Holiday Gifts of Products Guaranteed for Life
Why should you think about buying products guaranteed for life gifts? Because, it’s a smart use of your money.
If you’re like me, you want to give gifts that are not only meaningful but also that last. It’s one of the reasons I tend to give my business to companies with a lifetime warranty and why I prefer products guaranteed for life.
You’re a brand that stands behind the products you sell? You’ve got me as a customer for life!
When I spend my hard-earned money on anything for myself, my family members, my friends or others, I want to know that I’m giving them something that will last. I’m guessing that my readers feel the same–the second most popular post on this blog this year is my article Lifetime Warranty: Products Guaranteed for Life.
That’s why I’ve decided that this year I would put together this gift guide that focuses specifically on products guaranteed for life. In other words, these are products, brands and companies that sell items that come with a lifetime warranty or guarantee. This includes backpack brands with lifetime warranty, lifetime warranty watch brands and lifetime guarantee pans.
Sometimes that is a limited lifetime warranty or guarantee. Above all, these are companies that stand behind the products they sell.
You’re a brand that stands behind the products you sell? You’ve got me as a customer for life!
What is a lifetime warranty or guarantee?
Before I get into the nitty gritty of this gift guide, let’s first define lifetime warranty or lifetime guarantee. What exactly does that mean?
Well, simply put, a company is warranting or guaranteeing that a product will last for its (natural) lifetime. I put “natural” in quotes because some products with a warranty will wear out.
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Socks wear out. Backpacks wear out. Cookware wears out. Meanwhile, some companies believe that it shouldn’t be this way. In other words, their products are guaranteed for life. Period. End of story. That’s why they offer a lifetime warranty or guarantee.
Some companies don’t offer lifetime warranties anymore
For years this was L.L. Bean’s take on it clothing and gear. Same with Eddie Bauer. Also, Lands’ End. They’ve now ended their lifetime gurantee.
However, neither L.L. Bean nor Eddie Bauer still offer products guaranteed for life. Their lifetime guarantee on backpacks, luggage, clothing, etc. is no more.
As far as lifetime warranty products go at L.L. Bean, now it is limited to one year only. Add to that the fact that you need to keep your receipt to cash in on the guarantee.
At Eddie Bauer it’s quite different. I have had plenty of readers writer to tell me that Eddie Bauer is no longer standing behind their products the way they once did.
Many companies sell products guaranteed for life
But what about the companies that are still standing behind their products for a lifetime–yours or the product itself? Some have exceptional lifetime warranties and deserve our business.
Take Bombas socks. Here is how the company defines how and why it offers a lifetime guarantee:
“[W]e stand by our product 100%, no matter what, no questions asked, no holds barred, no ifs, no ands, no buts. If you have a problem, we will solve it. Refund it. Send you new socks. Whatever it takes.”
So if you’re thinking of giving socks as a stocking stuffer this year, I’ll say it here and then a little further down in this gift guide. Bombas Socks, with their lifetime warranty, would be an excellent choice.
Here are tips to avoid Bombas dupes.
What does limited lifetime warranty mean?
If you’re wondering how long a limited lifetime warranty is, let’s use Costco as an example. Costco sells tires for your car–did you even know that?
With these tires Costco offers a five-year warranty on the tires–and will fix or replace them during that time. This is a limited lifetime warranty because of the five-year time period. However, it is a darn good limited lifetime warranty.
Why? Because most car tires last only three to four years. So if you can get five years from a set of automobile tires, with Costco standing behind them the whole time, that’s an awesome deal.
This is one of the reasons that Costco appears in this gift guide. Costco stands behind what it sells. Even going as far as offering a guarantee on its membership. So if you’re stuck for what to get the person who has everything, why not sign them up for a Costco membership this year? Scroll down to where Costco appears in this gift guide for more details on that.
Holiday gifts of products guaranteed for life
Now that you’ve got the nitty gritty down on how long a lifetime warranty lasts and what limited lifetime warranty means, let’s get to the gift ideas. As promised I’ve rounded up ideas from 27 companies with products guaranteed for life. I truly believe this is a great angle to take with your gift giving this year.
