Navigating gift-giving around the holidays is often tricky for those with minimalists on their list. After all, how do you find gifts for minimalists when they don’t buy, need, or even want much?
After years of being a minimalist living in a 150 square foot tiny house living, I get asked this question every year. People often tell me they have no idea what to give me (the truth is they don’t need to give gifts at all, but I definitely appreciate the thoughtfulness).
So, I decided to compile a list of the top gifts for minimalists. Hopefully, you’ll find something for every minimalist on your list. Remember, it’s the thought that counts. No matter what you give, chances are they’ll appreciate the sentiment.
And if YOU are the minimalist and don’t know how to help confused family and friends figure out gift-giving this season, send them this post to give them a few great ideas!
Self-Improvement Gifts for Minimalists
Minimalists are often goal-getters. They’re all about self-improvement, and if you love and care about a minimalist, you want to see them succeed. You may need to do a little homework—find out goals the person is working towards. Learning about what is on a person’s bucket list is a great way to get ideas to help them achieve.
Reading and learning materials are always an excellent gift on the path to self-improvement—and it doesn’t need to be limited to ONLY tutorials and self-improvement books, either. After all, what’s a better mental health break than reading or listening to a great book?
If people ask you what you want, you can think of gifts to help achieve your own goals. Here are a few ideas for great self-improvement gifts.
Kindle Paperwhite
Thin, lightweight, and now waterproof, a Kindle is an excellent gift for someone who’s cutting back on clutter. Books on a Kindle are a great way to give someone a great read without taking up more space on the bookshelf. Yes, an electronic reader is often a divisive topic for bibliophiles, so feel out their preference first. If they already own an e-reader, then a book recommendation is a terrific gift.
Audible Subscription
Right now, an Audible subscription comes with 30 days free, then $14.95/month. I love Audible because it lets me get more “reading” in when I’m driving, commuting, or on a road trip. Making the most of my travel time allows me to work on my goals with a business or self-improvement book, get in fun reading with a fiction book, or learn all about something new.
If you know your gift recipient is interested in taking lessons, they are a terrific gift. There are many options available through local community organizations and businesses. A few ideas to explore:
- Dance
- Musical Instrument
- Art Classes
- Cooking
Fitness classes and memberships are also excellent gifts for minimalists (assuming the person on your list is interested in the fitness area). It always helps to ask or offer up a few ideas they may enjoy and allow them to choose the class or plan that fits their preferences and lifestyle. Fitness ideas include:
- Finding a unique fitness experience local to their town—yoga, hiking, kayaking, etc.
- Membership to a local gym
- Yoga classes
- Sessions with a personal trainer
- Standup paddle board
- Register for a marathon (if they’re into it)
Entertainment Gifts for Minimalists
With so many subscription services available these days, there are tons of ideas for entertaining gifts for minimalists that are inexpensive and enjoyable. There’s also the option to give the gift of an experience. Tickets or another event experience is my absolute favorite gift to give and receive because it means I get to do something fun with the person I care about. The gift of entertainment could mean dinner out, tickets to an event, or another adventure. I think of what the person likes and often get two tickets. Not only is it an excellent experience, but we experience it together.
- Hulu: The first 30 days are free then plans start at $5.99/month
- Spotify Premium: First three months are free, and then plans start at $9.99/month
- Disney+: Launching December 2019, plans start at $7/month or $70/year
Check out digital subscriptions, which are an excellent option for most magazines. Look for a publication fitting their area of interest.
- For the coffee lover: Drift magazine $52/year – published 2x/year
- For the avid reader: Ruminate magazine $50/year (subscription directly supports literary writers and visual artists)
- For women with a minimalist mindset: Real Simple magazine $10/year
- Local sports events
- Theater
- Concert
- Brewery tours or vineyard tours/wine tastings
Gifts of Time Ideas
Giving and receiving the gift of someone’s time is so meaningful. What could you do to help someone around the house or do something for them they would appreciate? The bonus of giving the gift of time is you often get to spend more time with your friend or loved one.
