Men are especially tricky to buy gifts for, and if he’s a minimalist it’s doubly so. The best minimalist gifts for him should add true value to his life and, as Marie Kondo would say, “spark joy” every time it gets used.
Minimalism stems from the concept of only owning what is essential, which is somewhat contrary to the nature of gifting in general. For all of you pulling your hair out at the impending holiday season and pondering what to gift to a minimalist boyfriend, husband, or friend, fear not.
We’ve carefully curated a list of low impact brands that provide practical and unique gift for the men in your life (at a range of budgets).
For other ideas, take a look at our other gifting guides: sustainable gifts for him, sustainable toys, stocking stuffers, eco-friendly gifts and zero waste gifts.
We independently research all featured brands and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. Learn more here.
Index: Minimalist Gift Ideas For Him
- T-Shirts Jump to section
- Tech Jump to section
- Hoodies Jump to section
- Coffee Maker Jump to section
- Accessories Jump to section
- Socks Jump to section
- Reusable Razor Set Jump to section
- Sneakers Jump to section
- Wallet Jump to section
- Briefcase Jump to section
- Blazers & Jackets Jump to section
T-Shirts
Price Range: $45–$89
There is possibly no more useful gift for the man in your life like a good old-fashioned t-shirt.
Prepare to harvest your fill with USA-grown and made organic cotton shirts from carbon-neutral company Harvest & Mill. Choose between unbleached, natural-dyed, and low-impact fiber reactive dyed options.
Or hop over to Toad&Co, who has been in the sustainable outdoor clothing and environmental advocacy camp for decades. Their clothing is made from organic cotton, recycled fabrics, hemp, and Tencel, just to name a few. You’ll find plenty of wardrobe staples such as the Ponderosa Long Sleeve Henley.
My Personal Review of Harvest & Mill’s Organic Pack: Athletic Shorts + Unisex Style Tee:
“I love their shorts and tee set so much; I practically live in it during the summer months. The organic cotton is ridiculously soft and super breathable. Plus, it seems really durable, so I reckon I’ll get plenty of wear out of it.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
My Personal Review of Toad&Co’s Ponderosa Long Sleeve Henley:
“The Ponderosa Henley is the ultimate versatile piece both in looks and comfort. It’s my go-to for fall here in Wyoming, where the mornings are freezing, and by noon, it’s hot. Its loose fit and breathable ribbed design handle the wild temperature shifts effortlessly. Plus, the lyocell blend makes it feel almost silky, so it’s really comfortable to wear.”
Reviews by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Tech
Price Range: $35–$650
But what about minimalist gifts if he’s into tech? You don’t want to add a bunch of wires and cables to his clutter-free lifestyle.
That’s where quality devices, like wireless headphones and cameras, come in handy.
House of Marley makes headphones from sustainably sourced (FSC™ certified wood and bamboo) and recycled origins (aluminum, paper, plastic, PET, and metals). They partner with One Tree Planted, so when you buy the Positive Vibration wireless headphones or the Redemption ANC 2 earbuds, your purchase will help plant a tree (and slip into that sustainable stocking stuffer, no problem).
Or if your husband is a film buff, try gifting him something from Paper Shoot Camera. The 18-megapixel Paper Camera is designed to emulate classic film cameras without any additional waste. Encased in stone paper, the hyper-portable digital camera is highly durable, biodegradable, and sustainable—allowing your man to capture moments from everyday life without any filler.
Hoodies
Price Range: $64–$102
The festive season can be a chilly time for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, so add an organic hoodie to your curated collection of Christmas gifts for your minimalist man.
Happy Earth’s collection of unique, organic sweatshirts and hoodies is on-point. The Starry Mountain Hoodie supplies a snug fit that’s built to last with its organic cotton construction.
If your man runs hot, consider the Netherlands brand Iron Roots. The Full-Zip Hoodie provides plant-based performance with antibacterial hemp and organic cotton fabric blends. With a breathable design, your man can travel to the office, gym, and back home without any difficulty.
My Personal Review of Iron Root’s Zip-Up Hoodie:
“I own the zip-up hoodie, (along with a bunch of other items from Iron Roots). Across the line, the quality of the fabric was impressive – soft, breathable, and clearly made with care. The hoodie has held up really well during some light exercise (good for cold weather activities), and offers comfort and style without feeling too heavy.”
