Why You Should Try And Shop Small This Christmas

I have been thinking a lot lately about the amount of things in our house. This mainly revolves around the amount of toys our two boys have, most that are big, plastic and noisy. That can’t be just our house, surely?! Add the fact that Frugal Baby has a birthday in December, means that we will be getting more things into our home before Christmas.

 

It has made me think about our consumerism. This has been in the background, bumbling around when thinking about buying things. It started back when I decided to get rid of most of my wardrobe, for the simple fact that I didn’t wear what was there. And, how I feel more and more that we should be creating memories and experiences, rather than having more material possessions.

 

So, in terms of Christmas, where does that leave us? Well, my plan for presents is to try and use more independent shops for gifting, rather than using the big shops. Some presents will come from there, but I like to think that I’m making some people smile, those mums who are running their own business from home, for example. I have already ordered a couple of things which I’m looking forward to giving 🙂

 

There was a picture shared on Instagram recently, which I was going to post here but now can’t find, about how instead of lining a CEO’s pockets of a multi-million pound company, buy from someone who would do a happy dance in their kitchen when they receive your order. I’m para-phrasing that, but it was something like that. It really made me think.

 

Just how important supporting individuals who are taking a chance; who are doing something that might be tough, but they love, to make themselves a better life. Maybe they want to stay at home with their children so work around them. Or they took a risk and it’s paying off. I went to a Christmas market at the weekend and bought some Christmas cards and a print from a designer; yes they were more expensive then your generic Christmas card but they are carefully designed and I’m supporting someone do something that they love.

 

It might mean that we buy less this year. That our boys don’t get as many toys as is perceived the “norm” but you know what? That’s ok. They have more than enough as it is, plus I don’t want them to expect piles of presents every year for their birthday and Christmas.

 

I keep thinking about the quality of the things we are buying; definitely heading towards the quality over quantity. I’d love to have more wooden toys rather than plastic ones, things that will last longer and one day might be passed down to another generation. I want to have less things in our home altogether. Instead, I want to create memories, lasting things that have more meaning than more toys.

 

So, when you’re planning your Christmas budget, and thinking about what you are getting that special someone, perhaps you could look at your local high street. A little independent shop that relies on people walking through the door and spending their hard earned cash there. Or a small business on Instagram, that relies on the orders so that they can stay at home 🙂 it all helps and we can all be a part of it! Also, is it wrong to want to buy things for self when you are Christmas shopping? Asking for a friend…

 

Have you got any independent shops you would recommend? I’d love to discover some more! 

 

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