“Some people are just so hard to shop for. I want to give them something meaningful and special, but nothing seems right.” I hear this all the time. From me. About my sister. She is not a full fledged minimalist, but she doesn’t like things. She doesn’t collect things. And if she does want it, she already owns it. How do you manage find a meaningful gift for a minimalist (or anyone who doesn’t keep a lot of things)?
I still have the hardest time shopping for my sister, but have learned some tips over the years that help with finding the best thoughtful gifts for her. Use these tips to help with your friends and family members who live a more minimalist lifestyle and don’t hold onto things.
How do I find a good gift for a minimalist?
Ok, let’s not oversimplify it. Friends and family who simplify their lives are difficult to shop for. The whole essence of their lifestyle is to own less. They avoid the clutter, don’t keep things they don’t like, and often get rid of the gifts they are given. Answering these questions can help you find a unique gift that will be practical and well loved enough to stay out of the get rid of pile. Even if you are shopping last minute.
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How do I come up with unique gift ideas?
Unique gift ideas can be hard for anyone. And while, I don’t think there is anything wrong with gifting cash or gift cards, they are hardly unique. So, what are unique gift ideas you can gift to your minimalist friend?
- Fund hobbies
- Gifts of time
- Pets
- Consumables
- Create something
Fund hobbies
Everyone has hobbies. But, the hobbies might not be as obvious. Look at things they like to do. Camping, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, painting, brewing, cooking, and even cleaning and decorating can all be an expensive hobby. Purchasing practical, useful items that will enhance a hobby would be a great unique gift idea for a minimalist friend.
Those living a minimalist lifestyle tend to streamline their hobbies or find things they enjoy that require less equipment and materials. But, they will invest more in good quality equipment for their hobbies. Find something that will enhance their hobby experience, and be a part of what they love to do.
Gifts for the experience
Travel Camera Strap
Photography is a common hobby for anyone. A camera strap is a great gift for a minimalist because they can use it. Find a design they will love like this woven, travel themed strap that is perfect for the travelling minimalist.
Leather Writing Journal
Writing, painting, and drawing all require minimal supplies. This gorgeous journal is a great gift for a minimalist who loves the art of the word.
Journal and Writing Pens
This pen set is the perfect gift for the friend who likes to write, draw, journal, or keeps a bullet journal. These pens have a great felt tip, and I love all the colors.
Fanny Pack with Speakers
Outdoor hobbies are another one common to just about anyone. Whether your loved one enjoys walking, hiking, biking, rock climbing, or any other sport, a fanny pack will give them a hands free experience. The speakers are a fun added benefit to provide the tunes.
Wusthoff Classic Chef Knife
Anyone who loves to cook will tell you the importance of a good knife. Quality kitchen knives can be pricy, and make a unique gift idea for your friend whose hobby is cooking.
Kitchen Knife Sharpner
A quality knife means nothing unless it stays sharp. Gift your chef the joy of slicing effortlessly through every ingredient they prepare.
Knitting and Crochet Set
Gift your friend a complete knitting and crochet set. This hobby is growing in popularity and can take up very little space. This set comes with the added bonus of fitting into a slim pack case.
Gifts of time
Not all gifts have to be physical. Take your friend out for coffee, go on a hike together, or play one of your favorite sports. The gift of time can be more valuable than something you give them because when someone is working to simplify their life and live a more minimalistic lifestyle, they tend to value friendships and spending time with others more.
So, plan a fun, meaningful activity that you both enjoy, offer to pay, and celebrate in style. This summer, my friend and I went to shoot archery at a local archery range. It was a lot of fun and one of my favorite presents.
Gifts that aren’t things
- Go to a movie.
- Try out a new bookstore.
- Spend time at your favorite farmer’s market.
- Go on a hike.
- Have a picnic in the park.
- Plan a float trip.
- Go out for coffee.
- Hit up a favorite restaurant.
- Mini-golf.
- Try axe throwing.
- Visit a shooting range.
- Take an exercise class.
- Visit a rock climbing gym.
- Invite them over for a meal.
Think of their pets
Just because someone is living a minimalist lifestyle, doesn’t mean they don’t love to pamper their pets. If your friend is a pet lover, find something special for their pet or incorporate their pet into the gift.
