If you thought that the best gift you could give an older teen was a phone, computer game or headphones, think again. While it is true that teens spend an average of nine hours a day online, not all of them are happy about it. In fact, Pew research shows that 60% of teens aged 13 to 17 feel that spending too much time online is a ‘major’ problem. If you have a teen friend or family member who is about to celebrate a birthday or another special occasion, why not help them celebrate by giving them an experience instead of a physical present? You may be surprised to learn that they are actually eager to try something that brings them out into the wild, wonderful and majestic world that exists in the great outdoors.
Why Are Experiences So Special?
A study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that experience-based gifts foster stronger relationships than material items. “The reason experiential gifts are more socially connecting is that they tend to be more emotionally evocative,” said one of the researchers. An experiential gift does not have to be expensive. It can range from going to a rock concert together to relaxing at the spa, having a mani-pedi together, or enjoy an adrenalin-charged bungee jump. If gift giving is all about fostering relationships between the giver and the recipient, then sharing an experience is certainly a wonderful way to achieve this aim.
Uniting Technology And Nature
If you would like to give your teen loved one a material gift without foregoing the experience factor, why not give them something they can enjoy with you outdoors? Good gift ideas for teens aged 16 and above include solar backpacks, sturdy RC cars and drones. You can take part in outdoor races, hone the craft of drone flying, and spend a day out camping, bringing additional gadgets to enjoy music, lighting, and other creature comforts for a true ‘glamping’ experience. Afterwards, enjoy a walk and talk and enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds that are unique to the great outdoors.
Living The Dream
Teens enjoy connecting with their inner child, and a birthday is the perfect opportunity for them to do so. If the teen is your own child, then without a doubt you remember the type of gifts and experiences they used to love as children. If they always loved race cars, why not take them for a lap around a race track in a sports car? If they always wanted to fly a helicopter, how does a half-hour ride for two sound? If they always enjoyed baking, why not take a one-day baking course together, learning to make macarons, angel food cake, and other desserts that are difficult to master without a little guidance?
Experiential gifts have been found to be more meaningful than material ones. However, there are many ways to marry both – including through the selection of toys that you can play together in a green setting. The perfect gift is the one your child truly desires, so think back to their most fervent wish as a child, and try to make it come true.
Add Your Comment