With everyone feeling the pinch of the economy, a new trend has been arising in holiday gift giving. They are called experimental gifts, and they don’t have to cost much at all.
One thing that is true with the economy is that people are cutting back everywhere, especially on entertainment. As a result, gifts that have some sort of entertainment value, especially gifts that might be able to be used to get the recipient out and about are usually very welcome. Even kids will appreciate getting an experiential gift related to one of their interests. Here are some ideas for experiential gifts that are low cost.
Start a Club
When my son showed an interest in chess, we asked the local library to start a club. There are many different clubs that can be started or exist already. Give someone a gift membership, or if the club is free, the promise of transpiration to the club.
Movies
You can give gift certificates for movie theater passes, gift certificates for Netflix or Blockbuster or offer to take someone to the library to check out movies for free.
Spa Day
A spa day could be a real treat for someone. check with your local spa to see if they will offer you a deal if you purchase a spa day experience for everyone on your list. Some of the least expensive services include a manicure, a pedicure, an eyebrow wax, a hair style (no cutting) or a makeup consultation. Alternately, you can offer to give someone a spa treatment yourself at home for free or only the cost of supplies.
Food
With restaurant food prices being so high, many people have been cutting back on eating out. Some ideas for an experiential gift having to do with food include a cooking lesson that you can give yourself to save money, a book of your favorite homemade recipes or a session of freezer cooking together.
Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.
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