11 (Mostly) Free Things That Will Bring You Joy Right Now

...Instead of shopping Prime Day (or any of the barrage of sales competing with Prime Day)

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve been working to unlearn Amazon. As someone who has the means to shop locally, cares about the planet, and already has more than enough, it was time to cut my Amazon umbilical cord.

I started by setting a few limits: no more buying books or toys from Amazon. Audiobooks were also a no-go once I learned about Libro.FM (kindle books I haven't found an alternative yet, and our library system is tiny).

Next, I deleted the Amazon app from my phone. You can still order from Amazon without the app; it just adds an extra step, giving you a few crucial seconds to think, “Do I really need this?”

Soon after, I canceled my Prime membership with glee. You can still order from Amazon without Prime and get free shipping on orders $35+.

Yes, I still make occasional Amazon purchases, but my relationship with it is much healthier now, and I buy a lot less unnecessary stuff.

I don’t judge anyone who shops from Amazon; I know there are many different reasons why and also I still do myself. But I do blame Amazon for creating a culture where we believe goods should be cheap and shipping free. We are all influenced in Amazon’s by design approach to consumerism, this is a judgment-free zone—unless you’re Jeff Bezos. Then, yes, I judge you. (But also hi, Jeff! If you enjoy my content, how about becoming a paid subscriber? A year of my Substack costs less than half what one customer pays you annually for “free” shipping! 😃)

So, in honor of Prime Day (is it a day? A week? A month?), and my commitment to buying less and finding joy in experiences, not stuff, here are some ideas for things to enjoy instead of shopping. I need this list as much as anyone. Let me know in the comments which one you try first!

My 6yo requested his own playlist for his birthday (I KNOW!!) a few months back and it’s loaded with many of his favorite songs. He loves having the agency to initiate a dance party by playing it on the TV.

1. Have a Dance Party/Jam Session
Turn up the music and dance like nobody’s watching! I promise it’s an instant mood booster. I’ve been dancing to Lover on our turntable every morning this week while my kids play on the floor and it fills me with so. much joy.

2. Do a 20-Minute Declutter
Nothing curbs a shopping spree like confronting your clutter. Pick a spot, set a timer, and get to it. I did this while my baby napped and ended up reorganizing all my clothes. Can’t do it right now? Make a list of five areas to declutter and tackle them asap.

3. Go on a Walk
Strap on those sneakers, slather on some SPF, and soak in the fresh air. This activity is great with or without kids in tow.

4. Make a Pinterest Mood Board
What’s calling to you? Fall vibes? Bathroom renovation ideas? New ways to style your current wardrobe? Delete the Amazon app and replace it with Pinterest.

5. Meditate
Find a guided meditation on YouTube or Spotify, or just sit and breathe. Even a few minutes can make a big difference.

6. Read a Book
Pick up any book you already have or head to your local library. Get lost in a story and enjoy the ride.

7. Stretch
Prioritize stretching each day. There are so many amazing free videos on YouTube. Even a 5-minute stretch can do wonders.

8. Make a Homemade Latte
Whip up your favorite drink at home. Treat yourself to a coffee shop experience using what you already have. These homemade coffee syrups sound like a delicious addition!

9. Catch Up with Your Grandma or a Friend
Call your grandparent or a distant friend. These connections are life-giving when you make time for them.

10. Journal
Write down all the things you want to buy, then revisit it later. Or use journal prompts to fill a page with your thoughts. It feels great to brain-dump.

11. Be in This Moment Now
Spend time being present. I’ve spent a lot of time just sitting with my 13-month-old in the shallow end of the pool this summer, and it’s helped me learn to better appreciate the moment. I’ve focused on memorizing the smallest details of my children’s features, looking up at the sky, and taking deep breaths. It’s simple but powerful stuff. One thing I keep coming back to is recognizing what is true this summer that will not be true next summer and meditating on that reality.

So this Prime Day (week? month?!), put down the online cart, consider the fleeting nature of the moment, and enjoy it with the zest of saving 40% on a tube of lash growth serum (guilty!).