Minimalist Christmas: Mindblowing Presents from Zero to 25 Dollars

Improve Your Life

By Mary Jaksch

By Mary Jaksch

Are you sick of advertising that tell you to buy expensive presents for Christmas? I am. I think that we can express appreciation and love in other ways – not just in terms or how many dollars we spent. Here is a list of fun presents that range from zero to 25 Dollars.

$zero

• Write a poem;
• Give a voucher for a fun makeover. (Two young friends recently gave me makeovers for my birthday. One made me up as a blushing bride, the other – directly afterwards- as a punk rocker. Each time I had to sauce along an imaginary catwalk. It was a very funny evening!);
• Give a voucher for 2 dinners at your home. You can offer different themes on your voucher. For example Mediterranean or Thai;
• Paint a picture or create some other art or craft piece;
• Give a voucher for a photo portrait or a video of him or her.
• Ebook by Arvind Devalia: Make it Happen: For a Better World and a Better World

$1 – $10 Books and stuff that change your life

• Mary Jaksch, Learn to Love $2.46
• Leo Babauta, The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life $9.95
• Leo Babauta, Zen to Done: the Simple Productiviy Ebook. $9:50
• Notebook and pen for would-be writers $7.50

$10 – $20 Books that blow your mind

• Barry Magid, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness: A Zen Guide $11.53
• Robert Winston, The Human Mind and How to Make the Most of It $11.13
• Martin Seligman, Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life $10.60
• Leo Babauta,  The Power of Less $13.56
• Daniel Gilbert, Stumbling on Hapiness $10.85
• Tal Ben-Shahar, The Pursuit of Perfect: How to Stop Chasing Perfection and Start Living a Richer, Happier Life $15.50

$25 Dollars

• Kiva gift certificates allow the recipient to make their own loans to entrepreneurs around the world and help alleviate poverty. Your recipient chooses the loans, receives repayments, and can choose to lend again and again! It is a one-of-a-kind gift that keeps on giving. (I’ve just given a Kiva gift certificate and my friend loved it!)

These are just a few ideas for a minimalist Christmas. What do you suggest?

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THE MIRACLE OF KINDNESS
7-12 february 2010