I’m always trying to buy less stuff, because it so often ends up in a drawer or closet somewhere by next Christmas, only briefly used. I can’t stand that that is often a fact of our materialistic, consumeristic culture.
One thing I try to do to combat the barrage of stuff is to get “experience” gifts. I’ve done concert tickets, museum memberships, or restaurant gift cards in the past.
I’d love to hear other ideas for experience gifts for any ages!
I love this question! I’ve felt the same way about “stuff” piling up, and experience gifts always seem to stay in people’s memories longer anyway.
A few ideas that have been big hits in my family:
• A cooking or baking class: so much fun, and you get to eat what you make.
• A “day pass” gift card to a botanical garden or zoo, great for families.
• A pottery/paint-your-own-ceramics studio session, surprisingly relaxing and people love walking away with something they created.
• A local tour: historical walking tours, harbor cruises, even “ghost tours” if your town does them.
• A subscription to something they already enjoy, like a monthly art class, choir workshop, or nature center membership.
And honestly, even something as simple as a planned “coffee + walk” date with someone you care about can mean way more than another item wrapped in paper.
Curious to see what everyone else suggests, I’m always looking for new ideas too!