I like to think of myself as a minimalist In terms of somethings in my life (okay, many things in my life), I’m a bit dogmatic. I am a rather hard core, non budging vegetarian, for example. But in terms of minimalism, I don’t really identify as a minimalist. I really like collecting essential oils and ceramic bowls. I’m just never going to be a committed minimalist. But I’m still quite close and absolutely believe less is more. I’m not a huge shopper but let me tell you, if I get a chance to go into a LUSH store, I’m not coming out light handed. But surely that goes for all of us…? Still, when I had my first baby, I was definitely a minimalist mama. I just couldn’t justify spending thousands on clothes my son would wear for 3 months and grow out of.

Top 5 handicrafts / gift ideas minimalists must haves

All that to say, I’m minimalist inclined. And I have some favorite picks from the fair trade handicrafts at handmadepalestine.com for my minimalist friends and family members!

1) Olive Wood Spatula from Gloria Factory in Bethlehem

I can’t stop raving about this kitchen utensil. I raved in an entire post called Ode to my Spatula, just kidding. I did spend an entire post raving, but I did not call it an Ode. I should have. But I didn’t.

How to overhaul your kitchen drawer with the one & only only kitchen spatula

2) Nabulsi Olive Oil Soap from Nablus

If you are traveling the world with a backpack and thinking about what to pack, trust me, take this soap! You can use it on your body, face, and hair--I have done it. And it’s amazing for handwashing clothes. Click to view our collection of Natural Handicarfts. Or read more about the benefits of and how to make Olive Oil Soap aka Castile Soap.

3) Original Keffiyeh from Hirbawi Factory in Hebron

Most people love this as a scarf. It’s a square meter of linen. It’s a great, versitile scarf, but I also use it as a curtain in my bathroom and a tablecloth in my kitchen (not the same one, I have two!) Sometimes when I feel a bit self conscious in my leggings, I just wrap this around to cover my bum. It’s an all in one accessory! Down below Ward shows an easy way how to wear a keffiyeh.

Read more on the history of the keffiyeh 

4) Nursing / Teething Necklace from Little Olea in Ramallah

I’m not huge on jewelry. I’m the girl who wears the same two family heirloom rings and nothing else, every. single. day. That said, when I had a teething baby, this necklace saved me and for over a year, you would never ever find me without it. In addition to my little one teething on it, the necklace was a gorgeous accessory. I’ve actually been very surprised by how many women buy it to wear, sans teething baby. They are just great chunky jewelry and sustainably made and a great remedy for teething babies, and a wonderful baby shower gift! - options available for baby girl or baby boy - Click to view the collection of nursing necklaces and teething rings by Little Olea.

5) Front Pocket Wallet from Jelld in Hebron

So my brother is a minimalist. And a label lover. So he’ll be thrilled I have named him as a minimalist in this post. Or not, because he is quite private. Anyway. Last summer I saw him and I wanted to get him a gift. I immediately thought of the front pocket minimalist wallet, also called front pocket mini wallets, from the guys at Jelld. Problem was, my brother is a vegan. So he wasn’t interested in leather. Turns out, he was more minimalist than vegan. And when he saw this wallet, he was sold. It’s that awesome. Click to view Jelld's leather wallets collection.

That’s all I got for you folks. Five must haves from handmadepalestine.com for the minimalist in you. Actually I had six but my fingers are tired. :)