It’s my birthday month! And it frustrates my family every year. Surprise…I do not want gifts. Not stuff at least. I appreciate consumable presents so my best friend shops all year for the perfect item. She goes to a lot of effort to choose such thoughtful, consumable gifts. I am grateful.
Another friend texted an emoji card. I love it because it’s free and there’s no clutter! My husband gave up buying cards years ago but still makes an effort to celebrate the day. Last year, he decided to sing Happy Birthday every time a card arrived. And he drove 25 miles to get me my favorite coffee and donut at the beach.
All that said, my son and husband, celebrate their birthdays very differently. They do not need to adopt my version of minimalism. As a family, we live simply but minimalism is unique to each person. It will look different for your family as well.
Hubby loves funny cards and ice cream cake. My son typically asks for an experience or a party with friends. When he was younger, he selected a theme and we filled the night with games, decorations, and a movie. Now, his winter birthday is typically spent snowboarding.
But all this got me thinking, what gifts do minimalists want for their birthdays? Everyone deserves one special day a year.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Firepit, Family, and Friends
My first choice would be to sit around a fire pit on a crisp fall evening. Keep it simple. Everyone brings a snack. Add a cooler of festive beverages, cornhole, and kids shooting hoops in my driveway. Happy kids, happy parents, and time well spent. We often miss this in the hurry of life. And there’s just something magical about sitting around a fire.
Winery or Brewery
Now that our kids are older (and driving), its nice to take off with just the adults and enjoy a local winery or brewery. This year, we are celebrating two big birthdays in our family. My husband asked for friends to join us at a brewery and I selected one of my favorite wineries. This is super relaxed, come when you can kind of event. I’m really looking forward to it!
Spa Day
I feel a little guilty asking for a spa day. But I know most moms agree what a gift this is. Self-care makes me a better wife and mother. I envision an afternoon with no meetings, no driving, and no phone. Just a good book, cup of tea, and a massage. Self-care promotes good health, one of my values. No guilt!
Dinner Out
My Instagram reveals what a foodie I am. My husband and I met while waiting tables in college and appreciate good restaurants. Not necessarily fine dining but small, nondescript places where the food never disappoints. But I also love cooking at home. The last few years reminded us that we make some pretty awesome meals at home, at a fraction of the cost. So, I’ll take a nice dinner out or in!
Weekend Away
This is often how I celebrate my birthday. A long weekend at the beach in the fall is heaven. But, I’m also enjoy rainy days to read, play cards, and watch football.
Gifts
So, I don’t have a “Top 10 Minimalist Gifts” list to give you. Living simply is a personal journey. That said, most minimalists suggest consumable items and experience gifts. My favorites to give and receive are:
- Coffee
- Restaurant Gift Cards
- Kindle Gift Cards
As we head into the holiday season, give an experience gift or consumable to family and friends.
What experience gifts do you like to receive?
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