50 Minimalist Gift Ideas

In a world often dominated by consumerism and excess, the allure of minimalism has captured the hearts of many seeking a more straightforward, more intentional way of living. Minimalism isn't just about decluttering physical spaces; it's a mindset that embraces the idea of "less is more" and values experiences, functionality, and the joy of essentials. As we approach special occasions and celebrations, it becomes clear that meaningful gifts that align with this philosophy can be difficult to find. In this blog post, I give a few minimalist gift ideas that can help when gifting to someone who appreciates simplicity, purpose, and thoughtfulness.

Memberships/Passes

1. Zoo membership

2. Aquarium membership

3. Museum passes

4. Roller rink passes

5. Spa gift certificate

6. Gym/Fitness membership/subscription

7. National Park pass

Edibles

1. A dozen cookies

2. A gorgeous cake

3. A fresh loaf of bed

4. Any gourmet food item

5. Quality tea or coffee

6. Food or cooking classes

7. Indoor herb garden

Experiences

1. Music Lessons

2. Airbnb gift certificate

3. A Photoshoot

4. An outdoor adventure

5. iFly experience

6. Mani-Pedi date

7. Coffee shop date

8. Concert tickets

9. Digital books for e-reader devices

10. Take them on a picnic

11. Go to the beach with them

12. Escape room activity

13. Movie tickets

Services

1. Babysitting 

2. House cleaning

3. Restaurant gift card

More Gifts from the Heart

1. Write a poem

2. Write a song

3. Write a letter

4. A personalized playlist or music collection

5. A donation to their favorite charity in their name

Subscriptions

1. Dwell subscription

2. Language learning subscription

3. Meal service subscription

4. Digital subscriptions to their favorite magazine, etc. 

5. Streaming service subscription

6. Audible gift membership

Physical Goods

1. A digital photo frame

2. Reusable metal straws

3. High-quality notebook

4. Their favorite skincare products

5. A special book

6. A personalized calendar

7. Low-maintenance indoor plants

8. Quality toiletry items

9. Scented Candle

The key to gift giving, especially when giving to someone who prefers a minimalistic lifestyle, is to hone in on their interests and give them something they will enjoy rather than something that will clutter their home. Choosing a minimalist gift isn't about limiting options but about embracing the essence of what truly matters. It reflects the care and consideration you put into selecting a gift that aligns with their values and aspirations. Whether it's an enriching experience, a consumable delight, a practical treasure, or a thoughtful subscription, these minimalist gift ideas can leave a lasting impact that resonates deeper. By embracing the beauty of simplicity, you're not just offering a present – you're offering a piece of mindfulness, intention, and genuine connection in a world that often rushes by!

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Giving to a minimalist this year? Maybe an aspiring minimalist yourself? Pass on this list to someone you think it will help!

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The Art of Homemade Gifts

I have always been a fan of gifts that were homemade. Cards, pieces of art, even letters in the mail - anything that someone took the time to put together have always been my favourite type of gift to receive. I have a small box full of the special items that loved ones have made me over the years, and I highly doubt I will ever let them go because I enjoy looking through them from time to time.

Of course, not all gifts are given for long-term usage purposes. Maybe you want to give a neighbor gift to let those in your neighborhood know you’re thinking of them or perhaps you want to send a card of encouragement to a friend. Since it was my birthday not too long ago, here are some ideas that will help you cultivate and appreciate the art of homemade gifts.

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Create with the Recipient In Mind

People enjoy simple gifts that they enjoy. If you make a special kind of granola your recipient loves, a mason jar or tin full of it will bring a smile to their face. If you know they love beautiful wall hangings, make one in their favourite colour (or maybe learn how to make one if you don’t know how to). Pick some eggs from your chicken coup or collect a jar of honey from your hive. You get the point. Honestly, a homemade or well picked-out card always brings a smile too!

Be Creative with Packaging

Creative packaging is so fun! Side note, I actually used to follow a blog that posted design ideas for packaging that graphic design students mocked up. They were so creative! Maybe wrap a food item in a kitchen towel, or craft your own gift bag. Paint a plant pot to accompany some green goodness. Maybe you are mailing a card and want to personalize the stamp or the way you write the address. You know your gift and recipient best.

Do Not Overthink It

Don’t overthink gift giving. The purpose of a gift is to show someone you appreciate them and are thinking about them.  It could be a simple handmade or handwritten card or note or even some flowers or herbs from your garden! It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive or hard to put together. What they say really is true: it’s the thought that counts.

Expensive Does Not Mean Meaningful

Speaking of the thought that counts, there is no reason to break the bank to share a gift with someone. Keep things simple. Honestly, you could box up a cupcake or two after you made a batch and it would be appreciated to whoever receives it (be mindful of allergies).

