| Perhaps your dad would prefer something a | | | | built that encompass some very special |
| little more memorable than a woolly jumper | | | | experiences. How about a helicopter tour over |
| this year? In an age where people are looking | | | | London, or hiring a Harley Davidson motorbike |
| for the ultimate gift, more and more are | | | | for the day? Perhaps you'd prefer to drive a |
| turning away from the traditional Christmas | | | | Ferrari or an Apache Off-Road Racer, or take |
| kitsch, and instead giving the gift of | | | | to the sky in a Champagne Balloon flight? |
| memories to friends and families rather than | | | | |
| just material possessions. | | | | But Christmas gift experiences aren't just |
| | | | for the boys. Ladies will enjoy spa and |
| Gift experiences can cover a vast range of | | | | pampering days, photo makeovers, even the |
| activities, which means that there is a | | | | chance to design your own handbag. And who |
| suitable experience for everyone, from | | | | says that the girls won't enjoy a day on the |
| toddlers to teenagers, young guys to | | | | race track too? |
| grannies, mothers and babies; there are even | | | | |
| gift experiments tailored especially for | | | | There can also be a potential environmental |
| couples or for the entire family. | | | | benefit to giving a gift experience rather |
| | | | than material possessions. With an experience |
| If you're buying for a adrenaline-seeker you | | | | there tends to be no wasted wrapping paper or |
| have plenty of choice as there are now | | | | unwanted packaging, and your gift won't just |
| hundreds of experiences which are bound to | | | | ending up stuffed into the back of a |
| suit even the most hardened action man; | | | | cupboard, never to see the light of day |
| paintball, white water rafting, a day's | | | | again. Saying that - a fast and furious |
| go-karting or bob-sleighing; even a | | | | driving experience or a ride in a fighter |
| microlight flight. The price of gift | | | | plane is likely to come with a significant |
| experiences can cost as little as £25, but | | | | carbon footprint, but you can of course |
| can go up to several thousands of pounds for | | | | select greener experiences if you wish. |
| the most unusual and extravagant events. | | | | |
| | | | So - this Christmas, why not give a memory, |
| Basic activities such as paintball are a | | | | (rather than a pair of socks) to your friends |
| great value option, but if you're really | | | | and family, and join the growing trend of |
| looking to impress, a complete package can be | | | | gifting experiences. |