I’m joining the “no buy” habit for 2025, also. I’m only replenishing my consumable items. I’m not purchasing anything new unless something breaks and I can’t do without the item until 2026.
I’m a 60+ year old American male and I’m with you on the minimal approach to life, no-social-media, cold feet and wearing socks to bed (LOL), items with no purpose, not using paper, not following trends, no alcohol, no gambling, and not buying cheap, short term things! Great video!
Thank you...this should be shown in high school economics classes. People buy junk without thinking...these suggestions will contribute to the benefit of our planet as well as our personal health. Cheers from Portland Oregon
I am doing as long a no buy as long as I absolutely can next year. I had to stop using credit so everything will be bought with cash/debit only. My budget is extremely tight. That means everything I buy will be well thought out and prepared for . . . My word for 2025 is Simplify so I am going to work toward divesting myself of things that no longer serve instead of accumulating more. Great video, Vera!
I like your rule about not buying new books until you’ve read all of them. There is pressure (especially from the reading community on tiktok) to have a large and expansive library that you can show off to your friends and family. And buying books for the sake of buying them to fill a home library and not reading them is something that I will be working on next year.
I’m with you on so many of these! I quit all social media (only watch long form videos on RUclips, no shorts) and it changed my life. It’s been great for my mental health. Best slippers I’ve ever had are from a Canada based store, Manitoba Mukluks. I have a black pair of their Tipi Slipper. Worn daily for 2 years and still working and looking great!
This is a good video to help rethink expenses for the new year. We have some more costly priorities now such as buying healthier food and feeding some of the wildlife nearby., so it helps to eliminate things we don’t really need as we stick to our values. Good video!
Good video. Thank you. I live "out in the sticks" as we say, my house sits on three acres, it is mostly forest, and I love my many species of birds, my wild bunny rabbits, my chipmunks, squirrels, and I will keep buying food for them, as they love it so much. The owls in my tall trees are huge, they each have their own tree and they talk to each other (hoot, hoot!) I don't need to feed the deer ... they just munch on the leaves in the bushes and trees ... and last summer they ate all the flowers off my beautiful plant outside, plus all the tomatoes off of three tomato plants. They left me one tomato. Wasn't that nice of them? I do love the deer, though, they have pretty eyes. More rarely seen are foxes, mountain beavers, cougars and bears and no, I won't feed them. Yes! Please do tell what kind of wildlife you have ... I am curious, too! From western Washington state (not D.C.), not far from the Pacific Ocean. I and my wildlife, wish everyone a good 2025. 🎉🎉🎉
My hair is curly, and I can't agree more: my hair will do whatever it wants. My advice: let it be. Sometimes, stressing over it makes it even harder to accept it. I also learned that a lot of the products that people suggest doesn't work for me, so I'll stick with my easy and simple routine.
I agree with virtually everything you said, Vera . My biggest category that I want to stop buying in 2025 is reading material of any kind. I have enough Audible books, books on my Kindle, and physical books to last me over a year at least, so I'm going to try to just put any books that I want on a wish list until I finish the books that I have.
that's such a good goal! I did this over the last 6 months and it turns out there was a hidden gem that had been sitting unread on my shelf for years! Now one of my new favorite books :) hope you have a similar experience
I didn't have a no buy list before watching this video. While watching the video, however, a list quickly grew in my mind. Top 3 on my list: 1. Cat toys. Frankly, my cat doesn't care if her toys come from a store. An empty box and a wad of crinkly paper make her just as happy. 🐈⬛ 2. Magazines and specific to a holiday softcover cookbooks. The kind of print items that you are forced to see when trapped in line at store registers, those impulse buys. 3. Random gifts without any practical purpose that I think a family member or friend might enjoy or find amusing. The enjoyment or amusement lasts a short time and then it just becomes a part of their clutter. Thanks, Vera, for getting me started!
LOL! I had a cat that would retrieve a crumpled piece of paper for hours! She would fetch and return it, dropping it in front of me and sit waiting for me to throw it again. I knit and crochet so often have leftover yarn. Tied up in a looped skein or rolled into ball makes a good toy. An old sock with another one stuffed inside and stitched up to keep it there makes a respectable ‘mouse’. 😁
Tell me about the hair! Mine is a mess. Thick, long, dry and don’t have to and was told not to shampoo my hair often. I can get by for two weeks and actually stays cleaner because I’m not over loading it then stripping it with harsh products. Now about the refrigerator decorating. WHAT???!!! 😂 I have never seen this before until now. Staying away from social media is a big one for me and going back to no sugary drinks. I had for five years than decided I wanted a Pepsi one day. Then another day. So on. Stop buying paper plates. I don’t like doing dishes. I bought a counter top dishwasher but still use paper plates. Being less selfish. I lost my 36 y.o. son this summer. His life in review has taught me a lot. I need to be more giving. As always live without all the unnecessary stuff I have and give it away. Thanks for doing the video!
I agree with many of your points. For us it was a pivotal year and your course was a great companion to me, like a good friend on demand. Thank you, Vera! My list also includes: salad (almost always soggy in a day or two), avocado (either hard or rotten), cucumbers. I was analyzing the food consumption all year and eliminated at least 5 of those culprits that go straight to garbage.
Hi Vera! i also want to do a no buy year as much as I can. I have enough of everything. This year I will focus on decluttering and using up all my craft supplies that bring me so much joy, most of which are collected discarded paper to make junk journals, or repurposing old clothes to make new ones. I agree with you on everything!
Vera, I agree with so many of the things you said! Especially buying from Temu, etc. I never have, mostly because I'm aware of the poor quality, and that all of it is just going to end up in a landfill. It makes me sad how unintentional many people are about buying. I was so happy to hear you address this!
Has anyone experienced judgment concerning minimal Holiday decor, or home decor in general? I’ve been frustrated by comments from others concerning this. I am an artist and I love beauty - but beauty cannot be appreciated in chaos. That’s true in life and in decorating.
I have a feeling that this next year will be a no or extremely low buy year for many of us here in the US. This year I had quite a lot items of clothing just simply wear out. I've only been able to replace a few of them. Consequently, clothing, especially pants/skirts, is actually on my allowed list in 2025.
