WTF are gifts for minimalists?

So, you have a friend that’s one of these so-called “minimalists.” They own a ridiculously small number of items, and keep telling you not to buy them any more stuff. And now, it’s the holidays or their birthday and you still want to show them appreciation! Don’t panic. Here’s a list of “non-things” you should get.

1. Experiences and Shows

Tickets to a concert, movie, or performance are great gifts for minimalists — you can even go with them!

Here’s a long list to get you started: massages, fancy dinners, magic shows, skydiving passes, babysitting their kids, comedy clubs, cooking classes, music classes, museum tickets, give away Airbnb credit, sports games, spa days. Above all, make sure it’s personal and something they are interested in!

2. E-books and Information

E-books make great gifts for minimalists, and Amazon makes it easy to purchase e-books as gifts.

Neat gifts in this category include “diagnostic” information such as the 23andme DNA Ancestry Test, or AncestryDNA’s Genetic Testing kit. Try out horoscope-related books and gifts for your more fantasy-oriented friends.

3. Consumables

Minimalists still eat food! Try getting them some wacky, different kinds of food/drinks, or there are even some pretty cool subscription food services. Other than food, you can give out alcohol, sweets, cosmetics, fragrances, cooking ingredients (try the pre-made cookie mix in a jar), or possibly even flowers.

4. Donate to Charity

Most charities will let you donate in someone else’s name as a gift. A popular site is Give Well, which ranks charities by their impact and donates to them accordingly. Charity Navigator is another site that helps you browse a more comprehensive list of charities.

5. Your time

Above all else, your friend is a minimalist because they want to focus on people and experiences, which matter more to them than any items do. So instead of buying something — go on a walk, write them a letter, get a nice dinner together, or spend some time chatting on the phone. Your minimalist friend will appreciate it more than anything you buy them.

If nothing else…

Get them the “Gift of Nothing.”