One thing I did with my kids when traveling instead of souvenirs, is a post card. They each pick one and then write down their favorite memories from the trip. We put them in a box so sometime in the future we/they can read them and reminisce on the trip.
I used to have so many skincare and beauty backups. Not anymore, I have been doing a great job resisting to that urge. I only buy a product, once I use it all. It feels so satisfying to toss the old and unpack the new one.
That's amazing, go you! I'm pretty good about this these days too, I've also started making a point to buy the smaller version of a product if it's available to make sure I like it and will use it before it expires, and only get a full size if I know I'll use it up. It is satisfying to get to empty!
the section about the 'perfect' really got me. I have followed youtubers that have capsule wardobres that have been on the quest to find the 'perfect' tshirt for YEARS, and they claim they've found it maybe twice already. it's silly especially considering capsule wardobre concept
Great video! I am guilty of all! For me, I'm always trying to complete my handbag collection: when I get x bag, it'll be perfect...but the cycle never stops! I'm working on it! I always fighting the urge to buy for a "fantasy" life also! I'm working on using what i have and only buying for a specific need/replacement and not just because it's cool! Vacations----I just buy a cool ornament from where ever we go. Decorating and enjoying the Christmas tree is so fun!
Recently found your channel and I love that you have lengthy-er videos. I like to listen while on my commute to work. And the topics help me reflect on what I’m actually working towards so I don’t blow my paycheck every month 😂
Great video! Some of the YTers who have talked about these topics for years are still in denial about several of these aspects, so you’re miles ahead! Even the celebrated ones really still engage in a lot of commodity fetishism, imbuing every new object with transformative powers which they never have, so it’s back to scrolling and shopping for the next obsessive magic item! I would add another common aspect I see, which overlaps with a couple of yours, from weddings to sweaters: thinking that something one buys will enhance and define one’s class status, when (a) class is more expensive and complex than that, and (b) that’s an endless neurotic endeavour with the goal ever out of reach (there’s always someone richer and more connected). A great line is: buying things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people we don’t like.
Aw thank you! I want to get myself out of that cycle of scrolling and shopping this year!!! And you're so right regarding class and impressing people - I feel like that's actually such a complex subject because while money may eventually be available in at least some form to anyone willing to work and be frugal, class and status are not...for example if you work at a fast food place, doesn't really matter how much you have or save or what designer goods you get, you probably won't be viewed as "high class" as far as social status. I feel that to some degree with my own professions as either a teacher or musician...in some ways being a paid musician feels "lower class" than someone who does music "just for fun". It's not something that hugely affects my buying habits personally (I already have enough reasons I like to shop before thinking about impressing others!) so I didn't speak about it directly and not sure I want to open that can of worms yet, but it might come up when I start getting into budget plans etc...
I can certainly fall in the “finding the perfect xyz” trap when it comes to jeans. There always seems to be a “better” “more perfect” pair out there. Luckily I am aware and navigate this danger zone quite successfully most of the time - certainly not all the time 🫣😂 this year where denim is especially en vogue and therefore so many nice shapes and cuts and colorways are out there it’s harder than usual. And I cannot even argue that I have “worn out” my existing pairs of jeans. Try to wear out a pair of denim 🙄 … it takes you more than a decade. 😂 Easily.
Yes the only people I've seen wear out jeans are those who have 1-2 pairs they wear literally every day! Your comment is making me think, because maybe part of the problem is that when we start our jeans-buying lives we aren't aware of all the options, so when various styles come in and out of trend they feel "new" and like something we "should" consider or try when really all of these silhouettes have already been around. I know I only really knew about bootcut, flare and skinny jeans when I started out...and recently it's more relaxed, straight, balloon/barrel, baggy, cargo, maxi skirts, and even mom jeans. But all of these styles have already existed in decades past. They're just being repackaged and cycled through trends. If we had a different system of wardrobe education/inspiration where we knew about all the options, maybe we wouldn't feel so much temptation about the latest iteration being the "perfect" thing...
