24 Wonderful Gifts For Minimalists

Shopping for gifts for minimalists can be tough! My best advice is to ask the minimalist in your life if they actually need something, no point in spending money on something that is both unwanted and unnecessary!

I mean let’s face it holidays and special occasions create a ton of waste and you know how we feel about waste here on The Eco Hub!

The best part of a minimalist gift however is just how creative you can be! You don’t actually have to give an actual item, you can gift an experience like a cooking class or spa treatment or DIY something cute, the possibilities are endless!

If you prefer to give an actual present, we’ve got minimalist-approved gifts for everyone on your list.

You might be wondering what a minimalist is. A minimalist is someone who dislikes mess and looks for ways to keep clutter to a minimum. They are typically people who are looking for a simpler life with less stuff!  The best gifts for minimalists are those that keep on giving!

Quick Links for Minimalist Gifts

Minimalist Gifts For Her

1. Cozy Clothing From SOWNSMITH

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Give the gift of cozy with these cute verticle hoodies from Sownsmith, perfect for the minimalist in your life. Choose from three colors, Blush, Charcoal, or Oyster.

SOWNSMITH's pieces are elevated wardrobe essentials created in luxe sustainable fabrics that are timeless, versatile, and long-lasting.  The MicroModal collection comes in neutral colors that would fit seamlessly into any capsule wardrobe and the fleece collection has the softest material to keep you cozy for fall and winter.

This purpose-driven company makes all its fabrics and clothing in Canada to ensure no persons have been trafficked for labor in the process. As well, 7% of their profits are donated to organizations that fight human trafficking.  Giving the gift of a Sownsmith garment,  one cannot help but feel good knowing that they have contributed to something special and will be making someone feel special.

'Sown' means to have planted, invested, chosen, and/or stewarded and 'smith' means expert. Sownsmith is a brand for those who are mindful and conscientious about choosing and investing in a way that is respectful to people and the planet.

2. Undies or Lingerie

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Looking to cover you're but with a cute stocking stuffer? Could not resist! LOL! Then consider ethical undies. So many brands to choose from, PACT Classic Fit Bikinis are super-cool and are made of GOTS organic cotton, a bit of elastane, and zero toxic chemicals. I don't know anyone who doesn't love to feel sexy which is why ethical lingerie can go a long way. Underprotection will make you swoon, thier pieces are made with organic hemp, bamboo, and upcycled cotton in their lingerie. Their lingerie is upcycled and recycled materials that cut down on unnecessary resource extraction, energy, and water waste.

3. Plant Subscription

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Know someone who loves indoor plants and is wanting to create an urban jungle? There are so many wonderful plants you can gift. You can even buy subscriptions to plant companies.

The Sill is all about “self-care through plants”! They offer two subscriptions, The Classic, which is good for both new and seasoned plant parents; or you can choose The Pet-Friendly Plant Subscription, which helps animal lovers choose non-toxic plants for the home. Subscriptions begin at $60.

If the minimalist in your life is not ready to be a plant parent then consider a succulent. Succulents Box starts as low as $5 per box, not only is this one of the most affordable minimalist gifts, succulents are pretty low-key when it comes to caring for them! No green thumb! It's okay.

You can choose from over 300 organic varieties and six different kinds of subscriptions. Most do come in plastic but there are higher-end pots like clay available too!

4. Meal Delivery Kit

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We love to cook and getting a gift like this would make us very happy! Sunbasket is a pretty awesome organic meal kit that comes with 100% organic produce, fresh farm eggs, and hormone-free meat. When choosing a kit like this, look for brands that are supporting farmers who grow sustainably and use regenerative agriculture practices.

It’s why we love Sunbasket. Simply go to the website, and choose your meals and extras, they deliver and you can cancel anytime. Choose from paleo, carb-free, gluten-free, and more!  Meals start at $9.99 per serving, and delivery is free on your first order.

5. Fashion Rental Subscription

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If the minimalist in your life is giving slow fashion a go then what is a better way to support that than with a fashion rental subscription? These types of services are growing in popularity; they allow the consumer to rent rather than buy. This helps reduce the number of textiles headed to the landfill.

