I LOVE giving gifts. L-o-v-e it. So if you are looking for a post that involves not giving gifts, or how to tell people in your life ‘no gifts’, this probably isn’t the post for you. But just because I still personally love to give gifts doesn’t mean I’m standing in line on Black Friday at 3am in the morning just to get a particular item. Please, I live in Minnesota. It’s cold at 3am.

All joking aside, I do believe there can be a healthy balance between the minimalist and zero waste lifestyle that we are slowly adopting and gift giving. Mr. Blographer and I have been actively reevaluating gift giving the past couple of years, ESPECIALLY now that we have Little E. And I’m not going to lie, it has been somewhat difficult to change the gift-giving habits we’ve adopted over the years. 

New to minimalist and clutter-free gift giving? Check out my guide on the topic here:

Zero Waste and Minimalist Gift Giving 101

Besides taking a hard look at the type of gifts we give and ask for, we have started following these four guidelines:

• • Follow the rule ‘Something you want, something you wear, something you read and something you need’. 
  • Don’t underestimate second-hand stores for gifts. We love our local second-hand store for a variety of items, and for online second-hand women’s and kids clothes shopping we LOVE ThredUp.

• • Santa, Easter Bunny, Etc: Santa brings one gift (a smaller gift) and then stockings he brings usable items or consumable items (usable meaning yummy soaps, bath items, crafting supplies, snacks, etc). The Easter Bunny and other ‘friends’ follow suit. 

• Adopt other birthday/holiday/other celebratory event traditions instead of gifts
  • • Make the person of honor their favorite meal
  • Offer to let the person of honor choose what activity they want to do for the day

Other than that, we really try to be really mindful of purchasing/making gifts that don’t contribute too much or any clutter and fall in line with our minimalist and zero-waste mindsets and I tried to include gift ideas to match a variety of my values, in hopes that they also match some of yours.

Values that include:

• Supporting your local community by engaging in local experiences
• Supporting small businesses
• Supporting small, women-run businesses
• Low clutter or clutter-free gifts
• Low waste or zero waste gifts
• Sticking to a budget
• And more

Finally, if you’re able, to keep gifts zero waste friendly and budget-friendly, try the following:

• Second-hand: Look for items second-hand. This helps eliminate the waste from purchasing a whole new product.
• Free items: Check out your local buy nothing group, Facebook marketplace, Freecycle.org, Free Little Library, and more for free, secondhand items
• DIY gifts (see more in the gift list)
• Regift: I feel I have stepped in uncharted territory, but I stand by that statement. If someone gives you a gift, the real gift is in the giving. Accept it with full gratitude, and give it away freely. Wouldn’t it make you feel better knowing someone else may actually get use out of it if you’re not planning on using it?

For tips on reducing gift wrap waste, check out my post on that topic here.

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So without further ado, here are 91 clutter-free, minimalist friendly and mindful gift ideas:

Kindle/E-Reader – I have had a kindle for years and have LOVED it. Not only are e-books inexpensive, many libraries also have digital copies of books which you can ‘check out’ right from your bed or couch!

Amazon E-Gift Card – Great for buying e-books or anything else Amazon offers.

Audible Membership – Know someone who does a lot of commuting or traveling? Or maybe they are someone who enjoys listening to podcasts books while cleaning, exercising, etc. Why not gift them an audible membership which has books, magazines, radio stations and more! Shh..don’t tell Mr. Blographer but I think he’s getting a membership from Santa!

Seed Starter Kit – I LOVE getting these for Christmas.  I have started seeds indoors for the past couple of years, and not only is it more cost-effective, but it is fun! I am looking forward to having Little E help me next spring. These are great for vegetable and flower seeds!

Child Artwork Frame – This frame is such a great way to display kids artwork in a neat and clutter-free way. This frame holds multiple pieces of art which you can rotate throughout the year.

