I’m getting better at this as I go. I’m pretty good at developing methods for things like this; honestly my biggest and most developed skillset is probably creative problem solving (it’s a lot handier in my line of work than most people would expect) but there are some things that just need to be practically tested to understand the limitations of.

I do try to avoid tools that are too broadly applicable like there’s a lot of specialty brushes on these markets but what makes them use specific is stuff like size shape and bristle stiffness which are still pretty broadly applicable. Like a little brush with a long handle has a looot of different uses, think about everything you can do with a used toothbrush. I also try to avoid jewelry and decorative items unless they also have some super specific function like if it was a decorative hair roller so the part that rolls the hair is what has to be identified and the decorative components would be red herrings. Or a decorative cigarette / blunt roller or something (have not found any of these items as yet so don’t think I’m spoiling anything).

Edit: Oh! And toys especially purely sensory toys. I’m pretty ADHD so I get a lot of recommendations for fidget toys (along with cheap jewelry they’re most of what I’m actually buying) and I figure if the entire function is that it spins or clicks in a specific way it wouldn’t be very sporting. I’ve also been getting into a lot of esoteric religious practices to help me apply what I’ve learned in therapy in a way that’s less clinically sterile, so I also get a lot of ads for crystals and “energy focusing copper coils” and the like that don’t… actually… have a real function? If it was a really weird looking traditional instrument like a special type of gong or something I might use it.