People Describe The Coolest Thing They Own That Isn't Even Super Expensive

Some opted to highlight the objects in their lives that draw their value from the backstory behind them. The origins of these items bolster them with meaning and value unmatched anywhere else.

A Parting Token

"A poem book that I got recently. It's called Años maduros And it was part of a competition for poets that never got the chance."

"My dad passed from cancer when I was six and he died before knowing if he won. He did. And his poem was dedicated to me."

-- urkov

A Well-Traveled Watch

"When my great-grandfather died about 30 years ago, the only thing he willed to anyone in particular was his watch, which he gave to me, his oldest great-grandchild."

"It's not a fancy watch, just a working-man's Bulova wind-up, but it was gifted to him by his (notoriously stingy) father-in-law in the early '70s. It still keeps perfect time."

"I work at NASA and managed to get it flown on a Space Shuttle mission."

-- electric_monk42

The Knife That Keeps on Giving 

"I have a family owned machete, I don't know much about it. I asked my father where did it come from and all he remembers was getting it from his dad."

"He tried getting it back, but I told him I use it to cut coconuts open.....haha"

-- ImyourPapiChulo

From a Wonderful Day 

"An old pirate cap gun. My most prized possession. Given to me when I was 11 by an older sibling after she visited Disney World via make a wish."

"The following year she passed away."

-- Safe_Specialist_9377

Others chose to describe the random items they've grown attached to. These were often acquired during travel, or from some stranger.

But they all share a common theme: they were something simple that the owner never knew they wanted.

Earthly Treasures 

"When I visited the Dead Sea, I found a string that had been tied into a loop, that had a lot of salt stuck to it, so it looks like a necklace made of salt."

"It might not sound like much but I thought it was a pretty unique souvenir."

-- gh0st-47

Right Place, Right Time 

"A kepi blank (the classic white hat of the French Foreign Legion) given to me by a person in the process of deserting. I was on a train when this giant guy tells me that he just deserted from the Legion.

"He said 'don't believe me? Here's my uniform' and opened up his duffel bag. I said 'Cool! How much for the hat?' to which he replied 'I don't need it anymore -- here' and handed it over."

"It's my favorite hat from my collection."

-- 1tacoshort

Bent Into Shape 

"A guy made my name out of a wire coat hangar."

"Was just waiting in line at the store one day and he said he did it has a hobby, pulled out a coat hangar and twisted it until it spelled my name in cursive. It's part of my key ring now."

-- SpawnSnow

And some people discussed the useful items they purchased long ago, and have enjoyed for years since. These items were simply well made, so they've stood the taste of time.

Still Humming 

"My early 2000's Toyota Corolla."

"It's definitely seen better days but it has this 'never die' attitude that I love. When I bought it, I paid 14k dollars. It's probably worth a couple hundred dollars now. It has 250k + miles on it and it still keeps going. Never had to replace anything, except tires."

"The paint is chipped, there's a bunch of dings and dents and rust spots. The air conditioning doesn't work and the CD player is busted."

"But it starts every time with zero lag, it never complains, and has been my trusty steed. Sure, I've had other cars since then that are still around. But my Corolla, though it might not be cool to some, it's definitely a trusty bucket of rust and bolts that is way beyond cool to me."

-- gizmosbutu

More of These!

"I have woman jeans with huge pockets. They're the greatest thing ever." -- ScrewTheCouncil

"That's a national treasure. Keep it safe" -- 2baverage

"I don't know why this is still a thing. Is there a massive silent majority of woman that actually like having no pockets?" -- sometimes_interested

"Fun fact: anyone with a little DIY streak can make their own large pockets! I sewed pockets so big I can fit my nintendo switch in my sweats!!! :D" -- catfart-

Stylish and Functional

"I bought a bucket hat for $10 last spring. On the inside of the hat there's a small velcro pocket. It's big enough to put like cash and your ID and a credit card in."

"It keeps the sun out of my eyes and off my neck/ears, I look sexy AF in it, and I have a secret pocket. What more could you want for $10?"

-- HogFin