Every now and then, when you want to give an extra special gift, consider giving an experience gift.
The gift can be one of two ways – for starters, you can give your own time and treat your recipient to some sort of an experience with you. You could choose dinner out, a concert or sporting event, an afternoon at a museum, or a destination vacation.
Based on my own personal experiences, it’s great to give and receive this kind of a gift. It does require a time commitment from both people, but that’s part of what makes it extra special.
The other kind of experience is when you’re not giving your time as part of the gift – you’re simply giving an experience. It could be a skydiving session or something as simple as a movie or restaurant gift card so your recipient can enjoy some time out.
I’m a big fan of both types of experience gifts, because I love to get out and do things. Whether it’s by myself or with the gift-giver, it’s a treat.
The only major snafu comes when the gift giver isn’t mindful of the recipient’s tastes. Of course, it’s a gift, so the recipient shouldn’t be too picky. But if you’re thinking of treating someone to a night at a casino and the recipient staunchly opposes gambling, then it’s a horrible gift. You get the idea – the gift could easily be a football game or a trip to New York City, or a night at the opera, but if the recipient isn’t at all interested, then the gift will end up being a burden instead of a treat.
Just like any time you give a gift, put a little thought into your selection process. Chances are you’ll bless someone with a unique gift that won’t soon be forgotten.
Talk back
What have some of your favorite experience gifts been … to give AND to receive?
Latest posts by Hilary Kimes Bernstein (see all)
- Make Your Own Kitchen Cleaners - May 22, 2013
- Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaners - May 21, 2013
- Make Your Own Stain Removers - May 20, 2013
If you're searching for ways to live a healthier life that honors God, yet you're not incredibly environmentally conscious, then you're in the right place. While I try to glorify God and use my ten years of journalistic experience to create a healthy home for my family, most of my choices just tend to be green ... quite accidentally. – Hilary
Love these ideas! When my husband and I got married, friends of ours gave us several gift certificates – for a restaurant, for an ice cream place, for movies. It was great because we were broke newlyweds, but now we had a bunch of dates we could do!!! When we moved, my aunt did a similar thing, which helped us get to know some places in a new city. As you say, however, the gift card or experience has to suit the recipient!