Buying gifts for a minimalist (or an aspiring-minimalist) is far from easy. Whenever I am asked for a holiday wish list, I struggle. I am thankful for the thoughtful gift-givers in my life, yet I am careful about bringing new things into the home unless they will be truly loved and used. So this holiday season I am sharing with you eleven clutter-free gift ideas that you can add to your wish list. These items are all either digital, consumable, or just plain intentional.
1. Give Happy Plate
This plate caught my eye in the window of a gift shop at Grand Central Station. I immediately fell in love with the text and sentiment: “Give happy. This plate belongs to everyone. Its journey never ends. Enjoy the treats upon it and fill it up again. Then pass it on with lots of love to your family and friends. Live happy. Give happy.” It’s a gift that you are actually supposed to regift. Clutter-free at its finest, eh?
2. Storyworth
When it comes to meaningful gifts to bring family together Storyworth tops the list. It’s part-digital, part-tangible. You choose a co-creator, perhaps your parents. For one year, Storyworth sends them a weekly prompt to write a story of their own childhood and share memories. At the end of the year, the content from each week is bound into a beautiful keepsake book.
3. Yin Yoga Class Series
I love streaming online yoga from home–and recently I’ve been doing some Yin Yoga and have loved the slower, intentional (yet intense) pace of it. But sometimes a month goes by without using my regular subscription–so I love the idea of gifting a simple class series that has a defined beginning and end point. Personally, I am much more likely to put it to use that way.
4. Care/of
If I had to choose one “thing” I have spent money on this year that is changing my life–it would be Care/of. It’s a vitamin/supplement subscription service that prescribes a customized package to fit the needs of your body. I would have never guessed the simple little quiz on this website would have be so helpful in identifying what I need. After two months with Care/of, I feel like a new person. No exaggeration. I wrote more about it in this post. You can get 25% off your first month with the code SIMPLE25.
5. Kindle Unlimited
Maybe you love to read but you don’t finish every book that you start. Having access to Kindle Unlimited with over one million unlimited e-books doesn’t leave me feeling buyer’s remorse if I get halfway in and decide to throw in the towel. We also use the kid version of this, FreeTime, and my kids love having new books on demand.
6. Simple Year
If you are looking to make 2019 a more intentional year, look no further than A Simple Year. This course is spearheaded by Courtney Carver of Be More with Less, but will also include an array of teachers and facilitators including The Minimalists, Angel Chernoff, Zoë Kim, and myself. I’m going to be leading a month of intentional discussion around simplifying relationships–and I couldn’t be more excited. If you sign up before November 15th you save $100.
7. Headspace/Calm
Asking for a year of a quiet mind…now that’s a gift. I love simplified meditation apps like Headspace and Calm. Whether you are a complete newbie or more experienced at mindfulness, you will find a place that fits you within these apps. You can set up a yearlong subscription and get 2019 started off with a sense of peace and calm.
8. Prep Dish
If you listen to the podcast, then you have heard me rave about PrepDish. This meal-planning service has streamlined my shopping, cooking, and cleaning (so basically my whole life?). We are even using it on vacation this year to cut out the brainpower it takes to plan and prepare meals. If you are looking to simplify the whole meal planning process, by all means, check out PrepDish. You can try it for two weeks free with this link; use the code FAMILIES.
9. Libro.FM
You’ve probably heard about Amazon’s audiobook program Audible. If you like it, then you will LOVE Libro.fm. Libro.fm is like the independent bookstore version of Audible. Whenever you make a purchase, a portion of your proceeds goes to the local independent bookstore of your choosing (rather than to a megacorporation). I’m really excited about making this switch. This link will give you the first month free (a free book)! Or you can use code LFM90391.
10. The Toy Detox
Want to spend less time cleaning up toys? I think you will love the Toy Detox. It’s a step-by-step approach that I have developed to declutter the toys and reclaim your home from the chaos. It’s also better for your kids. I’ve written about why we got rid of the toys and why fewer toys is better for your kids. But it’s also better for you!
11. Pacha Froth Bombs
These are my favorite little treats. I buy these bath bombs at Whole Foods and they are amazing. Just avoid the glitter ones unless you like to emerge from the bath looking like a real live unicorn.
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