Gifting Small: How to Turn Small Business Gifts Into Unforgettable Experiences

Gifting Small: How to Turn Small Business Gifts Into Unforgettable Experiences

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that bigger is better when it comes to gift-giving. But more and more, we’re realizing that the best gifts don’t always come with a hefty price tag—they come with heart, intention, and the potential for creating lasting memories. When you choose to gift from a small business, you're not just giving a product. You're giving a story, a labor of love, and often, a unique piece crafted with care. But how can we take it a step further? By pairing that thoughtful gift with an experience that creates lasting memories for you and your loved ones.

The Thought Behind Small Business Gifts

Small business gifts are often handcrafted, thoughtfully curated, unique, and made with passion. Whether it's a cozy b.e.happe beanie that supports children’s hospitals or a piece of handmade jewelry with a personal touch, these gifts carry a story. By choosing to shop small, you’re supporting dreams, families, and creativity. Every small business owner celebrates every sale because they know their product is finding its way into someone’s life in a meaningful way.

But what if you could elevate that act of giving even more? What if your small gift wasn’t just something to be used, but something that became part of a shared experience?

Turning Gifts into Memories: The Gift of Time Together

I get it, there may be some family members that have a hard time with the idea of not physically giving a gift. They don't feel your stress or frustrations with ever-building 'things' in your home. Suggesting to these loves ones that when you pair a gift with an experience, it transforms from an object into a moment. It’s no longer just about giving; it’s about creating shared memories that will be cherished for years. Here are 10 ideas for combining small business gifts with meaningful experiences:

1. Beanies and a Winter Adventure

Gift a cozy, handcrafted b.e.happe beanie and plan a winter outing. Whether it's a snowy hike, sledding down a hill with your kids, ice skating on the square, or just a cozy night by the fire with hot cocoa, that beanie will be worn as part of the experience. Every time it's worn afterward, it’ll remind them of that special day you spent together. 

2. Handcrafted Jewelry and a Mindfulness Day

Pair a piece of chakra jewelry with a day of mindfulness. Maybe you plan a yoga session, a hike in nature, or simply a peaceful afternoon in the park. The jewelry becomes a token of that time spent grounding yourselves, reflecting, and connecting. It’s a gift that reminds the recipient of the peaceful moments you shared whenever they wear it.

3. Artisanal Bath Products and a Spa Night In

Purchase handmade bath and body products from a small business maker and gift them alongside a planned spa night at home. You can set the scene with relaxing music, herbal teas, and fluffy robes. Not only do they get to enjoy the soothing products, but the time spent relaxing together will be the true gift.

4. Cookie Kit and a Movie Night

If you love supporting small businesses and want some sweet treats—think warm, delicious cookies from a cookie kit—and plan a cozy movie night at home. It’s simple, it’s sweet, and it’s time spent together laughing, relaxing, and enjoying each other's company.

5. Personalized Mugs and a Holiday Experience

Gift a personalized mug along with a cozy day inside watching movies or warm up after going ice skating. Whether it’s a chilly day out or your own home, you’ll create space for conversation and connection. Every time they sip from that mug afterward, it’ll remind them of your meaningful experience and the time you spent together.

6. Gift-Giving an Adventure with a Gnome on the Roam!

Pair this travel-sized gnome with a special experience, like a day exploring a new park, checking off a national park, or some travel experience locally.  Kids can take their gnome along, capturing memories as they explore together and create a keepsake to remember the day. Gifting a gnome is more than a toy; it's a way to share meaningful time and build memories that last far beyond the season.

7. Jewelry and a Game Day Experience

Give the gift of team spirit and unforgettable memories this holiday season with a pair of team-colored earrings. Perfect for fans of all ages, these earrings add a stylish touch to game day outfits. Pair them with an experience like tickets to a live game, a watch party, or a themed gift basket with snacks and merch. This gift goes beyond just an accessory – it’s a chance to celebrate team pride together and make lasting memories all season long!

8. Sensory Bin Kit with a Coffee Date

A kids’ sensory bin makes a wonderfully creative gift that goes beyond toys – it’s an invitation to play, explore, and imagine! This holiday season, fill a bin with themed sensory items like scented dough, colorful rice, mini holiday figurines, or even tiny bells. You can add seasonal elements, like faux snow, ornaments, and little scoops, for a wintery touch. This thoughtful gift offers an experience that keeps on giving, providing kids with hours of imaginative play and a holiday sensory adventure right at their fingertips!

9. Gift a Storefront and Visit a Storefront

This holiday season, turn a gift into an unforgettable experience with a kids' cloth coloring storefront! Choose a color-your-own cloth storefront that your little ones can design themselves, then pair it with a visit to the real-life version at a local bakery or store. Kids can enjoy decorating their cloth "store," and afterward, experience the magic of visiting the place that inspired it! It's a perfect way to create lasting holiday memories with a hands-on activity and a special outing, making for a thoughtful, interactive gift they’ll treasure.

10. Self Care Soap with an Adventure

Create a unique and thoughtful holiday gift by pairing a bar of creamy goat milk soap with a visit to a local farm or petting zoo! Goat milk soap offers gentle, nourishing benefits for the skin, making it a luxurious treat. Gifting it alongside a farm experience gives the recipient a chance to connect with the animals and see where the ingredients come from, adding a memorable touch to a practical gift. This combo brings both self-care and adventure, perfect for anyone who loves natural products and unique experiences!

Supporting Small, Creating Big Moments

When you shop small, you’re supporting a creator’s dream. When you pair that gift with an experience, you’re not only giving something tangible but also fostering memories that go far beyond the object itself. The beanie keeps them warm, but the memory of sledding together will warm their heart for years. The handmade jewelry is beautiful, but the mindfulness moment you shared is what makes it truly special.

So, this season (or for any special occasion), think beyond the gift itself. Consider how you can turn that small business purchase into an opportunity to make memories together. After all, the best gifts are those that bring us closer to the ones we love.

What small business will you support next, and how will you turn that gift into an unforgettable experience?