Gifting is an effort to show love and appreciation for others, but it can be a bit of a challenge when practicing minimalism. Sometimes when brainstorming gifts for minimalists, whether you are one yourself or not, we can hit a real roadblock.

Through time, we’ve placed physical possessions as the symbol of this love exchange. Physical possessions take space and attention away from the things that add real value to our lives. If we’re using items to show love, do we have it all wrong?

It would be paradoxical to practice minimalism while gifting items to others just because it is society’s way of practicing the exchange. There are other ways to celebrate people and show them that you care about them. Even if one of your love languages is giving or receiving gifts, is it the tangible that strikes a chord with you or the effort behind the gift? 

If you’re new to a minimalism journey, changing how you gift is an excellent way to put your goals into practice. Whether you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas for minimalists or a gift for any celebration, this post is for you.

11 Great Gifts for Minimalists

1 Concert tickets

See if your recipient’s favorite band or an artist in their favorite genre performs near them. Concerts in untapped music ventures are also exciting ways to discover new artists and interests.

2 Coffee date

This is a great gift to give for a birthday or milestone celebration. Going out for a coffee (as your treat) is a wonderful way to connect and have quality in-person conversations. If you aren’t in the same place at the same time as your recipient to celebrate, a coffee gift card that you can text to them is a special way for them to celebrate themselves.

3 Beer or wine tasting

You can also turn the coffee date idea into a happy hour celebration and catch up over a round on you.

4 Tickets to a game!

There are so many professional sports with exciting matches that likely take place in your city. Use this opportunity to gift your recipient with some city spirit!

5 Movie tickets

Take them to the movies or gift them the option to go sometime soon. To complete the package, throw in some coupons for popcorn and a fountain drink.

6 Spa day or nail appointment

This can be such an appreciated gift for someone who is super hardworking and could use the dedicated time to themselves. Massages increase dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, so this gift will have a positive ripple effect on their lives.

7 A gift card to a restaurant 

If you know the types of food your recipient loves to eat or if there is a new restaurant in town that people are raving about, this is a great gift idea. A nice meal is often a memorable and enjoyable experience.

8 Theater tickets

Gift the experience of the hit musical coming to town or a night at the symphony or opera. There’s something for everyone in the performing arts.

9 Chocolate—or any sweet

Gifts for minimalists don’t have to be strictly experiences! If you love giving tangible items, dessert is a winner for everyone. Wine is also a classic, tasteful gift. A tangible gift that can be consumed and shared is definitely on par with minimalism’s idea of cherishing the moment. A fruit basket, home-cooked meal, cheeseboard, or a big birthday cake are all wonderful, thoughtful gifts.

10 Surf Lessons!

As a surf instructor, I may hold some bias, but learning to surf is life-changing. Surfing is more than a sport; it’s a way of life. The opportunity to learn to surf can be the best gift you will ever give someone. You never know until you try!

11 City bike subscription

If your gift recipient lives in an area with a bike subscription service, this is a great gift! Having the option to bike anywhere at any time is great for the environment and your physical and mental health. There are also city scooter options out there but they aren’t as safe as bikes.

A bonus idea:

As a recent college graduate, I can’t finish this list without mentioning the golden goose. Money. If you’re gifting a young person, I know they will appreciate this, but maybe not so much if they’re a bit older and have had a steady income stream for some time. Getting a solid birthday Venmo or graduation check has been a pretty significant contribution to my happiness in recent years. If your nephew is turning 21, send them $21 for a few birthday beers, and they will definitely be thankful.

Hopefully, this inspires you to give the gift of experience or something your recipient can use to make memories that don’t end up in the landfill. Gifts for minimalists can really be as simple as a thoughtful certificate. Remember: when gifting as a minimalist or to a minimalist, experience over objects always.

Send this post to a friend also on a minimalism journey, and follow along on Instagram for more minimalism tips!