'Experience' Gift Guide: 2019 Edition
Download PDFTis the season of gift giving, and although material gifts are fun to unwrap, sometimes the best gift you can give is quality time with your family and friends.
Experience gifts encourage social connections, strengthen relationships and offer a shared experience between you and your loved ones. Why not use this holiday season to create memories that will last a life time!
Need some ideas? Check out our list of 10 fun experience gifts:
MEMBERSHIPS: A membership to a museum, aquarium, science center, or zoo. Give the gift of learning, discovery, culture, and inspiration. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving!
A TRIP TO THE MOVIES: Do you have a movie buff on your list? It not only lets them do what they love, but also gives you the opportunity to join them in the fun. Grab coffee before or after for more quality time!
DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) CLASS: Give the gift of learning! Whether it be cooking, baking, wood working, flower arranging, painting, scuba diving, or photography… the possibilities are endless! No matter what you are learning, it will be fun because you are doing it together!
WINTER ACTIVITIES: Grab your woolies and get outside for some wonderful winter fun! There are so many options when it comes to winter activities. For the more adventurous person on your list, you could give the gift of skiing, snowboarding or dog sledding. For a more low-key winter experience, you could give the gift of cross-country skiing, show shoeing or ice fishing.
PARK PASS: Whether it be a national or local park, this gift gives your loved ones access to the amazing outdoors! Hike, walk, swim, or camp and explore the world around you with your friends and family. These experiences are the ones that will stay with them forever.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: With so much of our time being spent looking at screens, why not give the gift of a live production! Whether it be a comedy show, musical, opera, ballet, or concert, discover the magic of live entertainment. Bring your kids to their first live show or plan a date night, it is a memory that is guaranteed to last!
INDOOR ACTIVITY: Too cold outside? No problem! Give the gift of a trip indoors - rock climbing, indoor sky diving, paint ball, trampoline, etc. Pick an activity you know they love, or even better, try an activity that is new for the both you!
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE: This gift keeps giving the whole year long! From cooking, to puzzles, to DIY crafts, to magazines, you can find the perfect gift for that special someone on your list. This is a great option for parents, as you can help build, read, solve and simply enjoy time with your kids.
DANCE LESSONS: This is a great gift option for that special person in your life. Learn, laugh and twirl the night away to your favorite tunes. Just think of how swanky you will feel the next time you find yourselves on a dance floor.
VACATION: Now we understand this might not be feasible for everyone, but a vacation doesn't need to be a trip around the world (although we can all dream). A weekend getaway is sometimes all it takes to relax and unwind with your loved ones. Whoever is on your Christmas list, choose somewhere that will be fun, exciting and ultimately offer you togetherness.
Need some budget friendly ideas? No problem! Below is a list of affordable and/or free ‘experience’ gift options!
SKATE: Grab your warm clothes and head to a local skating rink for some family fun! Skating rinks are usually free or have minimal cost associated. Grab some hot chocolate afterwards and reminisce about the fun you had gliding, twirling and most likely falling around the rink!
VOLUNTEER: Giving back to your community is a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones. Research local charitable organizations that need hands on support. Volunteering not only brings families together, but it also helps to bring joy to those less fortunate – a win-win!
BABYSIT: Give the gift of a night off. Offer to babysit so your friends/family can enjoy a night out with their significant other! For parents with young kids, it will be the best gift you can give.
HOST A DINNER PARTY: Instead of going out to a restaurant, invite your family and friends over for a more intimate dinner party. Choose some quick and easy dinner options. It’s all about the company anyway!
ESCAPE ROOM: Test your teamwork skills together. Discover clues, solve riddles, and accomplish tasks to ‘escape’. This fun and challenging activity is a great gift for friends and family, or gift it to a potential companion to test your compatibility.
WINTER OUTING: Check out a free museum, exhibit, market, etc. Research free options in your community and make a day of it! Exploring new places with your loved ones is a great way to enrich connections and build memories together.
BOOK OF IOU (I Owe You) COUPONS: Give your loved one’s redeemable coupons for dinner at their favorite restaurant, breakfast in bed, a back rub, a day of compliments, etc. It is a creative way to spend extra time together this holiday season.
