It can be hard trying to find the perfect gift for someone. And sometimes, when you get it wrong, they are put aside, or even worse, thrown out. Non materialistic gifts give recipients the opportunity to capture a memory, or an experience, which often means more to them as extra thought has gone into curating the gift.
Experience gifts are great zero waste treats for friends and loved ones and can be given at any time of the year. They are eco-friendly too. Non material gift ideas which include experience days, creative or nature pursuits, or courses, don’t need to be produced or manufactured in the physical sense. They don’t need to be wrapped in packaging, and they don’t require being shipped across the country to be delivered, thus, creating zero waste and lowering carbon emissions too!
There are abundant free gift ideas, at home experience gifts, adventure gifts and more to be discovered online, but to make things easier, we have compiled a list of 10 non-materialistic gift ideas below to spark some inspiration!
*** #1 - A Spa Day ***
A day at the spa will always be a hit for any non-materialistic Christmas present. If you’re looking to give an experience gift, look no further. Deep tissue massages, a little sauna time and a mani-pedi are just a few of the many treats that await you inside this mini version of heaven. This gift is perfect for those loved ones who haven’t had a day to themselves all year (okay mom, you caught me, this one’s for you).
No gift guide is complete without some at-home spa options, too.
*** #2 - Something To Consume ***
One word: food. I don’t know about you, but as an always-hungry college student, food has become the only way to my heart. Skip gifting the dry fruit cake this year and really splurge on something mouthwatering and special. Edible food arrangements are always a good route when gifting food. Order a candy arrangement for your little brother or quality chocolate display for that special someone who calls themselves a foodie. This gift may not last long, but if you pick the right treat, it’ll mean more to them than any high-tech hoverboard ever would.
*** #3 Concert Tickets ***
What’s better than a vinyl or subscription to Spotify or iTunes? Seeing the real deal in person. Depending on the artist or group and the seating, this gift can range from $20 to over $100. This gift will make the avid music fan or virgin concert-goer flip, even if you can’t gift them the physical band members themselves. “A concert is an invaluable experience and it means a lot when you see an artist live because it always makes me like the music even more. It’s better than a tangible thing because it’s a memory I will have forever,” said University of Miami sophom*ore Danielle Glassman.
*** #4 - A Photo Album ***
In this digital age, you won’t even have to foot the cost of paper and prints. A nicely designed digital photo album can stick around forever and remind you of good times. You can customize the photo album to their liking and add all the photos that you look good in. You could buy them a digital photo frame that people can email pictures to whenever they want (this one’s perfect for Grandma and Grandpa). You could even make a themed album. Whether it’s funny AF or only cringe pics from younger years, you can reminisce about the good ole days.
*** #5 - A Cooking Class ***
Nothing is better than some #delicious food – and better yet, food that you made yourself. Your gift can help create the next Chopped champion. Not only can they perfect their cooking game, but you’ll cover the cost. Think of it as an investment in delicious meals for the two of you for life. “I think [a cooking class] would be cool. I can learn something new that I can use the rest of my life,” said Temple University sophom*ore Keith Hudock.
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*** #6 - A Painting Class ***
Natural artists come few and far between but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from art forever. A painting class can teach someone techniques they’ve never been able to master. If they know they can’t do anything more than stick figures, this gift gives them a fun night out. “I think I’d like [a painting class] because it’s different and personal and allows me to exercise a different part of my brain,” said SUNY New Paltz junior Isabel Speight.
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*** #7 - ***
Not the best at gift-giving but want to find some cool AF presents for the special peeps in your life? A subscription box shows them that you know what they like and want to constantly surprise them. From FabFitFun, for the fit and stylish friend in your life, to Loot Crate, for the geek or gamer that’s near and dear to your heart, these boxes can never go wrong. “If I got an Ipsy box as a subscription, I would love it because I always wanted to try it … I would definitely use the products monthly and send pics to whoever got it for me,” said Temple University sophom*ore Alexis Culp.
*** #8 - Wine Tasting ***
Treat you and your gal pals to a wine tasting and act sophisticated for an hour or two. Pretend like you’re on The Real Housewives and that you actually know what you’re talking about when you taste the wine. We all know in reality you’re actually just Michael from The Office: “This is a white.” Take a sniff, what’s that smell? This makes a great bonding experience for you and your friends or partner because neither of you actually know anything about wine, you’re just there for the free samples.
*** #9 - Dinner Date ***
Food brings people together, so whether you want to treat your partner, friends or even your parents, take them to a nice dinner (on you of course). Check out that new place everyone’s been dying to try. Or head to your favorite go-to restaurant for a meal you know everyone will love. At dinner you won’t only dine on amazing food, you can catch up with your loved ones and decompress from the stress of the holidays.
*** #10 - Baked Goods ***
Nothing says love like homemade cookies. Or brownies. Or cupcakes. Or cake. You get the idea. Bake your loved ones their favorite dessert. They might hate you for making them break their diet, but you know they’ll love it anyway. So, roll up those sleeves, grab your flour and get to baking. Also, don’t forget the secret ingredient—love.
If you’re loved one likes to bake themselves, consider buying them a new recipe book full of special treats. Maybe you’ll get lucky and they’ll let you be their taste tester. One can dream.
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