Over the past few months, I’ve become increasingly aware and alarmed at how much money I’m spending on books, stationary, stickers, return address labels and postage. It occurs to me that I’m buying all the assorted postage and stationary items to “impress“ the people I’m writing to. Also, I could easily utilize my local library. My other big expense is on various subscriptions. Added together, I’m horrified at how much money I’ve spent on these items in one year. I’m grateful to Vera and for this episode. Starting today, I’m setting healthier boundaries because my current habits are going against my life goals: Watching less TV, saving more money and creating more white space in my life. I even love Vera’s thoughts on limiting social media use because I find myself mindlessly scrolling when I’m bored. It’s a lot to think about but luckily, the changes I need to make are simple and clear.
I just bought a pair of the most comfortable shoes in the world at a pets in need thrift store for $8. So simple, so comfortable, so different and COMPLETELY sustainably made. I typed in Allbirds which is the company that makes them and discovered that pair costs $98 new and they were virtually new. I read the Allbirds environmental mission statement which is exactly what I've been looking for. I'm going to get another pair that are on sale now for $52. For years I've worn Sketchers which are still comfortable but I know my feet would be really happy with a second pair of Allbirds. Just for the record I really dislike shopping and do the best I can to make whatever I have last for a very very long time.
Thank you for the thoughtful and thought-inspiring video. I have been and will continue to work on "getting down to zero." This season I did not buy Christmas cards, but am writing personal greetings on basic stationery I already have.
I really wanna spend money only on necessary things like food, bills and clothing. I've been unemployed for 5 years because of depression and because of that I only wore old clothes. Now that I recovered and got a job 8 months ago, I really need to buy new clothes and bought some new ones that were not too cheap nor too expensive. I really wanna stop spending money on unnecessary things like junk food, soda and others. It's hard but I really wanna sacrifice those things so that I can _spend less and save more._ Things are getting more and more expensive here in South America and because of that, it's really necessary to save as much money as you can because of inflation.
ERGOfoot House Slippers With Arch Support, Orthopedic Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief, Comfy Wool Felt Clog Slippers, Non-Slipv Indoor Outdoor House Slipper are my favorite! My goal is to purchase things to restock or replace broken items.
Dear Vera! Your youtube channel was with no doubt the most precious of all of my internet findings this year! The simplicity of your videos, the calmness, this no-rush approach, which doesn't wind up emotions is so, so, so lovely! And also, I do appreciate the fact that you never preach at us - instead, you inspire, you support, you give ideas. Your idea that "you can like things without necessarily owning them" absolutely blew my mind! And if I may boast a bit, I went to a Christmas crafts fair (!!!) today and I didn't buy anything! Although, you know, didn't I see lovely pieces there! But I just appreciated them, just like you inspire us to do! I cannot express how much I value the truthfulness of your content. Thank you so so much. I do hope you have a lovely magical Holiday season, however you decide to spend it! Warm greetings from Poland! 🙂
We are currently replacing all food containers from plastic to glass, including kitchen equipment as much as we can. Our goal in 2025 and ongoing, is to remove as much plastic and replace it for natural materials in our spaces and home as much as possible.
I definitely have a list. Most of what you have listed is on mine already. My motto is, don't buy it even if its on sale. If I don't NEED it, I won't buy it. I have a few boxes of beauty/hygiene products already since the pandemic started, and I definitely don't need to buy soaps for a while. Clothes, and shoes are the only exception as I'm hoping to lose some excess weight. I love the minimalist way of life, and am trying to pare down belongings slowly to achieve that.
Thank you for all the great ideas. Some were not applicable to me, but others will go on my low buy year list! I am new to minimizing our possessions and am enjoying the process. I don’t think I will ever be a minimalist, but am also very tired of consumerism and the waste it generates on so many levels. Just recently found your channel and am enjoying your content very much 😁❤️
Hi Vera I’m going to plan a no spend your in 2025 as much as possible I will just use whatever I have and declutter as I go on plus I’ve already made my mind up regarding next Xmas my gifts will be very minimal as I spent to much every year and I have lots of birthdays throughout the year so I must draw a line on this thank you for your video it’s given me a extra push in the right direction
Love all your takes!!! I struggle with my curly hair and I've stopped using expensive products too. I use an apple cider rinse lately which has been great! It's great how you can reflect on your life decisions and share them with us ❤
For me it's books. I have wayyyyy too many unread books. The only exception though is buying books at my city's annual book fair. It really is my happy place and it's always on my birthday so it's the only time of the year I can buy books. And if I really want to read a book that I can't find at this book fair or it's not that time of the year yet, I check the library. I did this in 2024 and I'm continuing in 2025 because I still have too many books.
I bought my first house this year and there is a LOT of work that needs done. So, I'm not spending money on many extras because I don't want to go into debt to do needed things, if I can avoid it. Thanks for additional ideas and Happy Holidays! 💖
I find the thicker hiking /skiing socks to be a very good alternative for thick house socks. And i like that i dont need to buy something special for the purpose ( as somebody who hikes and does skiing in winter anyway ) ;) ❤
We both share a love of tea and teaware. Sadly, in the past month I have broken my favorite teapot, and a cup. The tea house I visit regularly has so much lovely teaware that I'll have to be mindful only to purchase one teapot and one teacup. Kudos to you for giving up soda and sugary drinks. I did it years ago and don't miss them at all. Cheers to you for 2025!🎉
@La_Dame_aux_chats True. Things should be of good quality, they should matter, they should last long, they should have value. Almost nothing should be disposable, and from Chinese sites everything is just disposable trash.
Thank you for your videos. Enjoy listening to your point of view. I have a tip for hair care that can use your current favorite products that has worked well for myself. I wash and condition my hair when showering, but backward. - At the start of shower, I slightly wet hair and apply the conditioner. Then I complete thing the rest of my shower. Then at the end, I soak my hair and shampoo. Hair feels nice and not over conditioned like it does with the doing it in the opposite.
In the US many of us are stocking up a bit now due to awful changes coming soon to prices due to ...well...the hell we are about to go through. Then we plan on not buying much of anything in 2025.
