From abandoned fitness gadgets to barely-used VR headsets, experts say Britons are increasingly buying expensive ‘fantasy lifestyle’ products – only to resell them weeks later
Scrolling through second-hand marketplaces reveals the same products appearing again and again: walking pads, portable projectors, giant tumblers, home gym kits and expensive kitchen gadgets bought during moments of motivation or social media hype.
Consumer finance expert Jasmine Birtles says many shoppers are now realising they’ve been sold an aspirational version of life rather than products they genuinely need.
She said: “A lot of these purchases come from a perfectly understandable place. People want to improve their lives, get healthier, be more organised or make their homes feel nicer.
“But social media is incredibly powerful at making us believe one product will suddenly transform our routines — and very often that simply doesn’t happen.”
The products Brits are reselling most in 2026
Walking pads and home fitness equipment
One of the biggest resale categories this year is home fitness gear. Walking pads, foldable treadmills, exercise bikes and compact home gyms regularly appear on Facebook Marketplace shortly after New Year or summer fitness pushes.
Experts say many people underestimate:
- how much space the equipment takes up
- how noisy it can be
- how difficult it is to stay motivated at home
Jasmine said: “People often buy exercise equipment imagining an entirely new lifestyle overnight.
“But if something is awkward to set up or difficult to fit into everyday life, it quickly becomes an expensive clothes rail.”
VR headsets
VR headsets are also becoming one of the most commonly resold tech products online. While virtual reality gaming can be impressive, many buyers admit they use the headsets heavily for a few weeks before losing interest.
Others report motion sickness, discomfort or frustration with needing clear space in the home to use them properly.
Jasmine said: “VR is one of those technologies people absolutely love in theory.
“But the reality is you need space, time and genuine enthusiasm to use it regularly. A lot of people buy one imagining family games nights and immersive experiences, then realise it spends most of its life in a drawer.”
Consumer experts say the rapid pace of technology upgrades also means many VR devices lose value quickly once newer models launch.
Portable projectors
Tiny portable projectors became hugely popular online thanks to cosy “home cinema” videos across TikTok and Instagram. But many buyers say the reality rarely matches the social media dream.
Common complaints include poor brightness, weak sound quality, blurry images and the need for a completely dark room to create a decent viewing experience.
Jasmine said: “If somebody genuinely wants a projector setup and has the proper room for it, they can be brilliant.
“But sadly the cheap portable models people see online usually don’t create the cinematic experience they’re expecting.”
She said buyers serious about home cinema setups are often better saving for more established premium projector brands, such as Epson, rather than impulse-buying mini portable versions.
Giant tumblers and viral water bottles
Massive reusable tumblers became one of the year’s biggest status trends online, with limited-edition launches selling out within hours.
But many are now appearing second-hand as buyers realise they already owned perfectly good reusable bottles.
Some shoppers also admitted paying inflated resale prices during peak demand.
Countertop ice makers
Countertop ice machines surged in popularity during warmer weather and “luxury kitchen” social media trends.
However, many buyers later complained they were bulky, noisy and rarely used after the novelty wore off. Others realised their freezer already made enough ice for everyday life.
Bread makers and specialist kitchen gadgets
Air fryers remain genuinely useful for many households, but more niche appliances are increasingly being resold after limited use.
Bread makers, soup makers, automatic cocktail machines and mini waffle irons are among the products dominating second-hand listings.
Experts say many people buy appliances for an imagined lifestyle rather than their real routines.
Why people regret these purchases
Experts say the products most likely to be regretted are often tied to “fantasy self” spending — buying for the person we hope to become rather than the life we actually live.
Jasmine said: “Shopping has become entertainment now. We’re constantly shown videos of beautifully organised homes, perfect routines and gadgets that supposedly solve every problem.
“But most people don’t suddenly become different people because they bought a walking pad or a mini projector.”
She said consumers should also ask themselves whether a product genuinely supports their existing lifestyle — or whether it only appeals because they are going through a temporary “phase”.
Jasmine added: “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying something that makes your life easier, more enjoyable or healthier if you realistically know you’ll use it.
“The problem comes when we buy for a fantasy version of ourselves rather than our real habits.
“A good question to ask is: would this fit naturally into my life as it already exists, or am I hoping the product itself will suddenly transform me into a completely different person?”
She added that many people also recognise patterns in their own spending behaviour over time.
“Some people are very susceptible to ‘phase spending’ — they become intensely enthusiastic about a hobby, fitness trend or lifestyle idea for two weeks and then completely forget about it.
“If you know you tend to move quickly from one obsession to another, it’s worth slowing down before buying expensive equipment linked to that phase.”
The warning signs you may regret a purchase
Experts say there are several red flags consumers should watch for:
- You only discovered the item through TikTok or Instagram
- It promises to “change your life”
- You already own something similar
- You can’t immediately explain where it will live in your home
- Reviews focus more on aesthetics than practicality
- You feel pressured to buy before it “sells out”
How to avoid wasting money on trends
Consumer experts recommend using a simple “72-hour rule” before buying expensive viral products.
If you still genuinely want the item several days later — and can clearly explain how often you’ll use it — it may be worth considering.
Otherwise, waiting often saves shoppers hundreds of pounds.
Jasmine added: “The best money-saving habit in 2026 may simply be learning how to pause before buying something viral.”
Experts say one of the simplest ways to avoid wasting money is to imagine where the product will realistically be in six months’ time.
If the honest answer is “probably on Facebook Marketplace”, it may not be worth the purchase after all.
