What minimalists REALLY want for their birthdays

I’m often compared to Rachel in Friends. Not because I look like Jennifer Aniston (oh, how I wish), but because Rachel is known for returning every gift she gets.

In one episode, Rachel gets a board game from Chandler and immediately hands it back to him. She returns a gold necklace given to her by Ross and when he asks what she got instead, she simply replies, “credit”. When Tag gives her a scooter for her 30th birthday and says, “it wasn’t on your list, but hopefully you’ll think it’s really fun,” Ross whispers to him, “stick to the list. Always stick to the list.”

Like Rachel, I return most things I am given. Last year, Scott gave me a colouring book for my birthday (I already had two that I barely touched) and as soon as I opened it, I said, “Aw, thank you babe! That’s really nice of you. Did you happen to keep the receipt?”

It has become a running joke in the Bennett family that it doesn’t matter what anyone buys me – I will just return it anyway.  The simple fact is that I just don’t need more random things that eventually turn to clutter and junk. Gift giving and minimalism can certainly co-exist, it’s just important to think about what the person on the receiving end wants or needs – because let’s face it, no one wants to give a gift that’s not going to get used.

So, since it was my birthday yesterday, I have compiled a list of things that minimalists really want to receive.

1. Gifts of Time

Minimalists would much rather spend time with you, the giver, than receive something they don’t actually need. There’s a reason I listed this first. I would much rather a friend or family member share a gift of their time with me than spend money on something that I have to find a place for in my house.

Treat the minimalist in your life to  brunch and engage in great conversation with them. Take them on your favourite hike. Bake a cake or cook a delicious meal together. All that matters is that you are putting aside time specifically for them.

2. Experiences

Experiences are awesome. Who doesn’t love getting a voucher to do an activity you love or that you’ve always wanted to do? Here are just a few ideas of “experience” gifts:

I found all of the above experiences on the local Calgary Groupon website. Groupon always has awesome deals on unique experiences and is the first place I check for my gifts of experience.

3. Edible gifts

Minimalists gotta eat too! Edible gifts like wine, chocolate, and homemade desserts and canned goods (jams, jellies, pickles) are always appreciated and enjoyed!

4. Charitable gifts

While you may think that this type of gift isn’t for the receiver, it means so much to those who are passionate about charitable causes. When you donate your hard-earned money to their favourite organization, it means you took the time to think about what the gift receiver likes and you helped in the process! Bonus: you often get a tax receipt for your donation!

5. Gift cards or money

Yes, money and gift cards have a bad rap of being impersonal and “lazy” gifts, but hear me out! Minimalists like practicality and gift cards can be practical. Gas and grocery gift cards will most certainly be put to good use and won’t go to waste. Visa gift cards are awesome if you feel weird about getting your friend money for gas on their birthdays. Gift cards to favourite restaurants also work!

You can also get more specific, depending on the person. For example, my husband and I are in the process of renovating our unfinished basement and for Christmas we got a couple of gift cards to Home Depot and Lowes. This was something we truly appreciated and it showed that the gift givers had taken the time to think about what we really needed and would want.

6. Specific items (you just have to ask!)

Minimalists aren’t against owning things – they just dislike owning excess things. You need only ask if there is anything that they require – just don’t expect it to be something fun or impractical! It might be something that you would not consider to be “gift material”, but would mean a lot to the receiver (without a word of a lie, I asked for a new kitchen sink and faucet for Christmas). Just because it isn’t what you would consider to be gift worthy, doesn’t mean that it won’t be genuinely appreciated (certainly more so than a little knick-knack that might not get used).

I hope that this gave you some ideas or maybe even inspired you to give differently! Do you have a minimalist in your life that’s hard to buy for or maybe you just know someone who has everything? I would love to hear about them (and the gifts you’ve given to them) in the comments below!

Until next time,