Give the Gift of Experience This Christmas

Image by Gerd Altmann on Pixabay

The festive season is here with all the traditions that I love, apart from one: the buying of presents. If you’re anything like me, you'll be staring at your list, thinking, “What on earth do I buy them?”

We all have friends or relatives who already seem to have everything, or those who will pretend to love whatever you buy, even though you know deep down it’ll be in a charity shop by February.

The shops are bursting with things nobody really needs: novelty mugs we already have too many of, bath sets destined for the back of a cupboard, or ornaments that you’ll spend years trying to remember to display whenever the giver visits.

So this year, why not try something different?

Instead of buying something that ends up in a drawer or gathering dust, give an experience that ignites a long-lasting memory. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive — it can be something simple that taps into someone’s musical tastes, creative curiosity, or desire to try something new. These kinds of gifts create connection, joy and stories that are remembered long after the wrapping paper has gone.

And the best part? Our Creative Harborough Directory is full of local creatives offering exactly that. Gifts that don’t clutter cupboards but lift spirits, inspire creativity, and support the artistic heartbeat of our community.

If you’re stuck for ideas, here are a few to get your thoughts flowing.

Event & Experience Gift Ideas from Creative Harborough Directory

Below is a selection of local creatives and events currently listed on the Creative Harborough website and ideal for gifting.

Books, Reading & Writing

• Quinns Bookshop – A perfect choice for the book lover in your life. Quinns offers their own vouchers as well as National Book Tokens, making it easy for someone to choose the book that lights them up. Ideal for readers, writers, or anyone who loves losing themselves in a good story.

• Harborough Writers – For those who love words, creativity and community, gift someone a writing workshop, a membership, or simply highlight the opportunity to join a group that fosters storytelling, poetry and expression.

• Local Book & Literary Events – Many creatives listed in the Directory run readings, launches, discussions, or writing sessions through the year — wonderful for anyone who prefers experiences grounded in imagination and ideas.

  
  

Music & Performance

• Harborough Blues – A brilliant choice for lovers of toe-tapping music. A ticket to one of their gigs makes a great night out.

• Songbirds Ladies Choir – A heartfelt choir performance for someone who enjoys vocal harmony and community music.

• Harborough Concerts (or similar local concert listings) – Ideal for anyone who enjoys live classical or contemporary performances.

  
  

Family & Children

• BabyGigs C.I.C. – Beautiful live musical events for babies, toddlers and young children (0–7). A lovely gift for young families or new parents looking for something gentle and enriching.

Arts, Crafts & Creative Workshops

• Mouse & Sparrow – Offers hands-on creative workshops such as crochet or crafting sessions. Perfect for the maker, the learner, or the “I’ve always wanted to try that” person on your list.

• Wingates Gallery – Art exhibitions and creative events for those who appreciate visual creativity and local talent.

Dementia-Friendly / Accessible Events

• Leicester Musical Memory Box – Dementia-friendly musical concerts and carols. Welcoming, uplifting, and thoughtfully designed for people living with dementia and their companions.

Take a look at the Directory and our Events listing for many more ideas.

To personalise it, you can add a card saying ‘Looking forward to going with you’ or ‘Hope you enjoy this creative treat’. It makes it more heartfelt.

Why These Gifts Work

They’re thoughtful. They’re personal. And they won’t end up gathering dust. Experiences let you say, “I chose this for you because I know you.” Most importantly, they create memories. Real memories. Ones that stay with people long after Christmas has been packed away.

They also support local artists, musicians, makers and community organisations — people who bring so much colour and creativity to Market Harborough throughout the year.

Ready to Explore?

Take a moment to browse the Creative Harborough Directory. You might be surprised by the variety of workshops, concerts, gigs and creative experiences our members offer — and you won’t truly know the full extent of it until you start exploring.

This year, instead of giving a thing, give an experience that ignites a long-lasting memory. And while you’re at it, perhaps treat yourself to one too.

Karin and the Creative Harborough Team