The Best Gifts I’ve Ever Received

With the holidays approaching, gift giving is definitely on my mind. I’m excited that this year my family decided amongst the adults to just draw names and give one gift.

I’m pumped not only because it’ll be a nice break for my wallet. (I’ve already spent over $400 on a plane ticket) But also because it allows me to focus on making that one gift great. More on that later. I titled this post; The Best Gifts I’ve Ever Received, not to brag but to demonstrate a point.

The Best Gifts I’ve Received Were Experiences

In my family, every seventh birthday means a trip of your choice (so 7th, 14th, and 21st(Vegas) it stops after that). For my older sister’s 7th birthday we went to Disneyland. My 7th we went to Knotts Berry Farm. For my brother’s 7th we went to a water park.

For our 14th birthdays, we got to bring a couple of friends along for the day trip. My sister again (I think) chose Disneyland. I honestly don’t remember about my brother’s 14th. Just before my 14th birthday, we’d gone on a huge family cross-country road trip, due to its cost my parents explained that a big 14th birthday trip for me wouldn’t be possible.

Not giving up on the idea entirely, instead of some theme park, I asked to go to the Getty Museum (art museums are my happy place). Since admission was free; parking was less than $20, and it was a day trip only requiring buying some lunch. They agreed and I got to take some friends along, we had a blast.

Experiences >Material Things

My point is that great gifts don’t have to cost much. The best gifts I’ve received have involved some kind of experience with people I love.

I remember the memories of the Groupon glass blowing and kayaking with my parents. Or that time my sister had to go on a scavenger hunt for her gifts.

I remember those experiences far more than the N*SYNC Christmas album I got when I was a kid (j/k, I still have it and play it every year, N*SYNC 4eva), or what my sister even got on that scavenger hunt for her gifts.

So this year I’m really excited about the gift I’m giving because while it will be small, it will be an experience. It will take some time to put together, but hopefully not a lot of money.

It will involve making lots of stuff, but you know I love that kind of thing. I’d give you guys more details, but my family now knows about my blog, and well, the gift is for one of them. The surprise is meant to be part of the experience. 🙂

Wrapping it Up with a Bow on Top

Do me a favor and before you go spending tons of money on gifts, see if you can spend a little less on a memorable experience instead. I’m happy that I will be spending the weekend working on making one of the best gifts possible, on a budget. 😉

What are some of the best gifts you’ve gotten or given? How do you plan to save on gifts this year? Let me know in the comments!