bummer on the tapes. You can could probably make that money back selling a series of tapes on How to Make Money Selling Tapes about Making Money.
Stacey: These were good! And yeah, when did it become a requirement for average folks to have such specialized wine glasses? Stop the madness!
Andrea: Hee hee! All of your busts involve cooking/consuming fruits and veggies. And yeah, it happens to everyone I think. It’s impossible to predict what will actually mesh well with our daily lives.
Karolin: I love the fancy pastry gift idea! Way better than a candle holder! In the long run, it seems better to get the best of something small (and delicious) than the mediocre of anything else.
Vinay: Such a beautiful motto!
jrandom42: Thanks for the breakdown. It sounds like for my needs, Linux might be more of a fun project than an everyday OS. I really appreciate your input.
Carla: Only two? You rock! I’m sure your dietary changes turned your kitchen upside down. Talk about having a good reason to simplify.
Jenna: I’m a big fan of the toaster oven since I don’t have to turn the oven on to make garlic bread or small things like that. And good luck getting rid of the embroidery machine–it was definitely given with good intentions…
Eric: The Ab Lounge! Finally someone admits to buying exercise equipment off the TV! Your bread maker story sounds a lot like Jenna’s embroidery machine in the comment above yours. You two have discovered a new category of clutter!
Marika: “Beautiful rosewood, but doesn’t do either job well.” That sums it up so well. I’d like to say that I’d choose function over beauty every time, but I’m a sucker for good design.
Alexandsam: Oh, the dog crate is a good one! Roo came with one from the previous owners, but he also hates it. Right now it’s holding bags of concrete mix we don’t need. What a collaboration of uselessness. The four-wheel drive is an interesting one. I wouldn’t have thought of it, but I’m sure you’re not the only ones!
Urban Panther: If you guys throw a party, will you invite me? Pretty please?
Becky: Another vote for the digital photo frame! It’s certainly hard to justify the increased energy cost. Has anybody out there enjoyed having one of these?
September 19th, 2008
Hi Sara,
I love these 3 things posts of yours.
1) A pedometer - my husband bought one, so I wanted one, too. I ended up taking mine back
2) A slicer I saw on TV. One of our daughters and I HAD to have them - you know the trick - order within 4 minutes and get two…It’s still in the box. I couldn’t even sell it at my garage sale
3) A workout music CD. I thought I would use it when I’m on the treadmill, but haven’t.
September 19th, 2008
There’s whole bunches of open source software that will run on Windows. In fact, most open source developers have discovered that porting their software from Linux to Windows garners them far more users.
Here’s some places to start:
http://www.digitaldarknet.net/thelist/
http://www.econsultant.com/i-want-open-source-software/index.html
http://mashable.com/2007/09/23/open-source/
http://mashable.com/2007/09/23/open-source/
Just remember that nearly all open source software is a work in progress, known as the “perpetual beta” syndrome. There’s going to be glitches and errors, and often the interface doesn’t work for you. Also, remember that open-source does not mean freeware, although nearly all open source is freeware. Finally, while most open source software that mimics commercial software in basic useage, often the commerical versions are far more polished and have more useable advanced features.
September 20th, 2008
*sigh* my push bike. I had/have big dreams of becoming a bike rider and eventually give up the car, but the bike I bought is too tall for me…and now it just sits there…mocking me… i wasted the money, still don’t ride a bike and have a big useless space waster that I can’t get rid of because I won’t give up the dream just yet *sigh*
September 20th, 2008
Barbara: That’s another vote for a TV slicer! That makes me think of the “gentleman grifter” who was featured on Get Rich Slowly. His $5 tool seems awesome!
Caroline: That is such a tough one, since your intentions were worth maintaining. Can you sell the virtually new bike and use the cash to buy one that’s your size? Or, if biking’s just not for you, give yourself an expiration date to sell or donate it, and if you haven’t used it by then, release it without guilt. Good luck!
September 22nd, 2008
Love our rice cooker (3-5x a week). Love our PS2, also. Great dual purpose for an extra dvd player and an entertainment system with wireless controllers.
Didn’t need:
1. Crib - we co slept
2. High Chair - they wouldn’t stay put
3. Blender - too much trouble to pull out/ clean
September 22nd, 2008
Jasi: I’ve really got to find a way to work the rice cooker into our normal routines! Sounds like a good deal of the “required” baby equipment is anything but!
September 24th, 2008
Tortilla press - we eat tortillas ALL the time, but it is just too much trouble to make them from scratch
China - gets used twice a year at Christmas and Thanksgiving
Juicer - I use my blender and make smoothies instead. It is a whole lot easier to clean.
Bread maker - loved the convenience, but found hand kneading dough more satisfying
However, we have had a rice maker for 10 years and use it at least twice a week.
September 24th, 2008
Dragonridermom: They’re all food-related. I think that speaks to the importance we all tie to meals. I love that you enjoy hand-kneading. What a wonderful way to put a part of yourself into your meals.
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