Create Experiences: Gifts That Can Last A Lifetime
What do you want for your birthday, Christmas, Anniversary etc…?
If you’re anything like me you get asked this question about a dozen times a year. As I get older and work towards simplifying my life, it’s getting tougher and tougher to answer this question. I really and truly want for nothing these days. I have my family and good friends, a modest home and everything I need to maintain it. Sure the oven mitts are a bit tattered but they’re still good.
In light of our abundance and desire to reduce clutter, my husband and I have chosen to create experiences as gifts for each other as opposed to exchanging material things. When thoughtful and close to your heart these gifts can truly last a lifetime.Why do experiences tend to make most people happier than material possessions do?
- For starters material things lose their luster. The initial feelings of pride and joy quickly disappear when you see the item everyday.
- The feelings from experiences on the other hand don’t usually disappear all together. You’re able to relive the moments through memories and can quickly be transported back in time to relive the positive experience.
- Experiences allow us to spend time with people and connect with loved ones in meaningful ways.
Granted not everyone will like this idea, but if you find this idea intriguing and would like to give it a try here are some thoughts on how to create experiences that become gifts that last a lifetime.
How to create experiences
1. Know what makes them tick. Remember that this is a gift for them and should be something you know they will enjoy. Consider their hobbies, goals, aspirations and see what you can do. If they often talk about taking a pottery class but have never done it, book a beginners class for them or a one day pottery painting session. If it’s hiking that they enjoy plan a day trip to somewhere they’ve never been. Pack a lunch, plenty of water and a camera. It should be something they are interested in or would enjoy. Pay attention throughout the year and be on the lookout for clues as to what you could do for them.
2. Make it for two…or more. An experience is more memorable when you are able to share it. When deciding on what to do for someone consider going along yourself or buying an extra ticket for them to take whoever they want. It’s nice to be able to talk about the activity with someone afterwards and to be able to reminisce weeks, months or even years later. This is what makes experiences the gifts that keep on giving.
3. Push the boundaries. Another reason people prefer experiences to material gifts is the experiences make them feel invigorated, charged, alive. Consider pushing the boundaries a bit. If your loved one has always wanted to try skydiving but has made every excuse in the book for not getting around to it, book it. If they took a dance class years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it make an evening of it and go out dancing. Let them feel alive or rekindle an old passion…live a little.
Some inspiration to get you going
- Deep sea fishing
- Camping weekend
- Photography treasure hunt
- Laser tag/paintball
- Miniature golf
- Skydiving/parachuting
- Hot air ballooning
- Weekend at a bed and breakfast
- Picnic in the park
- Pool party
- Lunch at a country tea house
- Go-karts
- Gliding
- Rent a sports car/luxury car for an afternoon (convertible if it’s nice and feel the wind on your face)
- Make a 5 star restaurant dinner at home
You are really only limited to your imagination and to the likes loves of your loved one. Get creative, have fun and give a gift that will last a lifetime and deepen a relationship.
What are your thoughts? What experiences have you created? What’s been your favorite life experience that’s made you feel alive? Please share your inspirations in the comments.
See also:
Simple Mother’s Day Non-Gift Ideas
Enrich Your Life By Facing Your Fears Head On.
Photo courtesy of: dave.scriven
19 Responses to “Create Experiences: Gifts That Can Last A Lifetime”
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This is an excellent article, Sherri! I LOVE this idea! I’ve been decluttering my home for the past couple of years, and it seems like I always get more “stuff” for each birthday and holiday. Meanwhile, I have a hard time getting out by myself to have real “experiences”, and so I would treasure these opportunities much more than anything physical.
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Lazy Summer Days
I think giving experiences and memories instead of stuff is a wonderful idea. Who among us needs any more stuff?!
A friend of mine recently got married, and honeymooned in Hawaii. Their registry included things like: champagne dinner on the beach, helicopter ride for two, snorkeling, etc. In other words… “Don’t give us things, help us create beautiful memories.”
I love it!
Lisis ´s last blog ..Adventure: Remixing Your Perspective
That’s great!
Consumerism dulls the soul. Experiences allow it to grow!
Accumulating “stuff” is way overrated.
Natalia´s last blog ..Welcome
My husband and I always talk about creating memories instead of buying presents. Memories last much longer and leave less waste! (And they are just more fun.)
Jamie
steadymom´s last blog ..Meal Planning Simplified
I love this idea. And it is a great way to get a really good present for someone, because I think it is usually easier to buy something you know they’ll like than when you try to buy stuff.
I suggest theatre tickets for you list.
Experiences is the best gift you can give someone. My daughter was so clever to know that too. For her 21st birthday she asked for a travel experience and we had the best 3 weeks together. The memories and the time we had are indeed priceless and never to be lost. Who needs material presents?
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Rusty is gone and left a heritage about love.
I agree… sometimes, we just sit on the couch and let the television dictate our experiences.
Most people will have their list of “what they like to do”, its usually a matter of taking action.
Good post…
Shamelle- TheEnhanceLife´s last blog ..Jumpstart Your Initiative, You Have Waited Long Enough
Last year my mom told us she no longer wanted any ‘stuff’ for birthdays and Christmas, only experiences. I really liked that idea and now I try to keep that in mind for everyone.
After all, the only reason things are useful is for the experiences they can create or improve.
David Cain´s last blog ..How to Make Exceptional Chocolate Chip Cookies
Hi Sherri,
I love this idea! Nowadays, whenever my gf asks me what she should get me on special occasions, I’d simply tell her to get me some books I’d like to read cos’ there’s really not many things I’d want these days. And I think she’s getting bored with just getting me books. So I’d share this idea with her and hopefully it’s going to spice up our life.
Thanks for sharing!
Cheers~
Mark
Mark Foo | TheBigDreamer.com´s last blog ..Failure Is Never Final!
This is a great idea! Especially for when we have no idea what to give
It makes the gift much more personal and you`re right, we remember and appreciate it more. Thanks!
Rosa´s last blog ..Yo me río! – I laugh!
Hi everyone!!
I’m so glad you all liked this post. It’s one of my favorites as it highlights what special occasions are all about for me. I’m glad to see that some of you already do this and for others you will take some of this on board and start creating experiences for you and yours. AWESOME!!!
Thank you for all your comments!
Sherri
Hi!
I definitely love experience gifts, and always encourage them. I have gotten my husband an Intro to Archery lesson. I did this with him; no one wants to do experience gifts alone. Other ideas that we have done include theater tickets, dinner at a five star place, manicure spa afternoon (with my mom). And other ideas that I’m toying with include horseback riding and an Intro to Fencing lesson.
Vi | Maximizing Utility´s last blog ..On relationships: Love
@ Vi – Welcome! Those are great ideas for experience gifts. Archery is something my husband would be all over as well! And you’re right that no on wants to do these things alone…much better when shared. Thanks for your comment!
Yes, experiences and good memories are what I want my children to cherish and learn to appreciate, rather than material items.
I must share this memorable birthday I had when my dd was the only child. She was about 3 or 4 and dh had bought a slice of cake (we were going thru a rough period then) and this lovely bday card with love coupons. One of the coupons was for dd to perform a jingle and do a dance. She chose that coupon herself and put on a star performance. I remember smiling til my jaw muscles ached. I still have the card with coupons intact ;p It really was the best birthday celebration simply because it is so unforgettable- in a good way- and made me so so very happy!