13 Holiday Purchases That Are Literally Never Worth The Money

[@LiamRappaport]

Forget what Chelsea says, I give anyone full permission to buy me a house for Christmas.

[@wesleywalker4709]

..with a new car in the garage! 🚙

[@zellinasasusakufan]

Same here

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

😂😂😂 best comment

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

@@wesleywalker4709 don't forget to ask for the taxes to be covered!!!!

[@blasphemous_hippie]

I'd agree, property taxes, home insurance, and mortgage aside.....

[@Beerkittenz]

“Don’t buy someone a car or house for Christmas” If I had gift a house money I never would have found TFD in the first place.

[@TomikaKelly]

I didn't even know people gave these types of things away as "gifts." 😳

[@Beerkittenz]

@@TomikaKelly Me neither! I thoughts were just socks and candles lol.

[@prashunpcchakraborty70]

I was like where are these people and how do I become friends with them XD (provided everything is fully paid).

[@authorssd]

Exactly! If someone had the money to buy me a house - or even gave me money to pay my rent for a few years or for life - I wouldn't occasionally watch this channel!

[@poniesandproteins]

One of my friends has taken on a cute idea for matching Christmas PJs for her family: She gets everyone just a plain gray sweatshirt, and buys patches for significant events from that year to iron on (like ones for places they've travelled, sports the kids played, etc). Its so personalized, like a little time capsule for the year, and she plans on making them into a t-shirt quilt for everyone once they outgrow them and have accumulated enough. My personal favorite holiday money saver and waste reducer is to get a set of holiday stamps. I save all my brown paper over the year that accumulates from shipped items (which can be ironed with a regular iron if its gotten wrinkled btw) and just stamp it for the appropriate holiday. A great way to still decorate it if you have no drawing or painting skills like I do!

[@MissaBrevis]

Oh that's clever!

[@kierafinneke5828]

I love your wrapping idea! We’re getting through the two rolls of wrapping paper my boyfriend has had over the past few years, but I’m excited to get to the “brown paper packages” stage (and then we can ensure it’s recycled!). In a few years!

[@19Tomma93]

Brilliant!

[@Mary-td2zw]

@@kierafinneke5828 I still have some super pretty wrapping paper (I used to work at a print shop that made gorgeous designs) that I get extra milage out of by only using it as an accent on brown paper packages, like a band of it or part of the pattern cut out and glued on. It adds a bit of color without needing those plastic bows or anything.

[@j.m.7056]

If you get a newspaper with comics they make good wrapping paper too.

[@eddyawesomes]

The pressure to spend money on people is insane

[@jampsonn1826]

So true. My mom legit texted me that I could get her new husband (not my stepdad) a gift card to Lowe's "if I want" for Christmas. I don't really feel like I need there be reciprocity in gift giving but I'm like...this is a 60 year old man who's never given me a gift, is retired, and just renovated his home. He doesn't need $30 from me to go to Lowe's. I need that $30 to buy dog food or pay for gas. Just bc I got my mom something for Xmas, she thinks I should also do the same for him, as if me not giving him anything is not okay. Lol.

[@rocioiribe5841]

@@jampsonn1826 i feel you so much. i just stopped shopping. period. it sucks and ppl look at you weird. and it helps i have a small family but still eventually one day i'll re-introduce gifts slowly, intentionally and in my own way, *if i want* i get so resentful of the idea that you are EXPECTED to spend money. sorry Chelsea, gift giving is not my love language.

[@sheeshneesh]

Not me 🙃

[@jampsonn1826]

@Rocio Iribe so true! I did the same and really only buy gifts for my mom, bf, and occasionally a close friend And even then, it's with intention and thought. I can be into gift giving if I find something I know someone will actually appreciate and use, but I'm not here for giving gifts just bc of a holiday

[@kateg1570]

God forbid you derive joy from anything aside doing things for yourself and think of others..

[@gabbyabbybby]

DO NOT SLEEP ON THRIFTING FOR HOLIDAY DECOR ITEMS. I saved so much money this year by thrifting holiday decor. A lot of people get rid of really good quality pieces.

[@tauIrrydah]

The special hell is reserved for people who take animals to shelters after Xmas.

[@mariahsmom9457]

100% And for those that "breed" them especially for the holidays, knowing they will be discarded like garbage.

[@WigglyTuffStuff]

Yeah I live in the country and I know in about 6-8 months the "got too big" dogs will be getting dropped off to wander 😭

[@jazziered142]

Who does that???

[@strayiggytv]

Y'all. The secret to decorating your house for Christmas is thrifting old decorations. Many times vintage decorations are cute and if they've made it to a thrift store shelf they've usually proven their durability. The sheer amount of decorations that end up in the bins at goodwill retail would shake you. Hell just drive around a well off neighborhood after Christmas and you'll find 15 perfectly good trees on the curb

[@KireiC]

Wait, people are curb-trashing artificial trees?? Wtaf

[@notsoperfectlyme7276]

I get so much of my Christmas decor from the goodwill bins!

