The art of thoughtful shopping - finding joy beyond the frenzy

If you’re like me, your inbox is likely overflowing with deals, countdowns, and "last chance" offers. The urgency, the flashing sales, the endless promises of saving big - it can all feel overwhelming. What do you buy? What do you leave behind? And will those purchases bring you joy or regret?

Today is Cyber Monday, which is fascinating to me as a small e-com business owner. Did you know it originated in 2005, back when high-speed internet wasn’t a given at home? People would return to work after Thanksgiving and sneak in some online shopping before their bosses noticed. Fast forward nearly two decades, and Cyber Monday is now a shopping giant, outpacing Black Friday in many cases.

But amidst the noise of deals and discounts, how do we shop with intention? How do we choose things that not only bring us happiness in the moment but also continue to spark joy long after the purchase is made?

Objects of Joy: More Than Just Things

Let’s start with a truth: not everything we buy brings lasting happiness. Sure, there’s a rush of excitement every time we swipe our card or hit "place order," but how often does that feeling last?

True "objects of joy" are different. They’re the items you keep reaching for - the ones that enrich your daily life, help you create, connect, or simply make you smile every time you see or use them. Think back to your own purchases. Which ones still make you happy today? A favorite sweater, a trusty kitchen tool, a beautifully designed notebook? Those are your objects of joy.

In contrast, there are those impulse buys - trendy but fleeting - that sit unused in a drawer or closet. The thrill fades, and they become reminders of moments of excitement rather than lasting satisfaction.

Objects That Can Facilitate Joy

For years, we’ve heard that money can’t buy happiness. But here’s the thing - it can buy the tools, ingredients, and items that facilitate joy.

Take an artist’s brushes or a cook’s favorite knife. These objects don’t bring happiness on their own, but they enable the act of creating - a painting, a meal, a moment of shared delight. The same goes for a cast iron pan that makes the perfect dosas or a PODI jar that transforms your cooking. It’s not just about what the object is; it’s about what it helps you do.

Sometimes, the joy isn’t even in utility but in beauty or craftsmanship. Think of the small thrill of using a beautifully crafted lipstick, or the quiet pleasure of displaying a hand-thrown ceramic bowl. These objects elevate everyday moments, making them feel just a bit more special.

How to Shop For Them

So how do we identify these objects of joy? Here are a few questions to guide you:

1️⃣ Will this bring long-term joy? Ask yourself if this item will continue to make you happy weeks, months, or years from now.
2️⃣ Does it balance function and beauty? Practical items that are also thoughtfully designed - things that make you smile when you see or use them - are often the ones you cherish most.
3️⃣ Does it align with your values? Whether it’s sustainability, supporting artisans, or choosing quality over quantity, let your purchases reflect what matters to you.
4️⃣ Will it create or facilitate experiences? The best items are those that help you create memories, connect with loved ones, or deepen your everyday joys.

Shopping with Intention

As you navigate the shopping frenzy, take a moment to reflect. What experiences bring you the most happiness? A shared meal with friends? Exploring a new hobby? Watching your kids or nieces and nephews laugh over a game of cards? Choose purchases that support those experiences and invest in items that will last, delight, and inspire.

It’s not about buying less or more - it’s about buying better. When you focus on what truly brings you joy, the act of ownership itself becomes meaningful.

This season, amidst the flood of emails and ticking-clock deals, let’s choose objects of joy that will enrich our lives long after the sales end. Here’s to thoughtful choices and lasting happiness - one meaningful purchase at a time.