As the holiday season approaches, the urge to splurge on gifts and gadgets begins to rise with large retailers tempting us to make impulsive purchases by offering massive once-a-year discounts.
The relentless pressure to act on these fleeting deals is stressful on its own yet engaging in Black Friday impulse shopping can negatively impact mental health especially if it means blowing our budget and or feeling buyers remorse.
Feeling the Black Friday frenzy may feel almost unavoidable but there are alternatives to getting sucked in to unwanted, unplanned spending.
Shut out the noise of social media and TV ads and check out some more intentional ways to spend your Black Friday
Alternatives to Black Friday Shopping
#1 Throw a Leftover Dinner Party
Instead of buying more products that might also go to waste, consider holding a leftover dinner party to make full use of that food you already have. Have fun with trying out new recipes that utilize leftovers. With a cleaner fridge and a house full of friends, you’ll surely have a better time than waiting in line for another Black Friday discount.
#2 Connect with Nature
Instead of spending time waiting inside in long lines or at home playing with your new gadgets, enjoy the mental health boost you get from being out in nature. Go for a hike, visit a local park, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk in your neighborhood. Connecting with nature can boost your mood and reduce stress.
Visit a national park if you can access one (I’m a little partial to Joshua Tree myself) or go to a local nature site.
#3 Write your Gift List
One way to be intentional with spending around the holidays is to know who and what you’re shopping for. If you haven’t already figured that out or made a gift list, you’re way more likely to overspend simply based off sale FOMO.
Writing down a gift list requires that you sit down and think of other people in your life and what kinds of things they like. Even if you just wind up sending money to those impossible to shop for people, the exercise will put you in the mindset of abundance and giving and will help you stay within your budget. (There’s still plenty of time to shop after Black Friday.)
#4 Practice Hygge
Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word that describes a feeling of coziness and contentment that comes from enjoying life's simple pleasures. Basically stay home and get cozy, read a book, light a scented candle, do a little baking, wear big cozy socks, put on a nostalgic movie you love. If you have a fire pit or fireplace, light a fire. Enjoy some snacks, basically slow down for a bit and just take a little time for yourself. The Holidays aren’t a race or a contest.
#5 Organize Your Home
Maybe this one doesn’t sound all that fun, but with Christmas coming up, it really is a perfect time to get rid of un-used, un-wanted items.
Clearing out unnecessary items can create a more peaceful environment and might even help you discover forgotten things you love, providing a sense of renewal without spending any money.
These alternatives can help you make the most of the holiday season while prioritizing well-being and personal growth over consumerism. This leads perfectly into the next one.
#6 Volunteer or Donate to a Charity
Studies show that doing good deeds makes us feel good. To improve your mental health while helping those in need, consider volunteering or donating to charity. Simply decluttering and donating those unwanted items help thrift stores raise money for people in need right in your community. Check out Charity Navigator to find causes that align with your values, or go to Volunteer Match to find volunteer opportunities in your local area.
#7 Host a Swap
As the saying goes, one mans trash is another mans treasure. One great way to score new things and unload old is by hosting a swap. This can take the form of a plant swap, clothing swap, or really anything… a DIY/crafting swap. Rather than adding more waste to the mix, comb through your belongings and share items that are no longer of use to you with your community. Invite over some friends and make a little party out of it, or if you’re the planning type, you could bring it to the larger community, kids school, HOA, even or a local restaurant or cafe might host you.
#8 Wait for Small Business Saturday
In contrast to the big box retailers that are the focus of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday is about shopping at small, brick-and-mortar stores. Consider spending more of your holiday at local business literally any day between Black Friday and Christmas. Gift cards to local cafes make great gifts and many local shops are just more pleasant and offer a personalized experience. They are so happy to get your business.