In May, 2025, NBC News aired an interview between “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker and President Donald Trump. During that exchange, which covered a wide range of topics including the economy, the President acknowledged that, due to recent economic policies, prices on some goods “might” go up but argued that falling energy prices will matter more to consumers. In that context, he made the comment that “Americans ought to be able to make do with fewer common goods, like dolls or pencils.” nbcnews.com/politics/
Somewhere along the line -- but probably not in this particular interview – he also made reference to the idea of consumers not buying so many things they don’t really need. That got me to thinking about this issue on several levels.
Image credit and source: nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/
I remembered one of my father’s “takes” on the “Mysteries of Life” (as he called them) was why people spend their money the way they do, and wondered what kinds of things consumers really do buy that they don’t really need … and often don’t really want and never use. After all, at least in my humble opinion, Americans are rather materialistic and very spoiled.
IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER
I found lots of opinions on the internet, but in most cases it boiled down to the consumers’ personal interests, needs, what they value, and their priorities. Various websites indentify many products as unworthy of spending money on which are everyday helps to others. After considerable thought, these items seem to fall into one or more categories which sometimes overlap:
• Truly Frivolous, but sometimes funny and humor inducing, and keepsakes.
• Critical Need, No. Convenient, Yes
• Health Related
• Questionable Effectiveness and/or Potentially Harmful
• Single Purpose items which are rarely used.
THE TRULY FRIVOLOUS
These items are undoubtedly intended to be amusing (gag gifts), but they are things nobody truly needs.
Image credit and source: nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/
I remembered one of my father’s “takes” on the “Mysteries of Life” (as he called them) was why people spend their money the way they do, and wondered what kinds of things consumers really do buy that they don’t really need … and often don’t really want and never use. After all, at least in my humble opinion, Americans are rather materialistic and very spoiled.
IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER
I found lots of opinions on the internet, but in most cases it boiled down to the consumers’ personal interests, needs, what they value, and their priorities. Various websites indentify many products as unworthy of spending money on which are everyday helps to others. After considerable thought, these items seem to fall into one or more categories which sometimes overlap:
• Truly Frivolous, but sometimes funny and humor inducing, and keepsakes.
• Critical Need, No. Convenient, Yes
• Health Related
• Questionable Effectiveness and/or Potentially Harmful
• Single Purpose items which are rarely used.
THE TRULY FRIVOLOUS
These items are undoubtedly intended to be amusing (gag gifts), but they are things nobody truly needs.
 ●The Useless Box It doesn ‘t do anything. I guess it’s a joke item for the person who has everything. Image Credit: Solarbotics/Flickr Image Source:interestingengineering.com/ |  ●Sweat Gutters If you perspire you can buy “SweatGutters” to collect & remove sweat. Image Credit: Reddit.com Image source: interestingengineering.com/completely-unnecessary-things |
 ●Cuisine Curtain This gadget allows you to indulging but mask your feeding frenzy all at the same time. Image Source: YouTube.com -- Image source:interestingengineering.com/completely-unnecessary-things |  ● Motorized Ice Cream Cone - This battery-powered gadget turns your ice cream cone to ensure a perfectly even melt. $9.99. Image Credit: eBay -- Image Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products |
 ● Pet Rock Classic 1970s Pet Rock doesn't need food, water, or walks. Price. $29.99 Image Credit. Amazon -- Image Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products |  ● USB-Powered Pet Rock Digital-age Rock connects to computer via USB. It doesn't do any-thing, but a light glows to indicate it's "alive." Image Credit. Reddit.com -- Image Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products |
 ● Banana Slicer A banana slicer ($6) makes uniform slices. A kitchen knife does the same work and is easier to keep clean. Image Credit: Amazon -- Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |  ● Self-Stirring Mug Stirs contents without a spoon. Price: $10 to $18 unless you need a Nextmug-Temperature-Controlled, Self-Heating Coffee Mug ($100 to $130). Image Credit: Amazon -- Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |
 ● Fish Training Kit / Fish Exercise Rings Train a pet fish with this kit, although I don’t know why. About $10. Image Credit: Etsy Imager Source: https://blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-we-want-to-buy/ |  ● Bacon Bandages These don’t help wounds heal better or quicker, but they definitely make the wearer look weird. $8. Image Credit: Amazon -- Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |
The list goes on, but you get the idea. I didn’t list any keepsakes, although keychains come to mind. All these are things we can do without under duress. While, some purchases are totally frivolous, sometimes these useless gadgets are fun and amusing, and no doubt that is what they are intended to be. Humor and comic relief certainly have their value.
