10 Easy Ways to Avoid Holiday Overconsumption & Save Money
Tis’ the season of stuff and overconsumption, but as conscious consumers we’re being mindful as the holidays approach.
Over the years I’ve learned quite a few ways to check in with myself during this time of year and make sure I’m consuming while in alignment with my values.
I’m excited to share these ten tips with you! These tips to avoiding overconsumption can save you money too!
How to Avoid Overconsumption During the Hoiday Season
These are ten easy ways you can avoid buying unneccsarry things during the holiday season!
Reuse Holiday Decor Instead of Buying New
While purchasing new decor every year can be tempting, consider valuing what you already have! Reuse the decorations that you have loved in past years.
Regift
If you have gifts that you’ve received and don’t use, consider regifting them to somebody who might use them!
This is a great way to keep unwanted items out of landfills while saving money.
Buy with purpose
When buying gifts choose gifts that are practical, high quality, sustainable, or ethically made! And avoid novelty items that won’t last.
Try supporting small or local businesses that share your values too!
Consider exploring these resources to help:
Go into Black Friday & Cyber Monday with a strategy
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can offer savings, but often result in us buying things we don’t need. My strategy for BFCM is to have a list.
I start this list months before the sale. It usually features larger household items and gifts. Each item is linked on a list in my notes app.
When BFCM hits, I go to my notes app and click the links in my list to buy what I had planned to.
This helps me avoid buying unnecessary things.
I also make a list of ethical and sustainable brands with Black Friday Cyber Monday sales, so if you’re looking for mindful gifts on a budget this can be a good resource!
Delete the Apps
Delete the apps off of your phone! Remove social media and any shopping apps. This helps prevent you from being tempted!
It’s also a great way to slow down and be present during the holiday season.
Reuse Gift Wrap
Consider reusing gift wrap from past years. We have a gift wrap bin in our closet where we save bags and tissue paper from previous years.
I always try to use this and avoid buying new wrapping supplies.
You can also get crafty and make your own wrapping from grocery bags or newspapers.
DIY Gifts
Instead of buying stuff consider making your loved ones something!
This could be a baked good, handmade candle, jewelry, or a coupon for a certain task.
Reflect before you buy
Before buying something consider asking questions like:
Will this person actaully use this item?
Do I need this?
Will this item last over time?
For more tips on thoughtful gift giving consider reading my guides How to Gift More Sustainably or How to Give Mindful Holiday Gifts.
Give experiences, not things
Consider giving concert tickets, cooking classes, or a restaurant gift card instead of more stuff. This is a low waste gift that people are probably likely to use!
Set Limits
Think mindfully about who you’re giving gifts to. Consider setting a monetary or gift limit with those people to prevent excessive buying.
Hopefully my tips have given you some ideas on how to be a conscious consumer and avoid overconsumption during the holiday season.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer and an expert in conscious consumerism. She has been in the ethical and sustainable living space for over ten years. Emily has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, finding locally grown food at the farmer’s market, & practicing slow living.
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