Purchase of ther Year

I'm sure most of us don't reflect on and identify the best purchase we've made all year, but in the interest of helping my fellow man (particularly my fellow father), I thought I'd go ahead and forgo December and give the award out early.
Now the best purchase of the year does embody a certain criteria, and the individual consumer dictates that criteria for the most part.
For me, without question, the purchase of the year, for the value for money and the necessary purpose it serves in our household is...

The Black & Decker Dustbuster

This is an absolute must for families with kids. We use this everyday without fail. Our basic, affordable model cleans biscuit crumbs, cereal, raisins, crisps, dirt/pebbles, and of course... dust. If you have kids that leave a trail of snacks all over the house, do yourself a favor and pick one of these bad boys up ASAP. You'll appreciate it more than your iPod.