Things I Don’t Buy as a Minimalist Mum (Toddler Edition, age 1-2)

As a mother and a minimalist, navigating the changing needs of my toddler presents a unique set of challenges. With each new milestone and developing skill, numerous products and services are marketed to us, promising to simplify parenthood or enhance our child’s happiness. However, the reality of parenthood can be vastly different from our idealised visions before having children. It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying items in the pursuit of being the best parent we can, because is that not what we all want? But do these products truly deliver what they advertise? The keywords here are “things I don’t buy as a minimalist mum.” Which is about identifying the essentials, the items that truly add value to our lives right now, and letting go of the rest. Unless the benefit of an item proves itself indispensable over time, it doesn’t make the cut. This approach isn’t about depriving our children or ourselves. Rather, it’s about mindfully choosing what we bring into our lives. We all want the best for our children, but our best doesn’t equate to owning every toddler-focused product on the market. Instead, it’s about focusing on the essentials and fostering a home environment that’s centered around love, growth, and meaningful experiences. Are you curious about the “things I don’t buy” during the toddler years as a minimalist mum? Let’s dive in!

Things I Don’t Buy for My Toddler

Clothing

1. New Outfits

One of the things I don’t buy as a minimalist mum is new outfits for my child. We’re lucky to receive gifted clothing, which gives our child a varied wardrobe. When we need specific items, like trousers, we opt for preloved clothes from platforms like Vinted. These high-quality, hardly worn clothes cost a fraction of the original price. This aligns with our simpler lifestyle, reduces clutter, and crucially, saves money. We do make exceptions for things like underwear and pyjamas, which we always buy new.

2. Expensive First Shoes

One of the items I chose not to purchase is expensive first shoes for my toddler, which can often cost somewhere between £40-50 a pair. With the suggestion to frequently check the fit every 6-8 weeks, this felt like a big ask, particularly when my little one prefers exploring the world barefoot.

Our journey of seeking affordable yet comfortable shoes began when we visited a shoe shop to get her feet measured. Seeing the four pairs of shoes the sales assistant selected for us, along with their hefty price tags, was quite a surprise. We decided to take a step back and explore other options. Knowing her shoe size was a great starting point. We discovered some lovely affordable alternatives at a discount shoe shop that were perfect for her. To make things even easier, we invested in a foot measuring tool, allowing us to regularly check her size at home. We now use Vinted to purchase lightly used, high-quality shoes that are both affordable and good value. This approach is in harmony with our minimalist lifestyle and, bonus, it helps us save money too.

3. Clothes That Don’t Fit

As a minimalist mum, I avoid buying clothing that don’t currently fit my child, irrespective of how cute it is or how tempting the bargain may be. With children growing faster than we sometimes realise, predicting their size in a few months can be quite the challenge. More often than not, by the time the outfit would fit, it’s no longer season-appropriate, or my child’s tastes have changed. So, I focus on purchasing clothes that fit her right now, ensuring every piece is well-loved and nothing goes to waste. This approach helps us maintain a tidy, clutter-free wardrobe. Plus, it keeps me mindful of my shopping habits and helps me resist the allure of unnecessary consumerism.

Eating

4. Child-Specific Foods

Another one of the things I don’t buy as a minimalist mum is child-specific foods. Often, these foods are attractively packaged but loaded with sugar and low in nutritional value. Instead, I take pleasure in creating wholesome, balanced meals that everyone in the family can enjoy. This approach encourages healthy eating habits in my little one from an early age. Plus, it reduces the need for extra storage space for child-specific foods. It’s also more economical, as preparing family meals can be cheaper than individual ones, and child-specific packaged foods can be pricier than regular versions. Of course, we do enjoy occasional indulgences in “junk” foods. I believe in balance, and part of that is letting children experience a variety of foods, including treats. However, these are special occasions, not an everyday routine.

Bathing/Grooming

5. Specific Children’s Toiletries

One of the things I don’t buy as a minimalist mum is specific children’s toiletries. Although they may seem essential, I’ve discovered they’re often unnecessary and can lead to clutter and waste. Many of these special soaps and shampoos have the same ingredients as those for adults, but with different packaging and a higher price tag. Instead, I choose natural, gentle products that everyone in the family can use. This approach not only simplifies our bathroom but also reduces waste and helps us save money.

6. Hair Cuts

One of the things I don’t buy for my toddler are professional haircuts. Now, I know this might seem surprising to some, but let me share my reasons. First, my little one has curly hair, which is quite forgiving when it comes to DIY haircuts. Any small mistakes I might make while trimming her hair aren’t noticeable thanks to those lovely curls. Second, the internet is a treasure trove of resources. There are countless tutorials available on YouTube that provide step-by-step instructions on how to cut hair. By watching these tutorials and practicing, I’ve been able to learn how to trim her hair myself. Third, as many parents can attest, children’s hair grows incredibly fast. This means that maintaining a neat fringe would require monthly, if not more frequent, trips to the salon. These visits can quickly add up, becoming quite a significant expense over time.

By cutting her hair at home, I can keep her looking neat without the extra cost or the need to schedule and keep up with regular hair appointments. It’s a win-win situation — we save money and time, and it’s a surprisingly fun activity that offers a great bonding experience. It’s just another facet of our minimalist lifestyle, focusing on simplicity, practicality, and the joy of DIY!

Toys

7. Gimmicky/Trendy/Random Toys

Despite the appeal and fun that gimmicky, trendy, or random toys might initially offer, as a minimalist mum, these are among the things I don’t buy for my child. While she occasionally receives such toys from friends’ parties and enjoys playing with them, her interest in these trinkets often wanes quickly.

