A Minimalist’s Guide to Gift Giving

If the holiday season has snuck up on you this year and you need some last-minute gift ideas, read on for some tips and tricks for showing everyone on your list how much you care!

Bulk Items

One of the best things you can do is narrow down one or two items that you feel add tons of value and joy, and give that same item to multiple people. This can be your favorite book, favorite treats, or even a favorite tool.

Make A Gift

This can be something simple and easy, whether it’s your favorite treats, bath salts, candles, thoughtful artwork, or a poem. This is a great way to get some mindful space, and then create something unique and special.

Experiences

People generally love giving and receiving a gift of an experience. Shopping online is an efficient way to give and get experience gifts, whether it’s dinner, gift cards, or tickets to events.

Plants

So this is one of my favorites – any type of plant is a really good idea, especially if they last longer than a week. Plants are a great addition to a home; they uplift the room and clean the air.  You might choose a decorative plant, flowers, a small herbal plant, or even a fruit-bearing plant if people have space for it. This is a really special thing to share.

Self-Care Services

This is another simple online gift – you might purchase a small kit with bath salts, candles, and essential oils, or things like Edible Arrangement or Harry and David.

Quality Time

Nothing beats your presence and attention. If you have that time and don't want to go out shopping for a gift, one of the best things you can do is give somebody a legitimate phone call. Ask them for tea or coffee or to dinner and then take the time to sit down and truly listen.

Most of the time people have their own agendas. They want to share what's going on in their life, what’s exciting to them, and what interests them. Full attention and presence are a rarity these days, and it's really one of the most cherished gifts in the world. It's a great practice and a great reminder that gift-giving doesn't necessarily have to come down to giving a material item.

Gift-giving doesn’t have to involve leaning into consumerism and spending money on things that clutter our homes. We can really focus on the things that we value the most, lean into those things, and then pay those things forward. This creates better experiences and better relationships for yourself, for the people in your life, and for the rest of the world.