Inside: Learn seven things minimalists don’t buy for the holidays to prevent waste and simplify the holiday season.
The holidays are a time of celebration, reflection, and connection, but for many, they can also be a season of excess. With all the advertisements, sales, and social pressure to keep up with the latest trends, it’s easy to find yourself accumulating more stuff.
For those embracing a simpler lifestyle, the holidays can present a unique challenge. How do you celebrate without falling into the trap of consumerism?
For minimalists, the goal is to create a holiday experience that emphasizes meaning over materialism, connection over consumption, and simplicity over excess.
If you’re aiming for a minimalist holiday this year, you may find yourself skipping certain purchases that are commonplace during the season.
In this post, we’ll look at common things minimalists don’t buy for the holidays. By eliminating unnecessary purchases, you can enjoy a more peaceful, joyful, and clutter-free holiday season.
7 Things Minimalists Don’t Buy for the Holidays
There are a number of common items that minimalists don’t buy or own for a simpler life.
Here are seven things minimalists don’t buy for the holidays to save money and prevent clutter in their homes.
1. Excessive Decorations
Holiday decorations are a beloved tradition for many, but for minimalists, it’s important to keep things simple and intentional.
Instead of overloading their homes with various decor items, minimalists focus on a few key, meaningful pieces that reflect their personal style and bring a sense of warmth to the space.
What minimalists don’t buy:
Excessive décor: While a festive wreath or a small tree might bring holiday cheer, minimalists tend to avoid buying decorations that are overly elaborate, trendy, or disposable. Inflatable yard decorations, large collections, and cheap items that won’t last beyond one season tend to be a no-go.
Novelty items: Holiday-themed tchotchkes, such as figurines, can quickly clutter up the home. Minimalists prefer to avoid these items, as they’re often only used for a short period and take up valuable storage space.
Instead, minimalists choose:
Quality, timeless items: Things can be reused for years, such as a handmade wreath or a simple, elegant centerpiece.
Natural décor: Includes items like pinecones, fresh greenery, or dried flowers that not only add beauty but also won’t end up in the landfill after the season is over.
By focusing on a few meaningful holiday decor pieces, minimalists can create a cozy, festive atmosphere without creating unnecessary waste or clutter.
2. Trendy and Impulse Gifts
The pressure to buy gifts for everyone on your list can be a source of stress and financial strain. Minimalists, however, tend to be intentional with their gift-giving.
When minimalists purchase gifts, they focus on clutter-free options that can be enjoyed without creating waste.
They avoid buying last-minute gifts when possible, but are sure not to purchase junk even if they are in a hurry. Instead, they focus on giving gifts that are thoughtful, useful, and aligned with the recipient’s needs or values.
What minimalists don’t buy:
Trendy or gimmicky items: Gadgets or toys that are likely to be used for only a short time or to sit unused on a shelf are often avoided. This includes things like novelty kitchen items or tech gadgets that don’t add lasting value.
Gift sets or baskets: Pre-packaged gift sets that you’ll find on the holiday aisle, filled with bath products or mugs with cocoas, are often low quality and include extra items that become clutter. Minimalists skip them completely (but may opt to curate their own with the recipient’s favorite items instead).
Instead, minimalists focus on clutter-free gifts such as:
Experiences: Concert tickets, cooking classes, or day trips that create lasting memories, rather than accumulating physical objects.
Personal gifts: These reflect the recipient’s interests, such as a homemade meal, a hand-knitted scarf, or a handwritten coupon for help with a specific task.
Consumables: Things like homemade cookies, local produce, or specialty coffee beans—things that will be enjoyed and used up, are great clutter-free gifts to give.
The goal is to give gifts that align with the recipient’s needs and values, and that won’t contribute to unnecessary clutter in their home.
3. Holiday Themed Everything
The world of consumerism constantly churns out a seasonal or holiday-themed variety of just about everything.
A person could go to their local TJ Maxx or HomeGoods and replace many of their household items with a holiday version.
