This is my favourite type of gift to receive. While material gifts are great to receive, I like to think that I can afford them myself. Maybe that’s just me and my independent ways, but over the years I realised I truly cherished those smaller more meaningful gifts. I haven’t had too many of those come my way but the one’s that have, have truly left a wonderful, fulfilling mark on my soul. Now, don’t judge me but I’ve always loved a good love letter or just a lil note. I feel far more special when I read those than looking at a bouquet of flowers that are about to die in no time. And, I really don’t enjoy perishable goods, they really sorta break my heart in a way.
I’m definitely not special in any way so I’m sure a lot of you prefer more meaningful presents. A present that reflects the thought and emotion that’s been put into it. So this blog is about to help a bunch of you that have no idea what to gift that special someone in your life. That special someone who definitely deserves to know how much you mean to them. If you need an idea for a special and unforgettable gift for a loved one, choose an experience instead of materials gifts. It’s true, experiences make us happier than physical gifts and this happiness tends to last longer.
Here’s a list of 18 intangible gifts to give your loved ones:
1) A spa day or spa membership
If you’re looking for an intangible gift for anybody, I bet you they will be most happy with a day full of pampering. Who doesn’t feel special with all these relaxing treatments being done to them? This is such a treat for working people who really never do anything nice for themselves.
2) Surprise trip
Nothing would make me happier than someone who went behind my back to get me time off from work. And then surprise me with a spontaneous trip. Also, if someone plans an itinerary just the way I like it would make me happy as hell. A little time away from the daily grind of life would make anyone feel alive again. It would also strengthen the relationship with your partner if you planned to travel with them.
3) Gift a subscription to a hobby class
The gift of the ability to learn something new will always be a great takeaway for anyone. It could be a subscription to a pottery class, a painting class, a class to learn a new language or even music. The work is your oyster at this point. Just figure out what is that one thing your loved one is dying to learn and gift it to them. Can you imagine the smile on their face when they realise you’ve been listening all along and care about their growth?
4) Visit to an amusement park
There’s a child in all of us that needs tending to from time to time. The best gift to indulge your inner child with is a trip to the amusement park. You’ll get all the adrenaline rush you need and come home feeling exhausted but fulfilled. Try this one, I promise you will not regret it.
5) Gift them music concert tickets
This is a brilliant idea for your music-loving friends, family and lover. A night of grooving and singing along with their favourite band would definitely make for an unforgettable experience.
6) An evening of tastings
This would be such a fun gift for someone who enjoys going to food and drink tastings. A very enjoyable evening of wine tasting, beer tasting or even cheese tasting. There’s a lot of options available to indulge in. If you know nothing about wine or cheese, do some light reading so you can entertain your loved one with fun trivia through the evening.
7) Stargazing or a trip to the planetarium
I’ve actually had the pleasure of doing this with my long time partner and love of my life Rishabh. It was New Year’s eve and we were just lazing about on the terrace of the bungalow we had booked. We had sleeping bags and bedsheets and candles and we’re hanging out with hot tea and our friends. It really was the most special memory for me till date and definitely one I’m going to remember for life. If you can’t find that starry sky in Mumbai then definitely take your loved one to the planetarium to enjoy a nice dark sky filled with all the stars. What a lovely gift, no?
8) Glamping or camping
This one is a tricky one because if you’re dealing with people who can’t spend the night in nature then this one’s a must skip. But if your loved one enjoys being one with nature then this gift will have them smiling ear to ear. Just take a spontaneous car ride across the city and enjoy a weekend of camping. With a bonfire and smores and the sound of crickets. It’s also the easiest way to catch a quick break.
9) Dinner at a fancy restaurant
Food definitely brings people together, not just lovers but family and friends too. Pick a place that everyone’s been dying to dine at or everyone’s favourite restaurant. Nothing get’s people talking like bonding over great food. Plus, it’s a great place to catch up and decompress from your work. Ultimately, this is a gift worth giving.
10) A handmade gift
This one’s a really sweet gift. Imagine waking up to breakfast in bed or just a nice lavish home-cooked meal all in your honour. Nothing screams love like baked goods, smiles sheepishly. Edible food arrangements are always a great idea when gifting food. Priceless, the look on their face when they realise your secret skills. If not a meal then anything you can craft for them would also be a lovely gift. It’s a great way to learn a new skill and expand your own range of knowledge.
11) A surprise party
If you haven’t done this for a loved one yet then you don’t know what you’re missing out on. Imagine them walking into a room full of their family and friends screaming surprise. Imagine you being the reason behind this excitement. Wouldn’t you feel on top of the world? Make sure you organise some party games, their favourite food and drinks. Don’t forget the cake.
12) A video from friends and family
This is the sweetest most thoughtful gift, also one for posterity. I would love to be an 80-year-old looking back at videos from all the people that love and loved me. I would be so touched. All you have to do is sneakily test all their friends and family and ask them to send in videos of them talking about your loved one. Find a few free apps to edit this video. Put it together and show it to them as a lovely surprise.
13) Restore a prized possession
Not sure if any of us have the skill to restore an old car but if you did then do it. If the gift is an old piece of jewellery or a watch find a way to restore this old possession. For me, I am dying to get my old I-pod to start working all over again but to no avail. This could also simply be all their favourite T-shirts turned into a quilt. Or a gemstone added to a new item of jewellery. You get my drift here though, right? Everyone enjoys feelings of nostalgia, so why not try to make the most of the emotion.
14) A scrapbook of memories
Scrapbooking is the real deal. You’ll find videos and videos on YouTube about how to indulge in this activity. especially if you have no idea about how to go about scrapbooking. It’s a great way to preserve memories and present it to your loved one as a gift. It is a great way to show someone how much they mean to you because scrapbooking is a time-consuming process.
15) Gift them a pet
OMG, OMG. I would cry, if someone gave me a puppy in a box, I would cry. There’s nothing I’ve wished for more than a puppy in a box. A pet would be the greatest gift ever. Of course, they would have to know that the person is ready to take on the care of this child.
16) Gift them house plants
You know what’s better than a bouquet of flowers, plants! Nothing calms people down like the green from plants and they circulate oxygen. Two birds one stone, say what! Plants are a really wonderful gift to give people. It means you believe them to be responsible and nurturing enough to care for a plant. This might even lead to the gardening skill and who knows you might end up with a beautiful garden in your home one year later.
17) A Netflix subscription
This is the perfect gift for any loved one. Need I say more or is this title self-explanatory? Give your loved one a year’s worth of monies to subscribe to Netflix or any other platform of their choice. Pretty sure they’d be beyond happy to stay home, all curled up in their blanket watching their favourite shows and movies.
18) A letter
This gift is one for everlasting joy. Most humans will say that they have a hard time expressing themselves openly. But what they don’t know or haven’t experienced is the joy of putting thoughts to paper. Anyone and everyone would appreciate a touching letter filled with anecdotes of their relationship. If you’re truly looking for that perfect intangible gift to give to your loved one then look no beyond a letter. Definitely a gift worth giving every few years though and not a regular feature.
What are some intangible gifts you’ve given a loved one? Let us know in the comments below.
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