Minimalist Present Giving and Receiving
This is one of the biggest issues faced when it comes to a minimalist holiday season. You want to get everyone sustainable gifts that they need and will use (not just sit on a shelf or in a cupboard), and you also want to receive gifts that you want or need. As the holiday season is approaching I thought I’d share my approach to both gift-giving and receiving.
My advice would be to keep ongoing lists; one for yourself of things you really want or need (I also keep lists for the children too), and then lists for all the family and friends that you would like to buy for, noting down things they mention throughout the year to help guide your purchase. I like to ask the gift receiver if there is anything in particular that they would like first, as you never know, they may have something in mind. However, if they don’t, you have your list to help guide you.
Where possible I love to give gifts that a person really needs (over wants), experiences or food – never underestimate a good handmade gift basket full of treats and maybe even a bottle of bubbles.
When it comes to you receiving gifts you can either say thank you for the offer and thought but no thank you, you don’t need anything, or you can refer to your list and request something from there. I would advise, if possible, trying to have a selection of prices.
Below are some of my gift ideas to try and give you ideas.
Time
Whether it’s making time to see a friend who lives far away for the weekend, meeting someone for dinner or a coffee date, or even looking after someone’s children for them so they get some time to themselves; never underestimate the gift of time.
Experiences
In a world full of so much ‘stuff’ why not gift someone a fun experience that they will enjoy and remember for years to come?
There are lots out there to choose from, whether the individual is more interested in a wild activity day or a cosy afternoon tea. Do bear in mind though that these tend to come with a higher price tag.
Vouchers and Annual Passes
You can do traditional shop vouchers, often perfect for teenagers who want to choose their own gift, or you can get vouchers/annual passes for local parks or gardens.
We are in the Kent area and have received vouchers for both Wildwood and Howlettes in the past for the children, and I cannot express how much more these gifts have meant than toys that could well have been forgotten about after a few plays.
Subscriptions
These can be a wonderful gift and once you start looking there are lots of options. You can get almost any magazine subscription these days (digital ones too which I love), book subscriptions, beauty boxes, lego, the list is endless.
The ones we are looking at for the children are National Geographic Kids and Letters from Afar – definitely check them out if you have toddlers.
Books
This is a go-to for me and luckily, lots of my friends and family too. I always keep a list of books I like and if someone wants an idea I often choose a book, especially for the children.
We have made space for lots of books in our home as we feel that they are important for inspiring, learning, creating, and dreaming.
Food
When in doubt feed people! I like to make little hampers for people as gifts, sometimes just a selection of all their favourite things (we did this for Paul’s Nana every year) and sometimes themed.
I’ve done hot chocolate themed baskets before, sweet themed baskets, afternoon tea themed baskets and Christmas baking themed too. You can literally let your imagination go wild and personalise it to the individual(s) you are making it for.
I hope this is of some use to anyone who is trying to convince friends and family that they need less, or those looking to buy meaningful presents that will be appreciated and used. Let me know if there is anything you would add to the list, I love new ideas.
Gifts and gratitude,
Livvy and Summer
