7 Holiday Items You Really Don’t Need to Buy

The excitement and pressure of the holiday season can often lead us to buying more than we need. While shopping for gifts for others, it’s easy to get tempted by all the festive aisles and throw in a few (or several) extra items just for fun. As a result, we often accumulate things we don’t use, that take up too much space, and ultimately must be decluttered. So perhaps it’s smarter not to buy these items in the first place. To save you from dealing with extra clutter later on, here are seven holiday items you really don’t really need.

Holiday Bakeware

Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space, says holiday-themed baking pans may look fun, but they often end up as space-hogging clutter in your kitchen cabinets.

“I recommend sticking to versatile, everyday baking pans and opting for holiday-themed decorations like cookie cutters, edible sprinkles, and cake toppers,” she says. “These smaller, multipurpose items can give your baked goods a festive flair without taking over valuable cabinet real estate.”

Still on the fence? Ask yourself how often you truly use those pans. “Let’s be honest, those snowman or reindeer pans get used maybe once a year, leaving them to collect dust the rest of the time,” Duckworth says. “By using standard pans and dressing up your creations with seasonal decor, you’ll save space and still bring plenty of holiday cheer to your desserts.”

Holiday-Themed Decor

According to Jenny Dreizen, modern-day etiquette expert, you don’t really need holiday-specific decor that you only bring out that time of year. “We only have limited space for things like candlesticks, vases, and any larger or more cumbersome home decor or party items [that you won’t use year round],” Dreizen says. “Don’t clutter your home with holiday-themed items when you can have neutral-colored items and use the holiday decor you already have to decorate around them.”

Not a fan of neutrals? Opt for metallics, like gold and silver, which look appropriate for just about every occasion.

Holiday Dishes

Those santa or snowflake-themed dishes aren’t worth the money and take up a lot of storage space for something you probably use once a year. If you have a set of family china, use that instead. Or, if you like fancy dishes, hit up your local thrift store or an estate sale for unique finds without breaking the bank.

However, if you really like holiday kitsch, opt for a singular platter or serving piece instead of an entire set of dishes.

Holiday Pillows and Blankets

Siobhan Alvarez-Borland, DIY and lifestyle expert, says that while she loves decorating for the holidays, she simply doesn’t have the space to store all of those holiday pillows and blankets.

“I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to clutter your home [or your storage spaces] with seasonal textiles,” Alvarez-Borland says. “Stick with neutral, versatile pillows and blankets that work year-round, and shift your holiday decorating energy into sprucing up your tree and mantle instead,” she says. “Think garlands, stockings, and ornaments—they pack a festive punch without taking up valuable closet real estate. Plus, it’s easier to swap out a few accessories than overhaul your whole living room each season.”

Holiday Gift Wrap

That candy cane print gift wrap probably won’t look appropriate for a birthday gift in March. But plain silver or brown kraft paper will. Skip the holiday-themed gift wrap and opt for something more versatile that you can use all year round. Or, go with reusable bags instead. 

Candles

Are you really going to burn that huge sugar cookie or peppermint candle at any time other than your annual holiday party? Probably not. Instead of choosing a scent that screams “holidays,” go with a more universal fragrance, like fresh linen or a floral. If you really like winter scents, opt for something like a pine forest scent, which you’ll probably still enjoy through the spring.

Joke Gifts

While buying gag or joke gifts can be funny for a few minutes, does anyone really need a “dad joke” button or a can of dehydrated water? Not at all. These are more of a punishment than a gift. Even if you’re on a budget, you can still find meaningful and useful gifts at a great price these days.