Simple Living

12 Super Simple Ways to Slow Down in Life (Even if You’re Busy)

April 26 // by Brooke

Have you ever felt like your days are too busy? Like you needed to slow down in life, but really, who has time for that?!

How to slow down in life with just a few extra minutes each day:

Don’t tackle the whole list.

Maybe pick just one suggestion you can implement into your day this week. Just one.
We’re all busy.

Give yourself the gift of at least ten slow minutes to pick your day right up. You deserve it. Your mind and body will thank you.

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1 – Savor your morning caffeine

Start your mornings slow. Slowing down your mornings can be a beautiful act that allows you to start your day off without rushing and without feeling overwhelmed by everything that lies in front of you for the day.

Make the act of making your morning caffeine a slow act.

Get a French press for your coffee. My husband swears the coffee is better. It takes four minutes once you have hot water. That’s nothing.

Tea drinker? Skip the microwave and use a tea kettle so you have to wait on your hot water to slowly boil.

Once your caffeine is ready, don’t dump it into a travel mug and rush out the door or straight to the bathroom to steal quick sips while getting ready for the day.

Instead, sit outside, at the table looking out a window, or on the couch and enjoy your drink while you wake up for the day.

This doesn’t have to be a long task that makes you late for work, school, or wherever you are supposed to be soon. I’m talking give yourself ten blissful minutes. That’s all.

Woman sitting in a chair drinking coffee. Slow down in life.

2 – Sit at the dinner table after you finish eating

Too often nowadays dinner time becomes just another task we check off for our day.

Try something new this week. When you finish eating dinner, have everyone hang out at the table for ten minutes longer.

If this isn’t your norm, it will feel awkward and forced at first. That’s OK. Do it anyway.

Talk with your family. Catch up on the day. Laugh. The dishes can wait. Baths can wait.

Family sitting around their table enjoying each other.

3 – Read a book before bed

Are you guilty of staring at your phone or a TV screen before bed?

It’s been proven that staring at a screen before bed hinders sleep.

Instead of watching one more show on Netflix or scrolling Facebook for just “one more minute”, turn everything off and grab a book.

Got kids? Read to your kids a fun new adventure novel, no matter their age.

Give your brains time to get lost in a story and to prepare for bed. It just may become a new habit you want to keep instead of getting lost in the scroll of social media.

Related Post: 15 Places Where You Can Donate Used Books

4 – Make slow food

Nothing says reward like slow food. There’s something wonderful and magical about eating a meal you’ve simmered all day on the stove. I swear it tastes better.

Try a new homemade spaghetti sauce. Make a chili or soup. Slow roast a Sunday meal.

Working from home? Find a recipe you can put together before work, and let it simmer all day. Skip the crockpot, and go old school over the stove.

5 – Drive the long way

We call it “exploring” in our house, driving the long way to get somewhere.

I often complain about taking the long way to get anywhere. I mean, why not just go to where you are going?!

However, my husband has mastered the art of driving around and taking in new places and sites around us.

Leave a few minutes early and take a quick detour. Explore a new neighborhood, part of town, or even stop at an ice cream shop you’ve never visited before. It may become a new favorite!

6 – Sew something by hand

Got a shirt that needs a seam fixed or pants that need hemming? Instead of getting out the sewing machine, do some hand sewing.

I revisited this lost art when my youngest daughter wanted to learn how to sew. Her little feet aren’t long enough to reach the sewing machine pedal, and she needed to learn how to work a needle and thread.

If you’ve never done any sewing before, you may be surprised how calming the act can be. Grab a small piece of fabric and simply sew it in half. Make a small baby doll blanket for a little one in your life. Trust me, they don’t care about imperfections.

Not interested in hand sewing? Pick up another hand craft. Check out free YouTube videos on how to crochet, knit, or some other fun craft.

Related Post: How to Organize Your Craft Room

7 – Try out nature journaling

You don’t have to be a crunchy hippy to enjoy nature journaling. 😉

We recently discovered the practice of nature journaling in our homeschool day.

