Perfect presents for minimalists and environmentalists
If you are looking for the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for person, look no further than this list of consumable gift ideas.
In a world where people are already overloaded with stuff, why do we continue to give more stuff as gifts? It’s time for a change. Let’s start giving gifts that won’t add to the clutter. Gifts that can be used and enjoyed, but don’t take up space.
These “no stuff” gifts can take many forms, from experiences to donations to charities. And they can be just as meaningful (if not more so) than a physical item.
Consumable gift ideas in practice – my real world examples
I think a lot of people are hesitant to give a non-traditional gift because they are unsure of how it will be received. I can assure you, if you put in a little thought it will be just as appreciated as a regular gift. Here are my real examples of giving consumable gifts.
Treating kids
It’s nice for a child to have a birthday party and invite lots of friends but that results in so many presents! Where do you even put them all?
I have started gifting vouchers for a chocolateria franchise to my children’s friends. They can enjoy a treat with their parent and choose from things like ice cream, fondue, brownies, doughnuts etc. Of course a voucher is boring for a young child to open as a gift as they can’t always comprehend what it represents so I include a chocolate with the voucher so they can have some immediate enjoyment.
Creating memories
As adults, my two brothers and I would struggle to think of gifts for each other but would often buy each other tickets to concerts or comedy shows. We’ve now given up on birthday presents, but for Christmas we all agree on a show to see together. It’s really special because although we’re close, it’s an evening each year that we are together without spouses or kids and we look forward to it each year.
Luxury gift for milestone birthday
For my dad’s 60th birthday, my brothers and I were happy to fork out and treat him to something special. We jointly bought him and my mum (lucky her) a voucher for the most coveted restaurant in the city which was equal to the value of a six course degustation menu with matching wines. He was chuffed and it felt wonderful to give him something they thoroughly enjoyed.
Request a charity gift
When my parents ask me what I would like for Christmas each year. I am so fortunate to have everything I need. I often can’t think of anything.
So my default request is to ask for a goat. Not a real one! But a goat to be gifted to a family or community in a developing country that will help by providing them with milk. Various “gifts” such as farm animals, immunisations, clean water or classroom supplies can be purchased from World Vision and other charities.
Similarly my grandparents stopped buying Christmas gifts for all the grandchildren once we became adults and instead gifted a donation to a charity.
Gift vouchers
- Restaurant
- Night stay accommodation
- Cafe
- Coffee
- Amusement park
- Aquarium
- Movies
- Massage
- Manicure/pedicure
- Shopping centre
- Favourite store
- Adventure experience
Gift food and beverages
- Baked treats
- Cookie mix in a jar
- Wine
- Chocolates
- Fancy condiments
Check out these recipes for Homemade Edible Gifts
Gift event tickets
- Concert
- Theatre
- Sporting event
- Musical
- Festival
- Comedy show
Gift memberships
- Zoo
- Aquarium
- Sporting team
- Toy library
- Gym
- Museum
Gift digital products and services
- Kindle book
- Audiobook
- TV streaming subscription
- Music streaming subscription
- Online courses
- Celebrity cameo
- Online gaming
- Online news subscription
- E-card
Gift classes
- Swimming lessons
- Dancing lessons
- Music lessons
- Painting class
- Cooking class
- Language lessons
Other
- Flowers
- Charity donation
- Lotto ticket
- Crafts
- Babysitting
- Body care products
- Quality time
- Cash
Consumable gifts for people who have enough stuff
Do you have any other favourite consumable gifts? Let me know in the comments.
More tips for eco friendly celebrations
- 10 Sustainable Gift Wrapping Ideas
- 20 Sustainable Christmas Decorations
- 7 Environmentally Friendly Party Decoration Ideas
So many great ideas! This is one to refer back to and share! Thank you!
This is a great list of ideas! People need to think out of the box when it comes to gift giving. Your post makes it easy.
These are such great ideas. I love the idea of a consumable gift! It’ll definitely save us some space around the house rather than just accumulating more stuff. Thanks for sharing!