They say memories last longer than things. If someone asked you to recall what you received as a gift on a specific moment and day it might be hard to remember. But if someone asked you about that trip to the waterpark with your grandparents, you’re sure to recall that time. There are several reasons why you might want to create memorable experiences instead of buying stuff.
One reason can be cost. Creating an experience can be a sweet thing to do that is also budget friendly. Think a family trip to the zoo with free admission. Another reason might be to cut down on stuff. When you have an influx of stuff come into your house, it creates an inventory to manage. You now have to find a way to put it away. If you are trying to declutter, more stuff might not be ideal.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to create memorable experiences instead of buying stuff, keep reading.
- Themed Gift Baskets
If you’re looking for a creative way to set the tone and give an experience, try a themed gift basket. Yes, there are items in the basket, but they all speak to a theme and create a special night for the recipient. The great thing about these basket ideas is that you can come up with contents all by yourself. You can choose to base your basket around the interests of your loved one. You can also base it around an occasion.
For example, during the holidays, you might make a “hot chocolate and holiday movie” basket. This could include all the fixings for a hot cocoa bar and have a holiday blanket and holiday movie. Wine night or game night themes could be fun too. For life events, you could create a baby shower basket, graduation basket, or sympathy care package.
- One-on-One Days
Life can get pretty busy between work and activities. Putting a focus on having one-on-one time with those you hold dear can be a great way to connect and make memories. You could have a monthly coffee date with your mom, for example. Getting time on the calendar to have breakfast with your best friend is another intentional way to have time together. How often do people say, “we should get together soon” but never do.
If you have kids, setting aside time for one-on-one moments can make a huge impact. It doesn’t have to be a crazy and elaborate plan either. A Denny’s or McDonald’s breakfast can be just the ticket. The key is consistency. Of course, solo time with your significant other is also something you should strive for. Plan a date night, or a picnic, or even a staycation and send the kids to grandma and grandpas.
- Family Trips
Just as important as dedicated solo time is spending time as a unit. If you’re looking to create memorable experiences and not just buy stuff this holiday season, give a trip. Instead of a mountain of presents under the tree for Christmas, have your kids unwrap a big box. Inside can be a big homemade certificate to a weekend at Disney or Great Wolf Lodge water park hotel.
You can use this time to give the experience and have it planned to cash in for a spring break trip. The experience also doesn’t have to be as expensive as either of those trips. You could individually gift family day trips to each kiddo. They can then cash it in throughout the year. One kid might pick a pizza and arcade day. Another might pick a movie and mall trip.
- Local Events
Get involved and enjoy your local community this year. There are tons of events throughout the year right in your own neck of the woods. Why not check it out and support your local area? You likely will learn about a fun event unique to your town. Some of these events are even free. If you don’t know where to start, check out your local library.
Some towns have free attractions like museums or Zoos too. You might find a fair or carnival or even a renaissance festival that comes to your town at certain times of year. Parades and local plays and sports events at your schools can be fun experiences to attend too. Trampoline parks, arcades, and mini golf can be great fun as well.
Remember, showing people you care and creating special moments doesn’t have to cost a ton. You don’t have to get the most expensive and latest gifts. Creating experiences and being together can be just as impactful, if not more so. Doing some things as a tradition or with consistency is also something that will stick with your loved ones.
Think of the conversations years from now reminiscing on that special trip to the mountains in 6th grade. Or, one of the greatest gifts, your own children starting a weekly breakfast tradition with their own children. Showing up gives your loved ones something that is priceless – your time and memories.