After a long two weeks inside with bad weather, I wanted a way to get us outside and to really pay attention to our incredible surroundings.

It would have been easy to lead my kids through the act of nature journaling without participating with them, but I forced myself to do it with my kids. I say force because I’ve never actually DRAWN a tree. Why would I draw a tree?

I LOVE it! The practice really forces you to slow down, see nature in your own yard and soak it in. You learn a good deal too. Give it a go.

Related Post: “I’m BORED!” Check List for Kids

8 – Start a gratitude jar

Sometimes we can do something to slow down simply by taking note of the great things happening around us.

Once a day, take a moment to recognize and practice gratitude for something that happened in your day.

Not sure where to start? Check out this post on how to make a gratitude jar and download a free gratitude jar template printable.

Mason jar with text saying, "Create a gratitude jar."

9 – Try out a minimalist form of bullet journaling

I wanted to bullet journal. Really, really badly.

I saw all these cute ideas and pretty hand-lettered pieces of art on Pinterest and Instagram, and I really wanted to be part of that circle.

The thing is though, I’ll never maintain all that effort. I don’t even keep a regular pen and paper journal on a regular basis! Adding art was a whole new level of complexity I didn’t have the time or patience to endure.

Instead, try out a very simple and minimalist form of bullet journaling. Simply taking the time to slow down and reflect on your upcoming day can do the brain wonders.

If you aren’t sure where to start, check out the book, The Bullet Journal Method.

Related Post: Minimalism for Normal People

10 – Bake something from scratch

My girls recently discovered how much better homemade brownies tasted when we realized there were no more boxed ones in the house. They will never go back.

They have informed me homemade brownies are definitely worth the time and effort. I have to agree with them.

When you are looking to slow down, bake something from scratch. Like slow cooking, it gives you time to appreciate the ingredients, love, and effort that goes into a new recipe.

Try a new sourdough recipe. Bake a cake.

Go slow and savor every moment going into it and every bite when it’s done.

11 – Walk or bike somewhere

No time for exercise? I get that. If you can, turn your commute or errands into exercise. Two for one, and you’re given a chance to slow down, exercise, and give your brain a little boost of serotonin.

Check out bike routes from your house to the grocery store, work, or gym.

Look for green spaces or walking paths between your house and that of a friend you are visiting.

Get creative. If you can walk somewhere and accomplish something, it gives you a way to slow down without taking too much time out of your day.

Or simply take your kids on a walk or bike ride around the neighborhood. They’ll love it and you’ll all get some fresh air.

12 – Talk to a stranger

Maybe don’t give this advice to your kids, but take time out of your day to start a conversation with a stranger.
Especially during these crazy times, so many of us have forgotten how to interact with others.

We are social beings. We need interaction with each other.

At the grocery store? Say hi to the person behind you, asking them about their day.

Sharing an elevator with someone? Ask them about their plans for the weekend. Don’t just stand there awkwardly in silence.

Connect with someone today. They may need it as much as you.

It doesn’t cost a thing, other than getting over the fear of a little awkwardness, and it helps you slow down and appreciate others around you.

Slow down, enjoy life

You can slow down in life and still get tons done. You can be busy but still give yourself time to relax and savor the good things in life.

Try out just one of these ways to slow down in life this week. You may just want to make it a normal part of your days.

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21 Minimalist Quotes to Spark Your Minimalist Journey in 2021

April 11 // by Brooke

Minimalism is one of my favorite subjects to discuss because of the joy I feel from living with less.

I always want others to feel joy and happiness, thus I compiled this fantastic list of quotes about minimalism; I hope they bring you as much joy and encouragement on your minimalist journey as they do me.

Without further ado, I give you your 21 Minimalist Quotes for 2021!

