Don’t know what to give to your minimalist friend this Christmas? Don’t worry, we got you covered with our selection of quality and sustainable Christmas gifts perfect for minimalists!
In this extensive gift guide find the best Christmas gifts for all minimalists sorted in different categories so feel free to jump around the article to find the gift you are looking for. if you want to directly go to the gift guide click here.
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How Do Minimalists Deal With Christmas?
Always have in mind that minimalists prefer experiences over material things. It is the same case with Christmas.
Minimalists value time spent together with their loved ones more than the gifts they find under the Christmas tree.
They try to simplify their Christmas traditions and avoid holiday stress and anxiety. They tend to be present in the moment. When preparing for Christmas, minimalists don’t like to shop around but are more intentional with the things they buy. This includes gifts.
If you want to learn more about how minimalists celebrate Christmas, you will love our guide to minimalist Christmas: How to Celebrate a Minimalist Christmas (+ Decor Ideas)
Do Minimalists Like to Receive Gifts?
The question here is not do minimalists like to receive gifts, but better what kind of gifts do minimalists like to receive. Everybody likes to receive gifts when they are meaningful to them and when it is something they really need or want, and this goes for minimalists too.
Nobody likes to receive gifts that have nothing to do with their preferences and that will only clutter their home. This will just cause gift guilt to both sides.
To prevent that to happen, be intentional while choosing gifts for anybody, not just a minimalist in your life.
Think about their hobbies, what they like, what they maybe lack in their home, or simply ask them if they want something special. I always like to ask my people before I buy anything, they themselves know best! 🙂
What Can You Do Instead of Gifts for Christmas?
Sometimes, a no-gift Christmas is the best solution for both sides. If your minimalist friend expresses firmly they don’t want anything for Christmas then agree you will not spend any money on each other’s gifts this year.
This doesn’t mean you won’t give them something for Christmas, it just means that you will not give them material things.
Instead of gifts, decide to give each other time.
- Agree to spend the whole day together doing things you both love.
- Babysit each other’s kids.
- Cook nice meals for each other, when the other person doesn’t have time to.
- Offer to clean house for them.
- Plan a trip together.
- Make coupons for little favors and give them as tokens of appreciation.
- Create a DIY advent calendar with fun activities.
These are all ideas on what you can do instead of giving each other material gifts.
If you still want to find the best Christmas gift for a minimalist, continue reading to find our carefully chosen selection of minimalist Christmas gifts for different tastes.
Best Minimalist Christmas Gifts in 2021
Below you can find our recommendations for Christmas gifts for minimalists in your life.
From the selection of universal to consumable and technology gifts, you can find the perfect Christmas present for both Her and Him.
Search for the best minimalist Christmas gifts from the following categories:
Universal Gifts for Minimalists
These gifts are timeless and will always be in trend for any minimalist.
If you want to give something that doesn’t take space and is super convenient, then take a look at these ideas.
Gift cards
Give them a gift card for their favorite store or restaurant. This way you can be sure they will use your gift.
Donations
It is always a wonderful idea to donate to a great cause. Why not donate for something your loved one feels passionate about? Make a donation in their name and as a present for them write on a card to which cause you made a donation.
Subscription
You might know of a subscription that would make your minimalist friend’s life much easier. Why not buy them a monthly or a yearly subscription to it? This will give them the chance to try the service with no strings attached and later decide if they want to continue using it.
Some useful subscriptions that come to mind are Audible, Blinkist, Spotify, Notion, Calm, Skillshare, but there are many more useful apps that a minimalist would love.
Money
I know this is a controversial idea, but I find it so much more useful than any of the other recommendations.
Think about it like this. By giving your loved one a certain amount as a Christmas gift, you contribute to something costly they are saving for. With this money, they will go out and buy something they really want.
This is a practice I have had with my family and closest friends since my childhood, and so far no one has complained. 🙂
Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and that means that I may earn a small commission if you buy something at no additional cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.
Minimalist Gifts for Her
Here are our top Christmas gift recommendations for a female minimalist in your life.
We wanted to incorporate a vast array of presents for different tastes that are highly functional, but also beautiful in their design.
✅ Our TOP Recommendation
This coordinate bracelet is a perfect minimalist gift for a female minimalist. It evokes memories and keeps a special place in her heart always at hand.
Quality Jewelry
Nothing speaks of appreciation more than a piece of quality jewelry. Give your loved one something long-lasting they will remember you by.
Our recommendations:
Reusable Planner
A reusable planner is such a game-changer! Use it over and over again without wasting paper ever again.
Our recommendation:
Anatomic Pillow
Good sleep is so important! Give your minimalist friend the best sleep with an anatomic pillow.
Our recommendations:
Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow
Lofe Organic Buckwheat Neck Pillow
Skincare
Gift your loved one a luxury skincare product for a relaxing self-care routine.
Our recommendations:
Tree of Life Anti-Aging Serum 3-Pack
Murad Retinol Serum for Face and Neck
Luxury PJ Set
Make them relish in the comfort of a silk PJ set! Most people won’t buy this for themselves, so why not give them a piece of luxury yourself?
Our recommendations:
Lepton Mulberry Silk Pajama Set
Hardcover Book
A minimalist will never invest in a hardcover book, so choose the ones with a beautiful cover and even greater story. This way a book can serve as a home decor item. It’s all about dual purpose! 🙂
Our recommendations:
The City of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Portable Steamer
This Christmas gift for minimalists is one that falls into a highly functional category. A portable steamer makes ironing clothes much easier and is great for both home and travel.
