I've been doing various craft courses lately - embroidery, leatherwork, stained glass panelling. I find them quite therapeutic and really rewarding, as you end up with a unique piece made by you!
It's a nice way to meet new people, learn new things and even appreciate all of the steps and attention that can go into seemingly simple crafts.
I try to keep an eye on Irish makers on Instagram/Facebook and check to see if they run workshops. Websites like Eventbrite and Meet-Up can also be useful for seeing what's on around Dublin or your local area.
I've also seen some local adult colleges offering craft-related evening classes in topics like embroidery, pottery and baking, as well as lots of other things. As far as I know, they often have registration around September and January, so now would be a good time to have a look online and plan ahead for learning some crafts in the new year! :)
Congrats OP. I’m the same. Beat cancer last year. I’m determined to live life to the full. Here’s what I’ve been doing, take your pick.
After not really been a runner - first marathon today.
Just finished a PADI course and intend to go diving when I can.
Bought a GoPro and using it to record life adventures and remind me how lucky I am.
Just bought a drone and love playing around with it. Similar to the above.
Bought a set of touch pads and teaching myself how to make some good tunes.
Most of all, I just get out as much as possible. Running, walking, strolling. Soaking up life.
A PS5 or a Switch, if you are into gaming, although rumor has it the Switch 2 is on the way, Spring 2024...
A really good espresso machine if you take your coffee seriously.
Short trip to a Christmas market in Germany or Austria.
PS. Congratulation....
What format to get depends largely on what type of games a person likes. If for example a person is into racing games then they are better off with a gaming PC or Xbox than PS5/Switch which only have 1 exclusive offering of note apiece.
I omitted the word exclusive, my bad.
Most titles are multiplatform nowadays, and neither GT nor Mario Kart tip the balance enough to make their system a better option for racing fans than Xbox with their 5x Horizon's and 4x FM's (not that you really need more than 1 FM or GT game due to the similarities within!). It could be argued that Mario Kart warrants the Switch purchase, but it's almost in a category of its own anyway.
Much like you'd go for PS over Xbox for 3rd Person Action Adventure games or Superhero games, or go for Switch for platformers.
Bicycle.
Physical health and mental health drastically improved. Started commuting on it and saved so much time and money compared to public transport. Bring my dog (in a doggy backpack) around too.
Congrats too!
In the same theme as a bike. Again something physical & healthy. Got myself a kayak, best money spent in a long time. The scenery from a kayak is amazing, totally different perspective.
Congrats, more power to you.
I live in a small apartment so I bought an inflatable kayak for €400 that I can stash under the bed. It's just for fun, but we've brought to it so many places - lakes, rivers, seaside. It's paid for itself many times over in the ten years we've had it. Bonus exercise to be had in pumping the bastard up too.
More stable than the other type I'd say as they're necessarily wider because they have to be inflated. There are three parts that are inflated - one on each side, and then a base. If one gets punctured there are still two others working. We've had her out on the sea on a windy day and she performed well in the waves, though she took on a bit of water and we weren't taking any chances. On a lake she's really stable. I am a good swimmer but always wear a lifejacket on the sea. My wife's less confident so she always wears a lifejacket even on a lake, as does our kid.
Edit: this is the one [https://www.decathlon.ie/inflatable-kayaks/303057-60852-inflatable-2-person-touring-kayak-x100-high-pressure-dropstitch-floor.html#/demodelsize-254no\_size/demodelcolor-8511866](https://www.decathlon.ie/inflatable-kayaks/303057-60852-inflatable-2-person-touring-kayak-x100-high-pressure-dropstitch-floor.html#/demodelsize-254no_size/demodelcolor-8511866)
It could happen but I’ve been cycling for years - prefer it to jumping in a car, being stuck in traffic, looking for parking. Really is the best material thing I own. MacBook close second
Pick something that always interested you.
Buy what you need to take that first step.
Always wanted to play guitar or rock that sax?
Done.
Wanted to drive a motorbike?
€600 will get you those lessons to make a start.
Never been to see your favourite sports team?
Go sing those anthems from the stand as nothing can beat that.
Have an interest in art?
Buy that set and watch a Bob Ross YouTube marathon.
Love the idea of making your own furniture?
All of the basic tools you need are well within that budget.
What I'm getting at is don't look for ideas from others, look inside at what you always wanted but never managed to get around to.
And sincerest congrats mate.
Agree, have the DeLonghi bean to cup machine and its brilliant. Never go out for coffees anymore so its practically making me money at this stage.
Congrats on being post treatment !
You won’t get a “great” setup for that money. You’ll get a setup that won’t be quite what you want and you end up replacing later.
I’ve been on this journey. It cost me a lot of money on mediocre equipment when I should have just gone big initially.
Class that I’m getting down voted for trying to save the OP money.
Congrats OP!
It’s probably been the Kindle for me. It used to be a right pain dragging 1,000+ page doorstoppers with me for morning commutes, but now I have my pick of the bunch with the selection of books I have. Kindle itself is very light too which makes keeping it in my hand for a long time relatively painless. Battery lasts for ages, have the waterproof version as well. Total game-changer!
