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Are you sick of giving gifts just because it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, and television commercials or societal expectations tell you it’s the right thing to do? Are you looking for gift ideas that are truly meaningful and appreciated by those on the receiving end? You might want to give a gift like a minimalist.
People leading a minimalistic lifestyle (like us) treasure things that give them actual value (and things are not necessarily physical items, by the way).
I don’t own many things but everything I own adds value to my life – Joshua Fields Millburn | The Minimalists
In a previous article, we discussed a different, more purposeful, and values-focused approach to gift-giving. Today, we share gift ideas for those who want to give something unique and meaningful at any time of the year.
Don't buy gifts just because society says you should
The most precious gift of all: Your Time
The first gift idea on my list… and my personal favourite is time. Why? It is the most precious and most highly appreciated, at least IMHO.
Think about the loved ones no longer in your life. How often do you wish you had spent more time with them when they were still around? Or think about your children. How often do you wish you had spent more time with them as they grew up?
My step-father is 91 years old. He doesn’t need (more) physical items in his small rest-home apartment. But when I call him from abroad, I can hear the joy in his voice, and when I visit him in person, his smile says more than a thousand words.
Time spent with loved ones creates lasting memories for them and you. Giving your undivided attention to someone else is priceless (figuratively and literally).
Spending time with loved ones is the greatest gift of all (and priceless)
Skills/Services
Offering a skill you possess to someone you know could use it takes the gifting of your time to the next level.
We met a fellow traveller recently who had big plans: get married, buy and fit out a van, then experience van life for a year with her new husband, travelling to far-away destinations like Mongolia. She felt stuck: how could they afford to turn these plans into reality – pay for the wedding, the van, the build-out, the trip…? My recommendation to her was to ask her wedding guests. Rather than buying presents the couple might never use, they could contribute their time, labour and professional skills to help with the build-out of the van.
You don’t have to be a carpenter, electrician or mechanic, by the way. Preparing a meal for and enjoying it with loved ones is also a highly appreciated and memorable gift. Whether it be making dinner for your daughter and son-in-law who are new parents, making your granddaughter’s favourite dessert when he comes over after school or waking your wife with a delicious breakfast on the weekend, these acts mean a lot to the people on the receiving end. And the act of giving will fill your heart, too.
You can also offer your (professional) services as a gift
Pampering Session
When money is tight, services that are deemed non-essential or luxury are often the first things cancelled.
When we worked full-time in corporate roles in Sydney, we regularly had massages, manicures, and pedicures. However, these pampering sessions have become non-essential as we lead a more minimalist lifestyle. Would we accept them as a gift? Most definitely. Who doesn’t like to be pampered now and then?
Pampering sessions, especially massages, make excellent gifts because they improve physical and mental well-being and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.
So, how do you gift a pampering session?
- Your loved one may already have a preferred place to go when they have the opportunity. So, check with them first (or a person who knows them well if you want the gift to be a surprise). Then, check if their preferred place offers gift vouchers.
- If the recipient doesn’t usually have pampering sessions, ensure they’d be comfortable having one. Some people don’t like strangers touching them. Ask friends and check Google reviews to find a massage therapist or nail salon that comes highly recommended. And make sure you ask about the shop’s hygiene and ethical practices.
A pampering session releases feel-good hormones
Could minimalism be the solution for a healthier planet?
For many, COVID-19 is now a thing of the past, but its effects and high cost of living are stopping us from returning to the old normal. We hope the pandemic has been enough of a wake-up call to ensure that whatever we do next doesn’t look like what we left behind. It wasn’t healthy, and it sure wasn’t sustainable – not for us or our planet.
Suppose you don’t know what we are discussing (or are just intrigued to learn more). In that case, we examine how our collective human activity – notably our overconsumption – has contributed to the problems our planet and we as individuals are facing. And we’ll look at what might happen if we all adopted a more minimalist lifestyle and consumed only what we need.
Ethical Consumer Subscription
Ethical Consumer magazine is a United Kingdom-located, subscription-based publication.
Their mission is to help consumers make informed ethical choices, support campaigners that challenge corporate power, enable progressive businesses and charities to check their supply chains and drive corporates to improve their behaviour.
Each subscription provides unique, trusted, and independent information and helps fund campaigns and other work, such as the Fair Tax Mark.
