The best minimalist gifts for him. Whether it's a Christmas, Father's Day or birthday gift, there are actually many options that are practical, consumable, educational or entertaining that he'll love!
At this point in time, I wouldn't call myself or my husband minimalists. However, we continue to trend further in that direction as time goes on.
"Stuff" is just becoming frustrating. So when we go to get gifts for each other (or even others who aren't minimalists, because we don't want to add to their clutter either!), we stick to minimalist principles. I highly recommend it, even if you or your family aren't technically minimalist (or even close).
Here are some ideas for the best gifts for the men in your life. I hope this list will inspire you and help you through the holiday season (and any other time you're looking for a gift for a minimalist friend!).
Let me know in the comments below what other minimalist gift ideas you have for men. I'll welcome as many as I can get!
Happy intentional gifting!
What to Consider When Giving Gifts to a Minimalist
Minimalists like to keep things simple and so do a lot of men, even if they aren't minimalists. When it comes to gifts, they don't want useless stuff. And they definitely aren't expecting to get the "perfect gift", so don't worry about that!
At first thought, it may seem difficult to come up with a gift idea that a minimalist will really use and appreciate, but think a little longer and it becomes easier. Here's an enlightening quote by the famous minimalist Joshua Becker on gifting and minimalism:
“How to handle gifts as a minimalist:
1) Needs over wants
2) Quality over quantity
3) Experiences over possessions
4) Gift list as early as possible
5) Consumables over non-consumables.”
Consider these ideas when looking for a gift and you'll be able to find something that this man needs and is of decent quality, something he can consume and will be gone (not cluttering his space) or an experience that takes up no space in his home at all.
In my opinion, it's totally okay and actually great to communicate with people about gifts. If someone's going to give me something anyway, I love it when they make sure it's something I want. They feel great giving something that is truly desired and I feel great because I don't have any guilt about getting rid of a gift that really didn't suit me.
Now let's go through some ideas for minimalist gifts to help you out!
Consumable Minimalist Gifts for Him
Food is the big one in this category, but there are also other items like personal care that could be considered consumable too. Again, just make sure it's something they'll actually eat or use!
- Special drinks - Think high quality coffee, tea, hot chocolate, apple cider or soda, depending on his beverage preferences.
- Food gift box - You can cook and/or shop and curate a custom gift box or find a premade one online or in stores. Some ideas are snacks (crackers, dried fruit, nuts, protein bars, dark chocolate, etc), chocolate (an assortment of chocolate goodies), meats/cheese (different varieties, maybe with some crackers, pickles and spread)
- Homemade baking - Nothing much better than homemade bread, cookies, pie, crackers, granola, muffins, snack bars, etc, especially when they are healthier versions of traditional recipes!
- Gourmet sauces/ condiments - Fancy teriyaki suace, BBQ sauce, dijon mustard, hot sauces, etc.
- Homemade freezer meals - Such a nice thing to have on hand for when time is tight or he just doesn't feel like cooking.
- Homemade food - I'm thinking sausage, dried fruit, canned peaches, pickles, etc.
- Infused cooking oils - For the minimalist male who likes to cook. Something special to up the flavors in his kitchen.
Practical Minimalist Gifts for Him
Practical gifts are good gifts. We all have items we need or services we have to pay for!
If you want to give a practical physical gift like a water bottle, cell phone, phone case, travel mug, those type of things, remember they may be practical for one man, but not for another, depending on their needs and lifestyle. This is why it's important to consult him or someone who knows him well. Just because it's practical to you, doesn't mean it will be to him!
- Quality socks - Who doesn't love socks?! And how many of us get high quality socks for ourselves? I don't. But if someone gave me some, I would be thrilled!
- Quality clothing - We all need clothing, and there a few keys for gifting clothing to a minimalist. Make sure it's an item he needs, the style he likes and the size is right. Getting one or two high quality items that he needs and will last a long time will be a much more meaningful gift than many items that aren't quite right for him or he doesn't need.
- Cleaning services - We all have houses to keep clean, why not bless him with a cleaning service for a little help to get his place sparkling. (It could be you doing the cleaning or you could pay for a professional)
- Useful books/ Kindle - Some minimalists would appreciate a very thoughtful physical copy of a book, but I think most would prefer a digital copy (and Kindle if they don't have one) or a subscription service to read or listen to books. Just because it doesn't take up any extra space!
- Grocery or gas gift card - Buying someones groceries or gas for them frees up their money to get what they want or need with it.
- Car wash voucher/ gift card - Another necessity that would just be nice to cover for someone.
- Cash - Seems not very thoughtul, but are you ever upset when someone gives you cash? They can do whatever they want with it! Save it, spend it, invest it, donate it- it's really a great option.
Experiences
Experience gifts literally take up zero space and can be some of the most unique gifts!
- Concert/orchestra/theatre - For theatre or music lovers, a free ticket (and maybe one for a friend or significant other) to an event like this is sure to be appreciated!