@@Alexas.nobuyyear very interesting thought! For me personally though it’s not only the shapes and styles - they can also easily get my attention with the “perfect” blue (and sadly I love anything and everything from a deep indigo to a washed out well worn kind of shade…) or grey/black… also theoretically I’ve always known about quite some cuts and shapes through films or fotos, for example, lady Diana is the perfect mom jeans kind of person that comes to mind… only for a long time (years ago) I would never have considered that kind of jeans for myself, it was for “people back in the days”. It looked strangely outdated to me. A picture of Jimi Hendrix or Bob Marley in typical 70s styles… similar situation. Barrel is newer to me and intriguing. I love that atm anything goes - quite a lot of styles around simultaneously… Sometimes I frankly wonder if we are really honest towards ourselves when we say we want a thing to last for ages, because if our stuff really does, we almost never (!!) experience newness. Then we suddenly are talking about a no buy decade not no buy year. Even if the claim sounds really good of course. Maybe swapping clothes could be a great solution for me as it satisfies the desire for newness and then the fact that things do not wear out quickly comes in even more handy in this scenario. Not much possibility for this where I live though 🤔
@@AkA-sw7rl I really feel that with the "wanting things to last for ages" thought!! I also wonder this, and am thinking of ways where I can let go of wanting to "experience newness" through material objects...I think it's one of the main goals of this "no-buy year", to be honest! And stepping away from or out of the trend cycles might be a big part of that. We'll see if I feel any change/improvement as the year goes on!
@@Alexas.nobuyyearMe, it’s me! I am wearing out jeans on a regular basis. As I ride my bike every day they will thin out between the legs after three years in average. Summer pants (cotton) won’t last longer than two years. And since having kids and going down to play with them they will also get holes at the knees. I actually like to have some duplicates of pants I love and that really fit because of this.
These urges aren't really mine to overcome. The 7th is what my sister told me lately. I was super offended. I have to overcome the urge to buy limited stuff while I still have plenty to go through. For example advent calender for bathing while I can use a shower gel for the same purpose which I have at least 4 years worth at home.
Yes! I feel this too, there was definitely a time of my life where I couldn't even think about spending the money I can and sometimes do now, and I also have specific memories about being a kid and not being able to have the "cool" jeans or specific athletic-wear as well, so probably some of my clothes buying tendencies as an adult are related to those feelings...
I have duplicates in my footwear; I have two of my daily wear shoe, so that one pair can go in for repair while I wear the other pair. They're about 12 years old, haha. So I think there are some cases where it's OK... But I've also for sure had clothing item duplicates, where it was highly unnecessary. They're no longer in my wardrobe, but they were a mistake in hindsight; there was always something else that could have taken the place of the item if it ever became damaged beyond repair. Your videos are for sure making me think twice about whether I do *need* a new dress for an upcoming wedding. I certainly have items which would be fine. Definitely an 'occasion' purchase which is potentially not required.
So I've since realized that sometimes when we buy duplicates, it is BECAUSE of the reason that we need more than one. The "general advice" to be careful of duplicates is incomplete - if we're buying just because we like the thing and want more, sure, don't do it...but if the reason you're looking for another is because you need the option of rotation and it really is the best item, it can be super functional. I have some "duplicates" that I'm NOT decluttering (work clothes, some shoes) because I've realized that that's true for me too. I'm going to do a video on "minimalist rules that don't work" in the future and unpack some of these newfound nuances 😆 But I do still stand by the reluctance to buy for anything occasion-specific! Unless it's truly an area where nothing that one already has will do the job, the temporary nature of an "occasion" really means it's not the time to buy!
@@Alexas.nobuyyear Haha, yes. I think sometimes minimalism can dip into aspects of the realm of austerity or even asceticism when it comes to having rules. Like, who wouldn't theoretically like some aspect of their life not being attached to all the things you have? Or being happy with less? It doesn't practically work for many people, but it can seem alluring. Insert that quote from Pirates of the Caribbean, regarding minimalism, "The code is more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules." 😂 Yeah, occasion purchasing might be my weakness. It hadn't quite gotten to my wishlist, but now I wonder what kind of justification I might have used to try and get it on there! Something for me to think about. There's this word in German, Sehnsucht, which is like...your thoughts and longings and feelings about your optimal life. I thought of it when you were talking in another video about matching your values and choices and actions.