@@gwenj5419I think she means tariffs. Prices certainly shot up in the UK after Brexit which was similar. It's probably wise to stock up - but only on things you are very certain that you can use up.
I love this! :) I also like having hot tea in the winter and I do the same thing! To make it feel more "special" I made a cute quilted mug wrap out of fabric I already had at home, which I can put around my insulated travel mug to make it feel more unique and cozy (it's just a flat rectangle with a tie, so it's adjustable and I can also tie it through a mug with a handle; you put any kind of fleece or quilt batting or thermal batting or even a piece of an old sweater or sock or pot holder in between the two pieces of fabric on the outside). There are many things you can do to make things feel "special" just by using things you probably already have instead of buying new supplies. I don't call myself a minimalist because I have many things (since it takes a lot for me to get rid of things) but I'm also not a frequent buyer and for the past several years I've been a lot more mindful about what I bring into my home; I have been trying to focus more on mending and using and repurposing and appreciating what I already have :) I also have a lifelong hobby of sewing, so I have many DIY and mending materials already, I am also trying to "shop my stash" and not grow my collection.
So wise,as usual! Many things I think like you. For me, I don't like AI either. Also, I don't want to spend hours looking at YT videos anymore. BUT, you are definitely the only one left that I will follow with plaisir. Instagram for me, is different because of the aquarelle artists I like to follow for their work. But, that's it. Thank you Vera!
👋 Hej Vera and other followers 😊 I agree ofcourse with Vera , that is why I’m watching her channel as it is very close to my life style and habits 😊 I did change many things last time like : I did cancel insta and fb profiles 🎉 I’m very proud and happy of that big better step in my life . I had a huge problem with instagram but finally I did remove it and I feel really FREE. I’m watching RUclips as my only socialmedia and it’s more than perfect 👌 greetings and Merry Christmas to all of you 🌲🎄
I found myself nodding my head in agreement with you on so many points!! A. Comfy, stretchy = beautiful! B. You have beautiful hair C. No more stickers 😢 D. No such thing as dressing for your body type. Not because you don’t have a body type, because there is no one way to dress it My intention in the last years is to buy less and better quality. I find that if I pay more attention and am willing to pay more money, I appreciate my purchase and use it more. And I say that I’m very good at least in achieving half of my intention… (you know which one). Regarding ai: I’m thinking about it in a totally different way than you… I have many many thoughts, as a teacher, as a philosopher. It’s too long and maybe too complicated for the comment section. But maybe we will talk about it one day (-:
It’s amusing how people say “everyone” is wearing a burgundy bag and it’s never “everyone”. It’s a few very fashion conscious people. If you really look at the people around you every day you can see for yourself that all these “must haves” have been wildly over stated to sell products.
Hoi Vera, wat een goede video. Ik hoop dat meer mensen kijken bij wie en wat ze kopen. Ik zelf had nog de neiging 1 + 1 gratis. Maar alleen als ik het veel gebruik bij mijn amandeldrink of sojadrink maar niet meer met alles. Ik heb voor 2025 een lijst gemaakt wat ik nog heb. En koop echt niet voor het op is. Ik reageer niet op elke video, maar wilde laten weten dat je kanaal mij enorm inspireert. Dank! Alvast een mooi, gezond en liefdevol 2025 💜🎄
Your video is very inspirational. I am not buying any new exercise equipment in 2025. I have also challenged myself to use what equipment I already have. If I see that I am not keen on it, I am going to sell it at the end of 2025. I am also not buying any more clothes in 2025 except for underwear and socks. I buy clothes for my husband as an excuse to buy something for me. It just feeds into the whole overconsumption loop I have been in these past few years. It causes a lot of financial stress that I don't need. I am also going to adopt your principle of only buying items when almost finished. I have cupboards full of personal hygiene and cleaning products. It is, al just to feed my shopping addiction. No more! 2025 is the year of less. 🎉
Ahhh, thanks again to pointing out to Skillshare, I really want to have guitar lessons, since my husband gave me a guitar for our anniversary last year and I found out that I really neet lessons since I am not a person who learns by herself without a teacher and lessons.
Nice!!! Playing guitar is so much fun :) Hope you'll love the lessons! (Btw, the way the trial works is if you don't want to continue after the trial, you can cancel within your 30-day trial and you won't be charged. But they will also send you a reminder 7 days before your trial ends :))
Something I didn't buy this year is Pointsettia plants. I always buy a few to decorate my front porch steps. I try to keep them alive, but I always end up putting them in the compost each year. This year I am just skipping that; it is too costly to spend money on compost!
I viewed your "sixes culture" video and realized that I should be living there. I was born in the U S . Though I am a minimalist, my friend and family are not; and when your significant other has another point of view, well. Your video and you leaves me yearning. Thank you for sharing.
Vera, I love your videos and support you. I’m a patron as well. However, I did want to let you know I used the 30 day free trial with skill share through one of your videos. I was told they would notify me 7 days prior to charging my card. Well they didn’t notify me and charged my card $167 and now won’t give me a refund. They said they only give refunds for free trials less than 14 days. I told them I never used it and was never notified and they still won’t. Just a heads up so you know as you use them a sponser and maybe mention it somehow in your video so your supportive followers don’t get scammed out of money. Keep the great videos coming !
Hi there! Thank you for letting me know, and sorry to hear that this happened. Could you perhaps send me a DM on Patreon and share which email address you used to sign up there? Of course I can't promise anything, but I want to reach out to my contact person at Skillshare about your situation.
Every time I try a no buy season there seems to be a mighty issue with my home such as a recent plumbing issue or electrical problem. It’s almost as if the money has to go somewhere! Mind you I live in quite an old house here in the Uk. I agree on all your points and am planning for a low buy 2025.
