Christmas is supposed to be a time of celebration and joy, but sometimes the task of finding gifts that your family will love can turn it into a time of stress. Some people are remedying this problem by transitioning to a minimalist Christmas.
You may think that a minimalist Christmas means no gifts at all, but that is not the case. Instead of loading up on tons of gifts, minimalists strive to find a few meaningful gifts that are not going to cause clutter. This helps to switch the focus of Christmas from things to people and relationships. Here are some ideas to help get you started.
Consumable gifts
Consumable gift ideas are things that are tangible, but get used so they do not create clutter. They are useful and meaningful which make them the perfect gift for a minimalist. Thinking about a hobby that your family member has and then buying them supplies for that hobby is a good example of this. Art supplies for the artists, craft supplies for the crafter, and equipment or gear for the sports enthusiast, are just a few of the things that might work for this option.
Other consumables include themed baskets or monthly subscription boxes. A movie night or game night basket full of treats and comfy pyjamas and a movie or game to do together as a family is a great way to turn the focus to the important relationships instead of the gifts.
Experience gifts
Experience gifts are another great way to turn the focus from the gift to the relationship or the individual. Memberships to a museum, aquarium, planetarium, amusement park or zoo are good things to give as an experience gift. Some memberships are valid at several different locations and venues so they will get even more enjoyment out of it all year long.
You can also sign them up for a lesson, class, or other activity to help support them in their hobbies or interests. Cooking classes, exercise classes, music lessons, or other things like that make a great gift and can be paired with needed items for the class to open on Christmas morning.
You can also consider taking them out for a day of doing all their favourite things together to celebrate their interests and your relationship. If this is not possible, you can send gift cards for them to enjoy the things they enjoy like restaurants, treats, movies, or massages.
Everday use gifts
If you are having a hard time letting go of the tangible gifts on Christmas morning, then try to find gifts that are meaningful and that will get used every day. You want the gift to not just sit around their house, but to actually make their life a little better somehow. You can get them fuzzy slippers, something they have been needing, Dew fashion jewellery, or cosmetics. These things are more meaningful than random objects they won’t use and will help you feel good about the gifts you are giving.
