EXPERIENCE GIFTS
Give the Gift of a
MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
GIVE THEM SOMETHING THEY'LL REMEMBER LONG AFTER THE HOLIDAY SEASON
When
BY ERINNE MAGEE
it comes to receiving gifts, it’s hard to remember exactly what was unwrapped the year before, especially if the present was a material item. Experience gifts, on the other hand, tend to stay with us even long after we’ve completed the “doing.” Whether you’re able to gather with friends and family in person or not this holiday season, sending an experience unique to your loved one’s interests echoes a sentiment that sometimes gets lost in big box store gift cards or other possessions. Here are 7 gift ideas to help create everlasting memories for your loved ones:
AIRLINE OR LODGING CERTIFICATE: Staycations are still on the rise with experts seeing no sign of the trend slowing down anytime soon. If you know someone who wants (or needs) a getaway, lodging and airline (or other transportation) gift cards can be a welcomed surprise. If you aren’t sure of hotel preference or even location, no sweat! Many hotels fall under a larger brand umbrella that offers several choices. The ever-popular vacation rental also allows for receiver’s choice, and in Maine, this might include a good old fashioned overnight uptacamp.
PURSUE A PASSION: Long lost hobbies don’t have to be such. Whether an online or in-person class, lesson, skill or certification, there are options for all ages and interests. Choose from languages, team sports, summer camps, yoga classes, music lessons or memberships or even a certification that matches a back-burner calling.
GUIDED TOURS: Playing tourist in your own state can be a fun opportunity to hear someone else’s perspective on a place you know and love. This can be a gift for a tour that already exists, or, if you don’t see the right fit, get creative and curate your own tour. Kids may like to be led around town sampling French pastries. Wrap a beret and take them on an adventure.
PRIVATE CHEF: Food is the love language of many. Hiring a private chef can give someone a night off from cooking or let your foodie throw on an apron and learn a new dish or fresh technique on a classic recipe.
PHOTOSHOOT: Maybe your person needs a headshot for their new business or you have a friend who loves to be in front of the camera. This gift option isn’t just a thoughtful experience but also supports a local artist.
SUBSCRIPTION BOXES: While this seems material at first glance, several subscription boxes prompt interacting. Solve crimes together, grow plants, have your date night pre-planned, try a new recipe, get your bake on or craft to your heart’s delight. Choose the duration of these boxes so it becomes an ongoing gift that meets your desired frequency and budget.
SURPRISE ROADTRIP: There’s something about getting behind the wheel of a car and exploring new land or taking a different scenic route. The bonus here? When someone else does all the planning! Rent their favorite car, preload the GPS (or send addresses of destinations if you aren’t going with them), throw in a gas card and go wild with the road trip snacks.
22 / HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021