I'm curious to see if you have anything on my list that inspires me to drop it, too! So far I have decided to only shop craft material in my own stash (which already exceeds my lifespan and reincarnation) and to not buy any clothes (because I did that this year and am well stocked for the next few years). I've been using warm socks by "Heat Holders", and they last quite a long time - I think my favourite pair survived for five years. Plus they are incredibly warm, which was nice when I didn't have a wood floor but lots of tiling! The brand also has very fluffy, warm blankets that also are (or at least were 10 years ago) quite good quality. I still have them here for chilly autumn evenings on the couch or when it's really cold in winter, I put them on the mattress to get warm from underneath.
the fridge one was out of there. RUclips is my only "social media" thing so I had never heard of it! Thanks for the entertainment!!! Good luck with your tea cup challenge ;-)
Everything I have seem to be from thrift stores, except my underwear, of course. I do my New Year clean out every December and have decided not to buy anything the coming year that I don't need.
I am new to your channel-I have been watching videos on the Nordic way of life and just love the easy going attitude. I am a US native but am half Scandinavian ( my dad was half Swedish, half Norwegian). My DNA really responds to the simplicity y’all (yes I am southern) espouse. Re the socks? Wear 2 pairs! One thinner on the inside and a nice thick wooly pair on the outside. Also, have you tried olive oil on your hair? Thank you for being a sane content creator!
Your nr 20 is a very important one. Well done. As for the nail polish, I use the French cosmetics Phyt's, and they can not sell nail polish because there exists no nail polish that doesn't harm.
I am 52 and getting some white hairs. I wash my hair once and have a spray bottle with distilled water, 1/3 apple cider vinegar and about 5 drops castor oil. I shake it up and spray. ACV helps with any skin issues, closes the hair cuticle so it is smoother and won’t get split ends as much and castor oil helps repair the root and help regrow hair, may help with the color and moisturizes. I also spray in the morning and at night and my hair feels nicer.
Be careful. Much of the period underwear out there contains PFAS. I decided at the beginning of this year, I was done drinking all alcohol. I haven't drunk any this year and, as I really don't like it, I don't see drinking again in the future. Thanks for the ideas.
I totally understand the hair thing, just makes it's own mind up as to what it's going to do. Never know what it's going to be like. You just have to go with it.
I always have a book in progress but I borrow them from Libby library app. But I finish one and then borrow another one. I find it stressful to have a bunch of books in my kindle waiting to be read.
I agree with you about AI. As far as clothing goes, I have specific colors that do not look good on me and/or that I do not feel good wearing at all. I am not interested in prescriptive methods for dressing either.
I have discovered a new need and I wanted to share it with you, Vera. I know you are childfree and that you don’t have any pets (same here). I have just discovered an item that is intended for the Japanese market but resonated with me: a Moflin, by Casio. Please research it 🙏I think it would do wonders for my anxiety, and I thought of you.
First? I love watching your channel. It feels like just comfortably sitting back and listening to a lovely person ( with gorgeous hair!☺️) expressing very useful and sensible thoughts. I’m an older Canadian guy. I’m in my 50th year of being a dedicated vegetarian. I’m drifting closer to veganism. So, I have one leather belt ( my only belt) that I’ve had for 20 years. It will likely break in 2025 and I won’t replace it with leather. I aspire to Henry David Thoreau’s plea to “Simplify, simplify, simplify” ( from his book “Walden”) I’m guided by the principle of Kaizen; gradual constant improvement). Your ideas constantly validate my thinking and give me things to think about. ❤️🇨🇦
Same. I have no netflix, no Amazon prime, no spotify. I pay for ad-free youtube and can spend a full evening watching lots of videos without ever getting bored. Once you're away from the loud front-page content, there is a lot of high quality content to find!
Concerning hair, I have wavy coarse hair as well and struggled with it for decades until I was told that with my hair, I should not use any conditioner, but hair masks after washing. They are heavier und make the hair less coarse and I must say, they were a real game changer for me. Plus, if you use a dryer, do not dry your hair completely, just up to about 90% max and do not use oils or such, just a tiny amount of wax on the ends, and maybe some hairpray if needed. I don't know if this can help you as well, and oh, I buy my stuff from the drugstore chains here in Germany, I do not use the cheapest either, just normally prices items.
I’m joining the “no buy” habit for 2025, also. I’m only replenishing my consumable items. I’m not purchasing anything new unless something breaks and I can’t do without the item until 2026.
I’m a 60+ year old American male and I’m with you on the minimal approach to life, no-social-media, cold feet and wearing socks to bed (LOL), items with no purpose, not using paper, not following trends, no alcohol, no gambling, and not buying cheap, short term things! Great video!
I truly don’t need to buy anything! Not proud of that fact. So I will be concentrating on using up and decluttering. 🙌🏼 Food goes without saying 😉
👏The fact that you have recognised this yourself is a huge step😊
Thank you...this should be shown in high school economics classes. People buy junk without thinking...these suggestions will contribute to the benefit of our planet as well as our personal health. Cheers from Portland Oregon
I am doing as long a no buy as long as I absolutely can next year. I had to stop using credit so everything will be bought with cash/debit only. My budget is extremely tight. That means everything I buy will be well thought out and prepared for . . . My word for 2025 is Simplify so I am going to work toward divesting myself of things that no longer serve instead of accumulating more. Great video, Vera!
I like your rule about not buying new books until you’ve read all of them. There is pressure (especially from the reading community on tiktok) to have a large and expansive library that you can show off to your friends and family. And buying books for the sake of buying them to fill a home library and not reading them is something that I will be working on next year.
I’m with you on so many of these! I quit all social media (only watch long form videos on RUclips, no shorts) and it changed my life. It’s been great for my mental health.
Best slippers I’ve ever had are from a Canada based store, Manitoba Mukluks. I have a black pair of their Tipi Slipper. Worn daily for 2 years and still working and looking great!
This is a good video to help rethink expenses for the new year. We have some more costly priorities now such as buying healthier food and feeding some of the wildlife nearby., so it helps to eliminate things we don’t really need as we stick to our values. Good video!
Thanks for sharing Donna! What wildlife nearby are you feeding? We don't really have that kind of wildlife where I live haha, so I'm curious. :)
Good video. Thank you.
