There will always be occasions when you want to buy a loved one a gift. By the time we know it, another holiday or birthday is approaching.
Whether it be during the holidays or a birthday, here are 15 affordable, best minimalist gift ideas that show your thoughtfulness and will not add clutter.
According to Finmasters, Americans spent $929.5 billion on holiday-related purchases, with gifts being the most significant expense, followed by home decorations.
That is a lot of money individuals spend, and it is worse if they charge it on a credit card.
These minimalist gift ideas are not just for minimalists but for anyone who values simplicity and does not want to give a loved one clutter.
Each of these gifts is carefully selected to align with the principles of minimalism, ensuring they add value without adding unnecessary possessions.
Why give clutter-free gifts
As a minimalist, I’ve experienced the benefits of a clutter-free home, and I believe we should wish the same for our loved ones.
A clutter-free home requires less cleaning time, promotes a sense of calm, reduces stress, and can even improve sleep quality. These benefits make clutter-free gifts a thoughtful and practical choice.
By presenting your loved ones with a clutter-free gift, you’re not just giving a present; you’re helping them avoid adding more to their already busy lives.
A minimalist gift is one less item they need to maintain, freeing up time for what truly matters to them. This thoughtful consideration can bring joy to both the giver and the receiver.
Affordable best minimalist gift ideas
- Gift card
You know you can never go wrong with a gift card. Preferably, you can get them a gift card from a restaurant they have never tried so they can have a new experience.
Also, a Walmart gift card is excellent since they can get anything from groceries to personal care to home goods. Giving a gift card will help them save money and avoid adding unnecessary clutter to their homes.
- Movie tickets
The price of going to the movies has gone up. From the movie tickets to the popcorn and drinks, you can easily spend almost 60 dollars. If you gift a set of movie tickets, they can enjoy a movie they may want to watch at the movie theaters.
As someone who loves to watch movies at home, I know there are a handful of movies I would not mind watching at the movie theater if it were more affordable.
- Spa day
Gifting a loved one a service at a spa salon can provide a wonderful experience that can help them feel better. Spa salons offer different services, including facials, foot scrubs, and full body massage. They can decide what service they would want to try out and enjoy.
- Coffee date
Meeting a loved one at a coffee shop for a cup of coffee is a great way to catch up, save money, and avoid adding clutter. Meet them halfway or at a new coffee shop and try something new from the menu.
Another great idea is to pick up some coffee and take it to their home, where it can be a bit more comfortable.
- Home cook meal
Offer to make a home-cooked meal for them at your place, and then they can come over and enjoy a meal in a relaxed environment.
It can be the day before or after their birthday because who doesn’t love celebrating their birthday more than one day? If it is for the holidays, you can make a home-cooked meal the week before.
- House plant
Gifting an easy-to-care-for house plant is an affordable minimalist gift idea that will not add a lot of clutter. A snake plant is a household favorite.
A plant can also be an excellent piece for decoration when you add a decorative basket. Snake plants can also be beneficial in a home since they produce oxygen at night and remove carbon dioxide during the day, which helps improve air quality.
- A book
I do not think you can go wrong with gifting a book. Reading has many benefits, including improved sleep quality and increased knowledge. After it has been read, a book can easily be re-gifted or donated. I highly recommend the books below.
Things That Matter: Overcoming Distractions to Pursue a More Meaningful Life by Joshua Becker and
Love People, Use Things Because the Opposite Never Works by The Minimalist, Joshua Fields Millburn, and Ryan Nicodemus
- Eucalyptus bouquet
You can find a eucalyptus bouquet in your local grocery store or a floral shop. I also recommend ordering from Eucalyptus Farms. It is a monthly subscription box delivered straight to your door or can be gifted to another address. You can cancel anytime.
An eucalyptus bouquet has numerous benefits, including aromatherapy that can be used in a vase or shower. Eucalyptus is available year-round and pairs well with other colors, making it a versatile and inspiring gift choice for any occasion.
- Grove Collaborative
Grove Collaborative delivers eco-friendly and sustainable household cleaning, personal care, and beauty products directly to your door. This subscription box has no minimum amount; you can skip a month and cancel anytime. For VIP members, they offer free shipping on orders over $29.
This convenient service can help you save time and effort, making your gift-giving experience stress-free.
Some brands I use are Method, OSEA, and Grove Co. You can find a link here: Grove Collaborative.
- Consumable gifts
There are plenty of options when it comes to gifting consumables. By now, you probably already know what your loved ones enjoy, like their favorite food, lotions, or drinks. Gifting them something they want and will consume will avoid adding clutter to their home.
- Audiobook
An audiobook can also be an excellent gift for someone who loves reading and already has plenty of books in their collection.
- Flowers
A bouquet, especially a seasonal one that includes the season’s colors, is a thoughtful gift. A poinsettia can make a room look festive if you gift holiday flowers.
- Essential diffuser
Diffusing essential oils have plenty of benefits depending on your scent. Gifting a decorative essential diffuser with an essential oil can make any space look minimal and smell good.
I recommend peppermint or eucalyptus for a mood boost and lavender if you want it to create a space of calm and relaxation before bed.
This Better Homes & Gardens Botanical Diffuser is a neutral color that will fit any space.
- Experiences
These experiences can be offered in their area. Examples include art classes, dance classes, and cooking classes. This can help them try something new; who knows, they might find a hobby they enjoy.
- Money
Honestly, this is my favorite minimalist gift idea. At first, you might feel like it was not a thoughtful gift, as if you did not even spend any time looking for a gift.
But in the end, gifting money can help the receiver pay for something they may not have had enough money for. They can buy something they need or want but can’t afford. Or if they have some financial goals like paying off debt or increasing their savings, they can do so with the money they receive as a gift.
Final thoughts
Gift-giving should not be stressful. I know I used to stress out looking for gifts. Now, I give what I know the receiver needs or I will give them money.
Ultimately, your loved ones do not want you to spend a lot of money or stress about gift-giving. These affordable minimalist gift ideas will save you time and money and avoid clutter for your loved ones.
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