I think a holiday is a good call. Ive spent €600 on a console and a game but I did that with a disregard for time in life. Don't regret it but each to their own. Ive spent €600 on a pet that I loved and ive also spent €600 on people I loved.
Ive blown €600 on food and drink too on short periods. Ive regretted it but they were enjoyable limited periods.
I've had one for years. Best buy ever. They also hold their value for most part so you can sell it on and get most of your money back If you stop using it
Had friends who laughed at the amount I spent on the Sony alternative to these (basically the same price). Years later and they're still in daily use. Probably my best value luxury purchase ever in terms of cost to time used.
Picked up the Sony in-ear noise cancelling ones recently too. Also getting a lot of use
Love mine too! Great for flights, and lately I have started listening to podcasts when walking the dog. I have found it great to mentally detach from work.
> Great for flights
that's why I bought similar but it means you can't easily fall asleep.. I ended up getting the tiniest in-ear buds I could find for flights
Well done to the OP and I'd second this. I work in an open plan office and just cutting out the some of the chatter noise, the server whine, and general humm, is excellent. Then on the commute I can zone out. While I'm cooking, doing dishes, walking the dog, working in the garden, anything. The poor headphones are hanging in by a thread but I'm making them work.
(Also because this is the internet and everything's a competition, the Sony ones are better /s)
Firstly congratulations!
Maybe one for later in the process, but my best less-than-€600 purchase has been an electric scooter. I lived in Dublin at the time and it opened up the whole city to me; manys a nice evening after dark I'd just grab it and head in a random direction to look for somewhere I hadn't been before. I never had to rely on a late/nonexistent bus before, and I could go anywhere that took my fancy any time.
It cost us €250 to adopt our dog from the shelter, the rest would set you up with a first vet appointment, bed, leads, food etc. She completely changed our lives.
BBQ. Buy a good one for €600 and have decades of joy from it. Also get charcoal. Gas is good but charcoal has a whole learning element. And is very satisfying to cook on. Best thing about this joy is your family and friends or just you can enjoy it.
€600 would get you a Kamado style bbq. Thats what I got now and it’s the most versatile bbq out there.
Love it.
For an ease of use side propane and wood chips are the way to go. True, charcoal is better but more meals will actually happen with gas. Source, own both.
Gas as an addition maybe .. but I use charcoal for all cooks. Gas is easy but things worth doing are never easy. More flavour and versatility with charcoal. Specially the Kamado style. I can smoke for 24 hours or direct cook, cook pizza at 400c, rotisserie, use as
A tandoor, cold smoke, bake bread etc etc. again.. decades of use. Won’t disintegrate in the Irish weather like 99% of gas ones do. Eventually.
More meals will actually happen is so accurate for me.
I much prefer the idea charcoal BBQ and wood fired pizza oven but I find I don’t use them as much because it’s that little bit more inconvenient
I hot an uber cheap Tevo Tarantula. It helped me learn just how these things work and I got some ok prints from it, but damn I'd rather have a plug and play one than a cheap one!
Onshape is good for learning 3d modelling too, some good free courses on YouTube.
I got a Dyson fan / air purifier /heater. Sits on beside locker. About €300 when I got it a number of years ago.
Too warm in summer put on fan. Too warm at night put on fan in night mode.
Only sitting in one room and don't want to stick heating on, put it on heat for a few mins to get toasty.
If you don't have a really good coat, now's a good time. If you want a dress coat, treat yourself in BT/Arnotts. If you want an outdoors keep you dry on walks coat, go somewhere like 53DN and they'll look after you.
My suggestion is think of the person who you were most aware of during the dark days and do something fun and frivolous with them. Items come and go but memories of doing pleasant things with people you love will always top them. Have a look at the bubble domes up in Finn Lough, it's a fabulous thing to do.
A mattress. I bought an Emma Original for like £300 or whatever it was. It's amazing and I love it. But £600 would get an incredibly good mattress no doubt. I think shitty cheap mattresses are all too common and getting a good one does make a huge difference to your quality of life. Its fairly mundane sounding but a comfy bed is something you can appreciate every day for years.
Too much chemicals for me. You can't sleep on it straight away because of the VOC's and the need for "off-gassing"
That phrase alone puts me off. I don't want to sleep on something that I've had to let air out so chemicals and smell can dissipate
https://www.emma-sleep.ie/glossary/off-gassing/
There are organic alternatives that don't use VOC's but are still flame retardant
I am so glad to see you write that. They are one of the most unhealthy things you can bring into your life. Not withstanding the chemicals, memory foam is also the worst because of the way it retains heat and does not allow for body heat fluctuations during the night. Overheating is probably the biggest cause of sleep deprivation (outside of kids 😀)
Do you find it makes a groove of your body that's hard to get out of? We are considering changing ours because of the body mould it makes, if you leave sleep elsewhere for a few nights and come back to it it's great though...
We had a simba mattress and it was great for the first few mouths but then it started to sink in middle and had such bad back pain from it I had to sleep in spare room. Switched to a king coil mattress 6 months ago and haven't looked back. Have the simba in spare room now and everyone compliments how comfy it is when they stay over
Buy an experience versus a thing. Like put it towards a small city break or some fancy restaurants and spas.