CRITICAL NEEDS, NO. CONVENIENT, YES!
Many items called “a waste of money” are useful and effort saving but are not cost effective because they are not used often (sometimes only once), take up space, have adverse impact on environment, increase waste products to be disposed of or, generally, impractical when you make an honest evaluation. Those products -- probably somewhat of a luxury -- most of us could live without, given simpler substitutes, but they also can be helpful, save time and energy, and are used frequently. Those have value to people which offsets cost and other considerations like space.
CRITICAL NEEDS, NO. CONVENIENT, YES!
Many items called “a waste of money” are useful and effort saving but are not cost effective because they are not used often (sometimes only once), take up space, have adverse impact on environment, increase waste products to be disposed of or, generally, impractical when you make an honest evaluation. Those products -- probably somewhat of a luxury -- most of us could live without, given simpler substitutes, but they also can be helpful, save time and energy, and are used frequently. Those have value to people which offsets cost and other considerations like space.
 ● Dryer Sheets "Instead, toss a ball of aluminum foil or wool dryer balls in the dryer, and add a washcloth wet with white vinegar." cheapism.com/useless-waste-of-money/ Yeah…no. They work & I don’t have time for wet washcloths or white vinegar.$7. Image Credit: Amazon -- Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |  ● Electric Can Opener “Convenient, but not every kitchen can spare the counter space. Instead, use the pull tab or a handheld opener. The exception? People who can't move their hands freely because of arthritis." Image Credit: Amazon -- Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |
 • Salad Spinner (Electric and Hand Operated) "Tosses & dries salad so dressing spreads evenly. Instead, wash the greens in a container, with lid, give it a few good shakes, & dry."blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ I love my salad spinner, but I don’t see the need for an electric one. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |  Corn Kerneler “While Corn Kernelers extract corn effortlessly, but they often end up being a one-trick gadget. Instead, use a sharp knife and a cutting board.” $7 - $130. Image credit: Aliexprerss.com – Image Source: seasonalcravings.com/dont-waste-your-money |
HEALTH RELATED
This category of expenditure is more serious in both impact and cost. While it's unlikely you'll be harmed by a banana slicer or a salad spinner, some products which are marketed as being for your health sometimes can be harmful. Striving to be healthy is laudable, but it takes both commitment and some advance thought to make those purchases worthwhile.
This category of expenditure is more serious in both impact and cost. While it's unlikely you'll be harmed by a banana slicer or a salad spinner, some products which are marketed as being for your health sometimes can be harmful. Striving to be healthy is laudable, but it takes both commitment and some advance thought to make those purchases worthwhile.
 ● Exercise Equipment and Gadgets Who hasn’t bought a piece of exercise equip-ment, large or small? How many ended use being used as a clothes rack? Lots of good intentions, but more often than not, wasted money and space. Image Credit: ImageSupply via DepositPhotos Image Source: moneysmartguides.com/things-people-buy |  Image Source: qualitystocksuk/shutterstock |
● Multivitamins
Healthline reports, despite studies showing vitamins are pretty much useless for most people, “Americans spend around $21 billion a year on vitamins and herbal supplements.
Image Credit: CobraCZ/shutterstock
Image Source: cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/
Instead, a diet dominated by plant-based whole foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables, packs more healing power than vitamins, which aren't even regulated reliably.”
The question of whether or not healthy individuals really need vitamin and mineral supplements is a good one, and there are many opinions and not many answers. According to PubMed Central/ National Library of Medicine (an official website of the US Government), supplemental vitamins are not likely to be “…beneficial in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as ischemic heart disease, cancer, and stroke…The results of large-scale randomized trials in the past two decades have shown that for the majority of the population, MVM supplements are not only ineffective, but they may be deleterious to health.” pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
While recent results from the SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention)Trial and those resulting from the Women's Health Initiative, tend to bolster the ‘no benefit or even harm’ conclusion, and authors (medical researchers Farin Kamangar and Ashkan Emadi) emphasize that these conclusions are for the general population, and for prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. They go one to write that, “In special cases, individuals may need vitamins or supplements” and give examples. Best rely on research and your medical professional.
Healthline reports, despite studies showing vitamins are pretty much useless for most people, “Americans spend around $21 billion a year on vitamins and herbal supplements.
Image Credit: CobraCZ/shutterstock
Image Source: cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/
Instead, a diet dominated by plant-based whole foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables, packs more healing power than vitamins, which aren't even regulated reliably.”
