Spa day or massage voucher
An afternoon where nothing is asked of them; especially for new parents and carers.
Experience Gift Ideas
Experience gifts create memories instead of clutter, and research by Cornell psychologist Thomas Gilovich and colleagues suggests people often get more lasting happiness from experiences than from things.
12 ideas to start from
Make it personal
Lists are a starting point. Tell the generator one or two things about this particular person and get ideas no list would include.
Tips for choosing
- Book a date together, or give flexible vouchers.
- Wrap something physical that hints at the experience.
- Check the person's calendar before booking fixed-date events.
New to this? Our guide to choosing a gift explains why recipients and givers judge gifts differently.
Questions
Are experiences better gifts than things?
Research led by Thomas Gilovich (Cornell) and a 2017 study by Cindy Chan and Cassie Mogilner found experiential gifts tend to strengthen relationships more than material ones.
How do you wrap an experience gift?
Print the booking, pair it with a related small item (a map for a trip, a mini pan for a cooking class) and wrap that.