Minimalist gift ideas

In light of the holidays or an upcoming birthday, here are some gift ideas that are minimalist and zero waste friendly. Instead of jumping right into a list of different gifts though, consider learning about love languages so you have a better sense of how to properly gift your loved ones, and show them that you care. Love isn’t always translated through giving and receiving gifts though society often tells us, and can be expressed in other ways that are often more meaningful.

Love languages

• Every individual receives and gives love differently, which has been categorized into the 5 love languages:

  • Physical touch

  • Acts of service

  • Quality time

  • Words of affirmation

  • Receiving gifts

• Considering how your recipient receives love will be important in determining a gift for them

• Note that some people’s love language is given and received through gift giving, so be polite in giving them suggestions, and try your best to find something appropriate if they do expect a physical gift

Minimalist and zero waste friendly gift ideas

• A helping hand - if a loved one appreciates acts of service

  • Chore cards that offer a few guilt free passes for help

  • Decluttering, cleaning and help organizing

  • A homemade meal

• Bucket list experiences

  • Check out Groupon for deals on local experiences

  • Skydiving or thrill seeker experiences

  • Traveling to a new city or country

  • Class passes

  • Concert tickets

  • Tickets to a museum, botanical garden, or local attraction

  • Vouchers to local restaurants

• Written words - if you’re a writer, consider showing your love through words of affirmation

  • A well thought out poem written on beautiful paper

  • Homemade book

  • Personalized card

• Consumables - anything that can be used up over time instead of taking up space

  • Soaps and body products

  • DIY body butters and scrubs

  • Candles

  • Bulk, loose leaf teas or coffee

  • Chocolates or snacks

  • Baked goods or pre-made cookie mixes in a reusable jar

• Something needed - if something’s been on the wishlist for a long time, consider purchasing something from a sustainable brand, or something lightly used

  • Leather shoes and goods from Nisolo

  • Sustainable clothing pieces - check out the sustainable clothing brands guide here

  • Artisan made products from Etsy

• Zero waste staples - to help green the holidays, introduce reusable zero waste swaps or consumables

  • Shaving set - safety razor, safety razor stand, shave soap, shaving brush, razor blades

  • Locally made bar soaps or natural lotions from your refill store if available

  • Reusable to go items

  • Get more inspiration in the website shop

• Donation - for the advocate in your life, donate to a cause they would appreciate in their name

• For kids - use similar principles as the gift suggestions previous, but if your child prefers physical gifts, note that tangible, hands on toys that involve creativity will be best, and you may be able to find some options secondhand

  • Gardening kit - you may be able to make one with things you already have at home

  • Wooden building blocks

  • Montessori type toys that will embed learning into play

Zero waste gift wrapping

Check the video above for a quick tutorial on wrapping packages with paper and any natural string or twine, as well as how to use a reusable napkin or furoshiki wrap for a reusable wrapping option! You can also reuse any paper bags, tissue paper, or gift wrap from previous gifts and give them a second life.