LIFEspa

Gifting Experiences Instead of Stuff

Crystal Cobert Giddens, LE, FACES of Saratoga

It’s December. As much as I don’t enjoy the cold, longer days…I love Christmas! The tree, the food, the presents, the music, the parties and the festive clothes!

I remember waking up on Christmas morning as a child and seeing so many beautiful packages under that tree. I would run, squealing with excitement, while my mom would grab the camera and take pictures of me tearing into those boxes, one after the other, opening toys and books and games. It was the biggest “high” of the year! So many boxes…

Fast forward to my daughter’s Christmas mornings. She would wake up around 4:00 am, jump on our bed and ask if Santa had been there yet. I would tell her that we couldn’t check until 7:00 am (in case Santa was coming to our house AFTER he went to Europe and Brazil) and that we didn’t want to startle him while he was putting presents under the tree. She would chatter non stop about all the presents waiting for her and wiggle and giggle while she waited for the clock to show that magic number 7:00 and then she would race to the tree and open all of her gifts.

One year, I think she was 12 or so, she opened her gifts and then we went to the table to eat breakfast. I asked her if she had a favorite gift and she looked at me and said, “Mom, I have to look again. I don’t remember everything!”

We laughed, but then I thought about it a lot. Were we going overboard with the presents? How many “things” does one 12 year old need? Does she really need everything or does most of it wind up in a closet somewhere?

The next year, for her 13th birthday, I decided to get her a few small things and one big ADVENTURE. She’s a June baby, so school was already over for summer and we had a birthday party in our back yard. She had gifts from friends and family members but her gift from us was a week of Surf Camp in August. She was going to spend a whole week living on the beach, in a tent, learning how to surf. She was thrilled!

The build up to that week in August was intense. She talked about it every day. We had to get her a few little things: lots of sunscreen, a hat, rash guards, board shorts, new sunglasses a journal. Every little thing we gathered brought more excitement as she started to pack her duffle bag and get her backpack in order. Then came the big day and she couldn’t stop bouncing in her seat as we drove down to the ocean camp site. It was one of the biggest highlights of her teenage years. She’s 36 now and still talks about Surf Camp. One of the best things about gifting an experience is that you’re actively creating a memory for someone you care about. Watching their excitement build up is the absolute best!

I have compiled a list of several ideas to help get you started. I would love to know if you decide to try gifting an experience this year!

SPA DAY: One of my favorites (of course) Send your mom, sister or bestie for a relaxing day at the spa. Maybe facials are their thing? Gift them a facial with a special add on like reflexology. Or a Gua Sha treatment and they get to take home a jade stone to use at home. How about a mani and pedi experience with chocolate truffles and champagne? Gifting someone the opportunity to relax, get away and feel amazing is an experience they will never forget!

DATE NIGHT: Offer a date night to some stressed out parents. Call their favorite cafe or restaurant and make a reservation. Come over early and order pizza for the kids. Scoot the parents out the door and tell them you will see them in a few hours and not to worry about a thing. Johnny and Suzie will be just fine watching movies and noshing on pizza.

SNOW REMOVAL: One of the BEST gifts EVER was a seasonal snow removal gift from my mom when I moved here 20 years ago. I knew it snowed here but I had no clue that it snowed a lot and all the time. I had a snow shovel but hadn’t considered purchasing a snow blower. I definitely did not know that once I cleared the driveway, a snow plow would push all the snow from the street onto the end of my driveway, up to my car’s bumper and I wouldn’t be able to leave (true story) until I shoveled myself out again.

Having someone do it for you is the best gift ever. Imagine waking up at your regular time, sipping coffee and leaving on time because your driveway is clear.

PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION: While this family was having fun, playing in the woods, their photographer was capturing those moments and making memories that this family will always treasure. Or?? Gift the experience of learning how to artfully take photos!

HIRE A HAND: Life can be overwhelming. Work, kids, projects, stuff that just needs to get done. Arrange for someone to come clean the house or do all the yard work. TICKETS TO A SPORTING EVENT: A family pack of 4 tickets to go see the Yankees play the Red Sox might be a great way to spend a weekend.

HORSEBACK RIDING: When was the last time you rode a horse?

RACE CAR DRIVING: A hint to my husband: I absolutely want to do this some day. Soon.

WILDERNESS ADVENTURE: Camping or Glamping? Tents or Cabins? A gift just for two or a getaway for the whole family?

Whether fulfilling a wish, encouraging a dream or just offering someone a peek into something new, gifting an experience will help create a lifetime of memories.

Crystal Cobert-Giddens- Owner and Esthetician of - FACES of Saratoga 489 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY (518) 396-7403 facesofsaratoga.com