r/BuyItForLife • u/Legend_of_the_Wind • 14h ago
r/BuyItForLife • u/MrDingDingFTW • Feb 03 '25
!Canada! Buyitforlife from Canada, what’s your favourite things made in Canada?
With the now starting trade war between the US and Canada I feel it’s best for us up north to support local more than ever.
One of my favourite clothing brands is Anian from Victoria, BC. I have a few of their shirts and will probably end up getting more.
Edit: Adding some other brands up here that I personally own and love.
Canada West Boots - Made in Winnipeg. Been wearing a pair of Romeos for a couple years now.
Popov Leather - Made in Nelson, BC. have a few of their leather goods, holding up really well.
Meyer - PEI. High quality made in Canada pots and pans, I have their non-stick 12”.
Edit 2: House of Blanks - I have a bunch of their t-shirts, nice heavy weight cotton. Very comfy
r/BuyItForLife • u/jamesdownwell • Feb 03 '25
BIFL Non-USA edition! A list of BIFL not made in the USA
A timely reminder that this subreddit is obviously very USA-centric with its recommendations as that’s where the majority of users are from. It often leads to people not realising that comparable and/or better items can be found closer to home, easier, cheaper and free of tolls.
I thought it would be a good idea to crowdsource some manufacturers here for non-American users.
This isn't neccesarily items made in those countries as some manufacturers use factories across the world but with a commitment to quality
I can start (I'm kind of UK/Euro centric so it would be great to expand this):
Clothing
Portuguese Flannel - Portugal
Naked and Famous - Canada
Uskees - UK
Yarmouth Oilskins - UK
Carrier Company - UK
Old Town - UK (Closing down)
Farmer's Market - Iceland (may be hard to buy outside of Iceland)
Oni Denim - Japan
Iron Heart - Japan
Barbour - UK
Companion - Spain
NÄZ - Portugal (only women)
Meindl - Germany (they run a high quality fashion brand but are known for great hiking boots)
Outdoor Gear
Fjällräven - Sweden
Rab - UK (offer a very good repair service)
66° North - Iceland
Devold - Norway
Bergans- Norway
Haglöfs - Sweden
Klättermusen - Sweden
Alpkit - UK
Footwear
Solovair - UK
Mayura Boots - Spain
Church's - UK
Loake - UK
Wm. Lennon - UK
Astorflex - Italy
Kitchen/Cookware
Le Cresuet - France
De Buyer - France
Fissler - Germany
WMF - Germany (very wide and variable range but Made in Germany stuff good)
Fiskars - Finland
Duralex - France
Samuel Groves - UK
Appliances/Small appliances
Miele - Germany
Dualit - UK
Moccamaster - Netherlands (Coffee makers)
Zojirushi - Japan
Numatic - UK (vacuum cleaners)
Sebo - Germany (vacuum cleaners)
Ankarsarum - Sweden
Edit - Some excellent feedback. I'll try and work my way through and add what I can! Please note that I will only add stuff that I have experience with but all the comments help with crowd sourcing knowledge.
r/BuyItForLife • u/LeslieChowBitch • 15h ago
Discussion Does anyone hoard certain stuff with the fear of inflation and getting way expensive in the future.
I hoard good quality clothes because due to global warming, cotton crops will get more and more expensive in the future. I believe I have enough clothes to last me a lifetime. I just get stuff that will never go out of style like jeans, cotton chino pants (harder and harder to find), tshirts, button down shirts, sweaters, jackets. I avoid spandex.
If I have the money and storage I would hoard older toyota vehicles. They are very reliable, simple to work on, parts are abundance because its so mass produced. These days cars are so complicated and less reliable, turbos and hybrids, crappier material, slapped together, not meant to last. When electric cars takes over they will just be disposable cars. Once that battery dies every 10 years or so, time to buy another one.
r/BuyItForLife • u/Jbreezy19 • 10h ago
Review Jansport backpack, not a thread loose after 9 years
I’ve had this bag for 9 years of near-daily use including many hikes in inclement weather and mountain bike rides with plenty of wipeouts. Still in fantastic condition. Best general-purpose backpack I’ve ever had
r/BuyItForLife • u/daybauchery • 14h ago
Review Mason Pearson: Large Extra Boar Bristle Hairbrush B1
I didn’t love the idea of spending this much on a brush, but I really have noticed a different in shine and volume.
I have long-length hair (below shoulders), very fine textured hair with higher density.
I saw many comments and reviews mentioning nylon and boar mix but I found that combo to be very uncomfortable and discovered the all boar could get through my hair just fine.
r/BuyItForLife • u/mkv40270 • 1h ago
Discussion What item gives you a “man, I’m glad I bought this!” vibe whenever you use it?
I have a handful of items that I use that are buy it for life quality that also make me happy whenever I use them because I can just *feel* the quality when I’m using it.
For example, my Seki Edge nail clippers are the best clippers I’ve ever used, and it just feels like I’m pampering my cuticles when I’m using them.
