I have money burning a hole in my pocket, help me spend it.

November 12, 2014 11:19 AM

I want suggestions for something to buy with £30 as a treat for myself.

A few years ago my Mum brought me a fish tank. I really enjoyed having fish, however after they passed away I moved my front room round and no longer had room for it. I've just sold it for £30 so I want to buy something that is frivolous or beautiful with it. However I have no idea what to get. I love studio pottery, however I doubt I'd get much for £30 as the price of decent pots has gone up recently.

I enjoy horseriding, writing, silversmithing, making art, cooking, and gardening. I've not been cooking much lately and want to get back into the kitchen more. So something to inspire me or make cooking more fun would be good. Or something to encourage me to do more art work or writing (though most of my writing is done on the computer).

Ideas I've had so far have been a fancyish pen, maybe a set of good knives (or just one really good knife). Any other ideas would be much appreciated. I am looking mainly for an item that I'll get several years of use out of, even if the use is it just looking pretty.

posted by Ranting Prophet of DOOM! to Home & Garden (7 answers total)

Best answer: Maybe a pretty serving bowl or plate? Bonus with big serving bowls is they're ace for displaying fruit when not otherwise in use. I'm a bit of a servingware junkie, and I've seen plenty of lovely things about at your price point.
posted by skybluepink at 11:35 AM on November 12, 2014

Best answer: You can get a Victorinox Chef's knife for £30 which is "the" reasonably priced kitchen knife and gets uniformly fantastic reviews. Given your hobbies I think it is probably the "thing" you would get the most enjoyment and use out for the money.
posted by Another Fine Product From The Nonsense Factory at 11:52 AM on November 12, 2014 [3 favorites]

Best answer: When you ride, do you use a crop or a dressage whip? A nice whip just feels nicer in the hand; I still remember my favorite whip (alas, it got trod upon).
posted by fiercecupcake at 11:58 AM on November 12, 2014 [1 favorite]

Best answer: You know what, forget what I said, my Victorinox Chef's Knife is going strong for over a decade now, and I totally concur with Another Fine Product From The Nonsense Factory. Enthusiastically seconded.
posted by skybluepink at 12:13 PM on November 12, 2014

Best answer: In addition, just to throw out an alternative idea, the lamy studio is the best designed and most attractive fountain pen I have ever owned and has the same nib as their £100 pens. I would suggest buying with a fine or even extra-fine nib though - the medium nib is very broad.
posted by Another Fine Product From The Nonsense Factory at 12:46 PM on November 12, 2014

Not an item, but a fun thing: birchbox. My sister *loves* it, and says its like getting an unexpected gift for herself. And for non make-upy people, they let you customize it to get more of what you like. Its £30 pounds for three months.
posted by troytroy at 1:11 PM on November 12, 2014 [1 favorite]

Inspirational for art purposes? 20x200 purchase?
posted by youdontmakefriendswithsalad at 4:04 PM on November 12, 2014