Minimalists, however, typically refrain from buying holiday versions of things they already have in their homes.
What minimalists don’t buy:
Holiday-themed bedding: Minimalists avoid buying holiday-themed bedding, throw blankets, and pillows. These items take up a lot of storage and are used for a very limited time.
Holiday towels: They also skip holiday towels that only get used for a month out of the year.
Instead, minimalists use:
Linens: When warmer items are needed, they choose neutral ones that work in their home throughout the cooler months.
White dishes: Many minimalists opt for white dishes that work year-round, including the holiday season.
Minimalists focus on quality over quantity with the items in their homes. They opt out of buying seasonal sets of items that would be used for a very limited window of time.
4. Disposable Gift Wrap and Cards
The amount of gift wrap, tape, and greeting cards used during the holidays is staggering. And the majority of it ends up in landfills.
Minimalists often steer clear of these disposable items, choosing instead to embrace sustainable alternatives.
What minimalists don’t buy:
Cheap, one-time-use wrapping paper: Wrapping gets torn up within minutes. And wrapping paper covered in glitter or foil can’t be recycled, adding additional waste.
Holiday cards: Mass-produced holiday cards with glitter and embellishments are often avoided. They’re usually read once and then discarded.
Instead, minimalists opt for:
- Reusing bags year after year.
- Fabric wraps, such as scarves or tea towels, that can double as a part of the gift.
- Eco-friendly wrapping paper made from recycled materials or newspaper.
- Handmade cards that are more meaningful and personal.
By getting creative with gift wrapping, minimalists reduce wasteful holiday spending and opt for more sustainable options.
5. Unnecessary Kitchen Gadgets
The holiday season often tempts people to buy the latest kitchen gadgets, hoping to prepare the “perfect” holiday meal.
While these items might seem useful at first, they often end up being used only once a year and take up valuable storage space.
By limiting kitchen gadgets and sticking with multi-use tools, minimalists keep their kitchens organized, functional, and clutter-free.
What minimalists don’t buy:
Single-purpose holiday gadgets: Items like specialized cookie cutters, holiday-themed cupcake liners, or limited-use kitchen tools that only get used once a year (if that) often don’t make the cut. They add unnecessary clutter to already crowded kitchen cabinets.
Large, bulky appliances: Holiday-specific appliances, like a deep fryer for a turkey, are often bought with the best of intentions but can sit unused for the majority of the year.
Instead, minimalists choose:
Multipurpose kitchen tools: A quality knife, a versatile blender, or a slow cooker can handle everything from holiday meals to everyday cooking. Instead of buying gadgets for each holiday occasion, minimalists opt for items that serve a broader range of uses.
Simplified cooking: Instead of purchasing specialty items for each dish, minimalists focus on simple recipes that don’t require unusual tools.
Instead, minimalists focus on the essential kitchen tools they already have, keeping their cooking process simple and efficient. A good set of multipurpose items, like a quality chef’s knife or a versatile cast-iron skillet, will go far beyond any single-use gadget.
6. Holiday-Themed Clothing
Holiday-themed clothing such as Christmas sweaters, themed pajamas, or novelty socks—are fun but can quickly become a clutter in your closet.
Many minimalists avoid buying these items, as they are only worn a few times each year if that. Buying these temporary, often cheaply made clothes isn’t a priority.
What minimalists don’t buy:
One-time-use holiday outfits: Sparkly dresses, novelty sweaters, or seasonal accessories that only get worn during the holidays are not on the shopping list. These items take up precious closet space and don’t get enough use to warrant it.
Seasonal accessories: Things like Christmas-themed scarves, hats, or socks that only add to the clutter and don’t serve a lasting purpose.
Instead, minimalists invest in:
Classic, quality pieces: Instead of buying something just for a holiday event, minimalists choose clothing that can be worn year-round and dressed up or down. A versatile black dress, a cozy cardigan, or a simple sweater can work for many occasions—holiday or otherwise.
