I love people who make things well.

The sort of thing you’re still using years later, quietly thinking, I’m so glad I bought this.

You work hard. Save up. Read the reviews.

Then the zip breaks. The battery gives up.

You feel you’ve wasted more than money.

You’ve wasted the hours you worked to earn it.

Over the past ten years, I’ve found a fairly random collection of things I keep coming back to. Some expensive. Some wonderfully ordinary.

Here’s what has earned its place and stood the test of time.

(I have no affiliation with any of these products. All links provided are non-affiliate links—just my own curated list of companies I love.)

1. Everyday Essentials

A friend told me about this company years ago.

He’s the sort of bloke who could buy a sandwich and end up knowing more about the bread than the baker.

I have spent good money on socks that just don’t stand the test of time.

With a lifetime guarantee, you know they must be good!

Out of all the socks I own, I always keep reaching for these. Amazing.

I went for the No Show Tab Cushioned Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks. Pro tip: buy them all in the same colour. Life’s too short to spend your mornings running a missing sock investigation.

2. My Go-to Supplements

Friends often ask which capsules I take.

I have tried and experimented with so many brands. Pure Encapsulations is the one I keep coming back to.

I start taking a multivitamin and vitamin D now, as we head into winter.

I take Lion’s Mane first thing, either in capsules (not available to the public yet) or in our tinctures, and Hypnos capsules in the evenings.

That is it. Keep it simple.

3. The One Membership

One of my favourite things to spend money on is somewhere I leave feeling better than when I arrived.

The pub can do that too, although the following morning sometimes disputes it.

I’ve been using saunas and cold plunges three or four times a week for over ten years. It’s one of the few routines I’ve kept coming back to.

I’ve been a member of the Lido in Bristol, and my girlfriend and I have visited Scenic Sauna in the Cotswolds a few times.

If you’re curious, see what’s near you. You might find a new favourite way to spend an hour.

4. My Go-to “Healthy Snacks”

I’m very sceptical of the word “healthy”.

I sadly see consumer goods following American standards, filled with sugar, preservatives, etc.

Our supermarket standards have definitely slipped for convenience.

However, two of my regular snack choices are:

Adonis Keto Crackers

Re-Nourish Soups (available at most Waitrose stores)

I keep coming back to these as they are some of the cleanest on-the-go products I have seen.

5. The One Rucksack

Probably the strongest endorsement on this list.

I’ve used it nearly every day for around ten years.

It’s been up Kilimanjaro. Around the world. Through all the considerably less glamorous journeys in between.

Still holding up.

A decade of use tells me more than an unboxing video ever could.

The Nomatic travel bag is the one I use every day.

6. Old-school over “Fancy” Tech

I’ve owned two pairs of AirPods.

I’ve also lost two pairs of AirPods.

At some point, you have to accept the evidence.

The cheaper wired pair has a rather useful feature: the two earphones are physically attached to each other.

Buy for the person you are. Including the person who loses things :)

I still use these every day. They’re cheaper to replace, and the sound is just as good.

7. The One App I Use Daily

The only app I pay for: Wim Hof.

A simple, great habit.

Turn up, breathe and feel better afterwards.

I’ve been using it most days for over five years.

8. My Strangest Purchase That I Love

Imagine a small surfboard balanced on a roller.

I came across these while reading about ADHD, and I use mine most mornings when I’m at home.

Balancing gives you an immediate physical task: notice where your weight is, make a small adjustment, try again.

I wouldn’t claim it treats ADHD. It’s simply a little practice I’ve kept up, and I enjoy playing on it.

Staash Balance Board

9. My Go-to Trainers

I have run an Ironman in these and walk around the park in them most days.

I suffered from shin splints as a runner, but they disappeared after I moved to these.

Brooks Ghost shoes have been my running shoes of choice for well over a decade.

10. My Go-to Fashionable Items

My girlfriend put it beautifully:

“Keep it simple. Blend into the environment with a touch of flair.”

I like understated, non-flashy branded clothing that is well made and fitted.

Polo shirts & running shirts – Lululemon

Spoke London for trousers.

11. Two Items for the New Me

I have talked about this item many times before.

But a Myo Massage Ball is a game changer for any niggles and soreness.

I also love the RumbleRoller, but it’s harder to carry around.

12. A Hydro Flask

Another everyday item I keep coming back to.

A bottle earns its value by being with you: on your desk, in your bag, beside you after a run.

I have bought a Hydro Flask and a Yeti water bottle—both have been great.

Looking at this list, my rucksack is probably the best example of what I mean by value.

I can barely remember buying it.

But I’ve had ten years of reaching for it.

Before your next purchase, try asking:

What problem will this solve?

How often will I use it?

Do I already own something that does the job?

You might find something worth paying more for.

You might realise you don’t need to buy anything.

Both are good outcomes.

The things I value most have this in common:

Long after I’ve forgotten what they cost, I’m still glad I own them.

I do not wish to own more things, but to own a few things I really love and use all the time.

Have a great week ahead.

Kia Kaha & Love

Chris Xx