We’ve all known someone at one time or another who sheepishly confesses to buying things that they don’t really want. Because of some ambient condition hanging over their heads, they feel they have to buy it. Pressure is applied by people at work, people they know, the latest fad or fashion, their peers, their kids’ teachers, well-meaning family members, “the way we’ve always done it” and countless other invisible hands.
I asked some friends and internet strangers for purchases they felt they didn’t really want. Take a peek at these 11 items that people were compelled to buy although they really didn’t need them.
Niche kitchen condiments
Some respondents confessed to buying exotic oils or gourmet spice blends based on food bloggers’ suggestions. Most of these eventually got buried in cupboards because flavors were unsuitable for day to day cooking. A few said they kept them in case someone came over who would notice.
Designer stationery sets
Even a lot of people I personally know end up buying fancy pens and notebooks just to match what everyone else at the office has. Most of the time, they barely write anything in them, and the pens just sit there, unused.
One person I spoke with online even admitted she bought hers purely to look “professional” during meetings. Retailers must love this, because every time office trends change, suddenly everyone feels like they have to keep up, even if half the stuff never gets used.
Limited-edition mugs
Many people confessed to taking mugs with random characters, slogans, or colors that they didn’t even like because everyone they saw online was raving about it. They then mostly ignored it after coming home. Some bought multiples as they thought it would look cool for Instagram pics but didn’t actually drink from any of them.
Fancy calligraphy pens
Oddly, some people admitted buying fancy calligraphy pens in the hope that somehow their handwriting would improve magically. In reality, most never properly gave them a shot, and they were relegated to the back of a drawer. One even admitted keeping them to feel like they were being productive, while secretly typing everything on their laptop.
Smart home devices no one gets
Some bought smart plugs, motion sensors, or voice assistants because friends said, “It makes life easier!” In fact, many never properly set them up, or gave up after a week. The devices mostly lived in boxes, unused, but just owning them brought a little “modern adulthood” satisfaction, like evidence they were keeping up.
Odd fitness classes
I’ve paid for aerial yoga, paddleboard Pilates, and even hot stone stretching with friends. Someone at work was always talking about it, and I never wanted to seem like I wasn’t interested in whatever was “hot” that month.
I’ll be honest, I never really enjoyed the classes, but felt guilty for missing so I tried a few times and finally quit.
Hip reusable items
A small number of people I spoke with online bought bamboo toothbrushes, metal straws, or stylish shopping bags to feel green. They often switched back to less fussy versions because the new items were awkward, uncomfortable, or inconvenient to use.
Subscription boxes for hobbies
I’ve seen people subscribe to those monthly craft boxes like painting kits, knitting supplies, or gourmet cooking sets just because everyone else was trying them. They didn’t even open half the packages. The subscription kept going because to cancel felt like admitting defeat.
Expensive candles
A couple of people mentioned to me that they purchased those really high-end candles because a friend or an influencer said they were life-changing. They didn’t even particularly like candles. They just liked how they looked on a shelf or how they wowed guests. And then they would rarely actually light them because it felt like a waste of money.
Specialized cleaning gadgets
One stranger I talked with online told me how she bought herself those mini steam cleaners and battery powered scrubbers because of a couple of ‘too good to be true’ reviews. However, she ended up using the standard stuff she already had at home and they did the job just fine.
Quirky board games or puzzles
I have some friends who said they purchased strange board games and those really ridiculous 3D puzzles because everyone online was posting pictures. They didn’t actually use them much or in some cases, they didn’t even comprehend the rules of the game. It became less of a want and more of a social standard where you’re expected to own it to not be excluded.
