It’s a well-known fact that many of the gifts we give end up in the landfill – either that or creating the sort of clutter our friends would rather be without. Add into the equation that the world is already groaning under the sheer weight of unnecessary manufactured goods, and the environment is ripe to switch from giving ‘stuff’ to giving experiences. Use our handy hints to help get you started in purchasing little luxuries that are good for the earth and sure to be enjoyed by your friends.
When choosing an experiential gift, build on an interest a friend already has. If your mate is a golfer, instead of giving golfing paraphernalia (which they are more likely to want to choose for themselves, anyway) gift the cost of a round on a course they’ve always wanted to play on. Or pay for a coaching session they’ve been talking about for months but haven’t quite got around to organising. If your sister is a foodie, instead of buying a cookbook or a new set of baking pans, why not shout her a cooking class, or a produce-market tour when she takes her next overseas trip. Those with green fingers will be delighted with a ticket to a private garden or garden trail event.
A novel experience can set up a completely new interest in life that can continue in the years ahead. Gift an activity session in a realm a friend has yet to discover. It may be a dance, yoga or swimming lesson for beginners, a gym subscription, or a fermenting class. Just remember, when selecting, to keep within what you know to be the ‘comfort zone’ of your giftee, and you can’t go wrong.
The internet abounds with experiences we often want but don’t feel we can afford to treat ourselves to. Keep your ear to the ground and listen out for opportunities to purchase online gifts such as a Netflix subscription, a live language workshop, an art, writing, or photography class, or a digital magazine. Check out sites such as Grabonenz for discounts on all kinds of experiences your family and friends will love.
Nothing is appreciated more than an opportunity to sit back and relax – and there are services that provide just this. Gift a massage, a manicure, an hour in a beauty therapist’s chair, a makeover, a spa, or hot pool, or a special hair consultation with follow-up cut and colour.
Eating out is something everyone enjoys and while the gift of restaurant dining is always appreciated, why not make the treat more interesting by offering something a little different. Book your giftee a wine or olive oil tasting tour, a high tea, a meal catered for by a chef in your own home, a week’s worth of My Foodbag, a daily coffee for a fortnight, or a month of organic produce delivered to the door.
Gifting experiences rather than stuff is doubly appreciated when you shop locally and return your spending power to your own community. Wherever possible choose services that can be found in your own town or city. One of the best advantages in doing this is that you often know the person you’re buying from and can ask them to tailor their service to suit your requirements. If the person you’re buying for is frail and unable to leave home, book the hair stylist or masseuse for a home call. If they’re time-restricted, arrange for the yoga session to be at a time that suits your giftee.
Never underestimate the value of gifting your own time. It can often mean more to a friend than anything money can buy. Whether it’s spending an hour working in your sister’s garden, taking an afternoon to help a friend learn some computing techniques, or giving your son and daughter-in-law a weekend away by looking after the grandies, the sort of services you yourself provide will be more appreciated than any you could ever hope to purchase.