Related Post: The Benefits of Being a Minimalist Family

You don’t need fancy things to feel good. You can hug a puppy. You can buy a can of paint and surround yourself with color. You can plant a flower and watch it grow. You can decide to start over and let other people start over too. – Joan Bauer

You don’t need fancy things to feel good. You can hug a puppy. You can buy a can of paint and surround yourself with color. You can plant a flower and watch it grow. You can decide to start over and let other people start over too. Joan Bauer

2. Minimalism is asking why before you buy. – Francine Jay

3. Living with less doesn’t happen overnight, just like the accumulation of stuff doesn’t happen overnight. – Brooke Harris, Happy Simple Mom

4. Every minute you spend looking through clutter, wondering where you put this or that, being unable to focus because you’re not organized costs you: time you could have spent with family or friends, time you could have been productive around the house, time you could have been making money. – Jean Chatzky

Every minute you spend looking through clutter, wondering where you put this or that, being unable to focus because you’re not organized costs you: time you could have spent with family or friends, time you could have been productive around the house, time you could have been making money. Jean Chatzky

5. Purposefully owning less begins to take us out of the unwinnable game of comparison. – Joshua Becker

6. Having more and more won’t solve the problem, and happiness does not lie in possessions, or even relationships: The answer lies within ourselves. If we can’t find peace and happiness there, it’s not going to come from the outside. – Tenzin Palmo

Having more and more won’t solve the problem, and happiness does not lie in possessions, or even relationships: The answer lies within ourselves. If we can’t find peace and happiness there, it’s not going to come from the outside. Tenzin Palmo

7. A minimalist by intent, I live a beautiful life with fewer things—simple, yet full. – Laurie Buchanan, PhD

8. If someone doesn’t live with you, neither should their stuff. – Monika Kristofferson

9. Every increased possession loads us with new weariness. – John Ruskin

10. Minimalism is an abundance of enough. – Torley

11. It is perhaps due to the absence of peace that they are trying to fill the void with material possessions, no amount of which will ever bring peace of mind. – Mango Wodzak

It is perhaps due to the absence of peace that they are trying to fill the void with material possessions, no amount of which will ever bring peace of mind. Mango Wodzak

12. This is the beautiful secret of minimalism: it may seem like it’s about stuff, but once you’ve cut through the clutter and adopted a new frame of mind, you learn that it’s barely about ‘the stuff’ at all. – Erica Layne

This is the beautiful secret of minimalism: it may seem like it's about stuff, but once you've cut through the clutter and adopted a new frame of mind, you learn that it's barely about 'the stuff' at all. Erica Layne

13. Nature teaches us simplicity and contentment because in its presence we realize we need very little to be happy. – Mark Coleman

14. Minimalism is not a lack of something. It’s simply the perfect amount of something. – Nicholas Burroughs

15. Simplicity is about deciding what’s important to you and focusing on that before anything else. – Chelsea Walters

16. Minimalism does not have rules. – Brooke Harris, Happy Simple Mom

17. When you acquire less stuff you will actually get more of what you really want—more money, greater security, peace of mind, more time, more energy, and deeper relationships. – Peter Walsh

When you acquire less stuff you will actually get more of what you really want—more money, greater security, peace of mind, more time, more energy, and deeper relationships. Peter Walsh

18. Less stuff equals more freedom. – Maxime Lagace

19. Simplicity is the key to brilliance. – Bruce Lee

20. Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

21. Minimalism is a tool to eliminate life’s excess, focus on the essentials, and find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom. – Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus

Minimalism is a tool to eliminate life’s excess, focus on the essentials, and find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus

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32 Simple Living Quotes to Inspire Happiness

April 8 // by Brooke

It’s been a crazy few weeks at my house. I’ve been needing a little extra inspiration lately so I decided to put together this post to help anyone who is needing that extra little lift to their spirits or needs a little happiness in their life. Enjoy!

