The Everyday MVPs: Once You Have These, There’s No Going Back
If you peeked into my closet, you might be surprised—but I’ve actually been trying to embrace minimalism. Then I look around my house and think, “Who owns all this stuff?” Spoiler alert: It’s mostly me.
As I dig through dusty boxes in the basement, half-used tools in the garage, and even do a little soul-searching in my closet, I’ve come to realize something: There are a few items I just can’t part with. These are my “tools of the trade”—the everyday essentials I reach for over and over again. 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 part of me now. Opening Amazon boxes, cutting tags, peeling 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. It’s got a smooth assisted flipper, a razor-sharp blade, and it’s sturdy enough for carving sticks or pretending to be a woodland ninja. Worth every penny. - Microtech Hera II Automatic Knife – $262
This is my everyday carry. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s made in the USA and features a spring-loaded out-the-front 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 honestly, 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 incredibly 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 a keeper. It’s reliable, refillable, and the satisfying “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 bulky 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 left in the dark. AA batteries are always around.
🛠️ Basic Tools
When I bought my first house, my dad made sure I had the essentials. These days, I’m a huge fan of Harbor Freight for affordable, reliable 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 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 they even come in fun prints.
📸 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 sharp as a tack. 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.” Gear that you buy once and use forever.
What’s on your must-have list?