Experience Gift Ideas
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Quick answer: Experience Gift Ideas. This guide gives 18 ideas in 4 sections: Days out; Learning something new; Cosy nights in; Gifts of your time. Budget: From free to about 拢50. Best for: People who have everything.
- Time: 20 minutes to plan and wrap
- Budget: From free to about 拢50
- Best for: People who have everything
Nobody remembers the fourth scented candle, but everybody remembers the day they went to a pottery class and made a slightly wonky bowl. Experiences give people something to look forward to in the grey weeks after Christmas.
The one drawback is that an experience is hard to wrap. So every idea here comes with a small physical item to unwrap on the day, which turns a promise into a proper present. The ideas are grouped by mood: days out, learning something new, cosy nights in and gifts of your own time.
Top tip: Put a date on it. A voucher with no date often ends up forgotten in a drawer, while a pencilled-in day in the calendar nearly always happens. Write the date on the card you wrap.
Days out
Fresh air and a change of scene make these the easiest experience gifts to enjoy together.
- Picnic outing: Promise a winter or spring picnic at a favourite park. Wrap a picnic blanket to open, and let them choose the date and the sandwiches.
- Woodland walk: Offer a long walk with a flask of hot chocolate at the halfway point. Wrap a pair of walking socks as the present on the day.
- Museum or gallery day: Choose somewhere with something for everyone. A sketchbook makes a charming wrapped extra, and a quiet weekday visit is far less busy.
- Stargazing evening: Wrap a simple star chart and plan a clear, cold evening in the garden or park. Take blankets and a flask for a very cosy night.
- Afternoon tea out: Book a local cafe and promise a slow afternoon. Wrap a pretty teacup, which also makes a lovely keepsake of the day.
Learning something new
A lesson is a gift of time and curiosity, and the finished creation becomes a keepsake.
- Pottery or craft class: Look for local taster sessions suitable for beginners. Wrap an apron for the day, since pottery and paint can be messy.
- Cookery lesson: Choose a class for bread, pasta or cake making. Wrap a wooden spoon with a note, as the first piece of their new kitchen kit.
- Photography walk: Plan a walk to practise taking pictures together. Wrap a small photo album to fill afterwards.
- Language starter: Gift the first month of a language class, and wrap a phrasebook for the destination they dream of.
- Music lesson: A short course of beginner lessons suits a child or adult. Wrap a tuner or a simple songbook for the instrument.
Cosy nights in
These gifts cost little, ask for no travel, and suit anyone who loves a warm sofa.
- Film night voucher: Promise them the full cinema-at-home experience, with their pick of film and snacks. Wrap a bag of popcorn kernels to start.
- Home spa evening: Plan a night of face masks, foot soaks and tea. Wrap a fluffy towel or a soft headband to open.
- Dinner cooked for you: Promise a three-course meal at your place or theirs. Wrap a menu card and a napkin set to get the table ready.
- Game night: Name a night, invite friends and provide snacks. Wrap a new card game to play first.
- Breakfast in bed: Choose a weekend morning and wrap a tray for the occasion. A pot of jam and a pretty jug make nice extras.
Gifts of your time
- Help with a project: Promise a day of painting, tidying or gardening. Wrap a pair of gloves and a roll of masking tape as the starter pack.
- Babysitting night: A free evening is gold for tired parents. Wrap a small voucher card and a bar of chocolate.
- Regular phone call: A weekly chat for a month suits a long-distance friend. Wrap a notebook for jotting down things to share.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- Royal Mail at Christmas: Check the latest last posting dates before you send cards or parcels.
- Royal Mail at Christmas: Check the latest last posting dates before you send cards or parcels.
- MoneyHelper: budgeting: Free, impartial budgeting tools and tips to plan your spending.
Frequently asked questions
How do I wrap an experience?
Write the details on a card and add a small related item, such as a mug, a blanket or an apron, so there is something to open.
What if the date does not suit them?
Include a few suggested dates and add that you are happy to change. Flexible plans are far more likely to be used.
Are experience gifts good for children?
Yes. Children often remember days out for years. Keep it simple, agree the plan with parents and check any age limits.
More ideas you might like
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