To be richer, happier, and freer, all you need to do is want less. -Francine Jay

To be richer, happier, and freer, all you need to do is want less. Francine Jay

2. Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour. -Walt Whitman

3. Happiness is not having what you want. It is wanting what you have. – Rabbi Hyman Schachtel

4. I hope these simple things are what I forever love about life, for then I will be happy no matter where I find myself. -R.Y.S. Perez

5. The richest of all people is a little child who is so happy with few simple toys! – Mehmet Murat Ildan

6. Be a curator of your life. Slowly cut things out until you’re left only with what you love, with what’s necessary, with what makes you happy. – Leo Babauta

Be a curator of your life. Slowly cut things out until you’re left only with what you love, with what’s necessary, with what makes you happy. Leo Babauta

7. It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. – Charles Haddon Spurgeon

8. Nature teaches us simplicity and contentment because in its presence we realize we need very little to be happy. – Mark Coleman

9. A very disappointing outcome is always destined to happen to anyone who chases material things in search of happiness. – Edmond Mbiaka

10. Minimalism is a tool to eliminate life’s excess, focus on the essentials, and find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom. – Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus

11. Having more and more won’t solve the problem, and happiness does not lie in possessions, or even relationships: The answer lies within ourselves. If we can’t find peace and happiness there, it’s not going to come from the outside. – Tenzin Palmo

12. In the never-ending battle between order and chaos, clutter sides with chaos every time. Anything that you possess that does not add to your life or your happiness eventually becomes a burden. – John Robbins

In the never-ending battle between order and chaos, clutter sides with chaos every time. Anything that you possess that does not add to your life or your happiness eventually becomes a burden. John Robbins

13. Keeping baggage from the past will leave no room for happiness in the future. – Wayne L. Misner

14. Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good company, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. And they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of happiness in others. – William Lyon Phelps

Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good company, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. And they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of happiness in others. William Lyon Phelps

15. From time to time, to remind ourselves to relax and be peaceful, we may wish to set aside some time for a retreat, a day of mindfulness, when we can walk slowly, smile, drink tea with a friend, enjoy being together as if we are the happiest people on Earth. – Thich Nhat Hanh

From time to time, to remind ourselves to relax and be peaceful, we may wish to set aside some time for a retreat, a day of mindfulness, when we can walk slowly, smile, drink tea with a friend, enjoy being together as if we are the happiest people on Earth. Thich Nhat Hanh

16. Living with less doesn’t happen overnight, just like the accumulation of stuff doesn’t happen overnight. – Brooke Harris

17. If one’s life is simple, contentment has to come. Simplicity is extremely important for happiness. Having few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital: satisfaction with just enough food, clothing, and shelter to protect yourself from the elements. – The Dalai Lama

If one’s life is simple, contentment has to come. Simplicity is extremely important for happiness. Having few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital: satisfaction with just enough food, clothing, and shelter to protect yourself from the elements. The Dalai Lama

18. Once you really accept that spending money doesn’t equal happiness, you have half the battle won. – Ernest Callenbach

19. People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost. – The Dalai Lama

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost. The Dalai Lama

20. The true secret of happiness lies in the taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life. – William Morris

21. Our house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy. – Unknown

22. Yesterday is gone…. tomorrow isn’t here yet. I have just one day- today…. I can choose how I shall be! And I choose to be happy!!! – Groucho Marx

23. Society says you need lots of stuff to be happy. They are wrong. – Joshua Becker

24. Take responsibility of your own happiness, never put it in other people’s hands. – Roy T. Bennett

25. It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy. – Lucille Ball

26. Never envy others. Be happy and love your work. – Lailah Gifty Akita

27. Once you learn to detach happiness from acquiring and owning things you can focus on what truly makes you happy—and actually achieve that. – Peter Walsh

Once you learn to detach happiness from acquiring and owning things you can focus on what truly makes you happy—and actually achieve that. Peter Walsh

28. Slow down in your pursuit of happiness, and it’s more likely to catch up with you. – Ernie J. Zelinski

Slow down in your persuit of happiness, and it's more likely to catch up with you. Ernie J. Zelinski

29. Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn’t stop to enjoy it. – William Feather

30. I want to live a simple life without stress or worry. I don’t need a lot of stuff. I just want to be happy. – Unknown

I want to live a simple life without stress or worry. I don't need a lot of stuff. I just want to be happy. Author unknown.

31. If you want happiness for an hour.. take a nap. If you want happiness for a day.. go fishing. If you want happiness for a year.. inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime.. help someone else. – Uknown

If you want happiness for an hour.. take a nap. If you want happiness for a day.. go fishing. If you want happiness for a year.. inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime.. help someone else. Author unknown.

32. Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on. Life will get warmer. – Anita Krizzan

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A Simple but Special Birthday for Your Child

February 13 // by Brooke

It’s birthday month in our house. We celebrate both my kids’ birthdays this month, so gift giving is at the front of my mind.

How much should I spend on birthday gifts for my children?

Will a simple birthday gift be enough?

Should we have a big elaborate party?

It’s all about the kiddos…not spending

Birthdays are treated like holidays in our house. They are super special, and it’s my ultimate goal to make whoever is being celebrated to feel like the most important person ever!

Even with all this excitement, birthdays are NOT about going over the top spending money and going into debt just to make the day seem special.

However you prefer to celebrate your children, know this… They won’t remember how much you spent making their day special. They remember how they felt.

Remember your birthdays from growing up.

I remember simple cakes (some homemade, some store-bought). I remember my friends playing games with me, family coming over, and getting to choose dinner that night. Mostly, I remember how my family made me feel.

You don’t have to spend a whole bunch of money to make the day special.

A little boy blowing out the candles on his home made cake for his seventh birthday.

It’s about the thoughtfulness behind the gift, not the cost

Last year we bought our daughter a simple toy that was on the clearance rack at Target for $6. We spent six dollars!! One year later, she still plays with this toy. I call that a win.

We weren’t being cheap. Not at all. We were looking for the perfect toy, and there it was on the end cap with all the other marked down toys. We both saw it and laughed at our good fortune.

It would have been easy to keep spending, knowing we got off so cheap, but there was no reason to. We were in search for the perfect gift, and we found it. Finding the perfect gift isn’t about the cost.

If funds are low or if you think your children are acting a bit spoiled (been there, no judgment), remember, the cost doesn’t matter. Put some thought into your gift, rather than stressing about the amount of money you are spending.

Create traditions

If you want to simplify your child’s birthday, consider creating traditions. This is a fantastic way to encourage memories around the day that are not focused on the actual gift giving.

Here are some ideas for birthday traditions:

Hang streamers from your child’s door so they can walk through them when they wake up in the morning.
Blow up the number of balloons that match your child’s age.
Decorate your child’s kitchen table chair.
Make your child’s favorite cake from scratch (a box cake totally counts).
Let your child choose dinner, whether at a local restaurant or their favorite home-cooked meal.
Your child can be “boss for the day”
Let your child skip chores all day on their birthday.
Make a special breakfast every year…like birthday sprinkle pancakes!
Make breakfast in bed.
Take turns telling the birthday person what you love about them.
Eat cake for breakfast.
Use the same decorations every year. This inspires tradition and favorite memories. (It also saves a ton of money!)

Consider skipping the birthday party

Before you roll your eyes, hear me out!

My kids love having birthday parties. They get gifts, get to hang out with their friends, and they get to feel special with a group of people, not just with their family.

We love birthday parties, and we’ve had plenty over the years.

However, every single year, we offer our children a second choice. They can choose between having a birthday party or an experience. We then take any money we would have spent on the party, and we spoil our children rotten with a fun experience day.

Our kids almost always choose the party option, but a few times, the experience has won out!

Brother and sister with their hands up on a kiddie roller coaster ride at a theme park.

Here are some ideas for a birthday experience day:

A hotel night with a pool and pizza delivery
Beach day, ice cream included with all the toppings!!
Ski day, including hot chocolate and marshmallows
Amusement park / water park
Roller skating / ice skating
Movie date
Camping trip
Trampoline park
Playground day, picnic, and lots of sugar!
Anything your child LOVES to do

Simplify birthday parties

If your child wants a birthday party, consider this your free pass to not be Pinterest perfect.

I too have fallen victim to wanting to go over the top with all my birthday planning.

There are themed parties, appetizers, designer cakes, and games you design and build to match everything. There are also matching plates, color-coordinated napkins, and hired help.

If you have a Pinterest perfect party, you can easily drop hundreds of dollars.

Please, even if you have the money to go over the top, don’t do this to yourself. Your child does not care.

