December, that wonderful time of the year when we all are taking it slow, wrapping up the year, planning holidays and looking at things in retrospect for all that we did throughout the year (or didn’t). Aiming at building a community of people who want it simple, minimal and sustainable as way forward for their life, we thought of putting together a list of Christmas gifts that one can put under the tree for their loved ones this year. This is a list of few gifting ideas that will surely come across as very thoughtful and are definitely sustainable.
To be able to appreciate these gifts, one doesn’t have to be a minimalist. Only being thoughtful and loving will do. Icing on the cherry, these items will not increase clutter around you.
Giving and receiving gifts is always a very exciting experience for everyone. So, if you have a big family and circle of friends, then we suggest you take a pick from these items/ ideas for their Christmas gifts. Trust us, they will be really ecstatic to get them. After all, deriving ‘more from less’ is what we propagate at Less is More living.
So, here is our list for top Minimalist Gift Ideas:
1. KINDLE
Even though Kindle costs a little on the higher side, if your loved one ( friend/family) is a bookworm, and also enjoys travelling, then a Kindle is a great minimalist gift! Plus it has an amazing battery life. Hence, travelling read is sorted.
2. MOVIE SURPRISE BOX
Our take on the movie surprise box includes:
-Microwavable Popcorn or a jar of kernels for a healthier option. -A Bowl with a personal note. You can personalize it for kids. -Few beer cans or a bottle of wine -A Jar of M&Ms (or any other sweet treat of your choice) -“Movie of your choice” Tickets as per age group.
Kids version of the movie surprise box:
Unlike the adult’s movie box: here you swap beer/bottle of wine with night PJs for kids and instead of tickets you can put in a pen drive full of kids movies. And volia: You have it read, Kids movie surprise box.
3. TICKETS TO MUSEUM OR AN UPCOMING EXHIBITION
This gift is a great one because it will make your loved ones leave the digital world and go out on a historical quest. Most of us have grown up, with visits to museums either with family or from school, but with time we have forgotten the ways to such places. So whether your family or loved one is into history, art, or natural science – tickets to the museum is a great way to encourage and reopen gates for a deeper curiosity for history.
Also, at this time of the year , there are various artists who are exhibiting at the Museums. So, check out the local exhibits, you may be surprised at the interesting works that are being exhibited out there! Give two or three tickets as a gift. This works both ways, for kids and adults.
4. TICKETS TO THE ZOO OR NATIONAL PARK
Now who doesn’t love animals? From kids to biggies, all are obsessed with them. If not animals, opt for nature. A trip to one of the national parks is a great unwinding experience. All of us living in metros need such breaks. Hence, your gift will only motivate your friends to go all out on a nature’s trail with family and enjoy this holiday season.
5. MEGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION
Today it’s easier than ever to give magazine subscriptions because of various platforms giving subscriptions for both magazine hard copies or their digital forms. We suggest this gift to be a go-to gift for anyone because it’s not usually something that people buy for themselves, but who wouldn't enjoy getting that little monthly surprise. It’s a like a gift that keeps on coming, month after month.
For digital subscription try INDIAMAGS for loads of options varying from comics to entertainment, to fashion and beauty, to health and fitness, to home and garden, to lifestyle, to business and parenting. Option are immense.
GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO BOOK LIBRARIES ( try https://justbooks.in/ )
For kids:
You can definitely try National Geographic for little kids
Buy here at amazon.in https://www.amazon.in/national geographic for little kids
PRO TIP: Give a copy of the magazine whose subscription you are gifting, off the shelf, so they can get excited about what’s to come.
6. FREE BABYSITTING (Great for friends or relatives)
Don't forget to include rules like how many hours you’re willing to do and on which days.
PRO TIP: Pair this gift with the one of the other gifts listed here, for an awesome combination! Make your own deals to suit your convenience and their liking.
7. GIFT VOUCHER TO A LOVED RESTAURANT
8. GYM MEMBERSHIP
Now this one will be liked by anyone. A gym membership can be a great activity gift. Health is first for everyone these days and hence, this is a goto gift from us. Only remember to make it close-by to your friends house.
Kids: You can couple this up with pool lessons for their kids, time at the fun club.
9. BAKED GOODIES
Now we are talking Christmas. Baked goodies are a pro minimalist gift.
10. SPOTIFY (or Similar Music Subscription)
You can pay for a 3/6 months of a music subscription or membership for your loved one who is into music. Personally, we listen to Spotify, and will recommend them for their thoughtfully crafted playlists.
Get it here: https://www.spotify.com/in/premium/
11. NETFLIX SUBSCRIPTION
This gift is wrapped up in hygge. Its home-based, minimalist entertainment for those content lovers! We do not have cable television (which can be very expensive, try tatasky, its super expensive on a monthly basis). Most of the people primarily use Netflix these days for all kinds of viewing. Bring on the binge-watching! for both kids and adults.
Get it here >> https://www.netflix.com/
PRO TIP: Pair this gift with a babysitting coupon!
12. AMAZON PRIME MEMBERSHIP
A lot of people already have this, but we still added it to our list because we use our Amazon Prime membership all the time! The content is just great. You can choose plans according to your liking and gift to your family and friends.
Amazon Prime membership includes:
* FREE Two-Day Shipping from amazon.in (Prime items, which is practically everything).
* Streaming Music on your phone too.
* Free Kindle e-books, unlimited photo storage, exclusive access to deals, and more.
* Streaming Video: One can watch thousands of movies and TV shows
13. LIVE CONCERTS, TICKETS TO STAND UP COMEDY
This one is gaining momentum in India. Stand up comedy is one thing people are listening to today. Almost all age groups are hooked. Live Concerts are also very regular in India now. Just this week it was U2 performing in Mumbai.
It is one of those gifts that takes a little bit of planning, but has the potential to be both memorable AND a once in a lifetime opportunity.
8 Most Hilarious Indian Stand Up Specials You Must Watch on Amazon Prime Video or buy them tickets to are:
Biswa Kalyan Rath: Biswa Mast Aadmi. ...Zakir Khan: Haq Se Single. ...Kanan Gill: Keep it Real. ...Arvind SA: Madrasi Da. ...Sapan Verma: Obsessive Comedic Disorder. ...Kenny Sebastian: Don't Be That Guy. ...Varun Thakur: Vicky This Side.
These type of events require planning and aren’t an instant gratification gift, but they will definitely be memory-makers for your gang.
14. COOKING CLASS LESSON
A cooking class can be a fun minimalist gift for couples or friends both cooking lovers and those who need help at cooking.
PRO TIP: You can gift chic cooking utensils along with this gift. For example with a baking class you can gift a cake stand too.
15. MASSAGE
A massage is often something we don’t want to buy for ourselves. It feels like an unnecessary splurge. But who doesn't need one? We all the stress going around, a massage as a gift will turn out be a very thoughtful gift.
All the gift listed above are mostly experience-based gifts. Experience based (minimalist) gifts are something that we people will always cherish and remember. They also don’t take up room in our homes. Hence, they all are a win for those who like it simple, minimal and long for sustainable memories.
Hope you liked our Christmas gift list and we would love to hear from you. Do share your comments and let us know if you chose something from above for someone you love this holiday season..
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