Experiential gifts are growing in popularity because they provide memories long after a physical item is outgrown or forgotten in a cupboard or drawer. Experiences are something your grandkids can participate in, engaging their curiosities and senses. For example, you could give the excitement of attending a concert, the satisfaction of learning to ice skate or the fun of a day at an amusement park.
These gifts are tailored to the recipient's interests and help them broaden horizons or try something new. If your grandchildren live near Bethesda Gardens Loveland, the gift could be something you share together, like painting lessons or an evening at the Rialto Theater. But it could also be something they try on their own or with friends.
Finally, experience gifts reduce clutter and save you time. You don't have to spend hours shopping, wrapping gifts and shipping bulky boxes.
Here are tips to help you choose an experience for your grandchildren, whether they live nearby in Colorado or across the country.
The best experience gifts consider the recipient's interests. What does your grandchild like to do? Are they passionate about music, theater, sports or nature? Think about what they enjoy or appreciate and brainstorm relevant ideas.
Experience gifts fall into a few categories:
The internet makes it easy to research gifts from the comfort of your assisted living apartment. If you know what you want to give — such as an annual pass to an art gallery — head to the organization's website to purchase tickets and memberships online. Local tourism websites also offer a wealth of ideas for activities if you're not familiar with the place your grandchildren live.
The following websites are helpful for digging up ideas by location:
It's always fun to surprise a recipient, especially if you know for certain they'll enjoy the experience. Gifts such as a spa day or high tea at an upscale hotel are likely appreciated by all, but in some cases, you might want to vet the gift. Your grandchild might not be available on a certain date to attend a hockey game or might be unsure about skydiving out of an airplane.
Gift cards are a flexible compromise. For example, you could give a Groupon gift card and explain what you intend it for, but the recipient could choose a different activity that might be a better match for their interests. Similarly, a gift card to a local theater lets your grandkids choose which production they want to see and when.
Experience gifts should be hassle-free for the recipient, so think about what they need to take part. If you're gifting snowboarding lessons for a child at Loveland Ski Area, do they have the necessary equipment, or does it require a financial investment? You'll also want to make sure their parents are on board and can get them to and from the lessons. A family vacation or stay at an Airbnb is a wonderful experience gift but requires advanced planning to make sure everyone has time off work and school.
Now the fun part — wrapping the gift for your loved ones. Print tickets, gift cards or memberships you purchased online and write a personalized note describing the present. Tuck the printouts in a card or box along with information the recipient needs. You could include a small item to create a theme: Give some sheet music with the gift of piano lessons or a T-shirt with the logo of a sports team to wear to a game.
After your grandchildren enjoy their experience, arrange a video call or invite them to drop by your assisted living apartment so you can hear what a wonderful time they had. Ask them to share photos or videos of the activity and tell you about their favorite moments. They can relive the excitement of the event and share highlights with you.