The question of whether or not healthy individuals really need vitamin and mineral supplements is a good one, and there are many opinions and not many answers. According to PubMed Central/ National Library of Medicine (an official website of the US Government), supplemental vitamins are not likely to be “…beneficial in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as ischemic heart disease, cancer, and stroke…The results of large-scale randomized trials in the past two decades have shown that for the majority of the population, MVM supplements are not only ineffective, but they may be deleterious to health.” pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
While recent results from the SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention)Trial and those resulting from the Women's Health Initiative, tend to bolster the ‘no benefit or even harm’ conclusion, and authors (medical researchers Farin Kamangar and Ashkan Emadi) emphasize that these conclusions are for the general population, and for prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. They go one to write that, “In special cases, individuals may need vitamins or supplements” and give examples. Best rely on research and your medical professional.
Image Source: consumereview.org
● Diet Pills And Gummies
One of the biggest expenditures for “health” is for diet pills and gummies. Regarding Keto Diet products, Consumereview.com, states:
1) “There are a lot of products that don’t work at all, typically because they don’t contain the right ingredients or the right proportions”;
2) The products may be “too expensive to afford”; and
3)“The company…might just be exploiting another fad” which apparently many are. consumereview.org/keto-pills/
According to PCM, a government website, “With the serious health risks of dietary supplements sold for weight loss, muscle building, and sexual function well-documented, there is concern that economic costs of these products may disproportionately burden individuals and families by gender and socioeconomic position.” Such supplements sold for weight loss (WL), muscle building (MB), and sexual function (SF) are not medically recommended because they “have been shown to be ineffective in many cases and pose serious health risks to consumers due to adulteration with banned substances, prescription pharmaceuticals, and other dangerous chemicals.”
POTENTIONALLY HARMFUL and/or QUESTIONABLE EFFECTIVENESS
Some products which are convenient and apparently effective, are believed by many experts as potentially harmful and/or of questionable effectiveness. In my experience, that doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t work, but it should inspire some thought and maybe some research before purchase. Two of the many examples of this category are:
● Diet Pills And Gummies
One of the biggest expenditures for “health” is for diet pills and gummies. Regarding Keto Diet products, Consumereview.com, states:
1) “There are a lot of products that don’t work at all, typically because they don’t contain the right ingredients or the right proportions”;
2) The products may be “too expensive to afford”; and
3)“The company…might just be exploiting another fad” which apparently many are. consumereview.org/keto-pills/
According to PCM, a government website, “With the serious health risks of dietary supplements sold for weight loss, muscle building, and sexual function well-documented, there is concern that economic costs of these products may disproportionately burden individuals and families by gender and socioeconomic position.” Such supplements sold for weight loss (WL), muscle building (MB), and sexual function (SF) are not medically recommended because they “have been shown to be ineffective in many cases and pose serious health risks to consumers due to adulteration with banned substances, prescription pharmaceuticals, and other dangerous chemicals.”
POTENTIONALLY HARMFUL and/or QUESTIONABLE EFFECTIVENESS
Some products which are convenient and apparently effective, are believed by many experts as potentially harmful and/or of questionable effectiveness. In my experience, that doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t work, but it should inspire some thought and maybe some research before purchase. Two of the many examples of this category are:
● Air Fresheners
Although zillions of people use one or more of the many kinds of air fresheners available, this product falls into several categories. They are convenient and do mask household odors, but are not critical.
Image Source: Amazon
People overcame gross household smells long before air fresheners were available just by simmering lemon juice in water on the stove, or placing potpourri, eucalyptus, rose water, or open containers of baking soda around the house. (Baking soda works in the refrigerator, too.)
However, “despite their popularity, some evidence suggests that air freshener products increase indoor air pollution and pose a health risk, especially with long-term exposure. Air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. A VOC is a type of chemical that turns into a vapor or gas easily at room temperature. Health problems are thought to occur as a result of the chemicals in the air fresheners and from their secondary pollutants. Secondary pollutants are formed when a product’s chemicals combine with the ozone already in the air.” poison.org/articles/air-freshener-171
Although zillions of people use one or more of the many kinds of air fresheners available, this product falls into several categories. They are convenient and do mask household odors, but are not critical.
Image Source: Amazon
People overcame gross household smells long before air fresheners were available just by simmering lemon juice in water on the stove, or placing potpourri, eucalyptus, rose water, or open containers of baking soda around the house. (Baking soda works in the refrigerator, too.)
