“Of course, our unwillingness to leave our couches (or desks) to shop is not the only reason for the decline of brick-and-mortar stores. There are also unsupportable rents and pesky millennials who would prefer to spend on “experiences” (you know, to Instagram) than material goods.” 

– from Friday’s edition of Quartzy

Black Friday weekend is upon us (and you know it’s the whole long weekend, not just Friday.) This means that a) the Christmas music you’ve been hearing is about to ramp up to an 11, and b) holiday shopping is entering full force.

I struggle with finding just the right gifts for my loved ones every year, even though I know they’ll probably love me regardless of whether or not I get them something they’ll cherish forever. (Probably.)

In light of this struggle and the spirit of the season, I’ve been thinking about how I want to focus on valuing experiences over things. Perhaps this makes me a pesky millennial, but I’m okay with that, especially as I’ve been spending the last few months trying to sell piles of things I don’t need through various apps.

This ethos of “experiences over things” can apply to holiday gift giving, too, which is why I’ve come up with my own gift guide – of experiences.

This year, give your loved ones a gift that shows you really get them in the way a new phone or Bluetooth headphones just can’t express. Think: when Leslie gifts Ron some whiskey and alone time on his birthday in Parks and Rec.

I should note that if you’re one of those people who has lots of money lying around, Brendan Leonard has devised a list of adventure gift ideas you can bring to life for at least $35,000 (ideally more! Because money = affection.)

If, however, you don’t have that kind of money for some reason, below are some ideas to spark your imagination. Let’s get creative.

For the Adventurous Soul

Getaway provides “simple escapes to tiny cabins nestled in nature,” a.k.a. an awesome glamping experience. Right now, they offer options to escape from Boston, D.C., New York City, and L.A., though if you’re ambitious you can turn this gift into a full-on road trip. Just add other lodging and car snacks to the total cost.

And if you don’t live in any of those cities and don’t want to travel too far, other options in the same vein include gift cards for camping or a rock climbing gym.

Cost: $99-$199/night

Why It Rocks: Getaway has partnered with One Tree Planted — so every time you book a Getaway, they’ll plant a tree. This gift is good for your sanity and the environment.

For the Hopeless Romantic

Looking for an excuse to snuggle up? Enter the romantic sleigh ride, which some may view as just a way to be cold and uncomfortable for an hour, but I view as an excuse to break out the piles of blankets you’ve been hoarding for years and drink hot chocolate and enjoy the magic of dashing through the snow. (Ideally, you live somewhere where it snows, but this gift can still achieve magical status in the warmer months or in, I don’t know, Texas.)

This article details the “Top 10 Sleigh Rides in North America” and primarily focuses on the West, but if you just Google “sleigh rides near me” you’re bound to find something.

Cost: Varies, but generally under $80/person.

Why It Rocks: Did I mention snuggling? Also horses. Horses are freakin’ cute.

For Your Ragey Friend

You can’t go wrong with concert tickets. Buy two tickets to a concert you can enjoy together.

Cost: Depends on your music taste. Ranges from about $20/each (indie band at a local bar) to $450/each (good seats for Ariana Grande.)

Why It Rocks: The bonus with this gift is that it gives you something to look forward to after the holiday season is over.

For Your Sister Who Loves a Night In

Pick out a game you think you’ll both like to leave under the tree, then plan some time to play it while you’re both home for the holidays.

Cost: Depends – are we talking Mario Party or Set? (I love both.)

Why It Rocks: Sometimes the best thing you can gift is your time. This option knocks out the “cheap but meaningful” category.

For Your Parents

Treat them to a nice dinner when you’re home for the holidays.

Cost: Varies, but probably in the $100-$200 range.

Why It Rocks: Consider this repayment for all the times they took you and your friends out to nice, non-dining hall meals in college. And made you Thanksgiving dinner. And cooked for you every day of your life for 18 years. Yeah, you owe this to them. (Pssst….if you’re on a tight budget, I’m sure a home-cooked meal with a nice bottle of wine will be just as appreciated.)

For Yourself

Lastly, don’t forget to gift yourself something nice this holiday season (self-care is trendy, remember?) Take a break and schedule some time for yourself to relax. If “relaxing” isn’t really your thing, try treating yourself to a movie or a hike or something frivolous you’ve been meaning to try but haven’t had time for. Cut your hair. Shoot your shot. Say no to plans you don’t want to make. And happy holidays 🎄