Simple, neutral accessories: These items transition through multiple seasons and include things like a jewelry statement piece or a cozy colorful scarf.
This approach keeps your wardrobe streamlined, avoiding excess clothes that get very minimal use. This isn’t to say minimalists would never buy a Christmas-themed sweater, but if they do they likely purchase it secondhand and wear it year after year.
7. Holiday “Deals” (on Things They Don’t Need)
The holiday sales season can be overwhelming, with countless ads promoting “must-have” items at discounted prices.
While some of these deals are tempting, minimalists are cautious and don’t get swept up in the frenzy of consumerism. They make sure to avoid debt during the holiday season.
Instead of buying into the marketing hype, minimalists ask themselves:
- Do I really need this item?
- Will this add value to my life in the long term?
- What could I use instead?
Minimalists are practiced in distinguishing wants from needs, and they opt to take an intentional and thoughtful approach to shopping.
Rather than falling for deals that contribute to more clutter, minimalists focus on what truly serves them in the long run. They also try to make do with what they already have.
Final thoughts on things minimalists don’t buy for the holidays
The holidays are a time to focus on what really matters. By avoiding the excess items that can clutter your home, your time, and your wallet, you can create a holiday season that’s not only less stressful but also more meaningful.
Minimalists make intentional choices to help make the holidays more about experiences and creating memories and less about stuff.
Even if you’re not a minimalist, you can embrace a simpler holiday season by being selective with your spending. And then you can focus on the moments and memories you make with your loved ones.
What do you think about the things minimalists don’t buy for the holidays? Leave a comment and let us know.
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I’m not a minimalist and I agree with and adhere to everything on this list.
I enjoyed this article. Thank you.
Although I’m not a minimalist I’ve been following all but one of the above things minimalists don’t buy at Christmas. I still use paper wrapping and paper Christmas cards because I’m trying to use up all that I’ve accumulated over the years. I have reused Christmas bags for many years now, and am pleased with all I’ve donated overall and used up. Thanks to your daily tips I question myself before I make most purchases. It’s a slow but steady process. Thank you for helping to steer me in a better direction.
I’m working on becoming a minimalist but all of these suggestions are used by me all year long. Birthdays, anniversaries, any gift giving idea
I have been wrapping gifts in cloth for a few years. I have seen it reused and even in a quilt made by a friend. No more paper!!
That’s a lovely idea!
Good morning, thank you for your interesting advice. I am still transitioning. Again using up the “STUFF” I have accumulated over the years.
Thank you for your advice and ideas. I certainly enjoy your posts.
Lea
“MERRY CHRISTMAS “
I am not a minimalist but am in the process of downsizing and therefore going to take the advice offered here. I am not buying any new decorations. I have a few good quality pieces that I will use and. then donate as these won’t be suitable for my small apartment.
Great points made by these people in keeping the clutter down.
Goodness one has to hsve a little sparkle for the holidays. I agree we shouldn’t go nuts but do indulge yourself a little..
I agree!
Also do not buy turkeys cuz’ it’s cruel.
Ummmm – what an utterly boring and depressing way to rejoice in any holiday cheer. The magic of Christmas and/or the holiday season is to be merry and bright. Our neighborhood had awards for the best house and best street holiday decorations. It was magical for the children! Live a little! We just took the Tacky Light Trolley tour for Richmond, VA on Friday. Even for adults, the brilliant colors, the mailboxes left out for Santa, the donation boxes for charities most of the houses display shows spirit, kindness, a world that is not self-centered (if it does not make me live my best life – whoever or whatever it is get rid of it – vomit 🤮). Listen to the laughter and feel the anticipation of the children, see the smiles on the faces of the adults even during a rough year. Till out the family traditions and bring connection and meaning to the next generation. Mostly, get the stick out of your arse and grab a warm spices cider – with lots of rum bc you folks need to lighten up. The people that do the very hard work of decorating for the delight of others deserve our adulation, not condemnation. I feel that at 61 yo, I have to teach the younger generations how to relax and play! My father lost his own at 10 yo and unfortunately married my beautiful but alcoholic/psychotic mother. Our holidays were hell. After I become a mother, I made every humidity or possible idea a day to celebrates. My father thanked me for the happiness and joy it brought to him. My 4 young adult children are carrying it on (and “borrowing” my stash) – but consider themselves “minimalists in other more moderate ways. Put some more rum in that cider – geez how drowl and boring could your life possibly be?!