Armorie (based in the USA) is one example. They carry sizes up to 3X and have lots of deals on designer duds like Paige, Boden, and Diane Von Furstenberg. They offer three plans, one for every budget. The 4-item plan is $69 first month, Rent 4 items per case, 1 case per month. The 7-item plan is $89 first month, Rent 7 items per case, 1 case per month. The unlimited plan is $139 first month, rent 6 items per case, unlimited cases.

6. Sustainable skincare and makeup

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Sustainable skincare and makeup brands that create little waste make the perfect, useful gifts for minimalists, I mean we all want to look pretty right?

Natural beauty lovers who are ever on the quest for clean makeup with deep pigments, an inclusive color selection, truly clean ingredients, and polished formulas should look no further than Axiology's 3-in-1 Balmies Pack, we love good multi-tasking products there are also vegan and cruelty-free, you can't go wrong! USE CODE ECOHUB for 20% off at Axiology!

Grounded Sage Skincare makes zero-waste cosmetics like foundation which can be hard to find. It's made with Aluminum-free, non-GMO modified tapioca starch. Each foundation is packaged in a glass jar that can be reused or refilled. They are Certified Cruelty Free by PETA and Leaping Bunny. All of their ingredients are sustainably sourced and they use organically certified, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Elva’s All Naturals is one of our favorites here at The Eco Hub. They are an approved brand with CertClean, which is North America’s leading certification for safer beauty and personal care products. But that’s just a start.

If you are looking for a fully sustainable skincare routine, check out Elva’s GLOW. Botanical Skincare System which features a waterproof eye makeup remover, facial oil + lash serum, a foaming face wash, a toner, a facial oil, and a brightening scrub putty featuring brown sugar, organic honey, and papaya enzymes. Plus a 12-pack of washable bamboo makeup pads!

You can rest assured that none of their products contain any parabens, phthalates, palm oil, or artificial fragrances. They also omit SLS, sulfate, and gluten.

7. Minimalist Jewelry

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Ethical jewelry is always such a wonderful gift to get and give. These Salt + Still's handcrafted bracelets are so pretty, they blend timeless, classics design with ethical values. Salt + Still makes its products in small, intentional batches. Salt + Still is a Women-owned company that crafts all their USA Made products in New York State.

They forge their pieces using hand-hammered techniques, hand-carved beeswax molds, and natural fibers hand-dyed with natural, ethically sourced raw materials in their New York studio. Their jewelry consists of recycled sterling silver, 14k gold fill, and bronze, and is 100% nickel-free. Committed to never overproducing, Salt + Still makes its products in small, intentional batches.

8. Vintage Home Decor

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One of the best gift ideas for minimalists is something that already exists! If you head on over to Etsy, you can find a plethora of vintage home decor that is eclectic, fun, and sure to spark a great conversation. Simply Chi is one of our favorites, you will find an array of vintage home goods, currently, they are in love with postmodern pieces from the 80s and 90s. So if you know someone who is looking for a new lamp, coffee table, candles, a suitcase, wine glasses, you name it they have it! It was hard not to 'add to cart 'while browsing this cute shop.

9. Sustainable Shoes

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Also one of our favorites for sustainable shoes, VEERAH's Hedy ankle boot is a timeless classic that will fit seamlessly in a minimalist closet. Paired with a holiday dress or a power suit with its elegant pointed-toe silhouette, your loved ones are sure to make a statement. 

For materials, this ankle boot consists of a supple vegan upper, an eco-friendly Tencel lining, and algae-foam insoles, making it a great option for our lovely vegans out there. It is also super versatile and comes with removable and reversible ankle straps which means they can be styled 3 ways! We totally love that so you get more fashion and more for your money with a lower footprint. Who can argue with that?! 

Make sure to look out for the limited edition color in Diamond Dust launching this winter right in time for the holidays. Have your loved ones shining bright like a diamond, or slaying in a minimalist staple! With 6 lovely color options to choose it’s totally up to you! 

Find lots of other gorgeous styles including flats, mules, pumps, and more – all vegan, mindfully crafted, and perfect for the holidays! Use code VEERAHXTHEECOHUB for 10% off.

Minimalist Experience Gifts

This is your opportunity to think outside the box, literally, and gift something other than an actual product.

10. Airbnb experiences

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Travel gifts for minimalists are growing in popularity not only can you gift a weekend away, but you can also look for real-life activities that Airbnb offers from a pasta-making class with real Italian grandmothers to sailing adventures and more.