An artistic drawing of their pet, a special toy, organic treats, and pet clothes could all fall in this category. My sister has a sweet pug that she loves. One of her hobbies is dressing her little pug for any occasion. She loves getting gifts of pet clothes that will work for some of the upcoming holidays.
Thoughtful “pet” gifts
Natural Balance Dog Treats
Help your friend spoil their pooch with these natural dog treats. They have less ingredients for maximum reasurance.
Organic Cat Grass Growing Kit
This unique gift idea will help keep your friend’s pet healthy. It is cute, practical, and useful.
pet art tote Bag
Pet art makes a great gift for a minimalist friend. This company has multiple breeds so you can buy customized pet art. They also do totes with cats.
pet puzzle ball
Provide your friend’s pet endless fun with the puzzle treat ball. Pair with the natural treats on the list, and your friend and their pet will be in for a good time. For big dogs or agressive chewers, try this heavy duty toy.
Consumables
Does your friend always have a candle burning in their home? Are they avid users of essential oils? Do they love tea or coffee? Do they take time to pamper themselves with epsom salt baths?
Candles, essential oils, tea, coffee, and epsom salt are all consumables. Since they will get used up, they are an excellent gift idea for friends. Not only are they a well loved item, they are consumable and won’t take up lots of space.
Worried that is what everyone gives them? Dig deep and get creative. Consumable gift ideas can come from the kitchen, bathroom, home items, garden, and even hobbies.
Consumable gift ideas
essential oils
As a fellow “oiler”, I always appreciate when I get essential oils for a gift. If your purchasing for an oiler, they will love having a few extra staples on hand.
Rewined Candle
Not only do these candles come in recycled wine bottles, they also come in a large variety of vineyard scents.
Natural Soap Bar Set
The best thoughtful gift for any soap junkie is more soap. This is a wonderful gift option for a minimalist because it will get used and doesn’t have to be stored.
bath salts
For anyone who loves to pamper themselves, this big boy won’t last long. Give the gift of relaxation and a long luxurious bath.
Dead Sea Mud Mask
Talk about relaxation, every self-care junkie will love this dead sea mud mask.
tea
A warm comforting drink can go a long way. I happen to love my tea and drink at least one cup a day. For your friend who is an avid tea drinker, gift a yummy box of tea. I highly recommend Yogi brand tea because it is higher quality and tastes delicious.
coffee
Set your friend up for a yummy, quality brew with these great coffee beans. The only problem might be how fast it gets used up.
Natural cleaning supplies
These yummy smelling cleaning supplies are usefule and great for the home. If you are gifting to someone who likes to keep their house clean, this gift will be well received.
cupcake liners
If your friend is a fan of the Great British Baking Show or Bake Off, they will love these cupcake liners. Maybe they will return the favor and gift you some delicious cupcakes.
Plant Lables
These plant lables are useful for your friends with a big green thumb. If you are gifting to someone who spends a lot of time in their garden, these will come in handy and they are punny to boot. I also love these customizable ones.
Poloriod Film
Poloriods are coming back, baby! But the fiml is not cheap. Purchase a fun gift that your friend will really use. Then, after they open it, take a poiloriod to capture the moment forever.
Handmade Gift ideas
Creating a useful gift is always a good idea. If you have the time to plan ahead and have a creative flair, make a gift for your friend. Think of something they will use, like a laptop case, special coasters, or creative entry mat.
Make a handmade gift even better by combining it with one of the other ideas above. Some creative gift ideas I have made are
- A pug doormat
- A camera strap
- A laptop case
- Bubbling epsom salts
- Literary teas
- A woven purse
In each case, the gift was inspired by a hobby, a pet, or something one of their interests.
The perfect, Unique gift for a minimalist
Don’t let stress get to you. You can find a wonderful, thoughtful, meaningful gift for a minimalist loved one. These great ideas can get you started with planning unique gift ideas. To help keep all my ideas in one place, I like to make a secret Pinterest board for people I am close to and pin things that give me inspiration for them. When,I get ready to shop, I have a visual display of all the things I know they love and enjoy. It helps me come up with better gift ideas for my friends and family.
What do you think is a great gift idea for your minimalist loved one.
