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As a minimalist myself who adores simplicity, emphasizing the essentials over extras is becoming more and more popular as minimalism gains popularity as a lifestyle option. Choosing birthday presents for a fellow minimalist can be extremely difficult, as most times you are in the middle of what to get that will add value to the person,but it can be done if you locate things that complement their principles of thoughtful consumption, functionality, and simplicity. Give a fellow minimalist a nice birthday gift this year with this underlisted.
Experience-Based Presents:
Giving a minimalist an experience instead of a material object is one of the nicest gifts you can give them. Give them a spa day, a culinary lesson, a concert ticket, or a weekend vacation. Experiences do not add to clutter; instead, they leave lasting memories.
For the past years, during my younger sister's birthdays. The only thought that comes to mind is buying her nice clothes as a birthday gift, which she loves and appreciates. Even when she wears them, I feel so happy seeing how fitted they look on her body, but at some point she ditched the clothes due to the fact that she was now bigger than then.I began to think twice; that year was actually the last time I promised never to buy her things; instead, I went for making memories. I have tried this with my friends, and I found out it lasts longer than physical gifts. For instance, when my friend Uju was celebrating her birthday, I thought critically about what to get her but then nothing was coming to mind. On the day of her birthday, I took her to the cinema. There is this particular movie she always talks about, and lucky enough, the latest season was released. Then I checked it out and found out it was going to show at the Havana cinema that day, so I took her out to watch. We took lots of pictures and videos, which she stored on her laptops. She occasionally posts them on her WhatsApp status as memories.
Experiences and memories most often flash through my head, and at some point I smile. Someone seeing me smile might be wondering why I am smiling to myself, not knowing it is a memory scene that flashed through my head. That was how I celebrated my sister's birthday last year. I took her to a park where we played games and rode on a children's horse that was usually automatically controlled. It was fun.
Electronic Presents:
In the current digital era, think of giving your minimalist friend a digital magazine membership, an e-book or audiobook gift card, or a streaming service subscription. The minimalist's need for a clutter-free environment is catered to by digital presents, which offer amusement and pleasure without consuming physical space. To be honest, if I receive a subscription as a birthday gift, I will be so grateful for that because it aligns with my needs. Most times, I get into conversations with my friends to actually know their pressing needs. I don't want to send a gift to someone who appreciates it, but then it is as useless as not even making an effort, and the next minute the gifts are kept in a drawer all year long without even being used. I love ebooks and hard-copy novels and I love taking courses to improve my knowledge, and that will be the best gift for me.
Personalized Presents:
Think about offering your minimalist buddy a personalized present for a more sincere gesture. This may be a monogrammed notepad, a collection of handcrafted candles with their favorite scents, a personalized art print, or a piece of minimalist jewelry made just for them. Personalized presents demonstrate that you took the time to select something special and heartfelt, demonstrating the consideration and care you put into the birthday gift. I could remember that before my aunt's husband traveled, he gifted my aunty a personalized bracelet with her name inscribed on the bracket, but unfortunately, the bracelet was cut at some point, and she had to come to me to ask for a solution to repair them because I do make bead bags and waist beads. I smiled at her, thinking within me how important the bracelet is to her.
To sum up, choose birthday presents for fellow minimalists by emphasizing experiences, quality, functionality, and individuality. Selecting gifts that align with needs and complement minimalist lifestyle is crucial, regardless of the type of gift—experience, consumable, digital, or customized expression of appreciation. To make the birthday celebration meaningful and unforgettable for both the donor and the receiver, keep in mind that what matters most is the thought and consideration that went into the present.