Things I Bought with My Extra ‘Adult Money’ (That Were Totally Worth It)
Saving will always be a top priority—and rightfully so. But once in a while, when the bills are paid, the essentials are covered, and there’s still a bit of wiggle room in the budget, it’s nice to treat ourselves. A little extra joy or comfort doesn’t hurt—especially if it makes our everyday lives a bit easier, more organized, or just a tad more fun.
So today, I’m sharing a few random but useful (and delightful!) things I’ve picked up with my extra “adult money.” These are real finds from around my apartment—simple purchases that turned out to be totally worth it.
Quick note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my little corner of the internet!
Let’s start with the practical stuff—the ones that feed the mind and soul.
1. Books
I’ve always loved reading—especially when I was younger. (Fun fact: I majored in Journalism! So yes, books were pretty much my life for a while. Haha.) These days, reading helps me unwind and recharge after teaching English, which, as fulfilling as it is, can start to feel a little routine. A good book helps my brain stretch and breathe again.
In the past, I owned a lot of physical books. Sadly, my hands really get sweaty sometimes, and it ended up ruining some of my beloved books. It broke my heart, so I eventually decided to donate most of them to a public reading stand in my city—hoping they find new readers who’ll love them as much as I did.
Now, I mostly stick to e-books for convenience and preservation. But occasionally, I treat myself to tiny little books—ones that are compact and just too cute or meaningful to resist. Like this one below! ⬇️
2. A Bible (and Devotionals)
If you're a Christian, I highly recommend investing in a good Bible. It's one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever bought—something I’d always wanted, and finally purchased during the pandemic. I’m not here to preach, but I will say this: there’s something comforting and grounding about having your own copy of the Bible at home.
If you're Catholic, I also recommend Didache—a daily devotional that can guide you in reading and reflecting on the Bible. For those from other denominations, there are lots of devotional books available at major bookstores or online. Whether you're deep into your faith journey or just exploring, they’re wonderful companions.
SHOP HERE: Holy Bible
Now let’s move on to other practical things that have genuinely made my day-to-day life easier (and more comfortable). These aren’t big or fancy purchases, but they’ve definitely earned their spot in my “worth it” list.
3. A Yoga Mat
I wouldn’t call myself a fitness junkie—I’m more of a “stretch and survive” kind of gym-goer. 😅 But as someone who teaches English online and sits for long periods, stretching has become non-negotiable. My lower back lets me know when I’ve been sitting too long!
Having a yoga mat at home makes it easy to do a few simple stretches in between classes or before bed. It’s not just about fitness—it’s also about keeping the body from complaining too much.
SHOP HERE: Yoga Mat
4. Inhalers
These tiny helpers were a great find during my trip to Thailand, and now I always try to have one within reach. They’re super useful when I get headaches, feel dizzy, or need a quick pick-me-up while traveling. Luckily, they’re available online too—so you don’t need a plane ticket to get your hands on them!
SHOP HERE: Thailand Inhalers
5. External Hard Drive
If you’re someone who loves storing memories—photos, videos, or important work files—then you know how crucial it is to back everything up. I finally got myself a reliable hard drive, and it’s given me peace of mind.
While some prefer cloud storage like iCloud or Google Drive, I still like having a physical backup just in case something happens to my laptop (which I hope never does 😬). It’s a simple investment to avoid a potential digital heartbreak.
SHOP HERE: WD External Hard Drive
6. Hand Shredder
Hear me out: a hand shredder is such a handy tool, especially when you want to securely dispose of sensitive documents. Think old bills, receipts with your credit card number, or personal records.
True story: the first thing I used mine on was my stack of journals from the past four years. Some of my friends thought it was a dramatic move, but those pages were filled with deeply personal thoughts. And honestly, if I ever got into an accident (heaven forbid) and someone found them…better shredded than read. 😂
SHOP HERE: Hand Shredder
7. Scented Candles
If you’re ready to maybe spend a little more—or just want to treat yourself to fun, random finds—I suggest joining The Budol Group on Facebook. Fair warning though: it’s a real temptation trap! 😂 It’s a place where members post their latest purchases, and before you know it, you’re adding things to your cart you didn’t even know existed.
One of the more amusing things I saw there was a Katinko-scented candle. Yes, you read that right! Who would’ve thought that the nostalgic, soothing scent of Katinko could become part of your home ambiance?
SHOP HERE: Katinko Scented Candles
Now for the fun part—those random, feel-good purchases that didn’t necessarily fall under the “practical” category but still turned out to be worth every peso!
8. Travel Bag Sets
If you enjoy traveling (or even just packing for sleepovers or quick getaways), consider investing in a set of travel organizers. These usually come in various sizes and help you sort your clothes, toiletries, gadgets, and more. They make packing neater and unpacking way less chaotic. Total game-changer!
SHOP HERE: Travel Bags
9. Posee Slippers
TikTok did it again. I found these Posee slippers while scrolling and got budol-ed into buying them—and I have zero regrets. They’re super soft, comfy, and surprisingly stylish. You can wear them at home, for errands, or even to the beach. Trust me, your feet will love them.
SHOP HERE: Posee Slippers
10. Mini Blocks
I’m not usually into Legos or building blocks, but these mini block kits caught my eye because they were just so tiny and cute. They’re made for adults (you’ll see what I mean when you try putting them together), and the finished products are adorable. Great for unwinding or gifting to a fellow budol victim, haha!
SHOP HERE: Mini Blocks
11. DIY Painting Kit
Lastly, I bought a DIY painting kit just to try something new. I’m not an artistic person at all, so I thought it would be super easy. Spoiler: it wasn’t as easy as it looked, but it was still a lot of fun! And now, I have my very first painting. 😄 It’s a fun way to relax, especially if you want to try a screen-free activity.
SHOP HERE: mini DIY Painting Kit
Spending responsibly is always the goal, but I’m a firm believer that a little reward or self-care splurge once in a while is totally valid—especially if it makes life a bit better, more organized, or just more joyful.
So whether it’s a comfy pair of slippers, a new book, or a Katinko-scented candle (still can’t get over that 😂), your extra “adult money” can go a long way in adding small pleasures to your day.
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