What to Get for the minimalist
Simple, Thoughtful Gifts for Those Who Believe Less Is More
By Katie Smith
When you have a close friend or family member who loves the holidays but doesn’t love having a lot of stuff around, finding the perfect gift can be a challenge. As a Christmas lover and a minimalist myself, I completely understand. Of course, we all want to give gifts people will genuinely love, but when someone seems to have everything and wants nothing, it can be hard to know where to start. The good news is that there are plenty of thoughtful gifts that won’t add clutter, from useful everyday items and consumables to memorable experiences. If you’re shopping for someone who values simplicity, here are some ideas they’ll actually appreciate and be happy to add to their list.
Fresh flower subscription
There are lots of CSA flower shares in Maine — Weezy’s Farm & Flower in Bangor and Hidden in Thyme – Florals & Farm in Orono, to name a couple. Fresh flowers are always a wonderful gift and add warmth and beauty (without adding clutter) to any home.
Candle warmer and a Maine candle
Candle warmers not only add a beautiful ambiance to your loved one’s home, they are eco-friendly. Instead of burning a candle, you just set it under the warmer. It heats up so the scent floats through your home without the smoke or soot. And because the candle isn’t being burned away, it will last a lot longer.
Digital subscription
From Netflix to Audible to digital magazines, there are digital subscriptions to fit just about anyone on your list. They offer something to enjoy — without any added clutter in the house.
Locally made soap
We all use soap — gifting a few bars of beautiful handmade soap makes any home feel extra special. Pair with a handcrafted soap dish made from a local potter or woodworker.
Experience gift
Maine experiences are endless — a day of skiing, Maine Botanical Gardens membership, a gift certificate to a local restaurant, performance, or cooking class. These are all wonderful options that won’t take up any space.
A service
Whether you go with a car detailing, a spa treatment, or handyman service, this kind of gift definitely gets a minimalist excited. Keeping things organized and clean makes them happy. These are practical luxuries they might not spend money on for themselves.
Maine-made consumables
Think maple syrup, coffee, honey, or tea. Things from Maine just taste better, and once they’ve been enjoyed, they’re gone. Locally made food or cooking items support local businesses and feel personal.
Digital picture frame
This is a great alternative to having lots of pictures around the house. You load a bunch of pictures to the digital frame and it will cycle through each one — a win-win for someone who doesn’t want their walls covered in frames, but loves looking at pictures.
