Perfect Gifts For The Minimalist In Your Life

What do you get the minimalist in your life when you know they don’t want anything that could be considered clutter? Here are plenty of perfect gifts for a minimalist that will make them happy without adding clutter to their lives. Plus, it will make your shopping a breeze!

Need other types of gift ideas? I’ve got creative writing gift ideas and gratitude gifts and home decor ideas.

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What To Remember When Buying Presents For Minimalists

Here’s the thing… buying a gift for a minimalist is actually really easy! Think about what the person values most in their life. The key is to find something that shows you care and that they will appreciate but isn’t ‘extra.’

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking for the perfect present:

• Minimalists appreciate experiences over material possessions
• When it comes to gifts, minimalists prefer simplicity
• Consider their hobbies and shop accordingly
• Minimalists prefer quality over quantity

Finally, don’t forget the wrapping! Minimalists tend to appreciate simple, eco-friendly packaging that doesn’t create waste. A reusable cloth bag or box wrapped in recyclable paper and tied with twine or jute is the perfect way to show you care about both the person and the planet.

By keeping these things in mind — and with the help of this minimalist gift guide — you’re sure to pick out the perfect gift for even the most particular minimalist in your life.

Perfect Gifts For A Minimalist

What do you get for someone who doesn’t really need — or want — anything?

You want to find clutter-free gifts that are both meaningful and useful. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best gifts for the minimalist in your life. So if you’re looking for minimalist gift ideas that are sure to please, I’ve got your list right here!

1. Experience gifts

You know that minimalists don’t want to worry about finding places to display or store a bunch of physical gifts. So why not give the gift of an experience that can’t be put in a box?

Whether it’s tickets to a concert, a cooking class, or a family vacation, an experience gift is the perfect memory-making way to show your minimalist loved one that you care.

2. Annual tickets, memberships, or passes

An annual membership or pass can be a great gift idea for minimalists because it allows them to choose how they want to spend their time, and it doesn’t add clutter to their lives. Plus, it’s a gift that keeps on giving all year long! And who doesn’t love that?

What types of memberships should you consider? Well, obviously something that fits with the lifestyle of the minimalist on your list. One of these might be perfect:

• Symphony orchestra
• Favorite sports team home games
• National parks or state parks
• Gym
• Amusement parks
• Museums
• Aquariums or zoos
• Theater
• Admission to their favorite tourist spots

3. A subscription box

Who doesn’t love getting packages in the mail? A subscription box is a great way to send your minimalist friend or family member a little something each month without cluttering up their home.

When choosing a subscription box, consider the personal values of the gift recipient, their hobbies, and also the potential clutter from the box’s contents. Subscription boxes with consumable or zero-waste products are usually the most appropriate.

One of these subscription boxes may fit their interests:

• Bell Lap Coffee monthly subscription
• Simplicity Teas | Loose Leaf Wellness Teas of The Month Club
• greenUP box | Sustainable & Plastic-Free
• Pure Earth Pets Eco Friendly Dog Box

4. A donation to their favorite charity

For the truly altruistic minimalist in your life, consider making a donation to their favorite charity. Not only will you be helping out a worthy cause, but you’ll also be giving them the warm fuzzies knowing that the gift is making a difference in the world. Win-win!

5. Streaming service subscription for video or music

From Netflix to YouTube to Spotify, premium subscriptions are the best way to consume content with fewer ads and distractions. If you know what service your minimalist loves, go ahead and pay for a gift subscription. It makes a great minimalist gift and I’m sure they’ll love it!

6. Gift cards

You can get gift cards for all sorts of things. Think restaurants, spas, movie theaters, a favorite coffee shop, and places like that.

And yes, you could even get them for stores. Minimalists need stuff, too… they just prefer to have LESS stuff. Gift cards for Amazon or grocery stores are usually greatly appreciated.

7. Kindle Unlimited and/or Audible subscription

Does your minimalist friend always seem to be reading or listening to audio books on their kindle or mobile phone? Then you’ve got the perfect gift-giving opportunity staring you in the face.

Check out the options for an Audible gift subscription – with access to thousands of books and podcasts.