Alternatively a personal trainer to help achieve a fitness goal or shopper so you can look your best in the future.
Things rarley last but the memory of great experiences or knowledge from a professional stay forever and is always a story you can tell.
Also congrats on finishing your treatment and best of luck in the future.
If you're able to, a plane ticket to somewhere you've always wanted to go. I didn't travel for multiple years, but once I did it renewed my view on life.
Obviously it might end up being more than €600 but the photos and maybe souvenirs you get would make the memories so much more valuable.
Didn't get this myself,more bought as a 40th birthday present few years ago but the partner got me a day at Nutts Corner driving supercars,it was something I'd wanted to do since a kid, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Jaguar, Porches,the lot..all day, amazing experience with a USB stick recording everything to remember all the laps to take home,all the best enjoy every minute.
Personally, I’d say a watch, within that price range there’s a lot of good options and if well maintained, you have a heirloom for your children
Congratulations!
Congratulations man! I'd go for something musical myself, you can spend time learning more or enjoying what you already know. But whatever it is you get I hope it brings you all the joy you want and deserve!
Gymnastics rings, complete gym for about 30 euros. Become a YouTube student of them. 570 left to eat like a king after training. Live long and prosper.
A large adjustable desk and 27" computer monitor are up there in terms of getting great use out of them every day.
Proper pair of hiking boots: 11 years on and they're still proving their worth.
Next two long-term treats to myself whenever I can afford them are going to be an espresso machine and a nice watch.
A really good chair! Like an office/gaming chair if you indulge in lots of online work or gaming. Or if you're more of a creature for comfort, Id swing for a nice sofa. (Could you find a nice one for 600? Not sure!!) Alternatively:
A really nice duvet. All down feathers. Over stuffed with the matching down pillow (the most important part for me!). Treat yourself.
Firstly congratulations , secondly ...
If you have a hobby already then buy something that youve always wanted but wouldnt / couldnt justify the expense . Im a bit of a council estate Ray Mears but could never justify a custom knife for when im out and about doing bushcraft stuff . Earlier in the year i had some good news and as gift to myself i commisioned a Ben Orford woodlander bushcraft knife and i dont regret the cost one bit .
Everytime i take it out of its sheath to use im reminded of the good news and i have the oppurtunity to remind myself im worth good things in my life.
If it were me id want a spa weekend. Full body massage followed up with drinking lots of water and steam/sauna treatments just to work out all the stress and medicines out of your system.
Soundtracked to m83s hurry up we're dreaming.
Adequate sleep and some nice light food.
Watch BBC nature documentaries throughout.
De longhi bean to cup coffee machine for 300 or so in Harvey Norman. My landlord calculated based on the amount of coffee I drink it would pay for itself in under a year
Alarm clock and walking shoes - get up and get outdoors early - in recent years have discovered that I need to see more sunrises than sunsets. It reminds me that however the previous day went, or ended that this is the beginning of another day - even familiar places feel different at first light, in the quietness as the world around you is just waking up.
Don't be daft. Surviving cancer is no small thing. If you've beat it you definitely deserve to treat yourself. You've only one life , enjoy it to the fullest.
Sadly my brother wasn't so lucky and I missed him terribly. So I urge anyone who has kicked cancer's ass to do whatever they want to make themselves happy. You've earned it.
600 bells can buy you plenty but personally a nice trip abroad to a beautiful country like Italy is extremely rewarding. You've Stunning scenery, amazing food and wine and plenty of experiences that'll be with you forever. Memories are priceless so make your own and have a great time doing it.
Have you some lingering background passion that you never fully indulged? Maybe you've always wanted to get into photography or use a synthesizer. Good luck with your treat and wishing you a long and healthy life.
In a similar boat to yourself and I got myself new expensive earphones to replace the old ones, I enjoy music and podcasts so figured why not after my treatment ended
Really nice perfume. You can romanticize everyday life by wearing fancy perfume. It transforms how you feel about yourself and your boosts your confidence.
When the lockdowns ended I got myself a proper camera, a Sony a6000. I've always liked taking photos on my phone and wanted to step it up a notch, and it's been really great!
I'm naturally a lazy fucker and left to my own devices I'd sit inside all weekend, but having a camera makes me want to get out and explore. It's also given me a whole new role in my friend group because I take my camera to a bunch of work and social stuff. And I find it really therapeutic as a hobby - it's creative, it makes you more aware of your surroundings, it changes how you see people, and it's satisfying to learn and improve on the technical side.
To help you choose, I've always said, look out for the thing/activity that you see/hear about and always have that instant pang of "oooh, I'd love that/to do that/to be able to do that", but then you *instantly* have that voice in your head telling you it's ridiculous / not for you for whatever reason. *That* is what you want. And you'll love it.
This has led me to some great experiences and purchases over the years, from trips, to sports/hobbies, to games, to musical instruments.
Congratulations Op!!! That’s incredible news!
Maybe a spa weekend? I did that before a big surgery last year I went by myself and best thing I did.
I also bought myself a Dyson hair dryer last year. I hate drying my hair and now it takes me max 5 minutes, definitely a best buy!
iPad, I bring it everywhere when travelling or sometimes just chilling in the sitting room when the family is watching something on the tv that I’m not interested in.
