28 Completely Unnecessary Items That We’re Still Somehow Justifying

Let’s talk about that specific type of shopping where you find yourself crafting elaborate scenarios to justify purchases that serve absolutely no purpose beyondmaking you smile. You know, the kind where you’re explaining to yourself (and possibly your significant other) why lightsaber chopsticks are actually an investment in making healthy eating more exciting, or how fancy ice cubes could technically count as meal prep. This list celebrates those moments whenyour practical sideloses the argument to your inner child who still believes joy should be a budget category.

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Review:“I ordered these as gifts for some of family and friends who like to bake. Fun and convenient to store.” -Book Goddess

Baking ingredients and utensils on a kitchen counter, highlighting self-control challenges in culinary delights.

Review:“Bought this as a gift for my girlfriend and she loves it! Works exactly as tended, easy water drainage without having to remove the flowers. Looks nice when left out for display as well” -Dan Kline

Person arranging flowers in a vase, cut stems exposed, showcasing an item challenging self-control.

Review:“Love these, have purchased a few times and will now buy the 50 pack because they really add a ton of fun to my bonfires. Depending on how much your fire is raging they will last 30-60 minutes. I use 2-3 packets at a time. Highly recommend.” -JAO

Colorful flames in a metal fire pit on a stone patio, showcasing items that test our self-control.

Review:“My son is a huge Star Wars fan and this was the perfect gift! Not only does the whole handle light up, but it can also be changed to different colors or rotate colors in one setting. I love that it has a flashlight in the handle, separately operated. It came well packaged in shipping. I would definitely gift this to any other lightsaber loving fan!” -Dan Z.

People holding light-up umbrellas, testing self-control with their unique glowing designs.

Review:“This is a beautiful bag I saw it in ZARA and found it her for cheaper price. It’s the same bag really cute.” -Rogerlyn Jackson

Review:“The Golf Pool Game is a great way to have some fun indoors.” -C Hays

Man playing mini pool on the floor, testing self-control with a unique setup in a cozy living room.

Review:“They take a while to inflate and deflate but they are so much fun. We have used them in the pool and on lake trips. Both little kids and adults can use them.” -Ambular

Women on inflatable chicken pool floats, testing our self-control with whimsical fun at a backyard pool.

Review:“I bought this cup for my son’s birthday because he’s a film student. He loves it because he said it’s so detailed and looks just like a lens that he has.” -Samantha

Camera lens mug filled with coffee, testing self-control with its realistic design.

Review:“Awesome piece of art at a great price.” -Jack PCB

Snake-shaped decorative mirror reflecting greenery on a textured wall, testing our self-control in style.

The battle between sensible shopping and soul-feeding splurges continues as we explore more ways to test our impulse control. These next finds challenge everything we know about responsible adulting, proving that sometimes the best purchases are the ones we can’t explain on spreadsheets.

Review:“My six year old is obsessed. He makes us read it every night without fail and laughs hysterically, and the falls asleep laughing to himself about “Boo Boo Butt”. And despite reading it nightly I also don’t mind it - it’s fun to read aloud and not a reasonable length. Would 100% recommend.” -JSpike

“The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak on a table, showing open pages with bold text, testing our self-control."

Review:“If you are a lego lover, this is great as a gift, particularly if the people you are giving it to (parents/grandparents) get to see you and your kid (or solo) put it together for them. Great memories abounded and they all said it was the best gift they’d gotten that year.” -Amazon Customer

Lego flower bouquets in glass jars, showcasing colorful designs that test our self-control.

Review:“Seriously love this bathmat - and it is very well made.” -Richard DoddAre you looking to freshen up your bathroom game? Check out these24 Bathroom Matsthat are just out there enough to make a statement.

Tiger-shaped rug on grey floor with orange slippers and a yellow mug nearby, testing self-control.

Review:“I love that it has big pieces and fun to set up. Very easy to rearrange and make it your own. Tetris is a classic and this light is soooooo much fun.” -Katrina E Benjamin

Colorful Tetris-style lamps stacked creatively, challenging self-control with vibrant illuminated blocks.

Review:“Very cute and works very good. Good for desk or beside your bed.” -Sandi

Cute animal-themed humidifier with glowing light, testing our self-control with its charming design.

Review:“This has been a favorite purchase if I need a quick light in middle of night it’s one tap. It’s a Bluetooth speaker and it charges!” -Amazon customer

A modern charging hub with LED light, showcasing tech items testing our self-control on a desk.