Give the Gift of Experiences This Year
If you’re struggling to come up with the perfect presents for your family and friends, you are not alone. Every year, it seems to get more challenging to find a unique gift — especially for those that already seem to have everything they could ever want or need. As the big day draws near, have no fear, you can easily overcome this struggle by giving the gift of an experience instead of more stuff.
An experience gift is not something tangible. According to Psychological Science Journal, researchers found that “…experiential purchases (money spent on doing) tend to provide more enduring happiness than material purchases (money spent on having).” An experience is a gift that creates memories that can last a lifetime. Typical material presents are often stored away, used up or forgotten over time. But an experience gift is so different. The memories of it actually can grow fonder as the years go by.
So what are some great experience gifts? Here are some ideas:
Spa Day
Who doesn’t love to be pampered? A spa day is the perfect give for that person on your list who needs a little rest and relaxation. And it’s just as good for a man as it is for a woman. A spa day is a wonderful luxury that your gift recipients will never forget, especially since it is something that they would rarely indulge in on their own. Look for local spas and see what packages they offer, or ask to build your own.
Fun Classes
Educational classes don’t have to be boring. There are tons of great classes that you can give as a gift. Think about what your friends and family love to do. There are classes available for all sorts of things, such as gourmet cooking, racecar driving, mountain climbing, arts and crafts… you name it. You can often find great deals on fun classes through Groupon.
Event Tickets
Giving tickets to an amazing show, play, concert, museum or game are an awesome, unique gift. You can even throw in a professional chauffeur and a meal to make it a more personalized package deal. And if you are really lucky, maybe the recipient will invite you to go along with them!
Memberships
A membership that provides constant access to a person’s favorite activities is a wonderful gift. It allows the recipient to enjoy the gift at their leisure at any time of the year. You could give a park pass, a museum membership, or better yet, a Harbor Club golf membership. The latter would not only offer golf privileges, but access to all the great features at The Grove as well as fun social events. It’s multiple gifts in one, and it keeps on giving the whole year through.
So ditch the material stuff and go with an experience gift. You’ll be a gift-giving hero and greatly admired for your creativity as well as your generosity. What a relief during this stressful time of year!
From our family to yours, we wish the happiest of holidays.