Review by Marco Maene, SJ tester
Coffee Maker
Price Range: $70–$296
Great minimalist gift ideas start with things your gift recipient will use every day. So why not provide your man with the tools to make a delicious cup of zero waste coffee each morning?
Pure Over will help your house have a waste and clutter-free morning with their All-Glass Brew Kit. The kit enables you to ditch paper filters with an all-glass design, allowing you to watch the magic as it happens.
My Personal Review of Pure Over’s Brew Kit XL:
“Keeping things simple is key when it comes to both my coffee and the coffee maker I use. Pure Over’s all-glass design delivers that in spades, with a minimalist style that isn’t just for show—it’s functional too. It’s ridiculously easy to clean and maintain, with no filters or moving parts.
Once you suss out the right amount of coffee grounds for your taste, you’ll get a fresh, perfect cup every time. I stick with the single-serve model to control my caffeine intake, but the Brew Kit XL is perfect for anyone who wants to brew for more people or needs a second cup on standby. However, the glass doesn’t hold heat for long, so you’ll want to drink quickly. And the handles are delicate—I had to superglue one back on, so handle with care.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Accessories
Price Range: $36–$300
If your man appreciates stylish, quality accessories, Elvis & Kresse is a good option.
They specialize in laptop bags, belts, wallets, and bags of all sizes—all made from recycled London hoses and other recycled materials, like military parachutes. The Backpack Lite is perfect for day-to-day essentials with its adjustable straps, three pockets, and durable construction featuring upcycled Burberry leather.
Give the man in your life a bit more support with a belt from Certified Carbon Neutral and B Corporation, Nisolo. The Owen Belt in black is the only belt your man needs, with durable construction from water-resistant LWG-certified leather and classic brass finished buckle.
My Personal Review of Nisolo’s Belts:
I have a small waist and big quads so I have to buy all my pants in a size that’s a size larger at the waist, meaning I HAVE to wear a belt. As frustrating as this is, my Nisolo’s belt does the trick in style. The leather is sourced as a byproduct of the meat industry and processed using low-impact tanning methods. It’s top quality and has held up well after more than a year of regular use.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Socks
Price Range: $14–$24
Many people search high and low for unique gifts, like random desk ornaments and gadgets that take up too much space. But a simple gift, like quality sustainable socks, can go a long way.
Allbirds Trino® Cozy Crew socks are available in three staple colors. The eucalyptus fiber and ZQ Merino wool fabric provide a soft, moisture-wicking fit that remains breathable. If you’re a fan of no-show socks, they’ve got your feet (partially) covered for those, too, with the Anytime No Show Sock.
Outerknown provides a cozy fit perfect for the holiday season with their mid-length Recycled Wool Sock. It’s made from 3-ply heavy recycled wool with a ribbed design and reinforced heel and toe for durability.
My Personal Review of Allbirds Anytime No Show Sock:
“The Anytime No Show Sock is, without a doubt, my top choice for no-show socks. Unlike many others I’ve tried, these actually stay in place through most activities. While I wouldn’t use them for running, they stay secure and comfortable throughout the day for everything else.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Reusable Razor Set
Price Range: $23–$84
Between plastic handles and endless disposable heads that clutter the medicine cabinet, modern razors are the antithesis of a modern minimalist. Shave them the stress by adding a zero waste razor to your list of Christmas gift ideas for your minimalist man.
Picking the right razor can be tricky, but UK-based plastic-free shop Jungle Culture delivers a smooth sailing affair. The Bamboo Safety Razor comes in a few rich colors, and you can choose between a thin or thick handle. There’s also an option to add a stand so they can keep their razor clean and dry.
For men who prefer a more modern-style razor, Leaf Shave provides a Razor Set with carbon neutral manufacturing. The kit lets the minimalist guy pick the right tool for the job, with the Triple-Blade for large swipes and the Single-Edge Twig for touch-ups. You can choose from seven different colors and replacement blades, but either way, you’re helping prevent over 1.5 million disposable plastic razors from hitting landfills.
