With the gift-giving season upon us, many wonder what to get loved ones. The holidays can get very expensive and last year, holiday spending averaged more than $700 per gift-giver. Some research even shows that many people don’t keep the gifts that they receive, and some end up in debt after holiday spending. Those hours of time spent trying to find the perfect option can be very stressful, and the process of gift giving turns into a tiresome chore. The Christmas morning thrill of getting their most desired item often fades fast for kids. By dinner time, many have already forgotten about that shiny new toy that they wanted.
Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to find polite things to say about unwanted gifts? Or to not have to find storage for all of those things you didn’t really want anyway? If you are looking for ways to make the holiday more meaningful, take a look at some alternative gift options.
Family Trips
Experiences are often much more valuable in the long run, than a new video game or another doll. Take the family to a kid-friendly water park resort in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Dells offers tons of family-friendly fun all winter long. Or take the family for a Niagara Falls getaway where everyone can experience panoramic views of the falls they are sure to never forget.
Adventurous Experiences
Does your family love adventure? Treat them to an awesome experience. You can gift the golfer in your life to lessons with a pro. Or is your special someone confident they can fly a plane? Does your significant other dream of being a NASCAR driver? Give them the experience of racing. Any of these unique gifts is sure to create an experience of a lifetime for that special someone. It may be more expensive, but if it’s their only gift, you don’t have to worry about going to the store and waiting in lines. You don’t even have to go big with this one. Maybe for the kids, you can get a rec center pass or sign up for cheap swimming lessons at the local pool. There are many options for giving something that will keep on giving throughout the year.
Romantic Getaways
Take your sweetie for a romantic visit for two at Quebec’s Ice Hotel. Quebec’s Hôtel de Glace is nestled among snow-covered hills, like an icy castle in a fairy tale. The hotel’s columns and domes have been constructed from 30,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice. Ice and snow were used to carve the interior’s unique sculptures and sparkling chandeliers as well. The structure is as intricate as a snowflake and as fleeting. This makes a perfect gift over the winter holidays, as the hotel closes its doors by late March. By the time summer comes around, the hotel has completely melted. This one-of-a-kind experience is sure to create lasting memories.
If an ice hotel is not quite your thing, you can set sail from Miami on a cruise to the Bahamas. MSC Cruises offers stays aboard the MSC Divina, a luxury liner. This ship wows with a Broadway-sized theater, Swarovski crystal staircases, and an elegant Casino. These cruises can be found for as low as $199 per person.
Consider giving your loved ones the gift of an experience for the holidays this year. These are truly unique gifts they will not forget. Plus, spending quality time together is sure to enhance any relationship, and bring you all closer together. This year, clean out the junk drawer and the closet and try one of these amazing Christmas gift alternatives for a change.
