7 Gift Ideas for a Minimalist this Christmas
Don’t know what to give to your clutter free friend or maybe you are just stuck in a Christmas rush? Either way let me help you brainstorm for some good Christmas gift ideas that you can actually give to your loved ones with pride!
Minimalists don’t just hate clutter for no reason. If it doesn’t add any value into their lives or the lives of their loved ones, it is much better for it to go elsewhere.
They appreciate purposeful experiences rather than material things.
So considering these facts, where do you start for giving them a thoughtful and memorable gift this Christmas season? Let’s dive in with some ideas to get you going:
Travel
What about a little weekend away to create some precious memories? It could be local or somewhere for an exotic break. You choose based on where you know they love and their favourite activities. Where would you go?
Membership Cards + Subscriptions
Ideal gifts are those which will make their lives a little bit easier or more enjoyable. Here are some top ideas:
- Streaming Services:
- Music: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
- Video: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
- Books: Audible, Scribd
- Magazine & Newspaper Subscriptions:
- Publications like The New York Times, The Economist, National Geographic, or niche magazines that cater to specific interests.
- Learning & Courses:
- Online Platforms: MasterClass, Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare subscriptions for lifelong learners.
- Language Learning Apps: Duolingo Plus, Rosetta Stone, or Babbel.
- Fitness & Wellness:
- Gym or yoga studio memberships.
- Wellness app subscriptions like Calm, Headspace, or MyFitnessPal Premium.
- Food & Drink:
- Monthly gourmet coffee or tea subscriptions.
- Meal kit delivery services like Blue Apron, HelloFresh, or Sun Basket.
- Books & Literature:
- E-Book Subscriptions: Kindle Unlimited for avid readers.
- Book Clubs: Membership to a book club that sends curated reads each month.
- Arts & Culture:
- Museum or art gallery memberships.
- Theater or cinema subscription services or passes.
- Gaming:
- Gaming platform subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus.
- App subscriptions for mobile games or platforms like Steam.
- Software & Productivity:
- Subscriptions to productivity tools like Notion, Evernote Premium, or Todoist Premium.
- Creative software memberships like Adobe Creative Cloud.
When gifting a subscription or membership, ensure that the recipient will make use of and appreciate the service. It might be a good idea to discuss the idea beforehand or offer a short-term subscription as a trial. This ensures the gift aligns with their interests and lifestyle.
Experiences
How about tickets to a comedy show, their favourite musician or a theatre show they have been longing to see? Other ideas could include:
- Culinary Experiences:
- Cooking or baking classes.
- Wine or craft beer tasting sessions.
- Reservation at a specialty or high-end restaurant.
- Performing Arts:
- Tickets to theatre shows, ballets, operas, or concerts.
- Passes for film festivals or special movie screenings.
- Workshops & Classes:
- Pottery, painting, or photography workshops.
- Dance lessons (like salsa, ballroom, or contemporary).
- DIY or crafting workshops.
- Adventure & Outdoors:
- Zip-lining, bungee jumping, or hot air balloon rides.
- Guided hikes or nature walks.
- Scuba diving or snorkeling trips.
- Wellness & Relaxation:
- Spa day vouchers or massage therapy sessions.
- Meditation or yoga retreats.
- Floatation tank experiences.
- Sports & Physical Activities:
- Golf lessons or day passes to a golf course.
- Indoor skydiving or trampolining sessions.
- Tickets to a major sports event.
- Educational Experiences:
- Museum, aquarium, or planetarium memberships.
- Lectures, seminars, or guest speaker events on topics of interest.
- Nature & Wildlife:
- Wildlife sanctuary or national park visits.
- Whale watching or bird watching tours.
- Botanical garden memberships.
Gifting experiences can create lasting memories and are especially meaningful when tailored to the recipient’s interests and passions. Another special touch is when the gift giver shares the experience, making it a bonding moment for both.
Zero Waste and Eco Friendly Products
Some minimalists may associate themselves with a zero waste lifestyle. That means that they are extremely mindful with the effect of their purchases on themselves, others and the environment.
Reusable Containers & Storage:
- Stainless steel or glass water bottles.
- Beeswax wraps to replace plastic cling film.
- Reusable silicone food storage bags.
- Stainless steel or glass food containers.
Bags & Totes:
- Cloth produce bags for grocery shopping.
- Canvas tote bags for general use.
- Reusable mesh bags for bulk shopping.
Kitchen Products:
- Compostable dish scrubbers or brushes.
- Bamboo cutlery sets.
- Stainless steel or glass straws with cleaning brushes.
- Reusable coffee filters or tea infusers.
Personal Care:
- Shampoo and conditioner bars.
- Biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes.
- Reusable cotton rounds for makeup removal.
- Stainless steel safety razors.
- Menstrual cups or reusable cloth pads.
Household Items:
- Eco-friendly laundry detergent strips.
- Wool dryer balls to replace fabric softener sheets.
- Solar-powered chargers or devices.
- Hand-cranked or solar-powered radios or flashlights.
Gardening & Outdoors:
- Seed packets for native plants or vegetables.
- Biodegradable plant pots.
- Composting kits or worm farms.
- Solar garden lights.
Clothing & Accessories:
- Clothes made from organic or recycled materials.
- Eco-friendly jewelry, often made from upcycled or sustainably sourced materials.
- Biodegradable phone cases.
Zero Waste Kits:
- Starter kits that include a selection of eco-friendly products for those beginning their zero-waste journey.
Other top tips here!
Cook for them or take them out for a meal
Is there a restaurant they have been longing to visit forever? Now is the time to gift them a trip for a 3 course meal. OR have you ever thought about cooking them a meal? It takes effort but has a special dash of love and sentiment.
“A person cooking is a person giving. Even the simplest food is a gift.”
Laurie Colwin
YOUR TIME
One of the most beautiful things you can give, is your time. Perhaps you suggest a day out where you go for a walk or visit a local area where you can spend some quality time together chatting and catching up. If you feel the need to buy them something, then you pick up a cuppa at the coffee shop!
Gift Vouchers
If you really can’t decide what would serve them best, then it is much better if you let them decide.
Letting them choose can be very exciting!
Hopefully, this list is enough to get you started. What gift ideas did I miss? Happy gifting!
Other Helpful Christmas Posts for you:
12 Minimalist Christmas Decor Ideas
8 Steps to a Stress-Free Christmas Dinner
5 Simple Ways to Get Ready for the Holiday Season
The Art of Thoughtful Gift Giving
Want a Simple & Stress Free Christmas?
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By embracing the principles of intentionality and simplicity, you open the doors to a Christmas that’s rich in meaning, free from stress, and filled with moments that truly resonate.
Download now and start the beautiful process of aligning your festive celebrations with your true values and desires.