Some More Homemade Gift Ideas:

Homemade Hand Soap in a cute jar (you can buy inexpensive foaming soap lids like these on Amazon!)

Body Wash

Homemade Granola

Biscuit Mix

Handmade Card

Loaf of homemade bread

Something crocheted/knitted

Soup in a jar

Hot chocolate mix

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Do you enjoy giving or receiving handmade gifts? What do you love about it?

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Related: An Aspiring Minimalist’s Guide to Gifts

Hot & Cold Crochet Pillow

I have a sweet pen pal who had a birthday in January and I decided to crochet her a pillowcase out of some scrap yarn I was trying to use up. I initially had wanted to make it all different shades of pink - her favourite colour - but then I decided to take a different approach: making one side of the pillow primarily with warm colours, and the other with cool colours. 

It used up some scraps (recognize some of these colours?), and the result was pretty cute. I didn't use a pattern for the pillow - just made it up as I went and had a lot of fun!

The day after I sent it, I got a picture of a grinning girl sent to me holding out the pillow. I guess she likes it! I think I might have to make another one just for me ;-)

An Aspiring Minimalist’s Guide to Gifts

There are plenty of gift-giving guides for when you want to give something to a minimalist, but what if a minimalist (or aspiring minimalist, like me) wants to give a gift? I had to really think about this!

Take Christmas, for example. It's around the corner and it seems that most people expect to receive a gift and give one in return. I’ve been caught in situations where I’ve had to give a gift, so I just grabbed something off the department store shelves with little thought as to why I was giving it. On the other hand, I’ve also received those same kinds of gifts. Full disclosure: those don’t often last long in my house at all. So why do we even bother?

When I give a gift now, I like to be intentional about it. I like to ask myself a few questions:

Why did I choose this particular gift?
Will my recipient value this gift?
How can I make this a meaningful experience?

With the gift-giving season right around the corner (and just coming out of one - can someone say weddings?), I thought I might share some of my thoughts and ideas on giving gifts.

Give the gift of an experience or time together

This is probably a great place to start. One of the coolest gifts we got as a wedding gift was a night out to see a Broadway musical. It was seriously cool, and it is a memory we still talk about to this day. Gifting experiences is a great idea and focuses more on your friendship than any material thing I can think of at this moment. Gift dinner reservations or unique local experiences or special events and make memories, not dust collectors.

Cash

I know it sounds impersonal and unromantic, but cash is way better to get than a gift card. It’s still tangible and doesn’t risk the use to being resold online or forgotten in a wallet. Plus, cash can still be used pretty much everywhere. There are creative ways to gift it too!

Something personalized and practical

If you still want to give something, you might want to consider giving something from the heart. Personalized items can still be practical. Put the “fun” in “functional” and explore options like personalized cutting boards or socks - okay, maybe not socks, but you get the idea. Thinking of needs and adding a personalized twist is, in my humble opinion, thoughtful!

Give a charitable donation

There are many opportunities to give a charitable donation in your recipient's name. All it takes is one Google search.

Give a consumable

Ummm, who doesn’t love food? I haven’t met that person yet. I love this, because you can get really creative with it! Visit a foreign country? Bring a packaged specialty! Have you heard of gourmet olive oil? Because it's amazing. Love chocolate chip cookies? Put together a kit so they can make their own (you can even pair this with an experience and do it together)! The possibilities are endless and are so fun!

If there is a registry, stick to the registry

If you are going to a shower or a wedding, chances are the hosts have created a gift registry. Stick to it. They know what they need, and if you want to stay true to helping others own only what they need, value, and what brings them joy, I highly suggest going that route.

So what about receiving gifts?

Receiving gifts is a little tougher for me - especially now that we have downsized greatly and don’t wish to acquire more [useless] stuff. But I also don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings!

Explaining your “new way of life” to family and friends who normally shower you with gifts can be difficult, but not impossible. I see gift-giving as a way of sharing love, but gift-giving is not restricted to material things.

Your loved ones are called your loved ones because they love you. Trust that and make your expectations and intentions clear. They will be happy to support you. Isn’t that just what gift-giving is about anyway? Showing our love? They’ll be glad to do that however you decide!

Instead of saying, “I will not be collecting gifts this year,” and leaving it at that, why not give specific ideas to your loved ones about what they can give you. If you would like a charitable gift, set up a charity fund they can donate directly to, or pick a soup kitchen and request they accompany you too. If you want consumables, hand over your grocery list (I mean, why not?). If you think it will help, why not send them the link to this blog post? Whatever you choose, I’m sure they’ll think it’s a fabulous idea and they might start picking it up too!

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What kinds of gifts do you like giving and receiving? Let me know in the comments!

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