Minimalism is a trend that’s been hot for a few years, and I don’t think is going anywhere. Less of a trend, minimalism urges you to live a simplified lifestyle. It consists of owning less and enjoying what you do have. So when it comes to Christmas, what do you get a minimalist as a gift? It kind of seems like an oxymoron, right? Well, no. Minimalists don’t forgo things all together; instead, they choose to only hold onto the things they love or things they need. So it’s smart to brainstorm non-clutter gifts.
This list is full of gifts that won’t create clutter and will be perfect for the minimalists (& anyone else who may be hard to shop for) in your life.
Spa Certificate
No one will say no to a certificate to the spa. And if they do, I’ll take it. Gifting the overworked mama or SO or best friend a certificate to use toward a much needed massage or facial is a great gift. It’s thoughtful and adds zero clutter to the home. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to include some $ for a tip!
Donation in Their Name
A lot of charities will allow you to make a donation in someone else’s name. A few years ago, my best friend and I made donations in each other’s names to a charity important to us instead of trading material gifts. I donated in her name to an animal welfare organization, and she donated to Planned Parenthood in mine. It felt nice, and it wasn’t something that added clutter to the house.
Event Tickets
Experience tickets are a great gift, because they take up zero room but make for amazing memories. And, you can even go with them! Events like concerts or local events, or even movie tickets if they’ve been wanting to see something specific. The options are endless, and it’s a personal option. It shows you know them.
Classes
Gifting a class or a session of classes allows for endless possibilities, like events and annual passes. Everyone’s interests and hobbies are different, and there’s probably a class to intrigue it. Taking a traditional route, you could gift cooking, music, or dance classes. This year, I asked for money for a painting class. Or you could try some “out there” classes and gift sessions in Tarot reading, self-defense, or survival classes. Personally, I think receiving fully paid classes would be an amazing gift.
Annual Passes
Much like event tickets, gifting annual passes are personal and shows you pay attention to their interests. Maybe they always are taking their kids to the zoo or love going to local botanical gardens. Perhaps they are amusement park junkies or frequent museum special exhibits. An annual pass for something they love is a really nice gift that will definitely be utilized.
Photography Session
Professional photography sessions are something we all kind of want but it’s not always in the budget, or we just don’t want to spend the money. Gifting something like this is amazing, and again will range from person to person. Gift a mom or a dad a family session, an expecting family their maternity session, your BFF a boudoir session. Or maybe your recipient just needs some new head shots. They can use the gift for anything they need to.
Gift Cards
When I was younger, I used to hate getting gift cards as gifts. I thought they were impersonal and didn’t give me the instant gratification I wanted. Now? Give me all of the gifts cards, grocery cards, gas cards, etc. Gift cards are a great option for the tricky people in your life–you know, the ones you never know how to buy for. And they’re great for minimalists. Gifting a general Visa or Amazon gift card will allow them to make the purchase they want, rather than gifting them something they’ll find not useful or unneeded.
Consumable Gifts
No matter how much or how little someone wants in terms of ‘stuff,’ they’re still gonna eat! Consumable gifts are great for the minimalist or someone who wants to limit the clutter around their homes after the holidays. You could make their favorite treat, gift the ingredients so they can make it themselves, buy their favorite. Fruit from Harry & David is a favorite gift to give personally. And I know I would love opening a box of gluten free red velvet cupcakes from The Cupcakerie. wink wink (;
Gym Membership/Fitness Classes
For the fitness junkies in your life, renew their gym membership or gift them a certificate toward a fancy workout class they’ve been eyeing. Family, if you’re reading this, don’t gift this to me. This was not a hint.
Replacement Items
Everything else on this list have been examples of literal non-clutter gifts, as in there isn’t a tangible item (or will be consumed.) But you don’t have to completely forgo an item in order for it to be classified as a non-clutter gift. Minimalism is joined with intentional living. A tangible item can still be loved and have a purpose, even decor. But if you aren’t sure if the beautiful vase you saw would be appreciated by your recipient, try a replacement item for something you already know they use and love.
Perhaps you heard them talking about something that broke or noticed something they own and use is wearing. Replacement items are a great gift, because they probably would have replaced them eventually anyway.
Gifting for the minimalist in your life may seem daunting, but it really isn’t and definitely doesn’t have to. It gives you the opportunity to gift thoughtful, useful, and non-clutter gifts that will be useful and appreciated. What are some of your favorite non-clutter gifts to either receive or gift?
For more gift guide inspo, check out these posts:
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