You know what they say, April showers bring May flowers! They also bring seasonal drops, colorful pastel patterns, and all sorts of fun products that coax us out of hibernation. But before you proceed to checkout, consider all those purchases that you’ve regretted – tacky trends from TikTok, dusty decorations, and sales gone stale. That’s where de-influencing comes in. More than just a trend, it’s a set of principles that empowers people to step away from the constant pressure of maintaining a perfect image. Simply put, de-influencing is good for your mental health. That’s why our friends at Virtua Health are here to help skip the buyer’s remorse with this list of 8 spring purchases you might want to give a pass this year.
Fun ice cube trays
Sure, the Darth Vader-shaped ice cube tray seems like a once-in-a-lifetime purchase when you’re in the checkout aisle, but the joke will get real old after a month or two. The classic cube shape works just fine!
The newest water bottle
Better weather means getting out and getting active, which means staying hydrated. But trust us – you can do without yet another giant water container that barely fits in your car’s cup holder, fights for shelf space in your cabinets, and gives you a headache every time you think about cleaning gunk from the straw. Stay strong!
Dissolving laundry sheets
Saving the Earth is important, but laundry detergent sheets that dissolve in the wash arguably does the opposite. They often don’t wash clothes as well as liquid detergent, which means you’ll have to use more of them to accomplish the same task. One alternative is to simply use less than is indicated on liquid detergent bottles.
Earth day things you already have
Speaking of saving the Earth, when Earth Day comes around each spring, it often brings with it a number of “eco-friendly” products. If you already own some of these products, such as a water container or a reusable shopping bag, just remind yourself that a better path to sustainability is to use what you already have.
Another bracelet your mom won’t like
A nice bracelet always seems like the safe choice for Mother’s Day– I mean, guessing what your mom wants every year? Oh, the stress! But we urge you, a gift that won you a polite smile last year will probably not be a hit this year either. If you’ve run out of ideas, why not try a gift card, or a certificate for a nice dinner?
A bunch of gardening gear
We do it too. Every year when the flowers begin to bloom, it’s hard not to re-imagine your life with a perfectly tended garden, an adorable pair of gloves, and a large floppy sun hat. But if you’re noticing a pattern (and a less-than-green thumb), we recommend starting simple with a windowsill plant, and building from there.
Pet hair gloves
If your first thought reading that title was “What in the world is a pet hair glove?”, you’ve got the right idea. In theory, it’s a glove that have tiny barbs attached to help you groom your four-legged friend, but in practice, it’s a furry mess. Not only is it not as effective a grooming tool as a brush would be, but it also prevents you from one of life’s greatest joys – petting your pet. Next!
Spring-themed household items
It can be extremely tempting to give into seasonal themes, with a pastel-colored dish set here, and a flowery set of curtains there. But come wintertime, either they go in the trash, or they’re left to collect dust until next year (when they likely won’t seem as exciting). We suggest going with household items that will last the year round, and perhaps a subtle accent here and there to celebrate the season.
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