I live "out in the sticks" as we say, my house sits on three acres, it is mostly forest, and I love my many species of birds, my wild bunny rabbits, my chipmunks, squirrels, and I will keep buying food for them, as they love it so much. The owls in my tall trees are huge, they each have their own tree and they talk to each other (hoot, hoot!) I don't need to feed the deer ... they just munch on the leaves in the bushes and trees ... and last summer they ate all the flowers off my beautiful plant outside, plus all the tomatoes off of three tomato plants. They left me one tomato. Wasn't that nice of them? I do love the deer, though, they have pretty eyes.
More rarely seen are foxes, mountain beavers, cougars and bears and no, I won't feed them.
Yes! Please do tell what kind of wildlife you have ... I am curious, too!
From western Washington state (not D.C.), not far from the Pacific Ocean.
I and my wildlife, wish everyone a good 2025.
🎉🎉🎉
My hair is curly, and I can't agree more: my hair will do whatever it wants. My advice: let it be. Sometimes, stressing over it makes it even harder to accept it.
I also learned that a lot of the products that people suggest doesn't work for me, so I'll stick with my easy and simple routine.
I just love your channel, Vera. I really admire you and am pleased as punch to agree with you on so much.
Thank you so much! 🤗💕🥰 Have a lovely weekend!
And...When people ask me what i want for Christmas...I honestly can't think of one thing. I don't need anything and honestly...I'm content.
I agree with virtually everything you said, Vera . My biggest category that I want to stop buying in 2025 is reading material of any kind. I have enough Audible books, books on my Kindle, and physical books to last me over a year at least, so I'm going to try to just put any books that I want on a wish list until I finish the books that I have.
That's a really great goal!! 😁👍 Happy reading!
that's such a good goal! I did this over the last 6 months and it turns out there was a hidden gem that had been sitting unread on my shelf for years! Now one of my new favorite books :) hope you have a similar experience
I didn't have a no buy list before watching this video. While watching the video, however, a list quickly grew in my mind. Top 3 on my list: 1. Cat toys. Frankly, my cat doesn't care if her toys come from a store. An empty box and a wad of crinkly paper make her just as happy. 🐈⬛
2. Magazines and specific to a holiday softcover cookbooks. The kind of print items that you are forced to see when trapped in line at store registers, those impulse buys.
3. Random gifts without any practical purpose that I think a family member or friend might enjoy or find amusing. The enjoyment or amusement lasts a short time and then it just becomes a part of their clutter.
Thanks, Vera, for getting me started!
LOL! I had a cat that would retrieve a crumpled piece of paper for hours! She would fetch and return it, dropping it in front of me and sit waiting for me to throw it again. I knit and crochet so often have leftover yarn. Tied up in a looped skein or rolled into ball makes a good toy. An old sock with another one stuffed inside and stitched up to keep it there makes a respectable ‘mouse’. 😁
As a knitter, I’ve switched to hand knit wool socks-very warm and durable. Plus, they fit in my shoes!
Fridge like forest 😂😂😂😂
My fridge looks like a fridge (and sometimes like a mess). And that's it.
Tell me about the hair! Mine is a mess. Thick, long, dry and don’t have to and was told not to shampoo my hair often. I can get by for two weeks and actually stays cleaner because I’m not over loading it then stripping it with harsh products.
Now about the refrigerator decorating. WHAT???!!! 😂 I have never seen this before until now.
Staying away from social media is a big one for me and going back to no sugary drinks. I had for five years than decided I wanted a Pepsi one day. Then another day. So on.
Stop buying paper plates. I don’t like doing dishes. I bought a counter top dishwasher but still use paper plates.
Being less selfish. I lost my 36 y.o. son this summer. His life in review has taught me a lot. I need to be more giving.
As always live without all the unnecessary stuff I have and give it away.
Thanks for doing the video!
I agree with many of your points. For us it was a pivotal year and your course was a great companion to me, like a good friend on demand. Thank you, Vera! My list also includes: salad (almost always soggy in a day or two), avocado (either hard or rotten), cucumbers. I was analyzing the food consumption all year and eliminated at least 5 of those culprits that go straight to garbage.
Yes, I also had too much rotten avocado’s
You are so right with salad and avocado! I could add carrots...
Wear what you enjoy.
Hi Vera! i also want to do a no buy year as much as I can. I have enough of everything. This year I will focus on decluttering and using up all my craft supplies that bring me so much joy, most of which are collected discarded paper to make junk journals, or repurposing old clothes to make new ones.
I agree with you on everything!
Vera, I agree with so many of the things you said! Especially buying from Temu, etc. I never have, mostly because I'm aware of the poor quality, and that all of it is just going to end up in a landfill. It makes me sad how unintentional many people are about buying. I was so happy to hear you address this!
I'm so glad I stumbled onto your channel! 🥰
Thank you Jeannie! I looked at one of your videos and immediately got the tingles 🤗👍🥰
Thanks for your content over the past year and hope you and your family have a great Christmas and all the best for 2025 🎄
Has anyone experienced judgment concerning minimal Holiday decor, or home decor in general? I’ve been frustrated by comments from others concerning this. I am an artist and I love beauty - but beauty cannot be appreciated in chaos. That’s true in life and in decorating.
Love such videos! Thank you! Happy upcoming holidays!
I have a feeling that this next year will be a no or extremely low buy year for many of us here in the US.
This year I had quite a lot items of clothing just simply wear out. I've only been able to replace a few of them. Consequently, clothing, especially pants/skirts, is actually on my allowed list in 2025.
Celebrate your natural hair. We love you.
I'm loving my natural hair too :) Thank you!
Totally agree…your natural hair is beautiful!
Over the past few months, I’ve become increasingly aware and alarmed at how much money I’m spending on books, stationary, stickers, return address labels and postage. It occurs to me that I’m buying all the assorted postage and stationary items to “impress“ the people I’m writing to. Also, I could easily utilize my local library. My other big expense is on various subscriptions. Added together, I’m horrified at how much money I’ve spent on these items in one year. I’m grateful to Vera and for this episode. Starting today, I’m setting healthier boundaries because my current habits are going against my life goals: Watching less TV, saving more money and creating more white space in my life. I even love Vera’s thoughts on limiting social media use because I find myself mindlessly scrolling when I’m bored. It’s a lot to think about but luckily, the changes I need to make are simple and clear.
