7 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas For Minimalists & Van Lifers
The holidays are here, and we are all looking for gifts for our loved ones. Gift ideas for van lifers might be tricky since they have such limited space to store your gift in. Today I want to share some of my ideas for clutter-free gifts that will be perfect for your friends or family who live in tiny homes.
Clutter-free gift ideas
1. Gift cards
One of the easiest things to give is a gift card. It is especially thoughtful when you choose those places that you know that your van life friends frequent, such as coffee shops, gas stations, or stores like Walmart or Amazon.
Such a gift will never be useless, which makes it a perfect gift for people who don't want anything. A credit card with money on it is an option, too, but it just means so much more when you show that you know the places that they frequent.
If you want your gift to look and feel a bit nicer, pack the card in a small reusable box and complete the gift with some sweets. Such boxes can be used for coins or mints, and it always comes in handy.
2. Tote bags
Another idea is a good reusable tote bag. You can initially fill it with some goodies like snacks that you know they like and little stocking stuffers like socks, hats, or gloves that the person will be able to use. A tote bag is always super useful for groceries, laundry, or shopping, which makes it a perfect clutter-free gift.
3. Gift certificates
Gift certificates for things like spa treatments, nail treatments, and maybe car repairs might be a small gesture, but they are always very nice to get. I know that I need to get my van cleaned every once in a while and I like to go somewhere where they can do a good inside and outside job.
Another option is national park passes or tourist passes that some cities have for their main attractions. Finally, there are also van events or festivals that you know that they would like to attend. A gift certificate is always a great idea, and it does not take up any room.
4. Talent certificates
While we are on the subject of certificates, you could make your own! Depending on your talents and skills, you can offer your own various services, such as a meal, a recipe swap, a massage, or perhaps fixing things, which is always incredibly valuable.
Be creative and think about what you can offer, then write out a pretty little certificate on a piece of paper. Do not be afraid to give for who you are and what you do because sometimes those are the most valuable gifts.
5. Subscriptions
This is another wonderful option that takes up no space. You could offer a subscription to a service they have been thinking of using or just pay for their existing subscription. A great idea would be a subscription to a gym, such as Planet Fitness – everyone knows that it is a real deal for van lifers since you can shower there.
You could also offer to pay for their telephone, Wi-Fi, or satellite provider for a year, or alternatively a streaming service such as Hulu, Netflix, or Amazon Prime. If they are into books, consider a Kindle or Audible subscription. I love listening to books as I am driving down the road.
6. Small gifts
If you want something a little more tangible, think in terms of small items. Consider playing cards or travel board games, those are excellent to play around a campfire. I was once given a little magnet that is also an air freshener, so you can put essential oil on it.
Another item I suggest is a credit card holder. That is something you can slip in your pocket or a backpack. There are also magnetic ones that you can stick to the back of your phone. I have one like that, and I love carrying it around with my driver's license and credit card right in there. That way, I do not have to worry about bringing anything else.
Another great option is small bags, such as a toiletry bag. Those zip up really nice and are great both for organizing things inside the van and for taking with you when you are going to shower.
7. Novelty items
I love novelty items, especially useful ones. I have recently received a sanitizing toothbrush holder. You put it on and it lights up to let you know that it is sanitizing it. It is rechargeable and I love it so much.
Another one of my favorites is a bag resealer. I should have gotten more for everyone I know before they sold out.
I also got a reusable razor this year. It comes with disposable blades, and you can buy another tin separately to dispose of them. This one is a no-brainer for me, since I love not having so much waste in disposable razors.
Finally, I found this amazing gadget online and had to try it. It is for dog and cat hair, or any kind of hair really, and it does a great job of picking it up on carpeting. It is said to be able to get things out that even a vacuum cleaner would not, and in my experience, it really is a wonder.
Clutter-free gifts
I hope you found your perfect gift on this list, or maybe it pushed you to think some more and you came up with a great idea all on your own.
In any case, what are you giving to your loved ones this holiday season? Please share your favorite minimalist gift ideas in the comment section below!
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