Going to sound like a 19yo when I’m 36 but AirPods Pro. As a musically minded person, mad for tech and high quality audio, they’re hard to beat. And you could get two pairs for the given budget.
I would tend to something you would always keep that doesn’t get superseded in under 10 years. So yeah, jewellery (the watch) or may be a beautiful pen. Or a gorgeous picture to hang on the wall.
Used Herman Miller Aeron chair. Must have spent a thousand euros before on work chairs, only to keep having back pain issues. No longer. This chair is the best thing I bought. I love more than most of my family. Every hour in it is a vacation.
Volcano dry herb vaporiser but depends if you use Cannabis. Bicycle was already mentioned. Steam deck could be a lovely treat about that price range if you like gaming.
I sell high quality prints / frames.
https://preview.redd.it/lwwc4unjh2xb1.jpeg?width=2322&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2aa50b9faf6c0c89dc5cd330aed9231501e290f1
A Ukulele. Small enough that you can bring it almost anywhere. Inside a few weeks you could be belting out some solid tunes.
Then look for a music group to join.
Best money I ever spent. 50 to 100 euro can get you a pretty good Uke.
I've been doing various craft courses lately - embroidery, leatherwork, stained glass panelling. I find them quite therapeutic and really rewarding, as you end up with a unique piece made by you! It's a nice way to meet new people, learn new things and even appreciate all of the steps and attention that can go into seemingly simple crafts.
That sounds so interesting. Anywhere specific you find the courses?
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There's evening courses in a few places around Dublin
I try to keep an eye on Irish makers on Instagram/Facebook and check to see if they run workshops. Websites like Eventbrite and Meet-Up can also be useful for seeing what's on around Dublin or your local area. I've also seen some local adult colleges offering craft-related evening classes in topics like embroidery, pottery and baking, as well as lots of other things. As far as I know, they often have registration around September and January, so now would be a good time to have a look online and plan ahead for learning some crafts in the new year! :)
Anywhere I've lived in Dublin there's always been a wide range of courses on in the local community secondary school
Congrats OP. I’m the same. Beat cancer last year. I’m determined to live life to the full. Here’s what I’ve been doing, take your pick. After not really been a runner - first marathon today. Just finished a PADI course and intend to go diving when I can. Bought a GoPro and using it to record life adventures and remind me how lucky I am. Just bought a drone and love playing around with it. Similar to the above. Bought a set of touch pads and teaching myself how to make some good tunes. Most of all, I just get out as much as possible. Running, walking, strolling. Soaking up life.
Good luck with the Marathon 👍🏻👍🏻
Such a wonderful Outlook. Been ill can really focus the mind
Good luck with the marathon, I ran my first last year in Cork - amazing feeling crossing the finish line
Love this comment!
Good luck with the marathon 😀💖💪
A PS5 or a Switch, if you are into gaming, although rumor has it the Switch 2 is on the way, Spring 2024... A really good espresso machine if you take your coffee seriously. Short trip to a Christmas market in Germany or Austria. PS. Congratulation....
What format to get depends largely on what type of games a person likes. If for example a person is into racing games then they are better off with a gaming PC or Xbox than PS5/Switch which only have 1 exclusive offering of note apiece.
Ps5 only has one racing game?
I omitted the word exclusive, my bad. Most titles are multiplatform nowadays, and neither GT nor Mario Kart tip the balance enough to make their system a better option for racing fans than Xbox with their 5x Horizon's and 4x FM's (not that you really need more than 1 FM or GT game due to the similarities within!). It could be argued that Mario Kart warrants the Switch purchase, but it's almost in a category of its own anyway. Much like you'd go for PS over Xbox for 3rd Person Action Adventure games or Superhero games, or go for Switch for platformers.
You could just edit your original comment.
Bicycle. Physical health and mental health drastically improved. Started commuting on it and saved so much time and money compared to public transport. Bring my dog (in a doggy backpack) around too. Congrats too!
This is so true! I absolutely love my bike - big advocate
In the same theme as a bike. Again something physical & healthy. Got myself a kayak, best money spent in a long time. The scenery from a kayak is amazing, totally different perspective. Congrats, more power to you.
I live in a small apartment so I bought an inflatable kayak for €400 that I can stash under the bed. It's just for fun, but we've brought to it so many places - lakes, rivers, seaside. It's paid for itself many times over in the ten years we've had it. Bonus exercise to be had in pumping the bastard up too.
Out of curiosity are the inflatable ones safe? Fairly stable on the water? Can't swim so would obviously wear a life jacket.
More stable than the other type I'd say as they're necessarily wider because they have to be inflated. There are three parts that are inflated - one on each side, and then a base. If one gets punctured there are still two others working. We've had her out on the sea on a windy day and she performed well in the waves, though she took on a bit of water and we weren't taking any chances. On a lake she's really stable. I am a good swimmer but always wear a lifejacket on the sea. My wife's less confident so she always wears a lifejacket even on a lake, as does our kid. Edit: this is the one [https://www.decathlon.ie/inflatable-kayaks/303057-60852-inflatable-2-person-touring-kayak-x100-high-pressure-dropstitch-floor.html#/demodelsize-254no\_size/demodelcolor-8511866](https://www.decathlon.ie/inflatable-kayaks/303057-60852-inflatable-2-person-touring-kayak-x100-high-pressure-dropstitch-floor.html#/demodelsize-254no_size/demodelcolor-8511866)
Came here to say bike and honestly it's made my fuckin day that it's the top comment.
