I strongly believe gift-giving should be a thoughtful process. If the process is consideration of occasions, events, if the recipient is a bookworm or music lover or artist, then the lifestyle should be included as well. Some of us live flashy lives while some try to stay minimal. The lifestyle they lead hugely affects their views over gift-giving and receiving.
I won’t call myself a minimalist, but yes, I don’t like extravagant things. From personal experience, I can ensure the weird love and hate feelings of receiving something not at all compatible with my choice while I am also grateful for the giver’s effort.
What does minimalist mean?
In simple words, a person who lives maintaining a simple lifestyle and avoids flashy, unnecessary usage is called a minimalist. This type of person often avoids unnecessary clutter of things in their home.
Do minimalists want gifts?
Yes, they do. Who doesn’t love a thoughtful gift? The reason they may not seem overly excited is that they prefer to avoid clutter. A minimalist values intentionality, so gifts that align with their lifestyle—useful, consumable, or experience-based—will always be appreciated.
What is the key point to have in mind before choosing a gift for a minimalist?
The first rule is, “Don’t give them stuff,” and the second rule is, “Seriously, no stuff.”
I know, so many questions like “They might not use this,” “Okay, this one is definitely too flashy,” “What will be useful?” appear in your mind for someone who doesn’t even like stuff.
Cute stuff? Too bulky? Definitely not. Too sentimental? Depends.
A few considerations:
- Going for experiences rather than stuff is the best.
- Focus on the stuff (if must) that makes daily life easy.
- Try to focus on their wishlist.
- Directly asking helps (if not a surprise, obviously).
Ultimate gift guide
Though it’s a challenge, I’ll try to cover as many ideas as possible to help out confused people out there with many questions.
Stick around as I dive into minimalist-friendly gift ideas that would make even Sheldon Cooper say, “That’s logically pleasing.”
Consumable gift ideas
Consumables include food, drink, candles, bath bombs—anything with a shelf life and must be used.
“I am a minimalist, so I don’t even like food”—that’s not what they will say, right? Consumable items are better. Why? They will enjoy those. The products won’t stay at their home forever. Next question is, what to give?
- Meal kits like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, etc.
- Soap and candles (great for relaxation)
- Tea (e.g., black, green, Earl Grey), coffee club subscriptions, or whole coffee beans.
- Essential oils (lavender, tea tree, cedarwood, eucalyptus, etc.)
- Spice set (saffron, truffle salt), sauces
- Chocolate and cookies
- Skin care products like moisturizer, hand cream, hair serum, etc.
- Snacks (gourmet popcorn, nut butters, dry fruits)
- Perfume (of course their preferable scent)
- Bottle of wine or champagne
- Bath products like bath salts, bath bombs
- Local goods like jams, honey, pickles, etc.
Experience gift ideas
Minimalist people hold onto moments they experience, not stuff. They will say they have everything they need, but not everything they have experienced in life. With non-tangible gifts, clutter issues, usability, and preference—all problems get solved.
For a deeper dive into experience-based gifts, check out my detailed guide here.
Here are some possible ideas among hundreds:
- Movie night
- Theater, concerts, or comedy show tickets
- Random tour plan
- Hot air balloon ride
- Surfing, bungee jumping, hiking, or similar adventurous activities
- Escape room, scavenger hunt, and similar gaming experiences
- Any skill development classes or workshops like pottery, art, music, or anything they have an interest in
- Spa treatment or similar pampering options like saunas, aromatherapy
- Mind therapy sessions like meditations, yoga
- Language learning sessions if interested
- A nature therapy session to be mindful
- Perfume-making class
- Behind-the-scenes experiences of theater, brewery tours, or sweet-making
- Photography sessions
- Family portrait session
- House cleaning services
- Provide services that you can
Other unique and luxurious experiences one can have:
- Private stargazing with a professional astronomer or rented telescope
- For crazy bookworms, an in-person meeting with their favorite author (not that easy)
- Private movie screening (expensive!)