I just bought a pair of the most comfortable shoes in the world at a pets in need thrift store for $8. So simple, so comfortable, so different and COMPLETELY sustainably made. I typed in Allbirds which is the company that makes them and discovered that pair costs $98 new and they were virtually new. I read the Allbirds environmental mission statement which is exactly what I've been looking for. I'm going to get another pair that are on sale now for $52. For years I've worn Sketchers which are still comfortable but I know my feet would be really happy with a second pair of Allbirds. Just for the record I really dislike shopping and do the best I can to make whatever I have last for a very very long time.
Thank you for the thoughtful and thought-inspiring video. I have been and will continue to work on "getting down to zero." This season I did not buy Christmas cards, but am writing personal greetings on basic stationery I already have.
Vera, I really appreciate your honesty and thoughtfulness! It's so refreshing and allows us space to be real too! Thanks xx
I haven’t used a purse since 1994. Keys on key chain and chapstick in left pocket, credit card in back pocket, and phone in right pocket. Good to go.
I really wanna spend money only on necessary things like food, bills and clothing. I've been unemployed for 5 years because of depression and because of that I only wore old clothes. Now that I recovered and got a job 8 months ago, I really need to buy new clothes and bought some new ones that were not too cheap nor too expensive. I really wanna stop spending money on unnecessary things like junk food, soda and others. It's hard but I really wanna sacrifice those things so that I can _spend less and save more._ Things are getting more and more expensive here in South America and because of that, it's really necessary to save as much money as you can because of inflation.
ERGOfoot House Slippers With Arch Support, Orthopedic Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief, Comfy Wool Felt Clog Slippers, Non-Slipv Indoor Outdoor House Slipper are my favorite! My goal is to purchase things to restock or replace broken items.
Thank you , I've been pairing down over the last year! Liberating!
I'm wasting no money on new clothes. I'm wearing what I have.
I LOVED this video. I share everything on the list. Keep up the amazing work fellow Dutchie.
Dear Vera! Your youtube channel was with no doubt the most precious of all of my internet findings this year! The simplicity of your videos, the calmness, this no-rush approach, which doesn't wind up emotions is so, so, so lovely! And also, I do appreciate the fact that you never preach at us - instead, you inspire, you support, you give ideas. Your idea that "you can like things without necessarily owning them" absolutely blew my mind! And if I may boast a bit, I went to a Christmas crafts fair (!!!) today and I didn't buy anything! Although, you know, didn't I see lovely pieces there! But I just appreciated them, just like you inspire us to do! I cannot express how much I value the truthfulness of your content. Thank you so so much. I do hope you have a lovely magical Holiday season, however you decide to spend it! Warm greetings from Poland! 🙂
We are currently replacing all food containers from plastic to glass, including kitchen equipment as much as we can. Our goal in 2025 and ongoing, is to remove as much plastic and replace it for natural materials in our spaces and home as much as possible.
That is a great plan!
I definitely have a list. Most of what you have listed is on mine already. My motto is, don't buy it even if its on sale. If I don't NEED it, I won't buy it. I have a few boxes of beauty/hygiene products already since the pandemic started, and I definitely don't need to buy soaps for a while. Clothes, and shoes are the only exception as I'm hoping to lose some excess weight. I love the minimalist way of life, and am trying to pare down belongings slowly to achieve that.
Thank you for all the great ideas. Some were not applicable to me, but others will go on my low buy year list! I am new to minimizing our possessions and am enjoying the process. I don’t think I will ever be a minimalist, but am also very tired of consumerism and the waste it generates on so many levels. Just recently found your channel and am enjoying your content very much 😁❤️
Hi Vera I’m going to plan a no spend your in 2025 as much as possible I will just use whatever I have and declutter as I go on plus I’ve already made my mind up regarding next Xmas my gifts will be very minimal as I spent to much every year and I have lots of birthdays throughout the year so I must draw a line on this thank you for your video it’s given me a extra push in the right direction
Love all your takes!!! I struggle with my curly hair and I've stopped using expensive products too. I use an apple cider rinse lately which has been great! It's great how you can reflect on your life decisions and share them with us ❤
Washable slippers are the best. I’ve had mine for years. They have a rubber sole so it holds up on any floor
For me it's books. I have wayyyyy too many unread books. The only exception though is buying books at my city's annual book fair. It really is my happy place and it's always on my birthday so it's the only time of the year I can buy books. And if I really want to read a book that I can't find at this book fair or it's not that time of the year yet, I check the library. I did this in 2024 and I'm continuing in 2025 because I still have too many books.
I bought my first house this year and there is a LOT of work that needs done. So, I'm not spending money on many extras because I don't want to go into debt to do needed things, if I can avoid it. Thanks for additional ideas and Happy Holidays! 💖
I find the thicker hiking /skiing socks to be a very good alternative for thick house socks. And i like that i dont need to buy something special for the purpose ( as somebody who hikes and does skiing in winter anyway ) ;) ❤
We both share a love of tea and teaware. Sadly, in the past month I have broken my favorite teapot, and a cup. The tea house I visit regularly has so much lovely teaware that I'll have to be mindful only to purchase one teapot and one teacup. Kudos to you for giving up soda and sugary drinks. I did it years ago and don't miss them at all. Cheers to you for 2025!🎉
I despise Chinese shopping sites, not only that merch is bad, but they are abusive to sellers as well. As you said, they are not helping anyone.
Same here. So much wastage and landfill .
@La_Dame_aux_chats True. Things should be of good quality, they should matter, they should last long, they should have value. Almost nothing should be disposable, and from Chinese sites everything is just disposable trash.
Great list! I love how practical you always are. I strive to be more like you. 😊❤️
No social media for me. For example, if you’re going on vacation, if you don’t tell me personally then I’m not supposed to know that.
‼️‼️‼️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💯💯💯
Love your videos, Vera. I always learn something and/or get inspired!!❤
Thank you for your videos. Enjoy listening to your point of view.
I have a tip for hair care that can use your current favorite products that has worked well for myself.
I wash and condition my hair when showering, but backward. - At the start of shower, I slightly wet hair and apply the conditioner. Then I complete thing the rest of my shower. Then at the end, I soak my hair and shampoo. Hair feels nice and not over conditioned like it does with the doing it in the opposite.
