To gift someone a soothing scented candle or an hour of trying to break free from an escape room? It sounds like a no-brainer until you consider the abundance of research which shows that experiences are far more likely to bring happiness than possessions.
American researchers say that the perceived value of “stuff” – things such as a new dress, perfume or, yes, a scented candle – may weaken over time compared with memories associated with an experience.
Buying the right experience is the key to success, so you’ll need solid observational/interrogation/listening skills before you shop. But first, some suggestions to get the mind wandering.
For your significant other
If they’re serious about their beer, Craft Cartel offers three-, six- or 12-month craft beer subscriptions.
No need for grandiose displays of love; a pamper certificate offering multiple sessions of treatments will regularly remind someone how much you love them. You can purchase an in-home five- or 10-treatment gift card among other options from Blys. If they’re more of a “day spa” person, The Freedom Gift Card can be used at Endota Spas nationwide.
Prefer food? Craft Cartel offers three-, six- or 12-month craft beer subscriptions from $175, while cheese lovers can enjoy Formaggi Ocello’s one-, three- or six-month premium cheese membership, with prices
from $140. Of course, you could just organise the ultimate romantic food experience to enjoy together with Chefin. Simply describe what you’re after – a private picnic, a degustation or even blindfolded fine dining – and you’ll be matched with a private chef.
Other group options for loved-up couples include a sunrise hot-air ballooning experience over Mudgee with breakfast ($339) or a moonlit Melbourne kayak tour with dinner ($120), both with RedBalloon.
For fussy kids and teens
Teach kids a life skill with a cooking or art class.Credit: Courtesy of ClassBento
LEGO sets and oversized hoodies will always have their place, but who can say no to a year of regular free visits to the likes of Legoland and Otway Fly Treetop Adventures with a Merlin Annual Pass? It’s priced from $80.
Annual kids’ passes can also be purchased for theme parks such as Luna Park ($125), and the excellent unlimited Museums Victoria Pass for $17 per child (and $59 per accompanying adult).
Find a range of teen-appropriate activities (from drifting rides and horse riding to recording studio experiences) on Thrill Experiences, but why not
use Christmas as a time to teach them a life skill or paying it forward? Class Bento runs cooking classes in person and online, while animal lovers can sponsor a rescued bear through Animals Asia for $47 per month.
For time-poor loved ones
For new parents, gift them a voucher with Night Nannies.Credit: iStock
Got friends who are new parents, or a sister whose 80-hour weeks see her regularly dipping into a bowl of cereal for dinner? Give them a service that buys them back a little bit of time.
Gift new parents a Night Nannies service, which can include anything from overnight babysitting for an undisturbed sleep to an emergency nanny service, or opt for gift certificates for home cleaning and gardening services from UrbanYou.
Meal subscriptions, too, can be worth their weight in gold; Youfoodz, Chef Good and plant-based Soulara deliver precooked meals nationwide, while one-off boxes (or more) can be purchased through The Dinner Ladies and Nourish’d.
For those who love vintage
Consider gifting parents a relaxing two-night Australia Short Break cruise with Cunard.
There’s no doubt about it, shopping for your parents can be hard work. (Side note: “Nothing, darling” is not an acceptable answer to “What would you like for Christmas?” ) We have a number of solutions. Consider a relaxing two-night Australia Short Break cruise, from $299 per person, with Cunard; a Camplify Travel gift voucher; or a day tour with AAT Kings, which offers a range of excursions across the country, from the Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles ($189) to a Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Discovery tour ($299).
You could also consider booking a course that ties in with their interests. Udemy features more than 200,000 online courses, including vegetable gardening, watercolour painting and French pastry basics ($27 each).
Other great experiences include an arts- or nature-based walking tour through Tours By Locals and tickets to the theatre, opera or ballet. Those who find it easier to listen to a good book will appreciate an Audible membership, beginning at $16.45 a month.
For friends and family
If your loved ones are going on holiday, consider a dinner voucher for a nearby restaurant, like The Lake House in Daylesford.
For an easy solution, check in on everyone’s Christmas plans. If your loved one has a holiday booked, an excellent gift is to purchase an experience in their destination, such as a dolphin watching cruise, tickets to a local attraction or a dinner voucher for a nearby restaurant. Vouchers for a meal for two at Lake House in Daylesford, for example, can be purchased for $390. Too pricey? You can easily find something that suits your budget with just a little research.
If you’re searching for something evergreen, gifting a high tea experience might be just the ticket. And classic high-adrenaline activities such as skydiving and laps at a race track will always be well received by thrill seekers, so run a search through sites such as Adrenaline, Thrill Experiences, RedBalloon and Class Bento.
And of course, since it’s Christmas, you could also consider making a charitable donation in a loved one’s name. For only $25, you can purchase a literary resources pack from The Smith Family to help disadvantaged kids get ahead.
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