7 gifts that are way better than things
The gifts we give aren't always as well liked as we hope they might be. The candles we give go unlit, fancy soaps are never opened, and many articles of clothing no doubt end up being re-gifted or donated.
So this year, why not give a gift that isn't a thing? By that we mean the intangible, things that can't be wrapped: a set of classes, a concert, or a unique experience of some kind.
This handy guide is sure to invigorate this year's giving season. In it, you'll find the perfect non-thing gift for everyone in your life.
1. A star
Name a star after someone you love to show them they mean more than the world to you. All you need to do is head to Star Register — the site dedicated to naming and registering stars — to make it happen.
You'll receive a certificate with information about the star you named. You can even choose a specific constellation you'd like the star to be a part of!
Price: $33 to $89 on Star Register
2. An experience of some kind
Treat someone to an experience you know they'd love to have, or something they might not have thought to do before: whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, zip lining, or hot air ballooning? The list goes on. You can find great deals on Groupon for a variety of experiences, or you can check out Go Search for fun ideas.
Price: Varies depending on the experience!
3. Concert or festival tickets
If someone you know is a die-hard follower of a particular band, or if they're obsessed with music festivals, why not get them tickets to see a band or attend a festival of their choosing?
StubHub and Ticketmaster are reliable when it comes to finding concert tickets at low prices. Most music festivals have their own websites as well.
Price: Varies depending on band and seats
4. A class or workshop
Purchase a set of classes or a workshop for someone who you know is hankering to learn a new skill or explore a new exercise.
You may want to give a gift card or pre-paid classes to a place with multiple locations, like Color Me Mine. You can give whomever you're gifting the ability to pick the pottery of their choice and design it to their exact specifications!
Price: Up to you at Color Me Mine
5. Tickets to a performance
You can easily find tickets to the ballet and theater, comedy shows, and musicals at a range of prices online. Or just check out theaters near you to look for shows you think someone would like to see.
If you know a comedy nerd who'd love to hit up a comedy club, reserve a couple of tickets in advance, or buy some tickets to The Nutcracker for the ballet fan you know would enjoy the show.
Price: Varies depending on the theater and performance
6. A charitable donation
There are so many amazing charities worth giving to, like Planned Parenthood, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Innocence Project, just to name a few.
Think about the issues important to the people you love, and donate to a charity you know they'll be stoked to support.
Price: Up to you, at the charity of your choosing!
7. A pre-paid maid service
This gift is especially helpful to those going through a rough time, who don't have the time or ability to pick up for themselves. But pretty much everyone would probably be happy to receive a free cleaning service to make their lives easier (and neater).
A maid service may not seem like the most exciting gift, but there's no way it won't be appreciated. You can pre-pay for a maid service, among other household tasks, on Handy, the company that specializes in household services.
Price: $87 to $168 for cleaning services on Handy
