The holiday season is upon us again! We all know someone who’s desperately trying NOT to participate in gift exchanges, but some people just love gifting. (I’m the former.) These individuals’ lack of gifting spirit can make it difficult to shop for them! Here are 8 great gifts for those who want nothing.
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Reasons to want nothing
I know you’re not here to learn about WHY people want nothing. I’m sure the person you’re shopping for has reiterated their reason for it time and time again. But there are really good reasons to not want to participate in the gifting culture and I also think they’re important, so I’m going to list them for your review anyway.
- A minimalist lifestyle is proven to reduce stress and improve quality of life.
- The effects of consumption on the planet are devastating. With a growing world population and a want-it-now culture, climate change is spiraling.
- Some people just hate seeing their friends and family spend money on things they truly don’t want, especially knowing that there are many who don’t even have what they need.
But some people love gifting and feel immense guilt if they don’t gift everyone SOMETHING. If this is you, please know that it can be best to stick with certain kinds of items:
- Consumables – I’m not talking about fruitcake and chocolates. Items that can be used and discarded or functional items that can be donated to shelters and food pantries, if they’re not wanted. Clothing and toys do not fall in this category and will likely end up in a landfill if they’re donated.
- Pre-owned – Be honest with yourself. If there’s a good chance that whatever you gift will be trashed or donated, save the planet and buy something used. Here are some tips for gifting secondhand.
- Donations – If the person you’re gifting to was touched by or loves a particular organization, donate to it in their name.
- Experiences – This can be overwhelming. I hear it a lot (especially as a parent), but I promise that they’re appreciated. Zoo and museum memberships. The community pool. Dinner out. A trip to the theater.
1. Reusable tissue box
Paper products take up so much space! Why not eliminate the need to store them? Our family’s been using these tissues for five years and they’re wonderful.
Bonus: By using these you eliminate all that plastic film they’re packaged in.
2. Bamboo Toothbrushes
I’ve also been using these for about five years. I love the soft bristled version with its rainbow colors. The bristles are nylon, so you need to remove the head before composting, but that’s the only waste. These toothbrushes come in cardboard packaging and the handle is bamboo.
Tip: If the giftee is using them for a family, just write everyone’s name on handle with a pen or sharpie.
Bonus: They’re individually packaged, so you can toss a couple in your neighborhood blessing box, if it looks like it’s getting low on toothbrushes.
3. Bamboo Starter pack
Cleaning supplies may not seem like much of a gift, but these beautiful, bamboo tools are sure to be a hit! If your giftee uses water bottles or eats a plant-based diet, they’re sure to love these pretty brushes.
(Use code FUNKY10 at checkout for 10% off!)
4. Starter pack from Blueland
If your giftee is new to going green and is still dabbling with different sustainable brands, start them with a sampler set from Blueland! Trying new products can be expensive and this is a great way to show your support. We love their dish tabs, dish soap, and hand soap. (I’m even a Dawn convert!)
5. Toilet paper
Laugh if you must, but can you think of a better gift than not having to haul toilet paper through a store? Didn’t think so.
With its pretty, individually-wrapped rolls, Who Gives a Crap looks high dollar, but it’s not! It’s the same cost as commercial, plastic-wrapped products, but delivered to your door. If you’re not using it yet, order some for yourself, too.
Does your TP do that?
6. Unpaper towel
We’ve been using “unpaper” towels for five years and have saved enormous amounts of money. We also don’t need to store large quantities of paper towel. We buy Gerber birdseye flat cloth diapers for our unpaper towels, but there are many comparable (and prettier) kitchen towels out there.
If you’re yet to be sold on unpaper towel, read about how we use ours and why we love them.
7. Donate
The best gift I’ve ever received was a donation to my favorite organization. I’d apparently talked about my local history museum enough that my in-laws that they decided to make a donation to it in my name. I was absolutely touched when I opened the card letting me know.
8. Secondhand goods
Do NOT overlook secondhand goods! People are constantly rotating out clothing, appliances, furniture, accessories, jewelry, toys.
- If you can find a $300 playhouse on Marketplace for $75, buy it! (It’ll be appreciated more than a bunch of small items.)
- High-end espresso machine at the thrift store? YES!
- Vintage costume jewelry? Score!
- Favorite team’s sweatshirt? (You’d be surprised how many can be thrifted!)
Secondhand is savvy! Read this for tips on how to properly gift secondhand goods, then go score some finds!
Quick demonstrative anecdote
Once upon a time there was a family with eleven kids. They couldn’t afford much in the way of gifting, so when the holidays came around, the parents would buy one gift for all the kids to share. One year, the kids received a basketball.
Yes, a singular basketball for eleven children.
Seventy years later, one of those children still recollected how that was their favorite gift. She reminisced about the countless hours she spent playing basketball with her siblings that summer and heaved a sad sigh when she compared it to all the waste she sees with gifting in present times.
Now this was many, many moons ago and times were different. Their family situation was probably very different than yours. But this is still relevant.
It’s not about how much you spend or how many items you gift. It’s about time spent and how your gift contributes to their quality of life.
Final notes
I hope you found this helpful. If you’re insistent on gifting, I encourage you to explore your reasons for this and to try to understand and comply with your loved ones’ preferences. If not, please remember:
- People adopting minimalist lifestyles, truly don’t want stuff.
- Toilet paper doesn’t have to be a white elephant gift.
- Reducing consumption shows you care about the planet for future generations.
- Change starts with you.
We wish you a happy holiday season!
–Melissa and family at Funky Crunchy Mama
