Most of us have enough things. Ask people what they valued most from the last few birthdays or holidays, and they rarely mention an object. They remember a day out, a surprise visit, a letter that made them cry (the good kind). Here are gift ideas built on experiences, words and time.
Experiences
Experiences create memories, and memories last longer than most objects.
- Something they've always wanted to try: a cooking class, a pottery workshop, a hot-air balloon flight, a climbing session.
- Tickets: a concert, the theatre, a football match, a comedy night.
- A day out together: a trip to the seaside, a museum, a hike with a picnic.
- A course: a language, photography, wine, a musical instrument.
- A treat to relax: a spa day, a massage, a long lunch somewhere special.
Tip: add a date. "Pottery class, Saturday the 14th, I'll drive" is a much better gift than an open voucher that sits in a drawer.
Words
A few sincere sentences can be the most valuable present of all.
- A letter about what the person means to you, with specific memories.
- "Reasons we love you": a list from you, or from a whole group.
- A card signed by everyone who matters to them: family, old friends, colleagues, with stories and photos. A group e-card makes this easy even when people live far apart. Start one and share the link.
- A memory book: photos with captions from people who know them.
These cost little and mean a lot, especially for milestone birthdays, retirements and leaving days. See how to organise a group card.
Time
- A promise you'll keep: "A homemade dinner every month for a year."
- Practical help: babysitting for new parents, a day of gardening, help moving house.
- Teaching a skill you have: baking bread, fixing a bike, building a website.
- A standing date: a monthly walk, coffee or phone call with someone you don't see enough.
Giving together, as a group
Experiences are often better as a group gift: ten small contributions can become a weekend away or a special dinner. Pair it with a card from everyone, and the experience comes with the words that explain why.
- Agree on the experience.
- Collect contributions privately (see our group gift guide).
- Make a group card with a message from everyone, and include the gift's details in the first message.
- Deliver the card on the day, or open it together.
Gifts for different people
- For a busy parent: an afternoon of babysitting, or a meal delivery so they don't have to cook.
- For someone who's retiring: a class in the hobby they've been putting off, and a card full of thanks from everyone they've worked with.
- For a friend far away: a video call with everyone who misses them, and a group card they can open on the day.
- For a grandparent: a printed card with messages and photos from the whole family, so they have something to hold and show.
- For a colleague who's leaving: a farewell lunch, and a card where the whole team shares a favourite memory. See our leaving card messages.
How to present a gift that isn't a thing
An experience or a promise can feel abstract when it's unwrapped. Make it tangible:
- Write it out properly, with a date and the plan, on a card or in a group card's first message.
- Add a small token: a ticket printout, a recipe card for the cooking class, a map of the walk.
- Let everyone who contributed add a message, so the person knows who's behind it.
Why "no-stuff" gifts are better for the planet
Experiences, words and time create little or no waste. A digital card needs no paper or postage; and if the recipient wants something to keep, they can print it as a PDF (free during the beta).
Questions and answers
What's a good gift for someone who has everything?
An experience (a class, tickets, a day out) or words: a letter, or a card with messages and photos from everyone who cares about them.
Are experience gifts better than physical gifts?
Many people remember experiences longer than objects, and they create less waste. Adding a date and doing it together makes them even more meaningful.
How can a group give an experience gift?
Collect contributions privately, choose one experience, and pair it with a card signed by everyone that explains the gift.
Is a card enough of a gift on its own?
For many occasions, yes, especially a card full of personal messages and photos from a whole group. People often keep these for years.
