Is there one thing you buy too often and don't really need? How to stop?

MSE_Laura_F

A non-MoneySaving confession. There are certain things I buy too often which I don't need.

Pretty notebooks are the main one - I have a shelf of unopened ones. I'm trying to tame the habit by avoiding stationery shops. I kept away from the Paperchase closing down sale, which was tough.

Then, after discovering the 'pens' subreddit, where people rate different types of biro/rollerball etc, I went through a phase of buying more pens than I'll probably ever use.

I'd like to know:

• Do you have a weakness for one particular type of thing, and end up buying too many?
• What are your tips for stopping the habit and using what you've got?
  
  

There are some brilliant specific examples in other threads:

• No Buying Unnecessary Toiletries - April
• 2023 - No Craft Spending - I WILL bust my stash and make pretty things!!!!!
  

hildasmuriel

Yes! New knitting/crochet patterns and the wool and needles that are needed. See a craft shop...go in and buy more. See a link on a website....gotta click and then end up buying.

I start with such enthusiasm and then, when it doesn't look quite right or grow as quickly as I thought it would, I lose heart and it goes in a carrier bags to sit in the spare room with all my other PhDs. (projects, half done)

I also like pens and notebooks, though! 

sarah1972

Yankee candle melts, I have stopped my habit now and have only got about 20 to go through now but at my peak I had over 50 and about 25 large candles. 

turnitround

For me it is spotted crockery/ornaments that I collect for display on my Welsh dresser. I also have this thing about always having fresh flowers on my window sill. Nothing to extreme, a £5 bunch of tulips will last 2 weeks but I must have some.

MSE_Laura_F

I can relate to all the above, especially candles.

Seems an apt time to mention this MSE guide:

How to stop spending
The MoneySavingExpert.com Demotivator

sarah1972

Oh and I forgot, herbs & spices 🥹🥹🥹 
I have one double cupboard full and large 3 tier wire racks full of them 🤣

NotWhereIWantToBe

Mine is things people buy me !
Pens, notebooks, mugs, candles, face masks and moisturiser mostly !

MSE_Laura_F

For myself and a couple of other people at MSE HQ, buying plants is a bit of an issue. But we're trying to solve that by organising more plant swaps in the office. Swapping plant cuttings instead of buying new plants = a lot more MoneySaving (though not necessarily space saving).

sarah1972

MSE_Laura_F said:

For myself and a couple of other people at MSE HQ, buying plants is a bit of an issue. But we're trying to solve that by organising more plant swaps in the office. Swapping plant cuttings instead of buying new plants = a lot more MoneySaving (though not necessarily space saving).

And most garden centres have a heartbreak corner which can be great for bargains. I have rescued many a poor plant for pennies and revived it. Got a lovely shrub 2 weeks ago for £3 and it’s now in the garden thriving 

Murphybear

sarah1972 said:

Yankee candle melts, I have stopped my habit now and have only got about 20 to go through now but at my peak I had over 50 and about 25 large candles. 

I know how you feel.  I’ve got quite a lot,  my favourite is the Perfect Tree, especially in the winter/Christmas

I’ve got 2 Portmeirion burners for them, they are beautiful. 

I’ve thought of 2 things I keep buying. Nail varnish and earrings.  

BethP

I buy sets of towels far too often. Currently there are eleven full sets in the airing cupboard plus two sets specifically for house guests.

Books: I keep buying books - love to hold a real book in my hand and have enjoyed reading from a very young age