It’s that awesome (but really not-so-awesome) time of the year when we all start thinking about Christmas shopping. As a messy, sentimental, and impulsive minimalist-in-training, I feel it’s my duty to talk to you all about some minimalist gift ideas for Christmas 2017/2018, or really for any upcoming holiday or gift-giving occasion.
You don’t even have to be minimalist to appreciate these gift ideas, which is why I give the disclaimer again; I’m a messy, sentimental, and impulsive person. I’m also a mom. Giving and receiving gifts can be quite a thrill for someone like me. That’s why I’m here say: minimalist gifts can still be thrilling and thoughtful.
Here are a few minimalist gift ideas for you to try this Christmas (scroll to the bottom for kids ideas):
Minimalist Gift Ideas (for adults):
Okay, if you just read through all the kid’s gifts, you’re going to see some overlap here! But that’s because some of this stuff is so good, they surpass age and time. 😉
1. Movie Night Box
The movie night box includes:
-Microwavable Popcorn (or jar of kernels if you’re feeling ambitious!)
-Bowl (from your own cupboard)
-6-Pack of beer or bottle of wine
-Jar or baggie of M&Ms (or sweet treat of your choice)
-“Movie of your choice” Ticket (Pinterest has a dozen of these available for download!)
Unlike the kid’s movie night box (at the bottom of this post), this one is a little different. Swap the PJs for a 6-pack or a bottle of wine and volia: adult movie night. 🙂
2. Kindle
Yes, a Kindle costs a little more upfront, but if your significant other loves reading, a Kindle is a great minimalist gift! Plus the battery life is incredible. (We own one of the more basic versions and love it). Get it here >
3. Audible Subscription or Free 30-day Trial
Even better than a kindle, is an audio book / Audible subscription. You can also sign up for a free 30-day trial to see if like it before committing to a monthly subscription.
Audible Free Trial Includes:
- Get two free audiobooks to start
- After 30 days, get one audiobook a month for $14.95/month
- Receive 30% off the price of additional audiobook purchases
- Cancel at any time. A member’s books are theirs to keep, even if they cancel.
4. Museum or Aquarium Tickets
Check out the local exhibits, you may be surprised at how interesting they sound! Give two tickets.
5. Zoo Membership
This is me assuming everyone is as obsessed with animals as I am… Great family gift. **EDIT** I’ve received several emails expressing disapproval of this gift suggestion. I understand some zoos are less than ideal for their animal inhabitants, but this is just an suggestion! There are many types of zoos, some even calling themselves ‘cage free’. Do you research, and if you don’t feel comfortable with this suggestion, that’s okay too! There are plenty of other ideas. 😉
6. Museum Membership
Best for city-dwellers, this gift is a great one because it often includes a ‘pack’ of museums and exhibits. Whether your family or loved one is into history, art, or natural science – a museum membership is a great way to encourage a deeper curiosity.
7. Gym Membership
Individual or for the family, a gym membership can be a great activity gift to get you through the chilly winter months! Does it have a pool? If so, buy the kids swim lessons or enroll them in a fun class.
8. Magazine Subscription
It’s easier than ever to give magazine subscriptions because of Amazon. This is one of our go-to gifts because it’s not usually something we’d buy for ourselves, but we enjoy having that little monthly surprise. So we assume others feel this way too! It’s a like a gift that keeps on giving, month after month.
Idea: Give a copy of the magazine off the shelf so they can get excited about what’s to come.
Click here for a list of $5 – $20 Magazine Subscriptions >
9. Gift certificate to a local restaurant
Another go-to gift for us. There’s nothing better than supporting the local economy – and let’s face it, local grub is SO much better than any chain stuff that people so often resort to while out and about.
10. Free Babysitting (Great for friends or relatives)
‘Nuff said.
Idea: Be sure to include a few rules, like how many hours you’re willing to do. This will
make it easier for them to take you up on the gift without any weird conversations.
Idea 2: Pair this gift with the one above for an awesome double-whammy!
11. Baked goods
There was a time in my life where I might have scoffed at this, but getting to eat homemade breads, cakes, or cookies is what I LIVE FOR! Trust me, if you have a good recipe, send some of that yummy love as a gift that you KNOW they will use. (er…eat). 😉
Idea: Include the recipe with your dish gift. Every time they make it in the future, they’ll think of you!
