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Mindful Momma

Simple Inspired Natural Living


Mindful Shopping Techniques To Keep You on Task & In Budget

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Use these mindful shopping techniques to keep you in budget on on task during the holiday season.


Mindful Shopping Techniques

As we head into the big power shopping season of the year, I thought it might be helpful to lay out some ideas to help you be a little more mindful when you head out to shop. It’s so easy to spend too much money or make less-than-stellar choices when you are unprepared and stressed out. Can you relate?

Mindful Shopping Techniques

Follow these mindful shopping tips for a holiday gift buying experience you will enjoy and feel good about!

Make a list

Before you make a bee-line to the mall, make a list of your gift recipients and what you think they might like. Sounds simple, but most people don’t do it.

Start early

Don’t wait until the last minute to shop. Start now and feel good about getting it done!

Be alert

Don’t shop when you are tired. It’s like grocery shopping when you are hungry. You make bad choices. Personally, I prefer to shop in the morning or early afternoon when my brain and body still have plenty of energy.

Focus on quality

Instead of a bunch of cheap gag gifts, look for one high quality item your friends or family will actually use.

Shop local

Support a local business or artisan instead of the mega-mass-merchandiser. Besides, the gift selection is so much more unique at independently owned shops!

Give experiences

Instead of the latest video game, give a pair of tickets to a sporting event. Instead of a new knick-knack, how about a membership to a museum?

Go DIY

Spend your money on supplies for homemade gifts like spiced nuts, peppermint lip balm or a set of handmade cloth napkins. Homemade gifts are fun to give and extra special to receive!

Beware window shopping

Some people can do it but if temptation is your middle name, stay away from those pretty window displays!

Do you have any tips for mindful shopping? How do you manage the holiday madness?

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photo credit: atmtx via photopin cc

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Filed Under: Eco-Friendly Lifestyle, Education, Green Gifts, Green Home, Green Living, Holidays, Natural Living, Non-Toxic Products, Shopping Tagged With: DIY, gifts, green, green gifts, green living, mindful, shop local, shopping

About Mindful Momma

Micaela Preston is natural living educator and safe and sustainable product activist. She has spoken at conferences and events, has lobbied for safer chemical laws, and has consulted with many brands and businesses. Her book, Practically Green: Your Guide to Eco Friendly Decision Making was published in 2009.

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Comments

  1. Betsy (Eco-novice) says

    November 11, 2011 at 9:58 am

    I absolutely agree that shopping is really a miserable experience when you are exhausted. You have some great DIY ideas on your blog! I mostly avoid the holiday madness by staying away from the stores and shopping mostly online. But I would like to try to patronize some local independent stores too this year — they are usually less crazy and more fun to browse.

    Reply
  2. Michelle @Special Mom Space says

    November 11, 2011 at 9:01 am

    I’m with you on the being early thing. I don’t typically do a list for holiday shopping because I have tunnel vision when I shop. I do however find making lists helpful for grocery shopping ๐Ÿ™‚

    I also love to shop online so cyber Monday is my day! I’m hoping to get an increase in sales on my stress and alternative pain relief site at that time.

    Reply
  3. Lori Popkewitz Alper says

    November 12, 2011 at 9:54 am

    Thanks for the great tips! My biggest issue is that I don’t start early enough. I am a last minute shopper so I tend to get sucked into products I don’t necessarily need or want. Buying just for the sake of having a gift for someone isn’t the greenest way to shop. Hopefully this year I will be more on the ball and shop early!

    Reply
  4. Micaela says

    November 14, 2011 at 9:12 am

    Good point about on-line shopping Michelle. I didn't mention that in my post, but it can be a great way to focus your shopping efforts without getting overwhelmed by so many choices in the stores. My only hesitation is the extra shipping costs and energy used for transportation etc…But I still do buy a few things online each year!

     

    Reply
  5. Harriet says

    November 14, 2011 at 9:16 am

    Thanks Micaela. I love the reminder to “go for quality.” Particularly when there are so many incredible sales, quantity often “ups” quality, and it should always be the other way around!

    Reply
  6. Micaela says

    November 14, 2011 at 9:18 am

    Hi Betsy – I love shopping at independently owned stores – I just try to go at times when they aren't so busy!

    Reply
  7. Micaela says

    November 14, 2011 at 9:19 am

    I'm in the same boat Lori! Every year I vow to be more organized and get started earlier but it's so hard – especially when you have a family! Ah well, we do what we can!!

     

    Reply
  8. Micaela says

    November 15, 2011 at 8:28 am

    You are so right Harriet – it's easy to be tempted by getting more, more, more when more really isn't better. ๐Ÿ™‚

     

    Reply
  9. Karen Hanrahan says

    November 15, 2011 at 10:23 am

    I love the give experiences suggestion!

    Reply
  10. Micaela says

    November 15, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Thanks Karen! Don't you love to get gifts of experiences instead of just more stuff?

    Reply

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Hi there – I’m Micaela!

Micaela Preston I'm here to help you make lifestyle and product choices that are better for your health & the planet!
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