I’ve had parties like this. They were amazing…for the adults. None of the children present cared.

They wanted cake, and they wanted to play. They could have cared less about all the activities I had planned and if my plates matched the cake which matched the activities.

If you want to decorate, go simple. A couple of streamers and balloons will be more than enough to make your child feel special. Buy some solid-colored plates and napkins, and you can use them for other events too.

Skip the treat bags. Gasp, I know!

If you feel absolutely compelled to use treat bags, go with consumables rather than plastic junk no mom wants to take back to her house.

Related Post: Our Fiver Birthday Party Fail

Simple birthday gifts for kids

You know your kid, and you know what they love. Remember, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to make them happy. A single, simple gift, can make them happy!

Start simple gifts when they are young, and they won’t come to expect a second Christmas when they are older. It will also help them continue the tradition of simple gifts with their future children.

Here are some ideas for simple birthday gifts for kids that don’t add to clutter and excess:

Experiences

Experiences create memories. Memories last way longer than any cheap, plastic gift.

When children are younger, I recommend giving a child a small token related to the experience, and then the experience gift. The reason being children don’t always understand delayed gratification that comes from giving an experience gift.

For example, if you are giving a child a gift certificate to go enjoy an ice cream visit, you may give them a gift bag full of sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and candy toppings that they can enjoy on their birthday too!

Then, when the time comes to go enjoy the ice cream experience, they can enjoy the gratification of a thoughtful gift all over again!

There are tons of experience gift ideas you can give to anyone on your list!

Here is a list of my favorite experience gifts:

Movie tickets
Ice cream shop visit
Amusement park
Water park
Hiking
Camping
Roller skating / ice skating
Pro game
Concert
Theater tickets
Classes – online or in person
Any kid-focused local business – Trampoline parks, activity centers, etc.
Self-made art – Cloth and Glaze, Paint Your Own Pottery, Glaze Fire, etc.

Gifts that spark imagination

Children don’t need toys that do the playing for them. Instead, think of gifts that encourage imagination and play. Even as children grow older, you can still search for gifts that inspire creativity.

Here are a few gift ideas that inspire creativity and imagination:

Dress-up clothes
Legos
Puzzles
Books
Craft kits
Journal / diary / sketchbook
Camera (that’s not part of a phone)
Board games
Sewing machine
Tools for building
Pottery kits
Cooking supplies that are kid-centered
Musical instrument
Karaoke machine
Nature journal

Books

Books are one of those gifts you can give that are simple and people never outgrow receiving.

If you are looking to gift your child a simple birthday gift, consider a special book series for the level of reading they are currently enjoying. I love book series, as it allows you to give a whole set of books that they can enjoy for the next few weeks!

You can also sign up your child for an online children’s book club if they are really into reading books. It would be a fun way for them to connect with other children who have similar interests.

Gifts that encourage physical activity and outdoor time

If you want to simplify birthdays for your children, a great gift idea is to focus on gifts that encourage physical activity or outdoor time, rather than add to the clutter and excess inside of your home.

Some of my favorite gifts that encourage physical activity and/or outdoor time are:

Any type of ball
Playground equipment
Outdoor games
Bicycles and related gear
Sidewalk chalk
Skateboard
Lessons in favorite sport
Yard games – Ladder ball, cornhole
Slack line
Zip line
Jump rope
Scooter
Roller skates
Hula hoop
Pogo stick
Mud kitchen

Gifts that encourage playing together

Children LOVE it when their parents play with them.

Think about what your child enjoys and about what you enjoy doing with them. These are the best kinds of gifts and may encourage play between you for months or years to come.

Gift ideas you can enjoy with your child include:

Sporting equipment
Board games
Card games
Puzzles
Read aloud books (yes, big, long books too!) or audio books
Video games
Crafting supplies
Model cars, airplanes, boats, etc.
Build a robot
Children’s cookbook and supplies
Movies to watch together

Related Post: 51+ Best Non-Toy Gifts for Kids

If your child is super into video games, consider getting them a game they’re begging for, but maybe also pick up a game that interests you. I know. Hear me out.

