Christmas gifts that don’t spoil us rotten

Christmas is coming once again and, those of us who are fortunate enough, end up receiving and giving far more than we probably ought to. Not just on a sustainable, environmental level but on the note of “spoiling ourselves rotten”. When it comes to the children, we don’t want them to grow up having no concept of the value of money but rather to respect it, understand where it comes from and recognise that there’s not enough to go around the whole world, so let’s make an example of this in the way we give this year. For me, the best way to learn anything is to see it with your own eyes, to live it. So what better way to treat our loved ones this year than to offer them Christmas gifts that are an experience rather than more material objects that may soon end up at the back of a cupboard. Bring the gifts of feeling, seeing, learning and making memories.

Alternative Christmas gifts:

Annual passes

Everyone loves the zoo, the aquarium, interactive museums, theme parks, etc. take a great day out for the whole family and rather than just head there once how about opting for a year-long pass. This way they can go multiple times throughout the year and enjoy the attraction to the maximum.

Educative gifts

Give someone the gift of knowledge by booking them in for an online course in something they’re interested in or good at. It may just be the nudge in a direction they were dreaming to go, they just hadn’t started walking down the path.

Cinema pass

Many cinemas will offer great deals when you purchase in bulk or buy an annual pass. Going to the movies is always a fun afternoon or evening out so being given a multiple pass is an ideal way to treat the whole family.

Treatment treats

Massage is good for the body, mind and soul so what better way to treat a loved one than giving them a treatment? You could even go to the spa together to make it a shared experience, you’ll both come out glowing and ready to face the holidays relaxed and soothed. Other treatment ideas; a facial, hot stone therapy, Indian head massage, acupressure, reflexology, Reiki, Shiatsu.

Join the club

How about a trial run at a local yoga studio or tai chi class to give a friend a chance to try something out that they’ve been talking about but haven’t got around to? It’s healthy, active and fun and could even inspire a brand new positive direction in their lives. Again, this is something that could be done together and provide a great way to carve out that time for sharing moments.

Cultural experiences

Going to see a local show, a sporting event, a stage play, musical, or pantomime, head to one of the cities to see the lights, or even travel further afield to experience one of Europe’s many incredible Christmas markets, and soak up some of the local traditions, foods, and language to get a real cultural experience. Travel is something which teaches us so much, to see and feel another country’s traditions and culture is something that can’t possibly be taught as effectively in a classroom, in a book, or online; it is priceless.

A special day out

There are many different options when it comes to treating your nearest and dearest to a special experience and of course it all depends on what they’re into but – driving on a race track, off-road quad biking, drive a sports car or a tank, trail biking, mountain climbing, rock climbing, swimming with sharks at the aquarium, learning to cook their favourite food, a helicopter ride, a trip to a safari park, make your own chocolate at the chocolate factory, a tour of their dream stadium, etc. are all examples of achievable gift ideas and unforgettable experiences.

Get creative this year with your Christmas gifts and build memories as well as passing on that Christmas spirit.