MINT HILL, NC – Shopping and gift giving: it’s hard to imagine the holiday season without them.  However, research shows that experiences ultimately bring more happiness than possessions.  Accordingly, more and more people are opting out of “stuff” this holiday season and asking Santa for experiences.

“We love and opt for experience gifts!” says Abby Kotze.  “My sister bought the kids a membership to the zoo last year, and they get so excited to be able to visit as often as they want! Plus the addition of feeling they are contributing to animal conservation is awesome. 

Experience gifts last longer,” she adds.  “The memories and pictures are far more valuable than an object that sits on your shelf.”

Memberships to places like the zoo, Discovery Place or the aquarium are great experience gifts, but you don’t have to shop “big” to purchase an experience.  Here are some great ideas for experience gifts for kids and adults that you can purchase right here in Mint Hill.

Let’s face it: the budding artist on your list is probably already sitting at a desk overloaded with supplies.  Instead of adding to their stash, consider a gift card to Mint Hill Arts, which offers classes for kids as young as five all the way through adults.  “Buying a local gift card helps ensure our businesses can continue to serve our community in Mint Hill,” says Mint Hill Arts Communication Director Jessica Schlesinger. “Classes are a huge part of our nonprofit.”

Soothe the Soles offers a unique foot soak and reflexology experience.  “We offer a totally zen self care experience for someone that may want to be alone and reboot,” says Owner Sandy Harrison.  “Our business is all about the experience!”  Soothe the Soles offers foot soak and reflexology gift cards starting at $25 that can be used for anything from a girls day out to a date night that includes a charcuterie board and beverage.  Add a little something to open on Christmas morning by bundling a gift card with a box of craft chocolates or a natural product from Vitality Ginger.

A gift card from Massage Sanctuary is a wonderful way to show someone you care.  “We sell the massage experience,” says Lisa Lane.  “This includes a massage session tailored to the recipient’s needs.  Maybe you’re tired of your husband complaining that his back hurts.  What better gift than to say, ‘I love you and I want you to have a better quality of life.  Go get better!’ For instant access, purchase a gift card online; you can print it yourself and slip it in your loved one’s stocking, or you schedule it to be sent to your favorite person.

Flowers can’t exactly be wrapped up and put under the tree, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be a great holiday gift.  “Receiving fresh flowers is an experience from the joy of seeing the delivery person to the beauty of the artfully designed arrangement to the aroma of the fresh flowers,” says Abbey Rose Floral Artistry Manager Libby DeYoung.  “Flowers speak the language of love, friendship, gratitude, or any other emotion you’re trying to convey.  Flowers just make people happy!” Keep the fun going all year round by purchasing a monthly or quarterly flower subscription.  

Sometimes the last thing kids need is another toy!  Give the kids in your life (and their parents!) the gift that keeps giving year round with a 12-month membership to Urban Air Adventure Park.  Memberships start at just $9.99 a month – less than half the cost of a single all-day Deluxe Attraction ticket.  Bundle it up with a pair of Urban Air socks, an Urban Air t-shirt, and an Urban Air “fat band” for everything they need to enjoy Urban Air’s many attractions year round.

You probably know someone who loves games, but you might not be sure what to get them.  What don’t they have?  What would they even like?  “One of the great things that our store offers are game demos, tournaments, and regular gaming experiences,” says Your Local Game Store Owner Timothy Burgess.  “If that person on your list loves table top role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, then a gift card to enter weekly games might be the perfect match for them.  You could rent a room for that person to have their own planned later during the year.  All of these are options that keep ‘stuff’ low and experience high.”