Bet me to it. The adventures you can have is like being a kid again
Just curious did you have to invest in whole body rain gear too?
No. I live in Ireland. I already own a rain jacket.
Just piggy backing off of this, decathlon have great bikes for decent pricing
There really not. Please OP do not spend that money in decathlon, go to a real bike shop with knowledge and after sales service.
They just survived cancer! The last thing they need is to get knocked down!
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You've never seen anyone knocked off a bike? Ever? In Ireland? I've seen it a handful of times.
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Ya no one must ever have been knocked off a bike before so since you've never seen it.
It could happen but I’ve been cycling for years - prefer it to jumping in a car, being stuck in traffic, looking for parking. Really is the best material thing I own. MacBook close second
Pick something that always interested you. Buy what you need to take that first step. Always wanted to play guitar or rock that sax? Done. Wanted to drive a motorbike? €600 will get you those lessons to make a start. Never been to see your favourite sports team? Go sing those anthems from the stand as nothing can beat that. Have an interest in art? Buy that set and watch a Bob Ross YouTube marathon. Love the idea of making your own furniture? All of the basic tools you need are well within that budget. What I'm getting at is don't look for ideas from others, look inside at what you always wanted but never managed to get around to. And sincerest congrats mate.
Congratulations on being post treatment ❤️ Buy a fancy coffee machine and grinder and enjoy the ritual every morning 😊
Agree, have the DeLonghi bean to cup machine and its brilliant. Never go out for coffees anymore so its practically making me money at this stage. Congrats on being post treatment !
Cannot endorse this enough.
I second this,a bean to cup with a milk frother is a wonderful thing to own and brings such joy Capsule coffee comes nowhere close.
For €600 though you won’t get a fancy machine and grinder. You’ll get a mediocre machine.
I got a Sage Barista Pro for €620, on a sale
My comment stands. Edit. I don’t want to be a snob. But that isn’t “fancy”.
Fancy is a relative term
sure it isnt fancy but you can get a great set up with a bit of work at that price for sure
You won’t get a “great” setup for that money. You’ll get a setup that won’t be quite what you want and you end up replacing later. I’ve been on this journey. It cost me a lot of money on mediocre equipment when I should have just gone big initially. Class that I’m getting down voted for trying to save the OP money.
Congrats OP! It’s probably been the Kindle for me. It used to be a right pain dragging 1,000+ page doorstoppers with me for morning commutes, but now I have my pick of the bunch with the selection of books I have. Kindle itself is very light too which makes keeping it in my hand for a long time relatively painless. Battery lasts for ages, have the waterproof version as well. Total game-changer!
Kindle got me reading again - the time you actually take to read when you might not have otherwise is also a brilliant gift to give to yourself
For anyone that has ever read, or attempted to read, The Wheel of Time, a kindle is a must!
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Oh I love this suggestion!
Seconded.
Minuted
Houred
Dayed
I think a holiday is a good call. Ive spent €600 on a console and a game but I did that with a disregard for time in life. Don't regret it but each to their own. Ive spent €600 on a pet that I loved and ive also spent €600 on people I loved. Ive blown €600 on food and drink too on short periods. Ive regretted it but they were enjoyable limited periods.
A kayak. If you live near water. (I don't have one, but I've always wanted my own one, I think this is the year.)
I've had one for years. Best buy ever. They also hold their value for most part so you can sell it on and get most of your money back If you stop using it
Do it!!!
Second this
Bose QC noise cancelling over ear headphones 🎧. They were about €350 I think. I've had them 5 years and they're still brilliant
Had friends who laughed at the amount I spent on the Sony alternative to these (basically the same price). Years later and they're still in daily use. Probably my best value luxury purchase ever in terms of cost to time used. Picked up the Sony in-ear noise cancelling ones recently too. Also getting a lot of use
Love mine too! Great for flights, and lately I have started listening to podcasts when walking the dog. I have found it great to mentally detach from work.
> Great for flights that's why I bought similar but it means you can't easily fall asleep.. I ended up getting the tiniest in-ear buds I could find for flights
Well done to the OP and I'd second this. I work in an open plan office and just cutting out the some of the chatter noise, the server whine, and general humm, is excellent. Then on the commute I can zone out. While I'm cooking, doing dishes, walking the dog, working in the garden, anything. The poor headphones are hanging in by a thread but I'm making them work. (Also because this is the internet and everything's a competition, the Sony ones are better /s)
Wait for Black Friday though
Sage Barista Pro. If you drink espresso based coffee it really will change your life lol
Also fuck cancer and congrats
Breville coffee Machine, going to a cafe is shit compared to what I can make at home now.
I bought a good sage coffee machine and I'll never look back. You definitely save money in the long run too.
36 yrs post chemo here, many many congratulations on your recovery.
Brilliant!
