If ever there was a time to stop buying useless junk, this is it! Right here, right now. With global warming, rising inequity, a pandemic and global supply chain issues, now is your chance to make a difference. Most of us find ourselves at odds, we want to be part of the solution, but we have a hard time wrapping our heads around changing our day to day habits or traditions. Here, you can help to stop the cycle with 100+ gift ideas for the minimalist or zero waste lifestyle.
Do you find yourself thinking about the environmental impact of consumerism? Are you thinking that less is more? Do you prefer experiences over stuff? Maybe you have noticed buyers remorse or dwindling satisfaction as you accumulate stuff. Let’s have a look at some better options.
What are minimalist or zero waste gift
Simply put, they are gifts that produce little or no waste. Gifts that will add value to the recipient’s life. Presents that don’t clutter the minimal aesthetic of one’s home.
Our lives and resources are too precious to waste for the pursuit of more and more stuff.
Tips for minimalist and zero waste gifting
First off, don’t buy anything just for the sake of buying something. It happens so often. You don’t want to arrive empty handed. You’re not sure what to get, so you just pick something up.
Pick experiences over stuff. Memories do last a lifetime. If you feel the need to buy something, consider consumables or reusables.
Not sure what to get? Just go to the source and ask. They will know what they need or at least put you on the right path with some ideas.
100+ Gift Ideas for the Minimalist or Zero Waste Lifestyle
Experiences
- Community volunteering or making a charitable donation
- Sightseeing
- Theatre
- Movie Passes
- Concert Tickets
- Comedy Club
- Performing arts
- Dinner Gift Card
- Family Vacation
- Horseback Riding
- Indoor Rock Climbing
- Laser Tag
- Escape Room
- Personal Spa Treatment
- Massage
- Mini Golf
- Round of Golf
- Ski Lift Tickets
- Nature Walk / Hike
- Sporting Event
- Zip Lining
- Trampoline Park
- Travel Voucher
- Water Park
- Zoo / Aquarium
Memberships
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Disney+
- Apple Music / Spotify
- Art / Science Museum
- Community Pool
- Gym
- CSA box
- Theme Park
- Automobile Association
Time
- Babysitter
- Date Night Out
- Personal Chef
- Family Portrait Session
- Car Wash
- Pet Sitting
- House Cleaner
- Parent / Child Date
- Breakfast in Bed
- Prepped Meals
- Professional Organizer
- Shovelling
- Yard Service
Classes
- Baking
- Cooking
- Art
- Photography
- Dance
- Singing
- Improv
- Magic
- Foreign Language
- Home Brewing
- Karate
- Master Class
- Coding
- Ski / Snowboard
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Surfing
- Skateboarding
- Yoga
Consumables
- Fresh Bread
- Baked Sweets or Pastries
- Chocolates
- Grocery Card
- Coffee Beans
- Soy Candles
- Plants
- Flowers
- Fruit Basket
- Local Foods
- Meat / Cheese Board
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Reduction
- Hand Made Soap / Shampoo bars
- Bath Bombs
- Loose Leaf Tea
- Wine
- Beer
- Kombucha
Zero Waste Reusables
- Daily Zero Waste Kit
- Water Bottle
- Travel Mug
- French Press
- Reusable Straws and Utensils
- Stainless Steel Containers
- Stainless Steel Lunch Kits
- Wax Food Wrap
- Reusable Grocery Totes
- Reusable Produce / Bread Bags
- Un-Paper Towels
- Cloth Napkins or wash cloths
- Zero Waste Kitchen scrubbers / accessories
- Zero Waste Oral Care
- Zero Waste Shaving Products
- Reusable Cosmetic Rounds
- Reusable Ear Swab
- Wool Socks
- Compost Bin
- Zero Waste Laundry Products
- Zero Waste Books
- Inspirational Books
- Eco-friendly Pen
Final thoughts
Hopefully the list of a 100+ gift ideas for the minimalist or zero waste lifestyle give you a good starting point.
All it takes is a bit of mindful consumption, simple as that. Zero waste with zero worries.
Don’t give to the landfill, show your loved ones how much you care by giving sustainable gifts.
Do you have a favourite? Or did I miss something? Leave a comment below.
Start the giving by sharing the list on your socials with friends, family… All of us together can influence positive change and have a major impact.
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Thanks for reading,
Pat
Pat is a Ski Patroller/Avalanche Technician with a keen interest in design and sustainable living due to a longtime passion for the outdoors. Seeing glaciers melt, seasons change, summer skies full of smoke and beach pollution first hand, motivate him to make a difference.
As Yvon Chouinard Founder of Patagonia says “If you are not part of the solution, you are still part of the problem”.
Great list, Pat.
Thanks Rachel! Please share it if you like.