The gift of experience

Why gifting things to do tops offering up items

By Michaela Pointon

Gifting an experience is the new way to celebrate your friends, family or work colleagues this holiday season.

Whether you are a business looking for a unique staff gift, or you’re searching for the perfect gift to chip in together with friends, Chuffed Gifts has exactly what you need. Chuffed Gifts is a New Zealand owned and operated company who are incredible supporters of tourism across Aotearoa. The business was launched during the Covid lockdown in 2020 when the tourism industry was suffering. Their gift boxes are packed full of unique experiences to do across New Zealand. Simply select which box suits your budget and leave decision making up to the receiver. For example, the ‘Gifts for Two’ package include activities such as the Rotorua Canopy Tours or tickets to the Hobbiton in Matamata. Other experiences include; sailing, ziplines, animals and wildlife, kayaking, horse trekking, scenic flights, vineyards and wineries, hot pools and spas, food experiences, star gazing and many more options. Co-founder and director, James Fitzgerald says, “Essentially Chuffed creates a way to buy experiences as gifts, but the recipient can choose what they do. “To name a few, options include seeing the Akaroa Dolphins down South, visiting many adventure parks across Aotearoa, or Hanmer Springs to unwind and relax. “There’s a network of experiences across the country to explore,” says James. Choosing the perfect gift for someone can sometimes be challenging. Chuffed Gifts allows you to decide the budget and the receiver of the gift to choose exactly where they want to celebrate. The pressure is taken out of selecting the right gift and instead creates an experience for both you and the person to enjoy. James says Chuffed Gifts makes the process of being given a gift a journey where gift culture becomes about life experiences and creating memories. “We can see how people giving gift experiences is having an impact. “Whether it is businesses or family purchases traditionally opting for cheap and thoughtless hampers from the supermarket, are now instead giving incredibly exciting and interactive gifts.” Chuffed Gifts celebrates how giving a gift is more than dollar value by influencing change in gift culture and thoughtful gifts. There are many benefits including economic support and environmental sustainability through reducing waste. “A huge benefit to purchasing Chuffed is there are many strings of sustainability involved. “One sustainability point of view is supporting locally kiwi owned, family operated businesses in regions such as Raglan.” Economic sustainability of small businesses post-Covid is incredibly important. Making sure as New Zealanders we get out there and support businesses rather than relying on tourists from overseas, is one way we can collectively make big impact. There’s also the environmental side of producing less waste and carbon footprint when purchasing an experience gift. Instead of purchasing a gift which, might make its way to the landfill after the holiday season has ended, James says this is another positive of choosing Chuffed. “There’s a lot less waste in terms of buying something from a shop and throwing it away. “The whole idea of wellness, new experiences, new ways of living is at the core of our business.” Learning about aspects to New Zealand such as marine life and reserves is a part of the journey too. “When you get out there and learn a whole lot about aspects such as marine reserve and action companies are taking, then we are all better off,” says James. Chuffed Gifts have considered everything. Each gift comes with a two-year validity period on each gift, so there’s no rush, plus up to 120 options to choose from in every box. Different package options include; Gifts for Him and Her, Gifts for Families, Gifts for Clients, and Gifts for Staff. All experiences are equal to the amount you have selected. Boxes range in price from $99 NZD to $1,000 NZD. There’s something for everyone and any occasion. Whether you’re wanting a creative, innovative gift to give to your staff over the end of year period, or needing the perfect gift for Dad, the wide selection from Chuffed Gifts will make gift buying easy this year. If you’re wanting to purchase a Chuffed Gift for someone you know, make sure to visit their website at chuffedgifts.co.nz to find out more. CT