For voracious visual readers, a Kindle Unlimited membership makes an amazing gift.

8. Meal kit delivery subscription

If you’ve ever used one of these services, then you know how wonderfully convenient they are. Plus they are a great option for minimalists because after they make and eat the meals, there’s no clutter!

One thing to keep in mind is the dietary preferences of the recipient. Do they only eat organic, or gluten-free, or something else? Choose a subscription that provides what they need or gives them options.

Another similar idea is to purchase a subscription to a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box. These boxes are usually made up of seasonal produce, but may sometimes also contain meat or eggs. It’s a great choice for minimalists who love to keep things local.

These Gift Ideas For Minimalists Are Sometimes Okay

These ideas are highly dependent on the recipient. If you don’t know the person or their preferences very well, then simply skip giving any of these items as gifts.

1. Plants

Not everyone loves plants, but some minimalists appreciate plants for their beauty and the way they can improve air quality, repel insects, etc. Plants like herbs serve a dual purpose as decor and food, which might be the perfect practical gifts for your minimalist if they love to cook.

2. Physical books

Does the minimalist on your list love to read ‘real’ books? It’s likely they already have a library card, but they may also enjoy new books by their favorite authors without having to wait in line to borrow the title.

They may also like new or gently used sets of an entire series they’ve never read in a genre they love. Just be aware that after they’ve finished reading, even a hard-core book lover may pass your gift on for someone else to enjoy.

Related: 30 Gifts For People Who Hate Winter {Perfect Cozy Gift Ideas!}

3. Art (paintings, photography, etc.)

Technically, these items are out of the way because they’re on a wall and not cluttering horizontal surfaces. However, your minimalist may prefer spaces with very few visual interruptions. Be mindful of their needs and preferences.

What Are NOT Good Gifts For Minimalists?

I’ve seen a lot of ‘best gift ideas’ lists for minimalists over the years, and some recommendations always confuse me. I can’t imagine a single minimalist — or really, anyone — who needs or wants more of these items:

1. Clothes

Don’t ever give clothes as a gift unless you are intimately familiar with the recipient’s favorite brand, fit and style preferences, size, and existing wardrobe.

I’m not even kidding when I say there’s a 99% chance your gift will be donated or sold with the tags still on it. Instead, consider a gift certificate for their favorite clothing brand or a larger retailer that carries the brand.

2. Jewelry

Because minimalists like to keep things simple, it’s likely they don’t wear a lot of different jewelry. Nor do they want to have to figure out how to store more than they need. So, do yourself and your minimalist a favor and skip the jewelry no matter how ‘unique’ it is.

3. Kitchen gadgets

Everyone has too many of these… even minimalists. Of course, if you’ve overheard the minimalist on your list mention actually wanting a certain kitchen gadget several times, then it’s probably okay.

But don’t buy them something like a multi-functional air fryer just because it’s the latest thing or you happen to have one and love it. Most minimalists don’t have huge kitchens with unlimited storage space, and most prefer to keep their counters clutter-free. Buying them something that takes up space isn’t particularly thoughtful.

4. Decorative throws

Hey, I love a cozy blanket just as much as the next person. But it’s easy to end up with too many throws and blankets. Trust me, the minimalist on your list probably already has exactly the right throws for their spaces.

5. Coffee mugs 

It blows my mind that I see this item on nearly every ‘gifts for minimalists’ list I’ve ever encountered.

DO NOT EVER give a coffee mug to a minimalist. They have enough.

Honestly, probably everyone has enough coffee mugs, but ESPECIALLY minimalists, who are experts at keeping just the right amount of anything they actually need. The same could be said for the idea of giving a water bottle as a gift. Just… no.

Concluding Thoughts on Minimalist Gifts

In a world where people are increasingly bombarded with choices and stuff, a minimalist lifestyle can be a breath of fresh air. And what better way to encourage someone you care about to live more simply than by giving them a gift that supports that goal?

I hope this list of best minimalist gifts has helped make your choice easier! And if you’re still overthinking it, just go with a gift card… it’s always the best option.

Oh, and even with the most thoughtful gift, don’t forget to include a gift receipt… just in case. 😉 

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