The Everyday MVPs: Once You Own These, There’s No Going Back
If you peeked into my closet, you might never guess it—but I’ve been trying to embrace minimalism lately. Then I look around the house and think, Good grief, who owns all this stuff? Spoiler: It’s mostly mine.
As I’ve been digging through dusty boxes in the basement, half-used tools in the garage, and even doing some soul-searching in my closet, I’ve realized something: There are a few items I just won’t part with. These are the “tools of the trade”—the everyday essentials I reach for constantly. The ones that, once you have them, become part of your daily rhythm.
Here’s my list. What’s on yours?
🔪 Pocketknife
Unless I’m at work, there’s a pocketknife in my pocket. It’s practically a body part at this point. Opening Amazon boxes, cutting tags, peeling off seals, trimming rope—you name it. My daughters don’t even ask anymore; they just walk up and say, “Daaad… pocketknife?” They know.
My go-to blades:
- Kershaw Wharf Folding Knife – $33.40
This is my camping knife. Assisted flipper, razor-sharp blade, and sturdy enough for carving sticks or pretending I’m a woodland ninja. Worth every cent. - Microtech Hera II Automatic Knife – $262
This is my everyday carry. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s made in the USA and features an out-the-front spring-loaded blade. Push the switch and—schlick—you’re in business. Bonus: It’s backed by a lifetime warranty. My wife calls it my “fidget knife,” and she’s not wrong.
⚠️ Check your state laws before carrying an OTF knife.
🚗 First Aid Kit in the Car
Mini First Aid Kit – $9.99
This might be the easiest $10 you’ll ever spend. Scraped knees? Splinters? Hiking mishaps? Covered. Just add extra band-aids—trust me, kids go through them like candy.
👞 Penny Loafers
I’ve probably written more about penny loafers than anyone should, but I stand by them. Jeans, khakis, shorts, sockless—they’re versatile, stylish, and damn comfortable.
Top picks:
- Oak Street Bootmakers Beefroll Loafers – $348
Handcrafted in the USA, even down to the stitching. Once I met the VP of Oak Street, it was game over for my footwear loyalty. - G.H. Bass Logan Suede Weejuns – $149
Since their brand refresh, Bass has been knocking it out of the park. These are perfect for spring and summer, and won’t break the bank.
🔥 Zippo Lighter
Zippo Classic Chrome Lighter – $17.56
I don’t smoke, and I never plan to. But my Zippo? That’s staying. It’s reliable, refillable, and the chink sound it makes is basically audio therapy. Plus, it’s covered by a lifetime guarantee. When mine broke in college, I mailed it in—two weeks later, it came back good as new.
🔦 A Solid Flashlight
LED Flashlight – $12.99
Forget those cop-sized flashlights from the ‘80s. This one’s small, ultra-bright (1600 lumens), waterproof, and runs on AA batteries. Rechargeable flashlights are great—until they’re dead and you’re in the dark. AA batteries are always around.
🛠️ Basic Tools
When I bought my first home, my dad marched me to Lowe’s and made sure I had the basics. These days, I’m a big fan of Harbor Freight for affordable, dependable tools. Here are the ones I reach for most:
- 7″ Laser-Etched Rafter Square – $12
- 30′ Tape Measure – $11.99
- 24″ Aluminum Level – $19.99
- 16 oz. Steel Hammer – $19.99
- 15″ Flat Pry Bar – $4.29
- 66-piece Socket Set – $59.99
- 70-piece Screwdriver Set – $29.99
- 10″ Locking Pliers – $13.99
- 5-piece Pliers Set – $19.99
- Brushless Power Tool Combo Kit – $149
- 4.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac – $126
You don’t need a pro’s workshop—just the essentials that’ll get the job done.
👓 Glasses Cleaning Cloth
Classic Art Microfiber Cloths (5-pack) – $10.99
If you wear glasses, you already get it. I keep one in my pocket at all times. Smudges from long eyelashes, weather, fingerprints—it never ends. These cloths are durable, machine-washable, and have fun prints too.
📸 A Real Camera
Ricoh GR III Compact Camera – $1,046.95
Okay, I’m biased. I’m a photographer. But this camera lives in my pocket. It’s compact, has a pro-level APS-C sensor, and the lens is crazy sharp. Yes, your iPhone is good—but this? This is better.
These are the things I’ve come to rely on—items that feel more like extensions of my lifestyle than just “stuff.” The kind of gear you buy once and use forever.
What’s on your must-have list?