3 Reasons Why People Don't Like Gifting Experineces

3 Reasons Why People Don't Like Gifting Experiences

In recent years, the trend of gifting experiences rather than tangible items has gained significant popularity. Parents, families, and friends are increasingly opting for experience-based gifts to create lasting memories, share unique moments, and embrace the experience economy.

Despite the many benefits, some people remain hesitant to gift experiences for children. Here, we explore three reasons why some might shy away from this trend, while also highlighting the transformative potential of experience gifts.

Which team are you on?

October 21 2023

Melissa Soutar

CONTENTS

| Tangible Gratification

Uncertainty

Perceived Value

Gifting

3 min read

1. Tangible Gratification

Where's the toy?

Many people prefer to give gifts that children can see, touch, and play with immediately. Toys and gadgets offer instant gratification—and nostalgia for the giver.

👉 SPARK POP tip: Physical toys may bring quick joy, but an experience gift becomes a memory kids cherish for years. And when it’s something that taps into a child’s interests, it’s just as thoughtful (if not more!).

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2. Uncertainty or Lack of Control

Will they actually use it?

Organising and redeeming experience gifts can seem more complicated compared to simply purchasing a toy. Coordinating schedules, booking tickets, and arranging transportation can be daunting for busy parents and guardians. There might also be concerns about safety and the suitability of the experience for the child's age and interests.

However, many experience gifts offer flexibility in scheduling, allowing recipients to choose a time that works best for them. Additionally, consider providing options for the child and their family to select from, giving them control over their experience. Address concerns about unexpected obstacles by offering backup plans or alternatives, demonstrating foresight and consideration for potential challenges.

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3. Perceived Value

But is it worth it?

Some parents and caregivers might feel that physical gifts have a more apparent value compared to experiential gifts. Tangible items often come with a visible price tag, making it easier to gauge their worth.

However, it’s important to highlight the value of experiences, stressing the importance of creating memories and fostering personal growth. Experiences offer opportunities for learning, exploration, and bonding that can be just as valuable, if not more so, than material possessions. Is it the price tag or physical presence of a gift that matters most? Or the thought and intention behind it? At the core it comes down to meaningful gifts that align with the child's interests and values, demonstrating that quality often trumps quantity.

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Our Personal Journey with SPARK POP

Why We Created a Better Way to Gift Experiences

Before starting SPARK POP, we faced the same challenges many parents encounter when trying to gift experiences for kids. Some retailers offered digital gift cards, while others required in-person pickup, complicating the process. Additionally, choosing a specific experience that the child would enjoy was often a gamble. We found ourselves longing for a solution akin to Red Balloon, but specifically tailored for kids.

In Facebook groups for mums, we noticed a growing demand for a 'Red Balloon for kids.' Many mums were even working with their children to create gift wishlists to include with birthday invitations, ensuring the gifts they received were meaningful and not wasteful. This collective frustration and need for a more convenient, thoughtful way to gift experiences inspired us to create SPARK POP. Our platform aims to offer everyday fun activities that are accessible, engaging, and tailored to children’s interests.

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The Future of Gifting: More Meaning, Less Waste

Experience gifts are more than a trend. They’re an answer to a more connected, mindful kind of childhood—one that values joy, growth, and stories to tell.

So next time you’re wondering what to get a child for their birthday, think beyond the wrapping paper.

Think: What will they remember?

Worried it’s Too Hard? Not with SPARK POP”

🎟️ Instant digital delivery, no postage stress
🎉 Hundreds of curated experiences for ages 0–15
📅 Choose now or let them pick later
💸 Gifting as a group? Easy with our gift card top-up option

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