My mom played Dr. Mario and Bubble Bobble with me as a child on our old-school Nintendo. I was good at and loved other games, but these two were my favorite.

I think now, they were my favorite because my mom played them with me…on a regular basis.

Although I limit video games with my kids, one of my favorite things to do is play with them when the chance is given.

Get creative. Think of ideas you would both enjoy, and then actually plan a date to enjoy them together!

Related Post: 15 Epic Minimalist Gifts for Kids

A mom and dad playing with their daughter in the living room.

Make your child’s birthday simple but magical

Birthdays with your kids can be simple. They don’t have to be super planned out, expensive, and over the top. A simple birthday day combined with a simple gift is all a child needs to feel incredibly special on his or her big day.

Pinterest pin that has a balloon background and says, "A Simple But Special Birthday For Your Child."

A Simple but Special Birthday for Your ChildRead More

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Minimalists | Useful Gifts for Everyone On Your List (2021)

December 4 // by Brooke

I think my family wishes there was a published gift guide for minimalists. So, here you go!

Minimalists generally don’t want more stuff in their house! However, many of their family and friends really, really, really want to give them something to unwrap or something they can use all the time.

You can sign up for your FREE Ultimate Minimalist Gift Guide.

You can give a minimalist an actual gift. The trick is to make sure the gift is useful and a bit timeless.

Functionality and needs often are what people want. Don’t let their gifts be the kind that ends up in the Goodwill pile.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

Here’s how I save money, shop online, and give gifts with intention:

If you ever shop online, sign up for eBates. You are losing money if you are buying online, at any time of the year, and you are not using eBates.

All you do is click through eBates first, and you automatically get cash back on your online purchases. Sign up today before you do any online shopping!

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Gift Guide for Minimalists | Useful and Timeless Gifts People on Your List Want this Year!

My favorite minimalist books to give as gifts:

The More of Less by Joshua Becker – Hands down my favorite minimalist book and the most lifechanging for me when we converted to a more minimalist lifestyle.

The Life-Changing Magic of Cleaning Up – This book was fantastic in helping me tackle my home by categories. It also helped me organize in a way I had never considered before reading this book.

The Joy of Less by Francine Jay – Another great book that has you consider living with less and being happy with that new life.

Clutterfree with Kids by Joshua Becker – Joshua Becker has kids and lives a minimalist lifestyle successfully (and his kids don’t hate him!) Check out how to have a successful minimalist life with a family.

goodbye, things by Fumio Sasaki – A regular guy who learned he could be happier with less.

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker – This book is probably one of my favorites; I love all things written by Joshua Becker. He has such an honest approach to minimalism.

I am Here Now: A Creative Mindfulness Guide and Journal by The Mindfulness Project – I love The Mindfulness Project and what they do. They really help people slow down, and enjoy life!

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My favorite gifts for kids that spark imagination, encourage creativity, and help them get moving:

Magna-Tiles – These are hands down my favorite gift for kids. I gave my kids a set when they were one year old. They still play with them at 5 and 6 years old.

Legos (the basic kind, not the character specific ones) – Legos are a classic. The key to Legos remaining a timeless gift is to not get the character-based ones. Get a large classic set, and maybe throw in a Lego building book. Let their imaginations explore!

You will also need a storage container so you don’t step on those pesky boogers when you enter a room! I like wide and shallow storage containers for Legos because they can search for pieces in them without dumping them out!

Sarah’s Silks – Watch your kids make themselves anything they want to be with these play silks, They will go from a princess, to a super-hero to a pirate. They can build forts, wrap their babies, or go anywhere their imaginations take them!

Moluk Bilibo (AKA “spinny chairs”) – These toys are so much fun. You can spin around in a Moluk Bilibo, use them as stepping stones, wear them as hats, or whatever your child’s imagination comes up with while playing!

Pack of cards – I’m amazed at how fast my five-year-old picked up Slap Jack, Old Maid, and other fun card games. These are great to take in your purse for long days or to throw into an airport bookbag.

