If you would like the benefit of any particular item, or would like to look at it, without owning it, you can put the item on an unused lot. If you put the item outside any house, you will have access to it. For instance, you can build & launch a reward rocket by putting it on an unused property & visiting it, with your Sim. Also, I like to decorate non-played restaurants, with reward items, sometimes. An inspiration globe keeps the chef & host happy.