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This Online Group Is All About Stuff That ‘You Didn’t Know You Wanted’ (50 New Pics)
Have you ever wondered why we all buy so much stuff? Well, I have. It doesn’t matter if you’re a subscription hoarder, a fashion addict, an new-iPhone fanatic, an aficionado of buy 3 get 1 free, a serial slipper-in adding an extra and very irrelevant item to the bag, and so on, we’re all guilty of the same thing—buying what we think we need, not realizing just how little, in fact, we need it.
Just look at how brands, their marketers and advertisers have nailed techniques to convince us to spend money, purchase things, and fuel the already prospering modern American consumerism. One online destination that takes this logic to a whole new level is the “Didn’t Know I Wanted That” subreddit.
According to the group’s description, “this subreddit is the perfect place to find all products you didn't know existed, but suddenly want, right after you've seen them!” With a whopping 1M members, the sub shares things that verge on the border of totally useless to somewhat genius, and it’s hard to tell which one is which.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Sonali Bag
To find out more about what’s going through our minds when we feel an urge to buy things we don’t need or don’t have money for, Bored Panda reached out to professor Michael R. Solomon who happily shared some insights into consumerism and our behavior in relation to it. Michael is a professor of marketing in the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph's University, as well as renowned international speaker and multiple book author. Check out his recent book “The New Chameleons: How to Connect with Consumers Who Defy Categorization” which gets into some of these issues discussed in the article.
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#2
Also For Long Web Series, Movie Franchises And Zoom Meetings
#3
Nice View
#4
Their, There, They're
Michael argues that in a typical day, consumers are exposed to thousands of commercial messages. “We don't pay attention to the vast majority of these, and we don't immediately act on most of them, either. However, some of this information still gets stored in memory, and it can be activated later if we encounter some kind of 'trigger event'—that could be the appearance of a new need or want, a conversation with a friend, or perhaps exposure to a similar message on another day,” he explained.
Moreover, we don't buy until a need is activated, the consumerism expert said. “But today a lot of that activation is vicarious, as we watch online posts by others whose opinions we respect (rightly or wrongly) as they advocate use of a product or service. This activation may reflect a genuine need or want that we weren't aware of—or it could just be FOMO."
#5
Look Close.... I'm Hoping My Wife Won't Notice
#6
I Got New Playing Cards That Are Matte Black. Unless You’re Looking Directly At The Card, It's Basically Impossible To See What They Are
#7
Finally, Something For Everybody
Interestingly, the particular things we consume may reveal a lot about us. “There's a lot of research support for the notion that our purchases reflect our personalities and inner needs—an extravert may choose a flashier car or color than an introvert, for example,” Michael said.
He explained that indeed, “in many cases these products are part of 'the extended self'; important personal possessions and linkages to social groups like political parties or music subcultures are part of our self-concept. We have expressions like, 'you are what you wear, eat, drive, etc.' and there is a lot more truth to these than most people think! Our consumption choices—food, apparel, music, etc.—often are an expression of our values, priorities, and personalities.”
#8
Just Gonna Leave This Here
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago
At first I was like, aww cute toe beans. That was until I saw the balls and b******e which gave me a good giggle.
#9
Chameleon Tape Measure
Auntriarch 3 years ago
Dear heavens it's so obvious once you've seen it, why aren't they all like this?
#10
My Husband’s Fully Reflective Iridescent Rain Set
But our urge to spend on particular things also depends on more profound things than just exterior influences, like the ads we see. This has to do with a person’s self-concept which, according to Michael, is a work in progress.
“It constantly gets fine-tuned, as we measure our worth or proficiency on different dimensions such as intellectual ability, athletic performance, body shape, etc. But these judgments can only occur if we compare ourselves to some standard—for example, my self-assessment of my skill as a tennis player depends a lot on whether I play a novice or a professional athlete.”
“That's why the process of social comparison is so important, Michael told us, “as is our choice of whom we compare ourselves to.”
