Why Experiences are Better Than Gifts for Your Parents?
If you want to make someone happy then spend money on an experience instead of buying material stuff. This is the latest mantra and there are several reasons for this. Material gifts bring excitement maybe for a few seconds or days and the happiness quickly fades away. However, experiences lead to happiness as they are unique and you cannot compare them to material goods. Experiences last longer and help build relationships. Although such gifts are likely to be a tad expensive as compared to buying a physical gift, it’s still worth it. Moreover, you are choosing these gifts for people whom you love and care about. These memories and experiences will grow fonder with time. So, spend some time, do proper planning and give thoughtful experiences to your loved ones that they have never dreamt of.
Benefits of Experience Gifts
Experiences are indulged with a close member of the family or a friend. This way, you would be spending quality time and making memories to last a lifetime. There is no doubt that memories are more valuable than physical gifts as it gives you happiness and it is an irreplaceable gift.
2. Ensures Great Bonding and Connection
Experience gifts are usually enjoyed in pairs or groups, which is what makes it so exciting. This way, you would be building memories with it. Material gifts are enjoyed individually while experiences are shared with others which contributes to our satisfaction. If you are feeling distant from someone then such experiences can bring you together again.
An experience gift is unique as every adventure or experience is completely individual. Even though others may have been gifted a similar opportunity, it’s the individual’s personality that makes the experience different for different people.
Unique Experience Gifts for Parents Anniversary
Hot Air Balloning in Rajasthan
Rising smoothly towards the clouds, travelling where the wind takes you – does this seem like a dream? Well, it can be a reality with Hot Air Balloon Ride. If you are looking for an unparalleled experience gift for your parents then there is nothing closer to the impressive Hot Air Ballooning in Rajasthan. The ride is a unique blend of serenity and exhilaration. The breath-taking views, landmarks, holy lakes, and temples that you witness as you take to the blue skies is an experience to cherish lifelong. The Pushkar Fair Hot Air Ballooning will cost about Rs. 15,000 per person and the ride will give you a glimpse of the beautiful Pushkar as you drift slowly in the air. The Jaipur city hot air balloon ride will cost you about 8,500 per person which gives you an unforgettable view of grand palaces, forts, desert lands and lakes. There are morning and evening batch that you can choose according to your convenience.
Pottery Making in Andretta, Himachal Pradesh
The tactile experience of pottery making can be therapeutic and meditative in nature. It regulates your breathing and your stress level comes down naturally as your body and mind is encased in the creative world of making pottery. The repetitive motion of spinning, moulding and shaping will soothe your mind and you will leave behind the worries and thoughts of everyday life as you immerse deeply in this artistic process. If you are looking for an experience gift where your parents can laugh, share, talk and explore a non-judgemental environment then a Pottery Workshop in Andretta Village in Himachal Pradesh would be apt. Andretta is about 229 km from Amritsar. Besides pottery, you can enjoy mountain walks, terracotta museum, art gallery, etc. A short stay will cost about Rs. 1,500 per day while a one-month and 3-month course duration is about Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 90,000 respectively.
Tree House Hideaway, Madhya Pradesh
Growing up every kid’s dream is to live in a treehouse. Suspended on trees, canopied by lush green branches with mesmerizing views below, a quaint treehouse is so much wistful than a regular house. Even into adulthood many of us would love to escape from the hustle and bustle of busy lives into a quaint place close to nature. If you want your parents to experience the fantasy of living in a lofty treehouse then Tree House Hideaway in Madhya Pradesh would be the best experience gift for them. Spread over a vast area of 21 acres, the property promises to offer you undisturbed intimacy of Tree Houses or an exciting venture into the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Each treehouse has attached bathrooms with hot water, AC’s, mini bar and other essentials. The elegant treehouses are a unique blend of traditional jungle living and the contemporary world with all eco essentials. They have different Jungle Plan Package Options that ranges from Rs. 19,000 to 36,000 per night.
Scuba diving is one of the unique and thrilling experiences that one must enjoy at least once in their lifetime. If you want to give this opportunity to your parents, then Scuba Diving in Andaman would be an unparalleled and remarkable experience gift. The scuba diving Havelock, Andaman is open all through the year. A ferry takes you to this beautiful island from Port Blair. The peak season is from December to May when the visibility is the best. A majority of our planet is beneath the water that is waiting to be discovered and explored and scuba diving is the most exciting way to admire the beautify of the world beneath the ocean. They have different package options for beginners, certified divers and non-divers (2 to 7 nights). The package starts from Rs. 10,000 to goes up to Rs. 36,500.
Luxurious Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort
A retreat at a wellness spa will definitely help anyone unplug and regain their metaphorical and literal balance. Located in the abode of Ayurveda, Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort is an award-winning retreat in Kerala that combines the healing experience of ancient and authentic Ayurveda treatment, pranic healing, naturopathy and yoga classes. The Ayurveda retreat will align the physical, mental and emotional health under the guidance of experts. It is one of the best spas located in the beautiful natural locations of Kerala. Spread over a vast area of 25 acres, it provides the solace of the natural environment to your parents. A stay at the exquisitely designed villas and savouring delicacies of pan India at the resort is truly an experience of a lifetime. This wellness resort would be the most opulent way to wind down for your parents. The wellness resort offers a range of programmes such as Stress Management, Weight Loss, Detox, Anti-Ageing, Rejuvenation etc. They have 7 nights, 14 nights and 21 nights programme with accommodation provided in deluxe or poolside luxurious villas. The price depends on the package you opt for and can range from Rs. 2,50,000 to Rs. 15,72,000.
