Guest post from Mridu of Life Is Organized
It’s no surprise to hear that experiences mean more than things. Material items bring us immediate, yet fleeting, joy. It’s memories and feelings that stay with us forever. But figuring out how to create a memory can leave you overwhelmed, and cost a pretty penny.
Here are 10 easy ways to create memorable holiday gifts, that are low on cost and high on value:
1. Create a coupon book.
Print (or write) 5-10 coupons for your loved one and staple them together to make a small booklet. These can be tasks that get someone “off the hook” like No Dishes For A Week, or a Free Bed-Making Pass. It could also be “treats” like A Massage or Sundaes For Dinner.
2. Make a conversation jar.
Decorate a jar with ribbon, get small notes of paper and a card with instructions that say: “Start the year with an empty jar and fill it with notes about good things that happen. Then, on New Year’s Eve, open it and read what awesome things happened over the year.”
3. Show off your culinary prowess.
The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, right? Bake or cook a family favorite and spoil someone you care about.
TIP: Place your freshly baked goods in a decorative tin that can be reused throughout the year.
4. Create a night out.
Why not invite friends and/or family for a night of fun at your place? Create an invite for a memorable way to enjoy time with your loved ones after you’ve recovered from the holiday madness.
5. Give a gratitude journal.
Help someone create an experience for themselves all year long. Often times people have the intention of starting this meaningful habit, but need the tools to get it started.
6. Make a themed gift basket.
Add fun and useful items to create an enjoyable memory for someone special.
– Movie baskets including popcorn, a couple of DVDs, a box of M&M’s, and a soft blanket or fuzzy socks.
– A Family Night basket with a board game, a pack of cards, a bag of chips, and a liter of lemonade.
– A Girl’s Night basket including nail polishes, magazines, drinks, and furry slippers.
7. Give a gift certificate or lessons.
Base this gift on hobbies your friend or family member is interested in — a sewing class, dance lesson, painting class, or cooking lesson. It’s especially memorable when it’s something they’ve never tried, but have wanted to do.
8. Create a photo calendar.
Grandparents can’t get enough of these! It’s not only customized and meaningful but useful throughout the year.
TIP: If the thought of picking a bunch of photos is overwhelming, get the type of calendar that has just one photo that you can use for the whole year.
9. Monogram anything.
No matter what item anyone has, a monogrammed version of it makes it so much more memorable. It can be as simple as a pair of hand towels or a beach bag.
10. Wow them with tickets.
If tickets for movies, concerts, plays, amusement parks, sporting events, and museums are personalized to a person’s likes, they’re always appreciated.
TIP: You can get discounts on movie tickets and some events if you buy in bulk at places like Costco or Sam’s Clubs and then split them up for different friends.
“Experience gifts” evoke a distinct feeling of love, care, and thoughtfulness. And if the gift is an event you can both participate in, it becomes a shared memory, something far beyond what a physical gift can offer.
What experience can you create for someone this holiday season, without breaking the bank?
Mridu Parikh is a Simplicity and Organization Junkie for women who are tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. She’ll show you how to get your life running smoothly – without the drama. Prepare to smile, get uber motivated and take action with Mridu’s 5-day free organizing series.