#11
Sandwich Crime
#12
Door With A Hidden Built-In Kitty Door
#13
I Dont Mean To Boast, But I Never Burn My Toast
However, he argues that the problem is that the media often provides a comparison point that is unattainable and so we're on a constant quest to get closer to a standard that may not even exist in real life. “For example, research shows that when young girls spend just a short time looking through pictures of women in fashion magazines, their assessments of their own appearance go down markedly. But typically the women they compare themselves to literally don't exist—they are digitally altered to be flawless so that the models don't even look like their photos!”
#14
Credit To Nic On Twitter. Nothing Gets Me Moving Faster Than That Awful Sound
Auntriarch 3 years ago
On a canal boat I thought I heard the dog widdling in the kitchen. Shot out of bed to see him having a big stretch. I still can't believe how much his claws scraping along a mosaic pattern vinyl floor sounded like a stream of widdle.
#15
These Fan Pull-Strings
#16
No More Squinting At The Measuring Cup Labels
Michael added that “again, social media exacerbates this process because a lot of it is about sharing a plethora of idealized images of attractive people doing glamorous things. Then that good old FOMO kicks in and we may invest in new items (cosmetics, clothing, travel, etc.) that we believe will bring us closer to this (impossible) ideal,” he concluded and added, “so the cycle continues…”
#17
Leave Me Alone
DUN DUN (she/her) 3 years ago
I can see my aunt returning and never coming back after this. Thank you!
#18
I Saw This Pic On Fb, A Rocking Chair Built With Children In Mind
#19
Epic Dog Toy
#21
I’d Buy This Just Cause Of The Packaging
#22
Luxuriating
#23
Magnetic Goose, Peace Was Never An Option
#24
This Is A Game Changer
#25
Cabbage Umbrella
#27
My Shirt Has A Microfiber Sewn On The Inside To Clean Glasses
DUN DUN (she/her) 3 years ago
This is pure genius. After destroying two lenses, this is a must for me now I guess
#28
Forallthebooks That Haven't Been Read In 2020
#29
One For The Pranksters
#30
Door Knockers From The Movie Labyrinth
#31
Rook Tower Pack-Away Chess Set
#32
This Faucet Gives You The Illusion That The Water Is Appearing Out Of Literally Nowhere!
#33
This Is Ingenious
#34
I Want The Octopus Kites
Davo gifman 3 years ago
Could you imagine seeing those on a real foggy day? The invasion of the Old ones has begun. 🥴
#35
This Ceramic Mug
Madison Feehan 3 years ago
I'd love to just casually place some of these around and see who falls for it.
#36
I Like To Make Art Out Of Playing Cards. This Took Over 20 Suicide Kings All Cut With An Xacto
#37
Switzerland Has Mini Jacuzzi Boats
MyOpinionHasBeenServed 3 years ago
Everytime I hear about Switzerland it's something amazing that gives me more reasons to have it on my bucket list.
#38
Printed A Sisyphus Statue To Push My Tp Up A Shelf For All Eternity
#39
Mini Whacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man
#40
I Don't Need It. I Don't Need It
#42
An Inflatable Water Chill Place
#43
Wheelchair Made For Holy Roman Empress Elisabeth Christine Of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, 1740
#44
Who Doesn't Need A Nachosaurus?
#45
Didn't Know They Made These Huge Shower/Bathtubs In The First Place
#46
Built-In Water Pitcher
Elise McFarland 3 years ago
I have that fridge. The pitcher grows mold if you don't use it all the time.
#47
The Only Time I Wanna See Morpheous In A Bathroom
#48
Another Great Use Of Storage Space Under The Stairs
Izzy Curer 3 years ago (edited)
I admit to never having actually seen stairs that didn't just have the stairs to the basement under them, but movies have taught me that somewhere in the world there are places where people have little closets under their stairs
Alex the Country Dog 3 years ago
People without basements have cubbies under their stairs. Growing up where “everyone” has a basement, I never saw any of these until I moved to places without basements.
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Betsy Novack 3 years ago
The. Guy living in there really appreciates it. He's sorry about breaking grandmas lamp.
Carrie de Luka 3 years ago
Hahaha! Though some of us did get put places like that when in trouble sadly.