However, “despite their popularity, some evidence suggests that air freshener products increase indoor air pollution and pose a health risk, especially with long-term exposure. Air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. A VOC is a type of chemical that turns into a vapor or gas easily at room temperature. Health problems are thought to occur as a result of the chemicals in the air fresheners and from their secondary pollutants. Secondary pollutants are formed when a product’s chemicals combine with the ozone already in the air.” poison.org/articles/air-freshener-171
Image Credit: Amazon; Image Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-waste-of-money/
● Mosquito Zappers
“Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, which mammals exhale in huge plumes with every breath. There is no evidence they are attracted to ultraviolet light, which is the lure that backyard bug zappers rely on to draw and eliminate bugs. Price: $23 and up”. blog.cheapism.com/useless-waste-of-money/
Actually, bug zappers do kill bugs by the thousands, but according to scientists they kill the wrong bugs. “They are ineffective against mosquitoes and other biting flies, and their otherwise indiscriminate killing can disrupt pollination and generally throw the environment out of balance. Plus, the force of their electrocution can spew a mist of disease-ridden bug parts out into the air. All of the mosquito experts we spoke with and every relevant university extension office we could find unanimously condemned bug zappers.”
nytimes.com/do-bug-zappers-work/
SPECIALIZED TOOLS and ONE-PURPOSE APPLICANCES
Finally we come to the attractive but questionable tool or appliance that is so specialized it only does one thing. I believe this is an area where most of us have expended a few unnecessary dollars for something that sounds practical and worth the cost, but then turns out to be something we rarely use.
Often these tools are related to the kitchen. I mean, unless you are impassioned with cooking, who doesn’t want to make things easier in the kitchen?
When related to culinary helps, the tool or appliance is probably redundant. You probably already have something that can perform the same task. Whether or not they are worth the cost and space they occupy depends largely on how much use the item will get and why it needs to be done separately. These appliances are usually not a necessity in a home unless used constantly or for a special reason (like arthritis). These examples were listed on multiple websites as unnecessary.
● Mosquito Zappers
“Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, which mammals exhale in huge plumes with every breath. There is no evidence they are attracted to ultraviolet light, which is the lure that backyard bug zappers rely on to draw and eliminate bugs. Price: $23 and up”. blog.cheapism.com/useless-waste-of-money/
Actually, bug zappers do kill bugs by the thousands, but according to scientists they kill the wrong bugs. “They are ineffective against mosquitoes and other biting flies, and their otherwise indiscriminate killing can disrupt pollination and generally throw the environment out of balance. Plus, the force of their electrocution can spew a mist of disease-ridden bug parts out into the air. All of the mosquito experts we spoke with and every relevant university extension office we could find unanimously condemned bug zappers.”
nytimes.com/do-bug-zappers-work/
SPECIALIZED TOOLS and ONE-PURPOSE APPLICANCES
Finally we come to the attractive but questionable tool or appliance that is so specialized it only does one thing. I believe this is an area where most of us have expended a few unnecessary dollars for something that sounds practical and worth the cost, but then turns out to be something we rarely use.
Often these tools are related to the kitchen. I mean, unless you are impassioned with cooking, who doesn’t want to make things easier in the kitchen?
When related to culinary helps, the tool or appliance is probably redundant. You probably already have something that can perform the same task. Whether or not they are worth the cost and space they occupy depends largely on how much use the item will get and why it needs to be done separately. These appliances are usually not a necessity in a home unless used constantly or for a special reason (like arthritis). These examples were listed on multiple websites as unnecessary.
 ● Electric Egg Cooker Perfectly boiled eggs can be made by, well, boiling them. Simply reduce or increase the cooking time for soft, medium, or hard-boiled; poach an egg with a slotted spoon and an inch and a half of simmering water. Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |  ● Bread Maker “One of the poster children of unnecessary items. Big and clunky, it only does one thing. It’s redundant since your kitchen already has a bread-making machine an oven. Price: Around $100.” Image Credit: Amazon Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |
 ● Popcorn Machine “This is another single-use item that takes up space when there are simpler solutions on hand that yield the same result. Price: $40 up to $379. Instead, pop raw kernels, or buy microwave popcorn.” Image Credit: Amazon -- Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |  ●Egg Separator “An egg separator seems especially superfluous. Instead, use the egg shells to separate the yolks from the whites; wear plastic cooking gloves if you want to be extra careful." $6 blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ Image Credit: Amazon -- Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |
 ● Garlic Press “Most recipes call for chop-ped or minced garlic, not pressed. Even when they do, substituting minced is fine. Instead, use a good knife." Image Credit: Amazon -- Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |  ● Meat-Shredding Claws “These things look pretty cool, but are probably overkill. Instead, use a couple of forks." $10. blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money Image Credit: Amazon -- Imager Source: blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/ |
THE TARIFFS
The not-so-humorous side of this discussion relates to the potential impacts of the proposed tariffs. On one hand, President Trump is probably correct when he says Americans can get along without buying so much, although that doesn’t lessen the burden on those families which are already struggling just to survive. But I’m not getting into that. My intention is to point out what products might go up in price as the result (and because many of the products listed above are imported from China).
