Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter
The Gift of Experience
For the past two holiday seasons, I’ve been good. I bought locally made goods to make the season more meaningful. This year’s theme hit me while I read the Arts & Leisure section of the New York Times. And is especially perfect because it marries two of The Perfect Daughter’s favorite concepts: experiences over things and less but better. So this year’s theme, at least for those in my immediate family is going to be -Broadway! Here we are, living in Manhattan, with so many shows to see, yet never enough time nor money. Cue my holiday budget and I’ve created a magical moments that will outlast the hot toy of the year.
As much as I rally around giving experiences instead of things, I’ve been on the giving and receiving end of some gifts that didn’t go over so well. Do be mindful pitfalls of ill-fated but well-intentioned gifts. How to give the perfect experience? First, you have to know the person wants the experience. Apparently my father, who had dabbled in painting a bit when I was a teenager, had no use for the watercolor class I gave him 15 years later. Secondly, will they use it? Time is a factor. I’ve seen more than one gift certificate for a posh massage or facial buried on the desks of busy clients. They will never get to it.
Still, if you can come up with the perfect experience, whether it is an hour at the batting cages for father and son, or a mani-pedi for two to share with your best friend (that was a fun one, Katie), then experiences are the way to go. Create memories, not clutter!
But what, you may ask, am I giving the out-of-towners? Once again, I have been combing the Holiday Markets for unique and local creations. For the second year in a row, I found delicious shea butter hand cream in inspiring packaging at the Soap & Paper Factory in Grand Central Station. So gorgeous you don’t need to wrap it.
I met one of the delightful owners of Connecticut-based Love of Pretty while purchasing some quite affordable, beach-inspired necklaces for my nieces at the Columbus Circle Market.
I bought a t-shirt at LINE POSTERS, a Brooklyn based company that makes posters and apparel with designs inspired by mass transit maps. So urban!
Perhaps my favorite purchase so far this year has been a bracelet from Case Island Glass out of Flint, Michigan. The bracelet is as chic as any you would find downtown, as are their bowls and dinnerware.
So have another stroll through your neighborhood markets. From salami to decoupage, there is the perfect gift to enjoy buying and to delight others in giving. Sometimes, chatting with the makers and designers slows down shopping, but what better way to spend your time, talking with people face to face and having an experience instead of clicking into a cart?
Wishing you a holiday overflowing with rich experiences and just a dash of thoughtfully chosen, locally-sourced gifts!