- Babysitting
- Pet sitting
- Dinner & a movie
- Game night: bring over a meal and games
- Helping hands: use your special skill or talent to help weed flower beds, plant vegetables, reupholster chairs, or paint a living room.
Consumables
Next up are items people eat or use up. A perfect example of this is food items. We are all busy, and most of us like food, so making a treat or buying a favorite food is a great gift. Think of difficult-to-make items or gifts that are an indulgence. Here are a few exceptional items I’ve found.
- Dollar Shave Club: $5 starter kit, up to $44 for a second box (based on products selected)
- Billie Razors: $9 starter kit, $9 replacement kit (scheduled as needed)
- Lavender Calming Balm: $12/tin
- Candles
- Bath Bombs
- Wine/beer
- Baked goods: cakes, cookies, quick breads, candy
- Jellies, jams, and pickles
- Homemade Jerky
- A care package of favorite treats
- SnackNation Box: $24 for the first box, then $40 month
- Candy Club Subscription: $30/month (first box is 50% off)
- Gift cards to local retailers, restaurants, and food trucks
- Coffee and tea gift cards
- Membership to the local co-op
- CSA subscription (community supported agriculture/farm share box with fresh produce each week)
- Rescue Box: $23/month (think Bark Box, but proceeds go to supply food and vaccines to shelter animals)
Practical, Buy Once-in-a-Lifetime Gift Items
I do this a lot, since I don’t need much and I don’t buy much either. So, when there’s something I need to replace or buy new, I hold off and suggest it as a gift when others ask. For example, I’ve needed new shoes for a month or so, but I’m holding off. This way, those who want to give me a gift can do so, and it’s something that I really need to replace a worn-out item.
When I do need to purchase something, I get the highest-quality, longest-lasting product possible. For more ideas, check out my post on how to find items you only need to buy once in a lifetime.
- Rocketbook Wave Smart Notebook (reusable eco-friendly notebook)
- Refillable Personalized Leather Journal/Sketchbook (could use for bullet journaling)
- Rugged Mountains Printable Bullet Journal Pages from The Tiny Life
- Waterproof Portfolio and Organizer
- Freedom Journal
- Duluth Pack Scout Pack
- Minnetonka Moccasins Men’s Classic Moc or Women’s Pile-Lined Hardsole
- Hydro Flask and reusable straws
- Allbirds Shoes
- Pendleton Wool Blanket
Charity Gifts for Minimalists
If you absolutely can’t think of anything to give (or anything you want to receive), consider a charitable donation. Asking friends or family to donate to a cause you’re passionate about is a meaningful option, especially around the holidays. Giving back is something everyone (minimalists and non-minimalists alike) can appreciate!
- Donation to a favorite charity
- Sponsor their team for a charity walk
- Volunteer time with them at a local non-profit (walk dogs, serve meals, sort food at a pantry, etc.)
- Museum memberships (Check out the North American Reciprocal Museum Association for a membership that allows privileges at a favorite vacation spot, too.)
- Botanical garden memberships
- Ecology center memberships (They often offer tours, birdwatching, even canoe rentals.)
As you see, gift-giving doesn’t have to mean giving someone more “stuff” to clutter up their homes and lives. There are plenty of gifts for minimalists that are useful, meaningful, and even give to the greater good.
Your Turn!
- What’s your favorite gift to give to others?
- What’s the most practical gift you’ve ever received?
Love the article Ryan. I am a small space living person – 240 square feet plus a garden. As Dana says – we really don’t need much more than friends and family. As I was decluttering and downsizing, I reaised how little I do need and how freeing this way of life it. Continued good luck with the blogs.
Great article! I was just feeling bad about all the stuff I received during the holidays (most of them I don’t really need), and then reading this post. Thank you for all the suggestions.
Love this, thank you for writing it! I learned of organizations, and better replacements for some of the things I do still buy.
Such a great article, thank you for this. I came to know the value of space and solution after reading this blog thank you once again.
I finally have great gift ideas to give to my minimalist son, thank you!