[@Ella_Vande]

Same for Christmas pajamas. My kids get thrifted every year for under $10. Sometimes I can even get matching ones, but if not I can still get similar ones that look nice together. I also don’t understand why people wouldn’t wear Christmas pajamas year round. Coming from someone who grew up and still is lower middle class, pajamas are pajamas. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Justcetriyaart]

Yeah, key word well off. Well off people just don't care

[@ashleighadams1842]

I wish my family would just stop all the gift-giving, personally. Ever since I moved out and got a 700 square foot apartment on my own, I’ve been acutely aware of STUFF. Doesn’t help that my father is remarrying and his fiancée is trying to move out of her house and give all her stuff to me. Can’t say how many times I’ve rolled my eyes (in my head) and said, “I don’t need that flower pot/heated mattress pad/old chair,” etc. I feel like I’m constantly at war with clutter, and now Christmas is coming around, meaning the clutter will compound and a lot of stuff I’m getting for Christmas is inevitably heading for the Goodwill because I simply don’t have space for it. Gift cards to restaurants, spa days, and electronic entertainment are all fine. That sweater that doesn’t fit, alcohol when I don’t drink, or umpteenth pair of socks or hand-knitted scarf? NO! But seriously, if all the gifting just stopped and we sat down and had a nice meal together, and watched a cool film…why can’t that just be enough? Then you can spend your holiday money on something YOU know you really want and need, instead of crap that you feel obliged to give others, and they feel obliged to give you.

[@blancaaaestela]

Preach! My husband and I share a 700 sq ft apt. I can’t with the holiday presents. I’d much rather talk to loved ones on the phone, share a meal, watch a movie, go for a walk. Those are true gifts. We got flak from our moms for not putting up Christmas decor, but where are we going to store it for 10 months?

[@ashleighadams1842]

@@blancaaaestela Exactly. And it’s kind of what’s nice about a small place - you feel less inclined to buy things, because you’re always thinking, “Okay, where am I gonna put this?” Not to mention cleaning takes an hour and a half max. But sometimes my father will tell me, “Store this,” or “Just put this away - you might need it one day!” And I’m like, “if I need something like this in the future” - usually something cheap - “I’ll just buy it again. Don’t have the space to store it.” Most of that stuff, by the way, I’ve never needed again. My dad is a Boomer, and I don’t think he really understands Millennial/Gen Z aversion to clutter. But yeah - Christmas is a nightmare for a budding minimalist like myself!

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

Less eye rolling, more bluntly but politely informing her you don't want her stuff. Maybe not so subtly gift her a copy of the Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up or The Gentle Art of Swedish Death cleaning 😂

[@somethingcooliguess]

I hate gift giving. Both my family and in laws live in our hometown so we have a 7 hour drive every holiday. It would be a much better experience if we didn’t have to worry about and lug over a bunch of gifts and also take back a bunch of random gifts. I feel so old saying this, but I really just want to enjoy the time with family rather than take my time and emotional labor hunting down and preparing gifts. And 2 years ago, my mom bought 3 air fryers in hopes to give one to me and one to my aunt, but neither of us want one to add to kitchen clutter. She still keeps trying to talk us into it like an infomercial.

[@zabmcauley5647]

I only give gifts to the kids in my life. Makes the holidays much less stressful.

[@sd-ch2cq]

My family makes sure to tell each other exactely what we want for Christmas (down to sharing webshop-links). None of us are mindreaders, and we don't want to waste money (or pollute the environment) on unwanted gifts.

[@plumperday]

I hate that people think cash is too impersonal, I don't need more crap I need to pay my rent!

[@ktburger659]

Totally, one of the best gifts I ever got was a crisp $100 bill in a nice envelope. A boss of mine did that for all his employees at Christmas. A wonderful gift and I rarely see $100 bills so it felt really special.

[@Author.Noelle.Alexandria]

Using cranberries to decorate? Girl. GIRL. Have you priced those recently?! Also, we reuse that sparkly plastic garland for years until it falls apart. “One time use” stuff is almost always reusable if you don’t treat it like you’re getting ready to toss it.

[@drodlaren]

Yeah! I even reuse wrapping paper and gift bags. Some look better than other, but I explain to the ppl i give them to that I am trying to reuse and be more enviormentally friendly! I sometimes pack it in with tote bags and clothing too. Oh and newspapers!

[@pipertarver1852]

🤣😂🤣 Not the cranberries 🤣😂🤣

[@KireiC]

Was thinking of this - in school especially we had sparkly garland and those accordion-type paper decorations that you'd see year after year. They were cheap but definitely were forced to have mileage! And my parents definitely reused christmas ribbons and bows both for wrapping *and* decor. Fun stuff to have if you're not budgeted to buy new every year (to long as you have the reasonable storage space to keep it!)

[@Forgefaerie]

I grew up with the same box of decorations being used year after year after year, and the only reason we no longer have it is because we moved across the ocean and weren't sure that delicate glass would survive the trip. I've used the same k-mart tree we bought for almost 20 years now and same with a lot of my ornaments and stuff. sometimes unfortunately I break them, so we did buy a bunch of new one here and there and replaced lights once, but like.... these things do not need to be disposable. Even tinsel is reusable, I just pluck it off and store it in sandwich bags.

[@imzadi83fanvids7]

@@drodlaren We have some gift bags that have been in the family for years. They are almost their own Christmas decoration and we all wonder/look forward to who's going to get the pink Victoria's Secret bag this year, lol. Also decorations made from food could be a nightmare for anyone with pets and/or a pest problem. Hell, someone renting could get in trouble with their landlord if a problem develops and people know who strung up real popcorn for Christmas. Paper chains might be a better option, use scrap paper and let the kids decorate them. And/or shop thrift stores, garage sales, etc. for used Christmas decorations. It's rare I see a yard sale without a table of holiday stuff.

