r/nobuy • u/fivesecondsisayoke • 17d ago

Starting a 3-month no-buy

Holidays are coming up and that means sales and advertisements. So I decided this year I'm not falling for any of it. I struggle with the urge to buy gifts for everyone i know around this time of year but i really want to instead save my money for once. Last time I did a no-buy was just for 1 month but I feel confident I can do more. Any suggestions? What helps you with resisting overspending on gifts?

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u/BeeWhisper 17d ago

I'm with you! I also need to do this no buy. I'm making a very clear list of what *is* allowed (anything at the grocery store within grocery budget, monthly workout class card, and a list of pre-determined christmas gifts, and a birthday gift for my niece).

If you can, make your holiday shopping list before the no buy starts and then it closes—even if you can't buy them until later, you can't add to the list.

I've been trying do de-escalate gifting in my family for awhile. Ideally I would just buy presents for my nieces and nephew. Something I'm trying to live with is that even if I am still getting gifts for my parents and siblings, I'm just buying them less expensive presents and hopefully they will get the hint. A book for my dad who likes to read, or a puzzle for my mom who likes to do puzzles. Just one, not a whole stack of them. It was kind of embarrassing the first time I tried that, but it seems like everyone has been relieved to not have to produce some massive pile of presents.

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u/IrishLady92 17d ago

I did a 3 month no buy in 2025, after a couple of successful 1 month no buys. I didn't find 3 months to be any different than 1 really as I think you go through most of the struggle in that first month!

I'm coming towards the end of my year long "low buy" which has been challenging at times but much easier having gone through those earlier stages.

You can do this 🎉

Editing to add the suggestions - I always make a list of things actually needed to gift people early on, and then chat with those that I know I can about how we want to approach the Christmas season. In the past, some friends or family explained they would also like to cut down and we did minimal foody gifts or joint experiences which was far nicer.

For resisting buying random things myself, either the "how many hours of work does this costs me?" Or "what have I already bought that fills this void?" Questions both help. Followed by immediately adding that money to a treat pot on my banking app. I soon prefer the cash in the bank over the random shower gel or mascara I was going to buy!

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u/fivesecondsisayoke 17d ago

Thank you so much !

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u/Lucky-Sprinkles108 16d ago

I shop early. Leaving it to the last minute stresses me out, and I overspend when I'm stressed. I also keep a clear list for each person I'm buying for and stick to it.

The cost of living is hitting everyone, so this year we just agreed not to buy presents at all. Instead, each of us is planning a game or activity that has prizes for Christmas Day.