How to Shop Thoughtfully for the Holidays

Gifting season feels like a real doozy this year! Everywhere we turn, we're urged to shop, and the steep discounts don't make resisting any easier. It's tough out there for conscious consumers!

Here's what you can do to stay focused this holiday season:

📝 Stick to your list

Make a list of the things you want/need for yourself and your loved ones, and stick to it. Do not veer away, no matter how tempting those deals in your periphery might be.

🙅🏾‍♀️ Know your limits

If in-person shopping starts to feel overwhelming due to the crowds and competing discounts, go home. If your online shopping experience is resulting in way too many tabs open and decision fatigue, disconnect. It's not worth it!

🔨 Consider making gifts instead

Gifts come in all forms: you can make something, bake something, grow something, paint something, build something, repair something or even clean something for your loved ones! Creative gifts require time and effort but they show you care.

☝🏾 Decide what matters most

If making what you have in mind is out of the question, shop thoughtfully. Write down a few attributes that matter to you (e.g. Made in the USA, Woman-owned, Queer-owned, Local Pickup available, etc.). Sticking to your attributes will narrow down your options in a sea of seemingly endless options.

Speaking of attributes, Google highlighted Black-owned businesses on Black Friday, and we were grateful to be included this year! Their 2023 Black-owned Friday campaign is here or you can find it in our Instagram Reels feed (starring Keke Palmer).

If 'Black-owned' is one of your top shopping attributes, have a look at the products and services in the music video and use Google's tools to find businesses near you. 🖤

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Words by Mutia Adisoma
Photos courtesy of Google