| Every year we own more and more and need less | | | | wall for all to see. |
| and less. And every year finding unusual gifts for | | | | 4) Skid Pan |
| Xmas becomes more of a challenge. So many people | | | | Go and drive a BMW round a simulated icy road, |
| these days seem to have everything they need and | | | | learning to handle the car is a variety of conditions and |
| want (and then some!). | | | | situations. Great fun though quite nerve wracking. For |
| This is where the beauty of "experiences" can come | | | | most driving-related experiences the recipient will need |
| in handy. | | | | a full driving license. |
| Experience days aren't so much a physical gift as an | | | | 5) Day At A Health Spa |
| experience - a day out - something different to do. | | | | One for my sister - a day for two at a health spa. A |
| There are literally hundreds of options available but | | | | range of spas are included so there's one within a |
| here I'm just going to try and get your creative juices | | | | reasonable travelling distance of just about anyone. |
| flowing as I lay out a few of the unusual gifts for | | | | You go along and use all the facilities - have a swim, |
| Xmas I have either given or received over the last | | | | sit in the sauna, jump in the jacuzzi, have a massage, |
| few years. | | | | manicure and so on. Come out at the end feeling like a |
| They're often not as expensive as you might first | | | | pampered princess! |
| imagine, so put some tought into the sort of outing your | | | | 6) Dinner For Two |
| loved ones might enjoy and get them something totally | | | | You can prepay now for dinner at a restaurant of |
| unique. | | | | your choice in plenty of locations. You know how it is - |
| 1) Helicopter Flight | | | | so many of us look at the price of the meals in a |
| You can arrange it for someone to go flying through | | | | restaurant as much as what dishes they're serving. |
| the sky in a helicopter at over 200 miles per hour. Do | | | | Treat someone to a meal and they'll be able to |
| you know anyone who loves speed or aircraft in | | | | choose from a set menu and enjoy the food rather |
| general? | | | | than worry about the cost. |
| 2) Flying Lessons | | | | 7) Environmentally-Aware Gifts |
| Whether it's a helicopter, plane or hot air balloon you | | | | You can arrange for trees to be planted, training to be |
| can arrange a trial (typically one hour) lesson where | | | | given to third world farmers or rainforest to be bought |
| your loved one will get to take control of the craft for | | | | in someones name so if they're the kind of person |
| some time, learn about how to fly and enjoy some | | | | who appreciates the ethical and the wholesome, there |
| once-in-a-lifetime views to boot. I flew a glider earlier | | | | are plenty of possibilities. |
| on this year and it was a fantastic experience! | | | | 8) Cookery Course |
| 3) Family Portrait | | | | Be careful your loved one doesn't think you're hinting |
| This is one I bought for my Mum a few years ago. It | | | | they *can't* cook! These days will take an existing |
| involved a session at a professional photography | | | | cook and teach them new techniques, flavours and |
| studio where we went for a family photo shoot. The | | | | ideas. |
| results were great and are proudly displayed on her | | | | |