# What relatively inexpensive products do you splurge on? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 5, 2017, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808 "2017-04-05T14:00:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![bibliophage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bibliophage/32/7615_2.png) [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/61 "2017-04-07T21:43:10Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > Toilet paper. Life is too short for crappy toilet paper… And yet it’s just going to get crappy in the end. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/62 "2017-04-08T01:01:25Z")
> [@Doug\_K](#): > > It’s always Gear. It can also apply to amps, effect pedals, recording equipment, etc. 🙂 Happy to come close. There’s nothing as satisfying as figuring out an acronym you’ve never encountered before based on context. Well, almost nothing. ---
**Author:** ![Mona\_Lott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee7513/32.png) [@Mona\_Lott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mona_Lott)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/63 "2017-04-08T02:54:04Z")
Saltine crackers. I will not lower my standards to buy anything but Nabisco Premium Saltines. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/64 "2017-04-08T03:05:37Z")
I just thought of something: V8. There are a lot of generics/store brands that I find acceptable, but I’ve never seen a store brand of vegetable juice that comes even remotely close. They’re all horribly thin and tasteless compared to V8. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/65 "2017-04-08T03:09:28Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > 🙂 Happy to come close. There’s nothing as satisfying as figuring out an acronym you’ve never encountered before based on context. Well, almost nothing. Not just close. You nailed one of the two accepted meanings. The link I provided in response to \*\*Doug K. \*\*is to a humorous book called “GAS - Living With _Guitar_ Acquisition Syndrome” If it makes it into the title of a published book, that’s good enough for me. ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/66 "2017-04-08T04:36:51Z")
ebooks. I read about a book a week and they usually cost about $10. I figure $40 a month for entertainment is a steal. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/67 "2017-04-08T04:50:38Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > Not just close. You nailed one of the two accepted meanings. > > The link I provided in response to \*\*Doug K. \*\*is to a humorous book called “GAS - Living With _Guitar_ Acquisition Syndrome” > > If it makes it into the title of a published book, that’s good enough for me. > **[The 7 key stages of Gear Acquisition Syndrome](https://www.musicradar.com/news/7-stages-of-gear-acquisition-syndrome)** > > Got GAS? Learn to recognise the signs... [https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/gear-acquisition-syndrome/](https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/gear-acquisition-syndrome/) > **[Urban Dictionary: Gear Aquisition Syndrome](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Gear%20Aquisition%20Syndrome)** > > Also known as G.A.S. This condition afflicts musicians and singers of all kinds, but seems to be especially virulent in electric guitar players. It is typified by an uncontrollable urge to buy, beg, borrow or steal the latest piece of musical... [http://www.homestudiocorner.com/gear-acquisition-syndrome/](http://www.homestudiocorner.com/gear-acquisition-syndrome/) [http://gas.guitarforum.net/avoidinggas.htm](http://gas.guitarforum.net/avoidinggas.htm) > **[G.A.S. (GAS) Gear Acquisition Syndrome is a terrible thing.](https://www.drummerworld.com/forums/index.php?threads%2Fg-a-s-gas-gear-acquisition-syndrome-is-a-terrible-thing.64692%2F)** > > Someone needs to start a foundation to find a dang cure already. > > I spend far too much money on gear. > > HELP ME! It’s always been Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Even on guitar forums. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/68 "2017-04-08T12:32:26Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > Not just close. You nailed one of the two accepted meanings. > > The link I provided in response to \*\*Doug K. \*\*is to a humorous book called “GAS - Living With _Guitar_ Acquisition Syndrome” > > If it makes it into the title of a published book, that’s good enough for me. It’s Gear. Someone choosing to title their book _Guitar…_ does not change the acronym. mmm ---
**Author:** ![antechinus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/fbc32d/32.png) [@antechinus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antechinus)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/69 "2017-04-08T12:35:28Z")
Picnic food in the park. A sourdough baguette, avocado, smoked salmon, radish and soft cheese. 20 bucks, a knife and a blanket. Luxury. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/70 "2017-04-08T13:15:32Z")
