The documentary “Add to Cart” explores the overconsumption of collectibles and the influence of rapidly changing trends in contemporary society. From Stanley Cups and Owalas to fidget spinners and Labubus, trending products quickly become “must-haves,” despite offering little functional value and often carrying inflated prices. Driven by factors such as FOMO, social acceptance, aesthetics, and personal happiness, consumers blur the line between wants and needs as social media amplifies hype and social validation.

The documentary examines why consumers continue to overspend on collectibles whose popularity often fades within weeks or months, leaving many discarded or forgotten. It also explores economic influences, such as the “lipstick effect,” where consumers turn to small luxury purchases during financial instability. Through interviews with collectors and professors in Waterloo, “Add to Cart” aims to uncover the psychological, social, and economic motivations behind overconsumption while encouraging audiences to reflect on and combat their own shopping habits.