Biodegradable or E-book: Leo & The Lion Learn of Love by Holly Rose. Harnessing the Love children so freely emit, the Lion teaches young Leo how to care for himself and the world around him with his heartfelt sagacity. Through the Lion’s wisdom, Author Holly Rose communicates the complexities of the modern world in a way which encourages children to work towards a kinder, fairer, more unified and peaceful future. Set alongside illustrator Caroline Winneguth’s gentle watercolour scenery, this book harnesses the Love children so freely emit, guiding them protect their nurturing nature. This is a truly stunning book with an even more beautiful message. Plus, did I mention the print version is biodegradable? A great zero waste option for kids! Psst…The Mindful Mom Blographer readers (that’s you!) can get 10% off using code ‘MINDFULMOM’.  Head over to the website to grab your e-book or physical copy!

Connect with Nature: Projects to Grow, Gather, Make and Do – This book has activity ideas for each season involving nature. This book is on my wish-list!

The Little Book of Mindfulness – Perfect for a stocking stuffer or for anyone who would enjoy some mindful living inspiration.

Etsy.com – Check out artwork, jewelry, soaps, and more. Bonus – support small businesses! Etsy is dangerous for me and my wallet. Be sure to include local art/craft shops in your small business supporting as well!

Give your kids one ‘yes’ day (check out this article for more details, or check out the book here).

Consumables

• Food from their favorite bakery, restaurant, etc
• Coffee/tea
• Wine/Beer/Liquor
• Homemade gifts such as salsa, pesto, jam
• Meat gift basket (pick out a selection of meat)
• Vegetable basket
• Homemade soup mixes
• Homemade lotions/lotion bars
• Homemade soaps
• Candles/essential oils/diffuser, etc
• Grocery delivery service gift card
• Gift certificate to their favorite coffee/tea place
• Meal planning/delivery gift certificate

Kids

• Art/craft supplies (could be a great gift for adults too!)
• Magazine subscription (can get a digital subscription or paper – donate the paper version when done)
• Lessons: swim lessons, dance lessons, etc.
• Clothes/shoes
• Put me in the Story – One of a kind personalized books for kids (and even for adults).  There are so many book options and popular characters such as Sesame Street, Disney, Curious George, Nickelodeon character, and more!
• Reusable snack bags (fox – see below, or hedgehog)

Experiences

• Gift certificate for their favorite restaurant
• Gift certificate to their favorite coffee/tea place
• Meal planning/delivery gift certificate
• Lessons for kids/adults: swim lessons, dance lessons, etc.
• Sign up for a local community ed class together!
• A local park pass or state park pass
• A dog park pass if they have a dog
• Movie night out or in
• Sports tickets
• Gift certificate to a spa or for a massage
• Tickets to their favorite show
• A membership to a local museum, nature center, or zoo
• Gift certificate for house cleaning
• Donation to a local charity in the recipient’s name
• Gift certificate for their favorite app (ex. Headspace membership, Spotify)
• Netflix/Hulu subscription
• Offer to babysit/pet sit if they have kids or pets
• Offer to shovel snow, rake leaves, change their oil, whatever task they may need doing
• Itunes gift card
• Gift certificate for house cleaning
• Donation to a local charity in the recipient’s name
• Gift certificate for their favorite app (ex. Headspace membership)

Miscellaneous

• Magazine subscription (can get a digital subscription or paper – donate the paper version when done)
• Items for their hobbies (ex. outdoor gear or gift certificate for outdoor gear, items for their garden if they’re a gardener)
• Photograph gifts (photo book, canvas print, etc)
• Books (check out second-hand bookstores or consider e-books)
• Ancestry & Health DNA tests such as this one
• Flowers, a plant/succulent in a cute container
• Coloring books (umm, yes it’s an adult Disney coloring book…) and colored pencils (see why coloring is not just for kids here)

Subscription Boxes

I love subscription boxes. If you are unfamiliar with them, let me tell you why I think subscription boxes make great gifts:

• they are usually very low clutter
• can be tailored to the specific interests of the recipient
• allows the recipient to try new items they may not normally try
• subscription box companies often support local and small businesses
• the boxes often contain unique and fun items!
• there are so many different options which make it great for those hard to buy for
• there are great options for kids!

