The Holidays are here and everyone is doing their online and offline shopping. Kids have their list of wants and desires and gifting for your significant other seems extra significant this year. After all, we have experienced a pandemic, climate change, supply chain woes, and economic as well as personal highs and lows this year.
Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been all bad. Some of us have made personal discoveries during these socially distanced times. Some of us have switched careers or started a new hobby. For me, taking on tennis has been something that has come out of this strange time. And I really love it. And the friendships that I have made.
After being in isolation, and social quarantine for so long, the gift of community and trying new things could be the most thoughtful way to gift give this year.
Here are some thoughtful experiences that you can gift your loved one this Holiday.
Gift Cards That Get You Together
Instead of thinking big, think local. Restaurants are still struggling to make up for lost revenue from the pandemic, and fitness instructors are finally able to teach in person. Movie theaters that survived are ready for your business. So why not gift your sister a package renewal of her favorite fitness class? Or your bestie and you can sign up for dance classes together? Movie tickets for your brother and a gift card to your beaus favorite restaurant so you can have a romantic evening out. Looking at a new restaurant to try? How about taking that friend you have yet to catch up with in person? Concerts are back and so are all major events. Look at ticket centers to see who is performing and when. Gifting experiences locally not only support your community but they also encourage time with the people you love.
Plan A Trip Together
Vaccine card requirements, booster shots and a fundamental understanding of mask wearing while traveling has been established. So why not plan a trip with friends and family? Look to travel apps to find deals and book hotels. Making time for your loved on to take a trip encourages adventure and much needed time together.
Book A Spa Day
Want to catch up with your gal pals? Why not schedule some spa time. Self care is so needed after the last two years. And what better way to show your besties how much you care about them then booking them a treatment at your local spa?
Schedule A Holiday Brunch
There is nothing better than brunch with friends. So picking up the tab or buying the mimosas can be a quick on the fly present for your friends that support a shared experience.
Spend Time Indoors that is meaningful for you as a group.
Instead of justing binging on Netflix like you usually do at home. Skip the screen time and try bringing modern day meaningful games to family time this year. Games such as OuiSi, a photo card game that helps foster creativity and builds mindful connections through imagery and thoughtfulness.
Be Philanthropic
Kids can learn a lot about Social Responsibility if you gift them an endangered animal to adopt and support throughout the year. Or teach them by taking them to an animal sanctuary or gifting them a membership to an organization that could use support this year. Check out Charity Navigator for ideas.
Conclusion
Shop locally for experiences that your family member or loved ones are doing regularly to support their favorite habits or gift them new experiences to try.