[@elizabethwackenhut7466]

Great content. You took a position on holiday consumption, you supported that position with reason, logic and your personal sense of morality. And you listed concrete, actionable alternatives to problematic behaviors. This is so refreshing after watching the interview with "The Minimalists".

[@TheCoca84]

I gave a gift recently I thought was a good idea but, then I started to feel worried it was dumb. My daughter moved into her own apartment recently and life is expensive, so I built her 2 care packages. 1 basket full of personal items, like her favorite shampoo, condition, body wash, razors, etc… the other full of house items like detergent, softener sheets, cleaning products, etc. My daughter was very happy to receive these because, she could use all the stuff in the baskets. Turned out being a good idea. 😅

[@j.m.7056]

I've done much the same when friends move. Basket or bin for reuse filled with first days needs like various paper products, cleaning supplies, hand soap, night light, note pads and pens, etc.

[@MrsThollo]

I love putting together baskets like that and people love them as gifts! People should not underestimate giving functional gifts versus the expensive perfume that stinks, the expensive coffee machine that never gets used, etc.

[@ivanaj2894]

That's a really great gift, especially coming from a mother. Makes you feel taken care of:). My mother lives in another city and I don't see her that often but when I visit her she always packs me detergent/cleaning supplies/body wash and things like chocolate. Makes me think of her every time I use it!

[@dameazize]

So, I agree with you in general about the "fuzzy things and candles", but I did literally ask any extended relative that wanted to get me a gift this year to just do candles or chocolate because it's easy, disposable and I don't feel bad about not wearing the very cute hat they got me that just looks awful on me because I am not that kind of trendy

[@craftyluna6381]

I'm a teacher at a high-priced private school, and our parents are very generous with the gifts every year, but they're usually more generic ones. If you're looking for gifts for teachers, postal workers, other people you don't know very well, luxury socks are actually pretty great, imo. Most people need socks, but won't splurge on themselves to get cashmere or something like that, but they do feel so much nicer than polyester acrylic shit. Cookies or candy is nice, and even if it's a kind I don't like I get the enjoyment of sharing it with others. And this might just be a me thing, but little notebooks or journals are always handy to have around.

[@ColleenJoudrey]

I once made the mistake on gifting a nice craft beer to someone who was unknowingly an alcoholic. He downed the 16 oz bottle in less than 3 minutes on my back porch and then attempted to drive his truck home (Obviously we didn't let that happen) and I pledged to never gift alcohol again.

[@borkbork4124]

Alcohol was always in my familys white elephant. They let us kids play which was weird. If a kid was stuck with it, we would by defalut have to give it to a parent and be left with nothing. Now that all us kids are of drinking age, almost all the white elephant gifts are alcohol or a sex toy. Not fun or original. Call me boring, but a nice box of chocolates, earbuds, and a hydroflask were some of the best white elephant gifts I ever got.

[@madkatt333]

@@borkbork4124 we have the same problem in our family. Three gifts of alcohol and my husband doesn't drink it (by choice, not by problem). I don't understand including a gift that somebody couldn't enjoy. It's basically like including a box of peanuts when somebody is deathly allergic. They will have no use for it!

[@mitsevara]

In Europe, a wine bottle is very good because it's a fongible item. You can drink it, you can bring it to another party, and it can stay in your pentry for ages. Noboby drinks only a certain type of wine, plus if you find it cheap, just put it in the food next time you make a coq au vin or a risotto (depanding on the color). For me truly one of the best gift possible.

[@bananaflywar]

I'm lucky to have moved to Norway where second hand stores are crammed with creepy, pretty, old-school decorations that I buy a little of every year. This is the land of Christmas! Perhaps I have one too many disturbing Christmas trolls and dolls now dotted around my house that I will find in unexpected places in the middle of the night next year, but it definitely feels magical to have second-hand ornaments with all its history and charm :)

[@dianarusnov292]

Love candles as gifts myself. Because I regularly use and burn them. I love a candle, diffuser, or a luxurious hand soap because I know it'll get used.

[@carolineosterman2420]

My grandfather gave me a kitten for my 9th birthday. He did not ask my parents first and gave her to me when they were away for the weekend (and we were in his care) and nobody could take her away from me. They were ready to kill him.

[@allergiccookies6735]

I hope you were able to properly care for her after that

[@bagery]

My elderly neighbor gave me a puppy...one of my worst childhood experiences. I hope cats are easier somehow. Consider me traumatized. And how dare my dad let me keep it!

[@ValleyOakPaper]

I love cats but that's a really inappropriate gift for a kid. What was he thinking?

[@PaulitaVegan]

‘Do not buy an animal’ 👏🏻 thanks for advocating on this too 💗

[@ChantelleHale]

My sister has piles of her children's art from daycare that she uses as wrapping paper. She obviously keeps and puts up the nicest art, but otherwise, it's really colourful art that can be really nice as wrapping paper (especially paintings from the 1 and 2 year olds that look very abstract)

[@silviadiaz1248]

That’s SUCH a great idea!!!

[@djhoneymee]

Our late dog was the result of a careless puppy purchase! A long time ago, my spouse’s brother’s friend bought a puppy for a crush. Yep, that was his move lol. It turns out someone in the friend’s crush’s family was allergic & the friend’s family didn’t want the puppy. So he dropped off the puppy with my spouse’s brother “temporarily” & said he’d figure out another home situation. But he never came back for the puppy!! So my spouse ended up raising him for 12 years (& I got to live with him for the last 3 years before he passed 🐾🌈). Worked out for us because we loved that dog so much, but can you imagine buying & abandoning a puppy? Who does that?