Food/Beverage

• UrthBox (use this link to get $10 off your first box) – A snack box subscription with non-GMO and organic food and beverages
• Love with Food (use this link to get 25% off) – All natural, gluten-free or organic snacks
• NatureBox (Use this link to join for only $5 a month) – All things snacks! I subscribed to this box for a while a couple of years ago and all the snacks were delicious!
• Raw Spice Bar – For the person who loves to use a lot of spices in their cooking
• Bean Box Gourmet Coffee Sampler – For the coffee lover in your life
• Vine Oh!– For the wine lover in your life
• Carnivore Club – For the artisan meat lover in your life
• Field to Cup – For the tea lover in your life

For Kids

• Little Loving Hands – Kids Crafts for a Cause – A box is sent with a kid-friendly craft in it. You and your kids do the craft and send it back with the pre-stamped envelope/package. The craft is then donated to a worthy cause. If this isn’t the coolest idea for a subscription box, I don’t know what is!
• Green Kids Crafts – Science and art kids activities for kids aged 2-10 using eco-friendly materials.
• Hoot for Kids – Customized activities boxes for kids aged newborns – 6 years old.
• Sock Panda – Get a pair of socks and the company donates a pair to someone in need! Sizes available for kids starting at age 3 – adults.
• The Story Box – get age-appropriate, educational books delivered right to your door!
• Surprise Ride – fun activities (with a focus on science topics) meant to keep kids and family unplug

For Adults (Hobbies/Outdoor)

• Wonderful Objects – Each box contains items that tells a story. 10 Days before the box arrives, a teaser is sent to give you clues about what the box may contain.
• The Nomadik  – For the travel and outdoor lover in your life
• Cairn – Includes items for anything and everything outdoors (hiking, fishing, camping, etc. I bought this for my husband last year and he loved it!)
• Quilty Box – For the quilt lover in your life.
• Grill Masters Club – for the person who loves to grill in your life
• Annie’s Hook and Needle Club – For the knitter or crocheter in your life
• MightyNest – This box sends one eco-friendly, non-toxic (and many zero waste friendly products) each month. Members of the subscription box also receive discounts on many items in the MightyNest store! Use code DRYERFIX2018 to get the first box for $3, PLUS 3 free dryer balls! Or, use code BEESFIX2018 to get the first box for $3, PLUS 2 sheets of beeswax wrap!

Self Care

• Hygge Box – Each box contains items to create a hygge inspired life!
• TheraBox – Curated by therapists to include self-care and stress/anxiety reducing items
• The Wallflower Box – Items for introverts and other quiet souls
• The Year of Wellness –  Receive products to inspire wellness and happiness in your life

For Adults (Women)

• Ecocentric Moms – Receive organic and eco-friendly products for mom’s wellbeing
• Causebox – Causebox aims to create a community of women who care about social issues, the environment, themselves and their community. Each item in their seasonal box has a story and helps support the previously mentions issues.
• Love Goodly – This subscription includes eco-friendly, cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics, wellness and lifestyle products.

For Adults (Men)

• Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club – For the beer lover in your life.
• Mystery Tackle Box – For the fisherman in your life (I think I’m going to get a gift subscription for Mr. Blographer!)
• SumoJerky – a 5 star rated jerky subscription box bringing the best jerky to your door

**Cairn, Grill Master’s Club, and The Nomadik boxes are good for men as well**

For Pets

• Pooch Perks – For the dog lover in your life
• KitNip Box – For the cat lover in your life

Bonus Ideas!

Zero waste gift ideas: Check out my gift guide with zero waste gift ideas!

DIY: There are TONS of great DIY gift ideas out on Pinterest. I have a board dedicated to DIY gift ideas that you can check out here.

Best Gifts for a Minimalist from Get Well Be Well

Finally, check out 6 zero waste gift wrap ideas for easy ways to reduce gift wrap waste this holiday season!