Rethinking gifts: The joy of shared experiences and simple moments

The best gifts aren’t always wrapped. Sometimes they’re shared afternoons, small adventures, or quiet hours spent together doing something you both love. When my son was younger, his favorite “gift” wasn’t anything from a department store — it was a day of visiting thrift shops together, me buying whatever treasures he discovered (within reason). One of his favorite shirts came from one of those holiday thrifting trips, and he still wears it more than anything I could’ve chosen for him. That shirt isn’t just fabric; it’s a memory of time spent together, laughter, and the thrill of finding something unexpected.

This season, consider giving experiences instead of physical things. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Shared reading moments: Read aloud to the little ones in your life or organize a cozy book club with a friend or family member. Make it extra special by creating a small “reading corner” with blankets, pillows, and hot drinks.
• Local outings: Take a friend or loved one to a local author reading, craft workshop, or even a day wandering through independent bookstores. For older kids or teens, a themed bookstore scavenger hunt can turn the visit into a memorable adventure.
• Thrift adventures: Spend an afternoon thrifting together and let the joy of discovery guide your gifts. For younger children, create a little “treasure map” of items to find; for adults, make it a fun challenge to find the quirkiest or most unique item.
• Homemade or gently used treasures: Wrap a favorite book you already own with a handwritten note explaining why you loved it or gift a handmade craft. Pair it with a small experience, like a cup of cocoa and a shared reading session, to make it even more meaningful.
• Quality time meals: Invite someone special to dinner or coffee, and pair the experience with a book, a poem, or a small creative activity. For families, turn it into a mini holiday-themed cooking or baking session.

Gifts don’t have to break the bank to be meaningful. Often, the thoughtfulness, intention, and time spent together are far more treasured than anything money could buy. Shared experiences create lasting memories, and the joy of giving shifts from objects to connection — something we all need more of, especially when life feels busy and overwhelming.

Even if you do give a physical item, pairing it with an experience makes it more memorable. For example, giving a book along with a plan to read it together or attend an author reading elevates a simple gift into a shared adventure.

How do you make gift-giving meaningful without spending a lot? Share your favorite experiences or creative gift ideas in the comments — your suggestions might inspire someone else to rethink their approach this season.

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Now that Jack has been forced to reflect on everything he has to lose, he resolves to do better. He’s determined to spend more time at home with his family and repair the relationships that have suffered over the years while he’s been so focused on work. But as Callie’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, Jack realizes he has a lot more room to improve than he realized – and it might be too late to save his daughter after all.

For fans of We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Push, and Baby Teeth.