[@kaw8473]

I absolutely believe some people spend over $200 on decor. My husband works for our local dump and he says people tossing their entire Christmas tree away, including lights and ornaments, is very common.

[@Kayla_P99]

Every once in awhile I get reminded some people have a much more disposable mindset than I do

[@strayiggytv]

It's shockingly common. I encourage people to check their local dump site at the begging of December and after Christmas. I could decorate 15 houses with the stuff Ive seen left in parking lots and on the curb with the trash can. I often joke with my friends that I live a scavenger lifestyle and haven't bought a new appliance in 3 years because I just get them at the dumpsite.

[@alena5484]

😮

[@amymullen296]

Thrift stores are packed with this stuff, especially right after Christmas.

[@penname8441]

+

[@readingwithauntRachel]

If you are stuck at a white elephant or secret Santa for someone you dont know, like at work, where you would give the fuzzy socks/bad candles, I recommend a big pack of 2 plty toilet paper. You get points for a bit of humor but something that is actually going to be used

[@izalikah7616]

Damn I wish you'd posted this a few days ago!

[@drodlaren]

I would personally get slightly disappointed at how impersonal it is, but all for giving something that’ll be used!! Love the sentiment

[@izalikah7616]

@@drodlaren I like it for white elephant, but I'd be annoyed if it was given for secret Santa 😂

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

This is a fabulous idea for a white elephant gift, but definitely not for a secret Santa.

[@ckdraws410]

I love white elephant gift swaps! I always find some mildly useful junk in my house that someone else might like

[@roothekangaroo3637]

Point number 6 brings up something that I’ve come to really dislike about western sustainability culture. Who said that cheap plastic garlands are a one time use item? Pack them into a box along with the rest of your decorations and use them again next year. They’ll look just as good. The same goes for things like fast fashion, these things are only disposable if we treat them as such. Our purchases are only as sustainable as our mindset and manner of using are. Buy things you actually want, and take good care of them.

[@roothekangaroo3637]

Not that I disagree with what Chelsea is saying here though! Just wanted to add this to the conversation regarding cheap decor and clothes.

[@alyssakeil5117]

I agree completely. I've had clothes from fast fashion stores that have lasted me over a decade now just because I try to take good care of them. Of course some cheaper made clothing falls apart over time, but a lot of it will last a while. Also, I've had a pair of Christmas jammies that I've worn throughout the years for over 6 years now. I'll rock flannel in July!

[@sunshineyellow]

right? I can see a 20 something throwing it all out because they may not even live in the same place next Christmas but in general, who is throwing it all out immediately?

[@willes2735]

I'm pretty sure we have some shiny plastic garland from the 90's, still going strong. I also have a shirt from Forever 21 that I still wear that I'm almost sure I bought in 2009 for $10

[@cu8414]

Almost at 1M subs! I remember I subbed when y'all were at 300K. Congrats on the growth!

[@GailNott]

Add the toys for kids that they didn't want or cheap, plastic toys that break immediately.

[@patemmack7205]

Good advice, especially the no candles. They just get dusty - we have flashlights for emergencies. Also, we’re switching to reusable fabric gift bags-easy to sew, easy to store and beautiful under the tree. The holiday print fabric will be 50% off after Christmas. The good thing about remote and hybrid work is that everyone dropped the impersonal gift exchanges. Merry Christmas!

[@amanday3103]

One way you can avoid getting caught to fake holiday markdowns is if you got the extension honey, you can look at the price history of the item for up to the last 120 days

[@notsoperfectlyme7276]

A tip for wrapping paper… I use it to pack up delicate items like glass ornaments and the like.

[@jjnewbold]

Chelsea's still rocking some of the best hair on KZbin.

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

Hard agree.

[@catstitchstudio]

And that blouse is awesome! Sorry, Chelsea, I really was listening to what you were saying, but I was admiring your blouse the whole time!

[@AineTaiki]

Agree, it kinda reminds me of the fifties. It looks great on her

[@SpaztasticSheep]

Yess

[@starbrite526]

I love gift cards and practical gifts. I think the most wasteful thing is not listening to give the type of gifts that people like because people may think it's uncouth. Well, all those jewelry sets I usually get and you give to me because you guys find that thoughtful are oftentimes sold or given away because that's not what's needed but that step that I requested and received like 8 years ago, still going strong and I still think about her when I used it up until it broke.

[@annb6165]

I saw the pajamas in the icon and was ready to get my feelings hurt ‘cause my mom gets me a new set of pajamas every year for Christmas and while its way too many pajamas I TREASURE them. When you said family matching pajamas I let out a sigh of relief that my pajamas made it out without a scratch.

[@interlocution6619]

I do like the beauty advent calendars. It's a great way to try a product without having committing to a full size version. I can decide if I like it, and if I do then I buy a bigger one, and if I don't, I'm not wasting as much. It's also a great way to try something that I might only want for a short time like seasonal colors. Sometimes the makeup I get is enough and a full size could be more than I will use.I really like the Bare Minerals Count Down. I find them to be quite practical for me.

[@terraspickerman1807]

Your checky little sarcastic comments are exactly the thoughtful (and free!) gift I didn't even I know from you this year. Thanks Chelsea and TFD team- happy holidays and a prosperous new year to all you fabulous ladies!

