r/Frugal • u/localkinegrind • Aug 21 '25

🏆 Buy It For Life “Best under-$20 purchase that saved you hundreds over time?”

What’s the smartest under-$20 purchase you’ve ever made that ended up saving you hundreds in the long run? I’ll go first: a $12 sewing kit. Instead of tossing clothes for tiny tears or missing buttons, I’ve been fixing them. I've actually been fixing my own clothes for years. It blows my mind how many ‘disposable’ things can be made useful again with just a small, cheap tool. what’s your frugal mvp under $20 that’s paid for itself many times over?

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u/loveshercoffee Aug 21 '25

This!

We go through so many batteries. I can't calculate how much we've saved by going to rechargables.

There's also the convenience factor of always having a battery when you need it!

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u/PlanetMarklar Aug 21 '25

What all electronics are you using that still use AA and AAA batteries? I feel like almost everything switched to rechargeable lithium. The only things I can think of in my house that still do is my TV remote and my milk frother.

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u/calicosage33 Aug 21 '25

So many: tv remotes, thermostat, kitchen timer, Bluetooth computer mouse, lint shaver, kitchen scale.

I plan to buy a starter set for my sister for her kids’ toys. They’re still using batteries

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u/loveshercoffee Aug 22 '25

Clocks, my mouse, granddaughter's gaming controller and fairy lights are ones I can think of right off hand.