Gift Giving in a Different Way

Gift Giving in a Different Way

Tis the season for asking for stuff that 30 days after it’s received often times becomes long- forgotten or returned to the store for some cold, hard cash money.

Instead of giving a glorious pair of fuzzy holiday socks complete with light up reindeer nose, or a plastic toy to a child that he or she more than likely will lose interest in after a short period of time, try giving the people in your life an ‘ experience’.

What are we talking about?! How can you give someone an experience?? It’s easy. How about giving loved ones a gift certificate for their favorite campsite? Or pay for them to have Spanish lessons, a snowshoeing excursion, a trip to the planetarium. How about paying for someone to learn to crochet or knit? For grown-ups try a gift card to tour a local winery or brewery. Or a lift ticket at their favorite ski resort. Maybe you know someone who wants to get into a sport like cycling, tennis or basketball. Encourage them by buying a sweet new cycling jersey, tennis racket or a new basketball.

When you gift someone an experience, you’re giving them the gift of togetherness, awesome memories and family fun time! For adults, maybe it’s time they can spend expanding their horizons and getting out of the hum drum monotony of everyday life.

The gift of time is precious for so many of us today. A little coupon book with the following items in it would be fun to give to family and close friends. Offer to babysit so your friend and their partner can take a hike in the woods, or offer to do the dishes and laundry for someone so they can go see a movie or do some shopping. Offer to watch their pet so they can save that money when they take their next vacation away from home.

These gift ideas are good to give throughout the year! Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. And these gifts won’t fall by the wayside, because they mean you’ve invested in more than just a ‘thing’. You’ve invested in them, helping them live a little more and take advantage of things they may not have the opportunity to do without your help!