Admit it: you don’t really want most of that stuff that will soon be clogging up your home once Christmas has come and gone. For too many of us, the holiday season means buying more stuff for people who already have more than they know what to do with. Whether buying for kids or adults, much of what gets purchased during the holidays ends up stuffed in the back of a closet somewhere, or broken and forgotten in a month’s time.
Why not break the cycle by giving experiential gifts that don’t take up any space? Recipients can enjoy these types of gifts all the more because they won’t have to figure out where to put them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1 Baked Goods — Cookies, cakes, fudge, homemade candy, flavored popcorn, you name it. These treats make the holidays complete. The fastest way to someone’s heart is, as the old saying goes, often through the stomach. Show someone your sweet side this Christmas by spending a little time in the kitchen. Sure, goodies are a tangible gift, but they won’t stick around long enough to take up any space.
Tickets — Whether to a sporting event, concert, movie, play, comedy club, or other special event, tickets make an excellent gift. The recipient will get an experience they may remember for many years.
Passes — Instead of a ticket to a single event, why not give a gift that keeps giving? Season passes to a ski resort, state park, public pool, amusement park, bowling alley, skating rink, golf course, or other recreation center, can be enjoyed for many months to come.
Classes — If your brother has always wanted to bake a flawless soufflé, your sister has been itching to rebuild her own transmission, your mom needs help with her golf swing, or your dad wants to brew his own beer, why not sign each of them up for a class. They’ll gain a new skill, and you’ll gain their eternal gratitude (plus, maybe a soufflé, a few beers, or some free car repairs down the line).
A Day of Pampering — Whether it’s a facial and a manicure or a Swedish massage, everyone could use a little extra TLC. And don’t make the mistake of assuming these services are just for women. Many upscale spas now offer men’s and couples’ packages with treatments just for guys.
There are many other possibilities for experiential gifts. The sky is the limit (literally — you could send someone sky diving or for a hot air balloon ride, for instance). Have other ideas? Share them below!
Jaime McLeod is a longtime journalist who has written for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and websites, including MTV.com. She enjoys the outdoors, growing and eating organic food, and is interested in all aspects of natural wellness.
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