I think your natural hair is super cute anyway! I’ve always been slightly envious of very curly hair. ;)
I'm not buying cheap, throw away clothes next year, i e temu, shein etc
In the US many of us are stocking up a bit now due to awful changes coming soon to prices due to ...well...the hell we are about to go through. Then we plan on not buying much of anything in 2025.
Huh?
@@gwenj5419I think she means tariffs. Prices certainly shot up in the UK after Brexit which was similar. It's probably wise to stock up - but only on things you are very certain that you can use up.
@lornam3637 I bet you're right.
Jewelry… I wear the same pearl earrings everyday and use what I have already for necklaces and bracelets ( which is few)
Liberating to not worry about trends, right!
Waiting for next video ♡
See you, Vera!
I love this! :) I also like having hot tea in the winter and I do the same thing! To make it feel more "special" I made a cute quilted mug wrap out of fabric I already had at home, which I can put around my insulated travel mug to make it feel more unique and cozy (it's just a flat rectangle with a tie, so it's adjustable and I can also tie it through a mug with a handle; you put any kind of fleece or quilt batting or thermal batting or even a piece of an old sweater or sock or pot holder in between the two pieces of fabric on the outside). There are many things you can do to make things feel "special" just by using things you probably already have instead of buying new supplies.
I don't call myself a minimalist because I have many things (since it takes a lot for me to get rid of things) but I'm also not a frequent buyer and for the past several years I've been a lot more mindful about what I bring into my home; I have been trying to focus more on mending and using and repurposing and appreciating what I already have :) I also have a lifelong hobby of sewing, so I have many DIY and mending materials already, I am also trying to "shop my stash" and not grow my collection.
So wise,as usual! Many things I think like you.
For me, I don't like AI either. Also, I don't want to spend hours looking at YT videos anymore. BUT, you are definitely the only one left that I will follow with plaisir.
Instagram for me, is different because of the aquarelle artists I like to follow for their work. But, that's it.
Thank you Vera!
Another helpful video. Thank you so much for your content.
our bedroom is very minimal and thats how we like it too :)
👋 Hej Vera and other followers 😊 I agree ofcourse with Vera , that is why I’m watching her channel as it is very close to my life style and habits 😊 I did change many things last time like : I did cancel insta and fb profiles 🎉 I’m very proud and happy of that big better step in my life . I had a huge problem with instagram but finally I did remove it and I feel really FREE. I’m watching RUclips as my only socialmedia and it’s more than perfect 👌 greetings and Merry Christmas to all of you 🌲🎄
Good for you!! 🤗❤️🍵👍 Happy holidays to you as well!! 🎄🎄
I found myself nodding my head in agreement with you on so many points!!
A. Comfy, stretchy = beautiful!
B. You have beautiful hair
C. No more stickers 😢
D. No such thing as dressing for your body type. Not because you don’t have a body type, because there is no one way to dress it
My intention in the last years is to buy less and better quality. I find that if I pay more attention and am willing to pay more money, I appreciate my purchase and use it more. And I say that I’m very good at least in achieving half of my intention… (you know which one).
Regarding ai: I’m thinking about it in a totally different way than you… I have many many thoughts, as a teacher, as a philosopher. It’s too long and maybe too complicated for the comment section. But maybe we will talk about it one day (-:
I use christmas bags for my husband and I and reuse every year. Works great
It’s amusing how people say “everyone” is wearing a burgundy bag and it’s never “everyone”. It’s a few very fashion conscious people. If you really look at the people around you every day you can see for yourself that all these “must haves” have been wildly over stated to sell products.
Hello, thank you for your list! I protect my socks with crocs indoor. I have a pair from hot tuna that I use for almost 10 years.
I feel you so hard about the hair products 😅
Hahahaha 🤗
Now will not buy anyone a mug as I don't want to add to their clutter.
Hoi Vera, wat een goede video. Ik hoop dat meer mensen kijken bij wie en wat ze kopen. Ik zelf had nog de neiging 1 + 1 gratis. Maar alleen als ik het veel gebruik bij mijn amandeldrink of sojadrink maar niet meer met alles. Ik heb voor 2025 een lijst gemaakt wat ik nog heb. En koop echt niet voor het op is. Ik reageer niet op elke video, maar wilde laten weten dat je kanaal mij enorm inspireert. Dank! Alvast een mooi, gezond en liefdevol 2025 💜🎄
Great video! This has inspired me to think about this for my own life. Thanks again!❤🇨🇦
Hi Vera you have beautiful hair and completely agree with your not buying,not being a sheep etc xx
Your video is very inspirational. I am not buying any new exercise equipment in 2025. I have also challenged myself to use what equipment I already have. If I see that I am not keen on it, I am going to sell it at the end of 2025. I am also not buying any more clothes in 2025 except for underwear and socks. I buy clothes for my husband as an excuse to buy something for me. It just feeds into the whole overconsumption loop I have been in these past few years. It causes a lot of financial stress that I don't need. I am also going to adopt your principle of only buying items when almost finished. I have cupboards full of personal hygiene and cleaning products. It is, al just to feed my shopping addiction. No more! 2025 is the year of less. 🎉
❤❤❤❤❤ love these ideas
Dear Vera, send you a big hug ❤🎉
Ahhh, thanks again to pointing out to Skillshare, I really want to have guitar lessons, since my husband gave me a guitar for our anniversary last year and I found out that I really neet lessons since I am not a person who learns by herself without a teacher and lessons.
Nice!!! Playing guitar is so much fun :) Hope you'll love the lessons! (Btw, the way the trial works is if you don't want to continue after the trial, you can cancel within your 30-day trial and you won't be charged. But they will also send you a reminder 7 days before your trial ends :))
We feed birds and gray squirrels here in northeast cold Wisconsin. It can get costly but we are animal lovers❤
Something I didn't buy this year is Pointsettia plants. I always buy a few to decorate my front porch steps. I try to keep them alive, but I always end up putting them in the compost each year. This year I am just skipping that; it is too costly to spend money on compost!
Thank you for sharing this information ❤
You're welcome, have a lovely weekend!