Yes, I was influenced to buy Merits Baby lipstick, even though I knew buying it without seeing or trying it first was a risk. 💸 The formula is only ok. The colour is too nude for me. Actually it makes me look a bit corpse-y ☠️. I don’t want to waste my money, so I’m using it as a blush instead. 😐
My sister and I always joke when we want something like a cute tshirt "this tshirt is going to turn my life around!" There will always be beautiful clothes.
I have been going through your videos and this one is particularly relevant to me at the moment as I was seriously tempted in getting a black pair of sandals in the version of a brown pair that I already. The black being in the sales now. They’ve been in my cart a few days and I have not bought them, whereas before I would have by now. As time passes I am wanting them less snd less as my brain kicks in reminding me I won’t wear them as much and can wear the brown with black trousers or dresses which is the reason to get brown , which for me fits more with my clothes better.
Yessss! That's what I was telling myself when I wanted a black pair of birkenstocks a little while ago - there is a reason I got the ones I do have in NOT black, so I should trust my initial decision on that!
How weird: I am watching you wearing my merino cardigan from New Zealand😂. I really enjoyed this thoughtful video and some of the others in this series. I am far from committing to a no buy year but conscious consumerism is definitely the way I wish to go forward and appreciate inspirational content such as yours.
Thank you, and wow! Love that - New Zealand knows their wool haha And I think conscious consumerism is the more realistic way, and the true goal behind doing the no buy in the first place, so it sounds like you've got the right idea 😊
I am fighting the urge to buy when I travel. I bought less in Ireland than I might have and I am getting use out of everything I bought. My partner has gotten on the less consumerism train and decluttering train a little more slowly than me but he is coming around. We bought hoodies for 3 family members in Ireland but all 3 people wear hoodies and didn't have too many. They were high quality. We bought a lot of consumables and we didn't have room to store them in our luggage so we bought a Guinness backpack in a souvenir shop and took them as a carryon in that bag. We gifted it to an Irish descended friend along with his consumables and it ended up not being a useless wasted purchase -- he uses that backpack all the time! We are hoping to go to Japan in September 2025 and I will really limit my souvenirs. My partner will be traveling 4 hours alone to a small town that one of his favorite authors is from and will be getting souvenirs from there for a once in a lifetime opportunity (books, etc.) I plan to shop in Shibuya because there is a certain girly style that is in Japan that I enjoy that is trendy among young (and also slightly older office worker) women and I am free size in Japanese clothing so I have a lot of choice for shopping in Japan. I don't know if I will end up buying anything but I at least want to look around and try a few things on. I would limit myself to one really beloved piece that would work with my wardrobe and color palette that I could see myself wearing for decades if I buy a piece. We probably won't buy consumables or a lot of products we will be attracted to (we love cute stuff) because nowadays you can get those things in the US.
Love a good hoodie, definitely practical. I actually do think that while it can be a buying trap, if we are in the habit of NOT buying stuff most of the time (when we aren't traveling), trips can be a special time to acquire something to "update" our lives/wardrobes/home aesthetic. But the key I think is that "not buying during the rest of normal life" part that I'm still working to master! I'd LOVE to go to Japan, I hope you get to go and have a wonderful time!
One thing I did with my kids when traveling instead of souvenirs, is a post card. They each pick one and then write down their favorite memories from the trip. We put them in a box so sometime in the future we/they can read them and reminisce on the trip.
That's beautiful!
I used to have so many skincare and beauty backups. Not anymore, I have been doing a great job resisting to that urge. I only buy a product, once I use it all. It feels so satisfying to toss the old and unpack the new one.
That's amazing, go you! I'm pretty good about this these days too, I've also started making a point to buy the smaller version of a product if it's available to make sure I like it and will use it before it expires, and only get a full size if I know I'll use it up. It is satisfying to get to empty!
