Every year, presents pile high around the Christmas tree, stockings overflow, and the excitement is electric. The little ones dive in with frenzy (so do some of the adults). In the wake we are left with crumpled paper, an abundance of bows and more often than not — stuff.
Out of that stuff you will find a small selection of treasures. Those new boots that mom couldn’t justify purchasing, the hottest gadget dad didn’t want to admit he coveted, or maybe your new favorite pajamas. Beyond that, there is just stuff. Stuff that will be broken, forgotten, or possibly immediately re-gifted.
And if you’re like me, come spring you’ll sift through the stuff accumulated and send it off to the nearest thriftstore or through your neighborhood buy nothing group. You may hold on to a few items, more out of obligation to the gifter, but with no real want. It’s a gifter’s (and recepient’s) nightmare.
Yet, we continue, each year, to give gifts we wouldn’t keep ourselves. We give stuff.
| This year, I say — No More! |
It is time for a change! It is time for a revolution! Let’s change the way we give, and lead the effort to give better gifts.
And now you’re wondering, what can you do to give better?
Give Experiences
It’s that easy. Give your friends and family an experience that does more than take up space in their closet. Give them an experience that creates a memory, because memories are a priceless gift that give for years to come.
If you’re like most people I know, you’re at a loss of where to even start. How do you figure out what experiences you can give? Can you even afford to give experiences?
Let’s clarify a few things. Giving experiences does not mean that you’re giving an all expense paid trip to a distant land. Experiences can happen anywhere. Even in your home. Also, experiences CAN involve items. For an avid reader, a new novel is an experience in it’s own. Or a piece of art. I particularly enjoy art from my child, and a gift of framing a piece allows me to experience the art every day.
The best way to approach giving experiences is to really consider the recipient and what you know about them. Think about how they spend their free time, their hobbies and dreams.
Here are some examples:
 
A child loves tall buildings and is interested in how they’re built. Gift idea: Tour a local skyscraper(s)
A beer enthusiast that enjoys deep conversations about quality beers. Gift idea: Brewing session at a micro-brewery or home brew shop
An explorer by nature who is always looking for new activities. Gift idea: An airplane or helicopter tour
A friend who enjoys live shows. Gift idea: snag them tickets to artist on their spotify list
The potential gifts are endless if you really consider your recipient. Take that extra time to think about what you can give that will go beyond expectations. Not only will your friend or family member feel extra special, you’ll feel warmer for giving them something to truly cherish.
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