Searching for a perfect gift — whether for a person’s birthday or at this time of year, more likely than not for Christmas — is no easy feat.
If you’re ever having a hard time finding a present, consider for a moment that some of the best gifts do not necessarily come conveniently wrapped neatly in a box.
Research has actually indicated that providing someone with an opportunity to enjoy an experience — something completely new or fondly familiar — is in the long run far more meaningful to an individual.
“The thrill of purchasing things fades quickly but the joy and memories from experiences, from epic adventures to minute encounters, can last a lifetime,” reads a 2016 Forbes article, which cites studies completed at San Francisco State University.
Generally speaking, we are more likely to recollect pleasant memories and enjoy nostalgic strolls down memory lane than we are to reminisce about some product that within weeks ended up collecting dust on a shelf. Or in some cases perhaps even repackaged and unloaded onto someone else, maybe even donated to charity.
Despite the billions of dollars spent every year on holiday commercials that shamelessly strive to convince people their lives are empty or lacking without some new product, mindless consumerism is not what the spirit of Christmas is about.
Making memories carries far more weight in terms of finding fulfilment in life than continuing the accumulation of sweatshop-manufactured gizmos and pieces of plastic.
So if by any chance you’re coming up short of ideas, perhaps consider any of the following options: tickets to a Peak Theatre Players production; a pass for several sessions of public skating at the Sundre Arena; tickets for the annual Sundre Music Series; a pass or perhaps swimming lessons at the Aquaplex; a special spa or massage treatment at a local business; golf lessons or a day on the greens at either of the stellar local courses; try out an art class at a local gallery; or perhaps even a gift card to enjoy supper at one of Sundre’s fine establishments with friends and family.
That list was conjured up in a matter of minutes, and undoubtedly unwittingly neglected to include other possibilities.
But the point is there are any number of local options to help someone on your list enjoy an experience they’ll cherish as opposed to a product they’ll initially be pleased with before it becomes obsolete, outdated, and in storage.
— Simon Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
