What do you buy the person who has everything?
Have you heard people ask this question? Sometimes it seems overwhelming to try to think of a gift for a friend, coworker or loved one when they seem to have everything they could ever want already. It's probably because you're thinking of giving them a thing, an object, something they could easily buy. I'm going to tell you a secret about gift giving that will change how you think about birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas celebrations. Ready? Here it is: the best gifts aren't items. They're experiences.

Opportunities to Buy Experiences Are All Around Us
Look around your community for local events and experiences. Take a music-loving friend to hear a community orchestra or a jazz ensemble. Find a new park or trail to hike together and pack some fun snacks to share along the journey. Is there a show or an exhibit coming to a museum or gallery near you that your spouse or coworker might enjoy?

You can also help your friends and family members by suggesting these kinds of experiences as gifts. Doing something together to celebrate your birthday creates a memory that lasts. It gives you new stories to share and gets you out of your routine to add a little freshness to your life.

Celebrate with Experiences Any Day
Giving experiences doesn't have to be expensive. You can bring them muffins, take a picnic lunch somewhere fun. Pick up smoothies and walk at a local park. Invite someone for coffee or for a meal. Spending time together and getting away from daily distractions allows you a chance to connect to the people who matter most to you. You don't even have to wait for a special day to celebrate. You can give this happiness-boosting gift any day!

So this year, as the people around you celebrate milestones, keep experiences close in mind. Look for opportunities to share them with the people you appreciate to show how much you care by giving them a lasting gift of happiness.

Get More Tips and Information on Improving Your Happiness
Learn more about how experiences impact happiness in Day 16: Money: Buy Experiences, Not Things, in my book, 21 Days to Happiness.

It’s that exciting time of the year again!
How I love the holidays: it's a time to share meals and snuggles with our loved ones. It’s also often an opportunity to take a few days off and take care of ourselves, catching up on our reading, seeing friends and family, participating in some outdoor activities…
 
One day I hope to find my book 21 Days to Happiness on "Oprah’s list". What an awesome accomplishment that would be!

In the mean time I was thinking, while I wait for the good news from Oprah's people, why don’t I share my own happy gift list with you? Here are 10 things you can buy as a way to say, "thank you," or, "I love you," to someone you appreciate or...why not, from you to you!
 
These 10 gifts, if combined, would make a perfect "happy day" during the holidays. Picture this…

#1: A pair of comfy pants for her ​or for him like these are the first thing you want when you wake up.

#3 and 4: Next, use a few drops of high-quality essential oils and this fabulous diffuser. These are 6 basic essential oils and this is the diffuser I use myself-- it's so practical and creates just the right mood!

#5: Before you do anything else, how about a hot treat to warm you up? Use a cool mug for him or for her for your morning coffee, tea, or warm lemon water. Ahhh! So good.

Acts of kindness are one of the best ways to increase your happiness and the happiness of those around you. Why not pick a few things from my list and share them with those you love-- or spoil yourself this holiday! Nothing wrong with a little self-care sprinkled in with your holiday giving. Remember, happiness is contagious. So when you feel great, you spread even more happiness!

Visit my books and more page for even more holiday ideas.