10 Things I’m Not Spending Money On in 2025

I believe in buying things that bring joy. I have also made a blog on ‘Spending Adult Money‘. If a diy hobby kit or a PS5 if that makes your inner child happy, go for it. But at the same time its important to be mindful and that’s why I’ve created this list of things I’m not spending money on in 2025.

Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are constantly promoting the “It Girl” lifestyle—clean girl aesthetic, pink paglu vibes, and trend hauls that encourage nothing but overconsumption culture. As a Gen Z minimalist, I find that overwhelming. I actually like cleaning and organizing, so having less feels freeing.

This year as well, I’m committing to intentional spending. These are the top things I’m not spending money on in 2025, and I hope this inspires you to reflect on your own purchases too.

1. Zomato/Swiggy for Everyday Cravings

Ordering food all the time used to feel convenient, even cool. But let’s face it: they’ve turned into fee machines. Packaging fees, surge pricing, etc charges. No thanks.

As part of the things I’m not spending money on in 2025, I’ve cut down food delivery to the bare minimum. I still order a birthday cake or something special now and then—but everyday cravings? I cook or eat homemade.

This aligns with a minimalist lifestyle—not just for my wallet, but for my health too.

2. Stanley Cups & Trendy Drinkware

I know they’re trending. But Stanley cups? Personally, I find them bulky and not cute. I used to own fancy glass that work perfectly—and that’s enough.

So yes, things I’m not spending money on in 2025 include buying new versions of the same product just because it’s viral. That’s the trap of overconsumption culture, and I’m out.

3. OTT Subscriptions I Don’t Use

I’ve subscribed to Netflix a couple of times—especially during lockdown—but it’s honestly not worth it for me. I don’t binge shows or follow movie trends.

I’d rather spend on experiences. Watching Sitare Zameen Par in theatres with my brother? That’s a memory. Binging shows alone at home? Not so much. So OTT apps are officially one of the things I’m not spending money on in 2025.

4. Bag Charms – Things I’m not spending money on

I noticed the craze in Japan—everyone had cute bag charms. And now it’s slowly creeping into India too. But honestly, I find them extra and not classy.

If it brings you joy, buy one or two. But for me? Bag charms are definitely among the things I’m not spending money on in 2025. I prefer clean, timeless bags that don’t scream for attention.

5. Labubu Dolls

I saw Sakshi Shivdasani showing off her Labubu doll in a vlog and… yikes. Personal preference, of course, but I find them really odd.

Collectibles that don’t bring genuine joy are just clutter. So quirky dolls like Labubu easily make the cut for things I’m not spending money on in 2025. I want items that serve purpose or deep joy—not just Instagram validation.

6. Makeup

I love blush and lip oils—my bhai and bhabhi gifted me those, and they’re perfect. But do I know how to contour? No.

I never did and i wont do this year as well is buying makeup products just because they’re trending. Makeup that doesn’t suit me or that I won’t use is firmly placed under things I’m not spending money on in 2025.

7. 10-Step Skincare Routines

I’ve dealt with acne, and my dermatologist was shocked I didn’t even use moisturizer. Now I follow a 4-step routine: face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, and serum (if I remember to apply). That’s it.

My clay mask? Good old multani mitti—natural and effective.
Korean skincare is beautiful, but the pressure to achieve “glass skin” leads to overconsumption culture. So in my list of things I’m not spending money on in 2025, unnecessary skincare comes high.

8. Bags Without Purpose

I love bags—but I only own four, and each serves a purpose:

• Aldo sling bag for errands (2.5 years old)
• Charles & Keith shoulder bag for casual outings
• A neutral crossbody that goes with western and Indian outfits
• A pink Coach bag from Japan to add a pop of color

I rotate them intentionally. That’s the whole point of a minimalist lifestyle—intentional spending, not random collecting. So random bag buys? Absolutely on my list of things I’m not spending money on in 2025.

9. Street Food (Alone)

I adore street food. But I’ve decided: no more eating it alone. I used to grab a sandwich or sev puri while walking, but I think its a habit and not because I am hungry.

So for the rest of this year, street food joins my list of things I’m not spending money on in 2025—unless it’s shared with someone. That turns a snack into a memory.

10. Street Shopping

I shopped from the streets and got 2 dresses and 1 t-shirt this year and realized—those clothes don’t make me happy. They weren’t “me.”

Now I’ve placed those items front and center in my closet, and I wear them out fast so I can donate or give them away. From now on, things I’m not spending money on in 2025 include random street buys that don’t spark joy.

Final Thoughts: Less Stuff, More Intention

Everyone’s list of things I’m not spending money on in 2025 will look different—and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re making your own choices, not following someone else’s shopping list on social media.

Let’s spend with purpose. Let’s stop normalizing hoarding under the name of aesthetic. This year, I choose mindful purchases, conscious consumerism, and intentional spending over trends.

That doesn’t mean I’m anti-shopping or anti-fun. I just want to spend my money in a balanced way—on both material things that truly add value and experiences that help me tick off my bucket list.

If it makes your soul smile—buy it. But if it’s just for the ‘Gram? You probably don’t need it.