If we’re going by the cost-per-use of a product, these would hands down be my top items I use every day. Not only are they small, efficient, and convenient, I wouldn’t hesitate to repurchase them the instant they get to the end of their useful life. Not to say I have to buy the exact same item, but definitely something very similar with all the features mentioned below.

Orbitkey Key Organiser

My husband first purchased their classic leather version at a Finders Keepers market a couple of years ago. He especially liked their complimentary initial stamping. At the time, I wasn’t too pleased with him handing over $50 for what I felt was a small strip of leather and plastic, but he ended up using it for years and raved on how small, compact, and easy it was to use.

So come 2020 Black Friday sales where there was a 25% promotion, I decided to buy one for myself and a Christmas present for my brother. (Hubby also finally repurchased a Saffiano version after his old leather one finally got too ratty.) After using my new organiser, I must say I’m completely sold on the product. The default post it comes with comfortably fits 4 standard keys although you can add on an extra post as required. The compact design is amazing to fit inside pockets or small bags, and holds the keys together so they do not scratch or jingle. When needed, the keys are easily accessible.

However, I do have to note that their cactus leather is a disappointment as the seal on mine started peeling off after less than a month of use. That said, their customer service is absolutely amazing and promptly sent me a replacement. No other issues reported by hubby or brother on their Saffiano leather or Crazy-Horse range.
I still think the $50 price point is a bit exorbitant, so I would still recommend waiting for their sales!

Coach Mini Skinny ID Case

A couple years ago, I made a conscious effort to downsize my handbag and carry only the essential cards and cash needed. I’ve always envied how my husband can comfortably step out with just a slim cardholder, but I wasn’t quite ready to go that minimal yet. While I did manage to whittle down most of my cards, I still wanted the option of a zippered pocket for coins and any other small items.

Luckily, I found this Coach wallet that ticked all my requirements, although I wasn’t specifically looking for these specifications at the time. The case is slim and compact, has a clear ID pocket, 3 card spaces (but I usually squeeze another 2 in!), fits folded notes, and even has a zipped pocket with a bonus keyring attachment inside! The leather has also held up exceptionally well and while I don’t think Coach still sell this exact model, their current one is very similar.

Kmart hot water dispenser

I use this gadget every single day, multiple times a day. If Kmart didn’t come out with this hot water dispenser, I was going to buy one from Taobao and get it shipped over. Best $69 spent!

I usually prefer drinking warm water, and this dispenser is also insanely useful to make hot beverages without waiting for the kettle to boil and cool (or waste energy on boiling a whole kettle for just a glass of hot water!). Not only does it have multiple temperatures and various water dispensing volumes, it only takes 3 seconds to heat up the water and won’t hog all your counter space either!

Classicmug BEMEGA

Ok, I didn’t buy this one, but it was a gift to my husband that went unused for a while until I started working from home and didn’t want to constantly get up for hot water, or having a glass cool down too quickly. Paring this with the water dispenser has been amazing to use! 

This mug has exceptional insulation (I fill it up for my bedside and the water keeps hot overnight), has a large opening, is silicone sealed, and my favourite part: a one-handed flip top lid. It also comes with an additional screw top lid and tea strainer, but I haven’t had to use those yet. The flask holds a good 500ml and I love the slim, minimal design. It’s also fully stainless steel and has withstood a few clumsy drops from my uncoordinated hands!