Gifting Experiences

In the midst of the holiday season, many of us turn our energies toward gift giving. An act that should bring joy, can often produce anxiety. With news of shipping delays and distribution disruptions, even online shopping might be stressful this year. Giving gifts of experiences can bring loads of joy with less stress and worry. They can create memories to last a lifetime and can help service-oriented businesses that are still recovering from the challenges of the pandemic.

Gifts to Create Memories

Thinking back on gifts I have received, there are a few things that stand out, like my first bike or a special piece of jewelry. But the most wonderful memories that I have of the holidays are the experiences I have shared with family and friends. I will never forget the year my brother took our entire family of 9 to the movies to see The Aristocats. I have great memories of taking my nieces and nephews ice skating and warming up afterward with hot cocoa.

Ideas for Experiential Gifts

There are many creative ways to gift experiences. Gifts can be for an individual or a group; a one-time experience or a gift that can be used throughout the year. Gift certificates for personal services like a massage, pedicure or a shave and a haircut can be perfect for the person who never treats themselves. For gifts that keep on giving, many service providers offer discounts on packages. For the history buff, art lover or nature enthusiast, perhaps an annual pass to state/national parks or membership to a museum or botanical garden. For the performing arts lover there are tickets for concerts, plays and musicals. A day at the ice rink is a great family experience, or ice-skating lessons for the kid who wants to play hockey. Club memberships, restaurant gift cards, Escape Rooms and Sip & Paint Nights can be great for groups of friends.

Less Gift Giving Stress

Many of these types of gifts may be purchased online or with a quick visit to a box office or ticket counter. No hassles of crowded stores or worries that packages won’t be delivered on time. And the service-oriented, brick and mortar shops, long impacted by shutdowns and occupancy restrictions, will certainly benefit from your business. 

If massage therapy is on your list,  Gift Certificates for individual massages or packages are available for purchase online at Connective Touch.  Simply click here to get started. Certificates can be emailed directly to the recipient, or printed on your home printer.

Wishing you the happiest gift giving experiences this year!