Nothing Lasts Forever. These 20 Wirecutter Picks All Have Expiration Dates.
Unfortunately, most good things in life must come to an end—and that includes some Wirecutter picks.
When our experts are making recommendations, they take a product’s lifespan into consideration, to ensure you get the most for your money for as long as possible. We long-term test our picks, and we’re proud to recommend some items that we consider to be buy-it-for-life goods.
But not everything we test is designed to last a lifetime. Some products come with expiration dates, even if they’re not listed on the packaging. Others have parts that will deteriorate over time (though we often look for products with parts you can replace, to help extend their lifespan). And some items need to be retired after they do their job of keeping you safe. To help you keep track, we’ve rounded up the products we love that won’t last forever—some of which you probably wouldn’t expect to be on this list.
Continue reading to learn more, written by Gabriella DePinho.
March 11, 2025
Gabriella DePinho
Gabriella DePinho is a writer covering trending products. She has written about cheap(ish) things for medicine cabinets, meal prep, and dorm rooms.
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What I Cover
I cover lifestyle topics such as getting the stink out of workout clothes and packing for travel. I also assist with our deals coverage during special deals events.
My Background
I’m born, raised, and still based in the New York metro area. I joined Wirecutter in December 2022. Prior to that, I was at NBC News Select, where I covered deals, product launches, and lifestyle products. I’ve also had bylines in the New York Daily News and the Riverdale Press.
I graduated with a bachelor’s in English and communications from Manhattan University (then College). I have a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, where I focused my reporting on small-business owners.
Journalistic Ethics
As a Wirecutter journalist, I share the values and adhere to the standards of integrity outlined in our editorial standards. I’ll always be honest, I won’t ever take freebies, and I don’t get paid by brands or retailers to cover the products I write about.
Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
Consumer Reports has ranked [Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent] as the best protection against mosquitoes.
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
“It's not greasy, and absorbs really well. It also doesn't have a smell to it, which is nice,” adds Porter.
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
You have the chance to win a Benelli shotgun, Blocker Outdoors turkey hunting apparel, premium Pistol Creek Calls, Sawyer tick-repellent products, and much more.
Kutoka kwa kikosi
Mazungumzo ya Campfire na jamii yetu, kutoka kwa Wanachama wa Squad na Mabalozi kwa Washirika wa Brand na timu ya Sawyer.
