My Low-Buy & No-Buy List for 2026

Over the past few years, my relationship with spending has shifted a lot. I’ve become more aware of what truly adds value to my life. Going into 2026, I want to adopt a low-buy or no-buy mindset with intention. I aim to embrace care instead of approaching it from a place of restriction or guilt. This list isn’t about perfection or depriving myself. It’s about being more mindful. It’s about making thoughtful choices and creating space for the things that actually matter to me.

What I’m Not Buying This Year

This year, I’m trying to step away from impulse purchases and focus more on what I already have. This isn’t about cutting out joy or denying myself things I love. It’s about being more intentional and honest about what I actually use and need. For me, this list is flexible and rooted in self-awareness, not shame.

For 2026, here are the items I’m pressing pause on buying because I simply have too many.

Makeup

For 2026, I’m choosing not to buy any new makeup, with a few gentle exceptions. If it’s something I genuinely want, I’m allowing myself that flexibility. Another flexibility is if I don’t already own a similar version of it. The last flexibility is if I truly need it—like shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, or basic skincare. This decision comes from being honest about what I already have. I own an entire eight-drawer tower filled to the brim with lipsticks, glosses, lip stains, eyeshadow palettes, and singles. As much as I love makeup, I simply don’t need to add more right now.

Clothing

I presently have two walk-in closets. I’m very grateful for them. They are completely full of clothes from places like Shein, Temu, and Marshall’s. Right now, I truly don’t see the need to add more to what I already own. Some pieces in my closet exist mainly for photography and content creation. These include a pink pearl corset from Shein and a pink tulle strapless dress from Temu. While most items do get worn, the reality is that I simply have more than enough. For 2026, I want to focus on appreciating what I already have instead of constantly adding to it.

Body Care

Body care is a category where I want to slow down. I aim to be more mindful in 2026. I love pretty packaging and good scents. But I’ve realized that I often buy body care products faster than I can actually use them. Right now, I already have plenty of lotions, body washes, scrubs, and fragrances waiting their turn. I don’t need to keep adding more just because something looks cute. I also don’t need to buy them because they smell nice in the moment.

For this year, I’m focusing on using up what I already own before bringing anything new in. Repurchases are allowed when I genuinely run out of essentials. However, I’m trying to pause on impulse buys. This is especially true for multiples of the same product type. I want my body care routine to feel comforting and intentional, not overwhelming or excessive.

This shift isn’t about taking away little joys, but about appreciating the ones I already have. I plan to give myself the space to finish products fully. I’m hoping body care feels less like clutter. I want it to feel more like a quiet, everyday ritual I actually look forward to.

Skincare

Skincare is an area where I’m trying to keep things simple in 2026. Over time, I’ve realized that having too many products at once doesn’t make my routine better. It just makes it more overwhelming. Right now, I already own enough cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers to last me a while. I want to focus on actually using them consistently. I need to avoid constantly chasing something new.

This year, I’m giving myself permission to repurchase the basics when I truly run out. However, I’m pressing pause on trying new products just for the sake of novelty. I want my skincare routine to feel supportive and low-stress; not another area where I feel pressure to keep up. I also don’t want to feel like I have to experiment endlessly.

By sticking to what works, I aim to finish what I already own. I’m hoping skincare becomes more of a steady, grounding habit. This way, it is less likely to become a source of decision fatigue. Sometimes doing less really does feel better.

Stationery

Stationery has always been one of my favorite little joys, especially anything pink, cute, or thoughtfully designed. But in 2026, I want to be more intentional about how I add to my collection. I already own plenty of notebooks, pens, stickers, and washi tape. It’s more than enough to last me a long time. Buying more just because something is adorable doesn’t really make sense right now.

This year, I’m focusing on actually using what I already have instead of saving things “for later.” Repurchases are allowed when something runs out. I also allow them when I truly need it for a specific purpose. However, I’m trying to pause on impulse buys and duplicates. I want my stationery to feel inspiring and functional, not like another category of clutter.

By slowing down and enjoying what’s already in my desk, I hope stationery feels more meaningful again. It should be less about collecting. It should be more about creating, planning, and expressing myself. These actions should feel calm and intentional.

Homeware and Home Decor

Homeware and décor are areas where I’m learning to slow down and be more thoughtful. I love cozy spaces, soft colors, and little details that make a home feel comforting. However, I’ve noticed that it’s easy to accumulate things quickly. Often, these items don’t have a clear place or purpose. Right now, my space already has what it needs to feel warm and lived-in. I want to appreciate that. I don’t want to constantly look for something new to add. Some of my home decor pieces exist solely for the purpose of being photography props.

For 2026, I’m focusing on being intentional with what comes into my home. I’m pressing pause on decorative impulse buys. I am limiting purchases to items that are truly functional. They must be needed or thoughtfully chosen to replace something worn out. I want my home to feel calm and supportive, not cluttered or overwhelming.

