Millennials are known for shaking things up, especially when it comes to spending habits. Forget about the avocado toast jokes; this generation has some solid advice on what not to waste your money on. Whether you’re looking to save some cash or simply avoid buyer’s remorse, these 17 things should never make it to your shopping list. Get ready to rethink your purchases and maybe even adopt some savvy millennial wisdom for a more minimalist and mindful lifestyle.
Napkins
Millennials prefer using cover napkins, affecting the napkin industry. One study reported by the Washington Post found that only 56 percent of those surveyed bought napkins in the past six months, but 86 percent bought paper towels. Why buy napkins when a paper towel serves the same purpose?
Doorbells
Yahoo Finance says, “Millennials have taken to avoiding the ear-piercing, anxiety-inducing ring of a doorbell by texting a simple ‘here’ when they arrive at someone’s home.” Doorbells are now for scammers and door-to-door salesmen, and we aren’t opening up for that.
Gym Memberships
Strategic Research Associates conducted a survey and reported that only 28.2% had a gym membership. “The survey results indicate that millennials are using lower-cost or free alternatives to get their exercise,” such as walking, hiking, running, working out at home, or participating in outdoor activities.
Less Essential Tech
We were the generation told we would never have a calculator with us at all times, but now we do. We were also the first generation to have digital cameras, e-readers, and other technology that we’ve seen come and go. Now, with smartphones’ capabilities, we have all that tech in one device that goes everywhere with us.
Souvenirs
Millennials prefer meaningful, artisanal goods over cheap, mass-produced souvenirs. We are also more likely to send a text with a beautiful picture or expect you to see our post on social media than we are to send a postcard we know will end up in the trash next week.
Antique Furniture and Heirlooms
“While the things around your home may grow in sentiment over the years, they probably aren’t growing in value. Unless you collect fine art or antiques, most of your stuff is, well, just stuff. Your millennial kids may hesitate to take it in because they can see that a bit more clearly. Without any sentimental value or monetary value, it may not be a very appealing idea,” writes The Simplicity Habit. We are living in smaller homes closer to urban areas and opting for experiences over stuff.
Fancy Dishes and Flatware
Similar to furniture, there’s a lack of interest in inheriting formal dining ware. We aren’t living in huge homes with formal dining rooms, so what is the use of a set of formal dishware? That doesn’t mean we aren’t entertaining friends; we’re just a little less formal about it.
Wedding Dresses
Weddings are becoming more and more personalized and less drowned in tradition. This means what women choose to wear is changing as well. Some still opt for the white dress and fairy-tale while others are having smaller gatherings and wearing something that fits their personalities more.
Physical Media
Most of us had a family set of encyclopedias on our bookshelves at home, and our parents would tell us to go look things up when we asked questions. We also had racks of VHS tapes, laser discs, and then DVDs. But thank you, internet, for making all of these things available without taking up extra space in our tiny homes.
Sparkling Diamonds
Moneywise says, “According to The Deloitte Global 2022 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 29% of millennials don’t feel financially secure. And Bloomberg reported in 2021 that the oldest millennials are only 80% as wealthy as their parents were at the same age.” Spending thousands on a clear rock just doesn’t make sense. Add on the ethical issues associated with diamonds, and we’ll definitely switch over to other gemstones and unique bands.
Single-Use Plastics
While I had a roommate who would have used disposable pots and pans if she could have, the majority of us have moved on from disposable products. We’re looking to lower our carbon footprint by using reusable totes for grocery shopping and carrying around metal or glass water bottles to stay hydrated.
Cable TV
Streaming services offer a more customizable and often cheaper alternative. Why would we scroll through a million channels to find out nothing we want to watch is on? Or wait a week to see the next episode when we can watch a full eight seasons in a weekend?
Manual Cars
As automatic transmissions become more prevalent and electric vehicles gain popularity, manual cars are less sought after in the United States. Manual cars are still very much a part of the culture in Europe, but American millennials and younger generations are choosing to go with more ease on the road with automatic transmissions.
Landline Phones
Gone are the days of walking through the kitchen with the long cord following you. Landlines are now associated with your grandma’s house, as the rest of the world has moved to just having a cell phone. Honestly, why do forms still ask for a home phone number like that’s a thing?
Print Newspapers and Magazines
Our kids probably won’t have a job as a paperboy because fewer people are still getting a paper copy of the New York Times delivered to their door. If we have the urge to read the news, we can just pop onto a computer or our phone and go to our favorite source and read up about it.
Moo Juice
Cows’ milk has fallen out of fashion for millennials. Alternative milk options began to help those with lactose intolerance still enjoy a cafe au lait; now the options are mainstream for everyone. Cashew, oat, almond, coconut, and soy—we are milking everything but animals.
Processed Foods
We were the generation raised on processed food, and now we are done with it. With a growing interest in health and wellness, millennials are opting for fresh, whole foods. We can’t get that Instagram fitness model body living on Hamburger Helper.