[@evakenworthy7308]

We started using Japanese furoshiki cloth wrapping for our presents and it's amazing!!! We got some fabric and tablecloths and stuff from Goodwill and cut them to random sizes. Wrapping presents is so much easier and quicker, I don't have to store giant tubes of paper all year, and it looks so pretty under the tree!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

I used to wrap gifts in the comics, back when we had the Sunday paper delivered. I also have been known to "wrap" gifts in fabric, like teatowels, or pretty scaves ( which I buy in thrift stores throughout the year).

[@KimberlyMDonahue]

FINALLY someone who shares my disdain for getting endless fuzzy socks and “filler” gifts. I’ve basically been saying this since my junior year of college and I’m still with a mountain of socks I barely get through on a yearly basis because they’re not practical to wear day to day. I feel the same way about blankets -- I had more than enough a decade ago!

[@de.cadence]

I hit the jackpot this year and found a beauty advent calendar that was only made up of brands and items that I already liked and used - and in at least four instances, had used up multiple times in the past. For me it was an unbelievably good deal, but it is down to sheer dumb luck and had the math literally not added up the way it did, I wouldn't have purchased.

[@daniellaperez3846]

Was it the target one? That one was pretty great and only $20 but it sold out SO quickly

[@de.cadence]

@@daniellaperez3846 No it was a SpaceNK one (I'm UK based)

[@toin9898]

So many good points here. I love giving gifts (and am really good at it) but I actually hate receiving them from people who just feel obligated to buy me something so I've opted out of all of my family gathering gift exchanges because I don't want to receive useless plastic garbage, or worse, alcohol. I don't drink because I think it's gross and when I receive alcohol it only makes it clearer that the person gifting to me doesn't know me at all. I spend $200-300 a year on sugar, flour, chocolate and butter and make everyone treat boxes instead. IMO that's far more personal than something Bezos dropped off at my door.

[@Bromeliadsss]

The alcohol alternative example got me. Great video as always. Thanks!

[@dingdongvroomvroom]

Yesss thank you for mentioning the pets! It's a problem every single year and it's so tragic.

[@jillpowell5197]

I zero problem wearing my Christmas Jammies year 'round

[@Forgefaerie]

sam. I don't actualy have any non christmas jammies, mostly cause christmas ones were on REALLY deep sale so I bought a few pairs and have been wearing them year round for the last 5 or so years and will continue to do so for as long as they remain wearable /shrug

[@fearsomefawkes6724]

Do people not just where their Christmas pj's all year round? It's all the same when you're asleep

[@Natalie_11188]

I wear mine all winter. Where I live the temperature changes are extreme, so they wouldn’t do for summer, but I wear them all winter along.

[@Kaaybrat]

I wear mine fall, winter, spring. I like the Old Navy flannel because the tall size are long enough for me. Most others fit me until the first wash lol. But the Old Navy patterns are usually holiday themed. I don’t care. They cover my ankles and that is all I care about!

[@ROyler-rs6nh]

I've started using gift bags more for Christmas, they're beautiful and you can keep them for next year

[@slena]

i love using fabric to gift wrap, i got scarves from the 1€ bin at the thrift store and use the furoshiki japanese wrapping techniques. the giftee can keep it to wear or wrap other gifts or give it back to me :) i think it's cute

[@krmendozaa]

I don’t mind the occasional fuzzy sock as a gift and I do at least use them in my boots, but if people wanna give me socks as a gift I’d prefer they give me non-holiday ones or they can give me themed socks that relate to what I like (ex. Sailor Moon socks). Candles though, my husband & I love candles for our home and they’re expensive so unless they happen to be a scent I really hate they are a welcome gift for me that’ll always be used :) but points if it’s somewhat thoughtful (like the zodiac candles a friend got my husband & I one year)

[@ifetayodavidson-cade5613]

It’s not for people who like to go all-out with decorations, but I like to get a seasonal plant and a seasonal candle. The plant can be composted and a candle doesn’t take up much space but it’s fragrance can fill a room.

[@anaalves3658]

I remember many years ago my sister got me a yearly subscription to a magazine, one that I would always buy monthly, so it was great to have it delivered to my door every month. It was read cover to cover, multiple times, it was a great gift. Now days I seldom ever buy a magazine any more, so now it would not be a great gift.

[@bookllama8158]

I think candles, bath salts, pretty socks, fancy food items etc can make very nice Christmas presents, both to give and to receive. Any kind of non-essential consumables are great for people who already own enough stuff and none of these things cost a lot of money. (I know socks are not consumables, but they do always wear out after a few years.) It’s a way of getting people a little treat they might not normally buy themselves and keeping up the gift giving tradition. Just don’t buy the cheapest version of that item, make sure you’re not giving a scented candle to someone who gets headaches from them, and don’t buy cheap hand cream for its pretty packaging - the ingredients matter more. And mix it up, so that’s not the only thing anyone is ever receiving from you.

[@arrietty12]

Yup these are exactly the kinds of things I ask for every year from my family because I don't need more stuff. I'd rather get something inexpensive and consumable that will just add a nice touch to the things I'm already doing

[@tangibleghooosty]

I haaaaaaaaaaaaate receiving Filler Gifts. Can we stop that practice forever? These past two years I've actually told my whole family on no uncertain terms that I don't want anything for Christmas and the quiet reason behind it is that I don't want filler gifts

[@Mary-td2zw]

I tell people that unless you see something you'd just HAVE to get me even if it wasn't the holidays, please don't. My house is too small. I only have one friend that respects it because she feels the same so some years we exchange gifts, some years we don't, this is a year that I got her something perfect but I know she's not adding to my clutter.

