Trends on TikTok flip faster than an omelet. As soon as one fades into the digital ether, another one immediately replaces it. And the newest one is here—it’s called “Underconsumption Core.”
In a complete 180 (or is it 360?) from the last big thing that had us all glued to our phones watching unboxing vids, where the platform’s influencers were buried under piles of new clothes, makeup, and the latest must-haves. TikTok is chock full of product reviews that make you want to hit “add to cart”: “This slimming bodysuit I got on Amazon is amazing and it’s only $19.99!,” “You NEED this cult-favorite face serum!” and “The Dyson Air Wrap hair dryer is as much as your rent but it is worth every penny.”
But the latest viral is urging viewers to take a much more thoughtful approach to shopping, hoping that people will be more selective with what they buy. “Underconsumption core” is where users proudly show off how they’re making the most of what they already own, repurposing household items instead of buying stuff, and saving money to boot.
This TikTok breaks down the basics of the trend. Now that we know what underconsumption core is, we thought it’d be fun to give you some ideas on how to incorporate this trend into your love life!
10 ‘Underconsumption Core’ Date Night Ideas
If you want show that cutie you matched with on a dating app that you are a sustainable king or queen and all about that eco-friendly life, here are 10 date night ideas that are inspired by the trend’s focus on being green:
Cook from Scratch with Leftovers
Make your kitchen a no-waste zone by using up the leftovers and pantry staples—no trip to the grocery store allowed! Challenge each other to throw together a decent meal by using only what you have in the fridge, freezer, and cabinets. Just be sure the things you use aren’t expired!
Thrift Store Treasure Hunt
Hit up a thrift store and set a budget (like $10 each) to find something fun or useful for your home. Then, repurpose your finds as a dynamic duo!
DIY Projects
Take on a DIY project using only things you already have at home. This could be anything from upcycling an old piece of furniture to making handmade gifts or decorations.
Secondhand Movie Marathon
Watch a movie you already own or stream something you’ve seen before and love! No new sign-ups to streaming services, no buying a movie on Apple or Prime Video or On Demand (you get the picture).
Repurpose & Reuse Challenge
Pick a room in your house and brainstorm ways to repurpose any items you already have—you could rearrange the furniture, reuse jars as storage, or find new uses for old things, like linens or clothes.
Used Book Store Hunt
This one is for the bookworms—take your book-loving date to a used bookstore and scour the shelves for any hidden gems. You can look for first editions (probably won’t happen, but you never know!), make it weird by looking for books with the craziest title or subject matter, or just look for a beloved tome your mom or dad read to you when you were a kid. It’s a low-key, thoughtful way to spend a date, and you’ll give new life to old books in the process.
Library Date Night
Instead of hitting up a used bookstore, take a trip to your local library together. You can choose a book for each other based on what you think they’d like to read—maybe it’s a novel that you read and think they’ll love too, or a subject you know they are dying to know more about. After you’ve checked out your books (I hope you have a library card), head someplace and maybe read a few chapters to each other. Talk about what you’ve read, what you think, or even debate the topic if that’s what you’re in the mood for. It’s a cute and thoughtful way to bond, and it’s totally free.
At-Home Scavenger Hunt
Turn your abode into a playground with a scavenger hunt. Not only is it fun, but a fab way to rediscover things that you forgot you owned. Each of you can make up clues that lead to things around your home that hold meaning—old photos, souvenirs from past trips, or even a fav snack that’s tucked away in that one cabinet you rarely open. It’s a nostalgic and fun way to reconnect with each other and with the little items you’ve collected over your time together.
Upcycled Fashion Show
Dig into your closets and drawers and put together some outfits with the clothes you have. The more out there, the better! Mix and match items you haven’t worn in years (and prob forgot you had) or you can style each other in apparel that you know they’d never wear—you forgot you had it for a reason. You can set up a mini runway in your hallway, put on some music and do it up! It’s silly, fun, and a way to breathe new life into old clothes without spending a dime. At the end of your fashion show, choose the items you now know you will never wear again and donate them—someone else will love your sense of style!
Free Picnic
Plan a picnic using only what you already have in your kitchen—it’s an elevated version of our first date idea! After you pull together a meal with what you already have in the kitchen, take it outside! Put down a blanket in the backyard or at a nearby park if the weather’s good, and enjoy your free feast together. And if the weather is bad? Park yourselves on that blanket inside! Add some fairy lights if you’re stuck indoors to make it feel more twinkly, or light a few candles for a romantic ambiance.
Final Thoughts
Dumping everything you own into a donation bin isn’t the point of the underconsumption core trend—the goal is to urge people to rethink their shopping habits and spend money on the things that they actually love! Things that you’ll treasure and will last for a long time. It’s better for your bank account and cuts down on waste and overconsumption, which is good for the planet.
We’re constantly pushed to compare ourselves to others, which can make it so much harder to look inward for fulfillment. So, the next time you see a must-have trend or buy something you see on an influencer, take a minute and ask yourself if you really like this thing being marketed to you—and do you want it or need it? Because those are two very different things.
