Before you are tempted to buy a physical present for your loved one this year, consider giving the gift of memories. Material gifts are a one-time moment and although your giving is meaningful, gift experiences can be so much more special. Gift experiences are not only fun, but they create lasting memories. If you’d like to give experience over material items this year but need some ideas, keep reading. We’ve compiled a list of local experience ideas that are exciting and memorable without adding clutter to the giftee’s living space.

Consider a Stub Hub gift card. Perhaps there is a play coming that your loved one has been dying to see, or what if their favorite band is on tour and their city is next. Did their sports team make it to the finals? Give them an experience they will never forget.

 “Here is a Stub Hub gift card to go towards any ticket you want, Merry Christmas!”

Rent a local Airbnb. There is nothing wrong with vacationing in the same town where you live. Maybe you live in a small home with not many amenities, and you’d like to stay somewhere a little more luxurious and dive into a swimming pool for a few days. Do you know someone who likes to fish? Kayak? Renting a local waterfront home may be the perfect getaway for the family or a group of your friends.

Did you know that there is a cool Harry Potter Airbnb right here in Augusta? What a perfect gift for Hogwarts fans.

Renting a local Airbnb has its perks, you don’t have to worry about gas cost or renting a car and if you forget luggage – you can just run home and get it.

Crafty gifts are fun. While your recipient is sure to love their finished creation, the crafting experience alone is a gift.

Does your special person like candles? What about scent sprays, bath scrubs or wax melts? Visit Augusta Candle and give someone the experience of creating their own scented candle by allowing them to choose and blend their favorite fragrances.

Consider ceramic painting for a fun crafty gift. Artsy Me is a ceramic and art studio that allows guests to be an artist. No appointments are needed for ceramic painting or glass fusion.

Treat your loved one to a salt cave spa. Pamper your loved one by purchasing a gift card at Sol Cave & Spa. A salt cave provides a whole different experience than a traditional massage spa. Dry Salt Therapy, also known as halotherapy, helps ease any symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Simply lounge in a Himalayan salt cave, close your eyes and listen quietly to the soft music and water flow in a rich mineral-saturated air. Salt caves can also offer relief to those who suffer from allergies and sinus infections. Now, that is a great gift!

Give an experience that strengthens relationships with physical activity.  Beat them with a couple of rounds of top golf or putt-putt; Strike’em out in a competitive game of bowling; Have a date night or a family fun outing in an escape room. These activities will not only guarantee laughs but will create lasting memories.

Rent your driver a Slingshot. Did you know you can rent a Polaris Slingshot? What a fun way to cruise town while your hair blows in the wind. If your person likes attention, this is the gift for them – people will stare, so dress accordingly.

Experiences can be more valuable than physical gifts because they create lasting memories. It’s the perfect gift for someone who is hard to shop for or someone who has everything. Experiences are often educational, allowing the giftee to learn and try something new. Once more, the gift of an experience can be shared allowing you are your loved one to bond and strengthen the relationship.