Think about it from another perspective, a sustainable perspective. If you’re giving gifts or buying products guaranteed for life, you’re keeping items longer and throwing away fewer things. For those looking to shrink their carbon footprint, choosing gifts from brands that offer a lifetime guarantee could be a small step in the right sustainable direction.
FYI, many of the products here are available on Amazon. I’ve included a link to my Amazon influencer page and my shopping list at the very bottom of this post.
Here are gift ideas, in my new gift guide, all with a lifetime guarantee.
All-Clad
Do you know someone who recently got engaged or married? Then giving them the gift of cookware with a lifetime guarantee is a great idea.
Hopefully, they’ve already registered for brands that offer lifetime guarantee cookware. One of these would be All-Clad.
Away Suitcases
When it comes to lifetime warranty luggage, Away Suitcases fit the bill. Granted, theirs seems to be a limited lifetime guarantee, but the “limited” part isn’t tied to time.
Rather, Away products are definitely guaranteed for life–for the life of the product. However, the warranty is “limited” to something that might break on the suitcase. This limitation could be a zipper, the wheels or, as Away says, “anything else that functionally impairs the luggage. If anything breaks, we will fix or replace it for you.”
Note: the phone charging battery within the Away suitcases is covered by a two-year warrant only.
I know that Away Suitcases are pricey. But if you’ve got a college student getting ready to go abroad for the spring or someone else heading out on a vacation of a lifetime, I think it would be wonderful to gift them with a suitcase that will last a liftime as well.
Bombas Socks
I would definitely say that Bombas are lifetime guarantee socks. In fact, when it comes to these lifetime warranty socks, Bombas is super generous saying its products are guaranteed for life.
Here’s what the warranty says:
“Our #1 priority here at Bombas is your happiness. Which means we stand by our product 100%, no matter what, no questions asked, no holds barred, no ifs, no ands, no buts. If you have a problem, we will solve it. Refund it. Send you new socks. Whatever it takes. Just reach out to our Customer Happiness Team. We’re here for you. Happiness. Guaranteed.”
Good news, too! Bombas socks are on sale right now.
Shop now and use code BOMBAS20 for 20% off your first purchase.
Briggs and Riley
When it comes to the Briggs and Riley lifetime guarantee, it’s baked right into the brand’s tagline: “Engineered for reality. Guaranteed for life.”
The coverage is quite generous, too:
“Briggs and Riley is the only luggage company that offers an unconditional lifetime guarantee. In the unlikely event that your bag needs to be repaired, we are here for you. Our simple as that® guarantee means if your bag is ever broken or damaged, we will repair it free of charge, no proof of purchase needed, no questions asked.”
These Briggs and Riley products are super nice suitcases with spinner wheels and the perfect size for carry on. In fact, if you’re looking to give someone the gift of carry one luggage with a lifetime warranty, look no further.
Calphalon
As mentioned earlier it’s a good idea to buy holiday gifts off someone’s registry. It is even better (for them) if they’ve got lifetime guarantee cookware on that registry. Like All-Clad Calphalon sells cookware with a lifetime warranty.
Speaking of registering you should check out my article on the bridal wedding and gift registries with the best perks. Aka you get free stuff. Aka you can save a ton of money on gifts.
Camelbak
When my daughters were in high school and playing sports, they relied on their Camelbak water bottles. First, these bottles were packed in the lunch boxes. Next, they were taken to away games. And, finally, they were stashed in cup holders in the cars. These bottles went everywhere with them and us.
Depsite all of this, shall we say, abuse, these Camelbak bottles held up beautifully. So I guess I’m not surprised that they’ve showed up in this list of products guaranteed for life.
Because really, the companies that stand behind their products with a lifetime warranty are usually making darn good products to start with.
Theirs is called the “Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee.” Camelbak says it “will repair or replace at its discretion any manufacturing defect in these products free of charge.”
