Asklemmy

A basic set of tools. Car jack, tire iron, jumper cables. Rice cooker, crock pot, and air fryer (probably more than 100 collectively, but each one should be less than 100).

If you have any interest in working on things, a ~$30 set of calipers is an awesome tool for figuring out hardware sizes and so much more. You can definitely spend much much more but as a hobbiest I'd recommend against it.

A few spare charging cables to keep plugged in around the house are always great too, I also recommend keeping one in your travel bag so you never need to think about packing one.

A decent pocket sized torch. It'll help you out in man situations.

A pot, some dirt, and a tomato full of seeds to plant.

Like the man says:

Only two things money can't buy
That's true love and homegrown tomatoes

After that? Any herbs you like. Basil, parsley, oregano, etc. are all better when you can just pick them right off the plant when you want them.

If you have a car: a fast charger for your phone.

It's amazing to me how many use a built-in USB that barely charges the thing.

Safety razor

Honestly, I would recommend a good pair of Bluetooth headphones because it is amazing how simply being able to shut out the world can relax a person.

Sync for Lemmy (ad free, not sub)

A meat thermometer. Probably the best 20 bucks I ever spent. Completely changed how I cook meat.

A well stocked toolbox. Not just a random assortment of things but a well considered, well stocked toolbox with everything you need to tackle basic home repair.

To all those saying that tools are too expensive, they are not. Everything you need to tackle most home repair scenarios can be had under $100. Will you be turning screws by hand and adjusting wrenches? Yes. Will it be enjoyable work? Probably not, but you absolutely can have a good set of very basic tools for under $100 then add to it over time.

Get a hammer, adjustable wrench, angled pliers, razor utility knife, and 11-in-1 screwdriver. Buy additional tools as needed.

a leatherman https://www.leatherman.com/skeletool-18.html

First Aid kit

A flexible phone holder. Watching content in bed has never been more comfortable.

a screwdriver set

A decent flashlight.

A streamlight stylus pro is $20, uses 2 AAA batteries, is barely bigger than a pen, and can be an absolute life saver. It produces way more light and throws it way further than your phone's light, and I've been carrying the same one every day for nearly 15 years now with no signs of it failing. I use it nearly daily in my personal and professional life, you will genuinely wonder how you manages without it if you make it a habit of carrying it.

Or go nuts and get yourself a something like a surefire G2. Bigger, heavier, but more durable and incredibly bright.

Asthma puffer - they are cheap, and if someone has an asthma attack (and you can have one if you don't have a history) it saves a person's life. I have one in my backpack, just in case. This was a tip from a first aid course I did years ago.

An 8-10 inch mid level chef knife. One with a single bevel made of quality steel that can hold an edge will make a world of difference. You haven't lived until you've cut paper thin potato slices like butter

At least one GMRS radio, along with the license to use it. In an emergency where cell lines are down, that's what people will be using for communication. In the US, there are also NOAA weather stations that are very resilient that many GMRS radios can pick up. Just be mindful of etiquette, since there are a limited number of channels.

A Raspberry Pi.

• A tape measurer
• A heating pad
• A water resistant fire safe
• Decent surge protectors for your expensive electronics (splurge on UPS’s if you can)

A shoe horn

A set of spectacle screwdrivers

A backscratcher

An ice cream scoop

One compact bag with a first aid kit, a knife, fire stone, rescue blanket and a turniquet. All really cheap, small and light and it can be life saving.

If you already have a good pedestrian vehicle: a good bike lock.

I (and lockpicking lawyer) recommend the kryptonite evolution. Good balance of price and protection.

For a step up I recommend the kryptonite fahgettaboutit.

Either way, bolt cutters aren't getting in, and portable angle grinders will take a little while because the chain is annoying to grind.

I see too many expensive bikes chained up with thin little locks.