> [@Doug\_K](#): > > [The 7 key stages of Gear Acquisition Syndrome | MusicRadar](http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/7-stages-of-gear-acquisition-syndrome-585947) > … > It’s always been Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Even on guitar forums. > [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > It’s Gear. > > Someone choosing to title their book _Guitar…_ does not change the acronym. > … [ETA: I apologize deeply for this hijack…] Never said it couldn’t be Gear; as a photographer, that is what I call it. But anyone saying it can’t mean Guitar is trying to prove a negative and not allowing usage to determine meaning. Even though one of the links below claims to know the origin of the term, I don’t really care: there are probably articles out there that claim other origins. Even if one was patently wrong one time, they are both valid terms today. From [here](http://theguitarbuzz.com/guitars/how-many-guitars-are-too-many/): > [@The Guitar Buzz](#): > > It’s called GAS. Not the kind of GAS sickness you get after 2 tacos and a bean enchilada…but G.A.S. as an acronym that stands for Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. > > Please understand that the acronym G.A.S. is not my creation. “G.A.S.” was coined by Walter Becker in his 1996 Guitar Player article when he wrote that “G.A.S.” was “Guitar Acquisition Syndrome” Here’s the [article](http://www.steelydan.com/gas.html) from Walter Becker of Steely Dan: > [@Walter Becker](#): > > It’s called G.A.S. - Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. You undoubtedly know someone who has it. Reading this rag, you probably have it yourself. Or will have it someday soon or would like to have it. You may think it’s cool. But it’s not cool. Not anymore. How many Strats do you need to be happy? Wow, there’s even a “[guitaracquisitionsyndrome.com](http://guitaracquisitionsyndrome.com)” website: [http://www.guitaracquisitionsyndrome.com/Page\_1.php](http://www.guitaracquisitionsyndrome.com/Page_1.php) ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/71 "2017-04-08T14:43:04Z")
Lad mags…oh, you said _splurge_ on. Nevermind. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/72 "2017-04-08T16:54:40Z")
> [@Ludovic](#): > > Lad mags…oh, you said _splurge_ on. Nevermind. Ya know, I looked at the word ‘splurge’ several times as I was crafting that post. 😃 mmm ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/73 "2017-04-08T18:29:21Z")
Definitely ice cream. Talenti Gelato is worth it. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/74 "2017-04-09T12:37:23Z")
Headphones. Sure, you can buy functional headphones for less than $20, but I don’t think I own a pair that cost less than $175. Plus, I use a different pair for different types of music, so I usually carry at least three pairs when I travel. My wife just sighs and rolls her eyes. On the other end of the extreme: “Honey, why did you buy NoNamo ice cream? I thought you hated it. You said it tastes like skim milk put in an ice tray.” “Yes, but it was two for $4.00 today only.” ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/75 "2017-04-10T02:32:37Z")
Hmm… Splurge can mean in quantity as well as quality, right? I splurge on plastic forks and spoons, paper plates, and zip lock bags of several sizes. I use more than most people do, I think, and I like it! I usually am pretty environmentally and cost conscious, but I use the heck out of these items. ---
**Author:** ![erysichthon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d07c76/32.png) [@erysichthon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erysichthon)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/76 "2017-04-10T02:50:45Z")
Aveeno shaving cream. Once in a while my inner cheapskate reasserts itself and I buy a can of Barbasol, thinking, _oh, it couldn’t be as bad as I remember_. It is. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/77 "2017-04-10T04:02:51Z")
> [@Ludovic](#): > > Lad mags…oh, you said _splurge_ on. Nevermind. [Bad Habits](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAGfBXgKwQ8) ---
**Author:** ![scootergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@scootergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scootergirl)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/78 "2017-04-10T04:38:35Z")
> [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > ebooks. I read about a book a week and they usually cost about $10. I figure $40 a month for entertainment is a steal. Does your local library provide them? You could get them for free if they do. Here is what we offer at my work/public library. Perhaps yours does the same. > **[eBooks and Streaming | Eugene, OR Website](https://www.eugene-or.gov/1006/eBooks-and-Streaming)** > > The Library offers several ways to download or stream eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music and magazines for your computer or mobile device. ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/79 "2017-04-10T06:05:56Z")
My minimum acceptable ice cream is about $16 per half gallon. ---
**Author:** ![lynne-42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lynne-42/32/3138_2.png) [@lynne-42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lynne-42)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808/80 "2017-04-10T11:35:42Z")
Ribbons. I have always loved ribbons. Now that I am old, I figure that I can wear anything I like. I wear one or two ribbons plaited in my hair every day. I have bought hundreds of different ribbons and have 1.5m, 2m and 2.5 metre lengths of each. I have them rolled up on toilet rolls, in three colour coded drawers. I will buy ribbons whenever I can find one I don’t have and that I would wear. At between $1 and $2 a metre, usually, it is a lovely splurge. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-relatively-inexpensive-products-do-you-splurge-on/783808.md?page=5)