Gift Ideas For A 'No Stuff' Holiday
‘I dunno. You?’
‘I dunno either. I don’t really need anything…’
Does that conversation sound familiar?
We all know that person (or, if we're being honest with ourselves, we are that person) -- the one who, when birthdays or holidays roll around, says we don't want presents because we just don't want any more stuff. We get it -- homes can get easily cluttered with nonsense nobody actually wants or is ever going to use. We don't even know how many times we've polite said "Oh, thanks so much!" before quietly stashing an ill-advised (but very thoughtful) gift from Aunt Helen into the back of the closet until Marie Kondo freed us by letting us know that "gifts are meant to be received not kept." (Meaning it's OK to say "thanks" for a present and then give it away rather than keep it if it's not something we want.) We love the freedom to get rid of things we don't actually want in our homes, but even better is to simply only own things we want.
The answer is to give a ‘non-stuff’ gift or a very useful consumable gift that doesn’t end up as clutter.
Ideas for experiences include a whale watching (not as expensive as you might think with a shop-a-docket or Groupon), guided bush walk, a high tea, ghost tour, train ride, open garden, river cruise, bar hop with beer tasting, wine tasting, sunset kayak… the list is endless, it just depends on your budget and location.
You could go through a website like Red Balloon and let your recipient choose their experience, or better still you could go straight to the source and buy a gift certificate for the experience. Look around at some of your local (or your recipients local) attractions for ideas.
Another alternative is to check out local experiences through Airbnb – they don’t just do accommodation.
A Painting Class
Of course, we here at Pinot's Palette, are all about the gift of a painting experience with he ones you love most! Whether it's a girls' night out with friends, a date night with your special someone, or a family day with the kids, there's so much to be said about (and gained from) a day of painting fun! The best art is that you'll leave with a handmade souvenir to always treasure and remember the fun you had, making it!
https://www....rcreek/events
Language course
You can give a single session or a complete beginner course. There are affordable options, so you won’t have to break the bank.
Private courses:
Search for nearby tutors at Care.com. The prices per lesson can vary significantly by region, but it is usually between $15-30 per hour.
TakeLessions is another place that offers online, at-home, and studio classes. Usually, online courses are cheaper, but it varies greatly between $30-60 per hour.
Wellness experience
Can you think of a person who will say ‘’No’’ to a wellness day, including massages and relaxation? I’m not sure I can think of someone!
It is a fantastic gift for almost anyone, and usually, there are great affordable packages. You can do a quick search online, and you might find some pretty good deals.
UNDER $50. PRICES FROM $35 TO $90
Cooking class/workshop
A cooking class is an excellent non-materialistic gift if your girlfriend/wife is a foodie.
Cooking Classes
Online Cooking Classes from MasterClass
UNDER $100. PRICES FROM $35 TO $100
Concert tickets
Another experience gift that is hard to go wrong with. If you know someone’s favorite artist is coming to town, get him/her concert tickets! The price is usually affordable, and the gift will be highly appreciated.
Take a look at:
Eventful
Ticketmaster
UNDER $100. PRICES FROM $50 TO $100
AND ***If your budget is tight, devise your own experiences.
For example, you could invite a friend over to your own high tea. Or give the experience of a picnic. You could take them a drive in the country. Or give someone a home spa. Another idea is doing your own DIY wine tasting with nibbles.