@@Alexas.nobuyyear I also do this, also with fragances! I only buy the smallest size and stick to one until it's over.
the section about the 'perfect' really got me. I have followed youtubers that have capsule wardobres that have been on the quest to find the 'perfect' tshirt for YEARS, and they claim they've found it maybe twice already. it's silly especially considering capsule wardobre concept
Right? And I'm sure I've even bought that so-called perfect tshirt the influencers recommended, more than once. No more of that for me!!
Great video! I am guilty of all! For me, I'm always trying to complete my handbag collection: when I get x bag, it'll be perfect...but the cycle never stops! I'm working on it! I always fighting the urge to buy for a "fantasy" life also! I'm working on using what i have and only buying for a specific need/replacement and not just because it's cool!
Vacations----I just buy a cool ornament from where ever we go. Decorating and enjoying the Christmas tree is so fun!
@bella4135 As a side note, cyclists have the term N+1 as the optimal number of bicycles 😜
Ooh I also have quite a few ornaments from vacations and you're right, it does bring out those memories every year at Christmas!
Uh oh, my husband just bought a nice bicycle and I can sense this happening over here
Recently found your channel and I love that you have lengthy-er videos. I like to listen while on my commute to work. And the topics help me reflect on what I’m actually working towards so I don’t blow my paycheck every month 😂
Woohoo! Welcome!
Great video! Some of the YTers who have talked about these topics for years are still in denial about several of these aspects, so you’re miles ahead! Even the celebrated ones really still engage in a lot of commodity fetishism, imbuing every new object with transformative powers which they never have, so it’s back to scrolling and shopping for the next obsessive magic item!
I would add another common aspect I see, which overlaps with a couple of yours, from weddings to sweaters: thinking that something one buys will enhance and define one’s class status, when (a) class is more expensive and complex than that, and (b) that’s an endless neurotic endeavour with the goal ever out of reach (there’s always someone richer and more connected). A great line is: buying things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people we don’t like.
Aw thank you! I want to get myself out of that cycle of scrolling and shopping this year!!!
And you're so right regarding class and impressing people - I feel like that's actually such a complex subject because while money may eventually be available in at least some form to anyone willing to work and be frugal, class and status are not...for example if you work at a fast food place, doesn't really matter how much you have or save or what designer goods you get, you probably won't be viewed as "high class" as far as social status. I feel that to some degree with my own professions as either a teacher or musician...in some ways being a paid musician feels "lower class" than someone who does music "just for fun".
It's not something that hugely affects my buying habits personally (I already have enough reasons I like to shop before thinking about impressing others!) so I didn't speak about it directly and not sure I want to open that can of worms yet, but it might come up when I start getting into budget plans etc...
I can certainly fall in the “finding the perfect xyz” trap when it comes to jeans. There always seems to be a “better” “more perfect” pair out there. Luckily I am aware and navigate this danger zone quite successfully most of the time - certainly not all the time 🫣😂 this year where denim is especially en vogue and therefore so many nice shapes and cuts and colorways are out there it’s harder than usual. And I cannot even argue that I have “worn out” my existing pairs of jeans. Try to wear out a pair of denim 🙄 … it takes you more than a decade. 😂 Easily.
Yes the only people I've seen wear out jeans are those who have 1-2 pairs they wear literally every day!
Your comment is making me think, because maybe part of the problem is that when we start our jeans-buying lives we aren't aware of all the options, so when various styles come in and out of trend they feel "new" and like something we "should" consider or try when really all of these silhouettes have already been around. I know I only really knew about bootcut, flare and skinny jeans when I started out...and recently it's more relaxed, straight, balloon/barrel, baggy, cargo, maxi skirts, and even mom jeans. But all of these styles have already existed in decades past. They're just being repackaged and cycled through trends. If we had a different system of wardrobe education/inspiration where we knew about all the options, maybe we wouldn't feel so much temptation about the latest iteration being the "perfect" thing...
