13 Basic Items That Were Turned Into Luxury Goods
When it comes to everyday products, most people are trying to pay as little as possible for them. After all, many of these items are not made to last forever. But through luxury branding, you can now find insanely expensive versions of everyday items that feature extravagant accents like gold, diamonds, or designer labels.
While they perform the same functions as their much cheaper counterparts, their sky-high price tags cater to those looking to make a statement of wealth or status.
1. Balenciaga Tote Bag: $3,290
If you’ve ever thought about dropping $3k to look like you’re carrying your groceries in a plastic bag, Balenciaga has you covered. Though this medium tote bag mimics every humble grocery bag, it’s actually made from Nappa calfskin and has the Balenciaga logo in the front to remind everyone that it’s not just any bag. Also great for, um, strawberry lovers.
2. Gold-Plated Stapler: $270
For those looking to spruce up their office setup, this 23-karat gold stapler could be the answer. While it performs the exact same function as a regular stapler, the gold finish adds an air of luxury to your desk. The design goes all the way back to 1932 — and while it does look pretty sleek, we think we’ll stick with this $3 version.
3. Louis Vuitton Jenga Set: $4,000
Because nothing says “luxury” like turning a block-stacking game into a $4,000 status symbol. In 2019, Louis Vuitton took Jenga — yes, the same game you can buy for 10 bucks — and transformed it by adding their signature monogram to the plastic blocks and giving them a fancy carrying case. For the price of a used car, at least you’ll impress your guests at game nights.
4. Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Shoe Horn: $425
While a regular shoe horn will get the job done just fine, this designer version from Tiffany & Co. promises to turn a mundane item into a statement piece. It’ll help you slip into your shoes just like the $5 version from any department store — but hey, at least you’ll feel super fancy doing it!
5. Hermès Playing Cards: $205
These Hermès playing cards, which are housed in an extra fancy “cardboard base” (sarcasm intended), will take your game nights to a whole new level. While the cards themselves aren’t any different from standard versions, the “silver-edged cards” have the Hermès logo slapped on the back, so at least you can show them off. Nice of them to include two sets at the very least.
6. Versace Barocco Domino Set: $1,775
Versace sells this Barocco-printed domino board for a mere $1,775 — on sale. Made from calf leather, ashwood, and acrylic, the set features an engraved Versace logo on one side and Medusa-shaped dots on the other.
7. Louis Vuitton Skateboard: $5,300
Who says skateboarding is just for kids when you can drop over five grand on this Louis Vuitton skateboard? Complete with the LV monogram and a strap, this skateboard is perfect for rolling around in style — just don’t get any scratches on it, or you might cry. It’s the ultimate accessory for anyone who prefers to partake in extreme sports with a side of luxury.
8. Dior Surfboard: $13,000
Catch waves in style with this Dior surfboard that could double as a downpayment on a house. Sure, it works just like any regular surfboard, but this one comes with the added bonus of letting everyone know you’re rich while you’re out on the water. The only thing more impressive than the price tag? The fact that you’ll probably never want to get it wet.
9. Supreme Brick: $190
For those who love streetwear and construction, Supreme has you covered with this branded brick that costs as much as a steak dinner for two. Yes, it’s literally a single brick with the Supreme logo on it, but that hasn’t stopped people from shelling out serious dough to own a piece of streetwear history. Plus, you’ll be able to build a wall as high as your ego using these.
10. S.T. Dupont Gold Lighter: $1,633
Why bother with a Bic from the gas station when you can spend €1,500 (about USD $1,600) on a gold lighter from S.T. Dupont? This lighter isn’t just for lighting up cigars — it’s also great for setting your bank account on fire. And get this: The lighter is “delivered empty of gas,” meaning you’ll have to buy the refills separately.
11. Bottega Veneta Leather Knot Clutch: $4,200
This tiny clutch from Bottega Veneta comes with an eye-watering price tag of $4,200. For what is essentially a small pouch to hold your lipstick and credit card, this clutch is more about flexing one’s wealth than about functionality. But hey — if your lipstick demands a luxury home, this might just be the overpriced bag for you. Plus, it comes in three different colors.
12. Burberry Umbrella: $690
Rain, rain, go away — unless you’re holding this Burberry umbrella that’s selling for nearly $700, in which case you might want to parade around in the downpour just to show it off. While it will work just the same as this $5 umbrella from Home Depot, with the Burberry logo plastered all over it, you’ll feel like you’re not just avoiding rain but also soaking in luxury.
13. SMEG Dolce & Gabbana Toaster: $700
Why settle for a regular toaster when Dolce & Gabbana offers a $700 version decorated with vibrant Sicilian patterns? This designer appliance brings high fashion to your kitchen countertops — because obviously, your toast deserves to be made in style. It might toast bread the same as any $15 model, but this one comes with bragging rights.
Read more about crazy things the rich own:
These 12 Exotic Animals That Rich People Actually Call Pets are a reminder that the rich are not like the rest of us. And how about the 6 Ultra-Rich People Who Invested in Survival Bunkers? Talk about money to spare. For another peek at the lives of the 1%, check out 15 Decked-Out Superyachts of the Rich and Famous.