mbg Gift Guides: 12 Meaningful Gifts For Anyone With A “Fewer Is Better” Philosophy

Let’s not forget—in the middle of all the feasting, shopping, and gratuitous holiday hype around us—that central to this time of year are themes of giving, gratitude, and kindness. This year, try taking a “fewer is better” approach to gift giving (and receiving!), and you might find that it’s easier to gift with purpose and focus on the important things. Need a little inspiration? We got you covered. 

A Blanc Creatives carbon steel skillet takes about eight hours to make because it’s completely handcrafted by Virginia-based blacksmiths (amazing fact: the group includes two women!), so you know it will last a family a lifetime. The iconic Vitamix blender is a chef’s hero for a reason: From making hot soup to smoothies to sorbets in a whirl, the do-everything A2500 Ascent Series is a countertop must-have for the modern home cook. For the conscious chef, a compost bin that looks anything but is a gift with major eco benefits—this one from Alabama Sawyer especially, since it’s made from salvaged wood diverted from landfills.

From summer beach days to fall picnics to winter campfires, a cozy blanket with a water-resistant base is a year-round essential. This one’s made from recycled materials by Nomadix, a brand whose very ethos is “own less, do more.” Giving is core to Cotopaxi, an activewear brand that funds sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty around the world in matters of health, education, and livelihood. Our pick: Their unisex windbreaker, which comes in 10+ colors. Got your sights on the ultimate gift? Customize an adventure with GOOD Travel, a company that specializes in creating travel experiences that have a positive, proactive impact on the community, environment, and economy.

Send them off on a trip they’ll talk about for years to come with an Airbnb gift card that they can use on a home away from home or a sweet local experience. How to document the fun? Pics of the kids on a phone screen are great, but there’s a reason why your parents still have all those old family photo albums. Artifact Uprising’s hardcover photo book is the modern-day equivalent of that (bonus: it’s made with 100% recycled interior pages). Or, plan a volunteer day to spread the love with a charitable organization that supports the needs of families around us, like Meals On Wheels or Habitat for Humanity.

It’s tempting to fill the bath with a variety of wellness products, but in the spirit of “fewer, better things,” gift your favorite clean beauty enthusiasts with essentials that do double duty. We love this set from Meant featuring their wash and conditioner that really do it all. To fill a home with soothing scents and all-around better vibes, go minimal, like this Bodha’s brass incense holder, which is handcrafted from a century-old Japanese foundry. Or, take their wellness to the next level with a gift from mbg practices, our online class library. From meditation, to yoga, to healthy cooking, you can give the gift of better health for years to come. Use code GIFT2018 for 30% off!