Goods and gadgets are great, but how about gifting a lifetime memory this holiday season?

Goods and gadgets as Christmas gifts are a kind gesture, but experiential gifts can go a long way in strengthening that bond with seniors during the holiday season.

Holiday shoppers know that seemingly every year there is one person on their shopping list who is difficult to shop for. Seniors can fit that bill, as many have already accumulated a lifetime’s worth of goods and gadgets.

That’s why experiential gifts can be such a great fit for seniors during the holiday season. In fact, experiential gifts are becoming very popular.

In its latest Winter Holiday Shopping Report, market research firm Mintel revealed that nearly half of individuals surveyed for the report feel that experiential gifts are better than tangible items.

These gifts can also encourage seniors to get out of the house or pursue passions in which they have long had a baffling interest.

For those considering gift experiences, this list of local events may be worth splurging on.

Magical experience on 20 hectares of land

Glow Langley, one of Canada’s largest Christmas lighting events, returns this year, and the organizer says it will be bigger and better than before.

Guests will experience a family-friendly outdoor Christmas with towering light gardens and magical landscapes, all under the magic of over a million lights. Attractions include a scavenger hunt for kids, food trucks, a holiday train ride, photos with Santa, a meet and greet with princesses, and a giant heated tented space with live performances and delicious holiday beverages.

Guests can wander through a sea of ​​giant ornaments, magical trees and lights while children also enjoy the variety of attractions designed just for them, including a holiday-themed children’s playground.

Each year, Glow Langley presents a new holiday theme. This season, The Jolly Jumble will tell a story and send families on a mission to find Santa’s tree-decorating team of six elves so they can finish the North Pole’s biggest and most beautiful Christmas tree.

The event runs until Saturday 31 December. A regular adult pass is $19.99 plus tax, while a family pass is $69.99 plus tax. Parking is free and all attractions within the event are included in the ticket price.

A friendly visit to a senior in the community

Seniors who live alone or without a family can find themselves isolated and this feeling can grow during the festive season. Just a friendly visit or a phone call can go a long way in keeping their spirits up.

Theater performance

Here’s a gift you might want to give and have unwrapped before Christmas.

Ex-soldiers Bob and Phil are a popular song and dance duo when they fall for two singing sisters who follow them to the struggling Columbia Inn in Vermont for a seasonal show. The Inn is owned by their former general, and they hatch a plan to save the Inn from ruin, fall in love, and sing some great holiday songs.

Did you like the story?

Langley’s Theater In The Country invites the public to a special Christmas performance, which runs until Saturday 17 December. The play, “White Christmas” is the work of Irvin Berlin, David Ives and Paul Blake brought to the local dinner theater stage. this holiday season.

To purchase tickets, visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=tic01

For those sporty seniors

On Saturday, December 31, Langley Rivermen take on the Nanaimo Clippers at George Preston Recreation Centre, at 208th Street and 42nd Avenue. Tickets are available online at langleyrivermen.com.

Or, similarly, there’s some exciting hockey action on tap at the Langley Events Center throughout the new year. For example, the Vancouver Giants have rugby matches on Saturday and Sunday, January 12 and 13, where they face Kamloops and Victoria respectfully. Tickets can be purchased online at: vancouvergiants.com.

Sunday night Jazz

How about taking parents or grandparents out for a jazzy evening?

Dave Quinn brings his personality, charm and engaging music to Mangia e Scappa on Sunday evenings, from 6pm to 9pm. He performs Italian and jazz music through the ages on clarinet and saxophone, and brings in a guest pianist or a guitarist and creates a warm and diverse atmosphere that people love.

Or, how about signing that special someone up for some pasta-making classes, also offered at this popular restaurant tucked away in the heart of Fort Langley Village. Information: mangiaescappa.com.

Christmas concert

It’s another gift that needs to be unwrapped early, but will help make the holiday season special.

Vancouver’s JUNO-nominated vocal ensemble, Musica Intima returns to Langley audiences after three years to perform its seasonal concert at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church on Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will also feature the Langley Children’s Choir.

Tickets range from $10 to $40 per person.

“Winter Patterns taps into the nostalgia and magic of winters past, as we gather with family and friends, and will feature songs from the winter season sprinkled with favorite Christmas carols arranged by ensemble members past and present,” says Lucy Smith, operations manager.

For more information about the concert, people can visit musicaintima.org/winter-patterns.

Experiences can make the perfect holiday gifts for seniors who have it all.

Fun cooking classes

Every week, at BCD Academy and catering, certified professionals share their wisdom with dozens of culinary enthusiasts. Their specialized classes on traditional Thai cooking teach students how to prepare a healthy and nutritious meal for daily workouts. Every month they also invite chef from all over the world, who share their experience and tips.

People can book classes online at bcdacademy.ca.

Explore Langley

Chew on This Tasty Tours is an initiative by a local resident. The organization offers walking and riding tours in Langley, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge and more for $99 per person. The tour involves exploring heritage or tourist sites, tastings at various local restaurants, sometimes craft classes, culinary sessions, and more. Seniors can take their friends for an extra charge and can even enjoy a customized itinerary. Plus, walking during the tours is a great way to participate in fun fitness activities.

Christmas

Dave Quinn brings his personality, charm and engaging music to Mangia e Scappa on Sunday evenings, from 6pm to 9pm (Langley Advance Times file)

Lots of exciting hockey games on tap at the Langley Events Center throughout the new year. (Special to Langley Advance Times)