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#49
I Don't Know Why This Exists But I Need One Right Now
Davo gifman 3 years ago
Can you imagine buying this online, and when it arrives you find out that it's just large enough...to fit over your finger! ☹️😳😡
#50
From Drink To Drunk
#51
Saw This On Fb. Anybody Know Where I Can Find It?
clbruss 3 years ago
https://www.amazon.com/Amacigana-Decorative-Sculpture-Nicholson-Decoration/dp/B09538XKT4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2CQKRYLZK6WRR&keywords=the+shining+bookend+sculpture+jack&qid=1646740688&sprefix=The+Shining+bookend%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUk00RVlLTjdPNFo2JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTQ2NzUyMllPQVhMSkI5RjJCUiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjYyMzUyMllJUU1RTTZENVpMSCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
#52
After Buying A 3D Printer, I Learned CAD And Made Myself A New Cartridge Holder
#53
The Only Furniture You'll Ever Need
#54
A Table Where Your Cat Becomes A Centerpiece
#55
Inflatable Tank Pool Float That Has A Working Water Cannon
#56
No More Hiccups…hic!
#58
Bring Beer
#59
These Are Not Flames, But Rather Water Vapor Illuminated By LED Lighting
#60
Spider Chair
#61
This Shower Shelf
Izzy Curer 3 years ago
I don't have a glass shower, but this would be useful just in between different rooms of the house
#62
This Coffee Table
#63
This Easily-Closable Homemade Backyard Pub In The UK
Davo gifman 3 years ago
I wonder how many times he's had to do that when the cops show up? The cops be like "looks like you've got quite a few Intoxicated landscapers working overtime out here." 🤔<(yeah)
#64
LEGO Wreath - 3D Printed For The Holidays
#65
Floating Duck Tea Infuser
#66
It's Only A Doormat, But I Definitely Want One
DUN DUN (she/her) 3 years ago
Delivery man: The entire delivery system thinks so too when we see your orders day after day
#67
This Majestic Swan-Thing
DUN DUN (she/her) 3 years ago
Weird but looks so fun 😂 I know my mom would kill me but I'd still buy this in a heart beat
#68
This Tool Dog
MyOpinionHasBeenServed 3 years ago
One knock, one doorbell ring and your tools will be all over the place.
#69
Grill Your Own Meal!
#70
Super Mario Pipe Mug
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago
How many saw this and immediately had the going into the pipe sound from the game in thier head?
#71
My Sister Bought Me This As A Housewarming Gift! Love It
#73
Meme Figurines
#74
Insane Looking Teapot Set
Nami Tantrum 3 years ago
they make butterflypea tea if anyone wants to know.. it turns from blue to purple/pink if you add something acidic
#75
Didn't Know I Wanted This Toilet Paper
#76
Noodle Maker Machine
#77
Taco Bag
#78
Ok
#79
LED Fireworks
#80
How To Easily Pour (And Carry) Six Shots
#81
This Helicopter Fan
#82
My Kitten, Banana, Is Guarding The Snowdrops
Final score:
24points
#83
This Looks So Dope
#84
Do You Want Coffee ?
Final score:
21points
#85
This Floating Bed
Jessica Gunn 3 years ago
These are pretty common now, seen them everywhere while bed shopping, and my brother bought one...but me? Who *really* needs a bed frame right? It's easier for my aging dog to get on the bed anyway...(I can't BELIEVE how expensive they are!)
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Auntriarch 3 years ago
Thank you so much, nothing like starting the day with a chuckle! And the occasional guffaw
mcborge1 3 years ago
Here is my contribution. I give you the tie fighter desk lamp. There is also a Millenium falcon one that I will no doubt get too at some point. :D 20220309_0...ecc82f.jpg 
David Gripon 3 years ago
Ok! That was some of the coolest, useless cool stuff I've ever seen. I want it all!
Auntriarch 3 years ago
Thank you so much, nothing like starting the day with a chuckle! And the occasional guffaw
mcborge1 3 years ago
Here is my contribution. I give you the tie fighter desk lamp. There is also a Millenium falcon one that I will no doubt get too at some point. :D 20220309_0...ecc82f.jpg
David Gripon 3 years ago
Ok! That was some of the coolest, useless cool stuff I've ever seen. I want it all!
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