How to Avoid Buying From Corporations When Holiday Shopping
It’s 2025 and we’re mindful! This holiday season we’re trying to be conscious consumers and shop as responsibly as possible!
This means using what we have, shopping small, reusing, regifting, and shopping secondhand!
These are a few easy steps you can take to make your holiday spending match your values!
11 Approachable Ways to Avoid Holiday Shopping with Corporations
A lot of these ideas can help you save money too!
Unsubscribe from E-mails
Unsubscribing is a great way to remove temptation! The holidays are a time when big brands really amp up their marketing.
Don’t be tempted by those e-mails. Just unsubscribe.
Delete the Apps
Similar to unsubscribing, delete any shopping apps that you have on your phone! If you want to go the extra mile, delete the social media apps too! Another way to remove temptation.
Unfollow
Unfollow all the corporations and big brands on social media, so you’re not persuaded to buy more.
Find Small Businesses That Share Your Values
Finding small businesses that share your values makes holiday shopping SO much more meaningful! These are a few resources to help:
Shop Secondhand
Shopping secondhand is a great way to support the circular economy! Head to your local thrift shop or find an online secondhand shop from the comfort of your couch.
Consider reading my guide on creative gifts you can find at the thrift shop.
Be Mindful of How Your Participate in Black Friday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday looks different for different people. If you choose to participate try to shop brands that match your values and only purchase things that you planned to purchase. Avoid buying extra just because it’s on sale.
Every year I create a list of sustainable brands with Black Friday Cyber Monday sales, if you’re looking for a resource.
Reuse
Reuse decorations and gift wrapping that you already have! This saves you money and is a more sustainable choice.
Shop Local
Small and local businesses need your support more than ever! Find a local boutique or craft fair to explore when shopping for gifts.
DIY Gifts
Boycott buying gifts all together and DIY gifts by baking, crafting, or donating your time.
Regift
If you have items that you received and don’t use, consider regifting them!
Say No Gifts
If you discuss with your loved ones ahead of time, you might all decide to boycott consumerism during the holidays and say no to gifts!
Instead you could all do something special together like go on a nature walk or share a meal.
Hopefully these tips helped you get a few ideas on how to be a conscious spending during the holidays and avoid supporting big corporations.
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.
For more tips & tricks on mindful living be sure to read my latest blog posts, follow The Honest Consumer on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, & check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory.