Looking for unique and meaningful gifts for minimalist living? It's often challenging to choose the right present for someone who prefers to keep their belongings minimal.
This guide offers excellent gift options for those who embrace minimalism. But before diving into the list, let's explore some essential aspects of minimalism to better understand what makes a great minimalist gift.
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Understanding Minimalist Gifting
Minimalism is about living simply and valuing only items that serve a meaningful purpose or bring joy. When selecting a gift for a minimalist, it's crucial to consider their values and preferences.
While everyone's values may differ, there are a few common themes that many minimalists appreciate in gifts:
Quality: Durable, high-quality items are always a hit.
Versatility: Gifts that can serve multiple purposes are ideal for someone with fewer possessions.
Consumable: Items that can be used up won't leave lasting clutter.
Non-physical: Experiences or digital items are great as they don't take up physical space.
Sustainable: Eco-friendly gifts align with the minimalist ethos of many.
If you're still unsure what to pick, our curated list of 20 thoughtful gifts for minimalists will give you plenty of inspiration. These ideas aim to avoid the pitfall of giving an unwanted gift.
#1. Quality Candles
I know, candles are shoved in your face at every big box store, especially during the holiday season. Those aren’t the quality candles I’m talking about.
I’m talking about handcrafted, organic, artisan candles that can only be found at the places your loved one isn’t regularly visiting.
Look for quality ingredients AND packaging- then it’ll double as home decor (win/win).
Candles are an excellent gift for minimalists because they’re consumable (no residual clutter)!
You can find unique, high-quality candles that support small or local businesses, such as artisan shops and farmer’s markets, which are also great places to see #2…
#2. Handcrafted Soap
The ingredients in handmade soaps are typically high-quality and lean towards being more natural– meaning they’ll be soothing and may offer the bonus of healing benefits (also, they smell amazing).
Artisan soap can be a beautiful, unique gift for a minimalist; serving as that one-of-a-kind treasure they don’t own yet.
Besides, we all use soap at some point during the day (at least one can hope 🤭).
#3. Homemade Consumables
Once, I was gifted a Simply Earth essential oil kit that gives you ingredients and recipes to make your own bath bombs, creams, etc. We really loved it!
It included a hot stone massage package which as a result, we use on a regular basis.
Also, products that donate to a good cause are typically valued by minimalists, and 13% of the profits for Simply Earth Essential Oil Kits go towards causes aiming to end human trafficking. 🙏
If you want to find a really cool gift for minimalists, homemade consumables can be meaningful, creative, and thoughtful!
#4. Essential Oils
Essential oils check off so many boxes in regards to something a minimalist would love, making it a fantastic gift!
You can use essential oils for a variety of things- like cleaning, improving your health, or even changing scents in a room; there are endless possibilities!
They’re consumable, versatile, natural, and sustainable. ✔️
There are tons of different oils to choose from- so consider what you think they’d benefit from or what they’d like the most.
On that note, It can be easy to get carried away and accumulate too many, so be mindful of their existing collection before you stock up!
#5. Quality Fabrics Or Basics
People don’t typically invest in high-quality fabrics for everything they own, mainly because ‘it’s too expensive’- the problem is that low-quality items tend to pill and warp in the wash.
High-quality versions of common, everyday items are great gifts for minimalist living.
Cashmere socks or a high-quality undershirt are also a great place to start!
Loungewear and pajamas are also a nice treat and make a great gift (no, not the cheap, last-second holiday kind).
Think of items they use often; those items will become worn out the more they’re used and might need replacing!
Don’t know their style? Buy something simple and versatile (think solid, neutral colors).
#6. Quality House Slippers
I wear house slippers every day; I’m obsessed!
High-quality house shoes or slippers are a great gift as frequently used items eventually need to be replaced.
Low-quality slippers wear out faster; buying a high-quality pair saves them the extra hassle (and expense)!
#7. Edibles
Generally, everyone loves food– especially favorite treats or snacks.
Do they have a favorite food item you can buy or make yourself? You may have a “famous” recipe you know they’d love!
My personal favorite is Baklava- I ask for some every year on my birthday :).
Allow them to indulge in one of their favorite things; they’ll also appreciate the time you took to make something they’d love!
#8. Coffee Baskets Or Tea Baskets
We all have our drink addictions or go-to’s we enjoy.
Find out what they like and create a basket of coffee blends, or enticing tea blends. You could even take it to the next level by throwing in some local honey to complement their drink!
With colder weather around the holiday season, gifts for minimalists that accommodate their favorite warm beverage are a match made in heaven. 😇
You might even consider a high-quality ceramic coffee mug to go with it!
