The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to start thinking about gifts. As much as we love the joy of giving, the process of filling out Christmas lists can sometimes feel a bit tedious. There’s the pressure to find something, anything to ask for. Or, to come up with a list of items that feel fun or exciting and not just “I need a new set of towels.”
It’s no wonder, then, that family and friends share ideas that basically come down to gift cards and money. And as much as you want to give people what they want, it takes the fun out of shopping. It’s a challenge to surprise your loved ones when their wishes are straightforward and monetary.
The stress and expectation can take away the joy you should feel during the holiday season. But what if there was a way to break free from the routine and give your family something truly special? Something they didn’t even know they wanted, but will talk about for years to come.
Enter the concept of experience giving and treating your family one big gift.
One of the most significant advantages of entire family experience gifts is that they allow you to budget your money for something more significant that your family might not have considered possible. It’s a way to make the holiday season extraordinary, a moment when the whole family comes together and enjoys something truly special.
The rise in experience gifts
You are making your list and checking it twice — maybe even three times depending on how stressed you are this holiday season. You are buying gifts for your parents, the in-laws, your best friend, co-workers, even the delivery drivers. And, in all that busyness, you still need to find the best Christmas gift for the people who actually live in your house.
The traditional way of gift-giving during the holiday season usually involves picking out a present or presents (let’s be real) for the people on your list.
But could this tradition be becoming a thing of the past?
More and more people are resisting the idea of buying “stuff” — things that will end up in the garbage or broken in just a few minutes is less appealing.
According to NerdWallet, Americans will spend $184 billion this holiday season. Among the most popular Christmas gifts this year will be gift cards and travel [source]. As these gifts start to top this list, items that were previously popular are losing favor among shoppers — books, beauty items, and DVDs.
As the name suggests, experience gifts provide an experience rather than a physical object. This might include things like tickets to a concert, a museum membership, or a wellness retreat.
Some, though, are taking the idea further by purchasing one large experience for the family. Rather than buying individual gifts for every member of a family, one gift is purchased that can be enjoyed by everyone.
The benefits of this approach are twofold. Firstly, it can be cost-effective to buy a single gift rather than multiple gifts. Secondly, it encourages bonding and spending quality time together as a family. In a world where we are all so busy and constantly connected to technology, taking the time to unplug and enjoy each other’s company is becoming increasingly important.
Whether it’s a day trip, a weekend away, or a Master Spas hot tub, the shared experiences and memories created by these gifts can be priceless.
Choosing the perfect family gift
An experience gift doesn’t have to be something that takes place over a weekend or even a week. You don’t need to renew your passport or spend more time planning than you would shopping. When thinking about the best experience gifts for the family, you might want to consider what you love about those trips and bring it home.
A way to bond together and spend more time with each other, a Master Spas hot tub is one of the best family gifts this holiday season. Not only is a hot tub memorable but it’s something that you can enjoy every day throughout the year.
Does a hot tub really make a good family Christmas gift, though?
Absolutely.
Overall well-being
Soaking in a hot tub can help you escape the hustle and bustle of daily life (and the holiday season). The warm water invites you to put down your phone and head outside, even if it’s just for 20 minutes.
But it’s more than a time out. Using a hot tub provides myriad benefits, supporting your physical and mental well-being. You can use a hot tub to relieve muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, and manage chronic pain. More than that, you can use it to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and improve your sleep.
It’s not just for the parents, though. Teens need time for self-care and managing stress. Research shows that American teenagers’ experiences with stress mirror those of adults. Whether you are 17 or 47, stress affects other healthy behaviors such as exercise, quality sleep, and a balanced diet.
Family time
For many families, a hot tub affords you the opportunity to just hang out. As you relax in the warm water and turn on the jet, you can enjoy the opportunity to talk with your loved ones. It might seem like a small thing but it’s something that can feel challenging, especially with the distraction of social media.
And when you take that time to talk, it can strengthen that family bond and lead to more positive interactions with one another.
And unlike many gifts, a hot tub can be enjoyed year-round — whether it’s on New Year’s Day or a warm summer night. Your backyard will soon become the spot of family gatherings, no matter the holiday.
A Master Spas hot tub is more than just a gift; it’s an investment in your family’s happiness and well-being. Make this holiday season truly special by giving the gift of togetherness.
How to buy a hot tub
Master Spas offers a range of hot tub models with various features and sizes to suit different family needs. From hydrotherapy jets to entertainment systems, you can choose the perfect hot tub to enhance your family’s experience. Contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about spa ownership. Wondering how much a Master Spas hot tub costs? You can request a quote here.