Holiday shoppers in Saskatoon opt for experiences over things

Experience gifts are becoming a holiday trend in Saskatoon.

Christmas shopping is in full swing in Saskatoon, but not every gift will be wrapped and placed under the tree. Some shoppers are opting for experiences instead of physical items, saying they create longer-lasting memories.

“I prefer an experience gift because sometimes we get caught up in material things, and experiences tend to be more memorable,” said Ty Obara.

Dale Johnson said one of his favourite Christmas gifts was an experience.

“My parents took me to a play at the Barn Playhouse, and that was a great experience,” he said.

Others say they are still mostly buying traditional gifts.

“So far, it’s mostly been physical gifts. I tried to do experience gifts for my nephews,” said Samantha Scheper.

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Tanya Waslen said she has not purchased experience gifts this year but would consider it.

“It’s something I wouldn’t mind getting,” she said.

Experience gifts can range from cooking classes and local entertainment to movie passes and short getaways.

“The experience is really customized to what that person wants to enjoy and the type of experience they want to have,” said Michelle Saba, a spokesperson for Cineplex.

Local businesses offering unique stays are also seeing interest.

“It’s something unique and different,” said Jane Rusbridge, co-owner of Blackstrap Glamping Resort.

“You get to experience nature in Saskatchewan in a way people might not normally think about.”

The trend appears to be growing nationwide. A survey by real estate services firm JLL found Canadians plan to spend more on experiences and entertainment and less on physical gifts this Christmas.

The firm surveyed 1,000 Canadians and found respondents plan to spend about one-third of their holiday budgets on experiences.

Paul Ferreira, senior vice-president of retail at JLL, said consumer spending habits are shifting.

“After the pandemic, people spent heavily on fashion and their homes,” he said.

“Now, more Canadians are looking for experiences that offer a greater sense of personal reward.”