This shift is about creating a space that feels restful and intentional. It’s a space that reflects who I am now, not just what caught my eye in the moment. I am choosing less and appreciating more. I hope my home continues to feel safe and cozy. It’s a place I genuinely enjoy being in.

Shoes

In 2026, I’m choosing not to buy any new shoes. This is one category where I already feel well covered, and adding more would only create clutter rather than value. I own enough pairs to rotate through comfortably, and most of them are still in great condition and very wearable. Some shoes are even just for photography purposes.

Right now, my focus is on actually wearing the shoes I already have. I want to avoid letting them sit untouched while something new catches my eye. For this year, I’m pressing pause on trend-driven styles. I will also avoid impulse purchases. I will only allow replacements if a pair is genuinely worn out and no longer usable.

This decision isn’t about limiting joy—it’s about appreciating what I already own and letting my current collection serve me fully. Sometimes choosing not to buy is the most intentional choice I can make.

What I’m Low-Buying This Year

Here are some of the things I am low-buying this year.

Video Games (The Ones I Really Want)

Video games are one of the few categories I’m allowing myself to be thoughtful—but not overly strict—about in 2026. I genuinely enjoy gaming. I use it regularly. So, I don’t want to treat it the same way as impulse shopping or clutter-heavy categories. That said, I still want to be intentional. I don’t want to buy new games just because they’re on sale or everyone else is playing them.

This year, I’m focusing on only buying games I truly want and know I’ll actually play. That means no impulse downloads. I won’t buy multiple games at once “for later.” I’ll avoid adding titles to my library just because they’re discounted. If a game has been on my wishlist for a long time, that’s promising. If it still excites me, it’s a good sign. It still excites me. That’s a good sign. It’s worth considering then.

I also want to give myself permission to enjoy what I already own. I have plenty of unfinished games that deserve my time and attention. Revisiting them feels just as satisfying as starting something new. For me, this approach helps gaming stay fun and comforting. It is something I choose intentionally. It is not something that adds to mental or financial overwhelm.

Work clothes

Work clothes are one area where I’m allowing myself more flexibility in 2026, but still with intention. I’m transitioning into a job that requires specific, practical clothing. I want to focus on building a small, functional work wardrobe. I prefer this approach rather than buying lots of pieces all at once. The goal isn’t to have endless options—it’s to have enough that getting dressed for work feels easy and stress-free.

For this year, I’m prioritizing comfortable, wearable basics that I know I’ll reach for regularly. If something fills a real gap in my work wardrobe, it’s allowed. It’s also allowed if it replaces an item that no longer fits or works. I’m trying to avoid overbuying “just in case” pieces. I also want to avoid purchasing items that don’t realistically fit my day-to-day work life.

By keeping my work clothes intentional and minimal, I’m hoping this part of my wardrobe feels supportive rather than overwhelming. I want getting dressed for work to feel simple and practical. It should be calm. That way, it’s one less thing to overthink as I move through my days.

DoorDash & Delivery Apps

Food delivery is something I’m trying to be more mindful about in 2026. Apps like DoorDash can be incredibly convenient. They are especially useful on low-energy days. However, I’ve noticed how quickly the costs add up without really thinking about it. This year, I want to pause. I will check in with myself before automatically opening a delivery app out of habit or exhaustion.

For my low-buy, I’m not cutting delivery out entirely, but I am setting gentler boundaries. Ordering in will be an occasional, intentional choice rather than a default. I want to prioritize cooking simple meals at home by using groceries I already have. Planning ahead when I can also helps. I will still allow grace on days when convenience is genuinely needed.

This shift isn’t about denying myself comfort. It’s about being more aware of where my money goes. It’s about choosing options that support me long-term. I treat delivery as a sometimes thing instead of an everyday habit. I hope it feels more like a treat and less like an impulse.

As I’ve written through each of these categories, one thing has become very clear to me. This low-buy isn’t about rules. It’s not about perfection or taking joy away. It’s about slowing down, checking in with myself, and making choices that feel supportive rather than reactive. Going into the rest of 2026, I want to carry this mindset with me. It will not be a source of pressure. Instead, it will serve as a quiet guide.

Final Thoughts

This low-buy and no-buy list is simply a reflection of where I am right now. It’s flexible, personal, and allowed to change as my needs change. Some seasons call for more structure, while others need more grace, and I’m trying to leave room for both. If I slip up or change my mind, that doesn’t mean I’ve failed—it just means I’m human.

More than anything, I want 2026 to feel calmer. I want my spending to feel intentional and want my space to feel less overwhelming. I want my choices to come from care rather than comparison. This list isn’t about doing less just for the sake of it. It’s about choosing what truly supports me. It’s also about letting go of the rest.

Your Turn

If you’re thinking about doing a low-buy or no-buy year, I’d love to know what that looks like for you. Are there any categories you’re trying to be more intentional with? Or maybe areas where you’re allowing yourself a little extra flexibility? There’s no one right way to approach this, and that’s what makes it feel sustainable.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I always love hearing how others are navigating their own versions of intentional living 🤍

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