11. Digital Subscriptions

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This is probably one of the most useful gifts for minimalists. Think Netflix, Disney+, or Apple TV. There are so many eye-opening documentaries on zero waste and sustainable living to enjoy.

Other subscription services include Audible for podcast lovers and Masterclass where they will have 150+ Instructors to learn from, from all over the world and basically any subject you can think of! Learn songwriting with John Legend, garden with Ron Finley or even make a movie with Ron Howard!

Other minimalist gift ideas include, movie tickets, museum subscriptions, rock climbing, wine tasting, yoga or dance class passes, pottery classes, gym membership, cooking class, and more!

12. The Goodnewspaper

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In a world full of not-so-great news (to say the least), offering the gift of good news might be just what your loved one needs this holiday, and Good Good Good is just the thing with its Goodnewspaper subscription. 

Created by a team of artists, activists, and journalists, this print newspaper makes it so easy and fun to fill life with more good news, with a new issue every month. Every issue is filled with good news, as well as practical action steps that make it easier to get involved and make a difference however you can. We absolutely love that. 

The Goodnewspaper also contains beautiful art including a fold-out centerfold with inspiring quotes, illustrated by guest artists. Past guest artists include Daniele Coke, Cara Sykes, and Morgan Harper Nichols. 

Every newspaper is printed using recycled paper and soy-based inks which means they can go right in the recycling bin, be reused around the home, or be composted! 

The company, Good Good Good is a 1% for the Planet member and a founding member of Climate Neutral. They’ve also donated over 35,000 copies of the Goodnewspaper to classrooms and hospital waiting rooms in the US, with the help of their subscribers. 

Gift a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription, or get one for yourself! We all need some good news now and again! And make sure to sign up for their free good news emails for a little bit of sunshine right in your inbox. 

13. eBooks

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We are all about education here on the hub, we've told you about our favorite sustainable books but why not give the gift of knowledge? A Kindle is a perfect present for the minimalist who loves to read! Just make sure the minimalist in your life knows how to get rid of thier e-waste.

14. Charitable Donations

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What better way is there to tell someone you love them while giving back to one of thier favorite charities? There are a ton of great charities to choose from. For both charities and not-for-profit organizations, you can choose from international ones or local ones, like your local humane society or homeless shelter.

World Animal Protection makes it to the top of our list, we work with them closely to raise awareness for animals around the world. You can donate to one of the following causes:

• $35: provide two rescued baiting or dancing bears with vital, healing medication
• $50: reduce the suffering of millions of pigs by influencing food companies to provide better lives for them
• $100: go where the need is greatest by helping the most vulnerable animals
• $250: free elephants trapped in the tourism industry in Asia from suffering

Oxfam is another international charity that has gifts for all occasions, you can buy a goat for a family, help dig a well to help with access to clean water or even emergency kits for families who have been displaced.

Minimalist Gifts For Him

15. T-Shirts

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Lucky affordable gifts for minimalists do exist and a great t-shirt can add so much to a minimalist wardrobe, and there are a TON of brands to choose from! PACT's tees are made using Certified Organic Cotton that consumes very little water compared to conventional cotton. As they don’t use harmful inorganic pesticides and fertilizers, there is little to no water pollution, so you conserve water every time you choose organic. Choose from 7 great colors and patterns.

Outerknown is another one of your favorite companies that carry eco-friendly t-shirts for the minimalist man in your life. "Outerknown is for people who dream big. Those who make the most out of every day. It's not about age, but an approach to life. Never sacrifice style for sustainability. Feel good about getting dressed."

Their Sojourn tee is still the best-fitting, most sustainable tee out there, its light, breathable, and unbelievably soft made world’s finest Peruvian Pima cotton.

16. Backpacks

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We've got a whole post on backpacks, and if you have a travel buff in your family, this might be the perfect option. United By Blue's (R)evolution™  backpacks are one of the best. They come in different sizes (25L, 22L, 16L, 9L) and have several really great colors. You can use these in rugged terrain or even for the school or the office. They've also got pockets and other storage areas you might need.

All (R)evolution™ backpacks are made with recycled polyester and recycled nylon that comes from plastic water bottles which will make your pack durable as heck. Which is what we want! Built to last right?

