Sometimes you know right away when you’ve met The One. Other times, it’s a gradual appreciation that builds from a decades-long relationship. But there’s usually a moment when you realize that your affection for a particular product or household item is more than a passing fling, more than a casual interest — it’s a lifelong love affair. Here are some of the products that inspire such passion and loyalty.
Sweet scissors
Rubis Baby Nail Scissors, $39.95 at
Why it’s loved: It’s tough to trim a baby’s fingernails; they’re tiny but sharp as razors. With these scissors, made by Swiss tweezer company Rubis, you can work quickly and precisely before baby squirms away. Of course, the pink and blue elephant case is part of the appeal.
Supreme skillet
Le Creuset 10-inch enamel cast-iron skillet, $119.95 at Linens ‘n’ Things () or .
Why it’s loved: Le Creuset’s cast-iron skillet is a go-to tool for people who spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Sure, it’s got a fancy- sounding French name and a hefty price tag for something that’s as low-tech as it gets. But it can handle so many cooking techniques: searing, sauteing, pan-roasting, frying, deglazing and more. The cast iron evenly distributes heat throughout the pan, and, unlike many pans, it can get rocket hot without warping or other damage. Its sturdy, one-piece construction with handle allows easy movement from stovetop to oven. And here’s the best part: Its smooth, enameled surface makes it easy to clean by hand, but it’s also dishwasher safe.
Fabric’s friend
Brookstone Fabric Shaver, $25 at
Why it’s loved: This product is ideal for people who hate to part with a favorite piece of clothing. Devotees say that smaller, cheaper varieties never compare to this sleek, lightweight motorized machine. It instantly removes lint and pills from sweaters, clothing, furniture and upholstery. Simply glide it over most garments to revitalize them. The removable lint catcher is easy to clean, and the device runs on two C batteries. “It is worth every penny,” says one fan.
Greater grater
Pampered Chef Rotary Grater, $19.50 at
Why it’s loved: Quick, easy recipes and week-night dinner shortcuts are a must for busy families. This grater can help with everything from cheese for tacos to carrots for a salad or chocolate over a dessert. It comes in three pieces that are dishwasher-safe. And the handle is reversible for either right- or left-handed users.
Trusty trailer
Burley D’Lite bike trailer/ jogging stroller, $580 plus $65 for the stroller kit, at Sports Authority () or REI ()
Why it’s loved: Some parents quickly find their home littered with strollers: singles, doubles, joggers, walkers, convertibles and umbrellas. But fans of Burley D’Lite say this is the only one they need. It weighs just 28 pounds and is considered one of the safest bike trailers you can buy because even if your bike tips over, the trailer won’t. It seats two kids weighing up to a total of 100 pounds. A separate attachment converts it into a jogging stroller that comfortably fits two kids and allows mom or dad valuable exercise time.
Cut to the chase
Wusthof Grand Prix 8-inch chef’s knife, $99.99 at
Why it’s loved: A sharp knife really is a cook’s best friend. Avid cooks will use this knife daily and find it’s the one they can’t do without. Hand-wash it and use a sharpening steel regularly, and you will be carving and cutting with this knife for years to come.
Spray odor away
Febreze Sport Extreme Odor Eliminator, $5.99 at mass-market retailers
Why it’s loved: Those who swear off socks in the summertime rely on this product to combat the unpleasant smells that happen inside their shoes. And it’s an official NFL Locker Room Product . . . manliness points!
Pet hair helper
Bissell’s Pet Hair Broom, $24.99 at and most Kohl’s stores
Why it’s loved: Have you ever tried a broom that picks up everything (including pet hair) and leaves nothing behind? Introducing the Pet Hair Broom by Bissell, a product that’s winning over pet parents nationwide. The broom features rubber bristles that attract pet hair. It also has an adjustable handle that makes storage easy and compact.
Get hooked
Command hooks and strips, $3.49 (and up) at discount, office and grocery stores
Why they’re loved: No one feels good about putting holes in walls. This product affixes to walls without making an unsightly hole. No tool or skill is needed to stick one of the hooks on a wall, and it will later come off without leaving behind any damage. Framed pictures, kitchen potholders, handbags and even lightweight clocks will hang from these with ease. Just be sure to stay under the weight recommendation, and bare walls are finally decorated.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
