Tag Archives: consumerism

Presents: Think Don’t Spend

The Christmas and New Year period is a stressful time for me because I have to think of a lot of presents! Presents for family and my girlfriend for Christmas, but soon after is her birthday as well, so I need to come up with a lot of ideas, which is stressful. After over four years of being together I have bought her plenty of gifts and some have been great, others not so great. I was thinking about what makes a good present and realised that the amount of money spent is usually inversely associated with its value and how ‘good’ a present it is. This is true for me at least. Typically, if I’m running out of time or haven’t thought of something yet, I resort to something that is expensive, because I suppose at the time I think that she will know I care because I spent a lot of money on something for her. When I really think about it, I believe the opposite is usually the case.

The goal of a present is not to just supply the person with more things, fundamentally, giving presents is to show the receiver that you care and thought about them and getting them something that will show that. The best presents are things that they didn’t even knew they wanted but love it, showing that deep thought went into the gift, which is what they really care about.

I am always amazed that my mum likes it when my brothers and I hand make her cards, because they never look amazing, but nevertheless she loves them. The reason for this (I think) is again because it shows that we put effort and thought into the card, rather than buying her another mass-produced card from the shops.

This all makes a lot of sense but goes against the current culture of consumerism which has captured the world. We are all very ‘busy,’ allowing external things like work and study occupy our consciousness. This distraction is when we aren’t able to think of an appropriately thoughtful gift, because our mind is elsewhere. I believe this is all changing with movements against todays consumerism such as the increasing focus on sustainability and the environment, deterring the pursuit of more.

Another Christmas has come and gone and I’m sure everyone ended up with more ‘stuff’ and everyone has had birthdays where they may get an expensive present or two but somehow still feel unsatisfied with it. When it comes to presents, the amount of money spent is usually inversely associated with the amount of thought that has gone into the present, thus, the amount of pleasure the receiver gets from it. The reason we give presents is to make people feel valued, appreciated and cared for, and spending money isn’t the best way to show that, time, effort and thought is. So next time you’re in need of a present, stop and think what the person would really value, and ask yourself is spending more money the answer.

Treat Yourself

Amongst the fervour of being healthy, productive and financially responsible it can be very easy to stop enjoying yourself. It is very important to think about why you’re holding things back from yourself, and think if you relaxed your ‘rules’ by 5%, if it would make you enjoy your life a lot more.

Historically I’ve rarely bought anything for myself that isn’t going to actively help me achieve something, everything has a use. That was up until a few months ago where I was working less but spending more. And I wouldn’t say I was wasting my money, but I was going out with friends more and every now and again treating myself. I was out shopping on Christmas Eve and Adidas had 40% off. Previously, I would have looked around, seen a few things I liked then told myself I don’t NEED any of it and walk out with a heavy wallet and empty hands.

Everyone has had a really tough year, and it’s important to congratulate yourself for getting through it. Now, I want to be clear that if you are someone who is constantly buying stuff, this isn’t a call to continue to buy more. Unchecked consumerism isn’t something I’m a fan of, but, if you’re someone who like me, is generally very frugal, it’s important to treat yourself occasionally, as a reward.

This extends further than just clothes or presents. When I was on placement there was one patient who wanted to lose a significant amount of weight, which was also recommended by her doctors. The doctors and nurses would often say she had to eat small meals and have no treats. We would go out on walks to get some exercise in and she would say “Can I go up to the cafe to get a chocolate milkshake?” with a cheeky grin on her face, as if to imply what she said was blasphemy to me. I would respond by asking if she thought she deserved it and most of the time it was no, but sometimes yes. I explained that these things are not healthy, but are sometimes foods, so when you feel like you deserve it, or really want it, you can have it. This mindset really helped her get used to her diet and meant she adhered much better overall.

Back to the money scenario, there is only so much one can save, and I was thinking, “what am I saving for?” I am saving money to be able to enjoy myself when I want to without having to stress about it. Right now that means I don’t need a huge amount of savings for that. If I had a mortgage and kids the amount of money I’d need would be much greater. The idea is that there is no point saving money without spending it, because what is the point of saving money if you can’t use it?

I’m someone who doesn’t treat myself often, and that does not make me superior in any way, I’m coming to realise it’s actually the opposite. Sometimes I envy people who can freely enjoy their hard earned money without stress. I’ve come to realise that there is no point hoarding every penny, and its important to think about why you’re saving money in the first place.

Regardless of what it is you’re holding back on, relax a bit, give yourself a hall pass and treat yourself, especially today on Christmas.