17. Sustainable Tech

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I mean let's face it, most of us can't live without tech, and if you are looking for sustainable technology you've come to the right place. Earth Hero, one of our favorite alternatives to Amazon, they carry two fantastic eco-tech brands, Oakwoody and House of Marley.

After major success with the iPhone docking station, Oakywood has expanded its product line to laptop stands, iPhone cases, headphone stands, and even apple watch stands! Not only do these look fantastic around the house they are made from FSC-certified woods.

Named after Bob Marley and his love for both people and our planet, House of Marley embodies sustainability in the technology industry. All of their high-performance audio products have their signature sound and are made from a combination of bamboo, hemp, and recycled PET fabric.

Another Christmas gift idea for your minimalist man who loves the great outdoors is a good eco-charger that can make a great addition to his outdoor camping gear.

18. Reusable Razors

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Because plastic sucks and disposable razors are SO yesterday! Zero waste razors not only make a great stocking stuffer they offer a high-end shave as no plastic counterpart can.

Albartoss' reusable sustainable razor is made from stainless steel and it is very unique since it features a butterfly-style opening that is easy to insert a replacement blade. In addition, it includes 10 replacement razors in a cute hemp razor bag. There is a longer butterfly safety razor and the difference is only in the length.

Jungle Culture carries some of the best safety razors with various designs to make sure zero waste shaving is easier for beginners. There are traveling razors in rose gold and black, others are made from bamboo and reusable safety razors that are specifically for men, women, or unisex. In addition, they offer shaving soap bars and razor blades for additional purchases.

19. Cologne

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Nothing is better than a man who smells divine! And since we are always on the hunt for non-toxic perfume for the ladies, it was a no-brainer to include a non-toxic cologne! Natural Wisdom Spa on Etsy has over 1,000 positive reviews. They are all about "existing to nurture & nourish You & your precious Skin with Natural Wisdom. Inspired by the wild untamed spirit & raw beauty of Nature."

The Natural Solid Cologne is what they call a "Masculine Solid Cologne Balm" that's made with 100% natural & organic vegan ingredients. Its character is inspired by wild mountain forests and the earthy woodland floor. Clean, bright fresh air and the scent of drenched iridescent moss. Waterfall. Wilderness. Air. Featuring Notes: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Oak Moss… Smokey, earthy & fresh.

It comes in a reusable container and is sure to be a hit!

20. Organic Beard Kit

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Manscaping anyone? We love the Happy Hive Creations Beard Kit, it's the perfect minimalist gift for a guy who loves to groom. The reusable cardboard box is packed full of goodies to help your man groom like a champ. This beard kit comes with :
- 1 oz. Beard Oil
- 2 oz. Beard Balm
- 4 oz. Beard Wash Original Scent
- 1 Bamboo Beard Comb

And you can choose from any one of their Seven Scents for Beard Oil and Beard Balm, Beard Wash comes in Original Scent!

These lovely creations are made with Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Palm Kernel Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, and a blend of essential oils. Most importantly Happy Hive Creations Beard Wash is Sulfate and Paraben free.

Daily use encourages beard growth by increasing the strength of the hair while also conditioning and softening the facial hair. This oil also reduces itchiness and dandruff.

Ingredients key to the beard oil's performance is cold-pressed almond and jojoba oil, vitamin e oil, as well as a blend of essential oils.

21. Fair Trade Sippers

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A great minimalist gift for a guy who has everything is a really good pair of ethical slippers. Aura Que's colorful selection of slippers is made using raw sheep wool and natural buffalo suede. They pride themselves in being "collaboration with fair trade producer groups, breathing new life into traditional techniques and connecting our customers with the people that make their products." You will also find the cutest mittens, hats, and scarves for all your winter needs.

22. Travel Wallet & Toiletry Kit

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Bellroy’s Jet Set makes a beautifully simple and practical gift for the minimalist globe trotters or aspiring wanderers in your life. Featuring a Travel Wallet and Toiletry Kit, you can choose from several colors including Black, Slate, Bronze, and more, depending on the item. You can also mix and match the colors if you’d like. All of their options are perfect for a minimalist palette. 

