As we enter the season of gift giving, consider giving experiential gifts as a more sustainable option that encourages more meaningful connections with the ones we love. Not only that, but one of the biggest advantages of experiential gifts is that they start garnering you happiness before they actually "happen," in the form of pleasant anticipation. Here are some of our top intentional gifts this season.
1. A LIttle zen
Meditation and breathing exercises are largely important when it comes to mental and physical health and self care (so needed right now!). Gifting a subscription like Headspace or Calm can allow the giftee to connect with themselves and practice new self care tools from the comfort of their own home.
2. CLEAN EATING MADE EASY
This is a great gift for someone who wants to start cooking healthy meals without the hassle. Subscriptions like Green Chef, which offsets 100% of its direct carbon emissions and plastic packaging in every box, allow you to choose the meals you want to make and they send you all your ingredients with instructions. Veestro, sends organic, plant-based meals that are pre-made and ready to heat up in the oven or microwave. For someone who may already know what they want, a FreshDirect gift card is a nice option to allow them to shop online and have groceries delivered to them.
3. FOR THE WINE AFICIONADOS
Rather than gifting a bottle of wine, consider a virtual wine tasting, like this one from Far Niente in Napa Valley, which practices organic farming and went solar in 2008. They are net-zero users of electricity, annually producing more energy than they consume. For another great option to discover and taste new wines, consider gifting a subscription to MYSA Wines, featuring natural wines from small producers, farmed sustainably, and made with minimal intervention. Look for traits like organic, biodynamic, native yeasts, unfiltered and vegan in most of their wines.
4. For the avid reader
Know someone who loves to read but never has enough time to sit down with a book? Gifting an audio book or a subscription is a great option to help them fulfill their reading goals. Listen at home or on the go, audio books are great gift. With thousands of different book options, your giftee will be sure to find something that they love.
5. SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE REBOOT
Know someone who needs a little help streamlining a cluttered closet and curating their wardrobe to reflect their unique style? THIRD LAW’s Wardrobe Refresh is a great personalized gift, featuring a one-hour private session to work on specific challenges and questions. Pair it with our Sustainable Fashion 101 workshop to bring their conscious closet to a new level. It’s a great alternative to gifting clothes so that they’ll maximize what they already own and minimize their impact on the planet.
6. THE GETAWAY
Airbnb is a great place to find vacation spots locally or out of town at great prices and most hosts are taking extra precautions for a Covid-safe experience. Not only could you gift an Airbnb gift card for a future vacation or getaway, but they can also take advantage of Airbnb experiences which include a variety of different activities you can do alone and virtually.
7. FOR the aspiring artist
Know someone who has an artistic side? The Art Studio provides one-off virtual lessons or ongoing weekly lessons on drawing, acrylic & watercolor painting, and more. You can buy a gift certificate in the amount you wish or gift an entire class.
8. FOR THE VIP
Cameo allows you to send personalized messages from your favorite celebrities. Choose from actors, musicians, athletes, and more! Sign up, send them a request, and they will have you a personalized video within a week!
9. FOR THE ASPIRING CHEF
Cooking classes are great experiences for those who love to cook and even for those who want to learn from the class. Sur La Table offers online cooking classes found here or you can look into your favorite local restaurants to see if they provide any virtual or small in-person lessons or classes.
10. FOR THE COSMICALLY CURIOUS
Debra Silverman is a popular astrologer and author offering live phone readings, couples astrology readings, and even intensive breakthroughs. Check out Debra’s free online workshop and downloadable guide book or learn more about her services. A perfect experiential gift for anyone wanting to gain more insights on their purpose and connection to the universe.
