The latest fashion in Christmas gifts won’t require the space of carry-on luggage nor increase the weight of checked bags.
Rather than giving holidaymakers new gear for travel—electronics organizers, Yeti thermoses, yet another airplane pillow—some are giving travel itself.
The study that included more than 1,000 Americans by computer company Adobe, revealed that although five percent of the respondents intend to buy gifts in the physical form this time, 17 percent are planning to gift “an experience” instead.
Survey respondents cited spa treatments (25 percent) and concert tickets (25 percent) most often, while others said they planned to give plane tickets (21 percent) and cooking classes (16 percent) as gifts.
“Experience gifting”—as it is known—isn’t new. But it’s finding traction this holiday season as a push for minimalist packing converges with a pandemic that has made travel a top priority for many in 2022.
Migle Rakauskaite, the chief marketing manager of the travel experience site Tinggly.com, said the pandemic is causing more travel purchases as gifts.
“Gifting traditions are changing,” she added. “People are putting more emphasis on spending time with their loved ones and spending time doing something meaningful. Experience gifts are much better than regular “stuff.'”
Most importantly, the recipients, not the consumers, can select their individual experiences at a date that suits their timetables.
Those who prefer vacations in the great outdoors can receive travel gifts booked through Campspot.
The site is akin to an Airbnb for outdoor enthusiasts that connect guests with campgrounds, RV Parks, as well as ranches and rustic resorts, most of which are priced less than $50 for a night.
Another option for owners of RVs is a gift membership with Harvest Hosts. Memberships cost $99 per year and allow parking for overnight stays, with no additional charges, to more than 2,700 spots throughout North America. These spots aren’t as well-known and are less crowded, according to the website. They include organic farms, wineries, and museums.
According to a representative of the company, for just $40, more RV owners can park their RVs on a variety of golf courses across the continent.
I’ve noticed a fantastic shift in the way people are choosing to give gifts these days. It’s thrilling to consider the opportunity to offer unique and personalized experiences, such as hot air balloon rides, wine tasting tours, or even virtual reality gaming sessions. These gifts have the potential to create lasting memories and strengthen relationships, making them a thoughtful choice for any occasion.