Not buying 'things' - the rules

Day 2 of my challenge of no buying 'things' for a year - what are the rules?

I've started my year of not buying 'things' - but what are the rules I've set myself? Basically it boils down to no unnecessary purchases. And no, I won't be justifying 'needing' a new dress for a party, I intend to be strict with myself, but without making life impossible.

So I can't buy clothes, shoes, bags, accessories.

No cosmetics, basic toiletries only.

No 'useful' or decorative items for the house - only essentials.

No art materials that I might do something with one day, or chairs from the dump that one day I will get around to painting....

No buying books, magazines or newspapers.  I can use the library instead, or read online.
 

So what will I be allowed to buy?

Food obviously, medicines, basic toiletries, replacements for stuff that's broken if I can't mend it and I need it. So for example, if the washing machine breaks, or my running shoes fall to pieces, I can mend or replace them. 

Cleaning materials & anything essential for house maintenance.

Fuel, tickets, experiences, holidays. 'Doing' rather than 'having'.

Necessary stationery, glue, sellotape etc. If I do actually get around to painting that chair I bought from the dump a couple of years ago, then I will try and use materials I've got, but if I run out of something essential, that's OK.

Stuff for the puppy. Having just (a few days ago) acquired a new cockapoo puppy, and not having been dog owners before, it's a bit like having a new baby and I am currently getting to grips with what is essential, and what we don't need. So rather than rushing it, there are a few things like a carrier for the car, which I know we will need but haven't bought yet.


But what about the family?

So I think that covers most things - but there is one area that is a bit more complicated. When I have mentioned to my teenage children that I might stop buying 'things' for a year, I could see a look of panic sweep across their faces. From a teenage point of view, buying 'things' isn't just about consumption, it's all about reflecting who you aspire to be. For my youngest son, his collection of 'band merch' as he calls it (T shirts with logos from obscure punk bands) and his collection of Vans shoes are highly important. My daughter loves her make up and her eclectic clothing collection which is mainly sourced from Oxfam, (so not too bad really?)  So I hastened to reassure them that this is my project, not theirs. Panic was replaced by relief.  But it does beg the question as how to handle birthdays and Christmas? And what about friends birthdays? I need to think about it some more, but I think I can deal with it by a combination of buying experiences rather than things, giving things I've already got or made myself, and if all else fails, teenagers love cold hard cash. That way, at least they are making their own choices and not having me buy something I think they'd love, when actually they don't.