- Class with an expert such as kintsugi or ice sculpting
- Adopt an animal for a wildlife experience
- Hiring a musician to compose songs about their life (so romantic…)
- Airplane flying lessons with a certified pilot
Functional essentials
I know this sounds like an imposter, but yes, even though I told you not to give stuff to stuff in their home, some usable, simple items can be considered. There is nothing extraordinary in the list. The main focus is usability. Let’s try to think of something for a minimalist to love:
Spoiler alert: it’s not clutter—it’s clever, thoughtful, and as sleek as Keanu Reeves in The Matrix.
Organizers
Minimalists tend to be organized and keep their homes tidy -not always though. Organizers are useful for every home to keep everything in place. To help your minimalist friend maintain a peaceful house look, you can think of giving such things. This will not collect dust but will keep the items that create clutter.
Socks and undergarments
This sounds weird, but why not? If the relationship is that intimate, you can think of giving undergarments such as bras, panties, slips, etc., as these are never enough, regular needs, and usable.
Socks are underrated but very useful. Who wouldn’t like to have an extra pair of socks?
As practicality and simplicity are the main focus, these items cover both.
Robot vacuum
Every household needs this. A robot vacuum makes life easy-peasy. Cleaning the house daily is tiresome (at least to me). Whether the person is a minimalist or not, a robot vacuum can keep their home as dirt-free as they desire.
Books
Love to read? Give books without any second thought. Don’t worry, books won’t clutter or store dust as, after reading, they can be donated, sold, or given them to others. If not, book lovers even collect books to make a personal library.
Okay, I forgot we are talking about minimalists. Don’t they have such wishes?
Plants
Plants don’t make a nuisance; they spread serenity—a simple truth.
A minimalistic approach to life brings people closer to nature—a plus point here. If they have an interest, giving plants that are easy to nurture is thoughtful. Natural air purifiers like snake plants, peace lilies, pothos, etc., are adapted to harsh weather and easy to maintain.
Multifunctional kitchen tools
12-in-1 stainless steel tools, heat-resistant utensil rests, 5-in-1 utensils, etc., take minimal space with multiple uses. They will approve of these types of kitchen tools as they don’t want their kitchen crowded with all kinds of kitchenware.
Think of quality, size, and usage—if all three complement each other, you are good to go.
Smart mugs and bottles
High-quality mugs and bottles are every person’s go-to used items. A temperature-maintained smart mug is a constant companion for anyone.
Air purifier
No one will deny the use of an air purifier at home. Giving a quality air purifier can make the minimalist person happier.
Watch
I am not sure if a watch is preferable or not; this ultimately depends on the recipient’s preferences.. While a watch is a minimal jewelry item, it can be luxurious as well.
Noise-canceling headphones
Without headphones, I can’t even spend one day. All the time, we are consuming digital content inside or outside of the home; headphones are common. Noise-canceling headphones are the cherry on top.
Tile trackers
Are you always forgetting your phone or wallet everywhere? Or is your minimalist friend? Use a tile tracker. Tech and gadgets have solved our nature-related problems. This doesn’t work like GPS, but from 100–150 feet, you can track your phone, keys, or wallets with the help of a Bluetooth connection.
Just because you are forgetful, don’t give your giftee this gift. Again, you are forgetting about their minimal choice.
Subscription and membership services
Subscription and membership services to experiential things like courses or meditations are ideal, but stuff like accessories or tangible product subscriptions is prohibited for minimalists. Remember, you don’t want to flood their home with stuff.
Vouchers and gift cards
Vouchers and gift cards give the freedom to choose their preference. In all cases, this is more flexible than anything else.
Suppose you want to appreciate them for something; make a dinner invitation. That way, the lifestyle they prefer will stay intact while you are doing something they will love.
Charity in their name
Charity in their name is always a noble thing to do. Ask their permission and where they would want the money or things to go. Make the gift-giving sentimental and deeper with charity.
Remember, the best gifts are the ones that leave lasting impressions, not lasting piles. So the next time you’re faced with the challenge of gifting for a minimalist, think of it as an opportunity to show just how thoughtful and creative you can be.
And if all else fails, there’s always one foolproof option: ask them directly! After all, there’s nothing more minimalist than keeping it simple.
Happy gifting! 🎁
