$300 worth of pleasure

August 9, 2024 5:04 PM

My life since December has been a nightmare. Up to my eyeballs in blood, urine, feces, vomit, and tears, dealing with cops, doctors, vets, lawyers, and therapists. Repetitive days of grim duty punctuated by moments of terror. My mom has given me $300 for my birthday and I want to feel happy, or at least experience some pleasure. What can I spend it on? I won't tell you my interests because I think I need something different.
posted by HotToddy to Grab Bag (37 answers total)

For my birthday when I was in a similar situation my partner bought me access to one of these weird and wonderful classes and it was a saving grace for the next six weeks.
posted by brook horse at 5:09 PM on August 9 [9 favorites]

$300 would get a year long museum membership, a really nice breakfast, and a massage.

I'd go get myself a nice breakfast out, spend a few hours in the museum, then finish the day off with a massage. And then the museum will still be there for me all year to go and escape to whenever I want a couple hours of respite, breakfast and massage optional.

Museums are my favorite place in the world to be besides home, breakfast is my favorite meal, and massages are a nice bonus.
posted by phunniemee at 5:12 PM on August 9 [24 favorites]

Are you near an airport? Short round-trip flight to somewhere you haven't been and a nice dinner might be within the $300, depending on your location.

Or maybe a tandem skydive!
posted by inexorably_forward at 5:17 PM on August 9 [3 favorites]

I'd buy a Breville Smart Oven but that's me.

Is there a piece of jewelry or a garment you'd love? Buy that. Wear it. Love it You deserve it.
posted by edencosmic at 5:20 PM on August 9 [2 favorites]

You can get a perfectly fine electric guitar and amp for that much, or a decent synthesizer.
posted by mecran01 at 5:20 PM on August 9 [2 favorites]

I would probably spend that on a very nice pair of shoes, several bottles of fancy liquor, a new camping tent (I do not need a new camping tent), or a long massage.
posted by gingerbeer at 5:31 PM on August 9 [2 favorites]

I’d opt for something nice for my body (massage, manicure, a nice item of clothing I’d feel good in) and something nice for my mind (annual pass to something, maybe a Criterion channel subscription) and maybe put the remainder aside to have on hand so next time I have a “oh, I wish I could have/do X” urge, I just *can*, without having to weigh up whether I *should*.
posted by Stacey at 5:41 PM on August 9

I was also thinking of a plane ticket. Skyscanner lets you search for flights to "Everywhere" and pick a whole month rather than a specific set of dates. Find a destination and a date you can afford.

Other things I might consider:

a compressor ice cream maker that doesn't require you to chill the canister for a certain amount of time before making ice cream, so you can make multiple batches per day if you want

some perennial flowers or fruits for my garden

a compost tumbler
posted by Redstart at 5:41 PM on August 9

If your sleep situation isn't already optimized, I'd take a hard look at that. White noise machine, eye mask, ear plugs, pillow? If you're somewhere it gets cold, I've read excellent things here about heated mattress toppers. Nice sheets? More sheets, so you can have fresh ones more often? Or, someone was just telling me what a vast difference a bedroom air purifier has made for them. Maybe you can't make your days better, but you could at least be better-rested to face them.
posted by teremala at 5:43 PM on August 9 [10 favorites]

Half on fun new sneakers (or sandals or other everyday shoes) that are a little flashier, brighter, and more exciting than you'd normally get so that every time you put them on your feel like prancing a bit. Makes moving through hard days easier.

Half on an indulgent grocery shop where you get things you love that you don't normally treat yourself to. Maybe one or two amazing meals and a variety of snacks to last awhile.
posted by luzdeluna at 5:47 PM on August 9 [1 favorite]

Lunch at a really nice restaurant, a pedicure, and something restated to the hobby of your choice. But I also really like the museum membership and breakfast idea. Or maybe a night at a hip or cute hotel.
posted by vunder at 5:58 PM on August 9

Right now my heart wants an adorable mini photo printer.
posted by Rora at 6:05 PM on August 9 [2 favorites]

A short stay somewhere on the water so you can listen to waves all night.
posted by doift at 6:17 PM on August 9 [12 favorites]

I'd go on a road trip that's not too far. I like to look up "Weird or odd" + state to find interesting stuff to do. If you can find something 3 or 4 hours away, you can spend all the money on doing things/eating/gas and skip getting a hotel.
posted by stray thoughts at 6:25 PM on August 9 [1 favorite]

I’d buy jewelry. For me there’s nothing more “frivolous,” lacking any “function” and so rarely I treat myself to it, especially the good stuff (I don't buy much, but I mostly have the cheap kind). What this also means is that the nice jewelry I have means something to me- graduating high school/college/grad school, engagement, my grandmothers ring, etc. buying something nice would be a symbol of “I made it through/I can make it through.”

Also a really nice pastry. Much more expensive than I would ever usually do.
posted by raccoon409 at 6:39 PM on August 9

Some ideas:
- Dinner for two, 1 Michelin star
- Massage at most expensive hotel spa there is, spend the rest of the day in their pool/spa area
- 2 good seats at a sporting event
- Outdoor activity such as white water rafting, gondola to hiking location, zip line, mountain bike tour, kayak tour
- Whale watching
- Rent a boat
- Music festival
- A quantity of mushrooms, snacks, arrangements for a trip sitter
- A sound bath, reiki treatment, aromatherapy products
- If you have a lot of friends, rent a bounce house, bubble soccer, inflatable wrestling set, etc. You’ll be out of money so your friends will have to chip in for pizza
posted by shock muppet at 7:13 PM on August 9 [3 favorites]

I'd go see a band I liked, for sure.
posted by potrzebie at 7:38 PM on August 9 [3 favorites]

Some really nice tea.