You can find Camelbak bottles on the company’s own website. Or, you can buy Camelbak bottles on Amazon.
Canada Goose
Now that I’m living in Western Pennsylvania, where winters are no joke, I’m so glad to have a Canada Goose jacket in my closet.
Yes, it was expensive. But here’s the deal: Canada Goose falls into the category of lifetime warranty clothing. That means I may never have to buy another winter jacket again in my lifetime.
How are Canada Goose jackets products guaranteed for life? Here is the warranty, right from the company:
“The Canada Goose products is fully warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product. If this product fails due to a manufacturing defect, we will repair it free of charge, or replace at our discretion. If the exact style is not available for replacement, a product of equal value and similar style will be provided.”
FYI, Canada Goose makes winter jackest for men as well as winter jackets for women.
Carhartt
For someone in your life who works outdoors or needs tough clothing for everyday, Carhartt is a must-wear brand. The fact that there is a Carhartt warranty is just icing on the proverbial lifetime warranty clothing cake.
But Carhartt doesn’t just sell work clothes. There are Carhartt jeans that are fleece lined, Carhartt hats and more for men, women and kids. All are quite durable, and all come backed with the Carhartt warranty.
Columbia Sportswear
What kind of outdoors person wouldn’t want a gift of Columbia gear. So when it comes to giving the gift of products guaranteed for life, here’s what you have to know about Columbia Sportswear and the Columbia lifetime guarantee.
Columbia seems to have separate warranties for it different categories. These categories are:
- Outerwear
- Footwear
- Sportswear
- Equipment
- Tents
- Watches
- Sunglasses
- Belts & wallets
Overall, here’s what to expect and how Columbia describes the Columbia lifetime warranty:
“This Limited Lifetime Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the practical lifetime of Columbia Sportswear brand products manufactured by Columbia Sportswear.”
Costco
Costco has a rock-solid 100% satisfaction guaranteed position about everything it sells–including its membership. So, if at any time you’re not happy with your purchase–again, even the purchase of your membership–Costco will refund you.
If you’re thinking of gifting yourself a Costco membership–or buying one for someone else–I would recommend going for the Executive Membership. Yes, it costs more than other memberships, but trust me: you will earn the money back and then some.
Costco membership deals
With an Executive Membership you get two percent back on all of your purchases. So you’ll spend $60 extra upfront to get this benefit, but each year I earn hundreds from that 2% back.
Finally, you can never get a Costco membership discount. Until now.
(Note: Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Limit one per household. Nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. You must join in person with a Costco representative. New members will receive their Costco Shop Card by mail in 4 to 6 weeks. Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash, except where required by law. A Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa® cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary.)
Stumped for a gift to give? Why not give the gift of a Costco membership?!
Dakine
Here is yet another backpack brand with lifetime warranty–Dakine. In addition to making “regular” backpacks, Dakine also has gorgeous crossbody bags, laptop and tablet protective covers and carry cases, and luggage guaranteed for life. You can shop on the Dakine store on Amazon.
The company explains that its limited lifetime warranty is against manufacturing defects within the normal scope of use.
“Dakine will repair – or – replace, at its discretion, any products found to be defective within the scope of normal and appropriate utilization and still within the lifespan of the product. Dakine will not be responsible for any costs, losses or damages incurred because of loss or misuse of the product. The term Lifetime/Lifespan does not apply to the owner’s lifetime. Our product is not meant to last the lifetime of the owner but the lifetime of the product.”
It’s important to keep that “lifetime/lifespan” part in mind when thinking about products guaranteed for life. They are guaranteed for the life of the product–not your life.
Darn Tough Socks
Here you have a company that falls into the category of offering lifetime guarantee socks. Based in Vermont Darn Tough Socks, which you can buy on Amazon, says its socks are “unconditionally guaranteed for life.”
These are socks that people wear for hunting and hiking, riding and running and more. In fact, the company says it is dedicated to making the world’s best socks.
Dickies
Dickies is another brand of clothing made for the working man or woman who needs tough clothing that holds up. No wonder it’s also a company that stands behind the products it sells, guaranteeding them for life.
