Minimalist living discourages us from mindlessly filling our lives with the unnecessary, but encourages us to be intentional with what we consume. Though we want to simplify our household belongings, there's no denying that we will find ourselves in a situation that we'll need to purchase something, even after holding off for a month to make sure we need it. As a minimalist, I do my best to purchase things that fulfill a purpose. This video will go through some of the items I still buy and why I do, which you can find on the left and a summary below.
Though on the surface, minimalism appears to be only about decluttering and getting rid of all your belongings, it’s much more. It’s a more responsible mindset shift, allowing you to have a healthier relationship with your consumption, finances and more. I hope this video helps you navigate future purchases, so that you don’t feel tied to not being able to buy anything, but that you are more empowered to shop responsibly and mindfully. Thank you to Shoptagr for also sponsoring this video, which you can find more details about on at the bottom of this post.
Shoptagr is a free browser integration that helps you save money and time while shopping online. It can be a super helpful tool if you’re waiting for a good deal on something from your wishlist, and integrates with some great places to shop online, such as EarthHero, Poshmark, or Etsy. If you love supporting sustainable small businesses, it can be expensive to buy new pieces, so tracking pieces with Shoptagr is a great solution. Use their mobile or browser application to create wishlists, find coupon codes at checkout, and get cash back from select retail partners.
What on earth do you get a minimalist!? I mean, the very idea of getting something for someone who practices minimalism almost seems backward, doesn’t it? But they are human just like the rest of the world, and like most people, we love to receive gifts. The trick to giving exceptional minimalist gifts is getting something that will bring them great value. Something they will actually use. Something that they can enjoy. Not something that’s going to bring a moment of joy then sit on a disused shelf gathering dust for eternity. We’ve all received those kinds of gifts at some point in our life.
You won’t find any gifts like that on this list, that’s for sure. The 11 gifts that follow have been hand-picked to bring maximal happiness for minimalist minds. Some are practical, others experiential. You know what the person likes, but now you can get them something they will LOVE. Whether it’s for him, for her, or a birthday gift for minimalist, you’ll find something here.
Before getting to the list, let’s clarify something first. Having a friend or a family member who is into minimalism doesn’t mean that you can never surprise them with a material gift. You certainly can, but the key factor here is to know what they want or need, so you can get them something that they will actually use.
Minimalists tend to like functional gifts. Here are a few gift guides with wonderful, thoughtful presents that are also minimalist-friendly:
THE ABSOLUTE BEST MINIMALIST GIFTS FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T NEED ANYTHING:
1. A Memorable Adventure
Take this from a fellow minimalist – we may not get as excited for things, but we absolutely love and value experiences. The good news are that you don’t need to spend hours researching of memorable adventures in your city anymore, as Viator has got you covered. Just type your location in the search box, and you’ll get a handful of suggestions with fun things to do in your selected area.
Pro-tip: Make sure you book an experience that both of you and your receiver will enjoy. Once I booked an indoor surf lesson for my boyfriend for his birthday and he hated that I didn’t join him. He said that his surf session would have been a lot more fun and memorable if I was there in the water with him, rather than sitting on the bench filming. Oopsie.
2. Online Course
Minimalism is all about reclaiming our time, pursuing our passions, and ultimately finding purpose in our lives. Online courses can be a great way to rediscover some hidden talents or learn something new that could potentially inspire a positive change in life, which can lead to reconnecting with their sole purpose. From personal development courses to business, music, design, and photography, there is something for everyone in Udemy.
Pro-tip: Find out what gets your minimalist friend excited. Maybe they’re thinking of starting a blog where they can share their top tips about minimalism, but they don’t know where to begin? Or maybe they want to learn to play guitar from an expert. There is, seriously, a course for everything you can think of on Udemy.
3. Spotify Yearly Subscription
If you’re looking for a great, SAFE gift, why don’t you get them a yearly subscription for Spotify? They can listen to their favorite music and podcasts ad-free, and think of you and your meaningful gift every time they open the app. That’s a win-win situation here! Also, as it’s a digital gift, you save on post and packaging when sending gifts to loved ones far away. These make for great minimalist Christmas gifts.
4. Minimalist Coffee Mug
As we discussed, minimalists appreciate practical gifts they can put to use. Is there a more functional gift than a coffee mug?! Think about it! Everybody uses mugs, and somehow we all tend to have a shortage of them. I know I do! Here’s a fantastic gift idea for a minimalist that won’t leave your wallet empty. It’s pretty, it’s thoughtful, it’s practical, and I guarantee, it will make your receiver think of you every time they use it. Because that’s ultimately what we all want, right? A bit of appreciation.
5. Amazon Gift Card
Looking to get a minimalist gift that will make their life easier? How about an Amazon Gift Card?! The chance is there’s something they may want to purchase that will simplify their living, but they never get around to it. Giving them an Amazon Gift Card is a smart and yet thoughtful treat showing that you care.
Pro-tip: If your minimalist buddy has been talking about something they want to replace for ages but haven’t had a chance yet, remind them about it in a little note on the gift card. That will really make their day. Attentive friends are real friends.
6. Hello Fresh Meal Delivery
Time is the most valuable currency for any minimalist. How about buying them some time by surprising them with a delicious, healthy HELLO FRESH Meal Delivery? This is a great gift for anyone, but especially for a parent who is spending a lot of time cooking for their family every day. It’s a good one, right? I bet you didn’t think about it! This is exactly the kind of outside-the-box thinking that scores major points. Besides, who doesn’t like being bought food?!
7. The Gift Of Wellness
Minimalism and mindfulness go hand in hand. Gifting your friend a wellness membership card for Alo Moves will give them unlimited access to thousands of on-demand classes in yoga, Pilates, HIIT, and mindfulness. The variety and quality of the classes is what makes this a wonderful practical gift they’re bound to love. Not sure if the classes are worth the coin? Why don’t you try it for FREE for yourself first?! Personally, I can’t recommend it enough.
8. SPA Day
Do you know anyone who would say ‘no’ to a SPA day? I don’t! Treat your minimalist buddy to a decadent day of relaxation to make up for lost time and create some unforgettable new memories. This especially would make a great minimalist gift for her. For crazy good deals and amazing discounts, I always use GROUPON. It’s my go-to place when I’m looking to buy affordable experiences.
P.S. If you’re based in the UK, I’d recommend checking Wowcher too.
9. Pack A Picnic
Similar to a SPA day, there are not very many people who would pass on a well-thought-out picnic date with some delicious food, refreshing drinks, and the company of their favorite person (yes, I’m talking about you!).
There are two things that are important here. The location and the setting. Regarding the location, pick a place — it could be a park, beach, or a lake, that you know they will definitely love.
As for the setting, try to keep it simple, but remember that the details matter! Make a checklist with the essential things you absolutely must not forget, such as:
- cooler
- picnic basket
- tablecloth or a blanket
- dinnerware, etc.
A great way to gift a picnic day is by giving them a hamper basket like this with a note saying what the plan is. This is one of those fantastic diy minimalist gifts.