I'm dreaming of booking myself into a hotel with a spa, away from all of my responsibilities (as loved as they are).
posted by freethefeet at 7:49 PM on August 9 [1 favorite]

When I did a similar Big Awful, an Amtrak trip on the Empire Builder, coach class, soothed my soul in a way that nothing else ever has. There is real healing magic in staring out the window for days at gradually changing scenery. There is a herd of mini horses in Montana if you do that route, and other wonders to be had on other long distance routes.

If you book in advance and do coach, the fare is within, or close to within, your budget (not including food, which you can pack on with you or purchase on board).
posted by moosetracks at 7:58 PM on August 9 [7 favorites]

Tickets to the symphony if they are playing something good. Leisurely dim sum lunch the next day with a friend. A bottle of Demeter fragrance Salt Air.
posted by Mizu at 8:00 PM on August 9 [1 favorite]

Hot air balloon ride.
posted by at at 8:01 PM on August 9 [2 favorites]

Id get a day pass for a luxury resort nearby (easy driving distance) and have a daycation. Spend time lounging by the pool, relax in a hot tub, read a good book get a fancy drink or two at the bar.
posted by cgg at 8:19 PM on August 9 [3 favorites]

2 words: RESPITE CARE
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:14 PM on August 9 [6 favorites]

You just need to sleep for a week straight. Pay someone to be responsible and do that, maybe see a friend.

I have been there!!!
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:18 PM on August 9 [7 favorites]

My top suggestion is to use it to go somewhere where you can sit overlooking the water and look out to sea. Other suggestions - buying art: I recently bought a print from this artist which has given me pleasure. And, you're probably not in the UK, but if you were I would suggest the Pause subscription box from Mind, mh charity, with mindful activities. Some have been a bit simplistic for me but overall it's been a good experience. Hope you can find something which works for you.
posted by paduasoy at 12:33 AM on August 10

I’d do a mystery flight. I’ve done them before in Australia and they’re great fun!
posted by Jubey at 5:31 AM on August 10

Seconding respite care.
posted by bunderful at 7:13 AM on August 10

A bunch of bird feeders and seed. Nothing to cheer you up like chirping birdies outside your window.

A recliner or really nice desk chair.

Subscription to Universal Yums snacks from around the world box.

Professional house cleaning day.
posted by bluesky78987 at 7:28 AM on August 10 [3 favorites]

Life size cardboard cutout photo of yourself ($70) to perch wherever people expect to find you.
A hammock ($55) and tree straps ($30) for where you actually are.
posted by cocoagirl at 10:59 AM on August 10 [2 favorites]

My Christmas gift to myself last year was a $300 Lego set, my first in maybe 25 years. Some of the other options in this thread sound more tempting... yet I still want to do it again this year.
posted by dick dale the vampire at 12:00 PM on August 10

massage, movie, sushi, dessert, cocktails.
posted by j_curiouser at 12:19 PM on August 10

A used Nintendo Switch and some games. Their games are good for short bursts of escapism.
posted by Hex Wrench at 12:32 PM on August 10 [1 favorite]

Really nice headphones that let you play music straight to them and escape.
posted by corb at 9:08 PM on August 10

Lately I’ve been daydreaming about a couple of nights in a decent hotel. A lovely bed with lots of pillows and blankets. I would take a stack of books, maybe some writing material or laptop or journal, and a speaker for music. Just cozy up in a wonderful bed and read to my heart’s content, ordering room service or having food delivered as desired. Bliss.
posted by Occula at 8:24 PM on August 11

I would consider something that provides comfort in a soothing, sensual way and/or is an upgrade to your lifestyle along the lines of:

• a really cozy blanket and cozy slippers for when it's cold
• upgrade fan or A/C unit for your personal space when it's hot
• nice headphones or speakers
• spa day with a nice massage or treatment
• a nice meal with people you really like (and perhaps don't get to spend enough quality time with)
• a short visit to a friend you don't get to see often
• membership to a class such as pottery (creative outlet) or yoga (physical outlet)
• a nice haircut

These are all things that provide pleasure to at least one of the 5 senses or otherwise brings psychological comfort.
when you've decided, ask those you trust for specific local recommendations for any services you're not familiar with (e.g. a spa).
posted by Goblin Barbarian at 8:00 AM on August 14

Also: better shoes or gear to increase how your look or feel during an activity you already enjoy or to motivate you to get back into a lapsed activity (e.g. hiking, photography)
posted by Goblin Barbarian at 8:07 AM on August 14

Response by poster: Thank you all for your many great suggestions but in the end I didn't take any of them, and instead spent all of the money on Pilates sessions. My reasoning: It's enjoyable physically while I'm doing it, it's social, it keeps my bad back functional, and it makes me look good, which definitely helps with my mood.
posted by HotToddy at 5:11 AM on August 19 [5 favorites]