I know my husband is fond of the Dickies carpenter pants. In fact, I may just have to buy them as a gift for this this year. If so, I’ll definitely be shopping on Walmart.com. It is peace of mind knowing they’ll come with the Dickies warranty.
Fiskars
Have a crafty person on your holiday gift list this year? If so, you’ll want to get them a pair of Fiskars scisscors.
Every sewing person I’ve ever met owns Fiskars scissors. They tell me these are the best sewing scissors.
These can be qualified as the best scissors ever for another reason, too. They are one of the products guaranteed for life.
Fiskars lifetime warranty says that the product will be free of defects “in materials and workmanship” for as long as you own the product.
Henckels
The Zwilling company owns Henckels, which makes high quality cutlery sets and kitchen accessories. If you’re buying a gift for a newly engaged couple, you might find Henckels on their gift registry.
This is another example of a brand selling products guaranteed for life. An excerpt from the lifetime warranty that covers the Henckel knife guarantee:
“You will be pleased to know that all of our products are fully guaranteed against defects in materials and / or craftsmanship. The warranty does not cover wood products, such as knife handles, wear from normal use, or any damage resulting from use other than the intended purpose of the item.”
This company may just offer the best chef knife set for the money. You’ll find that Henckels has an extensive home and kitchen store on Amazon.
Jansport
For years my daughters carried Jansport backpacks to high school. Then, they used Jansport backpacks in college. Now, one of them is still using her Jansport backpack while she attends graduate school.
In all that time we had to replace one Jansport backpack, when the zipper failed. But we didn’t have to buy a brand-new Jansport bag. Instead, thanks to Jansport’s warranty, the company would fix or replace–as was our case–the backpack for free.
Who do you know who would love to see a new Jansport backpack under the tree or by the menorah this year? It will definitely be a gift that can last a lifetime.
We bought our Jansport gear on Zappos–yes, Zappos sells more than shoes. However, you can also find tons of Jansports products–guaranteed for life–on Amazon, too.
Kobalt
I’m sure a DIYer in your life would love the gift of Kobalt tools. You can feel good giving them this brand because of the Kobalt lifetime warranty.
Here’s how Kobalt describes it:
“You should never have a problem with your Kobalt tool. However, if you do, return the item to the place of purchase for a free replacement. No questions asked.”
Like many other brands, Kobalt has an extensive presence on Amazon. These are definitely hand tools with a lifetime warranty.
Manduka Yoga Mats
I never thought to look for a lifetime yoga mat until a friend told me about Manduka yoga mats. These are the only mats I could find that come guaranteed for life.
Now, granted, this warranty is limited to only certain kind of Manduka mats. Here’s how the company explains it:
“Manduka guarantees the Black Mat PRO®, Manduka PRO® and PROlite® yoga mats to be free of manufacturer defects and to last a lifetime, if used and cared for properly. Since the The PRO Squared is a multi-purpose mat, it is not included under the Lifetime Guarantee. Should a PRO mat not meet Manduka’s standard of quality at the time it is received, or if it wears out from regular use under normal conditions, we will replace the product. “
This is actually a super awesome way of guaranteeing their products for life. Most companies will not consider normal wear and tear in their lifetime warranty, but Manduka does. I know that the next time I need a yoga mat, I’ll buy this brand. Perhaps you’ll pick one up for the holdiays for a yoga enthusiast you know.
Nordstrom
Like Zappos and Costco, I’ve included Nordstrom, a retailer not a brand, in this gift guide about products guaranteed for life. Why? Because Nordstrom has an exceptional return policy and commitment to customer service.
Nordstrom also has a number of exceptional shopping opportunities this holiday season. Here is a link to the Nordstrom Gift Guide page on Nordstrom.com so you can check out these deals for yourself.
Also, there is a clearance sale right now. Save up to 40% during Designer Clearance at NORDSTROM.
The North Face
When I first introduced this gift guide with products guaranteed for life, I suggested that this is a sustainable way to shop this holiday season. Well, The North Face has an additional way to add sustainability to your shopping list.
