Gift Experiences Instead of "Things"
From day one, my husband and I wanted to create and give experiences, instead of materialistic things. Through this time period of uncertainty and unknown we realize how much we miss those experiences. Most of what we miss are adventures, not physical things. We miss seeing our friends for wine tasting and going to the theater. We miss doing paint night with the family. We miss going on a dumpling food-tour downtown. The list is endless. Let's turn over a new leaf and give the gifts that keep giving, experiences which turn into memories.
Your partner:
The ultimate local escape. Rent that dream car (think that vintage mustang, ford bronco. or go fancy with a sports car) and drive. Explore long and windy roads in your city. There is so much we don't know about our own back yards. Then, tap into that local life. Airbnb Experiences were created to to bring something local and special to you. The classes are taught by locals and done either in person in your own city, or online from across the world. Do something special and romantic with your partner and learn something along the way. What is on your partner's bucket list? How to make homemade pasta with an Italian grandma from Italy, go horseback riding, learn to surf, drink wine with a sommelier in France, street taco tour, go sailing, try out fly fishing, or learn and listen to stories of history of your heritage.
The friend that needs to be pampered:
So many of us put ourselves at the end of our to do lists, but that needs to stop! Give that friends that never does anything for themselves things to truly pamper them. We aren't ready to head to the spa, so bring the spa to them! Even thought these are items they are things that make us feel better and that is the reason behind any gift. Deliver that perfect pamper box: A bottle of their favorite wine (I love the selections at Wine Access), a candle that smells like the ocean, bath salts, face masks, make them a music playlist, and the perfect all purpose face lotion. The goal is to make their life easy for once, because they deserve it!
The Parents:
It has been so hard for anyone to get a break or leave the house. So think outside the box for your friends who are parents and just want a little break. Gift them a babysitter for a night (or even you babysit), schedule a house cleaner to come by, or have a dinner delivered to their door. You can either support a local restaurant, or if they want a fun interactive date night have a meal-delivery kit sent to them. Try Hello Fresh, Home Chef, and Blue Apron.
The hostess who misses throwing parties:
Bluebird in a box is a dream for that person who loves to throw a party but doesn't have the time to plan or shop. This is a great gift to send to a friend or even yourself to make one thing in your life easy, but that will also be fun! You can either get the digital guide from some of the best event planners in the business with menu and drink ideas and templates, shopping lists, games ideas, the list goes on. Or you have the options to have digital and have a box sent to your door step. You can also receive a box of curated items for the party that you throwing. Anywhere from romantic dinner, themed parties, to evening that will transport you to Italy. They bring all their party planning knowledge to you so that you can enjoy and create lasting memories.
The outdoorsy person in your life:
Give them the nature they have been craving. We know that we can be outside and enjoy it safely. Gift an annual pass to the National Parks. With this pass for $80 they can have access to 59 parks across the country as long as the park is operated by the National Park Service. And it includes entry for the pass holder and up to three other adults. Another great one is a subscription to AllTrails app. For just $29 a year you can have access to maps of trails all over the world. It also allows you to download the maps, keep up with your stats, and post and share photos and reviews with fellow hikers.
For the kids:
Little Passports is a monthly subscriptions for kids ages 3-9+ and starts at $15 a month. This amazing company send a suitcase monthly full of collectible coins, stamps for passports, and a featured country. Your kids will "travel" to new place each month learning about their culture, food, and the people. Why not start kids young on amazing worldly adventures!
The friend who has it all:
We all have friends or family that are so hard to buy for. Why not gift them a class with the masters on the platform: MasterClass. For $15/monthly the possibilities are endless. Learn conservation with Dr. Jane Goodall, take cooking class with the chefs of chefs Thomas Keller, a music class with Herbie Hancock, gardening with Ron Findley, or learn how to play ball with Steph Curry. This is the definition of a gift that keeps giving.