- Sports game - A lot of men like sports and will always enjoy going to a game.
- Museum membership - Fun, interesting and educational, museum passes are a great gift.
- Massage - A little nudge to get him to relax and de-stress at the local spa. Massages are great gifts for everybody!
- Classes - Perhaps he's already taking part in a class and you could pay for the next few, or maybe he's always wanted to try a certain thing and you purchasing the class for him will be what he needs to finally try it!
- Escape room - Tickets for him and a friend (or a friend group). These are really fun and rewarding to participate in!
- Local vacation - Send him off with his wife or some friends for a mini vacation. It doesn't need to be expensive or long. Even just spending one night in an interesting area of town or Airbnb suite can be very relaxing, interesting and fun.
- Online courses - He's likely got some interests and there's bound to be a class for it! Some examples are cooking, music, fitness and pottery.
- National parks pass - Adventure in the great outdoors! Just what so many men want.
- Movie tickets - Why not? It's expensive, so a lot of people just don't do it, but definitely would if they could go for free!
- Golf - Some guys just love it, and it is very expensive so paying for a trip to the golf course would be a thoughtful gift!
- Ski pass - If this guy loves skiing or snowboarding, he'll be so excited about this one! Alternatively, you could upgrade his ski gear as well.
- Amusement park - Is his inner child very much alive? Get him a pass to a thrilling time!
- Art gallery - An artsy man? He'd probably love a trip to the local art gallery.
Subscriptions/Memberships
- Audible/Blinkist - For the book lover, Audible (audiobook subscription service) and Blinkist (summarized audiobooks- the condensed versions that can be listened to in under 15 minutes) are fantastic options.
- Skillshare/Masterclass/How To Academy- If this person loves learning and has a lot of different interests, a subscription to Skillshare, Masterclass or How To Academy may be better than getting them an individual course. They'll have tons of options to choose from!
- Gym membership - If they already use the gym regularly, why not pay for their membership!
- Climbing gym - Perhaps they have an interest in rock climbing and would actually go if they were gifted a membership.
- Entertainment - Netflix, Amazon Prime or other streaming service.
- Subscription box for beard or shaving supplies - He either shaves or doesn't, either way, he's got to take care of his face.
- Meal kit subscription - Wouldn't it be nice to have the meal planning and shopping taken care of? That's what you'd do for him by getting him a meal kit subscription.
Other
- Gift certificate or card- To any place or service that would be useful or enjoyable to them! Some examples are Cabela's, Airbnb, their favorite restaurant, their favorite clothing store, Butcher Box, etc.
- Downloads- There are actually lots of options here: games, music, ebooks, audio books, software, etc.
- Coupons/vouchers - Make some personal gift vouchers for services you will provide upon request: babysitting, dinner together at their restaurant of choice, a massage, etc.
- Donation to their favorite charity - If you know there is a charity that's special to him, donating to it is a great way to show him you care.
- Useful DIY kits- Things he can make himself, enjoy the process and use after it's done! Here are a few ideas from mancrates.com: knife making kit, lure making kit, hot sauce making kit, etc.
Just Get Them What THey Need & Want
If I had to narrow it down, I'd say my number one tip is to find out what they actually need or want. We all have things like this that we'd like to get someday but are putting it off because of finances or whatever reason.
If you really don't want to talk directly to the gift recipient about it, you can talk to others that are close to them who should have some insight.
Going back to the principles given by Joshua Becker will also be really helpful. Is it consumable? A need? A quality product? An experience? These are your top options.
Again, please let me know in the comments what other gift ideas you have for a minimalist boyfriend, husband, brother, father or other male family member or friend!
Julie D
Love all these ideas! Thank you!
Julie
Excellent list full of great ideas. In the past I've made favorite food baskets which were a big hit. Passes for skiing, a National Park, or other events are also great options that you mentioned. I do like to get my husband clothes, but only if he really needs them. I've learned over the years that if he doesn't need new clothes, to stop buying him them. Or else the ones I bought will sit in the closet until his original ones are ready to be thrown out which can be years.
Errika
Who doesn't love to get food baskets, right? And yeah, it seems like a lot of men are really minimal with their clothes, even if they aren't "minimalists". They have a few staple items and that's all they need!
Sara Guthrie
Great list of ideas! The Skillshare/Masterclass is a great idea!
Errika
I love that idea too! It's free online education in whatever area they want to learn about!
chey
This is a very helpful post, especially at this time of year. Fabulous and tasteful ideas for the minimalists in our lives. Thanks so much for this!
Errika
Thanks so much, Chey! I'm happy it was helpful for you.
Elizabeth
This is a great list!! I have such a hard time shopping for my husband so I could use some more ideas
Errika
Great, I'm glad it was helpful!
Sofia
I like your ideas for minimalist gifts and your photos are great.
Errika
Thank you so much, Sofia!
Dora
That is a fantastic post..thank you for creating a great list. Very useful.
Errika
So glad it was useful!