How to Give Experiential Gifts

We’re spring babies in our family — growing up, it seemed like cake was somewhat endless {no complaints here!} from the months of April to June. I’m happy to say my husband has fit into the group seamlessly with his birthday also falling during “Birthday Season.” With the season starting next month, I’ve been thinking a lot about what to give my loved ones, which is a daunting task in another country.

What’s made it a little easier is that my husband and I have gotten really into giving experiential gifts, especially to each other. Things are wonderful of course, but in a flat in London there’s only so much you can have. Instead, we prefer to give memories by way of special experiences. There are also countless studies about how giving experiences leads to stronger relationships and a more fulfilling life. Over Christmas, one of my gifts was tickets to the opening night of the English National Ballet’s Nutcracker {major hubby points and so perfect during the holiday season}. We also gave tickets to my parents for a fun concert to enjoy together in January, once the holiday season had faded away.

Another perk to giving experiential gifts, especially if you live away from those you’re giving to, is it can be part of their visit. It’s a great way to have a special thing to look forward to during a trip, whether it be a special dinner out or a trip to a ticketed exhibit showing for a limited time. {We just did this last week with my father-in-law who had been gifted a special dinner — it was such a nice night and we all were looking forward to enjoying the chosen restaurant together.}

It can feel daunting to give an experience, especially if it’s your first time offering an event instead of a necktie. Here are a few ways I’ve found it to be easier:

1. Make a list of all the activities receiver enjoys. This can be anything they want to do in their free time or have been longing to try: golfing, drinking wine, cooking, reading, hiking, clay pigeon shooting, etc. You name it, there’s an event, lesson or exhibit about it.

2. Check out local venues for upcoming events that fall into the listed categories. Anything from bookstores for a signing with the receiver’s favorite author to a summer concert to a nearby cooking class could be a hit. You can also look at experiential gift companies like Virgin Experience Days {or other companies similar} to book out ideas for you.

3. Think about scheduling. This takes a little digging, but I try to make sure that I’m booking something at a time the person should be able to go {if your best friend or husband usually work late hours, it could be a burden to them to go to something at 5pm on a weekday — avoid it all together and choose a weekend event}. Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be a surprise gift so you can talk about date availability openly with the receiver {everyone is different — I love surprises, while my husband prefers to know in advance to get excited}.

4. Check on company flexibility. See how many types of classes, lessons, courses or events are being offered. See if you can purchase, and then decide when/where to attend later, or consider giving a gift certificate {I’ve made quite a few of these through photoshop} for the person to choose what’s best for them and their interests. A few years ago, I gave my husband {then-boyfriend} a gift certificate for a race entry for two anywhere in the world. We signed up the following year for the Royal Parks Half-Marathon here in London {just completed this past year!}.

Here are a few ideas of experiential gifts to give that can wow any of your pals, and be a special memory to savor for years to come:

• Afternoon tea at a special hotel or restaurant
• Ballet tickets {of course!}
• Behind-the-Scenes tours of favorite buildings
• Champagne tasting class {New Yorkers, check out Corkbuzz for this}
• Comedy show
• Concert tickets {perfect for summer babies}
• Cooking class(es) {especially if at your favorite restaurant or a celeb chef}
• Craft beer tasting
• Golf lessons
• Helicopter tour of the city
• Hiking to a new place together
• Hot air balloon ride
• Language classes {perfect in preparation for an upcoming trip}
• Massage
• Movie tickets {give the gift of 10 or a gift card to use for multiple movies}
• Museum passes
• Personal trainer {only if they ask for one — no surprise gifting here!}
• Picnic in the park — or your backyard!
• Professional sporting event tickets — NBA, NFL, NHL, etc.
• Race track experiences {there are so many options out there if your guy has a need for speed}
• Rock climbing
• Special gallery exhibit {V&A has Alexander McQueen now through August!}
• Tennis championship tickets {Wimbledon is in June/July, US Open in August/September}
• Theatre tickets {Broadway, West End, etc.}
• Wine tasting class

My first day in London after moving here after finishing a half marathon together {a gift for my husband that came at a very interesting time}… I guess you can say I’m a big fan of hitting the ground running, literally!