These toys, usually small and inexpensive, can easily break or get lost, which, in a way, aligns with our minimalist approach as they don’t linger in our home for long. Nevertheless, I consciously choose not to purchase these items. They may be entertaining in the short term, but their lack of durability and fleeting appeal do not offer lasting value.

8. Electronics/Devices

In line with the things I don’t buy philosophy as a minimalist mum, electronic toys or devices are consciously left off our shopping list. Even though some are promoted as educational, we prefer toys that boost our daughter’s concentration and require her to figure out their workings. Rather than resorting to mobile devices for entertainment, we encourage her to enjoy (limited) shows on the living room TV. This deliberate choice helps ensure she doesn’t equate amusement with our phones. On a recent long distance car trip, we had a tablet holder ready in case she needed some visual entertainment, but we decided to delay its use as much as possible. As it turned out, she was perfectly content, enjoying a restful nap, and observing the world outside her window. This approach is an attempt to encourage more balanced screen habits and to introduce an appreciation for simple, non-digital activities.

Out and About

9. Child Reigns

Another of the things I don’t buy as a minimalist mum are child reigns. We’ve found that we rarely visit places where they would be necessary. We prefer destinations where our daughter can freely explore and run around. On the few occasions when this isn’t possible, and we are in a busy, built up area, she’s happy to hold our hands and stay close.

10. Gashapon (Gumball) Machines and Carousels

As a minimalist mum, I don’t typically purchase items like treats from gumball machines or carousel rides in shopping centers. These attractions are strategically placed and decorated with bright colours and flashing lights to draw in young children.

Gashapon machines, while filled with colourful sweets and small toys, offer limited play value and are often short-lived. They can also be costly given the return, and pose a challenge to promoting healthy eating habits and limiting sugar intake.

Similarly, carousels, despite their captivating lights and lively music, are brief experiences and can be expensive. There’s also the potential issue of creating an expectation for your child to ride every time you visit the shopping center, which can quickly become costly.

That being said, this doesn’t mean my toddler has never experienced these things. Sometimes family and friends enjoy treating her when they pass these attractions. While I personally choose not to buy these items, I’m okay with others doing so.

Other

11. Character-Themed Items

In my journey as a mum who embraces simplicity, one of the things I don’t buy for my little one are character-themed items. While these items, which can range from toys and clothing to bedroom decorations, are undeniably adorable, they often come with a higher price tag simply because they feature a popular character. Moreover, kids can be whimsical and their favourites can change from one day to the next. What’s cherished today could easily be forgotten tomorrow, resulting in these special items just gathering dust. Adding to this, an abundance of character-themed items can create both physical and visual clutter in our homes. Therefore, I prefer to choose high-quality, versatile items that my child can use and enjoy, regardless of the current character trend.

12. Child-Size Furniture

One of the items featuring in my things I don’t buy list as a minimalist mum is child-size furniture. While it might seem appealing and even necessary to buy furniture designed specifically for toddlers, I’ve discovered that it’s often short-lived. Children grow incredibly fast, and what might be the perfect size for them today can quickly become too small.

Instead of investing in child-sized furniture, we opted for full-sized pieces that could adapt with our growing family. For instance, we added a tension rod to our child’s wardrobe, positioning it at a height she could easily reach. This allows her to access everything she needs while also giving her a sense of independence. This approach is not only economical but also reduces potential waste and the need for frequent replacements.

13. Rewards and Reward Systems

Another item on the things I don’t buy list as a minimalist mum is rewards or reward systems. While they’re often touted as a successful method for encouraging good behaviour, I’ve chosen a different path for my family. Managing a reward system is just another thing to add to an already packed parenting to-do list. It can quickly become complex and time-consuming, detracting from the simplicity we aim for in our minimalist lifestyle.

Beyond this practical aspect, I also believe in encouraging my child to do things because they are kind, responsible, or helpful — not because there is a reward waiting at the end. I want her to understand that we should do good things because it’s the right thing to do, not because we expect something in return. This approach is not always easy, and it requires patience and consistency. However, I believe that it fosters a genuine understanding of the value of positive actions and behaviours, rather than creating a transactional mindset where every good deed is done in anticipation of a reward.

By not relying on a reward system, we are also saving money and avoiding the accumulation of more stuff — reward prizes that could potentially end up causing more clutter. This aligns with our minimalist principles and our desire to live with less.

14. Toddler Groups

Another thing I don’t pay for are toddler groups. While these groups can offer a great way for little ones to socialise and learn new skills, they often come with a hefty price tag. Moreover, I’ve found that there are plenty of free or low-cost activities that can offer similar benefits.

For instance, we regularly visit local parks, libraries, and community centres, where my daughter can interact with other children her age and explore in a safe environment. We also enjoy at-home playdates with friends, which provide a comfortable and familiar setting for the kids to play and learn together. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with joining toddler groups if they fit within your budget and align with your family’s needs and values. But for us, focusing on free or low-cost activities and gatherings is just another way we embrace a minimalist approach to parenting.

The journey of minimalist parenting is unique and personal. The “things I don’t buy” may not be the same for every family, and that’s perfectly okay. The beauty of minimalism lies in its flexibility and adaptability, not in rigid rules. We all have different family dynamics, needs, and circumstances. You might find that some or all the items I’ve mentioned are essential for your family’s happiness and comfort. What’s important is to be mindful of what we bring into our homes and lives, and to ensure those things add genuine value. The items listed here are just some of the things I’ve found that my family and I can live a fulfilling, simpler life without.

In sharing my experience as a minimalist mum, my hope is to encourage you to question the status quo and consider what truly serves your family’s needs and enriches your lives. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to minimalism or parenting. Be kind to yourself, trust your instincts, and make choices that feel right for your family. After all, every family is beautifully unique, and so is their journey towards a simpler, more intentional life.

What are the things you don’t buy for your toddler? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please feel free to share in the comments section 🤍