The holiday season is here! Where did the year go? I swear I was just lounging in the pool and now I’m prepping for my Christmas menu. This time of year is very stressful for several reasons. We, as consumers, feel the need to shop for the perfect gift(s) for our loved ones. Many of us overbuy or buy just to buy….to check off the name on the never-ending list.
I have found over the past several years that social media has put the pressure on us to over buy, to over spend and to compete with others in the arena of gift giving. ‘Mom Guilt’ is real….and social media amplifies it! I’m always shocked at the posts I see from moms asking other moms how much they spend on their children; or even going to the lengths of bragging about all the loot under the tree by posting pictures. One can easily get caught up in this media frenzy that will ultimately lead to overspending to ‘keep up with the Joneses’, or making you feel terrible about yourself because you can’t keep up with them! What you choose to spend on your children, and any other recipient should be a personal decision that you are comfortable with and that won’t put you into debt. There are no rules around what to buy and how much to spend.
Over the past few years, my husband and I have been trying to come up with ‘experience gifts’ rather than just buying more stuff for our son. Sure, he gets a few toys that he has been asking about for months, but we’ve definitely pumped the breaks on buying just to buy. I mean, how many legos does one little person need? In our fast-moving, technology driven society, I think it’s awesome to give someone an ‘experience gift’ that they will really enjoy, and that you may be able to enjoy with them! The ideas are limitless, here are just a few to get your minds percolating.
- Movie Tickets
- Restaurant Gift Cards (purchased from a restaurant that the recipient loves!)
- Cooking Classes
- Spa Day
- Trampoline Park
- Escape Room
- Tickets to a show or sporting event
- Zoo membership
- A nap! That’s right – what I miss most about my life before child is a good nap! Create a coupon book of thoughtful gestures that a loved one can use throughout the year when they need a break!
- Create a memory book
- Gardening Kit (seeds, supplies, gloves) for the gardening enthusiast.
- Geocaching – this is free! However, taking the time to go with someone who enjoys this activity is time well spent!
- Painting / Pottery Classes
- Game Night – wrap up some snacks and a few board games and set a date!
All of these ideas get us out of the house and spending time with those we love. Plus, they help to keep the clutter at bay!
I’d love to hear about a fun experience gift that you’ve given this holiday season. I’m all ears!