You Don't Have to Buy the Valentine's Day Stuff...

Card stock paper hearts... least week I almost clicked on a link to purchase pink and white paper hearts. Why? Because an influencer shared the link. She's planning to use them for a Valetine's Day project with her kids. The project sounded really sweet.

So sweet that I found my finger hoovering over the 'to buy link'. Then the image of a pile of construction paper flashed across my brain. I removed my finger from the link. That pile of construction paper was LITERALLY sitting behind me on a shelf. Construction paper I could easily cut into hearts. What the actual fu... Cady? $6 cardstock hearts I did not need. I exited out of the story. I did not click on the link.

Sure, they're only 6 bucks. But that adds up! Not to mention- we just do not need to buy them. Plain and simple. We have the materials to recreate them.

Before I go any further please note- if you love going all in on the holidays, buying all the new holiday related items then go for gold. I mean it with absolute sincerity. If you enjoy it or already planned to buy the holiday themed paraphernalia

then set that pink heart bomb off in your house!

But if you're doing because you feel like you *have* to, because everyone else is, because your favorite account did then zip that wallet back up for a second.

There's a trend on social media that's been emerging over the last few years. The trend of making holidays a really big deal. The trend of buying new stuff and going holiday crazy. It feels like an influencer competition. And all those pictures of holiday curated homes and outfits influences us to jump on board. To buy, buy, buy.

It's not the decorating, the crafts, the activities or the outfits that make me pull back- it's the constant pressure to spend money on the newest and cutest Valentine's Day item.

Americans are projected to spend 26 billion on Valentine's Day this year. Yes, that includes more "adult" celebratory purchases like dinners and jewelr. But it also includes gift cards, candy, clothing and greeting cards. All of which we parents might buy for our kids.

We are constantly being sold this message that the more we buy then the more our kids will enjoy these special days. It's not true and it's too much! Sure little trinkets and do-dads will bring a smile to your kids' faces. But for how long and for what cost?

Listen, I'm not impermeable to the desire to buy all shit that I think will make our toddler smile. A new Valetine's Day cup? He'll love it! Better put it in the cart. Might as well grab the matching plate, bowl and placemat while I'm at it! A well curated Valentine gift guide makes my heart pitter patter a bit.

It's not necessarily about going all out on the holidays. It's about feeling the pressure to buy all the things.

When I feel the urge to impulsively buy I remind myself- which takes serious will power- you can absolutely go Valentine's Day crazy without buying anything new.

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Here's what I do to ebb the impulse purchases and ease that feeling of pressure. Maybe you'll find it helpful to!

1) I stay out of stores like Target, Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Or I at least look away when I walk past the dollar section- not today impulse buys!

2) I silence, unfollow, ignore (don't click on), unsubscribe or delete without opening any posts, emails or stories that might encourage me to buy Valentine's Day stuff. I don't even want to tempt myself. Ignorance is bliss in this situation.

3) I pause. If someone links an adorable Valentine's Day item I stop before clicking on the link. Then I ask myself one or more of the following questions:

• Is this something I planned on buying anyway?

• Do we already own anything similar?

• Can I use what we own to recreate this item?

• If I do want it can I find it second hand? I ask myself this when it comes to decor and clothing.

• Is this something we can use over again or is it very specific to the holiday? Like clothes for example- is the shirt something I can imagine my son wearing for longer than the month of February?

Answering those questions really helps me purchase with intention. That's ultimately the goal. To bring things into your home with intention, with purpose.

If buying the stuff is easier for you and more enjoyable then please do it! If that's what you want. But don't buy anything because you think you're supposed to. You're not.

If you're looking for ways to create a meaningful and special Valetine's Day with your kids- without buying a bunch of stuff- check out this post!

Happy Valentine's Day!!