We all have those people on our holiday list who already have everything and if they don’t, they usually can go out and buy it. Every holiday it is the same struggle. What do you buy for the person who already has it all? I have learned that the most thoughtful gifts are sometimes the ones that aren’t wrapped in a box but rather, in creating memories together.
Whether it is for the holidays or birthdays, the tough people on our list are usually the ones who are the most special, like parents and grandparents. They are also the ones who treasure the time spent together more than anyone. Here are some ideas for the experiences that may work for those tough to buy people on your holiday list this year.
Tickets to a Play
We recently bought tickets for my mom’s birthday to take her to Moulin Rouge. Since it seemed like the perfect girl’s night opportunity, we bought tickets for my sister and I along with our daughters. We planned the date and booked a dinner reservation prior to the show. With my niece off at college now, we knew my mom would really be looking forward to a special night all together. Not only was it a great show but it was the perfect way to catch up and enjoy some girl time. In fact, we already started planning our next show.
Concert Tickets
Even if the person they want to see isn’t coming into town for a few months, you can still print those tickets and package them up to give as a gift. It builds the excitement for the event to come and is the best way to surprise them too. If you really want to go big, you can add transportation or a hotel stay to make it a full experience.
Family Sports Event
Some of the best memories are made all together. If you can find a date that works for everyone, buying tickets to catch a local baseball, football or basketball game is always fun for everyone of all ages. We recently did this for my dad’s annual visit and it was the perfect way to spend an evening all together.
Amusement Park Day
A few years ago, my mom gifted everyone tickets to a local amusement park along with fun matching shirts (yes, we were that family). With enough pre-planning, we were able to find a date that worked for all and had such a great time.
Family Photo Day
We typically do this for my mom every couple of years when we were in need of an updated family photo. It is the best way to not only get everyone together and capture new photos but you can also plan either a picnic in the park afterwards or even brunch or lunch to extend the time together.
Brunch/Shopping Day
This is a common one but again, getting everyone together can not always be easy. Sunday brunch with the girls is always a great time and the perfect chance to extend the day with some shopping afterwards. Brunch with a spa day is always an alternative option as well.
Weekend Getaway
Sometimes a little weekend getaway or staycation can be just the escape they need. As much as we all say we will plan these, life gets in the way so why not take the reins and plan a fun weekend getaway for your parents or grandparents to explore some local sights and just enjoy some relaxation.
Hopefully this helps spark some ideas. In my family, there are 4 siblings so it always helps when we can go in together on these experiences and make them even bigger. I’m always looking for new creative ideas so feel free to share any of yours that have been successful. Happy holiday shopping friends!