I’m Not Buying These Things In 2026 (And Honestly, My Life Is Better For It)

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2026 is officially my year of less. Less stuff. Less impulse buying. Less consumption just because something is cute, trending, or screaming at me from TikTok.

And maybe it’s just me… but I realized something recently: I already have a lot of stuff. Like… a lot a lot.

So this year, I’m not buying everything. I’m not adding it to cart. It’s not showing up in an Amazon box on my porch. And I’m not convincing myself that this one is different.Instead, I’m being intentional and honestly? It feels freeing.

Before we dive in, if you want to hear me talk through all of this in real time (with side comments, laughs, and the full vibe), I break everything down in my YouTube video below.

Now let’s get into the things I am not buying this year and maybe you’ll realize you don’t need them either.

Things I’m not buying in 2026

Backups of Things I Already Have (Including Backups to My Backups)

Let’s start with the biggest offender: backups.

Candles? I have enough. Lotions? PLEASE. Moisturizers? Embarressing.

I’m no longer buying:

Backup candles
Backup skincare
Backup body care
Backup backups

If I already own a vanilla-scented lotion, I do not need another vanilla-scented lotion just because the bottle is cuter. We’re not doing that.

Same thing with body washes. I used to justify it like:

“This one smells like strawberries 🍓”
“This one smells like vanilla ☕”
“This one smells like elegant morning coffee in Paris”

And yet… they’re all just taking up space. So this year, I’m sticking to two:

One lightly scented, neutral option
One very subtle or barely scented option

That’s it. When I finish them, then I can switch it up. But I am officially done buying what I already own.

Viral TikTok Products (Just Because They’re Viral)

I love TikTok. But TikTok has also played in my face more than once.

I’ve bought:

Viral bras
Viral tops
Viral “everyone needs this” items

And guess what? I wore them once… maybe.

Most of the time, the product is just okay. Not life-changing. Not essential. Definitely not worth the hype. This applies to food too. I once followed a viral mac and cheese recipe because it looked incredible and it was fine. But when I went back to my recipe? The one I’ve perfected over the years? Baby. DELICIOUS.

The lesson: Just because something works for someone else doesn’t mean it works for you.

Same goes for:

Trends
Clothes
Recipes
Products

I’m sticking to what I know works for me in this season of life.

Trendy Clothes That Don’t Match My Real Life

I love fashion. I love bold pieces. I love details. What I don’t love? Buying clothes for a lifestyle I do not live.

I’m a mom. I have a wild toddler. We go to the park. A lot.

That cute pleated mini skirt? She’s adorable… but she’s not practical for chasing a child around a playground.

So no, I’m not buying trendy items just because they’re trending. Instead, I’m buying pieces that:

Fit my body
Fit my lifestyle
Fit my actual daily reality

If it doesn’t work now, I’m letting it go.

Physical Books (Hear Me Out)

Before you close the tab… listen.

I love books.What I don’t love is clutter and heavy stacks of things my toddler thinks are toys.

This year, I’m not buying physical books. Instead, I’m using:

My library card
The Libby app
Spotify audiobooks included with my membership

I get unlimited reading without buying more stuff and honestly? It’s been amazing. There are so many free ways to read. I’m using what I already have.

Cheap Versions of Things I Use All the Time

This one was a mindset shift. If I wear something often, I’m no longer buying the cheap version of it.

For example:

Leggings
Workout sets
Athletic wear

I’d rather own two high-quality pieces than eight low-quality ones that pill, stretch out, and fall apart. Same goes for household items. I use my blender all the time so I invested in a good one. It’s lasted me far longer than cheap alternatives ever did. Quality over quantity especially for everyday essentials.

Body Mists (They Just Don’t Work for Me)

I’ve accepted it. Body mists do nothing for me.

They smell great in the bottle and then disappear the second I walk out the door. So I’m done buying them. I’m sticking to grown-woman fragrances that actually last. If something doesn’t work for me, I’m not forcing it anymore.

Fetch is not happening. And that’s okay.

Brand-New Toys for My Kids

This one is very mom-specific.

I’m not buying new toys when:

Thrift stores exist
Facebook Marketplace exists
Kids don’t care

I’ve found Mega Blocks for $2 that cost $20 new. My child does not know the difference and honestly, neither do I. Same goes for kids’ clothes. Babies grow fast. Thrifted items are often barely worn.

Less waste. Less spending. Same joy.