There’s nothing quite as exciting as receiving an expensive luxury gift – especially when it’s clear that a lot of thought and effort has been put into it. But there’s one type of gift you just can’t put a price on, and that’s the gift of time.
One of the most precious things we can ever give to anyone, time is something that we can’t get back once it’s passed – so making space in your day to enjoy some quality one-on-one time is essential to getting the most out of our relationships and ensuring that those we love do, too.
But in today’s fast-paced, always-on world, it’s getting trickier than ever to find that extra bit of time to squeeze everything in, and with growing work responsibilities and busier schedules, often our social and family time are the first things to go.
Thankfully, there are some easy ways to ensure that you and those closest to you get to spend time together and make the most of each other’s company, even when things are at their most hectic.
Organise an experience
Whether you’re buying an experience for mum, dad, your best friend or your partner – it’s something you can both book into your diaries in advance, and spend the lead-up looking forward to together. From spa days to afternoon teas, the options are endless – but whatever you choose is bound to please. The activity itself isn’t what’s important here – it’s the fact that you’re creating an opportunity to spend some uninterrupted time together in which you can reconnect and have fun.
Create your own vouchers
Want to treat that someone special to something lovely, but are struggling to squeeze them in? Making a book of handmade vouchers is a touching and thoughtful way to let them know that you care – and that making time for them is important to you, even when life is at its busiest. Whether it’s a three-course dinner cooked for them by you or an evening out enjoying a sophisticated spread of champagne and oysters, knowing that they can call in their voucher whenever they want to is bound to put a smile on their face.
An evening in a box
Create a box of everything you’ll need to spend a perfect evening in together and gift it to the person concerned. However you like to spend your time together – it might be a movie night or a pamper night – you can create a tailored gift set for the occasion. For example, if you opt for a film night then you could fill the box with a sumptuous luxury blanket, some decadent chocolates, and a good bottle of their favourite champagne.
A shared subscription
A subscription is a wonderful way to encourage regular get togethers between the two of you, and these days, there’s a box for just about every interest or hobby. A monthly baking subscription will mean that you can get together monthly to bake some scrumptious treats, while a curry box is another great way to get you both in the kitchen and experimenting with something new. If the person in question is more of a reader, then a book subscription is a great way to go. You can each allocate some time each night to read a chapter or two, then organise a book club night to discuss it once you’ve both finished.
Tickets to an event they’ll love
Whether it’s tickets to see their favourite show at the theatre or to see an artist they love perform live, gifting them with the admissions to an event you know they are keen on will ensure you have something fun planned into your diaries together. If it’s something you both love, the excitement in the build up to it will be just as fun as the evening itself. Why not find a quirky way to let them know what you are doing too, such as a personalised surprise scratchcard that will reveal the event you’re attending?
A mini-break
Is the person you’re shopping for a travel enthusiast? Then few gifts could be a better choice for them than a night or a weekend away, luxury hotel essential. Whether it’s a cultural break to their favourite European city, or a quiet country retreat on home soil, booking out some dedicated time together, away from the stresses and strains of daily life, is bound to be a winner.