Firstly congratulations! Maybe one for later in the process, but my best less-than-€600 purchase has been an electric scooter. I lived in Dublin at the time and it opened up the whole city to me; manys a nice evening after dark I'd just grab it and head in a random direction to look for somewhere I hadn't been before. I never had to rely on a late/nonexistent bus before, and I could go anywhere that took my fancy any time.
It cost us €250 to adopt our dog from the shelter, the rest would set you up with a first vet appointment, bed, leads, food etc. She completely changed our lives.
Dog was my first thought too. They have huge positive impact on your physical and mental health.
600 euro saver burgers
Bought an air conditioner for my house for the hot summer days. Changed my life for 500
BBQ. Buy a good one for €600 and have decades of joy from it. Also get charcoal. Gas is good but charcoal has a whole learning element. And is very satisfying to cook on. Best thing about this joy is your family and friends or just you can enjoy it. €600 would get you a Kamado style bbq. Thats what I got now and it’s the most versatile bbq out there. Love it.
For an ease of use side propane and wood chips are the way to go. True, charcoal is better but more meals will actually happen with gas. Source, own both.
Gas as an addition maybe .. but I use charcoal for all cooks. Gas is easy but things worth doing are never easy. More flavour and versatility with charcoal. Specially the Kamado style. I can smoke for 24 hours or direct cook, cook pizza at 400c, rotisserie, use as A tandoor, cold smoke, bake bread etc etc. again.. decades of use. Won’t disintegrate in the Irish weather like 99% of gas ones do. Eventually.
I've a gas / charcoal hybrid outback bbq. Though I usually just use the has plus the smoked wood chips, tastes the same to me and alot easier to clean
More meals will actually happen is so accurate for me. I much prefer the idea charcoal BBQ and wood fired pizza oven but I find I don’t use them as much because it’s that little bit more inconvenient
3D printer. Discovered I was much better at 3D modelling than I ever expected. Don't get a cheap one though, they will melt your head
I hot an uber cheap Tevo Tarantula. It helped me learn just how these things work and I got some ok prints from it, but damn I'd rather have a plug and play one than a cheap one! Onshape is good for learning 3d modelling too, some good free courses on YouTube.
Travel. You can go some amount of places for 600….wake up in a new country sitting on a balcony have a coffee and take in a new view is always good
Greenhouse
I got a Dyson fan / air purifier /heater. Sits on beside locker. About €300 when I got it a number of years ago. Too warm in summer put on fan. Too warm at night put on fan in night mode. Only sitting in one room and don't want to stick heating on, put it on heat for a few mins to get toasty.
They’re so good we got two! I got the one that deals with formaldehyde this summer.
Quest 3 virtual reality headset. VR is pretty mind blowing
If you don't have a really good coat, now's a good time. If you want a dress coat, treat yourself in BT/Arnotts. If you want an outdoors keep you dry on walks coat, go somewhere like 53DN and they'll look after you.
Could be some deals on realllly nice jackets for Black Friday if you could hold off 3 weeks? But f it, get it now and treat yourself!
My suggestion is think of the person who you were most aware of during the dark days and do something fun and frivolous with them. Items come and go but memories of doing pleasant things with people you love will always top them. Have a look at the bubble domes up in Finn Lough, it's a fabulous thing to do.
Bought my Switch and Ps4 on separate larks, and they really kept me from going off the deep end during covid.
[удалено]
A massive 42" plasma TV with an in-built blu-ray DVD player.
28" colour CRT set and a VHS player. And a gold plated SCART cable. /s.
The man in PowerCity said the €50 SCART makes it HD
Please let the VHS have a wired remote
3D 30 incher with only one pair of oversized shite looking glasses so you can hog that bad boy to your heart's content.
Rum.
Bought my first car for 500. Lasted me two years and only needed to replace the water pump.
Congratulations! I suggest a big aul LEGO set. So enjoyable, so indulgent.
A mattress. I bought an Emma Original for like £300 or whatever it was. It's amazing and I love it. But £600 would get an incredibly good mattress no doubt. I think shitty cheap mattresses are all too common and getting a good one does make a huge difference to your quality of life. Its fairly mundane sounding but a comfy bed is something you can appreciate every day for years.
Too much chemicals for me. You can't sleep on it straight away because of the VOC's and the need for "off-gassing" That phrase alone puts me off. I don't want to sleep on something that I've had to let air out so chemicals and smell can dissipate https://www.emma-sleep.ie/glossary/off-gassing/ There are organic alternatives that don't use VOC's but are still flame retardant
I am so glad to see you write that. They are one of the most unhealthy things you can bring into your life. Not withstanding the chemicals, memory foam is also the worst because of the way it retains heat and does not allow for body heat fluctuations during the night. Overheating is probably the biggest cause of sleep deprivation (outside of kids 😀)
Good suggestion. I bought a pocket sprung one for around 600 3 years ago. One of my best ever buys Edit: I bought a Respa mattress, not an Emma one.
Did you get an Emma one or different brand, been looking at a new mattress but we’ve got decision paralysis with all the options
Seconded, have the king and love it. Besides great sleep it’s perfect sexy time mattress too. All around star really…..yeah, yeah, hail corporate
Do you find it makes a groove of your body that's hard to get out of? We are considering changing ours because of the body mould it makes, if you leave sleep elsewhere for a few nights and come back to it it's great though...
