This week I turned 31.
Ten years ago my birthday wish list would’ve been a mile long. Now, though, my wish was much simpler: I simply asked anyone who’s read my blog and found value in it to share it. (And of my husband, I asked for the gift of sleeping in. Sleep is the currency of the parent. Unfortunately my birthday fell on a Monday this year and he had to work, so I fully expect that I’ll get my gift from him this weekend.)
I used to be easy to buy presents for: all you had to do was walk into Target and point to something, anything. I wanted it.
Now, though, not only do I cringe at the wastefulness of those unnecessary birthday gadgets and wrapping accoutrements, I also don’t want the extra clutter in my life. An oft-heard minimalist mantra (taken from Fight Club, which I confess I have neither seen nor read) is that every item you own ends up somehow owning you. I believe that: I would much rather spend time with you than oblige you to spend money on something I don’t want weighing me down anyway.
If this puzzles you, you’re not alone. Many of my beloved family members are equally flummoxed by my newfound monkish requests. So for them, and anyone else scratching their heads over what birthday gift to get for the minimalist in their life, I’ve compiled a list of helpful gift ideas for minimalists. Keep in mind that most minimalists probably don’t want anything for their birthdays, so this list is only for those of you who refuse to accept that. : )
Read on.
Nonmaterial Birthday Gift Ideas for the Minimalist in Your Life
- An email. A call or email on their birthday is truly the best gift you could give. This year I got a lovely, carefully crafted letter from my aunt, who took the time out of her busy day to share some of her favourite memories of me via email. She clearly took her time writing it, and I found myself laughing and crying as I remembered stories I hadn’t thought of in years. It was very special, and no trinket or gadget could have meant more to me.
- A subscription or membership. This is my favourite gift to give because usually subscriptions last multiple months, so it helps the birthdee feel loved long after their birthday is gone. Here are some subscriptions I have gifted in the past: Car wash membership, magazine subscription, digital access to the New Yorker (highbrow stuff), a subscription to a meal planning website (I love e-meals), gardening subscription boxes…the possibilities are endless here. Any business that offers ongoing or monthly services would work.
- Event/experience tickets. A gift like this would be good for the minimalist you’re closer to—think offspring, parent, spouse, sibling—budget permitting of course. Here’s a list of speakers or events that I, personally, would love to attend in person (in no particular order), just to get your juices flowing: Dave Ramsey. Billy Joel. Bea Johnson. The Minimalists. Tony Robbins (mostly just because I saw his documentary on Netflix and it looked like fun). U2. Barack Obama. The Ellen Show. Hamilton or any other quality Broadway show. A local comedy/improv club. A massage/facial/mani-pedi or other pampering type of experience. Get creative.
- Lessons. Minimalists [should] have more leisure time than the average person because they don’t have 300,000 objects in their house to take care of constantly. And most minimalists have a keen interest in self-improvement. Why not find out if there’s something your minimalist is interested in learning at the moment? If possible, send them to a class (or series of classes) to help them gain that knowledge. Think: gardening, knitting, musical instrument, self-defence, Spanish lessons, permaculture class, writing workshop, etc.
- Service. Does your minimalist have children? Tend them for a few hours. Does your minimalist have an overgrown lawn? Help them mow it. Is your minimalist a student? Proofread their latest essay (trust me, they have one). Every minimalist is different, because every human is different. Take the time to identify their current burdens, and see if you can lighten them in some way.
I had the most wonderful birthday this year, filled with gracious comments from people who’ve found value in my newest venture. To everyone who shared my message and helped make my birthday so delightful: thank you so much. It meant the world to me.
If you decide to be a minimalist for your next birthday, feel free to forward this list to anyone who’s worried about how to celebrate without buying a bunch of crap you don’t need.