Find special and thoughtful gifts to treat your minimalist loving family and friends with this magical collection of Christmas Gifts for Minimalists.
Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year. The kindness, generosity, and love that spread joy throughout this special holiday give me a feeling that’s hard to describe. I guess there’s still a strong connection to childhood memories too—something I hope my kids will have when they’re older as well.
So while gifts are certainly not the reason for the season, they do add to the enjoyment for me. I love spending Christmas time with family, watching the excitement on the kids’ faces, and warming the hearts of loved ones with thoughtfulness.
When I decided to start simplifying my life by embracing minimalism—having fewer belongings, making fewer purchases, and shedding excess stuff—I wondered where that would leave Christmas. Since then, I’ve realized there are plenty of ways to enjoy gifts as a minimalist.
If you have a minimalist in your life you’d like to treat, or maybe you just don’t want to burden those you care about with extra things, there are plenty of gift options. In fact, some of the gifts on this list I’ve enjoyed way more than a typical material gift.
Christmas Gifts for Minimalists
Check out the full list below or, better yet, get the Free Printable List of Christmas Gifts for Minimalists at the end of this post and leave it in a conspicuous place like on your loved one’s pillow.
Experience Gifts
1. Family Trip
Family Trips are the best bonding activity. Book tickets to a water park or amusement park for some family fun. Or make a booking at a hotel or Airbnb.
2. Movie Night
Everyone loves a good Movie Night. Get a Fandango gift card or passes to their favorite theater.
3. Nice Meal Out
You can never go wrong with a Nice Meal Out. Make a reservation at a restaurant they’ve always wanted to try or an old favorite of theirs.
4. Night Away
One Night Away can be pampering and highly recharging. Whether it’s at a hotel, bed & breakfast, or Airbnb rental, it makes a very thoughtful gift for someone who needs little time for themselves.
5. Tour of Your City
Schedule a Tour of Your City. Segue tour, trolley tour, walking tour, ghost tour. Learn more about your town with this fun gift. And if you want to splash out you can always send them to Paris!
6. Escape Room
A bit of intense fun for the right person. Do you know someone who would enjoy an Escape Room experience?
7. Membership to a Zoo or Museum
Membership to a Zoo or Museum is great for families. They’ll get free or discounted entry to exhibits all year long. Perfect for them to spend some quality time together.
8. Murder Mystery Dinner
Shake things up a little with a Murder Mystery Dinner. Memorable spin on the traditional night out.
9. Wine or Beer Tasting
Wine or Beer Tasting is a wonderful gift for your drink-loving friends or family members. Book them a visit to a local vineyard, wine bar, or brewery.
10. Tickets to an Exhibit
Tickets to an Exhibit will help them to make time to experience something new whether it’s a new show at an art gallery or museum, it will be a treat.
11. Tickets to a Performance
Tickets to a Performance could include seeing a comedian, musician, author, speaker, performer, etc. Or go for a ballet, opera or a musical. There are many Christmas shows around Christmas so do little research.
12. Tickets to a Sporting Event
Do you know their favorite team or sport? Get some tickets to help them see them.
13. Tickets to a Concert
Rock, classical, and everything in between—whatever floats their boat. Tickets to a Concert are fantastic for the right person.
14. Cooking Class
Find a local Cooking Class for baking, cake decorating, cheese making, canning, or a specific style of cooking that you think is just perfect for the person you’re gifting it to.
15. Art or Photography Class
For the creative types Art or Photography Class makes a fantastic gift. They will be pleasantly surprised!
16. Boat Ride
Boat Ride could be a wonderful romantic gift for a couple. Being on the water is picturesque, relaxing, and memorable.
17. Horseback Ride
Horseback Ride is a magical experience for everyone to connect with these majestic beings. Let them become one with nature for a while, even if they’re inexperienced.
18. Carriage Ride
A romantic winter Carriage Ride through the countryside—what an unforgettable experience! Beautiful Christmas gift idea for couples or families.
19. Workout Class
Get them a Workout Class to help with those January resolutions. If there’s a type of class they’ve wanted to try but have been hesitant to commit the time or money, this will give them a little push.
20. Yoga or Meditation Experience
Help them get their Zen on with a Yoga or Meditation Experience. Whether they’re into it or not, it’s an experience everyone will benefit from.
21. “Behind the Scenes” Tour
Get them behind the scenes at a zoo, museum, or historical place for a special up-close “Behind the Scenes” Tour experience.
22. Nature Class
Nature Class could include anything from star gazing, beekeeping, foraging, wreath making, learning to paddle, homesteading, or anything related to their interests. Check local outdoor stores or nature centers for options.
Relaxation Gifts
23. Massage
Yes, please. Massage is the perfect gift for both women and men and is so relaxing. It’s definitely one of my favorite gifts to receive.
24. Mani/Pedi
Manicure or Pedicure is a treat for the hardworking. You know who they are so treat them well.
25. Facial
Facial is a great massage alternative for a real pampering gift. Rejuvenating and relaxing, with all the aromatherapy benefits they will feel fabulous.
26. Spa Day
Spa Day is the ultimate in pampering. They will love you! Check out the local spas for the best experience.
