I’ve grown up a sale seeker, last-call shopper, and outlet hunter—nothing gives me a bigger thrill than scoring something for 70% off. And with our twenty-month-old toddler guy in tow and daycare expenses burning up our bank accounts, making every dollar stretch is a daily challenge. But spending wisely doesn’t always mean choosing the lowest priced item. When it comes to home items, sometimes opting for the cheapest deal may cost us more in the long run.
Here are eight must-have home items that are definitely an investment, but worth every penny for any home:
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8 Really Expensive Things for Your Home This Winter That Are Totally Worth the Money
Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop
Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop
Price: $79 (Amazon) | $99 MSRP
Why It's Worth It : Nothing battles bacteria and dirt better than a steam mop. And with our tiny humans crawling and rolling on the ground, the last thing we want is toxic cleaning fluid on our floors. This version by Bissell is a dream come true because it's relatively light, easy to use and store, and includes two washable mop cloths.
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven - 7¼ Qt
Price: $323.28 (Amazon) | $470 MSRP
Why It's Worth It : This dutch oven was the first thing we registered for when my hubs and I were engaged to be married. And since then, this old faithful Le Creuset has lived up to the hype. Even heating, no chipping, easy to clean, and the perfect size for all our one-pot winter meals. If we could only have one pot for the rest of our lives, this would be it.
KRUPS BW730 Breakfast Set Electric Kettle
KRUPS BW730 Breakfast Set Electric Kettle
Price: $69.95 (Amazon) | $95 MSRP
Why It's Worth It : With all the holiday cooking, our stove tops will be full of pots and pans, crowding out our dear tea kettles. This Krups electric kettle is a lifesaver because it has an automatic shutoff switch which gives me instant peace of mind. We've had ours for a long while (four years and going strong), and we couldn't imagine life without it.
Dyson AM05 Hot + Cool Fan Heater
Dyson AM05 Hot + Cool Fan Heater
Price: $225 (eBay - Refurbished ) | $399 MSRP
Why It's Worth It : If you live in a charming but drafty home like us, this Dyson fan is worth every cent. The perfect fan that blows hot air to keep your little one's room toasty without the fear of burning the whole home down or spending a small fortune on your utility bill. Bonus: During the sweltering summer days, this fan magically cools the same room down. And did I mention it comes with a remote and can rotate to evenly distribute the heat/cool air? Yes, it's that awesome. And if you see it on eBay or on sale, don't think, just buy.
Cuisinart MCP117-16BR MultiClad Pro Stainless 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack
Cuisinart MCP117-16BR MultiClad Pro Stainless 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack
Price: $73.16 (Amazon) | $170 MSRP
Why It's Worth It : I had gone through my umpteenth foil roaster pan from the supermarket when I decided to buy our first roasting pan. Thanks to Amazon's everyday deals, I scored this sturdy, good looking version by Cuisinart. It's the perfect size to roast stuffed turkey breasts on Thanksgiving, whole chicken with lemon and sweet potatoes during the winter, or a hearty bacon mac and cheese dish in January. Easy to store and easy to clean, too.
TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow
TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow
Price: $99 (Standard) - $129 (Queen)
Why It's Worth It : We deserve a good night's sleep. And choosing a quality pillow to support our neck and head is key. We scored these Tempur-pedic pillows during a holiday sale, and they have kept their support for almost two years. Back, side, or belly sleepers will thank the heavens for this dreamy memory foam pillow.
Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Brown/Saute, Steamer
Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Brown/Saute, Steamer
Price: $129 (Amazon) | $299 MSRP
Why It's Worth It : A house becomes a home in winter with a proper crock pot. Cuisinart's version boasts an array of heat settings and stores neatly when not in use. I love the slim design of the pot since it fits easily in our fridge.
Pottery Barn Faux Fur Throw
Pottery Barn Faux Fur Throw
Price: $129
Why It's Worth It : What better way to cozy up with your family than with this luxe faux fur throw? The faux fur adds a fabulous design touch for any living room, chair, or bed. And the neutral shade will live beyond the winter season.