Why gift experiences? Our top 5 gift ideas
Looking for the most thoughtful, meaningful and sustainable gifts this season? Us too. That’s why we’re choosing gift experiences. We explore why the best presents don’t always come gift-wrapped.
When choosing a gift for the outdoor swimmer in your life, you want to think sustainably. We love immersing in nature, and we care about protecting it, so gifts that support that eco-ethos are top of our wish lists.
That might mean choosing an item that we really need, buying from an independent brand, or shopping with a company with excellent sustainable credentials. But it could also mean not shopping for stuff at all.
Making memories
Gift experiences are often more meaningful than stuff. Why? According to psychologists, it’s because experiences create emotional connections, align with our passions, and support personal growth – and that creates memories that last much longer than material items.
Experiences like wild swimming and saunaing that have a big emotional impact – we’re talking awe at nature, bravery at getting in the cold, excitement – create greater feelings of bonding, appreciation and gratitude. What’s more, because we can share experiences, we can strengthen our relationship with the person for whom we buy the gift. For example, if you gift a sauna session, you can enjoy it together.
Escaping the material world
In a crazy world where we’re surrounded by stuff all the time, escape is one of the most valuable things you can give. Escaping into nature helps us appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world, find a new perspective, be present in the moment, and literally expand our horizons.
You can support your loved ones to figuratively expand their horizons by introducing them to a new hobby or experience – or by helping them explore outdoor swimming in new ways. For example, you could gift them a course that helps them improve their open water swimming.
Buy once, buy well
The beauty of wild swimming is that you don’t need much to enjoy it. That’s not to say that we don’t love our gear – most outdoor swimmers have a fantastic array of kit and caboodle that makes our swimming safer and more comfortable.
If you want to buy your outdoor swimmer an item, use the buy once, buy well principle. Try to find out what they need, and then choose something that perfectly suits those needs. Check out our gear guides for some tried, tested and outdoor swimmer-approved ideas.
Our top 6 gift experiences for outdoor swimmers
1. Entry to an outdoor swimming event
Outdoor swimming events or challenges won’t just give your loved one something to train for – they will increase their confidence, support personal growth and offer adventure.
Best for: Adventurous swimmers who love new challenges.
Top tip: Choose an event in a beautiful new location and make a holiday out of it.
Budget: £Varies The Great North Swim’s 1-mile early bird fee is £44
2. A virtual course to swim faster in open water
If your favourite outdoor swimmer has an event or challenge coming up next season, why not help them get there with an expert virtual course? Our 4-part video course covers everything from better technique to the open water skills needed to thrive in racing or long-distance swimming.
Best for: Swimmers who want to swim faster front crawl in open water.
Top tip: Best for winter training in the pool.
Budget: £299
3. A guided swim
Whether they’re new to swimming outdoors or ready to explore a new wild location, a swim with an expert outdoor swimming guide is a wonderful gift. From swim holidays in exotic locations to supported swims with our editor Ella’s Dip Advisor guided swims are a great way to expand horizons.
Best for: Swimmers who explore new, exciting swims with expert guidance.
Top tip: Look for swim guides and holiday providers with excellent qualifications, experience and local knowledge.
Budget: From around £60 for a guided swim
4. Contrast therapy
Sauna culture is becoming so popular that we dedicated an entire issue to it. A sauna and cold plunge experience is a wonderful way to spend time together in the winter. It’s bonding, exhilarating, and makes you feel on top of the world.
Best for: Couples, families and friends who want to spend some quality time together.
Top tip: You can often book out a whole sauna for a private session – great for a group or family experience.
Budget: From around £10 for a public session and £60 for a private group booking
5. An Outdoor Swimmer subscription
Expert advice, technique tips, gear recommendations, travel inspiration – give a whole world of outdoor swimming adventure.
Best for: Outdoor swimming enthusiasts who want to indulge their passion and expand their horizons.
Top tip: Choose a print subscription for the treat of getting beautiful print issues through the post – the first issue comes gift wrapped!
Budget: £29.99 for a 6-month print subscription, £59.99 for a 12-month print subscription, or £31.99 for a 12-month digital subscription (54% off until Dec 25th)
