When the leaves start to turn brown and fall from the trees, pumpkins start popping up everywhere–in candles, clothes, drinks and even scents. From the pumpkin painting activities and fall festivals to the wearing cozy sweaters, people have so many different ways of celebrating the change of weather. Most notably, the pumpkin spice effect takes over everyone’s minds.
Here’s a little more background on the spice driving everyone crazy.
Pumpkin spice? More like pumpkin science
There’s some science involved behind the craze people get for pumpkin spice.
For starters, pumpkin spice has cinnamon–a natural aphrodisiac which relaxes muscles and increases sexual desire. Nutmeg reacts the same way and some studies state it can act like an antidepressant and improve the quality of sleep. To add on, these aphrodisiacs combined with the cold weather create an irresistible product people cannot resist.
You don’t need it, though; you want it
The marketing gods have mastered the art of making consumers want things they don’t need. Pumpkin spice is most definitely one of them.
The appeal of it being a “seasonal” item creates an illusion of a limited-edition item people can only buy during the fall. Pumpkin spice, however, is sold in stores all the time. What people are really buying is the experience, coupled with the concept of fall–chilly weather and cozy cotton sweaters.
Don’t break the bank with pumpkin spice
Because of these marketing tactics, people have the urge to buy everything pumpkin spice during the October and November months. To put things into perspective, Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is estimated to earn the company $500 million dollars this season with the higher end going up to $800 million– a whole lot of pumpkin spice!
This along with the different fall tactics other companies come up with, the amount of money people are spending on seasonal items is breaking the bank.
Celebrating fall on a budget
This fall, challenge yourself not to buy every pumpkin spice beverage on the menu or every pumpkin-smelling candle. Instead, buy pumpkin spice flavorings or oils to make your own at home!
And yes, it’s okay to treat yourself every now and then, but if there’s a pumpkin spice latte charge on your bank statement daily, maybe it’s time to cut back.
As for the decor, just like Christmas and Halloween, fall-themed decor can always be reused yearly. If you must get them new, affordable fall decor can be found at places like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Walmart, Target, Ross and dd’s DISCOUNTS.
Food, or pumpkin, for thought
Opting for more mindful spending habits this fall can help you to enjoy the season without becoming a financial victim of the pumpkin spice phenomena.
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