The holidays are here and for most that means finding the perfect gift for your loved ones. Christmas can be a consumerism nightmare and can create a lot of clutter in our homes and our planet. So why not give a gift that your loved ones will actually cherish?
My family and I choose to live a minimalistic lifestyle. We try our best to live low waste and to be make mindful decisions to lower our carbon footprint. However, the holidays can be tricky. I have compiled a list of gift giving ideas that take on a minimalist approach and that are a little more eco-friendly.
These gift ideas are creative, simple and meaningful.
EXPERIENCES
Creating memories is the best gift you can give anyone in your life. It has a lasting impression that can be cherished forever. Groupon has great deals on experiences so be sure to check them out. Here are some ideas:
- Tickets to the movies, a concert, lantern festival or magic show
- An adventure like skydiving, kayaking or a helicopter ride
- Treat a loved one to a lunch outing
- Photoshoot (families love this gift)
- Spend an afternoon catching up by the beach or park
- Spa day (at home or at a local “green” spa)
- Cooking classes
- Meditation class
- Ariel yoga class
- Murder mystery dinners (great for couples)
- Music lessons
- Drum circles (we have these in San Diego, so fun and they’re free!)
- Surf lessons
- Gratitude jar (something everyone can participate in)
- Apple picking
- Essential oils making class
- Tahitian dance class
- Write or record a song together
- Your favorite recipe (you can write this out on a cute piece of paper)
SUBSCRIPTIONS
I know a lot of people would love these because it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Here are some subscription ideas:
- Amazon Prime
- Audible (my daughter loves her audible subscription)
- Netflix (only thing I watch because it has the Friends tv show)
- Spotify
- XM radio (I honestly don’t know what I would do without mine. I love it so much!)
- Grove Collaborative
- Green Kids Craft
- Vegan Cuts
- Petit Vour
- Calia shampoo
- Ancestry (not a subscription, but very cool)
- Who Gives A Crap (eco-friendly toilet paper)
- Fruit and vegetable box delivery
CONSUMABLES
I love giving these gifts because they were made with love. You can get really creative with this so have fun. Please be aware of any allergies before gifting baked goods.
- Baked goods (cookies or pie)
- Cookie ingredients in a mason jar (these are simple cute gifts)
- Stove top potpourri (I make these and use them during the holidays. The house smells divine)
- Coffee beans
- Loose leaf tea
- Soup mix
- DIY house cleaner
- Essential oil roller or blend
- Fruit
- DIY body scrub
- Homemade granola
- Homemade nut milks
- Thrifted holiday stocking filled with food, toothbrush, gift cards, hair accessories etc.
DONATION
You can donate your time or give a monetary gift in your loved ones name. Please be aware that donating clothes may seem like a great idea, but a large percent of the clothes you donate will end up in our landfills.
- Donate money to a local charity in their name
- Spend time at a local shelter together
- Offer to babysit your loved ones kids or pets
- Offer to clean their homes (I know lots of busy parents would love this)
- Help declutter their space
- Yard work
- Pet grooming
- Organize photos
- Declutter clothes (sell what you can and re-gift the others)
YOUR PRESENCE
Spending time with your loved ones is the best gift you can give. Whether that be chatting on FaceTime, going out for a stroll or sitting at your favorite coffee shop catching up. Create memories together, be in the moment and have fun.
Lastly, if you must buy a gift, I encourage you to thrift your buys or shop local. Support local businesses. It’s a great way to show some love to your community. I hope you found these tips helpful. Happy holidays!
Teri says
This is very helpful. Great ideas!