As the holiday season draws near, many gift-givers are rethinking the traditional route of wrapping up gadgets or clothes. They’re turning instead to experience gifts, a growing trend that emphasizes creating memories over accumulating more stuff.

What Are Experience Gifts?

Experience gifts are non-material presents that offer the recipient a unique activity, event or service. These can range from cooking classes to spa days, travel and more. The goal is to give something memorable that can’t be contained in a box.

Why Experience Gifts Are Growing in Popularity

• They're personal. You can tailor the experience to your loved one’s preference.
• They reduce clutter. No more gifts taking up space after the novelty has worn off.
• You create lasting memories. Unlike material goods, experiences get retold as stories and shared moments.

Experience Gift Ideas:

For the Adventurer

• Indoor skydiving
• Ziplining
• Whitewater rafting

For the Foodie

• Cooking classes
• Wine tastings
• Dinner cruise
• Culinary tour

For the Homebody

• Virtual class subscription
• Home spa experience
• Homecooked special meal

For the Culture Lover

• Museum membership
• Opera or theatre tickets
• Cultural world heritage site tour

For Kids

• Zoo or aquarium passes
• Theme park tickets
• Movie theatre tickets
• "Yes" day on which they get to choose their own preferred activities

Experience gifts aren’t just a trend. They can be a meaningful way to show love, create joy and make holidays unforgettable for the important people in your life. Whether you’re gifting a glamping weekend, concert trip or mountain hike, you’re giving something beyond what money can buy: a memory.

This holiday season, take advantage of contactless payments. Enable quick, touchless pay by setting your Cadence Bank account with Mobile Wallet in your smartphone.

Sources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/14/the-top-gift-to-give-this-season-travel-if-you-can-figure-out-how.html
https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/personal-finance/memorable-holiday-gift-experiences
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sophielizacannon/2024/11/09/holiday-gift-guide-2024-the-best-experiential-travel-and-culture-gifts
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/18-sweet-experience-gift-ideas-190300809.html

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