Why I Started Gifting Experiences Instead of Things
I love gift giving. I always have. But somewhere along the way, I noticed that what I actually remember — what my family and friends actually talk about years later — was never the thing in the box. It was the time we spent together making it.
That's really where these gift experiences came from. Over the years, I've found so much joy in creating little moments with the people I love — an afternoon spent doing something new together, just for the sake of doing it. I wanted a way to share that with you, too — our neighbors, our customers, the people who make Pella feel like home.
We've put together five ways to give a moment instead of a thing:
1. Plant Experience — for the friend who could use a little help keeping something alive. Starting at $40 per person. Minimum of 2 people.
2. Flower Arranging — for someone who's always said “I could never do that” about flowers. Minimum of 2 people.
3. Candle Making — so instead of gifting candle #47, they get to make their own from scratch. Minimum of 4 people.
4. Chocolate Tasting & Wine Pairing — Garden Square Chocolatier truffles, made right here at Thistles, paired with wine from The Wijn House. Just a really nice night out. Minimum of 2 people.
5. Kokedama — the Japanese art of moss-wrapped, soil-free plant design, available any time of year. $48 per person. Minimum of 2 people.
Here's the part I love most: you don't have to just give one of these away. You can join in. Some of my favorite days here have been the ones where the “gift” was really an excuse for all of us to be in the same room together.
And if you're already planning a day trip to Pella — some shopping, a stop at the bakery — one of these makes a perfect thing to build the day around.
Once you purchase, we'll send a digital gift card for you to share, and your recipient can call us anytime to schedule their experience.
If you have questions, or an idea for how you'd like to customize your experience, give us a call. We'd love to help you put it together.
— Alie