This year the North Face has a new line of jackets called Thermoball Eco Jacket. Why is the word “eco” in there? Because the exterior is made from partially recycled material, which is nice. But its insulation is 100% recycled plastic bottles. How awesome is that?
Adding to the awesomeness is the North Face lifetime warranty. Here is the exact wording that should answer your question, “Does North Face have a lifetime warranty?”:
The North Face® branded products covered by this warranty are warranted to the original owner against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product, except for footwear and products that are identified as “The North Face Renewed”, which instead are covered by a one year warranty.
You can shop the North Face store on Amazon.
OtterBox
When it comes to phone protection cases, I’ve yet to find a warranty like otterbox. Otterbox truly stands behind its products. More importantly, Otterbox products are made to last.
Since purchasing my first Otterbox with my first Smartphone years ago, I’ve only had to use the Otterbox warranty once. And that was way back in 2012.
In fact, the only reason I’ve ever needed to buy a new OtterBox was because I upgraded my iPhone and it was a different size. Even so I have dropped, kicked and done much worse to my OtterBox case, and I’ve yet to break a phone. This product really works.
So if you’re giving or getting a new Smartphone, tablet or other device this holiday season, be sure to tack on a new OtterBox to protect your investment.
Rainbow
For sandals with a lifetime warranty, there is Rainbow sandals, including Rainbow flip flops. Rainbox Sandals explains their lifetime warranty this way:
The Rainbow® Guarantee is for the lifetime of the sole. The sandals will be eligible for warranty until you have worn through anywhere on the top or bottom layer of the sole. RAINBOW® SANDALS will repair your sandals if they are damaged or defective due to manufacturing defects only. If your sandals are covered under our warranty and we are unable to repair them, we will issue a new pair.
In other words, if something happens to your flip flop sandals in the course of regular wear–before the sole wears out–the company will fix or replace your shoes.
Rainbow Sandals makes footwear for both men and women, and you can find them on Amazon.
Ridge Wallets
When looking for a lifetime warranty wallet, look no further than Ridge wallets. You can get them on Amazon. In fact, here is a link to their lifetime warranty claim.
Ridge wallets made a name for themselves in being military-grade, futuristic-looking, RFID-blocking wallets. They also sell money clips. What guy wouldn’t want one?!
Tervis Tumblers
I love our Tervis Tumblers. We have the clear plastic kind–I promoted them in my article on Peloton accessories. These are the cups I use all the time while exercising on my Peloton as well as every day drinking. They fit perfectly into a car’s cup holder.
These Tervis Tumblers could have easily had a place in my Peloton gift guide, too.
We also have the stainless steel coffee cups, which aren’t just for coffee. I have had both hot and cold drinks stay either hot or cold in these stainless steel vessels.
In fact, when it comes to the Tervis lifetime guarantee, temperature regulation is what Tervis guarantees. Should your cup no longer keep iced coffee ice cold or hot tea hot, Tervis will likely replace the cup. This is assuming you haven’t abused the cup.
Zappos.com
As I wrote in my article on brands with a lifetime warranty, there’s a reason to include Zappos in this holiday gift list, too. While, technically, Zappos isn’t the manufacturer and therefore isn’t selling lifetime warranty shoes or boots under its own brand, Zappos has excellent customer service.
On more than one occasion, I’ve personally experienced how Zappos will stand behind what it sells you, regardless of the brand. So if you’re looking for a place to do your holiday shopping–or any shopping–that acts as if it has products guaranteed for life, that place to shop would be Zappos.
It’s already one of my favorite sites for buying shoes for my hard-to-fit feet and why it appears on this blog’s Favorites page.
Products guaranteed for life on Amazon
As I mentioned at the start of this article, many of the products guaranteed for life and featured in this gift guide are available for sale on Amazon. To make your shopping easier, I’ve put together a shopping list over on my Amazon influencer page.
If you have any suggestions of other brands, companies or products I should add to that list–or this blog post–please post a comment to let me know.