25 Things You Probably Don't Need to Buy... at Least for a While

If you're reading this blog, there's a pretty good chance your home is stuffed with stuff.  Why else would you be interested in decluttering?  And now that it's the holiday season, you'll soon be adding even more things to what you already own.

Even if you've already decluttered quite a bit, you want to learn how to stay uncluttered, as well as how to unstuff your schedule and streamline your budget.

I'm in the same situation, so I started thinking about how I can keep my home clutter-free, save money, plus save all the time, energy, and decision-making that goes into buying new stuff.

I already have enough.

So here in the middle of the annual Holiday Shopping Season, I'm going to challenge us to quit shopping, at least for a while.  How many of the following items can you go without buying for the next several months, or maybe all of next year?  Come on, be honest – don't you already have enough of these things?  I know I do.

1. Mugs and glassware (actually... dishes in general)
2. Tee shirts
3. Jewelry
4. Food storage containers
5. Water bottles
6. Throw pillows
7. Pot holders and oven mitts
8. Seasonal décor
9. Photo frames
10. Special occasion clothing
11. Clothes hangers
12. Bins, boxes, and other things to store stuff in
13. Tables
14. Chairs
15. Exercise equipment
16. Cooking utensils
17. Cutting boards
18. Tea kettles
19. Bakeware
20. Small kitchen appliances
21. Lamps
22. Lap blankets
23. Pens, paper clips, Post-its, and other office supplies
24. Wall art
25. Stuffed animals and other toys

If you live in the U.S., Canada, or one of many other countries in the world, I'm willing to bet you have plenty (maybe too many) of these items already, and don't need to buy more any time soon.  There are already enough of these things in your home and your country.

You can still support the economy.

Are you worried the economy will collapse if you don't buy stuff – even stuff you don't need?  You might remember that after 9/11, we were encouraged (ordered, really) to go shopping.  It was supposedly the best way to show that we were strong, successful, and unafraid.  But there are plenty of things you can do for the economy besides going shopping.

Why not pay off debt, open a savings account, or even start investing?  Let others "use" your money to start a business or buy a house.  (That's why I like to save at my local credit union.)  I'd say that boosts the economy.

You could give money to charities that are helping people meet their basic needs for food, water, medical care, and education.  I like to give to Against Malaria Foundation, Charity:Water, and World Vision.  (You can even give toward disaster and poverty relief in the U.S., if you prefer.)  I also donate to my local food bank.  Providing funds so others can get what they need benefits the economy.

Support a local arts organization or museum by buying tickets and attending.  Or give to an animal shelter or environmental group.  When they use your money to implement their programs, that helps the economy.

Patronize family-owned restaurants and self-employed hair stylists and massage therapists.  You'll get the services you want while supporting a small business.  When you do need clothes, housewares, sports equipment, or something else, check independent thrift shops, consignment stores, or a Habitat for Humanity ReStore first.  That maintains the economy too, without the burden and cost of producing and shipping new items.

I dare you to go six months or longer without buying any of these items.  (I'm aiming for a year.)

What have I forgotten?  Use the comment area to make additional suggestions.

When it comes to the holidays, our culture pushes hard for us to have and do it all.  We're convinced that we can't have a happy holiday if we don't go overboard on gifts, décor, food, and drink.  We feel obligated to go to every concert, craft show, and party, and to travel along with the millions that make this time of year the most crowded and stressful of all.

Much too often, going for a larger-than-life holiday leaves us tired, stressed, dissatisfied, in debt, and fatter.  Wouldn't you prefer a merry little holiday and a chance to forget your troubles, at least for a little while?  Why not ease off for the sake of more joy?

My book, A Simpler Christmas (part of my Minimalist Basics series), is a little guide full of practical strategies to help you design a minimalist holiday that celebrates what's most important to you.  Going for the "best holiday ever" can leave you feeling burned out by Christmas Day.  But when you trim down a bit and emphasize what you love, you're sure to find the happiness and inspiration you're longing for.

Includes descriptions of more than a dozen fun projects plus a Project Index.

Updated October 2026