Introduction
‘Looking ahead to 2025, I don’t plan to attempt another No-Buy year. However, the mindfulness I’ve developed will undoubtedly stay with me. I aim to maintain this intentional approach to shopping and reflect on my purchases over time. I’ll update readers at the year’s end with a breakdown of my habits and what I’ve learned.’ – Update on My No-Buy 2024: Part 4
Long-term readers of my blog will remember that I did a No-Buy Challenge in 2024. I posted about it in detail in a series of articles. Last year, 2025, I did not attempt such a challenge but promised my readers an update on what I bought and how I got on.
January
In January, I only bought one book for my book club because it wasn’t available through the library. I did well. If I can’t get books through the library, my first choice, I try to buy them second-hand or as e-books.
February
In February, I already increased my shopping by a fair amount. In addition to the book club book, I bought some beer glasses, a jumper, and some shoes. The Shoes were winter shoes, replacing the pair that had worn out the year before. The Jumper and beer glasses were completely unnecessary. Naughty Bettina!
March
In March, I bought an e-book, 3 T-shirts, and some underwear. I needed the clothing because it was replacements for worn-out items.
April
April was a shopping-heavy month. I bought hiking poles, a power bank, trousers, pyjamas, a pitcher, new glasses, and second-hand books.
The pitcher, which I had bought on holiday in Devon, I no longer own, a total waste of money. The rest were all items that added value to my life. Either needed for my hikes or to replace worn-out and old clothing.
May
Apart from a birthday present for my sister, I bought myself some hiking shoes to replace the old ones that had caused an injury on a long hike. My toe still looks like Frankenstein’s due to the old shoes. Totally happy with my purchases and sticking to essentials only.
June
In June, I bought clothing for my mum’s 80th birthday, some tea ware that I definitely didn’t need, headphones, Nordic Walking poles and a swimming costume. A mixture of stuff needed and stuff ‘wanted’, definitely bought too much!
July
In July, one of my favourite online shops opened its warehouse, and I had to go and buy some teacups and a pot. Not needed, served no purpose but proved that advertising on Instagram works.
August
In August, I bought paint to redo my fridge. Still haven’t done it.
September
In September, I bought a jacket and some trousers. I felt I needed some more formal ware,
October
In October, I bought loads of tea and three e-books.
November
In November, I had a shopping-heavy month. I bought more underwear, socks, and T-Shirts. I finally got around to getting a cabinet to store my teaware. Furthermore, I invested in a Filofax and accessories to be more analogue next year.
December
December was a month of mixed shopping. Things I needed and things I wanted. I bought some underwear, pens, presents, tea, two rings, and a bag.
Verdict
Was I happy with how the year went? Partially yes, and partially no. I bought more than I wanted or had hoped, but I also bought no mindless rubbish while travelling or in charity shops. I bought stuff that I needed or that brought me joy.
What did you buy last year, and what did it make you feel? Let me know in the comments below.