@@Alexas.nobuyyear very interesting thought! For me personally though it’s not only the shapes and styles - they can also easily get my attention with the “perfect” blue (and sadly I love anything and everything from a deep indigo to a washed out well worn kind of shade…) or grey/black… also theoretically I’ve always known about quite some cuts and shapes through films or fotos, for example, lady Diana is the perfect mom jeans kind of person that comes to mind… only for a long time (years ago) I would never have considered that kind of jeans for myself, it was for “people back in the days”. It looked strangely outdated to me. A picture of Jimi Hendrix or Bob Marley in typical 70s styles… similar situation. Barrel is newer to me and intriguing. I love that atm anything goes - quite a lot of styles around simultaneously… Sometimes I frankly wonder if we are really honest towards ourselves when we say we want a thing to last for ages, because if our stuff really does, we almost never (!!) experience newness. Then we suddenly are talking about a no buy decade not no buy year. Even if the claim sounds really good of course. Maybe swapping clothes could be a great solution for me as it satisfies the desire for newness and then the fact that things do not wear out quickly comes in even more handy in this scenario. Not much possibility for this where I live though 🤔
@@AkA-sw7rl I really feel that with the "wanting things to last for ages" thought!! I also wonder this, and am thinking of ways where I can let go of wanting to "experience newness" through material objects...I think it's one of the main goals of this "no-buy year", to be honest! And stepping away from or out of the trend cycles might be a big part of that. We'll see if I feel any change/improvement as the year goes on!
@@Alexas.nobuyyearMe, it’s me! I am wearing out jeans on a regular basis. As I ride my bike every day they will thin out between the legs after three years in average. Summer pants (cotton) won’t last longer than two years. And since having kids and going down to play with them they will also get holes at the knees. I actually like to have some duplicates of pants I love and that really fit because of this.
@@Siures Amazing! I didn't consider bike riding, makes sense!
Love these points! Great list!!
I moved from purchasing items as souvenirs to a special photo of me in a special place and I print and hang it.
These urges aren't really mine to overcome. The 7th is what my sister told me lately. I was super offended. I have to overcome the urge to buy limited stuff while I still have plenty to go through. For example advent calender for bathing while I can use a shower gel for the same purpose which I have at least 4 years worth at home.
I fight the urge to buy things that once I couldn't afford (toys, books) and things I always wanted and now are on discount, like purses
Yes! I feel this too, there was definitely a time of my life where I couldn't even think about spending the money I can and sometimes do now, and I also have specific memories about being a kid and not being able to have the "cool" jeans or specific athletic-wear as well, so probably some of my clothes buying tendencies as an adult are related to those feelings...
I have duplicates in my footwear; I have two of my daily wear shoe, so that one pair can go in for repair while I wear the other pair. They're about 12 years old, haha. So I think there are some cases where it's OK... But I've also for sure had clothing item duplicates, where it was highly unnecessary. They're no longer in my wardrobe, but they were a mistake in hindsight; there was always something else that could have taken the place of the item if it ever became damaged beyond repair.
Your videos are for sure making me think twice about whether I do *need* a new dress for an upcoming wedding. I certainly have items which would be fine. Definitely an 'occasion' purchase which is potentially not required.
So I've since realized that sometimes when we buy duplicates, it is BECAUSE of the reason that we need more than one. The "general advice" to be careful of duplicates is incomplete - if we're buying just because we like the thing and want more, sure, don't do it...but if the reason you're looking for another is because you need the option of rotation and it really is the best item, it can be super functional. I have some "duplicates" that I'm NOT decluttering (work clothes, some shoes) because I've realized that that's true for me too. I'm going to do a video on "minimalist rules that don't work" in the future and unpack some of these newfound nuances 😆
But I do still stand by the reluctance to buy for anything occasion-specific! Unless it's truly an area where nothing that one already has will do the job, the temporary nature of an "occasion" really means it's not the time to buy!
@@Alexas.nobuyyear Haha, yes. I think sometimes minimalism can dip into aspects of the realm of austerity or even asceticism when it comes to having rules. Like, who wouldn't theoretically like some aspect of their life not being attached to all the things you have? Or being happy with less? It doesn't practically work for many people, but it can seem alluring. Insert that quote from Pirates of the Caribbean, regarding minimalism, "The code is more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules." 😂
Yeah, occasion purchasing might be my weakness. It hadn't quite gotten to my wishlist, but now I wonder what kind of justification I might have used to try and get it on there! Something for me to think about.
