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Bored Panda

Lifestyle

Ilona Baliūnaitė

“Of Course That’s A Thing”: 89 Of The Most Nonsensical Things That Actually Exist (New Pics)

James Clear CatherineGreat Bentley Ferrari Mercedes

Human beings have always had a knack for creating things that no-one really asked for but someone, somewhere would buy nonetheless. Think Kim Kardashian's SKIMS bra with fake pierced nips, "Dumpkin"-scented dude wipes, or Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop candle called "Smells Like My Vag***."

It seems that for every ground-breaking piece of technology, there's another weird and unnecessary invention just waiting in the wings to come to life. They're a perfect blend of mankind's creativity, questionable problem-solving and sheer comical absurdity. But who wants a planet filled with only boring, practical things when you could be shopping for fidget toys shaped like intestines, or eating Labubu-themed chocolate ice-cream that costs $75 a pop?

There's actually an entire online community dedicated to sharing pics of products that prove people will buy just about anything. The page is a wall of hilarious, weirdly useful and sometimes cringe-worthy gadgets and products that made people go, "Of course that's a thing!"

Bored Panda has put together a list of the most baffling and funny items posted on the page. We also unpack why people love to buy things they don't really need. You'll find that info between the images.

#1 I Feel Attacked As Chinese, I Bet Italian Feels The Same

Image credits: ydw1988913

There once lived a man who spent almost his entire life in poverty. When his daughter was due to marry in 1765, he could not afford the dowry. Fortunately, this man happened to be very well-known. And when Russia's emperor Catherine the Great heard of his predicament, she came to the rescue.

The famous man we're talking about was French philosopher Denis Diderot. He was the co-founder and writer of Encyclopédie, one of the most comprehensive encyclopedias of the time. Catherine the Great bought his library for what would be the equivalent of more than $304,500 in today's money. And suddenly, the once-poor Diderot didn't have to worry about counting pennies again.

But with his newfound wealth came a whole different set of problems...

#2 Teacup And Saucer Holster With A Pouch For Tea

Image credits: Laridae_s

One of Diderot's first purchases was a scarlet robe. Little did he know that the robe would be the beginning of a never-ending cycle of buying things he didn't really need.

"Diderot’s scarlet robe was beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that he immediately noticed how out of place it seemed when surrounded by the rest of his common possessions," writes James Clear, author of bestseller book, Atomic Habits. "In his words, there was 'no more coordination, no more unity, no more beauty' between his robe and the rest of his items."

#3 In Shanghai, China Has Autonomous KFC Cars That Roam Around And Allow You To Buy Food Without Human Interaction

Image credits: reddit.com

It wasn't long before the philosopher felt the urge to buy some new things to match the beauty of his robe.

Diderot replaced his old rug with a new one from Damascus. He then bought beautiful sculptures and a better kitchen table. He also purchased a new mirror to place above the mantle, and as Clear writes, his “straw chair was relegated to the antechamber by a leather chair.”

The once poverty-stricken philosopher had entered a vicious cycle... and he couldn't stop buying more stuff. It's a situation many of us have found ourselves in. And it's become known as the Diderot Effect.

#4 National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day

Image credits: TMMfan

#5 A Fidget Squeeze Toy That Looks Like Intestines With Confetti "Food Particles"

Image credits: skylinegang_36

"The Diderot Effect states that obtaining a new possession often creates a spiral of consumption which leads you to acquire more new things," Clear explains. "As a result, we end up buying things that our previous selves never needed to feel happy or fulfilled."

Think of it as reactive buying... For example, you buy a new dress and now you need shoes and earrings to match. You sign up for a gym membership and soon you’re paying for new sneakers, protein shakes, and workout clothes. Or you buy a new dining room table and realize your old chairs don't look quite right around it. So you purchase new chairs. And while you're at it, a new rug, vase, placemats, dinner plates, and cutlery. Now you need to look for a new sofa to pull the whole open-plan look together.

#6 24hr Oyster Vending Machine

Image credits: Magnus_ORily

Clear says it is possible to break the consumerism curse. Step One is to reduce your exposure to 'stuff.'

"Nearly every habit is initiated by a trigger or cue," he explains. "One of the quickest ways to reduce the power of the Diderot Effect is to avoid the habit triggers that cause it in the first place. Unsubscribe from commercial emails. Call the magazines that send you catalogs and opt out of their mailings. Meet friends at the park rather than the mall. Block your favorite shopping websites..."

#7 Emotional Support Dumplings

Image credits: Poesy-WordHoard

#8 Why Cant Companies Make Normal Smelling Deodorant For Men Wtf Is Cookies And Leather?

Image credits: Muffincharm

#9 Found In A Walmart Near San Diego

Image credits: KiiChanCrystalz

Another tip is to buy items that fit your current system. For example, purchase clothes that work well with the garments you already have. Or when getting tech gadgets, do it in a way that doesn't involve buying new chargers, adapters, or cables. If your tattered sofa needs an upgrade, make sure the new one suits your space and your decor.

Set self-imposed limits, adds Clear. "Live a carefully constrained life by creating limitations for you to operate within."

#10 Dumpkin Spice!

Image credits: Winter-Owl1

#11 Dessert Taco Shells

Image credits: pistachiotorte

#12 Cat Litter But Make It Cute

Image credits: Asleep-Corner7402

Clear also advises implementing a "Buy One, Give One" rule.

Basically, each time you purchase something, give something else away. "The idea is to prevent your number of items from growing," the expert writes. "Always be curating your life to include only the things that bring you joy and happiness."

#13 Canadian Police Use Miku To Recruit People

Image credits: Optimal-Shower-2288

#14 Croc Toe Charms

Image credits: notrapunzel

#15 Vape Themed Weddings

Image credits: ElJayEm80

You can also try going one month without buying anything new. Unless it's absolutely necessary, of course...

Instead of buying a new lawn mower, rent one from a neighbor, suggests Clear. Instead of buying books, go to the library. Grab a second-hand dress from the thrift store rather than the department store. "The more we restrict ourselves, the more resourceful we become," Clear says.

#16 I Searched "Edible Deodorant" On A Goofy Whim, And Uh I Was Not Expecting This Kink

Image credits: TheMaceBoi

#17 Grillo's Pickles Toothpaste

Image credits: spyd3rm0nki3

#18 Build A Bear Cougar

Image credits: SeriouslyBetsy

Clear says that there will never be a level where you will be done wanting things. "There is always something to upgrade to," he writes. "Get a new Honda? You can upgrade to a Mercedes. Get a new Mercedes? You can upgrade to a Bentley. Get a new Bentley? You can upgrade to a Ferrari. Get a new Ferrari? Have you thought about buying a private plane?"

The expert adds that the trick is to realize that wanting is just an option your mind provides, not an order you have to follow.