As a subscriber, the gift recipient can also become a member of Ethical Consumer, a completely independent not-for-profit co-operative at the heart of the ethical consumer movement.
They need all the information and inspiration to join thousands of others and revolutionise how you shop, save and live.
This gift can inspire someone you love to shop more ethically, help them tackle the climate crisis and avoid Amazon.
An annual subscription includes:
- 6 issues of Ethical Consumer Magazine in print and/or digital format
- 12 months of full access to all Product Guides and Company Profiles
- Special discount offers from selected Best Buy companies
- Digital versions of our back issues from 2015 to the present day.
Give your friend or loved one a gift that will last year.
Ethical Consumer magazine comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and can be shipped anywhere in the world, but we do recommend the digitasl version.
A Happier Mind, A More Intentional Life
For those who value mindfulness and personal growth, an annual subscription to Happier makes a meaningful and clutter-free gift. Designed to fit seamlessly into daily life, Happier offers guided meditation and mindfulness practices that meet users where they are—whether they want to reduce stress, build resilience, or cultivate deeper self-awareness. With expert-led courses and a flexible approach, this gift empowers your loved one to embrace a more intentional and balanced lifestyle. Unlike physical gifts that can gather dust, a Happier subscription provides lasting benefits, making it a truly thoughtful present for any occasion.
Babysitter
Has one of your relatives or friends just become a new parent or is about to? Are you looking for a gift for the baby shower, birth or first birthday of a little one? A baby needs only so many dinky clothes, onesies and toys. Besides, if the baby is not their first one, or they are born into a family with heaps of nephews and nieces, chances are these things are being handed down from one child to the next.
Instead, you could offer to babysit for them. Or, if you don’t live nearby, you could gift them a babysitter for a night, or two, or three… Once the new parents have established a routine with the latest family addition, they’ll be ready for a night off. Whether it’s a quiet dinner together (without the little one) or some much-needed me time (including a good night’s sleep), this is a fabulous gift for a new parent.
Find a trusted babysitter so the new parents can enjoy their time out without worries. Here are some options in different countries:
| Country | Company | Gift Card/Certificate/Voucher (starting price) |
|---|---|---|
| United States of America | Bambino Sitters | USD50 |
| England | Bubble | GBP10 |
| Netherlands | Charly Cares | EUR10 |
| New Zealand | Rock My Baby | Not Disclosed |
| Australia | Night Nannies | Not Disclosed |
All parents need some me time - why not gift them some | Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
The School of Life Game
No, it’s not that Game of Life game from the 1960s.
The School of Life is an England-based organisation originally built to help people find calm, self-understanding, resilience, and connection, especially during troubled times.
The idea that games can be meaningful seems counterintuitive. Indeed, they offer us a vacation from meaning—an opportunity to engage in frivolous, mindless fun.
They believe that by fostering an atmosphere of frivolity, games allow you to let your guard down with your friends and family, prompting honest and meaningful conversations that are the lifeblood of true intimacy.
At The School of Life, they have created a range of games designed to bring groups of people closer together.
Recommended Classics on the Art of (Simple) Living
- 365 Tao: Daily Meditations by Ming-Dao Deng offers a year's worth of meditations inspired by Taoist philosophy. Emphasising balance, simplicity and living in harmony with nature is a practical and spiritual guide for personal growth and mindfulness.
- The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh by Thich Nhat Hanh is a collection of the teachings and insights of the renowned Zen master. This book distils his wisdom into a compact, accessible format, covering topics such as mindfulness, compassion and peace.
- The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius are a series of personal writings by the Roman Emperor. They reflect his Stoic philosophy and provide timeless wisdom on maintaining balance, self-discipline, and strength amid life's challenges and temptations.
- This version of The Manual by Epictetus presents a modern adaptation of the Stoic teachings of this slave-turned-philosopher, distilling them into clear, actionable steps that help readers develop resilience and find inner peace.
- Walden and Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau combine two of his most influential works: Walden, documenting his experiment in simple living at Walden Pond, and Civil Disobedience, reflecting on moral duty and citizenship.
Eco-friendly or Tiny House (Weekend) Getaway
Not only will new parents appreciate a (weekend) getaway. It is even better if the getaway introduces them to a unique, eco-friendly, or unusual location or property. When did they last sleep in a treehouse, a yurt, a tiny house or an off-grid earthship? Maybe never. This type of gift would surely be memorable for many reasons.