WHAT CHINA IMPORTS TO THE US
In addition “unnecessary” items, China also imports to the US many more essential products. According to cbsnews.com/news/chinese-products-tariffs-shortages the following are items imported to the US from China. Keep in mind that we are not just talking about finished products but materials that are used to make other item here in the US.
● Down feathers ($1.9 billion) -- 77% of the country's total imported supply of down. Down is commonly used for insulation in comforters and outerwear.
● Toys, games and sports equipment ($30 billion plus) -- 73% of the US imports in this category.
● Textile art ($8.6 billion) -- Imports from China account for more than 50% of all imported.
● Footwear ($9.8 billion) -- This is a biggie in the US. 36% of footwear sold stateside comes from China, including brand names like Addidas.
● Cutlery and metal tools ($3.1 billion) -- Dinner utensils manufactured in China could also start becoming scarce.
● Glassware -- Almost 30% of U.S. imports of glassware and other products made of glass comes from China.
● Furniture and bedding ($18.5 billion) -- 28% of furniture and bedding imports come from China.
● Apparel ($17.3 billion) -- Another big ticket item for Americans. This includes knit or crocheted clothing (almost $10 billion) and not-knit apparel ($7.3 billion).
● Electric Machinery
● Nuclear reactors, boilers and other machinery
● Goods made of iron or steel
● Plastics
The news media is reporting that trade agreements are being reached. Eventually, the general public will find out what that means. In the mean time, be prudent how you spend your money.
JUST SAYIN’
Sources:
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/trending-topics
https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/654479/gallup-trends-watch-2025.aspx
https://declutteringmom.com/the-15-most-useless-items-people-keep-for-no-reason/
https://blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/
https://blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-we-want-to-buy/
https://interestingengineering.com/how-to/5-completely-unnecessary-things-you-really-shouldnt-buy
https://bestlifeonline.com/everyday-items-waste-of-money/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1imx1q/biggest_ways_people_waste_money_compiled_from/?rdt=45146
https://wallstreetinsanity.com/16-useless-items-we-all-own-and-never-use/
https://www.thetoptens.com/useless-items-we-all-own-never-use/
https://www.poison.org/articles/air-freshener-171
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/25-unnecessary-wastes-money-you-dont-think-about.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chinese-china-products-tariffs-shortages-us/
https://finance.alot.com/personal-finance/10-items-stock-up-before-tariffs-raise-prices--22140
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/04/nx-s1-5351324/tariffs-higher-grocery-prices-trump
https://www.eatthis.com/grocery-items-price-hikes-tariffs/
https://tifwe.org/who-determines-what-something-is-worth-it-depends/
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-10733-7_2
https://caketokale.com/18-most-useless-kitchen-appliances/
https://www.seasonalcravings.com/dont-waste-your-money-the-10-most-useless-kitchen-appliances-you-shouldnt-buy/
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/do-bug-zappers-work/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3309636/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5377432/
https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/654479/gallup-trends-watch-2025.aspx
https://247wallst.com/special-report/2023/08/05/the-16-most-important-issues-to-americans-ranked/
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-rejects-concerns-prices-economic-uncertainty-defends-agenda-rcna203512
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2025/04/28/1000-protests-on-may-day-2025-against-trump-what-we-know-may-day-protests-may-day-strong-2025/83324272007/
https://consumersendorse.com/the-5-best-bug-zappers/?utm_source=zapguardian&utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=us&utm_term=t5&cmc_adid=ms_77378335342057_486476025&msclkid=3402c3fbbbc610eaa746abe7420e460b
https://consumertestedreviews.org/product/best-mosquito-zapper/?msclkid=8582c1e1f4741c9f1fc8a9fd0a7b5b17&msclkid=8582c1e1f4741c9f1fc8a9fd0a7b5b17&AdGroupId=1329311920772943&AdId=83082222608546&BidMatchType=bp&CampaignId=520510596&msclkid=8582c1e1f4741c9f1f
https://consumereview.org/reviews/keto-pills/?msclkid=9d7ce3868a121a8010408b9b90cf1980&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search%20-%20TCPA%2060&utm_term=weight%20loss%20supplements&utm_content=Search%20-%20Phrase
https://www.moneysmartguides.com/expensive-things-people-buy-then-never-use/#:~:text=This%20article%20looks%20at%2024%20expensive%20things%20people,toys%20like%20bikes%20and%20cars%2C%20you%E2%80%99re%20not%20alone.
