Can you believe December is here? Already? Wasn’t it just October?! Although I typically try to have all of my shopping completed before Thanksgiving, this year was a complete flop. As I brainstorm ideas for each loved one on my Christmas list, I’m struck with one thought: What if the gift I give brings temporary joy but then turns into clutter before summer?
Gifts are messages from the giver to the receiver. We attempt to communicate feelings such as love, care, concern, and the desire to elicit joy through our gift-giving. We never want someone to feel overwhelmed or guilty when they receive a gift from our hands. And yet, as a receiver, I have felt quite the opposite of the giver’s intentions….even when I KNOW the giver had GREAT intentions.
In our consumer-driving society, accumulation is happiness. It makes us feel good to give stuff! And it makes us feel extra good to get stuff. It’s not enough to have one, we must have two. And it’s not enough to get only the things we need, we also desire to get our wants. However, this stuff can come back to haunt us in space wasting, energy sapping, and time consuming ways.
So how can we best communicate our love for others and elicit those joyous giggles without adding to our already packed homes? Think experiences, not items. The time spent together, sharing and building memories, is worth more than any toy or gadget. You’ll be investing in the “gift” that you’ll be able to treasure for a lifetime. Additionally, research has shown that giving the gift of time together reduces stress and strengthens relationships.
Whether you’re shopping for a short activity or one that lasts all year long, check out these experiences right here in Greenville, SC!
Gifts are messages from the giver to the receiver. We attempt to communicate feelings such as love, care, concern, and the desire to elicit joy through our gift-giving. We never want someone to feel overwhelmed or guilty when they receive a gift from our hands. And yet, as a receiver, I have felt quite the opposite of the giver’s intentions….even when I KNOW the giver had GREAT intentions.
In our consumer-driving society, accumulation is happiness. It makes us feel good to give stuff! And it makes us feel extra good to get stuff. It’s not enough to have one, we must have two. And it’s not enough to get only the things we need, we also desire to get our wants. However, this stuff can come back to haunt us in space wasting, energy sapping, and time consuming ways.
So how can we best communicate our love for others and elicit those joyous giggles without adding to our already packed homes? Think experiences, not items. The time spent together, sharing and building memories, is worth more than any toy or gadget. You’ll be investing in the “gift” that you’ll be able to treasure for a lifetime. Additionally, research has shown that giving the gift of time together reduces stress and strengthens relationships.
Whether you’re shopping for a short activity or one that lasts all year long, check out these experiences right here in Greenville, SC!
Museums
Several of the museums listed below are conveniently located at Heritage Green.
Tours
Know someone who has an insatiable thirst for knowledge?
- At The Chef’s Table
- Downtown Driving Tour
- Greenville BBQ Trail (click on the “Tours” tab on the top right for more information)
- Historic Neighborhoods & Architecture (click on the “Tours” tab on the top right for more information)
- Horseback Waterfall Tours
- West End Walking Tour
Fine Arts
If music, art, and acting thrill your soul, then you’ll love what Greenville has to offer!
- Color Clay Cafe* (pottery painting)
- Glazing Pot (pottery painting)
- Greenville Little Theater
- Greenville Symphony Orchestra (at The Peace Center)
- Greer Cultural Arts (performing arts)
- South Carolina Children’s Theater
- The Peace Center* (performing arts)
Zoos & Animal Parks
Encounter animals large and small!
Sporting Events & Activities
Have an athlete in the family or someone who loves to be on the move? These events and activities are jam packed with hoots and hollers!
- Bon Secours Wellness Arena* (variety of events including Swamp Rabbits)
- Gravitopia (trampoline)
- Greenville Drive* (baseball)
- Greenville Rec Pavilion Bounce House*
- Greenville Rec Waterparks
- Golden Lanes & Golden Skates (bowling & roller skating)
- Ice On Main (ice skating)
- Mountain Goat Indoor Rock Climbing
- Palmetto State Armory (firing range)
- Roller Sports (roller skating)
- Skateland (roller skating)
- Sky Zone* (trampoline)
- Sky Diving Greenville
- Swamp Rabbits (hockey)
Health & Wellness
Everyone deserves a little pampering. These are great gifts for busy moms who need a little break!
- Greenville Fitness & Rehab* (massage)
- Renew Salon*
- Spa Venus*
Classes
If you’re looking for an extended experience, consider giving the gift of tuition!
- Airborne Athletics* (gymnastics for kids)
- Bermuda Triangle Scuba
- Bricks 4 Kidz (lego construction for kids)
- Cakes By U (cake decorating for kids & adults)
- Charleston Cooks (cooking)
- Creating Artists for Tomorrow
- Fred Astaire Dance Studio
- Greenville Aviation*
- Greenville Hurricanes (sports, including archery)
- Kroc Center (sports)
- Lifesavers of America (CPR)
- NoteAbility* (music)
- Plate 108 (cooking for kids & adults)
- Sew Creative* (sewing)
- Sylvan (robotics & coding for kids)
- Whispering Pines (horseback riding)
- Woodcraft (woodworking)
- YMCA (sports)
Donations Made in a Recipient’s Name
These gifts can become experiences when you shop together for a need or local ministry. Even young children can experience the joy of giving!
Still Not Sure?
If you’re not ready to completely transition from gifts to experiences, consider limiting your purchases to one item from each category.
There are hundreds of other activities that you can do as a family, such as hiking or serving at a soup kitchen, that were not mentioned in this list.
- Something to Read
- Something they Need
- Something to Wear
- Something they Want
There are hundreds of other activities that you can do as a family, such as hiking or serving at a soup kitchen, that were not mentioned in this list.
What are some of the best “experience” gifts you’ve received?
* I have participated in activities at each of these locations and would highly recommend them! If you are looking for specific individuals to contact at these locations, let me know and I'll pass the information along. Additionally, no compensation was provided from any of the experience locations listed.
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