The Best (and Worst) Impulse Purchases I’ve Ever Made

We’ve all been there—scrolling through our favorite online store, mindlessly adding things to our cart like we're playing some sort of high-stakes game of "let’s see what I can justify buying today." Impulse buying is a universal experience, one that often leaves us with a mix of joy, guilt, or pure regret. Whether it’s something we absolutely love or something we wish we could return, these purchases often tell a story about who we were in that moment.

So, let’s dive into some of my most memorable impulse buys—both the ones that turned out to be brilliant and the ones that were complete flops. Plus, I’ll share a few tips on how to dodge that all-too-familiar buyer's remorse.

The Best Impulse Buys

1. The Air Fryer I Didn’t Think I Needed, But Now Can’t Live Without

You know the ones—those kitchen gadgets that flood your Instagram feed with pictures of crispy, golden food and promises of "healthier" meals. After seeing an ad for an air fryer (again) for the tenth time, I caved. At first, I was skeptical, thinking, "Do I really need another appliance?" Spoiler alert: I absolutely did.

I use my air fryer almost every day now. It’s perfect for quick dinners, crispy fries, and even baking. The fact that I could make something feel indulgent without all the extra calories felt like a win.

Lesson Learned: Sometimes, a small indulgence can turn out to be an investment in your daily happiness.

2. The Cozy Weighted Blanket

I bought a weighted blanket on a whim after hearing how it could help with sleep and stress. I wasn’t entirely convinced it would make a difference, but once I tried it, I was hooked. It's like being gently hugged by a cloud. It’s now a staple on my bed, and my sleep has improved significantly.

Lesson Learned: Some impulse buys are actually small luxuries that genuinely improve your quality of life.

3. The Fancy Coffee Maker

I love coffee—who doesn’t? But when I impulsively bought a high-end espresso machine, I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype. Turns out, it has become one of my favorite parts of the morning. I’ve saved money on fancy lattes and learned how to make my own special brews.

Lesson Learned: Sometimes, investing in quality can be a win, especially if it’s something you use every day.

The Worst Impulse Buys

1. The Trendy Pair of Shoes I Haven’t Worn Once

I saw them—those perfect, Instagram-worthy shoes. They were a limited edition, the kind that every influencer seemed to have, so of course, I had to get them. Fast forward to today, and they’re still sitting in the back of my closet, unworn and gathering dust. The style was cute, but not practical for my everyday life, and the price tag didn’t make them any easier to justify.

Lesson Learned: Trends come and go, but practicality should be your priority. If you’re not sure when or how you’ll wear it, skip it.

2. The Yoga Mat That’s Now a Blanket Holder

You’ve probably seen that yoga mat you’ve convinced yourself you’ll use every single day to become your healthiest, most zen self. Well, I bought one on a whim—and guess what? It ended up being used as a blanket holder more than it ever served its intended purpose.

Lesson Learned: Just because something seems like it’ll improve your life doesn’t mean it actually will. Take a moment to consider if it fits your routine before hitting that checkout button.

3. The "Self-Cleaning" Robot Vacuum

Oh, I was so excited to buy this gadget. A robot that would clean my floors while I lived my best life—what could go wrong? Turns out, it didn’t quite live up to the self-cleaning hype. It frequently got stuck on furniture, the battery didn’t last long, and I ended up doing more work troubleshooting it than actually enjoying the "free time" I was promised.

Lesson Learned: Always check the reviews thoroughly. And maybe don’t believe every marketing claim.

Tips to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

1. Wait 24 Hours Before Buying
   When you feel the impulse to buy something, take a step back and wait 24 hours before making the purchase. Often, the excitement will fade, and you’ll realize you didn’t really need it.

2. Unsubscribe from Email Lists and Delete Shopping Apps
   If you’re prone to impulse buying, try unsubscribing from promotional emails or deleting shopping apps from your phone. Out of sight, out of mind!

3. Set a Budget
   Having a set amount that you’re allowed to spend each month can help you keep impulse purchases in check. When you’re faced with a temptation, you’ll have a built-in limit to help you make a more informed decision.

4. Do a Quick “Why” Check
   Before buying, ask yourself why you want it. Will it truly improve your life, or is it just a fleeting desire? Being honest with yourself about your motivations can help you avoid regret later on.

Final Thoughts

Impulse buying can be a lot of fun—and sometimes it leads to fantastic discoveries. But as my experiences show, not every impulse purchase ends up being a winner. The key is knowing when to indulge and when to take a step back. By keeping a few tips in mind, you can enjoy life’s little splurges without the buyer’s remorse that often follows.

Have you ever had a purchase you loved—or regretted? I’d love to hear about your impulse buys in the comments!