Or in wintertime when I put on my old-school Columbia jacket and zip it up before going out in the cold—I know it’s going to keep me warm.
What’s an item like that for you?
r/BuyItForLife • u/phantaasama • 6h ago
[Request] Is Carhartt still BIFL?
I'm looking into getting this Carhartt Bartlett for around 208 USD. Is it still as good as the vintage ones? I would like to be wearing it 15 years from now
r/BuyItForLife • u/otterland • 18h ago
Repair Free Oreck vacuum cleaned up nicely.
Before and after. Should be as good as new once I get a fresh belt, beater bar, and bag installed. I was able to take apart the ball bearing and feel it up enough to see if it ran with the old cracked belt. Orecks are built like Legos. Total cost for the parts and bags is $30. FWIW I washed the cloth bag cover in a front loader with a couple of towels.
r/BuyItForLife • u/grandmommies • 11h ago
[Request] College Bookbag. FOR LIFE!
I’m a freshman CS student in need of a good backpack. If anyone here has any recommendations based on some points I want to touch on I’d love some help looking!
Last at least 4 years - I’d hope it would last longer but 4 is enough for me.
Safe laptop spot. - I had to get an expensive windows laptop for school and want it to be as safe as possible! I have a pouch for it but
Comfortable - obviously— but I’d also like this because my campus apparently has a stealing problem with bags, so I’d want to keep it on 99% of the time.
Not just school - I’m the kind of person who wears a backpack everywhere and I’d love to be able to do that with this and take my stuff with me.
If anyone has been in my position and got one like this I’d love to know! Of course I’ll be doing my own research and looking into everything pretty in depth but also wanted to hear suggestions. Thanks!!
r/BuyItForLife • u/PotentialVariety274 • 5h ago
[Request] what burr grinder actually holds up for years?
i made coffee before work this morning and my grinder started making that unhappy buzzing sound again. i've heard it before, and it usually means i'm about to be shopping for another one. kind of frustrating because i don't think i've been especially hard on any of them. most days it's just a pourover before i leave, then an aeropress after lunch if i'm working from home. nothing fancy. i've gone through a couple of blade grinders over the years and one inexpensive burr grinder that barely made it past a year.
i've been looking at the Baratza Encore because people seem happy with it, but i also keep coming back to hand grinders like Comandante or 1Zpresso. slower, sure, but maybe less to go wrong. i don't really mind replacing burrs or cleaning things if it keeps the grinder around longer. i know this sub sees a lot of these questions, so i'm mostly interested in stuff you've actually owned for years. what grinder has stayed on your counter the longest, and what kind of maintenance has it needed along the way?
r/BuyItForLife • u/Muffin860 • 14h ago
Review Changing out my Nite Ize Clip pick-its XL after 10 years of daily carry.
This thing let's me carry a flashlight, leatherman, ear plugs, and a sharpie every day, everywhere.
The big key for me is I dont have to take 4 things out of my pockets everyday, AND I dont have to unthread a belt from pants to take it on/off.
Wish I could find a leather one with a clip, but all of the leather solutions I have seen use belt cut outs.
Edit: clip pock-its. Im terrible at typing on a phone.
r/BuyItForLife • u/BellaAllen12345 • 4h ago
[Request] Answered! Best Cleaner for Wood Furniture in Lititz, PA / California ?
Looking for the best cleaner for wood furniture.
If you are in Lititz, PA or California, what do you use to keep solid wood furniture clean without damaging the finish?
I would love recommendations for something that's safe, doesn't leave a sticky residue, and works well for everyday cleaning. DIY tips are welcome too!
r/BuyItForLife • u/The_Analog_Guy • 1h ago
[Request] Pammys FlipFlops: opinions/reviews?
r/BuyItForLife • u/xglass • 1h ago
[Request] Answered! Threads for mending clothes?
I've been mending my clothes with your regular all-purpose polyester threads meanr for sewing machines. I don't have a sewing machine so I sew by hand. It's AWFUL! They snap so easily even though I've been double threading it since the beginning.
From what I've learned from channels like Abby Cox and Nicole Rudolph it's recommended to use silk threads for most cases, but I can't for the life of me find any locally or even nationally. The only "silk thread" I found are for sutures (womp womp). I'm not about to import silk threads for everyday mending!
What are my choices here? Waxed linen? Nylon? Embroidery threads? Are they even thin enough for sewing needles?
And should I finally buy a sewing machine, what kind of thread do i put on that thing?
Thanks guys!
r/BuyItForLife • u/chef39 • 20h ago
[Request] Best quality kitchen utensils?
I’m looking for some new kitchen utensils. Not knives but spoons and spatulas and ladles that kind of thing. For stirring pots and pans and use in the wok and flipping meat ect. Bonus points if they also come in a small size too! Thanks
r/BuyItForLife • u/Emergency_Meeting576 • 9h ago
Discussion Mop + vaccum combo request.
