12 Everyday Objects People Constantly Borrow but Never Return
Some everyday items seem to vanish whenever you lend them out. It’s frustrating when things you share with friends or family never make their way back.
Whether it’s gadgets or household tools, certain objects just tend to disappear. Understanding which items people borrow most often can help you manage your belongings better.
By knowing what gets lost or forgotten, you can avoid the hassle of always replacing the same things.
Phone chargers
Lending your phone charger might seem harmless. But many people borrow chargers and forget to return them.
Chargers often get lost or mixed up because they look similar. It’s hard to know which one is yours.
Experts warn that using someone else’s charger can be risky, as some might carry malware. It’s best to use your own charger to keep your device safe.
Try keeping track of your charger and politely ask for it back if it’s missing.
Books
Lending out books feels good, especially when you want to share a story you love. But often, those books don’t come back.
People tend to forget they borrowed books. Sometimes, your book just gets lost among their other things.
You might get annoyed when your books come back damaged or with dog-eared pages. Your books have value, and you want to keep them in good shape.
It’s okay to ask for your books back. Keeping track helps keep your collection safe.
Umbrellas
On rainy days, you might lend your umbrella, hoping to get it back soon. But many people forget to return umbrellas or just keep them.
Umbrellas are easy to carry and can quickly disappear into someone’s belongings. Some places try sharing umbrellas through kiosks, but many don’t bring them back.
When you lend your umbrella, it can feel like a small favor. Still, it’s frustrating when it never comes back.
Sleeping bags
Lending a sleeping bag to a friend for a camping trip feels helpful. But getting it back can be tricky.
Sleeping bags often get forgotten or left behind after the trip. Sometimes your friend may think it’s easier to keep your sleeping bag than to carry it back.
If you ask for your sleeping bag back, you might get excuses like “I’m still using it” or “I can’t find it right now.” Remind your friends gently or agree on a set time for returning borrowed items.
Gum or mints
Gum or mints are tiny things people often borrow from you. They are easy to share, so friends and coworkers often ask for some.
Gum especially seems to disappear quickly. Once someone takes a piece, they usually finish it and never bring their own next time.
If you chew gum or pop mints regularly, you may feel like you’re always replacing them. You can try keeping extra packs just for sharing.
But still, expect that the gum or mints you lend might not come back.
Coffee mugs
Coffee mugs often disappear after you lend them out. They are small and people often forget to bring them back.
A mug can easily blend in with someone else’s kitchen stuff. You might have a favorite mug with a saying or design you love.
When someone borrows it, they get to enjoy that special touch, but sometimes they keep it without asking. Label your mug or keep it in a special spot to avoid losing it.
Hairbrushes
Hairbrushes are often borrowed and not returned. Friends or family sometimes grab yours without asking.
Since hairbrushes can last a long time, you may notice yours disappearing slowly. Losing your favorite brush can be annoying, especially if it works really well for your hair.
Remind others to give it back or keep track of who borrows it. This way, you’ll avoid losing your brush or having to buy new ones too often.
Lawn tools
Sometimes you need a lawn mower or a weed trimmer for a quick job. Borrowing these tools from neighbors can seem like a good idea.
Lawn tools are often big and important, so people expect them back soon. Some neighbors prefer you use their tools at their house instead of taking them away.
If you borrow lawn tools often, it’s better to buy your own or rent from a store. Always thank them and offer help in return if you can.
Board games
Board games are one of those things people like to borrow but often forget to return. Whether it’s a classic or a new favorite, games tend to disappear once they leave your home.
Sometimes, friends who borrow your games don’t own many themselves. Playing games together can be fun, but it’s frustrating when you can’t find your copy later.
If you want to protect your games, try lending only to close friends or keeping track of who has them.
DVDs or Blu-rays
You might lend a DVD or Blu-ray to a friend, planning to get it back soon. But often, these discs seem to disappear.
Even though many watch movies online now, physical discs still have fans. Your favorite movie on a DVD or Blu-ray can feel special in your collection.
If you enjoy lending your movies, it helps to remind friends gently about returning them.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses often go missing after you lend them out. People borrow them because it’s easy to grab a pair from a friend instead of buying their own.
Since many people have more than one pair, they don’t worry much about losing one borrowed from a friend. If someone asks to borrow your sunglasses, you might say yes because they seem small and not valuable.
If you want your sunglasses back, remind the person politely. Often, they don’t mean to keep them forever—they just forget.
Power tools
A drill, saw, or other power tools are often requested by friends or family. These tools are useful but can be expensive to replace.
When you lend them out, there’s a risk they won’t come back or might return broken. It’s okay to say no if you feel like your tools won’t be treated carefully.
Some people don’t take good care of borrowed items. You shouldn’t feel bad for protecting your things.
If you want to share, consider loaning tools only to people you trust. Another option is to use tool libraries in your community, where you can borrow tools safely.
Power tools can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. Make sure the person borrowing knows how to use them safely before you lend.
