Want to give someone you love a gift they'll always remember? Start by thinking outside the box – literally. Here are some ideas for great experience-based gifts for every interest.SPA GIFT CERTIFICATES
Whether you gift a dollar amount or a specific service (mani-pedis are always popular), consider sending a loved one to the spa. It's especially perfect for any frazzled new moms on your list. Just be sure to check that the gift certificate has a generous expiration date.
Caveat: Think twice before sending a man to the spa though: not all guys are as metrosexual as you might think!
SPORT EXPERIENCES
Why encourage your tween, teen (or, for that matter, hubby) to play Wii when they could be whooping it up on the slopes, in the surf, or seated near the dugout at a big game?
When you choose a sports experience, you have the option of buying for an individual or a family. Experience-gifting company Perfectday.ca, for instance, offers everything from private archery lessons to whitewater rafting trips for a family of four.
You can also buy tickets at your local sporting venue, or give someone a Ticketmaster.ca gift card so they can choose for themselves.
Caveat: Sports fans come in two stripes: Spectators and participants. Make sure you know which one you are dealing with before you buy the experience!
TRAVEL
Whether you plan to whisk your loved one(s) off for the holidays or give the gift of future travel be sure to plan ahead. Although movies romanticize the notion of last-minute surprise trips, this approach isn't ideal for busy families.
Between work, parenting, childcare or pet care arrangements, house-sitting, household budgeting, possible vaccinations (if you're heading to certain hot-weather destinations) – even ensuring one has the appropriate vacation wardrobe – "surprise" and "vacation" may be a good word combination.
If a holiday (or post-holiday) vacay is part of your dream, share the dream – ahead of time – with your significant other(s) and plan the vacation together.
This actually makes it a gift that gives twice (or even three, four or five times) since you'll have a blast planning must-see sights or must-do activities as a couple or as a family!
Caveat: If your giftee doesn't have kids (or other extenuating family or pet care obligations), a surprise weekend getaway may just be the perfect holiday surprise!
OTHER AVENUES TO EXPLORE:
FOOD & WINE: Consider cooking classes, wine or whiskey tastings, or a gift certificate to a nice restaurant.
AIR ADVENTURE: From helicopter tours to flight simulators, any airplane nut can get their fix these days!
SELF IMPROVEMENT: Book a wardrobe consultation or a personal training session at the gym. Just be sure it's something your giftee has indicated interest in, so you don't cause offence!
AMUSEMENT PARKS: Season's pass, anyone?
Whether you gift a dollar amount or a specific service (mani-pedis are always popular), consider sending a loved one to the spa. It's especially perfect for any frazzled new moms on your list. Just be sure to check that the gift certificate has a generous expiration date.
Caveat: Think twice before sending a man to the spa though: not all guys are as metrosexual as you might think!
SPORT EXPERIENCES
Why encourage your tween, teen (or, for that matter, hubby) to play Wii when they could be whooping it up on the slopes, in the surf, or seated near the dugout at a big game?
When you choose a sports experience, you have the option of buying for an individual or a family. Experience-gifting company Perfectday.ca, for instance, offers everything from private archery lessons to whitewater rafting trips for a family of four.
You can also buy tickets at your local sporting venue, or give someone a Ticketmaster.ca gift card so they can choose for themselves.
Caveat: Sports fans come in two stripes: Spectators and participants. Make sure you know which one you are dealing with before you buy the experience!
TRAVEL
Whether you plan to whisk your loved one(s) off for the holidays or give the gift of future travel be sure to plan ahead. Although movies romanticize the notion of last-minute surprise trips, this approach isn't ideal for busy families.
Between work, parenting, childcare or pet care arrangements, house-sitting, household budgeting, possible vaccinations (if you're heading to certain hot-weather destinations) – even ensuring one has the appropriate vacation wardrobe – "surprise" and "vacation" may be a good word combination.
If a holiday (or post-holiday) vacay is part of your dream, share the dream – ahead of time – with your significant other(s) and plan the vacation together.
This actually makes it a gift that gives twice (or even three, four or five times) since you'll have a blast planning must-see sights or must-do activities as a couple or as a family!
Caveat: If your giftee doesn't have kids (or other extenuating family or pet care obligations), a surprise weekend getaway may just be the perfect holiday surprise!
OTHER AVENUES TO EXPLORE:
FOOD & WINE: Consider cooking classes, wine or whiskey tastings, or a gift certificate to a nice restaurant.
AIR ADVENTURE: From helicopter tours to flight simulators, any airplane nut can get their fix these days!
SELF IMPROVEMENT: Book a wardrobe consultation or a personal training session at the gym. Just be sure it's something your giftee has indicated interest in, so you don't cause offence!
AMUSEMENT PARKS: Season's pass, anyone?
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