Birthdays

It's a great idea. But either you know them so well and know what they would absolutely love, or best to ask them what they would like?

But it's not just about knowing them.
If you have busy lives the challenge is matching up dates with availability and the time invested in the planning. So many people want to do things last minute now I think.

My son (the one that failed to book the super-car experience ) has subsequently booked more driving and other "adventures" himself - but he's just booked online/with the company when he fancied it. He has booked directly a few days ahead or even, in the case of a whale-spotting trip, on the day itself.

Three or four years ago his fiancée booked a circus day and loved it and said how she'd like to do it again (she sent me photos and videos) so I bought her another (flexible) day or series of lessons for her birthday (directly with the company) as the venue was only a short drive away. I honestly don't think it was ever used.

This year I sent cash to my son for her birthday and soon got photos of her twirling about in her new coat!
I think I won't be trying any experiences as gifts for people in future.

On the other hand, one daughter loves a gift of annual parking at her local nature reserves and we do that for her each year. You could argue that it's an experience as she goes there to walk.

My family asked what I would like for my 80th birthday and I asked for a flying lesson. They gave it to me several years early, and I just loved it. Wish I'd done it when I was young enough to get a pilot's licence. I blame all those Biggles books I devoured as a child! Another time I had a balloon flight. I'm over 80 now and still don't see age as a barrier. The other night, I had a dream that I was dancing at my 88th birthday party.

annodomini

My family asked what I would like for my 80th birthday and I asked for a flying lesson. They gave it to me several years early, and I just loved it. Wish I'd done it when I was young enough to get a pilot's licence. I blame all those Biggles books I devoured as a child! Another time I had a balloon flight. I'm over 80 now and still don't see age as a barrier. The other night, I had a dream that I was dancing at my 88th birthday party.

wonderful..

We used them a lot. A meal at the Hilton on London worked out cheaper with the voucher than if we'd just rocked up and asked for a table.
One bad experience long time ago now. It was go carting for hubs and son in law. The suits they had to wear had broken zips and after one race (you have a few) some chap was slumped over in the cart. There were no first aiders as such, just 2 teenagers who were on charge, so other drivers had to try to get him free and take off his helmet. I believe the poor chap actually died. The ambulance was called but it was a pretty horrible experience obviously for his poor family and we didn't
like it either.

GrammyGrammy Your suggestion re the Donkey Sanctuary chimed with me. We had a lovely visit there.

The only "experience" we have booked was for a hot air balloon trip. We travelled all the way to Kent and stayed at a hotel, only to be told the next day that the weather wasn't suitable. Such a let down.