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Minimalists are the hardest bunch to shop for. After all, what do you get the person who doesn't want stuff?
The answer is quite a lot: Being a minimalist doesn't mean they don't want anything. It just means they're particularly conscious of what they choose to spend money on, keeping a pretty sparse space free of excess.
So, that hilarious but clunky tchotchke that made you think of them? Maybe skip it. But there are plenty of gifts you can give that won't add clutter and will totally align with a minimalist lifestyle. Consumable gifts like food, beverages, and personal care products are great, as the supply pewters out eventually. Then, there are the gifts that make a minimalist life possible, like reusable containers to replace a drawer filled with single-use ones. And of course, you can always go for high-quality essentials that'll last a lifetime in their wardrobe.
By now, we hope your gift-giving wires are buzzing, but if they aren't, we rounded up 25 great gift ideas for minimalists below to give you the inspiration you need.
The 25 best gifts for minimalists:
A small pair of everyday gold hoops
Editor Hoops, available at Mejuri, $78
Anyone with pierced ears knows a great pair of gold hoops will get you far. The Editor Hoops from Mejuri are in line with the brand's overall dainty appeal and make a great addition to any outfit.
A subscription to a popular learning platform
MasterClass Membership, available at MasterClass, $180
If you know they won't want physical stuff, a subscription to a learning platform like MasterClass is a great idea. With a MasterClass subscription, they can learn all sorts of new skills from celebrities and experts and get access to unlimited classes. Think songwriting with Alicia Keys, scientific thinking with Neil deGrasse Tyson, and cooking with Thomas Keller.
A set of reusable food storage bags
Stasher Storage Bags, 4-pack, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $40.58
Stasher bags are a godsend for anyone who cares about minimalism and sustainability. Not only do they replace single-use Ziploc bags, but they're better. Throw them in the freezer, fridge, microwave, and then the dishwasher to clean — it's that easy.
Craft cocktail kits
W&P Cocktail Kits, 3-pack, available at Amazon, $42
Give them the tools they need to become a mixologist for the night with this set of craft cocktail kits. These little tins hold everything they need (besides the alcohol) to make a Moscow mule, old-fashioned, and margarita.
A subscription to try out new fitness classes
ClassPass Membership, available at ClassPass, from $50
A ClassPass membership is a fun way for them to try out different fitness studios in their area. Gift a membership so they don't have to worry about footing the bill for all those boutique workout classes, whether they're into hot yoga or kickboxing.
A selection of sweet treats
The Sweetie, available at Milk Bar Store, $79
Anyone with a sweet tooth should have Milk Bar on their radar. The dessert shop is known for its innovative and creative concoctions, like cereal milk ice cream and chewy birthday cake truffles. This set includes decadent truffles and cookies and is sure to satisfy anyone who has an extra stomach for dessert.
An outdoor rock climbing class
Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing Class, available at REI, from $99
Give your favorite adventurer the chance to try their hand at something new with an outdoor rock climbing class. REI teaches classes all over the country, so you can be sure you'll find a date, time, and place option that works for them.
A cheese tasting box
Jasper Hill Farm The Diversion Cheese Tasting Box, available at Food52, $100
A cheese lover's dream, this box is filled with delightful samples from Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro, Vermont. Your giftee can use it as the starting point for an elaborate charcuterie board or just try them straight out of the box (we won't judge).
A mochi ice cream-making kit
DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit, available at Uncommon Goods, $34
If they love eating mochi, why not give them the chance to make it at home? This mochi kit is easy to use, gives them a fun activity, and yields a delicious product they can enjoy afterward.
A charitable donation to a cause close to their heart
Gift Card, available at GlobalGiving, $10
If you really think they'd prefer nothing at all but still want to give them a present, a gift card to GlobalGiving is a thoughtful option. They'll be able to take that gift card and donate it to a charity of their choosing.
With four out of four stars on Charity Navigator (a site that evaluates nonprofits based on transparency and effectiveness), GlobalGiving is highly reputable.
Coffee beans from all around the world
Coffee Subscription, 6-month, available at Atlas Coffee Club, $109
You truly can never have too much coffee. With Atlas, they'll get to explore new cultures and countries by way of their beans. Each month, Atlas will send them a unique bag of single-origin, sustainably farmed beans from a new country along with a postcard and notes.
