50 Regrettable Purchases That Will Make You Think Twice

From inflatable Santas to unnecessary subscriptions, 50 individuals share their most regrettable purchases — both big and small.

We’ve all been there, tempted by a viral ad or a trend favored by our favorite celebrity. We often end up buying things we later regret, whether it’s due to buyer's remorse or simply a lack of use.

For example, I once splurged $3,000 on a bundle of 30 Boston Celtics tickets, swayed by a friend’s recommendation. Sadly, I only used 12 of those tickets. I managed to sell some and gifted others, but many remained unused.

Public Confessions of Regrettable Spending to Ease Your Own

Think you’re alone in making poor purchasing decisions? You’re not! Over 50 people shared their amusing and cringe-worthy regrets that they’d take back if they could. Here’s what they had to say:

I spent $45 on an inflatable Santa that looked great for one holiday season, but I quickly regretted it! -Charlotte, healthcare administrator
As a 12-year-old, I had to have white pleather GoGo boots. I realize now they were a mistake. -Patricia, teacher
A battery-operated weed wacker? Total waste! It barely worked on my lawn. -Anna, teacher
Three faux New England Patriots snuggies from CVS haunt me to this day. -Cindy, author and comic storyteller
Despite warnings, we bought a wipe warmer for our baby. It set off the fire alarm within minutes and never got used again. -Molly, golf professional
I added items to my Amazon wish list without double-checking. When I received a child-sized shovel, rake, and wheelbarrow, I realized my mistake. -Jackie, AM coordinator
We bought a soda-making machine, but it sits unused while we buy canned soda instead. -Nancy, teacher
Bitcoin. -Spencer, commerce partnerships manager
Purchased a “backpackers backpack” for traveling but ended up loathing it after a week. -Liz, creative partnerships producer
I bought orange shoes that I never wore and instantly disliked. -Bette, legal secretary
Brand new ski gear for a trip that ended up being used just three times. -Ariana, engineer
I chose an inexpensive online dresser that quickly sagged. I should’ve stuck with my sturdy yard sale find. -Lynn, teacher
Ordered a bright orange futon that turned out too small for my apartment. Couldn’t return it. -Jessica, graphic designer
I bought community coach bus tickets for my niece's birthday, but the schedule changed without notice. -Steph, shopkeeper
Once, I let my contractor pick out a high-end stove for my kitchen that became a cleaning nightmare. -Deb, teacher
I paid for an Adobe membership I didn’t need for two years after forgetting to cancel. -J., video producer
Regretted buying hipster glasses that just weren’t me. Lost them and don’t miss them. -Alex, producer
Purchased Nike Roshe Ones in the wrong size and still wear them out of principle. -Kathleen, HR operations
Thought I was buying identical jeans but ended up with ones that buttoned instead of zipped. -Julia, producer
I spent $700 on bartending school but got a corporate job and never used it. -Melissa, accountant
Won a raffle for laser hair removal but regretted the expensive package I bought afterward. -Stephanie, project coordinator
My private college education left me with regret over the debt. -Mary, social studies teacher
That charcoal toothpaste I bought was more trouble than it was worth. -Caroline, lawyer
Convinced myself a French butter dish would be useful, but it just sits empty. -Beth, teacher
Regretted the rug I bought for my dining room; it clashes with the decor. -Courtney, marketing director
Purchased shiny silver platform boots that didn’t fit, and returning them cost almost as much as buying them. -Jen, higher education administrator
Received a manual knife sharpener but later got a much better electric one as a gift. -Margaret, retired
I bought a bottle warmer that never worked out for my baby. -Ashley, teacher
In 1972, I bought a used VW Van that broke down shortly after purchase. -D., writer
While decluttering after selling my home, I questioned many items I thought I needed. -Michele, business manager
Any gym membership after the first week has been a waste for me. -Liz, restaurant manager
Purchased dog goggles for my pet, but they were more trouble than they were worth. -Nancy, retired physical therapist
Regretted buying a shower head that ended up being difficult to assemble. -Whitney, behavior consultant
I bought a guitar to learn but never took lessons. -Jo, forester
I once bought a Free People dress that was a one-time wear. Lesson learned! -Kelly, actress
In an effort to improve myself, I bought a guitar learning package that remains untouched. -Kristen, teacher
Spent $1,500 on a diet coach but only went twice. -Cathy, receptionist
A commercial ice maker I bought broke after just a month. -J., restaurateur
Joined Direct Buy for discounted furniture but was unhappy with the moving costs. -Maureen, retired banker
Got a hunting camp for my husband but haven’t seen him in eight years. -Liz, store owner
Made a big car purchase while emotionally vulnerable after my husband's passing. -Lyn, retired administrative assistant
After buying appliances for my renovated home, I faced a nightmare of installation. -Erin, cafe owner
Regretted fitness magazine subscriptions that just piled up unread. -Tammy, partnerships director
Purchased a push lawn mower that I never used. -Lillian, technical recruiter
Bought a Winsor Pilates DVD set in college, but rarely used them. -Christy, senior software engineer
Signed up for a trial of Youtube TV and forgot to cancel, leading to unnecessary charges. -Jenny, production accountant
I once bought plastic Adirondack chairs that didn’t last. Should’ve chosen wooden ones. -Sally, adjunct professor
Though it’s a bit controversial, I’m looking to rehome my cat due to my busy travel schedule. -Barb, sales director
Regretted buying Quicken for home finances, as it lacks mobile support and requires constant updates. -Caroline, lawyer
I bought a large Milo tree for my property but should've opted for a smaller one. -B., retired teacher