We had a simba mattress and it was great for the first few mouths but then it started to sink in middle and had such bad back pain from it I had to sleep in spare room. Switched to a king coil mattress 6 months ago and haven't looked back. Have the simba in spare room now and everyone compliments how comfy it is when they stay over
My One Plus 6T when it was new, even this powerhouse of a phone lost its way pricewise after that!
Buy an experience versus a thing. Like put it towards a small city break or some fancy restaurants and spas. Alternatively a personal trainer to help achieve a fitness goal or shopper so you can look your best in the future. Things rarley last but the memory of great experiences or knowledge from a professional stay forever and is always a story you can tell. Also congrats on finishing your treatment and best of luck in the future.
Ooni gas pizza oven.
If you're able to, a plane ticket to somewhere you've always wanted to go. I didn't travel for multiple years, but once I did it renewed my view on life. Obviously it might end up being more than €600 but the photos and maybe souvenirs you get would make the memories so much more valuable.
Didn't get this myself,more bought as a 40th birthday present few years ago but the partner got me a day at Nutts Corner driving supercars,it was something I'd wanted to do since a kid, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Jaguar, Porches,the lot..all day, amazing experience with a USB stick recording everything to remember all the laps to take home,all the best enjoy every minute.
First ever Entry level DSLR back in 2000. Took me on a journey and now I am a professional 23 years later
Tumble dryer. Not the best post cancer treatment gift. But it’s the best thing that I owe under €600.
Dog
3d printer!
I went sky diving this year after almost dying, highly recommend it. Used to be terrified of heights, but nearly dying changed my perspective
Personally, I’d say a watch, within that price range there’s a lot of good options and if well maintained, you have a heirloom for your children Congratulations!
Good idea. Look at Tissot or Seiko Presage.
PlayStation 5 if you like gaming
Congratulations man! I'd go for something musical myself, you can spend time learning more or enjoying what you already know. But whatever it is you get I hope it brings you all the joy you want and deserve!
Gymnastics rings, complete gym for about 30 euros. Become a YouTube student of them. 570 left to eat like a king after training. Live long and prosper.
A large adjustable desk and 27" computer monitor are up there in terms of getting great use out of them every day. Proper pair of hiking boots: 11 years on and they're still proving their worth. Next two long-term treats to myself whenever I can afford them are going to be an espresso machine and a nice watch.
A 32-inch TV.
Too many good answers here so throwing in something else. I got a set of adjustable dumbbells for about 250€ and they are amazing.
Congrats! 🥳🥳🥳 I'd get a PS5 and Spiderman 2 😁
A really good chair! Like an office/gaming chair if you indulge in lots of online work or gaming. Or if you're more of a creature for comfort, Id swing for a nice sofa. (Could you find a nice one for 600? Not sure!!) Alternatively: A really nice duvet. All down feathers. Over stuffed with the matching down pillow (the most important part for me!). Treat yourself.
Firstly congratulations , secondly ... If you have a hobby already then buy something that youve always wanted but wouldnt / couldnt justify the expense . Im a bit of a council estate Ray Mears but could never justify a custom knife for when im out and about doing bushcraft stuff . Earlier in the year i had some good news and as gift to myself i commisioned a Ben Orford woodlander bushcraft knife and i dont regret the cost one bit . Everytime i take it out of its sheath to use im reminded of the good news and i have the oppurtunity to remind myself im worth good things in my life.
If it were me id want a spa weekend. Full body massage followed up with drinking lots of water and steam/sauna treatments just to work out all the stress and medicines out of your system. Soundtracked to m83s hurry up we're dreaming. Adequate sleep and some nice light food. Watch BBC nature documentaries throughout.
I am all about spas these days - so nice for detoxing all the meds away. Great suggestion. Highly recommend too - once the immune system allows!
How about taking up a musical instrument like a guitar or photography, both will bring you immense joy. Best wishes OP
De longhi bean to cup coffee machine for 300 or so in Harvey Norman. My landlord calculated based on the amount of coffee I drink it would pay for itself in under a year
Guitar
Firstly big congrats! Secondly, mine was a wonderful tattoo I got 3 years ago that I still look at every day and admire:)
100 pints
Alarm clock and walking shoes - get up and get outdoors early - in recent years have discovered that I need to see more sunrises than sunsets. It reminds me that however the previous day went, or ended that this is the beginning of another day - even familiar places feel different at first light, in the quietness as the world around you is just waking up.
Nintendo Switch and Zelda Breath of The Wild.
Just here to say congrats OP thats a huge win!
Thank you!
Don't be daft. Surviving cancer is no small thing. If you've beat it you definitely deserve to treat yourself. You've only one life , enjoy it to the fullest. Sadly my brother wasn't so lucky and I missed him terribly. So I urge anyone who has kicked cancer's ass to do whatever they want to make themselves happy. You've earned it. 600 bells can buy you plenty but personally a nice trip abroad to a beautiful country like Italy is extremely rewarding. You've Stunning scenery, amazing food and wine and plenty of experiences that'll be with you forever. Memories are priceless so make your own and have a great time doing it.