[@natalial2219]

Super late to this video but the freaking holiday mugs. I can’t express how much I freaking HATE when I’m gifted a holiday mug. They’re typically ugly; and I’m not willing to use 11 months out of the year; and I have way too many mugs at it is!!

[@suziecreamcheese211]

My favorite gift to give and get is perfumed soap. It’s beautiful and practical. I like to use gift bags because they can be reused.

[@unerevuese]

Its my son's 1st. Christmas and we bought holiday PJs 😅, BUT I don't expect the rest of the family to purchase matching PJs either.

[@esb143]

Don't listen to her! Someone please buy me a Fort Greene brownstone for Christmas!

[@CordeliaWagner]

Nope. Grow up.

[@esb143]

@@CordeliaWagner you've inspired me to perform a random, anonymous act of kindness for someone in my town. Whatever you believe, I hope your holiday season is filled with positivity and love.

[@Porcelynnn]

Right hahah I dream of a home too

[@NicoleP278]

I have been collecting brown paper from Amazon and other packages for years and wrap with it for every occasion. Add some jute twine and some foraged pine cones and holly berries and you’re good to go, and it’s all compostable.

[@Katiedora122]

A little over a decade ago, I was in college and staying with my father over the winter break, and he took advantage of this by having me wrap all the Christmas presents. He went out and bought a decent roll of double-sided wrapping paper (blue with penguins on one side, red with Santa on the other) and we used the patterns to differentiate who the presents were for, then he saved the rest for the next year. AND HE STILL HAS THAT ROLL OF WRAPPING PAPER. We don't remember it being some massive roll, and it certainly wasn't expensive/fancy, but it's still a hefty roll and has been used every single Christmas. I am literally using some to wrap presents again this weekend. It has to be one of the best holiday purchases in terms of cost per use EVER.

[@MsShadowLlama]

I wholeheartedly agree with this list. The amount of one -size-fits-all (it doesn't) novelty christmas socks I have donated over the years is just sad. The only item from the list I have had a positive experience with and didn't think was a waste was a coffee bean subscription. My partner and I make coffee at home and trying out a small bag of coffee from various roasters was super fun for us.

[@mrs.marken4609]

This was the first year that I bought matching Christmas pyjamas for my family. Instead of Christmas Eve, I did the beginning of December to get more use and let me tell you, the look of joy and delight on my daughter's face when she saw we were all wearing the same thing made it worth it! I'll see how many Decembers I can get out of them!

[@xiomaragomez6649]

It creates beautiful memories. Don't forget the hot coco

[@thishappycrafter272]

THANK YOU for speaking on pets and the holidays! As you mentioned, adopt, don’t shop! ❤

[@lindsaymorrison7519]

I constantly lose socks no matter what (probably because I live in Florida and only wear them one week a year), so I actually do like fuzzy socks as a gift now

[@erinkaufman6363]

I live in the Midwest where we have long winter and dress for comfort. I'll be wearing my snowman pj bottoms in March/April.

[@dianeschenkelberg8270]

My family adopted a policy of no gift-giving for adults (Birthdays and Christmas). Best thing ever! We get together on the holiday and make a meal together. Sometimes things don't work out, but that becomes a memory. Gifts are for kids, ending at age 17 (gift cards or money towards college is okay). The commercialism of Christmas is ridiculous! I have everything I could want and I certainly don't need clutter.

[@greeranelson]

This year, I’ve started giving donations to charities in people’s names. I pick a cause that person cares about to donate to rather than buying them a “thing”. Everyone in my family has more than enough and this is a way to spend money during the holidays that creates zero waste and that I actually feel good about. 10/10 would recommend

[@earthzone85]

This sounds so pointless or very selfish of you nobody cares about that but you

[@bather7483]

The holiday discount is not always accurate. I've noticed that the sales can be better two-three weeks before the holiday. By the time boxing day rolls around most of the good decorations are gone and the sales are pretty similar to what was available beforehand. Your local shops may vary.

[@aubbityaub7787]

For the last few years we would get the gift bag option from Amazon with gifts, and now I have so many I don't need to buy any more gift bags or wrapping paper. It's a wasteless Christmas!

[@ValleyOakPaper]

Very sensible advice. The only exception to the subscriptions rule is if you can find something very well reviewed that has near-universal appeal. I gave an accountant a luxury fruit basket subscription once and he was raving about it every month. It was a couple hundred dollars but he had saved me so much money that I felt he deserved it.

[@redrover2370]

Buying someone a house or car is like when Willoughby gave Marianne a horse in Sense and Sensibility

[@fishstick7104]

Love the reference, well done! 👏

[@RuRaynor]

I've given up on giving gifts to adults entirely. It's so stress inducing and no one in my family needs any junk. My 2 nephews get a gift and that's it.

[@yanayana314]

If you are in NYC around the holidays, a good AND FREE activity for seeing Christmas lights and taking photos is Dyker Heights in Brooklyn.

[@iuliasprinceana497]

Hi Chelsea, I just came upon your video. I admire and value everything you say about useless purchases. I wonder to this day why people buy new decor year after year after year..

[@NJdaniels96]

There is no way I believe that the average person has two subscription boxes.

[@_laurie_]

does netflix, spotify etc also count as a subscription box or not? bc if not, that would indeed be unlikely (i think) to have an average of 2 subscription boxes pp

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

I used to. Cancelled all of em.

