Experiences As Your Go-To Gift

We’re in the middle of autumn, but I can already smell Xmas. If I could skip the "pumpkin phase" I would, but until then I’ll be thinking about Christmas, and aside from the beauty of the season, I’ll be focusing on my gift list.

Every year I cut down my list but I I still have way too many lefts. For some, I transform into the Betty Crocker Boricua or an artisan, and I end up receiving smiles. For the rest of the people, I'm done with sweaters, bags or gadgets because I can’t handle the issue of sizes or taste, repeating myself with the previous year, or setting the bar too high and having it become a fuckin’ competition (pardon my French).

Now my gifts are experiences!

Depending on the person, their availability and level of adventure there are gift certificates to enjoy new culinary experiences or to taste and learn more about the fascinating world of wine or other spirits. If you are looking for something more active there are cooking and bartending classes. Need other options? Choose a dance class, arts & crafts, yoga, extreme sports, or even a helicopter ride.

It's the same as if you decide to rent some bicycles and get a drink. The goal is to take time; share, feel new emotions, and treasure unforgettable moments. Because being happy fits all!

And for the little ones? There is a rule of 4 gifts that I find spectacular: something to read, something to wear, something they need and something they want. You can go as big or as small as you like. There are gift certificates for indoor playgrounds, or cooking, painting, karate, tennis, swimming, dancing classes, etc. And there are other invaluable gifts like offering to babysit, spending an afternoon with the young one and enjoying one-on-one time and some ice cream.

Keep in mind, is the thought that counts and the person receiving the gift will be grateful that you thought about their tastes, and wants and gave them the gift of opportunity to cherish new emotions that in the end is what remains and we keep it in the hard drive of our heart.

Side dish: “Eres Tú” by Carla Morrison.