Minimalist Inspiration: 31 Things To Do Instead of Shopping

It can be easy to fall into the same old habit of running to the store just because you want to get out and have something to do. If you’re interested in living a more minimalist life, having some ideas on hand for activities other than shopping will help you break this pattern.

Try this list of 31 activities for some minimalist inspiration to get you started.

Why shopping is a minimalist’s enemy

Shopping is mindless, easy, and let’s admit, it can make you feel good in the moment. Research has shown shopping activates the reward centers of our brain.

But is that short-term boost really worth it? If you’ve read the 3 biggest mistakes keeping your house cluttered, you know you’ve got to stop buying things you don’t need in order to reach your decluttering goals.

That short-term pleasure will be a distant memory when you are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and out of control among all the STUFF that has accumulated. That’s why you were attracted to the benefits of minimalism in the first place, right?

Not to mention the effect on your finances. How many times have you checked out and swiped your card without even noticing the total? The act of buying has become so habitual.

As moms, sometimes you just need to get out of the house. I totally get it! And a change of scenery is a great idea.

But is shopping the only option? Not by a longshot!

Add some new activities to your rotation and knock shopping off its throne as the default option. Experiences bring more lasting happiness than things, so you could even create some great memories in the process.

This list of ideas is a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Some of them are free, and all of them should cost less than your average trip to Target or the mall.

There is often so much of our local area we have yet to explore because we’re caught up in our everyday routine. Did you know there are over 10,000 state parks in the United States? How many have you visited?

Expand your horizons and meet your minimalism goals by giving one of these a try instead the next time you grab your keys to go shopping:

A minimalist’s alternatives to shopping

1. Go for a walk

2. Visit a museum

3. Go bowling

4. Take a yoga or fitness class

5. Go to the movies

6. Visit a public garden or arboretum

7. Volunteer

8. Take a tour (local news station, factory, historic building, local college, etc.)

9. Visit a bakery

10. Go boating (rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat)

11. Have coffee with a friend

12. Visit your nearest State park

13. Go to an arcade

14. Find an event on Facebook to attend

15. Go to the library

16. Visit a nature center

17. Go to a local theater production

18. Visit a historic site

19. Join a Meetup group and attend your first meetup

20. Go to a comedy club

21. Get a pedicure

22. Take an art class

23. Find a new spot somewhere out and about to read

24. Go roller skating or ice skating

25. Visit a berry patch, orchard, farm, or creamery

26. Go to a music or dance performance

27. Play miniature golf

28. Take a cooking class

29. Do an escape room or murder mystery outing

30. Go to wine, beer, or olive oil tasting

31. Visit a zoo, aquarium, or animal sanctuary

Get going!

Did you find something on here that sparked your interest? I hope so!

I live in a medium-sized city, and all of these options are available nearby. If you’re in a rural area, you might need to get a little more creative.

Your local online newspaper can be a great source of options for activities. Seasonal and cultural events can also be fun to participate in.

Avoid the temptation of going to a shopping center just to look or walk around. You know how this can end up!

Remember what appeals to you about minimalism and be intentional about aligning your activities with your values.

Now get out there and enjoy yourself, mama!

Need more minimalist inspiration?

Check out my experience with the Konmari Method and how to get your kids to help declutter their rooms.