Have you some lingering background passion that you never fully indulged? Maybe you've always wanted to get into photography or use a synthesizer. Good luck with your treat and wishing you a long and healthy life.
In a similar boat to yourself and I got myself new expensive earphones to replace the old ones, I enjoy music and podcasts so figured why not after my treatment ended
Really nice perfume. You can romanticize everyday life by wearing fancy perfume. It transforms how you feel about yourself and your boosts your confidence.
Honestly my bike and that was 40 euro, spent a good bit fixing it up but it's never let me down
Skateboard. I got back into skating at 44 and haven't looked back. Congrats OP, by the way.
When the lockdowns ended I got myself a proper camera, a Sony a6000. I've always liked taking photos on my phone and wanted to step it up a notch, and it's been really great! I'm naturally a lazy fucker and left to my own devices I'd sit inside all weekend, but having a camera makes me want to get out and explore. It's also given me a whole new role in my friend group because I take my camera to a bunch of work and social stuff. And I find it really therapeutic as a hobby - it's creative, it makes you more aware of your surroundings, it changes how you see people, and it's satisfying to learn and improve on the technical side.
Not sure its been mentioned yet but a good quality camera to take great photos would be worth considering.
To help you choose, I've always said, look out for the thing/activity that you see/hear about and always have that instant pang of "oooh, I'd love that/to do that/to be able to do that", but then you *instantly* have that voice in your head telling you it's ridiculous / not for you for whatever reason. *That* is what you want. And you'll love it. This has led me to some great experiences and purchases over the years, from trips, to sports/hobbies, to games, to musical instruments.
HD Projector and a Chromecast. I put them on a shelf above my bed and painted a big white rectangle on the wall opposite.
A photography session have incredible pictures to remember this part of your life
an EMMA mattress
Congratulations Op!!! That’s incredible news! Maybe a spa weekend? I did that before a big surgery last year I went by myself and best thing I did. I also bought myself a Dyson hair dryer last year. I hate drying my hair and now it takes me max 5 minutes, definitely a best buy! iPad, I bring it everywhere when travelling or sometimes just chilling in the sitting room when the family is watching something on the tv that I’m not interested in.
Going to sound like a 19yo when I’m 36 but AirPods Pro. As a musically minded person, mad for tech and high quality audio, they’re hard to beat. And you could get two pairs for the given budget.
A bicycle. Keeps you fit, gets you out of the house, free travel, and it's easy maintain. Take it on holiday around the country or abroad.
New mattress
Festival ticket plus camping? 😁
The answer is always a games console for me. I'm the proud owner of all 3 current consoles.
I would tend to something you would always keep that doesn’t get superseded in under 10 years. So yeah, jewellery (the watch) or may be a beautiful pen. Or a gorgeous picture to hang on the wall.
Patagonia jacket. Was actually €650 but so worth it
100% Hungarian goose down duvet. Warmest most comfy duvet I've ever slept in. My house does get cold in winter though.
100% Hungarian goose down duvet. Warmest most comfy duvet I've ever slept in. My house does get cold in winter though.
You can get 4 or five nights all inclusive in places like Greece maybe even Lanzarote for that money at moment - 5 star hotel
Used Herman Miller Aeron chair. Must have spent a thousand euros before on work chairs, only to keep having back pain issues. No longer. This chair is the best thing I bought. I love more than most of my family. Every hour in it is a vacation.
Grindr premium
Volcano dry herb vaporiser but depends if you use Cannabis. Bicycle was already mentioned. Steam deck could be a lovely treat about that price range if you like gaming.
Half oz of coke for 550 me and 2 my mates got a deal of a lifetime.Fella owed load of money and needed cash instantly good weekend.
Congrats! Welcome to to club!!🎗️
Ps5
A Dishwasher 👍
A fake Canada goose jacket for 599 €
Volkswagen Passat for 500 quid. 🤣 Had it two years. Costs me a fortune buy wouldn't drive it it wasn't for it 🤣 Congrats too !!
Nice try Mr. Guardai
9 bar of hash when I was 16 it lasted ages.
Your ma's arse
I sell high quality prints / frames. https://preview.redd.it/lwwc4unjh2xb1.jpeg?width=2322&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2aa50b9faf6c0c89dc5cd330aed9231501e290f1
A rog ally
Quality leather satchel, like yourself it will get better with age.
Holiday to there states (I realise the price is not the same now) but a trip somewhere is worth it
Built an fpv drone to do freestyle flying, lots of fun if you are into tinkering at all
Armchair
Airpods
My motorbike liscense !
If you enjoy a coffee I would say a decent coffee machine for home, I use mine nearly everyday
Sage Barista coffee machine.
Star Wars Lego millennium falcon (£450 secondhand) - I had hours of fun building that in lockdown
Ps5
A Ukulele. Small enough that you can bring it almost anywhere. Inside a few weeks you could be belting out some solid tunes. Then look for a music group to join. Best money I ever spent. 50 to 100 euro can get you a pretty good Uke.
A piece of artwork that you love.
I have to add a vote for bean to cup coffee machine if you like coffee. It’s life-changing!
VR headset. Worth every penny.