The Gift of Experiences

This past month I was hired by a tech organization here in Berlin to design an experience as a gift of appreciation for their most valued clients, the ones who brought in the most referral business, and who were the most consistent and enthusiastic advocates for the work they are doing. While most events geared toward executives are about accomplishment and progress, this event was designed to spark wonder.

This core group each received a mysterious invitation in the mail to an event called Beneath the Surface with nothing but a time and a location and a promise it would be worthwhile. Guests arrived at a looming bunker with no signage outside. When they entered they were welcomed with the warm scent of amber and were each handed a lava stone with no other explanation than to keep it with them, feel its texture in their hand to ground them and stay present throughout the experience.

They were taken on an exclusive tour of the Boros Collection, a private collection of contemporary art housed in a converted bunker. Afterwards, they walked together to dinner in the Vault, a private wine cellar beneath an exclusive restaurant. As they entered the space, filled with cinematic orchestral music by Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds, they were invited to drop their stones together in a glass vessel, creating a shared circle of intimacy and immediacy. The menu was printed with conversation questions as an invitation to go deeper with each course—labeled The Surface, The Current, The Depths. They answered questions such as “If you were a great artist, what elements would you like to bring out in a portrait of someone else at this table?” sparking stories and building connections.

As the evening came to a close, guests were each handed a small velvet pouch containing their lava stone, which had now been infused with a few drops of amber essential oil, the evening’s signature scent, along with a small vial of it and a personalized question for reflection. They were invited to continue this ritual at home, using the stone as a sensory anchor to go deeper within themselves. Guests left moved, connected, and gratified, and it was such a special way to express their appreciation that was not a branded paperweight they’ll never use.

You probably already know this intuitively, but statistics and research consistently show that experiences (travel, concerts, dining) bring more lasting happiness than things (gadgets, clothes) because memories of experiences last longer, foster identity, and strengthen social bonds, with studies showing higher momentary and long-term well-being from experiences over things.

For my birthday last month a group of my friends got together and bought me a course on crafting high quality olive oil from fruit to table, which is one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received and I’ve been really enjoying it these last weeks. (In case you don’t know, I own a small olive farm in Spain.)

If, like me, you feel kinda worn out by the consumerism this time of year and want to celebrate the holidays with more presence, heart, and intention, here are a few ideas of heartfelt experiences that would make incredible gifts for friends and loved ones. Experiences you can share together, connect more deeply, and avoid putting more money in Jeff Bezo’s pockets this year. ;)

Here are ten experience-based gift ideas that feel thoughtful, memorable, and easy to adapt to different budgets.

1. A personalized ritual you create for them
   Similar to the above you can get a lava stone or other lovely diffuser and a custom blended essential oil along with a journal or meditation prompts for the recipient to create a moment of calm or reflection.

2. A private or group workshop together
   Support a local creative with a private workshop in something hands-on like ceramics, floral design, calligraphy, woodworking, or chocolate making. Or join a group workshops such as dance lessons, a cooking class, tennis, or archery. The shared learning experience creates connection and stories.

3. A “choose your own adventure” day
   Pre-plan a day built entirely around their preferences. You hand them a little envelope with choices at each step so the day unfolds playfully and with surprise.

4. A curated at-home tasting experience
   Partner with a sommelier, mixologist, or local producer to create a guided tasting (wine, olive oil, chocolate, tea) either in person or over video or create it yourself.

5. A storytelling or memoir session
   Hire a videographer, poet, or storyteller to help a family member capture life memories. Turn it into a book or mini-documentary.

6. A micro-retreat
   Create a half-day retreat in nature with meditation, forest bathing, a sauna ritual, or even a sensory-reset experience.

7. An annual membership or pass
   Museums, botanical gardens, wellness studios, or creative clubs. It’s the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.

8. Go on a drawing walk in your neighborhood
   See familiar places in new ways by taking a sketchbook and some art supplies and walking through your city or neighborhood with fresh eyes. When something catches your eye sit down and sketch it. Compare later over a meal or drinks, or gift the artworks to each other at the end.

9. Treat your hometown like a tourist destination
   There are tons of experiences, tours, and tastings on sites like airbnb experiences, Trip Advisor, and GetYourGuide. Immersive arts exhibitions, theater or performance, or tours of the city around different themes such as art, history, or local culture.

10. A personalized creative challenge
    Design a 7 day challenge for someone: daily photos, small walks, reading prompts, or gratitude notes. It’s low cost but incredibly thoughtful.