27. Hair Salon Gift Card
A fresh new look without worrying about time or money, yes, please. Be sure to find out their favorite Hair Salon.
28. Subscription to Satellite or Internet Radio Service
With a Subscription to Satellite or Internet Radio Service, they can enjoy personalized tunes for months.
29. Kindle Unlimited Subscription
For the bookworm, you can get a Kindle Unlimited Subscription. It’s a thoughtful minimalist gift.
30. iTunes Gift Card
With an iTunes Gift Card, they can choose their favorite songs, movies, and books that will entertain them for a long time.
31. App Store Gift Card
Get them to upgrade their technology with productivity apps, games, or more with App Store Gift Card.
Consumable Gifts
32. Fine Chocolate
Know someone who loves fine foods? Fine Chocolate is meant to be savored and let’s be honest who doesn’t love to receive a box of delicious chocolates? You can find a wonderful selection on Etsy.
33. Baked Goods
Baked Goods beautifully packaged make great Christmas gifts. Bake your own Christmas selection or get them from your local bakery or gourmet shop.
34. Peanut Brittle
High-quality Peanut Brittle can be a welcome treat. Find a good selection on Etsy or make your own Homemade Peanut Brittle by following this recipe by Stephie Cooks.
35. Roasted Nuts
Roasted Nuts are a wholesome and delicious gift. Check out this Roasted Almonds Recipe German Christmas Market Style by Jammie’s Noshery if you love to prepare your own foodie gifts.
36. Local Jam
Local Jam is a tasty sweet that lasts. Well, maybe not in my house 😉 Check out your local Farmers or Christmas market for a locally-made selection.
37. Tea
Consider a special Tea blend or variety for the tea lover. Tea is one of the best gifts truly, there’s such a broad choice of different teas that will suit just anyone’s taste.
38. Coffee
Coffee for coffee lovers? Research a great roast, and go organic and fair trade.
39. Honey
One of my favorite foodie gifts to receive is Honey. Natural, delicious, and useful. If you can get local honey, even better.
40. Flowers
Who doesn’t love to receive Flowers? You can choose from a fresh cut or to be planted. Or if you fancy a little DIY project check out How To Create A Holiday Bouquet by Home Made by Carmona.
41. Fruit
Fruit can come as a cut arrangement or whole. I love this Fresh Fruit Arrangement by The Fruit Company, it’s perfect for a Christmas gift.
42. Steaks
Know a Steak lover? Get a gift card or a nice selection delivered directly to their house.
43. Bath Bombs or Bath Salts
Bath Salts are indulgent pampering gifts for the at-home spa experience. Help them fit some relaxation into their day.
44. Candles
Candles are just so Christmasy. Go for natural relaxing aromatherapy candles for the greater benefits.
45. Soaps
Who doesn’t use soap? I love the natural Soap selection on Etsy. You can find beautiful handmade soaps that are perfect for minimalists who love natural products.
Gifts for Making Life Easier
46. Home Cleaning
Take a load off! Get them a few hours of professional cleaning service. I’m sure they will highly appreciate such a gift.
47. Robot Vacuum
One less chore to worry about with a Robot Vacuum. Yes, they actually work! Perfect gift for busy mums.
48. Car Detailing
Car Detailing is a great option for a gift because truly whoever has time for this?
49. Babysitting Hours
A parent’s greatest gift—Babysitting Hours! Get them to spend time together and rekindle the romance on a night out.
50. Homemade Coupons
Homemade Coupons are a hit with parents. See my free printable for some ideas. “No whining day” is a favorite.
51. Hard Labor
Do any lingering home projects for your loved one yourself or hire a reputable handyman.
52. Subscription to Cooking Box
Many services exist today. A Subscription to Cooking Box can make meal prep so much easier. Check out several options at Epicurious.
53. Subscription to a CSA
Subscription to a CSA is another great option for fresh, local food to support local organizations and healthy eating.
Charitable Gifts
54. Donate to a Charitable Organization in Their Name
Find a cause that’s meaningful to them and Donate to a Charitable Organization in Their Name.
55. Plant a Tree in Their Name
Plant a Tree in Their Name is a great gift, especially for the nature lover. But anyone would love this act of love for the Earth.
56. Save or Adopt an Animal
This one is a big one, comes with a responsibility but perfect for the right person. Just wait for them to say awwwww.
57. Sponsor a Third-World Child
Tug at the heartstrings. Sponsoring a Third-World Child is a very special gift and you know just the person who this would be very meaningful for.
58. Support the Arts Through Patreon
The art lover will appreciate Supporting the Arts Through Patreon and there are many ways to get involved in supporting artists on this platform.
Merry Minimalist Christmas
Hopefully, this list has given you some inspiration to be able to shower the minimalist in your life with a gift that shows how much you care. Pat yourself on the back for not giving something that will need to be donated a few months (or weeks) later. Many of these Christmas gifts for minimalists can be so much more meaningful than material goods.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a minimalist, if you think you have enough stuff, you can decline holiday gifts or send people a link to this post for ideas.
You don’t want to be stuck the day after Christmas wondering, “Where am I going to put all this stuff?” Try some Christmas gifts for minimalists and see how it feels to simplify.
Did I miss an idea? Share yours in the comments!