There's this word in German, Sehnsucht, which is like...your thoughts and longings and feelings about your optimal life. I thought of it when you were talking in another video about matching your values and choices and actions.
This is absolutely wonderful and much needed advice!
Thank you!
Yes, I was influenced to buy Merits Baby lipstick, even though I knew buying it without seeing or trying it first was a risk. 💸 The formula is only ok. The colour is too nude for me. Actually it makes me look a bit corpse-y ☠️. I don’t want to waste my money, so I’m using it as a blush instead. 😐
My sister and I always joke when we want something like a cute tshirt "this tshirt is going to turn my life around!" There will always be beautiful clothes.
Haha love that approach
I have been going through your videos and this one is particularly relevant to me at the moment as I was seriously tempted in getting a black pair of sandals in the version of a brown pair that I already. The black being in the sales now. They’ve been in my cart a few days and I have not bought them, whereas before I would have by now. As time passes I am wanting them less snd less as my brain kicks in reminding me I won’t wear them as much and can wear the brown with black trousers or dresses which is the reason to get brown , which for me fits more with my clothes better.
Yessss! That's what I was telling myself when I wanted a black pair of birkenstocks a little while ago - there is a reason I got the ones I do have in NOT black, so I should trust my initial decision on that!
How weird: I am watching you wearing my merino cardigan from New Zealand😂. I really enjoyed this thoughtful video and some of the others in this series. I am far from committing to a no buy year but conscious consumerism is definitely the way I wish to go forward and appreciate inspirational content such as yours.
Thank you, and wow! Love that - New Zealand knows their wool haha
And I think conscious consumerism is the more realistic way, and the true goal behind doing the no buy in the first place, so it sounds like you've got the right idea 😊
Another excellent video. Thank you!
Thank you so much!
I am fighting the urge to buy when I travel. I bought less in Ireland than I might have and I am getting use out of everything I bought. My partner has gotten on the less consumerism train and decluttering train a little more slowly than me but he is coming around. We bought hoodies for 3 family members in Ireland but all 3 people wear hoodies and didn't have too many. They were high quality. We bought a lot of consumables and we didn't have room to store them in our luggage so we bought a Guinness backpack in a souvenir shop and took them as a carryon in that bag. We gifted it to an Irish descended friend along with his consumables and it ended up not being a useless wasted purchase -- he uses that backpack all the time!
We are hoping to go to Japan in September 2025 and I will really limit my souvenirs. My partner will be traveling 4 hours alone to a small town that one of his favorite authors is from and will be getting souvenirs from there for a once in a lifetime opportunity (books, etc.) I plan to shop in Shibuya because there is a certain girly style that is in Japan that I enjoy that is trendy among young (and also slightly older office worker) women and I am free size in Japanese clothing so I have a lot of choice for shopping in Japan. I don't know if I will end up buying anything but I at least want to look around and try a few things on. I would limit myself to one really beloved piece that would work with my wardrobe and color palette that I could see myself wearing for decades if I buy a piece. We probably won't buy consumables or a lot of products we will be attracted to (we love cute stuff) because nowadays you can get those things in the US.
Love a good hoodie, definitely practical. I actually do think that while it can be a buying trap, if we are in the habit of NOT buying stuff most of the time (when we aren't traveling), trips can be a special time to acquire something to "update" our lives/wardrobes/home aesthetic. But the key I think is that "not buying during the rest of normal life" part that I'm still working to master!
I'd LOVE to go to Japan, I hope you get to go and have a wonderful time!
Such a great video!! Just found your channel!! I’m on the journey of resisting shopping and this has seriously helped ❤
Welcome, and thank you! It certainly is a journey, as I'm discovering 😅
this was well done and relevant for many of us. keep up the good work.
Thank you!
So with the first point (together with the sixth one) you are telling me that I don't need more model railway rolling stock? 😜
Haha oh dear - this one hits close to home as part of a now "railroading" family 😅
❤🌈