#9. Journal Or Book
I LOVE journals. 📚
Writing things down is a mindful practice many minimalists appreciate, whether it be bullet journaling, exploring prompts, spreads, or just getting thoughts out onto paper.
Books make great gifts for minimalists because they offer an experience, serving as more than just ‘something to look at’.
Just be sure to invest in a book you know they’ll appreciate (perhaps something from a series they’re already reading).
#10. Audible Book Or Gift Card
Same thing as books and journals, only the hands-free, clutter-free version! 🎉
#11. Massage Or Spa Treatment
Everyone deserves the experience of luxury massages or spa treatments (at least once).
These can be both incredible and unforgettable– it’s not every day someone gets pampered! You’ll offer them a great way to indulge in some much-needed R&R. 💤
#12. Staycation Or A Trip
You don’t have to incur crazy travel expenses or make things too expensive in order to gift someone a trip they’ll never forget.
If you want gifts for minimalists that will be a memorable experience, look at local Airbnb’s with a cool theme or a night away at a spa retreat!
#13. Services
Purchasing services isn’t a typical gift idea since it can’t be wrapped under the tree, but services can actually be a valuable gift for minimalists.
Services are amazing for helping someone out, alleviating costs, or adding value to something they already have.
Things like pet sitting/grooming/walking, car detailing, or buying an extended appliance warranty can be great gift ideas for the right person.
Tailor this to what would be most meaningful to them, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
#14. High-Quality Water Bottle
A high-quality water bottle is always on my list of recommendations.
Water bottles are a really great way to avoid unwanted clutter since you’ll save them from dishes- seeing as they’ll probably use the same bottle throughout the day.
A high-quality water bottle will also motivate them to stay hydrated since it’s super convenient. They can bring it anywhere, making it one of the best gifts for minimalists.
#15. Tickets Or Admission
The gift of a fantastic experience.
Concert tickets, train rides, admission to festivals/events, or a local vineyard serve as meaningful gifts for minimalists or a good excuse for a night out.
Who knows, it might be a night they never forget!
#16. Restaurant Certificate Or Gift Card
Restaurant certificates or gift cards offer the experience of something they’d love to eat. Plus, if you’re joining, it could be an added gift of quality time!
Personally, I love gift cards that let me treat myself to a coffee during winter. ❄️
#17. Classes Or Lessons
Consider a ceramics class, karate lessons, yoga classes, or a known interest when looking for that outside-of-the-box gift for the minimalist in your life. Classes and lessons can be a unique and meaningful gift for anyone.
Depending on the person, there are endless ways to offer an experience in something they find interesting.
#18. Courses Or Education
As a course creator, I know there’s a crazy-big demand for people wanting to participate in all kinds of courses.
Maybe ask if there are any courses they looked at taking– whether it be a pique of interest or studies to advance their career.
These are great gifts for the minimalists in your life because although courses can be excellent and valuable, they can also be expensive.
Of course, be tasteful with this- only consider it if you know there’s a particular course they’d love to take; we don’t want to go around “buying hints” or offending anyone!
#19. All-Purpose Or Versatile Product
All-purpose products are fantastic gifts for minimalists- they’re incredibly versatile.
I’ve mentioned Rosehip seed oil for years. It has excellent benefits for your hair, skin, nails, and SO much more. It’s handy, organic, and sustainable.
Think of what to buy a minimalist that packs a ton of benefits into one thing, they’ll be sure to love it.
#20. Sustainable Needs
High-quality or not, avoid gifts for minimalists consisting of items they already have or don’t need.
Is it something they need but don’t own yet? Is there something they often use that is due for an upgrade?
Try giving something sustainable- it’ll have more meaning if it’s known to serve a cause and is high quality!
Some quality & sustainable products I have used this year were:
Mono’s Luggage, based out of Canada, has some excellent sustainable options.
Caraway pots & pans– we got rid of the scrapped pots & pans for something more minimal and non-stick.
I also shared with you Vivaia shoes– they make all their shoes from recycled water bottles from the ocean. Use code mia20 for 20% off their holiday sale!
And most recently, I switched from Shellac nails to Green Nails (toxic-free, cheaper, sustainable, and organic).
Conclusion
The truth is gifts for minimalists don’t have to be physical.
Sometimes, the best types are alternative gift ideas- they can be an experience or an opportunity (sometimes, they’re even more meaningful than the traditional wrapped gifts we’re used to).
Whether it’s the person saying, “don’t get me anything,” or “I have everything I need,” and you still want to get gifts for minimalists that feel special, one of these gifts is sure to be a hit!
So, what’s the perfect gift for the clutter-free person in your life?
Hi, I'm Mia Danielle.
As a YouTuber and author, I share how to create a simple, happy life by tapping into the power of your home environment.
