Gahhhh….it’s time for one of our favorite (and let’s be honest, only) blog posts of the year. Each year, we LOVE pulling together a list of intentional + thoughtful gifts for those gracing your list, many of which will add zero clutter to the recipient’s home.

This year we’ve broken it down into categories, and honestly, think there is something for just about anyone that you might have on your list (parents, kids, spouses, friends… and of course, the dreaded minimalist).  

Need something thoughtful?

• Legacy Box – We gifted this to my parents last year and it ended up being the most amazing trip down memory lane. Think about the laughter (and sometimes tears) that would happen if you could actually relive everything on the home videos from childhood (or before). Legacy Box runs a ton of specials throughout the year and pricing is based on how many items you are having digitized.

• StoryWorth – This is also a gift that we’ve given in years past, and when I last visited my parents, I was surprised to see their finished books on display. Your loved ones are prompted each week with a question and they can write their legacy down for future generations to devour. Before finishing the book, you are able to incorporate photos or pictures of mementos, and it truly becomes this amazing keepsake for all the generations to come. Subscriptions are $99 (which includes the completed book).

• Henrik + Luna’s Perfect Day Books – I was inspired after taking the Heirloom Album Course (featured in our 2021 Guide) to create books for my kid’s this year, in addition to our annual family book. I pulled together photos of them doing their favorite activities, hanging with their favorite people, eating their favorite foods, you get the gist. And from there, these adorable Perfect Day books came about capturing everything that they love at three years old. Created/Printed through Snapfish.

How about an activity?

• Tickets to Red for Our Kids benefiting Riley Children’s Hospital – My favorite clutter-free gift is a ticket to a fabulous event or experience, and the Red for Our Kids event on March 11, 2023 will be no exception. Tickets are $250 and can be purchased here. So rent your favorite RED gown and join me as we dance the night away…I’m already working on my moves.

• Class Pass for Brightly – This is not the first time Brightly Art Studio in Brownsburg has graced our list, but with their new Class Pass + Membership options, we needed to highlight them again. The Family Membership is just $19.99/month and includes a ton of benefits, and they also have 6-class packs for $85 (for Preschool Playgroup, which we are ever so fond of).

• Sprouts Course – With a new Zionsville location (in addition to their Carmel location), Sprouts is just the greatest. We learned that even at 3-years old, all of the classes are drop-off, meaning this is also a gift for parents who all of the sudden get a couple of hours back in their day. Classes start at $59.

• Botanical Bar Class – The Botanical Bar opened earlier this year downtown Indianapolis and has gorgeous plants, pots and gifty items in their beautiful space. But they also have classes…and who doesn’t love a class to learn a new skill. Check out their events here.

• MixoIndy Course – MixoIndy is launching a four-week mixology course, Mixo 101, that will run four Wednesdays in February 2023. This would be the ultimate splurge gift for the aspiring mixologist on your list. Get all the details here.  

Or maybe a small treat from a local maker?

• OhmMyGolly Press – I always knew that our lead organizer, Brittany, was talented. But then she goes and revamps her adorable Etsy shop of teeny tiny books and I was reminded ten-fold. Whether you are looking for a piece of jewelry or a fun ornament to tie on to a book-lovers gift, this is your SPOT. Gifts start at $14.

• Embroidered Goodies by LaLaLinen – If you are looking for adorable, personalized gifts, this is your go-to spot! Locally owner by Katherine Bryant, her newly launched website makes it oh so easy to order the funkiest embroidered pieces for literally anyone that graces your list.

• Art from a Local Maker – I’ve been very focused on supporting local artists since we moved into our home and love everything from Rookwell Art, Taylor Bamgbose and Cory Robinson.

• Earrings from WehMoyla – I learned about this gorgeous indigenous made jewelry from Tanorria’s Table recent newsletter, and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a pair of these vibrant earrings. They are just as stunning in person as they are on her site. Starting at $16.

And if you know your recipient is on a true mission to declutter, we’ve got you covered there too!

• Take Back Bag – It may sound a little silly, but the Take Back Bag ($20) is one of my favorite things to keep on hand. You simply fill your bag with all of the ripped, torn, stained textiles that aren’t worthy of donating to another human, and For Days will properly recycle on your behalf. Every Take Back Bag saves 16k gallons of water, 15 pounds of clothing from landfills and 118 pounds of CO2 emissions. So it’s a gift for Mother Earth too.  

• Nuuly Subscription – If you’d followed me for a minute, you know that this is my favorite obsession. Each month, for $88, you get to CHOOSE six pieces of clothing to grace your wardrobe. While you do have the option to purchase, the goal is really about creating a circular fashion revolution (and allows you to look cute and fresh in the process). Use this link: http://fbuy.me/rkesk to save $10 on your first order.

• Artkive – Kid’s art just piles up and then multiplies while we sleep, right? As a mom of two preschoolers, I love the idea of receiving a gift certificate to Artkive where I could choose my favorite pieces from the year (or years) and have them professionally photographed and compiled into a book. Plus, all you have to do is select the pieces and send them off. The rest is done for you. Books start at $75.

Phew…so many great options! And if that’s not enough, we encourage you to check out our former gift guides here: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

We’ve got a few other past posts that are oh so relevant during this year’s holiday season:

• 20 Days of Giving (PRINTABLE)

• Acts of Connection Advent Calendar

• How in the Heck Do I Store My…Holiday Decor

The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces throughout Indianapolis. This year, Maria’s Christmas wish list consists of a session with The Baer Minimalist. ;)

To keep up to date with all of the tips, tricks and inspiration doled out, subscribe to our newsletter, The Minimal-List, here.