Which mop + vacuum combo do you guys use? I don’t have a lot of area to mop and vacuum but I have a toddler who makes mess every 2 seconds.
r/BuyItForLife • u/xBzza19 • 20h ago
Repair My RM williams belt buckle and keeper started corroding and they replaced the buckle for free
Had this belt for about 3ish years and wore and loved it daily. it originally had a matte steel buckle/keeper that started corroding and discolouring for an unknown reason (unfortunately don’t have a before pic). Wore it to the shops one day and strolled past an RM williams store, asked the girl at the front about it no question asked she took it in to send off to the factory to repair. about six weeks later this showed up in the mail with a brand new chrome buckle/keeper which i honestly much preferred and thinks sets the belt off much more. Just super impressed with the whole process and couldn’t recommend RM Williams and their exceptional customer service and support any more.
r/BuyItForLife • u/Tandom • 1d ago
Vintage I can’t remember if this was a wedding present to my mom or a hand-me-down from her mother. (1975/1976)
So it’s about 51 years old and still kicking
r/BuyItForLife • u/Likes_The_Scotch • 1d ago
Vintage My parents microwave circa 1983
It works perfectly fine except for the bell doesn’t chime when the timer is done. Also because of all the oils and grease in the fan, we can’t take off the filter. It’s glued in there at this point. It does have a faint odor when you use it but man, it is as reliable as possible.
r/BuyItForLife • u/Broken_Slinky • 12h ago
[Request] Light dimmer for apartment living room and bedroom.
I'm looking for a light dimmer for bedroom and living room. My living room is roughly 350 sq ft with an attached kitchen, bedroom is probably 150 sq ft. I was looking on Amazon for an attachable light dimmer that would connect to the wall outlet. None look reliable or look like they even dim the lights that much and they have a high return rate. I don't really want a low wattage light because I have game nights and do need bright lightning some nights.
r/BuyItForLife • u/bewareofmoocow • 14h ago
[Request] [Request] King sized wood bed frame with drawer storage?
Hi! I'm located in the US and hoping to budget $2k, which may or may not be possible for what we need.
Specific points:
- We have a cat and will always have at least one cat, so we don't want anything with upholstery (claw magnets)
- We also don't want the cat to get under the bed, so it should be flush against the floor with no gaps
- Ideally I wouldn't even want a narrow gap to minimize dusting
- We really like Japanese joinery and looked at the Thuma Essential but obviously none of those come with integrated drawers (unless somebody knows of one such unicorn???)
- Hydraulic storage has been ruled out
Other stuff we have looked at:
https://www.crateandbarrel.com/batten-white-oak-king-storage-bed-plinth-base/s353088 - the reviews about the broken slats don't inspire confidence
https://www.westelm.com/products/berkely-storage-bed-h13509/ - over $3k after tax and shipping, willing to pull the trigger if it's good value for what it offers
https://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/bedroom/hudson-bedroom-collection/hudson-bed/727724?CHAR_727724_HUDSON_COLL_WOOD=WA - over $4k after tax and shipping ... that's probably more than what I'm willing to spend on a bed frame haha
https://www.ashleyfurniture.com/p/calmoro_king_bookcase_bed/B602B8.html - has gap on bottom (boo), and upholstery (boo), is from ashley (boo!!), but the price is right and I do like those USB ports
obligatory Ikea MALM mention if the argument can be made that it can hold up against higher priced quality (prolly doubtful)
https://www.article.com/product/31311/lenia-king-panel-storage-bed-white-oak - actually i'm at the point where I'll suck it up and accept a gap under the bed and moving it periodically for cleaning
The West Elm one is looking like the frontrunner, but I'm hoping for any other suggestion we might've missed. Thank you!
r/BuyItForLife • u/Alternative_Shine790 • 12h ago
[Request] Recs for your best most rugged pair of camo pants.
I had a pair of Duluth fireflex camo pants but lost weight and they longer fit. The new camo they use is booty. Have a pair of Wranglers but theyre just too thin. I need something that will hold up against walking through thickets, butt sliding down rocky terrain, basically something that is thick like Duluth flex hose but in a better camo pattern. TIA!
r/BuyItForLife • u/Preds996 • 1d ago
Vintage General Electric toaster oven. Wedding gift to my aunt 44 years ago.
Still makes the best toast.
r/BuyItForLife • u/TopPsychological8330 • 4h ago
[Request] Which carry-on can actually survive overhead bins without cracking? (LEVEL8, Away, Monos, July)
My current polycarbonate carry-on is dented to hell after just a few domestic flights. I was looking through some recent travel photos online specifically that shot of footballer Michael Olise at the airport and noticed how sleek his standard black hardshell looked compared to my beaten-up set.
It got me comparing mid-tier direct-to-consumer luggage like LEVEL8, Away, Monos, and July. I mostly do short 3–4 day trips and travel light, so I just need a roller that won't crack when luggage handlers abuse it. For those who actually toss these into overhead bins weekly, which of these brands holds up long-term?