My Personal Review of Leaf’s Triple-Blade Razor:
“Having been a dedicated safety razor for years, I was a bit hesitant about going back to a more modern design. However, I’m so impressed with Leaf’s Triple-Blade Razor. The spring-loaded head makes it super easy to apply the perfect amount of pressure, and my skin was left feeling soft and smooth. It even makes reaching those awkward armpit spots a total breeze. I’d recommend it if you’re not ready to give up a modern razor design but do want to give up all the waste associated with disposables.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
My Personal Review of Leaf’s Calming Serum:
“I spent years using those classic aftershaves and wondering why my skin felt so parched afterward. I finally decided to give Leaf’s oil-based aftershave a try, and I’ll never go back. A couple of drops is all it takes to leave my face feeling soft and nourished. I’ve been using it for six months, and I’m barely halfway through my first bottle—plus, my skin’s so much less dry these days.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Sneakers
Price Range: $125–$170
Allbirds are a New Zealand-based company aiming to be carbon net zero, their bio-based or recycled material sustainable running shoes are taking off like the wind ahead of their competition.
We’d recommend the Merino Wool Dasher Mizzles for understated everyday wear during the wetter, cooler months for their versatility and water-repellent properties. For warmer months, the Runner-up Mizzles feature breathable eucalyptus in a stylish high-top ankle cut.
Looking for a casual, quick shoe to accommodate your busy lifestyle?
NYC-based brand Thousand Fell provides a one-of-a-kind recyclable and recycled shoe. The Men’s Slip-On is a lightweight option made from bio-based, recycled plastic and recycled rubber. Once they reach the end of their lifespan, you can send them back for recycling and a gift certificate toward a fresh pair.
My Personal Review of Thousand Fells’ Slip-Ons:
“After trying out Thousand Fell’s slip-ons, I was genuinely impressed by their comfort and cushioning. Their minimalist design makes them easily compatible with practically any outfit, and I love how securely they fit – no annoying sliding off my heels as I walk. I was a bit wary of the all-white design at first, but the smooth material is easy to wipe clean, keeping them looking fresh.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Wallet
Price Range: $15–$179
If the man in your life still carries physical debit cards or cash in this digital age (no judgment), then a sustainable wallet is one of his most useful minimalist gifts.
Founded in Australia, Bellroy designs goods like backpacks, phone cases, and work accessories from recycled materials such as nylon, polyester, and water bottles. For their wallets, like the Slim Sleeve, they use DriTAN™ eco-tanned leather or MIRUM® vegan leather made from soy and biomass charcoal.
Doshi’s collection of PETA-approved, vegan leather wallets offers a unique touch. The Italian Kraft Paper Wallet has a timeless design, built-in RFID protection, and durable construction, with over 50% being biodegradable.
Briefcase
Price Range: $58–$409
While not the most affordable minimalist gift for him, a quality briefcase is something your man can use for many years.
Parker Clay creates luxury, sustainably sourced leather goods using hides that are byproducts from local meat industry farms, ensuring no part of the animal is wasted. Their signature Brentwood Leather Briefcase boasts sophistication and elegance in a functional design.
O My Bag’s leather bags are handmade in India using fair trade practices. This timeless (and spacious) Harvey Maxi briefcase is untreated by harmful chemicals, giving it an authentic vintage appearance. If your guy is vegan, check out their AppleSkin™ (apple leather) options.
Blazers & Jackets
Price Range: $118–$898
If you’re specifically looking for something for your minimalist dad, Taylor Stitch has you both covered with their catalog of heavy-duty men’s jackets and coats. Master the great outdoors with options like The Long Haul Jacket, a classic denim jacket as tough as the rugged guy you’re buying it for. We can say firsthand that this organic denim jacket is not only super durable, but incredibly comfortable.
Ministry Of Supply has a finer touch with a vast collection of sustainable blazers and suit jackets. The Velocity Merino Suit Jacket allows for effortless movement without sacrificing sustainability. Made from 49% merino wool, 49% polyester, and 2% polyurethane, the overcoat is easy to care for, wrinkle-resistant, and has a bit of stretch.
My Personal Review of Taylor Stitch’s The Long Haul Jacket in Sawyer Wash Organic Selvage:
“I’ve been eyeing a good denim jacket for ages, so I was really excited to have the opportunity to try this one from Taylor Stitch. This organic denim jacket is seriously durable but also ridiculously comfy. There’s plenty of room to move in the arms and shoulders, so even someone with a bit more muscle can move freely without feeling cramped.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