Here are some great options and platforms to consider all around the world:
A (weekend) get-away in a Tiny House makes a unique gift
Travel Accessories
Speaking of travel… Whether a day hike, a weekend getaway or exploring the world, travel accessories are practical gifts that keep on giving… trip after trip after trip.
Here are just some examples of the accessories and clothing items we travel with:
Looking for the Perfect Sustainable Gift?
Give the gift of unforgettable experiences with Tinggly! Use our exclusive discount code, JOURNEYS, to save 20% on your purchase.
Experiences
Want to add something special to that weekend getaway or round-the-world trip? Why not gift an activity that allows the recipient to experience something they wouldn’t normally do due to time or money constraints?
Some of the most incredible moments in my life were a Hot Air Balloon ride (a re-gift from my mother – it just wasn’t her thing) and a Dive with Sharks (a gift from an ex-girlfriend – not sure if she was trying to tell me something). I remember both of them clearly, despite the events having occurred many years ago. What physical items in your house can you recall being gifts, and who gave them to you?
From gift boxes to simple vouchers, here are a few companies that allow you to gift travel experiences, all around the world:
- Tinggly – enjoy 20% off your purchase with our exclusive discount code JOURNEYS.
- Viator – the world’s leading resource for incredible travel experiences worldwide
- GetYourGuide – experience unique and unmissable things to do at your destination.
By the way, an extraordinary experience doesn’t have to involve travel. It could be a walking tour of your suburb, for example. We did one when we returned to New Zealand after a year in the Americas. We learned a great deal we didn’t know about Mt Eden (one of Auckland’s suburbs) and made a new friend.
Ethics and Sustainability Standards of Online Travel Agencies
The standards and policies of the online platforms we use every day are (sadly) not (always) in line with (y)our expectations around ethics and sustainability. This is especially true for online marketplaces focused on experiences. We have therefore included the key policies of the experience-focused online platforms featured in our articles for your reference:
Gift the memory of a lifetime with travel experiences from companies such as Tinggly
Photo or Video Shoot
Nowadays, with (almost) everyone owning a mobile phone, taking a picture or recording a video to capture a moment is as common as brushing your teeth. But do we take great photos or shoot great videos?
A professional photo or video shoot could make a great present, whether for a loved one’s wedding or to create a special memory for another occasion.
Instead of physical gifts, Sandra wanted to celebrate her turning 40 with a nude photoshoot. Nothing pornographic… just beautiful, black and white images (of us and each of us individually) that were aesthetic and appropriate enough for our parents (or children) to see. The other day, we discussed the experience with friends: Maybe we should do it again when she hits 55… or 60?
If you’re located in Sydney/Australia, we use and can recommend Silver Shadow. The photographs are truly beautiful, and the service was very professional.
Have you ever considered gifting a photo shoot?
Lessons
Staying with experience-type gifts, in my 30s, I was a workaholic with few hobbies or interests outside of work. So, my partner at the time gave me a weekend of surfing lessons in Muriwai, New Zealand, for my birthday.
Receiving a voucher for a give-it-a-go type experience can also help determine if you like the experience enough to take it up as a hobby. Here are just some ideas:
- Dancing lessons
- Music lessons (to learn to sing or play an instrument)
- Language lessons
- Meditation or Yoga classes
- Writing course.
For those who may wonder, I did enjoy the surfing lessons, but not enough to make it a hobby.
Know of someone who always wanted to learn how to dance, sing or paint? Why not gift them lessons?
eBooks and Audiobooks
Consider gifting an eBook or audiobook rather than adding another book to an entire shelf. These electronic books can be read on a tablet, mobile phone, or reader or listened to.
Experience the joy of reading with a Kobo Gift Card. Available in denominations ranging from $10 to an impressive $1,000, this gift option is not only considerate but also serves to support local independent bookstores in the current digital landscape. The gift cards are conveniently delivered directly to the recipient’s email address, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. You may personalize the card with the recipient’s name and a heartfelt message, providing an added level of thoughtfulness alongside the redemption code.