12. Massage
Believe it or not, I’ve never had a professional massage… BUT, everyone I know rants about them. The reason this makes my minimalist Christmas list is because a massage is often something we don’t want to buy for ourselves. It feels like an unnecessary splurge. But receiving a massage as a gift, you can BET you’ll use it!
13. Lecture, Live Podcast, or Concert
I’m pretty excited about this one, because it’s another one of those gifts that takes a little bit of planning, but has the potential to be both memorable AND a once in a lifetime opportunity. Think TEDx, The Moth, or your loved one’s favorite Live Podcast, such as The Minimalists Less Is Now Tour, etc.
These type of events require planning and aren’t an instant gratification gift, but they are true memory-makers!
14. Donation in their name
This is also tax-deductible for you!
15. Wine-Tasting or Distillery Certificate
Give a bottle of wine or liquor along with this gift. If your area has some good microbreweries, that’s a great tasting gift too!
16. Cooking Class
Great for the winter months, a cooking class can be a fun minimalist gift for couples or friends.
Idea: Include a whisk, measuring cups, wooden spoon, or a cooking tool that applies to what’s being taught.
17. Scratch off Lotto Tickets
Give the gift of a quick thrill! Everyone loves a chance of becoming a ‘big winner’.
18. Spotify (or Similar Music Subscription)
Pay for 6 months of a music subscription or membership to remove ads. Personally, I listen to Spotify, but the ads are AWFUL. I swear they make them extra annoying just to get people to pay for the premium membership. …Well it worked for me, I’m a happier person not having to deal with ads interrupting my listening.
19. Netflix or Hulu Subscription
Give the gift of cozy, home-based, minimalist entertainment! We no longer have cable television (which can be pricy), because we primarily use Netflix. Bring on the binge-watching!
Idea: Pair this gift with the DIY Movie Night Kit!
20. Amazon Prime Membership
A lot of people already have this, but I had to add it to my list because we use our Amazon Prime membership so much! On one hand, it promotes consumerism and impulse buying, but on the other hand it’s a great service for people who don’t live near a town or city, or don’t like going into stores. You can give 3 months for $33 or 1-year for $99.
Amazon Prime membership includes:
- FREE Two-Day Shipping (Prime items, which is practically everything).
- Streaming Video: Watch thousands of movies and TV shows (similar to Netflix or Hulu)
- Streaming Music:
- Free Kindle e-books, unlimited photo storage, exclusive access to deals, Twitch, and more.
Get Amazon Prime here, or give it as a gift! >
Notice a theme here? These are almost all experience-based gifts.
Experience based (minimalist) gifts are something that we can keep forever, but they don’t take up room in our home. Here’s a few more quick ones that’s don’t require much explanation:
-Parasailing
-Helicopter Ride
-Hot Air Balloon Ride
-SUP Rental (stand up battle board)
-Ski Lift Tickets
-Local Tour Tickets (be a tourist in your own town!)
-E-Course (of a topic that interests them)
Minimalist Gift Ideas (for Kids):
If you just read over the “adult” gift ideas, you’ll see a little bit of overlap here — but what are children anyway, if not little adults??
Magazine Subscription
A magazine subscription is a gift that keeps on giving! My daughter LOVES her monthly Ranger Rick Jr. magazine, but there are many other good titles depending on your kid’s age.
TIP: Purchase a copy of the magazine to give with the subscription.
Movie Night Box
Let’s face it, you were going to buy the kids some new PJs anyway, so why not dress up an otherwise boring gift by making it into an experience? The movie night box includes:
-Pajamas
-Microwavable Popcorn (or jar of kernels if you’re feeling ambitious!)
-Bowl (from your own cupboard)
-Jar or baggie of M&Ms (or sweet treat of your choice)
-“Movie of your choice” Ticket
DIY Playdough Kit
Pinterest is FULL of awesome recipes, ideas, and “kits”. Check them out here >
“Fun” Classes
Gymnastics Class, Karate Class, Dance Class, you name it! Include a piece of clothing needed for the class and a brochure or picture of the activity to get them excited for what’s to come!
Start a college fund
Exciting? No. Practical? Yes!
Scratch off Lotto Tickets
I mentioned these as an adult gift, but these have always been such a staple in my stocking and they’re a fun cheap thrill 🙂
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