The Holiday Season is approaching fast!

Categories

As the holiday season draws near, the pressure to find the “perfect” gift begins to mount. Storefronts gleam with glittering displays, online ads promise deals too good to pass up, and wish lists grow longer by the day. But in the hustle to wrap, click, and ship, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly makes this season special: connection, presence, and memory-making moments.

This year, consider a shift in tradition. Instead of adding to the growing piles of things, give something far more meaningful—experiences, shared time, and lasting memories.

Studies reveal that experiences bring longer-lasting happiness than material possessions. While the excitement of a new gadget or luxury item may fade, the joy of a shared adventure or treasured moment can linger for years. Memories become stories we tell, lessons we carry, and smiles that resurface on quiet days.

Here are a few meaningful alternatives to traditional gift-giving that focus on quality time and shared joy:

A Weekend Getaway: Plan a trip with a loved one to explore a new city, hike in nature, or simply relax together.
Workshop or Class: Gift a cooking class, photography workshop, or dance lesson—something that sparks creativity or curiosity.
A Local Adventure: Treat someone to a day of fun—tickets to a play, concert, or local museum, followed by a meal at a favorite restaurant.
Subscription Services: Choose a monthly book club, streaming service, or wellness box that matches their interests—experiences that keep giving all year long.
Your Time: Create a “coupon book” offering your time—babysitting, a home-cooked meal, a day of help with errands—for someone who could use extra support.

Thoughtfully chosen experiences don’t gather dust. They offer togetherness in place of excess, simplicity over stress, and depth instead of accumulation. And when the decorations are boxed away and the wrapping paper is recycled, it’s those shared laughs, spontaneous adventures, and quiet moments that remain.

So this holiday season, consider skipping the shopping cart and gifting an experience—big or small. Plan a day trip. Take a cookie-baking class together. Book tickets to a local play or concert. Whether it’s across the country or just across town, quality time beats quantity of stuff every time. And if you need help planning those adventures, remember we are here to help make memories that cannot be lost, stolen of forgotten.

If we're being honest—your Dad probably doesn’t actually want another tie!