How 'mindful shopping' is good news for specialist businesses

How 'mindful shopping' is good news for specialist businesses

According to new data, half of UK shoppers plan to spend less this Christmas as the cost-of-living crisis continues. Instead of splashing out, many people are looking into more frugal ways of treating family and friends, from homemade tokens to preloved gifts. 

So-called ‘mindful shopping’ is a key way that shoppers can save money. The practice involves carefully choosing gifts for loved ones with the aims of reusing, repairing and recycling in mind. Just implementing a little more thought into the process, questioning where a gift is coming from, where is it going and what difference it will make to the recipient, can make a real difference in your buying decisions.

As well as being good for our pockets, mindful shopping is also beneficial for the environment. The average volume of waste from households collected by local authorities in England in 2020 amounted to 399kg per person. ReLondon, creators of a guide to mindful shopping, say that by buying more thoughtfully we can save water, reduce carbon emissions and reduce waste by helping to keep things out of landfill.

Many Sussex shoppers already benefit from the county’s ever-growing collection of eco-friendly gift shops, refillable, plastic-free grocery stores and vintage clothing boutiques. Shopping at businesses that prioritise green values is essential in reducing our impact on the planet, according to Sussex Green Living. The organisation lists ‘small green steps’ we can all take. These include buying locally to reduce fuel consumption, reusing and repurposing what we already own, and recycling. 

If you’re among those looking to gift more mindfully this year, here are a few options to consider.

• Vintage jewellery: A beautiful ring or necklace is always a great present and one with history has an added layer of romance. Alternatively why not repair or rework a favourite piece?  If a loved one has a beloved heirloom that’s missing a stone or no longer fits, it could be repaired or altered then presented to them on Christmas Day. As well as being thoughtful and meaningful, a gift like this reduces waste and helps keep things in the ‘circular economy’. 
  
  

• Memorable experiences: Gifting tickets for a theatre show, a new challenging experience, or a luxury spa break; these are the kinds of treats that foster connection and allow us to share precious time together. Instead of contributing to a growing pile of unwanted tat gathering dust in a cupboard, giving an experience will make memories that the recipient will cherish for years to come.

• A homemade gift:  Forget painted loo rolls and uneven pom-poms, choose the right sort of homemade present and your recipients won’t have to fake a smile. Some of the most welcome include edible treats such as sloe gin or jam, cakes, biscuits or fancy flavoured oils. Don’t forget to choose attractive packaging to make sure your gift looks appealing. Too much trouble? The next best thing is to buy from a local producer or maker at a farmers’ market.