Impulse shopping is something we’ve all done — clicking “Buy Now” without thinking twice. But for UK shoppers, these quick decisions add up fast. On average, Brits spend over £1,000 per year on impulse buys. That’s an entire holiday, a new laptop, or months’ worth of groceries.

So how do you stop the habit — without feeling like you’re missing out? Here are 5 proven tips that don’t involve giving up your favourite shops.

1. Understand Your Triggers

Are you shopping out of boredom? Stress? A 50% off banner flashing at the top of the page?

Recognising what prompts your impulse buys is the first step. For many people, it’s emotional — a short-term high that leads to long-term regret.

📌 Tip: Keep a note on your phone of the moments you feel tempted to shop.

2. Use Technology to Pause Before Buying

This is where the Don’t Buy That browser extension comes in. It gently interrupts you on major UK shopping sites like Amazon, Temu, eBay, ASOS and more with a simple popup:

“Do you really need this?”

That small moment of pause gives your brain time to think rationally instead of emotionally.

📌 Bonus: It also delays the “Buy Now” or “Checkout” button for a few seconds, making impulse purchases harder to complete.

3. Set Weekly Spending Limits

You don’t need a full budgeting spreadsheet — just give yourself a simple spending cap for “wants.”

📌 Example: £25/week on non-essentials. If you don’t use it, roll it over!

4. Wait 24 Hours for Non-Essentials

See something you love? Bookmark it or add it to a wishlist. If you still want it tomorrow, it might be worth it. If you forget about it — you just saved money.

📌 Challenge: Try the 24-hour rule for 7 days and track how many purchases you skip.

5. Make Saving More Satisfying

Impulse spending gives you a quick dopamine hit — so give your brain a better one.

📌 Try this: Every time you resist a purchase, transfer that amount into a savings pot labelled “Things I Really Want.” Watch it grow.

Final Thought: You’re Not Alone

Impulse shopping is designed to be tempting. But with a little awareness — and the right tools — you can stop overspending without feeling deprived.

💡 Try the Don’t Buy That Chrome Extension today — it’s free, simple to use, and made just for UK shoppers like you.