Experience Based Gifting

It’s hard to get through the holiday season without griping about Secret Santa gifts gone wrong, or the horrendous sweater from your mother-in-law, which you bust out every Christmas for its annual debut.

Holiday gifts are a tricky thing, immune to good intentions, which is why we’re such a fan of experience gifting.

One of the best things about  giving an experience instead of a material item is the memories they create, which typically last a lot longer than a pair of gloves.

This morning for example, we surprised our CEO with an in-office manicure, pedicure and massage, topping it off with a team breakfast, pot-luck style. We’re pretty sure the time we spent chatting, laughing and eating will last a lot longer than a scented candle.

• Memberships or passes: think front-of-the-line access to the Aquarium, Museum, Amusement or National Parks. Annual memberships are gifts that last all year.

• Tickets: theatre, concert, festival or sporting event tickets are always a hit, especially if you can go together.

• Classes: opportunities to learn a new skill or try something you’ve never done offer an even more meaningful experience. Flying lessons, cooking classes or wine tastings will create lasting memories and build new skills.