□
The not-so-humorous side of this discussion relates to the potential impacts of the proposed tariffs. On one hand, President Trump is probably correct when he says Americans can get along without buying so much, although that doesn’t lessen the burden on those families which are already struggling just to survive. But I’m not getting into that. My intention is to point out what products might go up in price as the result (and because many of the products listed above are imported from China).
WHAT CHINA IMPORTS TO THE US
In addition “unnecessary” items, China also imports to the US many more essential products. According to cbsnews.com/news/chinese-products-tariffs-shortages the following are items imported to the US from China. Keep in mind that we are not just talking about finished products but materials that are used to make other item here in the US.
● Down feathers ($1.9 billion) -- 77% of the country's total imported supply of down. Down is commonly used for insulation in comforters and outerwear.
● Toys, games and sports equipment ($30 billion plus) -- 73% of the US imports in this category.
● Textile art ($8.6 billion) -- Imports from China account for more than 50% of all imported.
● Footwear ($9.8 billion) -- This is a biggie in the US. 36% of footwear sold stateside comes from China, including brand names like Addidas.
● Cutlery and metal tools ($3.1 billion) -- Dinner utensils manufactured in China could also start becoming scarce.
● Glassware -- Almost 30% of U.S. imports of glassware and other products made of glass comes from China.
● Furniture and bedding ($18.5 billion) -- 28% of furniture and bedding imports come from China.
● Apparel ($17.3 billion) -- Another big ticket item for Americans. This includes knit or crocheted clothing (almost $10 billion) and not-knit apparel ($7.3 billion).
● Electric Machinery
● Nuclear reactors, boilers and other machinery
● Goods made of iron or steel
● Plastics
The news media is reporting that trade agreements are being reached. Eventually, the general public will find out what that means. In the mean time, be prudent how you spend your money.
JUST SAYIN’
Sources:
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/trending-topics
https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/654479/gallup-trends-watch-2025.aspx
https://declutteringmom.com/the-15-most-useless-items-people-keep-for-no-reason/
https://blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-waste-of-money/
https://blog.cheapism.com/useless-products-we-want-to-buy/
https://interestingengineering.com/how-to/5-completely-unnecessary-things-you-really-shouldnt-buy
https://bestlifeonline.com/everyday-items-waste-of-money/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1imx1q/biggest_ways_people_waste_money_compiled_from/?rdt=45146
https://wallstreetinsanity.com/16-useless-items-we-all-own-and-never-use/
https://www.thetoptens.com/useless-items-we-all-own-never-use/
https://www.poison.org/articles/air-freshener-171
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/25-unnecessary-wastes-money-you-dont-think-about.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chinese-china-products-tariffs-shortages-us/
https://finance.alot.com/personal-finance/10-items-stock-up-before-tariffs-raise-prices--22140
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/04/nx-s1-5351324/tariffs-higher-grocery-prices-trump
https://www.eatthis.com/grocery-items-price-hikes-tariffs/
https://tifwe.org/who-determines-what-something-is-worth-it-depends/
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-10733-7_2
https://caketokale.com/18-most-useless-kitchen-appliances/
https://www.seasonalcravings.com/dont-waste-your-money-the-10-most-useless-kitchen-appliances-you-shouldnt-buy/
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/do-bug-zappers-work/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3309636/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5377432/
https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/654479/gallup-trends-watch-2025.aspx
https://247wallst.com/special-report/2023/08/05/the-16-most-important-issues-to-americans-ranked/
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-rejects-concerns-prices-economic-uncertainty-defends-agenda-rcna203512
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2025/04/28/1000-protests-on-may-day-2025-against-trump-what-we-know-may-day-protests-may-day-strong-2025/83324272007/
https://consumersendorse.com/the-5-best-bug-zappers/?utm_source=zapguardian&utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=us&utm_term=t5&cmc_adid=ms_77378335342057_486476025&msclkid=3402c3fbbbc610eaa746abe7420e460b
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