[rstocker99]

1) Books. A number of years ago when the startup I worked for got acquired my wife suggested that I go out and buy myself something nice to celebrate. After wandering around looking for something fun to buy and not finding anything that excited me I eventually bought myself a $10 book.

2) Things that save me time and make my life more convenient. Often this means services vs. products e.g. paying someone to do work around the house I don't want to do. I'm a sucker for convenience.

3) Good food. Because I love to eat.

4) Experiences e.g. travel. For some reason paying for something that will provide a lifetime of memories always seems worth it.

I'm not particularly price sensitive. If I perceive what I'm buying as worth it I'm happy to pay. For example, if I'm buying a steak at the butcher I'll pay more to get a really good ribeye vs. a cheaper cut.

In general I'd rather have less stuff but really enjoy what I have.

[SkyMarshal]

"In general I'd rather have less stuff but really enjoy what I have."

Hear hear. Less, durable, long-lasting high quality things > more cheap crap.

[prawn]

I'm similar. Convenience. Fine dining. Travel experiences.

But I'd add cookware to the list - pains me to see people struggle along with cheap and shoddy knives, small chopping boards and weak pots and pans.

[etm117]

I totally agree on the knives. If you want easy brownie points I recommend purchasing for your mother (or father if he does the cooking) a set a nice knives for the Holidays or birthday one year. You will be a hero the first time they cut a tomato and don't squish it.

My mother still thanks me and it has been over 6 years since I gave her a set of Wüsthof.

[prawn]

Funny you should say that, because we bought a set of Wusthof-Trident for my in-laws.

I bought mine in Germany and carted them back through China. Gives you a special appreciation of them when you've carried heavy knives and a wood block on your back for a couple of months to get them home!