Every Christmas, I have a tough time finding gifts that are thoughtful and won’t just clutter up people’s homes. I want them to be useful and enjoyable.
I think we all could benefit from a thread where we share ideas for gifts that promote simple living.
Here are my suggestions:
Consumable gifts like candy, wine, beer, cheese, pickles, tea, coffee, homemade treats (soup mixes, muffins, pies, etc.), soaps, and lotions.
Experience gifts such as massages, nail salon visits, yoga or fitness classes, sensory deprivation floats, comedy shows, musicals, movie tickets, sports tickets, art classes, cooking classes, escape room experiences, flying lessons, and hot air balloon rides.
Low-resource gifts including used books, seeds or plants, gift cards, and framed photos.
We were just talking about this… really trying to keep it local this year. Everyone has dogs, and grooming visits can get pricey, so I thought gift certificates for that could work.
This year, I got all my siblings $10 cast iron pans. I stripped, sanded, and re-seasoned them. It was much easier than it sounds. It’s a lifetime gift that gets better with every use. I’m excited to give them out—you can probably tell!
I asked for an annual state park pass this year. It’s not expensive, has no clutter, and allows me to hike in nice parks all year without fee worries. Gifts tied to activities the person enjoys are always a great pick. A membership to a community center, pool, or nature center helps keep it local.
Additionally, I recommend consumables. My mom creates laundry baskets full of items like toilet paper, cleaning solution, and sponges according to what’s on sale. My grandpa does the same with things like tissues and antifreeze. Honestly, these gifts are among my favorites since they reduce my shopping throughout the year without straining my loved ones’ budgets.
I usually make gift bags or baskets filled with items someone regularly needs, depending on the person. Things like shower gel, soap, socks, hair pomade, deodorant, or snacks. They may not seem exciting, but they are always appreciated. Sometimes I stick to the brands the person already likes, and sometimes I try out something different or fancy so they can have a new experience.
Everything you mentioned resonates with me. I enjoy finding organic lotions, soaps, or food gifts from local small businesses. I’m really passionate about supporting them, and these gifts are usually unique as well!
Give something that enhances their life but they wouldn’t buy for themselves. Most often it’s a nicer version of something they enjoy or need or tickets to an event they love.
Select gifts that don’t impose an obligation. I wouldn’t want them to feel like they have to put it on display or use it if they aren’t feeling it.
I personally enjoy receiving care packages, like collections of snacks or nice-smelling soaps. I think they’re more thoughtful than many gifts, and they are usually well received.
How about making donations to a cause they truly care about? This could be a local animal shelter, environmental protection, education, or donations for food or shelter for those in need.
Subscriptions for something they enjoy reading or watching could be good too—lots of online news sites need subscriptions to stay afloat.
@Oaklan
I see your point. While I appreciate donations to charity and would love to receive that as a gift, my best friends aren’t big supporters of any cause. They might be disappointed if I chose to donate instead of giving them a personal gift.
@Oaklan
Sorry, I must have gotten confused with threads. Yes, it really hinges on knowing the person, and it’s not a fit for everyone. But that doesn’t mean it’s not valid.
My husband and I treasure donations to causes we care about or subscriptions to content we enjoy. At this point in our lives, our friends and family have what they need and can afford what they want.
A friend who is an animal lover, helping all stray pets she finds, was thrilled to get a donation to an animal shelter in her name because it touches something she cares deeply about. It’s all about knowing the recipient.
@Darcy
My husband and I always donate to a charity each Christmas. However, I’m uncertain if it’s really a gift for someone else unless they ask for it.
My friends aren’t into simple living, and I’m not trying to impose it on them. I want to give gifts that reflect their tastes while respecting my own values.
Palmer said:
We are creating our own spice mix for family. We keep it simple with just 3 to 4 ingredients and blend them into small batches to give out.
I think that’s a nice idea for coworkers or extended family, but I only give gifts to close friends and immediate family. This might feel too impersonal for them. We usually do much bigger gifts than just $5 worth of spice rub.
I’m not placing any judgment on your idea! It just doesn’t fit my personal gifting style.
@Chance
That’s completely understandable! Both our families really enjoy cooking and have been asking about the spices we’ve used in the dishes we’ve brought over.
Palmer said: @Chance
That’s completely understandable! Both our families really enjoy cooking and have been asking about the spices we’ve used in the dishes we’ve brought over.
Gift certificates for local restaurants are a great idea and, for families with kids or grandkids, memberships to the children’s museum work well. I also go for quality home maintenance items, such as French linen dish towels, high-end dust pans made from natural materials (Food52.com is one of my top picks).