21 Gifts for Minimalists That Won’t End Up in the Donate Pile, 2022

By Emily Farris

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From a purely logical standpoint, the best gift for a minimalist is no gift at all. That's because the folks who are truly dedicated to a minimal lifestyle have carefully curated their belongings, keeping only what they need, as well as a few items they really, really love. It's why their homes always seem so tidy and why they can pull off those gorgeous open cabinets in the kitchen even if they cook a lot.

Minimalists generally also put a lot of thought into what makes it into their homes, and something that may seem beautiful and useful to you might actually stress them out—especially if they worry getting rid of it might hurt your feelings. Combine all of that with the fact that many also happen to be intimidatingly stylish people, and the thought of finding the perfect gift for a minimalist can start to feel like a lost cause.

But let's be real: giving nothing is no fun for anybody. And while cash and gift cards are always useful, they’re not exactly fun to give or receive either. So before you throw your hands up in the air (or default to yet another boring gift card) check out this list of the best gifts for minimalists. Most of the items happen to be our specialty here at Epi—edible goods that won't stay in the kitchen long. I’ve also thrown in a handful of other consumables for the home that don't last forever, like flowers and candles, as well as a small selection of high-quality items that aren't going to end up in the "donate" pile.

The minimalist with a sweet tooth will be thrilled to unwrap a variety pack of high-quality chocolate bars.

Or for the heat-seeking minimalist, a set of three amazing hot sauces from Fly By Jing.

No matter who you’re buying for, you can't go wrong with this highly-giftable sampler box of four infused olive oils from one of our favorite direct-to-consumer oil and vinegar brands.

Good salt will never go to waste and these fancy finishing salts even come in cute little containers that can be repurposed—or discarded if they must. The Jacobsen Salt Co. tins make especially adorable stocking stuffers.

This colorful dish scrubby that can replace all of their other dishwashing tools is another perfect stocking stuffer for minimalists. In a pinch, it can be used to scrub veggies, too.

Even the most minimalist home could use some fresh flowers, whether you send a one-time gift or set them up with a monthly subscription.

The minimalist who loves burning incense will love this beautiful, barely-there brass incense holder that will only get prettier with age.

Whether they think green is a neutral now or they keep an all-white home, a minimalist who loves to host will appreciate some new taper candles for the table.

Beautiful and useful items are a minimalist's dream, and these fancy match cloches check both boxes.

Anything that takes up valuable shelf space should be versatile, and this colorful carafe can be used for wine, water, or as a vase.

Minimalists appreciate products that are made to last, and this super-packable, lightweight grocery tote is durable and machine washable. Bonus: it has pockets.

For the minimalist who could use a fancy night in, a caviar gift set. (They'll probably give away the cooler and keep the tiny mother of pearl spoons and that's totally fine.)

And if you’re looking for a last-minute gift, digital subscriptions are perfect for minimalists who love to cook, whether they want to listen to an audiobook about food or level-up their culinary skills.