I use a Keysmart because I used to lose my keys too easily (I've even lost them off of carabineers clipped to my belt loops) and I really like that I can have a carabineer that doesn't open so easily, the keys don't jangle and flop anymore, I can have a multi tool and a pocket knife and a flashlight integrated, so it's an all-around EDC for me.

I haven't had them more than a year yet, but I am constantly noticing how sturdy my Wolverine boots are compared to the (6?) pairs of women's leather boots (some of which cost more) I went through before them.

I have been super very poor, so my strategy is to buy the absolutely cheapest possible option and only upgrade if it hinders or doesn't help or wears out too quickly. And by cheapest possible I mean like $3 pillows at goodwill or Marc's or Ollie's. It's a little harder to get ripped off at low price points, and sometimes you encounter unexpected gems.

The truth is, never buy anything from the my pillow guy

Agree with the buckwheat pillow.

My bestie got me one cause I get neck pain with basically every pillow, and I hated it at first, but once I got used to it I like it better than softer ones. It's still not perfect (I shape it how i want every night, but it doesn't stay in that shape, so I'll have to try different cases or something) but I hurt less than with others.

Which leads me to my criteria for pillows. If you wake up feeling good, keep doing what you're doing. If your head or neck hurt in the morning, change pillows. Tons will depend on what you feel is comfortable and how you sleep. Try to keep your spine in a relaxed straight form (following its natural curves of course, don't try to be an ironing board) not turned or twisted.

For me, having more bulk under my neck than my head puts my cervical spine in a straighter alignment that reduces strain on my spine and muscles that reduces pain in my neck and head. So foam or buckwheat or things that can do that (I may have to try the wool mentioned above) - put bulk where I need the support - are what I look for.