[@sheila3936]

Meal subscription boxes seem very popular and common, then add in one more for fun and you’re at two. It’s wild how many types there are, I can see some people getting really carried away.

[@whenyouwishuponastar6643]

I know 1 person who has 2. One for clothes and 1 for the dog

[@AyumiTenshi]

I know someone who has a subscription box that she can't really afford but she refuses to cancel it because she "has a lifetime discount as long as she keeps buying for being an early subscriber" and will "never get her discount back again" if she cancels... Marketing really does make people stupid. 🤷‍♀️

[@gabrielafonseca4034]

We have been using the same gift bags in my family for years, they start looking ratty and that's fun. For my friends at work I got them a nice glass container, decorated it with a lid and a little velvet ribbon and small ornament for their trees, and filled the jar with an assortment of chocolate covered nuts. The insulin resistant friend got a plain assortment of nuts, with a few dark chocolate chips inside and they were very happy

[@glitterstarbeau]

I love matching Jammies with the kids. Ain't gonna stop

[@LikaLaruku]

My grandmother got me 3 matching PJ sets before she died. 10 years later, they are still wearable. I use them as thermal underwear in winter.

[@iTzDritte]

Ok but seriously that line at 10:20

[@m.pixley8413]

I think the baby boomers were the first to Amp up the Christmas spending. I remember small handmade and thoughtful gifts from my grandma and great aunts. My parent boomers however really expect something that is large store-bought and is accompanied by a store bought card. If they don't get what they want they get upset. I'm sure the younger generations who grew up with these newer standards can imagine nothing else. Luckily my great aunts and uncles were long lived.

[@Cheesycat948]

My grandparents freaked out over getting an orange during the depression. One orange. Things are out of control. I know the after WW2 boom changed things. People became bigger consumers.

[@sheila3936]

Aww I remember my grandma would knit socks or mittens each year, a $20 bill when we were older and a tin of chocolates for the family to share. I always looked forward to those chocolates and would even make stained glass style crafts with the wrappers. I never felt deprived.

[@PeukinsPoint]

Yes!

[@sunshineyellow]

My boomer parents bought me a lot of stuff for Christmas because they each had a bunch of siblings, mostly wore hand me downs, and didn't get a lot on Christmas or birthdays. It's cyclical. Clearly there's a swing towards less among younger generations who did receive a lot of things.

[@darthszarych5588]

That makes sense, at least for people in the USA because people in that generation, people on average were more wealthy than peoppe before. It was a more optimistic time. The US christmas culture became a bigger deal during that time. That's why most of the Christmas music we hear now is either from the 50s or remakes of songs from the 50s. (The christmas music thing also has to do with the fact that a lot of christmas traditions in the USA are german and the USA is was no longer at war with germany)

[@teresamunoz91]

lol my sister loves when i gives her candles and she uses them, also my grandm asked me for fuzzy socks because hers are worn out

[@MrsThollo]

We don't do matching pajamas but we wore pjs one year on Christmas Eve. I didn't know you couldn't wear them outside the Christmas season. I buy mine cheap from Old Navy after Christmas and wear them year-round. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@nmtrules96]

Doing a no gifts Christmas this year (with consent lol) and feeling so relieved 😂

[@cathryngoll7451]

To be honest, some of the best things I have found were free gifts with purchase. I bought skincare and got a insulated tote bag that is huge and very useful. Additionally, I like to use reusable bags as gift bags. Thus reducing waste. My husband uses a post it to sign his cards so the recipient can re-use the card afterwards. I also like fabric/drawstring bags for gifting as those too can be reused. My silver garland is on the covid tree for the third year running. Also, if I had not jumped on the adorable vintage looking deer ornaments at full price none would be available on December 29th. Many stores have already been offering 60-70 percent off holiday decor 2-3 weeks before the holiday.

[@julecaesara482]

I get fuzzy socks and candles and soap every year but that's because my people know me and they gift me awesome wax candles and handmade socks and amazingly scented soap because they know I love these kind of luxuries but I am in no position right now to buy them frequently

[@rachaelbean1439]

Me too

[@DianaWanMa]

I think this is a very good idea. You will always need socks and soap, and candles can be helpful someday (in case you don’t use it as a scent).

[@Artofcarissa]

Regarding the ___ of the month one, I gave my mom a 3 month subscription to book of the month so I feel like if you don’t do the 6 month of 1 year option, a few months wouldn’t be the worst thing

[@amymullen296]

My mom LOVED the three month flower bouquet subscription. She loves flowers but doesn't buy them for herself, so this one was a hit!

[@christinaslocum8761]

That blouse is divine on you! I like to give cookies to neighbors and such. For teens in the family it’s cash they want! A gift card to an upscale gourmet food shop is an idea.

[@EstanaMiracle]

I love socks as gifts!

[@HesterScoresby]

I do too! When I buy socks for myself I tend to just buy super functional running socks that are pretty exepensive. If someone wanted to buy me running socks or even floofy fuzzy glittery socks with swans on them I would LOVE that.

[@abzster]

Exactly, the east coast socks are useful!

[@JeannyMeyer]

I love socks with a cute or funny pattern, definitely the best stocking filler. Everything that’s deemed stocking fillers is actually really nice; socks, candles, soap etc. Little things that make your everyday life a little bit happier.