Our recommendation:
Diffuser
A diffuser can help with the quality of air at home and help with stress relief. Give this calming present if your friend is in a stressful period in life or is fighting allergies.
Our recommendation:
Breathe Essential Oil Diffuser
Suitcase
The perfect gift for travelers! A quality, carry-on suitcase is on every minimalist’s wishlist.
Our recommendation:
American Tourister Belle Voyage Luggage
Meaningful Christmas Ornament
A small present but contains a lot of sentimental value. Minimalists don’t go over the top when decorating their home, but love to incorporate ornaments that have meaning to them. Choose some funny ones!
Our recommendations:
Subscription Box
An eco-friendly subscription box might just be a Christmas gift that your friend would like!
Our recommendations:
Essentials Crate – Eco Clean Subscription
Minimalist Gifts for Him
Here are our top recommendations for Christmas gifts for a male minimalist in your life.
We tried to include a large selection of different products for all tastes. Products we recommend are functional, high quality, and long-lasting.
✅ Our TOP Recommendation
Sleek design and lots of functionalities to keep him on track with his health and wellness. With more than 700 five-star reviews this watch is a true gem for a male minimalist in your life.
Wallet
A minimalist wallet made of high-quality leather will hold all the cards and cash safely in one place. Give your loved one an alternative to their old, worn wallet with the help of our recommendations!
Our recommendations:
Multi-Purpose Keychain
This highly functional, multi-purpose Christmas gift is perfect for any minimalist.
Our recommendations:
Clips Smart Compact Key Organizer
Coffeemaker
Every minimalist enjoys a hot cup of coffee. Invest in a good coffeemaker that will become an essential part of your loved one’s morning routine.
Our recommendations:
Keuring K-Cafe Single-Serve Coffeemaker
Shaving Set
If you have a minimalist in your life that loves to nurture a beard, then a quality shaving set in sleek design is a perfect gift for them!
Our recommendations:
Sminiker Professional 5in1 Waterproof Grooming Kit
Travel Bag
Any minimalist traveler would love to receive a compact, quality, functional bag that will last them through all their travels.
Our recommendation:
Watch
A hand watch is a timeless gift for any man. This gift is for someone you treasure a lot and would like to give them something long-lasting that will always remind them of you.
Our recommendations:
Tissot Men’s Stainless Steel Watch
Fossil Men’s Watch with Leather Strap
PJ Set
Men will rarely buy themselves new pajamas, let alone a nice, luxury one. This Christmas give them a sense of comfort and luxury they are not generally used to.
Our recommendations:
Oscar Rossa Men’s Luxury Silk Sleepwear 100% Silk Pajamas Set
THXSILK Silk Pajamas Set for Men
Reusable Notebook
A reusable notebook belongs to the category of really useful gifts. Your minimalist can use this notebook forever to jot down their ideas and plans.
Our recommendation:
Gloves
If you live in a colder climate, a pair of nice, warm gloves are the perfect gift for any male minimalist. Keep them warm and they will be forever grateful for this present.
Our recommendations:
Zanier Street Men’s Heated Gloves
Helly-Hansen Men’s Balder Gloves
Hestra Deerskin Lambsfur Lined Glove
Subscription Box
A subscription box is a good idea if you want to encourage your loved one’s new hobby. There are so many creative and useful subscription boxes out there that you can find for any sort of activity.
Our recommendations:
Hiker Crate for Outdoor Adventures
RunLocker for a Runner in Your Life
Consumable Gifts for Minimalists
Consumable gifts are always a good option for minimalists because they will directly benefit from them and once they consume them, they will no longer take up a place in their home.
✅ Our TOP Recommendation
Enjoy the taste of fine chocolates together and bond over your sweet tooth this Christmas. These Perugina Baci chocolates are delicious Italian pralines. We just adore them!
Coffee
Choose high-quality, sustainably sourced organic coffee to give to your friend.
Our recommendation:
Organic Light Roast Whole Bean Coffee
Wine
A nice bottle of wine will make anybody happy after a long, hard day at work! 🙂
Our recommendation:
Method 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Whiskey
You know that whiskey lovers are a special kind, so give them a special present this Christmas.
Our recommendation:
20 Whiskies That Changed The World Tasting Set
Cheese Board
Who doesn’t love cheese? Yummy! You can buy an already made cheese board or make one by yourself to make it more personalized.
Our recommendation:
Tech Gifts for Minimalists
When it comes to functionality and usage nothing beats tech gifts, so why not choose them as a perfect gift?
✅ Our TOP recommendation
Do more important work while robot vacuum takes care of keeping your home clean. Perfect solution for anybody who appreciates their time. Recommended by cleaning experts worldwide.
iRobot Roomba i3 (3150) Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum
Kindle
If we had to choose one minimalist gift it would be Kindle. It makes books available at one touch without taking up any space.
Our recommendation:
Earphones
Something everybody needs for work and travel. Give your loved one new, high-quality earphones that will make their listening experience superb.
Our recommendation:
Tile
Tile is a Bluetooth tracker that you use to quickly find things that are easy to lose like keys, wallet, or remote control. Give this to somebody who often loses things! 🙂
Our recommendation:
Echo Dot
A smart speaker with Alexa, voice control, smart home control, a hand-free call option is a great gift option for anybody who loves smart and sleek gadgets.
Our recommendation:
Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020 release)
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We hope you have found the perfect Christmas present for a minimalist in your life.
If you are looking for a perfect minimalist gift for kids, take a look at our fun and clutter-free ideas.