Slackline – Slacklines provide excitement and fun outside. They also teach your kids balance. If you have space, I highly recommend this outdoor toy for your kids.

Spooner Board (balance board) – Help your kids gain balance, coordination, and just give them something fun to play with! I’m hoping my little one can learn balance and transfer that to snowboarding this year!

Pogo Ball – If you are a child of the 80s, you know about a pogoball! I was thrilled to find out these still exist!

Gonge Riverstones – Turn any room into an instant obstacle course. When done, stack them up and store them away! Let your kids get creative and use their imaginations with this fun toy!

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Minimalist gifts for teenagers:

Bluetooth speaker – Let your kids take their music with them anywhere they go with a bluetooth speaker. This one is waterproof, which is a plus around teenagers!

Amazon Music Unlimited – To go with their Bluetooth speaker, get your teenager an Amazon Music subscription. Commercial free and more songs than they could ever download.

Fire Tablet – The Amazon Fire Table is a fraction of the cost of an iPad and still highly capable of doing so many things.

Echo dot – Hey Alexa, play my playlist for ignoring my parents. 😊

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Useful gifts for mom:

Living Well Spending Less Planner – It is no secret I LOVE this planner. It helps me set yearly, monthly, weekly, and even daily goals. It caused my productivity to shoot through the roof. I think the creator of the planner, Ruth, is an absolute genius. Give this planner as a gift to help the woman you love to keep everything together in one place! (I know it’s not digital, but for me, it wins over a digital calendar any day of the week!)

Erin Condren 2019 Planner – This is another favorite planner of mine! Achieve your goals, and keep up with a busy family household or work.

Erasable pens and markers – Cause they are just super cool. Kids like doing homework with them too!

eMeals Meal Planning Service for a year (I’ve been using since 2009, and they are worth every penny!) Stop wasting money at the grocery store because you don’t have a plan. Vegan? They have a meal plan for that! Keto? Yep, that one too. You can seriously get a meal plan for any diet, and you can take the guesswork out of “what’s for dinner?”

Related post: Review of Emeals: Meal Planning Service for Busy People

Kindle Unlimited – Give the woman in your life the ability to read unlimited books and listen to audiobooks while juggling her busy schedule!

Digital photo frame – Allows mom to cut the clutter but still showcase all her favorite photos!

Barre Online Membership – You can work out in your living room, with a two-year-old climbing on you. I’ve tested it! Get $10 off your subscription when you sign up through my link.

Stainless Steel Wine Tumbler – These are just pretty and useful.

Stretched Too Thin by Jessica Turner

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Gifts for the man who has everything already:

Yeti Rambler Coozie – These things are just awesome. They can also keep a beer cold for hours, even in the hot sun.

Wireless headphones – For my sweet husband feels the need to hold his phone while in the car! These are also good for working out.

Osprey Talon Daypack – For the dad who likes to hike, bike ride, or generally do things where a daypack is needed. This is a gift that will last forever and always be useful!

Wallet Ninja – This really is the best gift for the man who has everything. It goes in his wallet and it is ever so useful.

3-month gourmet coffee subscription – Who doesn’t like coffee? It is even better when delivered straight to your home!

Bluetooth beanie hat – This is a super useful gift for the man in your life. He can use it anytime he is outside but wants his phone and/or music.

Darn Tough Wool socks – Wool socks are expensive, but they are worth every penny! If your man likes to go outdoors, give him something to keep his feet warm! Seriously, I know it is socks, but these are REALLY NICE socks.

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Gifts for the female entrepreneur or career woman in your life:

Sparkle Hustle Grow subscription – This is the coolest subscription! It is full of useful information and tools for any female entrepreneur. Who says you can’t be powerful and like pretty things?!

Blogging Pop Socket

Wife, Mom, Boss Mug

Hustle, Sparkle, Glow Subscription Box – This subscription is soooo cool! I want one every month! It includes a book and fun accessories for the female business-woman in your life!

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For more ideas, please check out Gifts for Everyone on Your List.

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Minimalists | Useful Gifts for Everyone On Your List (2021)Read More