Shopping for a minimalist for any occasion feels like an oxymoron. How do you get something special for someone who is thrilled at the sight of empty space and trash bags of stuff perched at the front door ready for the donation bin at Goodwill?
What to get the man or woman who wants nothing?
It can be a challenge, but I’ve created a list of ideas, experiences, and things that aren’t money stuffed in an envelope that will be sure to delight you or the minimalist in your life.
These are gift ideas that I would personally love to receive because they have to do with the heart and the mind. I would say that I’m equally an experiences/things person. I’m not at all against receiving material goods as gifts, as long as it is something I can definitely use and something that I will love for years.
What not to get a minimalist
Before we dive into what to get, let’s talk briefly about what not to get. It’s a short list but it will help you a lot:
- clothing of any kind
- shoes
- jewelry
- technology
- knick knacks
Even if you think you know your minimalist, don’t put the pressure on yourself to nail their style. Afterall, Christmas isn’t about giving the perfect gift. Making another person feel loved and appreciated is more than enough!
Non-lame gift ideas for the minimalist in your life
- epically beautiful journals and pens
- an extravagantly prepared surprise dinner at home
- gift cards to Ikea, Muji, or the something similar for planning/organizing things
- a homemade food item like healthy cookies, a spice mix, or olive oil
- tickets to a movie
- tickets to a museum or gallery show
- a mini road trip to the nearest town
- a handwritten love or friendship letter
- handmade coupon for a tea/coffee/wine/beer/whatever date
- a massage or gift to see a massage therapist
- fancy dinner out
- mixed tape or CD
- photo album
- gift to their favorite charity or cause on their behalf
- Kindle or Audible gift card or voucher
- Polaroid or Fujifilm Instax Camera (I know I said no tech, but this is just a really great exception to that rule because you get to have a tangible artifact.)
In conclusion
Think outside the box and focus on experiences and simple gestures of love and appreciation. I promise you’ll feel equally amazing when giving a gift like this. Please share this article around because I firmly believe we all need to give and receive in these ways.
Wouldn’t it be nice if this Christmas we were all “off the hook” when it came to finding the perfect gift for each other?
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i just lovvve the tag/twig photo! I even put it as my background. it just is so pure in its simplicity, that it makes me feel at peace looking at it!
thank you Bri!
Hey Jann dear!
Isn’t it a cute pic?! Thanks for reading and commenting. ♥️♥️
Great ideas. I might pass this along to anyone who asks what I want for Christmas. 😉
Aww. Thanks Randi! So glad it spoke to you! You’re awesome!!
Bri
I think I’ll apply this “off the hook” idea throughout the year! What a great reminder; thanks Bri!!
Oh yaya!
Isn’t it nice being off the hook?!
????
Bri
There are so many people that fit this category in my life. It stresses me out every year. This list is incredibly helpful. Thank you for reading my mind, once again.
Oh golly! I feel for you! I’m so glad it’s helpful. I’m so glad I’m reading your mind! Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help!
Xo,
Bri
These are great ideas! I appreciate the simple:-) nature of them. You are right, they will truly delight. I smiled when I saw that you had listed journals…. my favorite.
Yay! I’m happy that they’re helpful! I like that they’re simple too but with a big emotional impact. Aren’t journals the best?!
Thanks for reading and commenting Nancy!
Xo,
Bri
Excellent ideas (for me especially ????). Glad I discovered your blog.
Hey Mindy!
Thanks so much for commenting and reading. You’re amazing. Let me know if there are any topics you’d like me to cover!
XO,
Bri
Great ideas! I’m an artist and my friend is a writer…a handmade journals is perfect!
Thanks Linda!
That’s awesome. I would love to make a handmade journal. As soon as I get my hands on a project, I get sucked in!
XO,
Bri