Luxury Yatching Experience in Goa
Goa is one of the popular beach destinations that is known for its nightlife, adventure sports, partying etc. However, not many explore yachting in Goa. Often yachting is considered as a luxurious hobby of the elite few, but it is just a myth as this leisure activity is made accessible to even a common man in this beautiful state. If your parents love solace, beautiful coastline and intimate experiences then yachting in Goa would be the apt experience gift that provides an exhilarating escapade with a unique perspective. They can enjoy a fishing session or spend some romantic time together. Sailing is also a great way to experience freedom leaving behind the stress, confusion and noise for a day. Sailing is relaxing and there is no doubt that it will bring happiness to your parents’ life. So, book a sailing vacation for your parents right away! The rates for hiring boats are seasonal and during peak season surcharge is also levied. The price depends on the type of boat you choose and the number of passengers. The price can start from Rs. 12,000 per hour.
A photography workshop is for those who are interested in photography, where one can learn, observe and discuss their ideas with experts in the field. This is an opportunity to gather tremendous knowledge and experience that is not possible to acquire elsewhere. Attending such workshops is beneficial for both professionals and amateurs. If your parents love photography but were not able to pursue this hobby all these years, then its time for them to attend a photography workshop. These photography workshops are sure to change the way they look at the world around them. Stopsoflight.com organizes photography workshops, expeditions and tours in India. These workshops are organized in small groups, one of the reasons to sign up for their workshop.
These days, we look for better experiences and farm stays in India give a personal touch and intimacy to holidays. If your parents love the idea of staying away for a few days from busy city life and create intimate and personal memories then a farm stay would be a perfect getaway. It is definitely a holiday experience with a difference. Acres Wild in Coonoor, Nilgiris is a farm stay surrounded by lush green meadows, orchards, beautiful gardens and pine groves. This is an organic cheese-making farm whose goal is to lead a self-sustaining and holistic lifestyle and this unique experience is shared with visitors. They have different accommodation options such as Colby Cottage, Cheddar House and Haloumi House. The cost of staying in these cottages range from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 7,000 per night.
Experience Gifts in Mumbai
Sprawling vineyards, spectacular scenery, rolling hills, serene lake and distinguished wine culture seems like an idyllic escape for your parents then Sula vineyards near Mumbai would be the perfect experience gift. Located in Nasik about 170 km from Mumbai, Sula vineyard is a top-notch winery that is spread over 35-acres. A guided tour will help you make the most of your time in this splendid natural setting. A peek into the process of winemaking and tasting room are the major attractions here. The SulaFest held every year is a popular vineyard music festival in the country that makes your weekend interesting with music, gourmet food, delectable wines and loveliest merchandise. It’s a hot weekend destination, especially for wine lovers. A visit to these vineyards will be an offbeat and unique experience for your parents. The private tour for two is about Rs. 2,120 which includes a guided tour of the wine cellar, vineyards, wine and cheese tasting on the balcony overlooking the beautiful vineyards. The tour is for about 90 minutes. If you decide to stay back to enjoy the serenity of the place then there are luxury vineyard properties – Skyvilla and The Source at Sula.
Romantic Dinner on a Boat
If you are looking for an exceptional place for dinner for your parents, then dinner on a boat in the midst of alluring the Arabian Sea would be a wonderful experience gift. Once you arrive at the Gateway of India, the sail sets off in a luxury boat for about 2 hours. The menu for dinner can be customized. If wine, dine and dance is the plan for your parents, then this boat ride is a way to go where they can relax in style. The price for this romantic dinner date is about Rs. 17,900.
Experience Gifts in Delhi
If you want to give a completely new luxurious experience and private time to your parents then pamper them with Umrao’s Grand Cabana Date. The special date in a magical glass cabana setting with gorgeous flowers, balloons, cakes, and a 4-course meal would be a one of kind experience. A besuited chauffeur drives you to and from the venue in a luxury vehicle. Plan a beautiful experience with this mesmerizing dinner date at the Umrao for Rs. 22,500.
Glamping or Glamourous camping is one of the travel trends that is catching up in India. Luxury tent camps are set up in various parts of the country from farms, beaches, mountains to deserts. The Sariska Tiger Reserve is a unique camping site located near Delhi at about 180 kilometres. The Sariska Wildlife camps are truly enchanting and perfect for those who want to experience nature - up, close and personal. These modern tents are equipped with all the facilities and give the much-needed solitude. A great way to spend time with a loved one. The luxury tent house starts from Rs. 7,000 per room.
Related Idea: All That You Need to Know While Buying Experience Buying Gift for Your Parents?
Gift ideas, especially for parents, can be difficult, but not impossible. You can get something for them with real value that they can cherish life-long. Just keep few things in mind while buying gifts for them. We all want to surprise our parents with an unexpected gift. However, this is just momentary, so favour something that has long term value. Also, avoid buying things that remind them of their age. Parents love to spend time with their children, so make time for them which would a meaningful gift. So, look for gifts that give them pleasure and unparalleled experience that they can treasure for long.
Writer
Malathi
Malathi is a freelance content writer offering blogging, ghost-writing, and copywriting services. In addition to developing digital marketing content, she maintains niche websites related to kids, parenting, and pregnancy. Malathi's works have been featured on several prominent blogs and websites. When she is not writing, you will find her exploring exotic locales on our beautiful planet.