@SimpleHappyZen you too!
Silence holds power; it creates space for clarity, while drama only distracts from your true intentions.
Merry Christmas 🎄
Fun title for me, what not to buy! Love the video and of course, the Simple Happy Smile 😊
I viewed your "sixes culture" video and realized that I should be living there. I was born in the U S . Though I am a minimalist, my friend and family are not; and when your significant other has another point of view, well. Your video and you leaves me yearning. Thank you for sharing.
Vera, I love your videos and support you. I’m a patron as well. However, I did want to let you know I used the 30 day free trial with skill share through one of your videos. I was told they would notify me 7 days prior to charging my card. Well they didn’t notify me and charged my card $167 and now won’t give me a refund. They said they only give refunds for free trials less than 14 days. I told them I never used it and was never notified and they still won’t. Just a heads up so you know as you use them a sponser and maybe mention it somehow in your video so your supportive followers don’t get scammed out of money. Keep the great videos coming !
Hi there! Thank you for letting me know, and sorry to hear that this happened. Could you perhaps send me a DM on Patreon and share which email address you used to sign up there? Of course I can't promise anything, but I want to reach out to my contact person at Skillshare about your situation.
@ DM sent! You are amazing! thank you for trying ❤️
Every time I try a no buy season there seems to be a mighty issue with my home such as a recent plumbing issue or electrical problem. It’s almost as if the money has to go somewhere! Mind you I live in quite an old house here in the Uk. I agree on all your points and am planning for a low buy 2025.
I'm curious to see if you have anything on my list that inspires me to drop it, too! So far I have decided to only shop craft material in my own stash (which already exceeds my lifespan and reincarnation) and to not buy any clothes (because I did that this year and am well stocked for the next few years).
I've been using warm socks by "Heat Holders", and they last quite a long time - I think my favourite pair survived for five years. Plus they are incredibly warm, which was nice when I didn't have a wood floor but lots of tiling! The brand also has very fluffy, warm blankets that also are (or at least were 10 years ago) quite good quality. I still have them here for chilly autumn evenings on the couch or when it's really cold in winter, I put them on the mattress to get warm from underneath.
the fridge one was out of there. RUclips is my only "social media" thing so I had never heard of it! Thanks for the entertainment!!! Good luck with your tea cup challenge ;-)
Everything I have seem to be from thrift stores, except my underwear, of course.
I do my New Year clean out every December and have decided not to buy anything the coming year that I don't need.
I am new to your channel-I have been watching videos on the Nordic way of life and just love the easy going attitude. I am a US native but am half Scandinavian ( my dad was half Swedish, half Norwegian). My DNA really responds to the simplicity y’all (yes I am southern) espouse. Re the socks? Wear 2 pairs! One thinner on the inside and a nice thick wooly pair on the outside. Also, have you tried olive oil on your hair? Thank you for being a sane content creator!
Your nr 20 is a very important one. Well done. As for the nail polish, I use the French cosmetics Phyt's, and they can not sell nail polish because there exists no nail polish that doesn't harm.
I am 52 and getting some white hairs. I wash my hair once and have a spray bottle with distilled water, 1/3 apple cider vinegar and about 5 drops castor oil. I shake it up and spray. ACV helps with any skin issues, closes the hair cuticle so it is smoother and won’t get split ends as much and castor oil helps repair the root and help regrow hair, may help with the color and moisturizes. I also spray in the morning and at night and my hair feels nicer.
Be careful. Much of the period underwear out there contains PFAS.
I decided at the beginning of this year, I was done drinking all alcohol. I haven't drunk any this year and, as I really don't like it, I don't see drinking again in the future.
Thanks for the ideas.
I totally understand the hair thing, just makes it's own mind up as to what it's going to do. Never know what it's going to be like. You just have to go with it.
I always have a book in progress but I borrow them from Libby library app. But I finish one and then borrow another one. I find it stressful to have a bunch of books in my kindle waiting to be read.
I agree with you about AI. As far as clothing goes, I have specific colors that do not look good on me and/or that I do not feel good wearing at all. I am not interested in prescriptive methods for dressing either.
I suggest that you try using a coconut oil pack in your hair.
I use the oil as a moisturizer as well.
Love your videos.
I have discovered a new need and I wanted to share it with you, Vera. I know you are childfree and that you don’t have any pets (same here). I have just discovered an item that is intended for the Japanese market but resonated with me: a Moflin, by Casio. Please research it 🙏I think it would do wonders for my anxiety, and I thought of you.
Aw I've never heard of them but I have to admit, they look very very cute 🥰
First? I love watching your channel. It feels like just comfortably sitting back and listening to a lovely person ( with gorgeous hair!☺️) expressing very useful and sensible thoughts. I’m an older Canadian guy. I’m in my 50th year of being a dedicated vegetarian. I’m drifting closer to veganism. So, I have one leather belt ( my only belt) that I’ve had for 20 years. It will likely break in 2025 and I won’t replace it with leather. I aspire to Henry David Thoreau’s plea to “Simplify, simplify, simplify” ( from his book “Walden”) I’m guided by the principle of Kaizen; gradual constant improvement). Your ideas constantly validate my thinking and give me things to think about. ❤️🇨🇦
I only use RUclips. I pay for no advertisements. It’s worth it. I spend less.
I do too. It is well worth the cost not to see the ads. ❤
Same. I have no netflix, no Amazon prime, no spotify. I pay for ad-free youtube and can spend a full evening watching lots of videos without ever getting bored. Once you're away from the loud front-page content, there is a lot of high quality content to find!
Concerning hair, I have wavy coarse hair as well and struggled with it for decades until I was told that with my hair, I should not use any conditioner, but hair masks after washing. They are heavier und make the hair less coarse and I must say, they were a real game changer for me. Plus, if you use a dryer, do not dry your hair completely, just up to about 90% max and do not use oils or such, just a tiny amount of wax on the ends, and maybe some hairpray if needed.
I don't know if this can help you as well, and oh, I buy my stuff from the drugstore chains here in Germany, I do not use the cheapest either, just normally prices items.
I agree with everything you said! Especially AI. Thank you for the video.🎉