What’s the Oldest Thing You Own That You Still Use Daily?

Posted byVanya Wryter ConsultingPosted inLifestyleTags:, , , , ,
Daily writing prompt
What’s the oldest thing you own that you still use daily?
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Today, I stopped to think about the oldest item in my home that I still use every single day. Not something tucked away in a closet or a “just in case” backup item (because I have lots of those), but something that earns its keep year after year, decade after decade.

For many of us, these items remind us that things used to be built to last. Whether it’s a heavy-duty appliance from the 1970s or a wool coat that’s seen more winters than a snowplow, there’s something deeply satisfying about using something that’s stood the test of time.

Museum Pieces in the Kitchen

Take appliances, for example. My parents’ old avocado-green refrigerator—made sometime in the early 1980s—wasn’t fancy. It didn’t have touchscreen controls or 20 preset modes. But it worked. Every. Single. Day. The motor hummed like it was brand new, and the design was simple enough that if anything ever did go wrong, it was actually repairable.

Contrast that with the experience of a friend who bought a brand-new fridge when she moved into her new place. It gave out barely a year later. One year! She spent another few thousand after just purchasing a new home that was supposed to have a new fridge.

Wear and Wear Again

Then there’s clothing. I have a wool coat I bought over ten years ago. Still warm, still stylish enough to pass for modern, and not a single tear or fray. The trick, of course, is consistency—your body can’t change too much. But as long as it fits, it’s good to go. That coat doesn’t just keep me warm; it has nostalgic value.

Some of the clothes you buy today—fast fashion—are cheap but don’t last. Thin fabric, shoddy stitching, and trends that barely survive a single season. It’s fast fashion in every sense—fast to buy, fast to wear out, fast to forget.

Technology’s Expiration Date

Of course, some things are just doomed to become outdated no matter how high their quality is. Tech, for one. Your smartphone may be only a few years old, but eventually, apps stop updating, batteries weaken, and it’s time to buy a new one. Same goes for laptops, TVs, and other gadgets. 

We’ve come to accept that as normal, but maybe we shouldn’t. Perhaps we should explore the possibility of developing products with durability in mind, rather than just focusing on profit margins. I’d rather buy once in a decade than renew and update every two years.

The Value of Things That Last

There’s something irreplaceable in an item that’s lasted decades. It’s proof that craftsmanship matters. That longevity is possible. That not everything needs to be disposable. I mean, I don’t have sentimental value attached to every appliance that I buy. But it’s nice to have something around for a while.

So—what’s the oldest thing you still use daily? A coffee maker from the 70s? A cast iron pan passed down from a grandparent?  

Whatever it is, give it a thanks of appreciation next time you use it. Things like that are getting harder to come by.

26 thoughts on “What’s the Oldest Thing You Own That You Still Use Daily?”

  2. I have been using fountain pens since I was in college because they are easier on my hands (degenerative genetic disease). I bought a vintage pen from someone who had medical bills to pay and fell in love. I have 3 parker 51 fountain pens from the 1930s that I would not exchange for a modern pen ever. Gold nibs and fine craftsmanship for $125.
    If you asked my husband, he would talk about my great grandmother’s cast iron pan that came across the United States in a model T.

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    1. I’ve tried fountain pens before. Once you get the hang of the angle, they are very beautiful for writing! Glad you found something that works for your hands. The cast iron pan has a cool history! Thanks for sharing.

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  4. This reflection beautifully captures the enduring value of well-made, long-lasting items. In a world driven by constant upgrades and disposable trends, it’s refreshing to be reminded of the quiet reliability of things that stand the test of time. There’s a certain elegance in simplicity and durability—qualities that not only serve us daily but also carry stories across decades. A thoughtful and nostalgic reminder of the power of purposeful design.

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  7. Great post, Vanya Wryter. It makes me think about older textbooks, too. The French husband-wife team Valette and Valette made a truly wonderful textbook for French learners called Salut les Amis. Since then, the publishing world has produced many more, but nothing that has the brilliance or thoughtfulness of that one from the seventies. That one really worked, and as a teacher, I still made photocopies from it even in 2022.

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      1. How true. Encyclopedias were physically as solid and durable as the information they contained, and they evoke memories of days when you believed everything you read in them. You could smell the binding and notice the sheen of the pages as you pored over the small pictures… ; )

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