When the birthday of someone I love is coming up, I think about not just buying them a present, but giving them an unforgettable experience. It takes really knowing somebody to give experiences instead of gifts like toys. It’s an amazing way to take gift-giving to the next level!
It doesn’t have to be difficult, either. Crafting a truly memorable evening can be as easy as providing a perfect party environment, and letting all your loved ones fill it with joy themselves. What does that look like? Take a look below.
Get a photo booth
Finding a quality photo booth in Sydney or elesewhere used to be a tricky feat, and finding one you can custom was next to impossible. But nowadays photo booths have become a must-have at the most meaningful celebrations for their social media integration and ability to bring people together.
Imagine being able to document your celebration as it’s happening with a photo booth. When you give experiences instead of gifts like toys, that’s exactly what you can do! Create a fun day or evening for all involved.
Not only that, but you can also take photos, videos, and even GIFs of your friends dancing and then put all of it into a dedicated online album. The result is that the birthday gal or guy can relive the good memories whenever they want to do so.
Photo booths can also be a great way to engage your guests from the get-go. They’ll get to know one another better over funny props and goofy shots. And that fun might even get the party-goers out on the dance floor to continue the smiles!
Fine-tune your guest list
One of the most common mistakes when planning a birthday party is putting together a sloppy guest list. That’s not to say that parties have to be super exclusive events. However, when it comes to making sure the person in the spotlight actually enjoys themselves to the fullest, you’re better off keeping your guest list confined to a mix of friends and loved ones that won’t demand too much of their time.
Similarly, it’ll really pay off to send out RSVPs so you can keep track of numbers. That, and RSVPs can instantly add an extra sense of anticipation to your upcoming celebration. In short, just remember that it can easily throw off your entire party if there are too many people to cater for, or not enough to fill the venue space.
Pick a theme when you give experiences instead of gifts like toys
Have a theme! When you do so, it can provide very positive qualities to any birthday party. Firstly, a theme adds an extra personal touch to a party when it fits well with the person being celebrated. For example, I love M&Ms so having them be a part of a party thrown for me would be awesome, whether it’s the chocolate candies themselves or the cute characters from the TV ads.
Also, themes give your guests the opportunity to break out of their comfort zones. They can leave their inhibitions behind and allow themselves a night of pure fun. By giving experiences, you allow not only the birthday boy or girl to enjoy themselves but also a great evening for the guests.
Simply put, themes grant your party guests a license to be creative! And believe me, they often rise to that occasion. Imagine throwing a birthday bash filled with outlandish costumes that all fit a beloved aesthetic. The memories alone can be a magnificent birthday gift for anyone.
How to reduce stress
By now you might be thinking about how planning a party will be stressful, more so then buying a birthday present. But often trying to find that “perfect gift” for a loved one can be exhausting. Furthermore, the planning stage when you give experiences instead of gifts like toys doesn’t have to be an overwhelming one, even when it’s for your husband.
If you worry about the many party planning choices, you’ll be happy to know that themes naturally make all other party prep easier than a theme-free party. Here’s an example:
What to do about decorations? Music? Food? If it’s Disney-themed, dress your space up like the setting of your friend’s favorite move. Buy some movie soundtracks, and slap some eyeballs on some green cupcakes.
Or, something more elegant than that. A “Toy Story” themed party would actually be a fantastic idea, though. And the photos would be awesome.
Final words when you give experiences instead of gifts
As you’re planning the event, always keep in mind you want a warm and inviting atmosphere. Then your guests will be sure to deliver the joy and good times to the event.
Party planning takes time, true, but at the end of the day there’s no denying that it’s one of the most thoughtful gifts you can ever give someone. And by the end of the night it’s something that neither of you will forget.
I so agree with you 🌼
:D
Great ideas ,Christy! I know some of my favorite birthdays have been planned events, such as a trip to a concert or play, or even a movie we’ve been waiting to see, shared with family and loved ones.
Me too! I hope you’re having a great start to the week, Amy :)
,Thanks Christy. I hope you’re having a good week too.
It’s flying by over here! :)
I really like this idea, Christy. Regardless of age, most of us end up having too much ‘stuff’. Spending time together is what is important so it doesn’t really have to cost a lot either.
Yes, exactly! You totally understand the message here :) :)
Great ideas Christy.. so difficult at times to think of something fresh and different.. hugs
Yes, it’s more about creating memories. Thanks Sally, always wonderful to see you!
A most excellent post Christy with some fab ideas! <3
So terrific to see you back in blog land, have I told you that more than a few times already?!! :D xo
Yes you have. Nothing like being back among friends. You’re too kind. <3
Kindness is all around us, aren’t we blessed xo
<3
:)
Exactly the post I’ve been waiting for :) Thanks my friend :)
I really think experiences mean more :D We’re on the same page xo
This is a wonderful idea for Valentine’s Day and anniversaries. Make the day truly memorable.
Exactly!!
That’s a lovely idea dear.<3<3
Really enjoy having you here :D
Thanks sweetheart.❤️
:)
A lovely idea, Christy.
Oh Robbie, your comments are wonderful.
What an amazing idea…. the possibilities are endless!!!
Thanks Sharon :D
What if you’re married to a curmudgeon? LOL
Haha, well then it’s a different kind of experience I suppose ;)
He has improved since I wrote that!!!
I wish people would do this on my birthday.
Maybe you ought to nudge them that way ;)
They do not nudge very easily.
Ah, I see!
Great idea of giving experiences rather than gifts. Neat post. :)
Hi Carol! Thank you xo
I always throw a big birthday bash for my daughter. I am the queen of organized and giving a great experience. It’s nice to see that others prefer quality over quantity as well. Thank you for sharing!
Perhaps you could come over and help me plan my wedding ;) You sound super organized!
I would actually be super fantastic at that! ;) When is the big day? I didn’t realize you were engaged! Congratulations!!! <3
Thank you! Yes, that’s why wedding posts will pop up now and then here at the blog ;) The big day is in November :)
That’s so exciting!!! Congratulations again!!!!
Awww thanks :D I’m wishing you a great rest of the day!
Sounds a lot like the last wedding I attended!!!! <3
Really all I want for our guests on the special day is for them to go away thinking, “that was fun!” :)
Then that’s what will happen! :D
Awww!
<3
xo
I so believe in this! I wish people did this for my kids more often. We have way too much stuff but you can never have too many experiences!
Maybe for their next birthday party, create an event and put on the invitations for them to bring something decoration-related or a platter of food ~ then it’s all about the experience :)
Memories are some of the best gifts! I agree that theme parties make it easier for everybody and usually a lot of fun even for those that are planning one. A fun & inspiring post!
Awww :D You always seem to know exactly what to say!
I like your idea of giving experiences rather than just gifts for birthday parties or other occasions as well. It will make for longer lasting memories in most cases.
And memories are the highlights of life :)
I actually have a birthday coming up in two days – mine. And my request is all experience, no gifts. No party, no cake. Just the experience of love that we’ve shared (my guy, my kids, my grandkids now, my friends) expressed though a card, perhaps, but mostly through hugs and smiles. Best gift ever.
Fun post, Christy.
It sounds like we’re channeling the same wavelength, Pamela. Happy birthday!! :)
I love this! I like organizing birthday parties and yes, the experience matters most!:)
As one of the other commenters wrote, it’s quality over quantity ~ Right?!! :)
Yes I like that principle too:)
Aw :)
May b i shuld plan this next tym🤔
Seems lyk a gud idea though 👌
If you do then please come back here and let me know how it goes :D
Sure😊
:)