How to Stop Impulse Purchases with a "Gift Ideas" Wish List

This isn’t a new idea, but it’s one I’ve really been implementing recently: It’s to add things you want to a wish list instead of to your shopping cart, so you don't buy them.


This is actually a tip frequently given to parents of kids who go through a store asking for things. The idea of adding the item to a wish list or taking a photo of it is usually enough to make the child walk away without too much fuss.

I’ve started applying the idea to myself, but with the idea of saving the items as possible gifts for someone to give me in the future. My birthday is in December, so in late November and early December, I’m frequently asked what I want to receive. Now all I have to do is peruse my “gift ideas” wish list and select an appropriately priced item or two.

This doesn’t always work, of course - sometimes the giver doesn’t want to give me what I ask for. And not everyone gets to request their birthday and holiday gifts. Plus, sometimes I don’t want to wait - and I end up getting the item for myself. But even when that’s the case, I've been happy that I used the wish list because the wait has assured me that the item is something I really want.

As an example, here are a few things currently on my wish list:

Lodge 1.5qt Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
I have the 6qt and 3.6qt Dutch Ovens also, and I use them all the time. I just think a small one would be handy to have - but not so necessary that I'm going to buy it for myself.

Genuine Instant Pot Tempered Glass Lid

There are times when I've wanted to see inside my Instant Pot without having to open the lid, and the reviews say that this glass lid is great for the slow cooker function. That said, again, this doesn't seem so necessary that I'm going to buy it for myself.
O-Cedar ProMist MAX Washable Refill

This goes with the O-Cedar ProMist MAX Microfiber Spray Mop, which I use to mop my floors. I love it, but the velcro that keeps the pad on the mop head is losing its power and the pad sometimes comes off. I've used the mop a LOT, so I don't mind buying a new pad at some point. I've put it on my wish list in the hopes that it will go down in price before I HAVE to buy a new one.
Oodle Tip Large Disposable Food Filling & Decorating Bags with Attached Tips


These are on my wish list purely for fun. I saw a glowing review of them, and since decorating cakes and cupcakes always seems like too much trouble, I put these on my wish list to request sometime. If I had them, I might actually decorate!
Another way to use your wish list is to save items that you have to buy, but you don't want to always have to look up the specifications. For example, on a separate Amazon wish list, I have the batteries that fit our car key fobs and printer ink. When the time comes to order more, I won't have to look up the battery number or printer model.

Of course, it's important to remember to delete those items on your wish list that you no longer want. That's when your wish list really serves its purpose, by saving you from spending money on a purchase you don't need and didn't even really want in the first place!