I’m not sure how you got all that out of this article. All I see was how much thought minimalist put into everything. Less harm to the environment by using nicer things like tea towels to wrap more thoughtful gifts. More intentional about what they use, what they give, and how they spend their time. All the junk around the holidays isn’t more fun, it’s messy, chaotic, often meaningless, and very wasteful. A lot of people spend their money and time to “fill” everything and they don’t even sit down and connect with their own kids or family members. Quality over quantity can be applied to everything in your lives.
Thank you for saying this! That commenter went rogue for sure. I consider myself a minimalist and its not that deep lol. We have very fun filled holidays with lots of memories, and no regrets about throwing tons into the landfills. Obviously its a trigger for some people. To each his own.
I agree!! Gift giving is magical , selfless. It shows love and is fun! We give gifts bc the wise men gave them to Jesus and He gave his gift of salvation to us! Rejoice and have fun!!
While I believe in the magic of Christmas and decorations, everyone doesn’t feel the need to buy seldom used items, not to be a downer, but what makes us happy as well. I hope everyone has a joyous Christmas 🎄.
I don’t get that vibe at all from this lovely blog post. One can be minimalist and still be thoughtful, fun, and giving without being trashy and wasteful. Our grandkids enjoy a few great presents versus a bunch of cheap tacky plastic crap with flashing lights. We all enjoy good food and drinks at the holiday season. I am sorry for your “hell” childhood Christmases but there’s no need to insult minimalists on a **minimalist** blog!
I agree! Minimalists sound boring
Luv….luv it
Actually…didn’t realize….I’ve always been a minimalist..
Luv it….
Although this was full of good advice, it came across as stern and boring. Christmas is special and should be exciting. How about advocating the use of abundant natural foliage, candles and recyclable paper chains to cheer us all up during Christmas.
😘
I am not a minimalist, but I am recently retired and trying to declutter and reduce to less. I am more like marla at this point. I am using what I have and trying to buy less unimportant things. I appreciate your help. Thank you.
Instead of paper gift wrapping, after Christmas I head to my local fabric store and fill up with discounted Christmas themed cotton. I sew this fabric into different size gift bags. We have used and reused and reused these bags for many years, passing them back and forth in the family. No waste and a quick solution if wrapping is your least favorite chore.
I’m a practicing minimalist and I don’t buy gifts for everyone. This is my first year of having a grandbaby and I told my daughter to open an account and I will put money in it. This is what we did for our kids and they were happy to get the accounts once they were adults.
Make sure she knows that if it is an education savings account it can only be used for that. I am a recently retired HS college planning counselor. Not private, but at an actual public school. Better to set up actual savings plan so the $$ can be used for anything. Put in parent name until child is over 18…or even 21. I’ve seen people lose money on those ed accounts.
I’m a minimalist, I agree with everything that was said.
Very stressful time of year…..
Unnecessary stress..
Some people love it and I think that is brilliant. Just not for me.
Simple, easy going , less exhausted & less expense….I like those words…
although some helpful info mixed in……this a prescription on HOW TO BE A. KILLJOY too…..if someone wants to do some of the things you advise against…because it brings then JOY….then perfectly FINE❣
❤️
Amen! I always look forward to the bright lights and glitter associated with the Christmas/holiday season.
this is a great list. the only addition I would make is the option of borrowing items. you meantioned lots of items that would only be used once per year. Instead of “making do” or “doing without”, why not borrow that blender or crock pot?
