This Website Can Help You Find Products That Will Last Forever

Before the post-World War II economic boom brought affordable consumer goods to the American masses, people did a lot less shopping. There weren’t easily disposable plastic goods or $20 dresses from H&M—in the 1920s, a simple dress might have cost $130 or more in today’s money—and so when people did shop, they were looking for products that would last them for years. Now, it’s hard to find something that isn’t made to fall apart after just a few months.

A website called Buy Me Once aims to help consumers avoid cheaply made, flimsy goods in favor of quality products that are built to last. It features only products that can demonstrate longevity—meaning they’re made from high-quality materials that ideally can be repaired when they do break, and products come with lifetime guarantees.

The site offers everything from bed linens to cooking essentials, including silverware, bakeware, stainless steel skillets, and more. You can even shop for shoes and accessories, as well as gadgets like meat thermometers and cordless vacuum cleaners.

While the prices of such goods are higher than you might be used to seeing, opting for them could be a solid money-saving move. Yes, you could buy a fitted bed sheet at Target for $20 that will last you a couple years, or you could buy a linen one for $110 that will last for as long as you keep it (and keep you cool during summer nights if you happen to be a hot sleeper). And things like backpacks, food storage containers, and blankets shouldn’t need to be replaced after just a year or two. If they’re made right, they should last long enough for you to pass them along to your kids.

Spending more money up front might put a temporary strain on your budget, but it is more cost-efficient in the long run (which is one of the many reasons it’s incredibly expensive to be poor in America). It’s better for the planet, too. As it’s so rare to find bags, shoes, and other necessities that aren’t designed to send you back into the store almost immediately, the curated collection at Buy Me Once could be the thing that actually helps you stop buying extra stuff you don’t really need.

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A version of this article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated for 2024.