Wrapping up the perfect gift for your grandchildren is part of the joy of the holiday season. Still, the presents that are most appreciated aren’t always found at the mall. This year, surprise those on your shopping list with experience gift. Experience gifts can be a set of classes to learn a new skill, an adrenalin-pumping adventure or a special outing the family can enjoy together. They create unique memories that last long after other gifts start gathering dust on a shelf.
Here are a few experience gift ideas to help you find the perfect one to tuck under the Christmas tree (or gift any time of year).
1. Spa Treatment or Flotation Therapy
Pamper someone with a spa gift card so they can indulge in a relaxing massage, facial, or manicure. It’s a perfect way to ease the stress when the holidays are over and it’s time to return to school or work.
Some people also enjoy flotation therapy, a trend that involves floating in a sensory deprivation tank filled with water and Epsom salts. The enclosed tank is lightproof and soundproof and designed to inspire deep meditation and rest.
2. Night Out at the Movies
Although streaming technology allows many people to watch movies in the comfort of their own home, going to see the latest blockbuster at a movie theater remains a timeless tradition. Movie passes are especially thoughtful when paired with a restaurant gift card for a complete night out.
3. Adventure Gift Experiences
Adventurous types who crave a thrill might like tackling indoor rock climbing, zip-lining through a forest or a high ropes obstacle course. There are also circus schools that offer introductory classes in trapeze, aerial silks, juggling and tight wire.
Interest is growing in escape rooms, where a team of players work together to find clues and solve puzzles inside of a themed room. An afternoon of paintball or laser tag or a day at an amusement park are other options.
4. Pleasures of Afternoon Tea
Treating your family to a sumptuous afternoon tea is one of the best gift experiences. This British tradition features miniature sandwiches, scones topped with jam and cream and dainty pastries; all served from a beautiful three-tier tray. Dress for the occasion and spend a lovely afternoon together sharing conversation and a hot pot of tea.
5. Annual Memberships
If your grandkids love art or history, a membership to an art gallery or museum is a gift that brings pleasure all year. Fitness enthusiasts might like a membership to a gym or yoga studio. You can put the pass in a gift bag along with a small art postcard or a useful water bottle.
6. Entertainment and Sporting Events
Tickets to live performances are popular experience gifts, whether you select a touring Broadway musical, a community theater performance, stand-up comedy or a concert.
Sports fans can cheer on their favorite teams at a basketball, football, soccer or hockey game. Amateur sports teams are equally entertaining to watch as they often play in smaller venues, so your grandkids can get up close to the action and possibly glimpse some future star athletes.
7. Enriching Lessons or Classes
Is there something that your grandchild has always wanted to do? Scuba diving, paddle boarding or flying lessons can teach them a skill they might not otherwise try themselves.
Foodies might like a cooking class, chocolate-making workshop or wine tasting course. Those who are artistically inclined may appreciate guitar lessons or learning salsa dancing. Some art studios offer paint nights that combine socializing with creating an artistic masterpiece.
As you put together your holiday shopping list, consider inspiring joy with an experience instead of a tangible object. Whether it’s a solo adventure for your grandchild to try or a way for you to connect and spend time together, you’re giving unique stories and memories that live on forever.
Riddle Village – A Gift for YOU
If you aren’t already one of the happy residents celebrating the holidays at Riddle Village, we’d like to invite you to ‘experience’ our continuing care community for yourself. Contact our friendly staff online or call us at 610-891-3700 to set up a tour of our beautiful apartments exclusively for people 62 and better.