Let’s imagine the following:

• There is a major holiday coming soon.
• You like buying gifts for friends and family.
• You want to get them something unique and creative, without breaking the bank.
• You’re stumped.

If that sounds at all familiar, then this post is for you! I’ve gathered some cool gift ideas for the people on your list. Some are free; some are not. Some require a little creativity on your part; some do not. But all are based on the following quote:

I recently read a research study that showed that people actually gain more happiness from experiences rather than things, and it reminded me of the above quote. The beauty of experiential gifts is that they often afford you the chance to spend good, quality time with your loved one(s). So, here are a few ideas to get you started.

Gifts for Your Significant Other

Lessons/Classes: Several years ago, I bought my husband a seat in a cooking class, and he LOVED it. A friend of mine bought her husband race car driving lessons. Talk about a dream gift! Maybe your wife would love to try yoga or learn to salsa dance. Give her the gift of a few classes to try it out. Groupon and Living Social often have great deals on various lessons or one-of-a-kind experiences.

A Year of Dates: This definitely takes a little planning but is such a special gift. Think about it: gift + date nights + building up your relationship = BAM! Three for one!!! The basic idea is you create at least one date per month (a restaurant gift card, tickets to the movies, etc.), package them in individual envelopes, present them together but open one each month. Here and here are some ideas for free dates you can try at home after the kids go to bed. If you have money to spend, check out these ideas. The Dating Divas also have a billion fun and creative ideas. And check out our Pinterest page for even more options.

Gifts for Your Kids

Membership: Give them a membership to a museum, the aquarium, the zoo, or an amusement park. Of course, that requires you to have a membership, too, but what a great way to spend time together!

Experiences: Give them tickets to the movies, a concert, or a sporting event. Or create your own “ticket” for a trip to go bowling, zip-lining, or miniature golfing.

Coupons: Create a coupon book for your child that includes personal things they’d like. Check out ScreamFree’s Pinterest page for links to templates. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Stay up 30 minutes later
• Breakfast date with Mom
• Build a pillow fort with Dad
• Your favorite drink from Sonic
• Day off from doing your chores
• Make cookies with Mom
• Ice cream treat with Dad

Gifts for the Person Who Has Everything

Memberships: People who have everything don’t need more stuff, so giving them memberships doesn’t clutter up their lives. Consider museums, the orchestra, or the theater.

Gift Cards: Who doesn’t love a gift card? The movies, the spa, and unique restaurants are all good options.

Your Services: This may seem strange, but you can offer your services to the person who has everything. For instance, elderly parents don’t need one more knick-knack, but might love to have you offer to paint, chop wood, clean out the gutters, mow the grass, cook, or other major seasonal chores. That’s love in action!

No matter who you are buying for this holiday season, think outside the box as you design a gift that is both memorable and experiential. [More ideas on Pinterest.]