From dance classes to surprise vacations, sometimes the best gifts can’t be wrapped up with a pretty bow. Giving the gift of an experience isn’t easily contained in ribbon and wrapping paper, but even if these gifts don’t fit snugly beneath the tree, they can live on for years in the form of memories.
“An experience gift is time shared, and the holidays are about being together,” says Robyn Spizman. The Atlanta, Georgia, resident is a gift expert and New York Times Bestselling Author of Make It Memorable and When Words Matter Most. “I love giving ‘together gifts,’ like a fabulous dinner party. Bringing people, families, new friends, and co-workers or even clients together for whatever reason really is a wonderful gift in itself. It’s a gift without a wrapping, but creating a memory embeds you in someone’s heart and mind.”
Check out this list of experience gifts that are sure to delight the people on your list this holiday season:
Dance the night away
Have a blossoming ballerina on your list? Dance lessons at a local dance studio can be a great way to learn poise or provide an outlet for excessive twirling, while lessons for two make a great gift for engaged couples or anyone looking to add some drama to their lives.
Recipe for success
“Share something that teaches someone a skill,” Spizman advises. Teach family members how to make Grandma’s beloved recipe, and include the ingredients so they can hand down the tradition.
Delightful dining
Pulling out all the stops with a fashionable dinner party will make your guests feel like royalty. Personalized invitations, heartfelt toasts, even hiring a chef and a cleaning crew—these all allow you to make each diner feel like the guest of honor.
Atta boy/girl
Writing a recommendation letter for a child or parent can be a great way to make them feel important, while writing one for an employee within your organization can be a life-long gift. “Sometimes the gift of your praise and specific feedback about someone’s talents and skills goes a long way,” adds Spizman. “This gift of your attention could be priceless!”
Parlez-vous Français?
Giving the gift of a language class (online or at a community college) is one that will continue to keep on giving, especially if it’s a language that brings people together. “What a fun way to experience something new!” says Spizman. “Make sure when you talk, you use that language only and remember, practice makes perfect!”
Leave at the last minute
Have someone on your list who’s suffering from wanderlust? Surprise them with a vacation, all expenses paid! Whether it’s a weekend trip or just an overnight stay in that new hotel down the street, this is one gift that will never be forgotten. Adventurous souls, take note: deliver this gift by presenting a suitcase with everything that person will need for the trip already packed inside. Then once they unzip it, whisk them away!
Gifts that can’t be wrapped
From dance classes to surprise vacations, sometimes the best gifts can’t be wrapped up with a pretty bow. Giving the gift of an experience isn’t easily contained in ribbon and wrapping paper, but even if these gifts don’t fit snugly beneath the tree, they can live on for years in the form of memories.
“An experience gift is time shared, and the holidays are about being together,” says Robyn Spizman. The Atlanta, Georgia, resident is a gift expert and New York Times Bestselling Author of Make It Memorable and When Words Matter Most. “I love giving ‘together gifts,’ like a fabulous dinner party. Bringing people, families, new friends, and co-workers or even clients together for whatever reason really is a wonderful gift in itself. It’s a gift without a wrapping, but creating a memory embeds you in someone’s heart and mind.”
Check out this list of experience gifts that are sure to delight the people on your list this holiday season:
Dance the night away
Have a blossoming ballerina on your list? Dance lessons at a local dance studio can be a great way to learn poise or provide an outlet for excessive twirling, while lessons for two make a great gift for engaged couples or anyone looking to add some drama to their lives.
Recipe for success
“Share something that teaches someone a skill,” Spizman advises. Teach family members how to make Grandma’s beloved recipe, and include the ingredients so they can hand down the tradition.
Delightful dining
Pulling out all the stops with a fashionable dinner party will make your guests feel like royalty. Personalized invitations, heartfelt toasts, even hiring a chef and a cleaning crew—these all allow you to make each diner feel like the guest of honor.
Atta boy/girl
Writing a recommendation letter for a child or parent can be a great way to make them feel important, while writing one for an employee within your organization can be a life-long gift. “Sometimes the gift of your praise and specific feedback about someone’s talents and skills goes a long way,” adds Spizman. “This gift of your attention could be priceless!”
Parlez-vous Français?
Giving the gift of a language class (online or at a community college) is one that will continue to keep on giving, especially if it’s a language that brings people together. “What a fun way to experience something new!” says Spizman. “Make sure when you talk, you use that language only and remember, practice makes perfect!”
Leave at the last minute
Have someone on your list who’s suffering from wanderlust? Surprise them with a vacation, all expenses paid! Whether it’s a weekend trip or just an overnight stay in that new hotel down the street, this is one gift that will never be forgotten. Adventurous souls, take note: deliver this gift by presenting a suitcase with everything that person will need for the trip already packed inside. Then once they unzip it, whisk them away!