CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR THE MINIMALIST

The Christmas season is upon us! Black Friday is the pinnacle of consumerism, and while it can be fun, it's become a little bit crazy! It has taken over Thanksgiving--anyone remember when Black Friday was actually on Friday?! As we approach the holidays, we thought we'd share some gift ideas for the minimalist or aspiring minimalist in your life. When a friend or family member is working diligently to have and purchase less, it's good to know it's not about deprivation; it's about being intentional and not taking in more than one needs. As such, we created this list of ideas and items that add value and don't add clutter or excess. Enjoy! 

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1. Experiences

Obviously. For many, the purpose of minimalism is to have less stuff and more memories! Ideas could include a gift card to a favorite restaurant around town, concert tickets, a planned day trip, or if someone has kids, a night of babysitting. 
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2. Delta Gift cards

After our first "year" of minimalism, my sister-in-law gave Ty and I a Delta gift card for Christmas. It was SUCH A GREAT GIFT! How creative of her! We flew to Naples during the freezing winter season. We thought of her many times throughout the warm weekend, and were so thankful! 
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3. The most wonderful candle on the planet

Gifts that "run out," are great for minimalists, because they don't have to stored on a shelf or in a closet for all of eternity. Someone gifted me this candle a few months ago. I never understood why people spend so much money on this Anthropologie scent...until I had one. I buy a new one every time it runs out because I am entirely in love with it (because minimalism is not depravation, it's achieving a new degree of intention).

4. Roomba

I almost made this list just one item long. The item would be a Roomba (this is the exact model we have). THERE IS NO BETTER GIFT YOU CAN GIVE THAN THE GIFT OF NEVER VACUUMING AGAIN!!! Ty bought me one for Christmas last year and I will never, ever live without one again! This gift provides the gift of time! 
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5. French Press or Chemex

Minimalists love function and practicality. For the coffee drinker, a cute French press like this one or a new way to make coffee (like a Chemex, or cold brew maker) would be lovely. We have this kettle and adore it. These items are practical, can be used daily, and serve a purpose! This book would be fun, too. 

6. Consumables

Craft coffee beans (Grand Rapid's Madcap beans are our go-to gift!), wine (package it cute with this!), maybe a gift basket of local goodies!
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7. Massage

Treat your minimal friend to a massage! Self-care is important to all, especially around the holidays. 
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8. Blankets

We just threw away a few old, ratty blankets. Living in Michigan, we are always under a blanket while watching Netflix or surfing the web (I even drape one over my lap while I'm at the dining table!).
​Here are a few of my favorites right now:

9. Letterboard

This wood letterboard is a fun addition to any room. We have this, and always look forward to changing the text!

​We hope this helps you shop for the aspiring minimalists in your life! Giving gifts is special--but if someone you know and love is working hard at being deliberate or intentional, these gifts will help add value to their lives without any excess or clutter. Happy Thanksgiving! 
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