Over-consumption is an issue
De-influencing is the trending discourse
In this article, I discuss ways you can participate in Black Friday deals without participating in overconsumption for your loved ones during this holiday season.
“De-influencing” has become popular on Tik-Tok as people list reasons why you don’t need another Stanley cup, Dior lip oil, or gym set crowding your space. It seems like every week there is some new protein powder or mascara you need to buy in order to elevate your quality of life. With the holidays coming up, consumers are inundated with special holiday gift sets and prices exclusively sold online and in-store. De-influencing is a discussion about material items that people feel the need to purchase but not experience. No one will ever tell you to not try that new restaurant or nail salon and in this list are 5 gift ideas that lean towards experiences more than material goods.
ClassPass is a membership service that offers you a certain amount of credits that allow you to try a wellness facility without making a full commitment. I have a membership where I get 27 credits a month and with these credits, I can reserve a fitness class for 10 credits or less with some more to spare. On ClassPass I’ve been able to try different nail salons, massage parlors, gyms, hair salons, and more. What’s special about ClassPass is the first week you sign up, they offer you 20 free credits, and moving forward any unused credits will roll over to the following month. A thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys self-care would be a ClassPass membership.
Speaking of self-care, a gift card to your favorite bathhouse or massage parlor is thoughtful. Around the holidays no matter what your occupation is, times can be stressful. Here in New York, the weather gets cold, people are moving in and out of the city and the stressors of a commute can cause a lot of tension in your body. Often times people would overlook how important relaxation is and with this gift, scheduling time for themselves should be easy. Travel Noire compiled a list of the most notable Black-owned spas here in New York City with amazing reviews and accessible locations.
If you live in New York, there are several shows debuting on Broadway that would make for a cute date night idea. Buying someone tickets to see a show is a great idea especially if you want to expose them to experiences in New York. Life can move pretty fast and if you’re a true New Yorker who doesn’t work near Broadway, we tend to stay clear of that area. Shows like JA JA’s African Hair Braiding and The Lion King are showing on Broadway and now is a better time than ever to visit them.
Speaking of Manhattan, there are interactive museums happening all over New York that everyone should take advantage of. CityGuideNY.com made a list of the best immersive experiences that are happening now and buying tickets to experience any of these museums would be a great gift. Museums staged for iconic Instagram pics and everlasting memories, this is one gift your loved one will never forget.
Lastly, and possibly the most thoughtful gift idea is reservations to a class that is either pottery drawing or rug making. These kinds of activities are good to bond over as you immerse yourself in the experience of making something with your friend. There is nothing more rewarding than watching the process from start to finish and having a finished product to take home.
Instead of adding to the clutter of your loved one’s space, invest in experience and self-care rituals. The best part of these ideas is that you may expose your friends to something new that they enjoy and they continue to invest in this thing. Last year, my friend got me tickets to a small jazz show that I proudly frequent solo and with friends. I wrote on Medium about the topic of de-influencing and why buying makeup and beauty products is more harmful than good.
Until Next Time!
Melissa