Gifts for People Who Hate Stuff

Today we’re looking at gifts for people who hate stuff.

You know who they are. They may even know who they are (and feel bad about it).

Whether it’s your best friend, a family member, or even a distant relative you’re thinking of, each time their birthday or the holiday season rolls around you end up spending a lot of time wracking your brain for what would actually make a good gift for them. 

Sometimes you just go for it and hope to Heaven you nail it. Other times you end up with a gift card.* 

I get it. I have two of these individuals in my circle. They dedicate their free time to making life as streamlined as possible, and their home looks like an IKEA showroom. 

So what’s the solution? 

Good news, Nina Lichtenstein—founder and principal designer at Custom Home Design by Nina Lichtenstein—has some keen insight for us. 

“In a world where clutter is the enemy and minimalism is a lifestyle, finding the perfect gift for someone who despises accumulating “stuff” can be a delightful challenge,” she says. “The essence lies not in material possessions but in experiences and sentiments that can enrich their lives.”

There you have it. Case closed. 

Nah, don’t worry, we aren’t going to leave it at that. It is the perfect pro-tip to set you on the track toward a great gift, though. For minimalistic individuals, material items don’t usually make the best gifts. 

There are, however, still a lot of wonderful ideas out there for clutter-free gifts that will make them feel loved, appreciated, and acknowledged for the unique person they are.

Check out these ten great gift ideas for the person who hates “stuff.”

* A gift card doesn’t necessarily fall into the “bad gifts” category but tends to be seen as a less thoughtful or personal gift option. If you know they love and ask for gift cards regularly though, by all means, card away.

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10 Gift Ideas for People Who Hate “Stuff”

Guaranteed, there won’t be a coffee mug, cheese grater, picture frame, or dust-collecting knick-knack within 100 miles of this list. If you are looking for expert support for your gift-giving endeavors, you’ve come to the right place.

1. Experience Gifts

An ideal gift for the non-materialist, an experience gift is a great way to show someone how much they mean to you and how well you know them. 

Last year, my dad received tickets for the Milwaukee Mile Nascar event, and to say he was tickled pink and looked forward to it for months is an understatement. 

The best thing about experience gifts is that they’re so diverse. They can be anything from a date night out on the town, to a sporting event, a concert, music lessons, or even online classes… The list goes on and on and on. 

2. Consumables

When we say “consumable items,” we don’t just mean food. Though food is included in this category. 

But in a broader sense, consumables can be any item they use that needs to be replenished regularly or semi-regularly. That could be food, yes, but it could also be things like their favorite perfume or cologne, the health supplements they love, therapy journals, their beloved (but pricey) wrinkle cream—you get the idea. 

It’s still a physical gift you can wrap, but it fits that great “clutter-free gift idea” category.

3. Subscriptions

Subscription gifts do not get the attention they deserve but they make such a great idea for that hard-to-shop-for person. 

There are so many great subscriptions out there, too! From food and wine to streaming services, audiobook subscriptions to gym memberships, and even rare cigar clubs to fresh flower deliveries. And that only scratches the surface. 

This is one of the easiest ways to get “something” they’ll use and enjoy without adding another “something” to their home.

4. Annual Passes

Are they a theme park junky? Or do they skitter off to the local zoo, aquarium, planetarium, or botanical garden whenever they get the opportunity? 

Get them an annual pass to their favorite escape spot or activity and they’ll love you for it. 

I’d be hard-pressed to think of a much better gift than that. Bonus points if you get one for yourself, too, so you can accompany them on their adventures.

5. Quality Time

This one is perfect for your spouse, significant other, or that close friend who’s equally as busy as you are—but you desperately want to spend time with them. 

Plan a whole day of quality time together and just enjoy each other’s presence! It doesn’t have to be anything grand, either. Perhaps you could treat them to coffee or brunch then head out for an afternoon of your favorite “together’ activity. That could be hiking, camping, antiquing, catching a new movie, or canoeing… Whatever floats your boat! 

The point is to spend quality time together making memories.

6. Staycation

Arrange a staycation for them! My siblings and I did this for my parents once and they loved it. 

Pick a nice local hotel or resort with plenty of 5-star reviews, and plan a weekend stay for them. They’ll love having the opportunity to step away from their grinding schedule and relax for a day or two.

Many hotels offer a whole host of in-house experiences like fine dining, day spas, special events, and more, so be sure to consider those, too, for an extra special treat.

7. Gourmet Eats

We can’t run an article like this and not give food its own headline. The reason? Simple. 

Few people on this big green planet wouldn’t appreciate a delicious, gourmet meal they didn’t have to prepare themselves. 

Whether you take them out to a Michelin-star hotspot, have a nice dinner at home catered by their favorite restaurant, or prepare the meal yourself, this is a great idea for just about anyone. 

Want something food-related that will last longer than a day? Consider putting together a gourmet food basket of treats they love! Include a nice bottle of wine or spirits if they drink, some fancy chocolate or sweets, savory items like cheese, cured meats, artisan bread, and olive oil, and an assortment of snacks. 

8. Cater to Existing Hobbies

Do they spend a lot of time gaming? Out on the golf course? In their make-shift studio painting the night away? 

Then buy them the latest version of their gaming software, those new golf tees they’ve been wanting to try, or a nice brush set that will last them for years. You get the idea. 

Do some prodding and discover what they need to feed their favorite pastime. Make sure you aren’t duplicating things they already have and don’t need, but try instead to meet a need or want that would make their hobby a little bit more enjoyable. 

9. Make a Donation in Their Name

For the person whose favorite things include giving back, donating to a cause they care deeply about—and donating in their name—is a perfect gift. 

It could be to the local animal shelter, children’s hospital, veteran’s association, etc., etc. There are also foundations like Trees for a Change where you can have a tree planted in their name to help reforestation efforts.

This is a gift that benefits everyone involved. It’s a blessing to your heart, the recipient’s heart, and the life of the donation recipients. 

10. DIY Essentials Basket

Now we get practical. Make a basket full of everyday necessities that are catered to them. 

Do they have a favorite coffee roaster? Throw in a bag of beans. Do they only eat one specific brand of pistachios? Toss a few bags of those in. Add in their favorite socks, hand lotion, skin products, sticky notes, or even a gift card to that bougie grocery store they love—whatever you know they’ll use and appreciate. 

I loved doing this for friends in college and always had so much fun putting together a basket catered to their likes. They appreciated the break on their expenses that it provided, as well.