If you are planning to commemorate a birthday or other significant occasion, please inform us of the date, and we will ensure timely delivery. Importantly, Kobo Gift Cards do not expire and carry no hidden fees, making them an excellent choice for any book aficionado. Therefore, consider giving the gift of stories and adventure today.
Reading is a great hobby and an eBook is the perfect gift for a bookworm | Image courtesy of Perfecto_Capucine from Pixabay
Recommended Books on Adopting Minimalism
- Dean Christopher's Minimalism leads readers through a 12-week process designed to help them identify their values, evaluate their habits, change their mindsets, reduce their mental stress, and ultimately transform their lives.
- Mastering Minimalism by Jordan Williams provides a comprehensive roadmap to those seeking to adopt minimalism by taking a holistic, wheel-of-life approach that covers all aspects of our lives.
- Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism explores the impact of constant connectivity. It helps us regain control by using technology to support our values and goals (not distracting from them).
- Travel Light by Light Watkins combines the principles of minimalism with the art of travel. It offers practical tips on planning, packing, and staying mindful on the road to enhance the experience.
- Sustainable Living Minimalism and Zero Waste by B R Pohl focuses on the intersection of minimalism and sustainability, helping readers to limit their footprint by reducing waste and consuming (more) mindfully.
Gift Card
A gift card or voucher with a set value from a specific shop or business was the last resort type of present when you didn’t know what to give. While gift cards seem to still struggle with a bit of a stigma, we think they make perfectly suitable presents because:
- With most gift cards, the recipient can choose whatever they want from the retail or online store. Buying the wrong present? There’s no chance.
- They are generally valid for at least a year (often longer). Even if they don’t need it right now, they can use it later.
- Gift Cards typically operate like debit cards, with a set amount of money assigned to them. The chances of scams are pretty limited.
- You can even design your gift card to make it unique for that special person. The chances of getting the same gift twice are zero.
Gift Cards are not just the gift you buy when you cannot think of what to get
Memberships
Professional memberships are not cheap, but they can further someone’s career. So, if your (grand)child has recently graduated from university and is considering joining a professional association, paying for the first year (or annual) membership could be the professional boost they need. It may also show them you believe in them and want them to succeed.
Supporting someone’s journey by sponsoring membership is not restricted to their professional life. Do they want to lose weight and get fit? A gym membership (with or without a personal trainer) or a running club membership could make a great gift to them.
Whatever membership you choose, make sure it is something the recipient truly values before you pull out your wallet.
DNA Kit
Speaking of supporting someone’s journey… A DNA kit may not be the most obvious gift, but as we age, we become more interested in learning more about our background. By that time, our older relatives may not be around anymore. So, how do we find out more about our family history?
A DNA kit could be a starting point. It may help you discover where your ancestors came from, construct your family tree, find living relatives (or help them find you), and make more informed decisions about your health.
As with our comment on memberships above, make sure you have a conversation with the recipient first. Not everyone is keen on learning about their heritage and finding a half-sister or half-brother they didn’t even know existed.
We purchased our DNA kit from Ancestry and found the process easy to follow, and the results were quite illuminating.
Be aware that some of these organizations have country-specific websites, which means a DNA kit purchased from the US website can’t be sent to someone outside the United States, for example. In addition, while DNA tests can be a great gift, be conscious of the potential privacy implications of getting a DNA test done.
Knowing where they came from may help someone determine where they're going
Charity Donation
While this is the last one on my list, it is another of my favourites.
When Sandra and I married, we had lived together for several years. We owned our home. It had a toaster, iron, and anything else we needed daily. We didn’t need or want anything. So, instead of signing up for the usual wedding register, we created a register of a different kind: a collection of charities, types and amounts of donations our loved ones could select from if they wanted to gift us something. Our wedding register raised over AUD700 for charities close to our (and our guests) hearts. A nice side-effect: charity donations are tax-deductible in most countries.
But which charity passes all or most of your donation on to those who truly need it? In 2022, I completed the Effective Altruistic program that highlighted the need to think about where your money and time can be better spent
As with anything, research before you part with your hard-earned funds. Here are some charity validation websites you may find helpful:
If they want for nothing then consider a charity donation on their behalf
What gift would you give to a loved one or would you like to receive?
I wrote this Gift ideas article based on my own experience. If you know of a practical gift for a minimalist, please feel free to contact me.
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