A meditation app subscription
Meditation Subscription, available at Headspace, $12.99/month
Meditating regularly can decrease stress, improve their mood, and make them feel happier overall. A subscription to a meditation app like Headspace is a great way to help them start, or keep up with, their meditation routine.
Cooking classes taught by renowned chefs
Cooking Classes, available at YesChef, $12/month
Anyone who's looking to spruce up their skills in the kitchen will appreciate a YesChef course. They can learn how to cook everything from California cuisine with Nancy Silverton to Jamaican cuisine taught by Kwame Onwauchi.
An assortment of succulents
Succulent Assortment with Planters, available at The Sill, $98
Even if they like to keep their space free of clutter and things, plants will add a much-needed breath of fresh air. These succulents don't take up too much space, but add beautiful greenery and are easy to take care of.
A message from their favorite celeb
Personalized Video, available at Cameo, from $10
Where else can you get a personalized video message from their favorite celebrity? Cameos are some of the coolest gifts around and are sure to make for a memorable celebration. Note: Some of the top-tier celebs can cost a pretty penny, so this can be a good gift to split with others!
A year of language learning
Babbel Year Subscription, available at Babbel, $99
Learning a new language is a fun activity and challenge. Babbel offers classes in 14 languages: Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, (Brazilian) Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish. If you know they've been wanting to learn one, or are planning a trip to a foreign country and you want to help them prepare, this is a thoughtful gift.
A gift card to get a massage
Gift Card, available at SpaFinder, from $50
Who doesn't love a massage? A gift card to SpaFinder will go towards a massage or spa treatment at a spa of their choosing.
A nourishing body care set
The Body 3-Step, available at Necessaire, $55
Body care products are a great gift for minimalists because everyone pretty much appreciates them and eventually they run out. So, give them a restock with this nourishing set of deodorant, body wash, and lotion from Necessaire. These products feel quite luxurious, making them special and giftable.
Durable, reusable storage capsules
Weekender Bundle, available at Cadence, $76
Cadence capsules are the gift they never knew they needed. These leakproof, magnetic little tubs can store anything from face wash to earrings. They're perfect for keeping their essentials organized and safe while traveling.
A warm and cozy candle
Off The Grid Candle, available at Snif, $49
Candles are another item you can never have too many of, especially when they smell as good as this one. The warm, cozy aroma is totally non-toxic and the name "Off the Grid" goes well with the minimalist aesthetic.
A box of creative chocolate bars
Most Popular Chocolate Bar Gift Set, available at Compartés Chocolates, $49.95
Fancy chocolate that they probably wouldn't splurge on themselves is a great gift. You know this gift set won't create clutter, because with creative flavors like Strawberry Shortcake and Donuts & Coffee, it'll probably be gone in one sitting.
A cashmere sweater they'll wear often
The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater, available at Naadam, $75
A crewneck cashmere sweater like this one from Naadam is something they'll get more than enough use of to warrant a space in their wardrobe. The $75 price tag is also a steal given how high-quality and cozy this is.
A cult-favorite French face cream
Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Cream, available at Amazon and Dermstore, from $14.40
What makes French people's skin so good? Apparently, this cream. It's rich with antioxidants making it perfect for nourishing dry, winter skin.
A great read they can pick out themselves
Gift Card, available at Bookshop.org, from $10
A book gift card helps ensure they're not stuck with a tome they're not that into. At Bookshop.org, you can shop and support independent bookstores from all over the world.
Remi Rosmarin Commerce Reporter Remi is a former reporter for Business Insider's affiliate commerce team, Insider Reviews. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Creative Writing and Political Science, Remi joined Business Insider to help readers find the best products worth buying. Since joining the team in 2018, Remi has reviewed hundreds of products and interviewed founders of industry disruptors, such as direct-to-consumer startups Koio and Absolut Art. She specializes in women's lifestyle, but loves to learn about any and all products that add value and excitement to our everyday lives. Say hello at rrosmarin@businessinsider.com. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read lessYou can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
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