I don’t decorate my house anymore nor do I put up a tree because I no longer host guests at home. I’m a retired and a widow.
I gave the fake tree, boxes of decor, stockings to my offspring. Now THEY trim the tree, decorate, etc. All I have to do is show up, open presents, visit then go home. Life is super simple.
Now as I age, I’ve spent the last 5 years, sorting through my house and giving away items I no longer use. I had 2 or 3 copies of everything. I have given away dressers and beds to former homeless people who FINALLY got into an apartment. extra linens, night stand, lamp, pots and pans (I no longer cook for a family) even books dishes and flatware, vases (usually with flowers in them to welcome to a rew apartment) and so on.
I spent a life time collecting so much STUFF. It serves no purpose to keep it. If I end up in a nursing home or dead, I don’t want my kids to have to drop what they’re doing to clear out my house. I do have one bedroom completely empty now. It’s time to rip out the 30 year old carpeting in there to install new flooring.
I am a minimalist now. I only own 5 pairs of pants and 5 shirts. I’ve donated out clothes I no longer wear. I recycle nearly 100% of what leaves my house. Happy downsizing all.
I keep all Christmas decorations to fit in ONE Rubbermaid tote. if something new comes in, something old must leave.
I try to make all holidays as stress free as possible. Overdoing any holiday can result in tired grumpy people. Years ago I encouraged my son to give me the gift of his time for holidays. He has purchased tickets for concerts, mystery nights, sip and paints etc. I get him gift certificates to his favorite restaurants so he can take his wife on dates and I babysit when they use the gift certificate.
I believe in giving to others what is needed. I watch our local news every day so that I can be aware of anything that has happened to someone that has caused them to be in need. I pay attention to which organization is helping and I start going through my house. I gave my daughter’s bedroom furniture to a family in need. She had out grown it. My daughter ( when she was little) would take all of her toys that she didn’t want to Santa in our Mall because he would go to places where the children otherwise wouldn’t get anything for Christmas. I am frequently donating clothes and toiletries. I am going to be donating more clothes, toiletries and dishes soon.
I am a minimalist. My sister has at least 25 bins for Christmas. She has 2 trees. The first tree is a white tree decorated with flamingos for Florida. The second tree has over 500 lights, Waterford crystal ornaments and incredible decorations . It’s just breathtaking. She also decorates for every holiday including Armistice Day. I became a minimalist because all my personal belongings were stolen in a move from one town to another so I had to start over. I have found that being a minimalist free’s me from so much stuff I thought I needed. Now, I only have what I need. I enjoy all the holidays when I go to my sister’s house.
Personally, as a person who always loved the holidays; loved to go all out with the decorations (lovingly collected over the course of a lifetime); do a little extra for others; make the kiddos especially happy because I could, this article let me know that I could do with less. Two years ago, I became disabled at Christmas, lost my job, lost my income, may lose my house and car still. Most importantly, my children and I have been able to keep each other close. Their father provides no support. This year, I can’t afford gifts and Santa is poor. My children would rather have a holiday season of memories and traditions than things. They refuse to provide lists. This article reminds me that stuff doesn’t matter, experiences do. My ex took half the Christmas stuff and the other half doesn’t work well. We’re making it work for us.
I am not a minimalist but, I do love to decorate my home for every holiday. I hate it when people don’t decorate for any holiday. The tree just won’t cut it. I love my dining rroom and living room and my windows and door wreaths. I never reuse paper or bags as it creates clutter and I only mail Christmas cards to immediate family, my budget is under 500 and I have never been into trends.
Although I myself like to decorate lots I do agree with avoiding like pillows and bulkier stuff but enjoy lights, tree, garland, village and a few other things cuz it makes this time of year special… However I do really like the gift ideas on here at least for adults…food items like specialty coffee etc. or giving concert tickets is great and will not go to waste or just sit in the closet unused.