[@Ml25562]

Are there really people that won’t wear holiday pajamas throughout the course of the year? I’m definitely still wearing my Hanukkah pajamas in March lol

[@carmelle4ever]

Exactly! They’re pajamas and can be worn all year, no matter what theme they are!

[@tiffanyedavenport863]

Yes, especially if they're good quality. I like Lands' End pajamas, and the holiday ones are usually the least expensive when they're on sale, so 🤷🏾‍♀

[@yltraviole]

Right? Who's gonna see and judge you for wearing reindeer-covered pajamas in june?

[@Ml25562]

@@yltraviole i honestly feel like by the time winter rolls around again I’ve completely worn out my old jammies lol

[@juliaz.9106]

This year I have an advent calendar for the first time in a very long time. I love him. It's from a small leather factory and I did the math. If I had bought the items in this calendar separately, I would have paid well over 500 €. Since I "only" paid 300 €, I am very satisfied. Also because I really love every part of it. But there were no expenses for Christmas decorations or the like. We also refrain from giving each other Christmas presents.

[@juliegolick]

Ever since I divorced and started living on my own, I have been adamant about "no gift exchanges, please!" I don't want to spend lots of money on other people, and I don't want them to spend money on me for things that (historically speaking) I don't want and will just wind up throwing out (or keeping out of guilt). If you wanna spend money on me, take me to a nice dinner or a movie or some sort of fun outing where we spend time together. Save the presents for other people in your life.

[@lydia1634]

My mom buys matching PJs for all the grandkids for Thanksgiving pictures. This is actually a welcome thing for us. They're usually not Christmas specific (one year they had a present on them, but it was fine), and it works because these are young kids. They need a new set of winter PJs in their size because they outgrew last year's. When they stop growing, it won't be a thing. I think the cultural trend is families who started doing it out of necessity, and then kept going past what is reasonable. My siblings and I don't need new PJs. But yeah, our kids (largely ages 4-8) definitely do. And we as parents don't have to spend that extra money because we know new PJs are coming.

[@Comet_Teaser]

I agree. I have been the one to make/buy my sister's family matching pjs in the past. But only because I knew they would use them. Like you said, I purposefully chose non-festive fabric so they could wear them after the holidays. I'm currently wearing the trousers from 3 years ago and I know my sister and her husband use theirs for painting in now. I'm not making them this year because I don't feel the children will use them much any more.

[@darthszarych5588]

This makes sense. It worked for me and my sister as kids (my mom caught on to the fact that we were wearing them all year and started getting less christmassy ones) but as an adult, I had WAY too many pairs of pajama pants because of this. I actually wouldnt mind it so much if she did it now because my weight has been fluctuating so much over the past coupple years but I hate having to match everyone else.

[@AshleyTurnerSmashley]

Shout out to the box of gift bags under my bed I go to every holiday season. Just keep adding to that bad boy as I get gifts myself.

[@maxwellasky]

Awesome advice as always. Thanks tfd

[@ThatsSoRaechel]

I like the idea of winter themed matching jammies if they must match. Then you get a whole season of enjoyment out of it each year.

[@marabookstagram]

I'd add a new phone to the list unless you know exactly what the person wants.

[@imzadi83fanvids7]

Good one! Electronics in general can be a person gift. Same for makeup, skin/hair care, clothes, purses, some jewelry.

[@MissSofiaAmorim]

As a curiosity, in Portugal it's very common to gift wine bottles. It's a thoughtful gift, here.

[@christinaslocum8761]

Not everybody drinks alcohol. Some people are alcoholics who are in recovery and cannot drink. (And it would be very thoughtless to give them alcohol. Surely, not everyone in Portugal drinks.

[@MissSofiaAmorim]

@@christinaslocum8761 As I said, it’s a thoughtful gift. As such, it’s given to people you know and like. If a friend or relative doesn’t drink alcohol, we don’t give them that. In dinner parties or gatherings, we choose the wines carefully, according to the tastes of the guests.

[@larag1764]

One of your best videos. Hi from Australia 🇦🇺

[@Washdt07]

I've save a lot on holiday decorations by crafting them. I have a reef that I made myself and it's so special to me. I plan on making one decision each year and make it into a cute tradition

[@nospacesWFT]

I'm glad to say my family (immediate and extended) has progressively trimmed down their Christmas celebrations over the years; some of it has been out of necessity (moving into smaller places does that to you), but my extended family has settled on a White Elephant gift exchange with a 30 dollar spending cap. It's been pretty fun and everyone's very creative with the gifts they bring! That aside, we are all very food-savvy and mostly focus on having good meals or getting some games in.

[@robynwells8249]

I agree except subscriptions. I received two that I love one is Spotify and the other Book of the month club.

[@Artofcarissa]

Buying someone a pet as a gift is really bad; same thought process of giving someone a car as a gift; “heres something that requires a bunch of time, care, maintenance, and excess money from YOU in order to keep, Merry Christmas!” Lmaoo

[@emiliabolsas]

In college, a friend knew I was thinking about adopting a cat. And he invited me to his room one night to “surprise” me with a rescue from another student. Lucy was a Maine Coon cat and spent the next 18 years with me. That friend fell by the wayside, but Lucy was the love of my life - moved to many apartments in many states, took care of me through kidney failure, dialysis, a kidney transplant and later graduate school. Pets shouldn’t be presents, but in my case she was the greatest gift - next to my kidney. ❤

[@Artofcarissa]

@@emiliabolsas glad it worked out for you ❤️ I definitely wanna get a cat sometime next year but I gotta prepare and get all the supplies first