The Panic Buy You Don’t Need to Make

What NOT to Stockpile—Even If Prices Go Up

June 04, 2025

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Hey Simplifiers,

We’ve seen this before: word of rising prices spreads, and suddenly toilet paper’s sold out, canned goods are disappearing, and someone’s hoarding 17 air fryers “just in case.” 😅

Now with new tariff hikes on the horizon, many are wondering: should I start stocking up now?

The short answer? Not so fast.

We spoke with shopping and economic experts to break down which items you should NOT panic buy—because either the price hike is temporary, the item won’t be heavily impacted, or buying too much will backfire.

🛒 Items You Don’t Need to Stockpile

1. Electronics (Phones, Laptops, etc.)

While prices might eventually shift, they tend to fluctuate based on tech cycles, not just tariffs. Many big-box retailers already have stock—and tech evolves fast, so buying extra today means you’ll just be outdated twice later.

Expert Note: Most tariffs on electronics are phased in slowly, and large retailers hedge prices in advance.

2. Furniture

Tariffs might cause a temporary bump, but furniture isn’t exactly something you buy every month. Most folks can wait it out. Plus, buying now might mean compromising on style, size, or budget.

Panic-Buy Risk: You end up with a “just in case” bookshelf you don’t even need.

3. Luxury Beauty Products

Let’s be honest. Those $75 face creams may not even work, with or without tariffs. And beauty brands constantly run sales or product swaps. Don’t hoard.

💡 Tip: Focus on drugstore staples that are actually at risk (like certain sunscreen formulas) if you need to stock up.

4. Seasonal Decor

Christmas in July… is not a reason to buy 8 fake trees. Most seasonal goods are manufactured far in advance and already shipped—so prices won’t change until next year.

Expert Note: Panic buying holiday decor just leads to regret… and storage bins.

5. Basic Clothing

You don’t need to panic buy socks or hoodies. Tariff hikes rarely cause immediate price jumps here. Fast fashion brands especially are known to absorb small cost increases and pass little on to consumers.

Instead: Watch for end-of-season clearance deals (still a thing).

⚠️ When Panic Buying Backfires

Buying out of fear often leads to:

  • Wasted money (because the price didn’t actually increase)

  • Storage stress (where are you putting 48 paper towel rolls?)

  • Overconsumption (using more because you have more)

Experts say the best thing to do is stay informed, buy intentionally, and wait for facts—not fear—to guide your spending.

Final Thoughts

Yes, prices might rise, but not every item is worth hoarding. Stay aware, but stay smart, because being financially savvy means knowing when to stock up and when to stand down.

Here’s to a simpler, calmer kind of adulting,
C
Founder of The Simple Adult

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