The Travel Wallet is skillfully designed and available in five different colors. It is made from premium leather produced under gold-rated Leather Working Group environmental protocols, as well as sustainably sourced woven fabric.

It fits all passports (except German and Irish), has hidden compartments for spare cash, can take up to 10+ cards, and offers RFID Protection to protect cards, IDs, and passports. But that’s not all. This cleverly designed wallet is full of great little features including a nifty micro travel pen with refills, a spot for a local sim, and an ejector pin. 

The Toiletry Kit is not made from leather but from a recycled nylon woven fabric. It is water-resistant and features a water-resistant lining that makes cleaning easier, a toothbrush sleeve with a magnetic closure, and internal mesh pockets for easy organization. 

Bellroy is obsessed with design and you can really tell by the thoughtful additions featured in these and the rest of their products. They are a Certified B Corp as well and focus on more ethical sourcing practices and materials, reducing their environmental impact and making durable products that will stand the test of time. Find all sorts of other great essentials like bags, cases, and sleeves for tech, accessories, and other travel essentials.

Edible Minimalist Gifts/DIY

23. Chocolate

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Give us all the ethical chocolate all the time!

Chocolate and child labor is a real problem, this is a much larger issue for sure and one that calls for open dialogue between the companies that make the chocolate and the local government which accepts large kickbacks from the same companies.

There are things we can do. First off, buy ethical chocolate. It’s more expensive, but at least you have peace of mind that no child was hurt in the process. Look for third-party certifications like Fair Trade Canada, Fair For Life, Fair Trade USA, and Rainforest Alliance Certified.

We love Alter Eco Chocolate, they have bars, granola, nut butters, and truffle, they are a Certified B Corp and all of thier goodies are third-party certified. Thier products are grown in thriving ecosystems by small-scale, fair-trade farmers. Always organic, with no weird stuff ever. Thier products use recyclable or compostable packaging that eliminates or reduces waste!

24. Wine

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Tinto Amorio is a natural and organic wine company based in California. The Organic Grape Sampler is the perfect minimalist birthday gift. Tinto uses sustainably farmed grapes, they never add anything to thier creations and they are minority-owned and run by family and mates. Cheers to them and the planet!

25. Ethical Coffee

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Like chocolate, coffee can come with a whole lot of ethical issues it's why it's so important to choose brands that are not only using sustainable farming practices but are not exploiting anyone while they do ti!

Ethical Bean is one such company. They are not only Fairtrade and organic certified coffee but they make it all in a LEED standard energy-efficient factory. Love thier transparency, you can see all of thier certification IDs on thier website and each bag of thier coffee comes with a unique QR code that lets you know exactly where the beans were grown and the date it was roasted.

26. DIY Stove Top Potpourri

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We are big supporters of DIY gifts here on the Hub and we simply can't get enough of our DIY Stove Top Potpourri. It's so easy to make and sure to be a hit with anyone who receives it. Looking for the perfect minimalist housewarming gift, this is it.

What is stove top potpouri?

Stovetop potpourri is a mix of edible ingredients (fruit, spices + herbs) that you simmer on your stovetop for a few hours. It's a natural, homemade scent that is a better alternative to synthetic candles that can add to indoor air pollution in the home. Be sure to keep your simmer pot on low heat and replenish it with water frequently. For full instructions check out our full post!

What is a minimalist gift?

As we go through life trying to keep up with all of its expectations, it's easy to feel the desire to consume more and more but when we do this we miss the opportunity to slow down and approach life with minimalism in mind. In a true eco-world we would not give gifts but rather spend time doing stuff we love with the people we love, these are the best gifts for minimalists!

A walk in the forest, sharing a good meal or a personal moment of gratitude is what it's all about!

A final word on minimalist gifts

For this list, we wanted to give you an idea of some of the really great brands and what they have to offer. We take a lot of things into account, where and how the item is made, how it can be disposed of, and of course what the brand is doing to be more sustainable in all aspects of its business.

Make sure to check out all of our other gift guides, we've got something for everyone on your list.

• Zero Waste Gift Ideas
• Eco-Friendly Gifts For Kids
• Ethical Gift Ideas
• Sustainable Stocking Stuffers
• Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas

And don't forget that REGIFTING is okay too! Just make sure you do it right! If you found this post helpful, please help someone by sharing this article – help me to help others 🙂!

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