This post explains the importance of giving good gifts that won’t become clutter in someone else’s home. If you’re into minimalism, you’ll understand why this is so important. If you’re new to minimalism, let me explain…
Since I’ve started trying to become more minimalistic, the holidays have become a little more stressful than I would like. When the holidays would roll around I would put together a list of things I needed. They would be items I needed but hadn’t had the chance to buy yet. I would send the list to family members months in advance. In the end, they wouldn’t buy me anything I needed and asked for. Instead I would get whatever they’d found on a bargain.
While that isn’t true for all of my family members, it definitely happened enough that I was frustrated. I didn’t want a mini pancake maker (I’m not that big of a pancake eater) that was only $20.00. Instead, I could’ve used a new flashlight to keep in the car. One of those gifts went in the cabinet, never used and forgotten about while the other (I finally bought myself) stays by the front door to be used constantly. Why would I need mini pancakes and an extra item to keep around when I can pour the batter directly on the skillet?
Don’t get me wrong – I love getting gifts and I think gift shopping should be fun and exciting. However, wouldn’t you find it more exciting if you’re getting something you know the receiver will use and need? Wouldn’t buying something useful be more enjoyable than buying something that will never be used?
I’ve got a wedding coming up in 2025 and one thing I’m worried about is receiving stuff at my wedding shower that my future husband and I don’t need. I worry that even if I ask for specifics, no one will follow my wishes and it will be Christmas all over again. I don’t mean to be selfish, I just don’t want anyone wasting their money on a smore maker again, y’know? How many times have you gotten a gift and said, “Aww, thank you” with a smile while also thinking “I’ll never use this”?
Good Gifts Make All The Difference.
When we end up giving gifts that aren’t useful or wanted, it’s a lose-lose situation. We waste money on things that people don’t want or won’t use. This means they end up with something else that will just sit around the house collecting dust. Then, they won’t get rid of it because they feel bad. How much “feel bad” clutter have you kept around just in case? Just in case that person asks about it later on? I personally don’t want to answer this question out of embarrassment.
Gift giving doesn’t have to stop, though. You can still buy gifts for your family that they’ll love and use. The only difference is you might want to be a little more mindful of what you’re purchasing. Is it something they need, will use, or have asked for? If you ask yourself those three questions, you’ll be able to buy a thoughtful, useful gift for anyone.
With that taken into account, what are some other ways you can you give good gifts that won’t become clutter? Here are a few more examples to help you on your shopping spree this holiday season.
Choosing Good Gifts That Won’t Become Clutter
A post by Modern Minimalism author Elle Penner says a good gift consists of three key things: consumable, experience, and physical. Here’s how she described what those three things mean when it comes to good gifts:
“Consumable gifts: A consumable gift can be used up in some way, even eaten, if the receiver likes that kind of thing.
“Experience gifts: Experience gifts can include activities, outings, lessons, tickets, trips, and things like art supplies or camping gear that create or enhance experiences.
“Physical gifts: Useful items that serve a purpose or simplify the recipient’s life in some way can also make great minimalist gifts. An example of a practical, physical gift might be a packable backpack for an avid traveler, a Kindle for someone who loves to read, or wireless headphones for an exercise enthusiast.”
If you’d like more tips on minimalistic living, check out this one: How To Live Minimalistic in 2025
Buying the right gift for family and friends shouldn’t stress you out more than the holidays already do. By choosing a gift that fits one of the above three ideas, you can rest assured you’ve done great. If you know someone who is all about self care and baths, you can buy them new loofas, soaps, scrubs, or bath bombs. These gifts will be loved, appreciated, and used. It’s a thoughtful way to ensure you aren’t wasting your money or time.
Another gift idea could be someone who loves to travel but hasn’t found the time for it yet. Odds are, they have time, and just haven’t taken their own wishes seriously enough to make that special trip happen. That’s where you come in – buy them tickets somewhere, or give them news about a few nights prepaid at a hotel for them. With hotel expenses out of the way, they have no excuses! All they need is gas money (or plane ticket money) and a little extra for spending.
A Short List of Gifts That Won’t Become Clutter:
Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning if you purchase from one, I might earn a small commission (at NO EXTRA COST to you).
- movie tickets
- sporting event tickets
- spa/massage certificate
- family photoshoot
- a Nook or Kindle for book lovers
- book shelf for bookies
- robot vacuum
- coffee or tea set
- dinner certificate (Outback, Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory, etc.)
- new kitchen cookware
- mini portable massager
- backpack for travel
- socks
- silky hair ties (reduces hair breakage)
- jewelry cleaning kit
- new phone
- kitchen island
- nice cutting board
- chargeable hand warmer
- wireless Apple watch charger
- waterproof/long battery flashlight
- hyper chiller (chills any hot beverage in under 1 minute)
- ice chest
- new kitchen knife set
- aerogarden (for plant lovers)
- salon visit
- new shoes
- nice jackets or robes
- mini treadmill (on Amazon for easy shipping!)
Let me know in the comments which gift idea you like most, and if you have any ideas of your own!!
