Gift experiences, not things

WBC

In this consumeristic society, we are often motivated to just buy things, things, things! Even if we don’t truly need them. This is more apparent when the holidays roll around. Sure, you can gift your loved ones things that they may need and use, but often these things end up being thrown out down the track, need to be upgraded or simply break. One thing that doesn’t break, need upgrading and can’t be thrown out are experiences. Read on to find out some of the best experiences to gift your family and friends during this festive period.

Hot springs, bathing houses or spa packages

Always a favourite to receive (I have gotten my fair share of hot springs gift certificates in my time), a voucher to relax, reset and indulge at a hot springs or spa is hard to get wrong. The Peninsula Hot Springs and Metung Hot Springs both have gifting options to share the hot springs experience with your loved ones. For those Sydney-side, the Blue Mountains’ Japanese Bathhouse features spa treatments, a traditional tea house and plenty of bathing options that steep in the tradition of Japanese bathing. Make it a weekend venture with beautiful on-site accommodation and treat your guest to all-day bathing and a 60-minute massage.

Pottery classes

Instead of gifting your best friend ANOTHER mug with a silly slogan, how about you make one together? There are plenty of pottery or ceramics classes on offer all around Australia, run by experienced pottery teachers. You can get the satisfaction from making something with your own hands that you love, and enjoy the experience with others. It’s also an excellent way to support a local business, and get in touch with your creative side. Some suggestions include the Slow Clay Centre in Collingwood VIC, Wheelhouse Studio in South Melbourne, The Ceramic Studio in Indooroopilly QLD, Canberra Potters in Watson ACT, Clayground in Rosebery and Bondi NSW. Have a look online, there is sure to be a studio near you!

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Give the gift of comedy this year! For the comedy-lovers in your life, gift them a voucher to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest comedy festival, and let them pick the show of their choice. There is a plethora of shows that have already been announced, with many more set to be before the festival begins in March next year. Some suggestions include Deadly Funny, The Great Debate, The Comedy Allstars Supershow and The Gala, but there is sure to be a comedian to suit any tastes. Comedy is subjective after all!

Cooking classes

Have you been meaning to flex your culinary brain this year but stuck to the same five recipes you make over and over again? Why not gift yourself and a friend a spot at a cooking class? There are plenty of options for cooks and diets of all kinds. Check out this Vegan Thai Cooking Class at the Sydney Cooking School, this unique (and vegan!) Jelly Art Class for Beginners in Altona Victoria, or a Baking Class in Adelaide. The sky’s the limit when it comes to cooking classes around Australia, making it the perfect gift for the foodie in your life.

Gift your loved ones an experience they’ll never forget this year, help support Aussie businesses at the same time, and reduce the amount of “stuff” you’re purchasing and gifting in 2022.

By Sarah Panther