This is a guest post.
Look out! It’s the wedding gift conversation.
If you’ve ever been part of ‘the wedding gift experience conversation’, you’re going to want to read on.
The conversation usually goes something like this.
“A tea set?” “No, too boring.” “A set of cooking pots?” “Are you crazy? They already have all the pots and pans they need – they’re chefs for goodness sake.” “I know! My parents got a set of encyclopedias…” “Internet, John! Internet.” “One of my mother’s paintings?” “Look, Honey, I love your mother dearly, I really do, but even you have to admit it, she ain’t no artist.” “This is impossible, let’s just put some cash in an envelope.” “Hmmmm… it’s not very imaginative. But, I agree.”
Cash in an envelope, the easy way out. A gifting experience the happy couple is going to remember for the rest of their lives. NOT!
The fact is, whether you like it or not, they’ll probably spend the money on something you’ll never know about. Maybe even to pay a bill. How romantic!
But it doesn’t have to be that way. You see, the whole process of gifting is evolving.
Most people no longer want to accumulate masses of material things they’ll probably never use. They no longer want clutter or dust gatherers. And they most certainly don’t want to be reminded of your crappy gift every time they have to venture into the attic to set another mousetrap.
All the signs are pointing directly towards the gifting of experiences, not things. The creation of memories and stories that will last a lifetime.
Welcome to Tinggly, and the evolution of gift giving.
Giving experiences as gifts
A Tinggly unique wedding gift is a completely new concept in the process of gifting.
Through a series of gift boxes – each containing hundreds of thrilling, adventurous, gastronomic, and personal life-changing discoveries, located right around the world – Tinggly lets you give the gift of genuine and unique experiences.
Here’s how it works.
You decide on the gift box, the price range, and let Tinggly do the rest. Once you’ve made your choice, you can have the gift box dispatched for delivery to the recipients, to yourself for the exciting hand-over, or if it’s an emergency, just print it out from your computer. It’s that easy.
And, unlike other experience gift vouchers on the market, the recipients have up to five years to claim their own unique experience.
Tinggly really is the future of gift giving. But don’t take my word for it, take a look below at just a tiny fraction of the 2,000 plus possible experiences that you can give.
ADVENTURE
Venice by Kayak – There’s no better way to explore Venice than from the water. In the company of a personal guide, enjoy a Kayak tour among the city’s famous labyrinth of canals and waterways. View the city at your leisure. Admire the bustling piazzas, bridges, and cathedrals without the hassle of the crowds. The tour even includes several unique food-tasting experiences along the way. Or, for a truly special romantic experience, why not opt for an evening tour, when the shimmering waters are bathed in moonlight?
Ice caves and glaciers in Iceland – For lovers of true adventure, there’s no experience quite so memorable as donning a snowsuit and crampons and hiking your way across the icy expanse of Vatnajökull glacier. Not only is it Iceland’s largest glacier but the largest glacier in all of Europe. In the company of a professional guide, you and your partner will experience a series of unique panoramas unequaled in magical beauty. Then, be the envy of friends and relatives for years to come, as you recall the memories of your hike through the ice caves which run throughout the glacier’s interior. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
CULTURAL
VIP tour of Beijing and the Great Wall – Stand in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and gaze at the giant portrait of Chairman Mao which hangs from the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Skip the long lines as you visit 10 uniquely selected sites, including the Forbidden City. Learn stories from the history and culture of each site before retiring for a traditional Chinese lunch experience. After lunch drive to one of the best-preserved sections of China’s Great Wall. Avoid the long queues and the hike to the top with a cable car ride to and from the ramparts of one of the world’s seven great wonders.
Tango in Buenos Aires – Tango, one of the most romantic dances in the world. And, where better to learn the steps of romance than with your loved one on the dancefloors of its origin, Argentina’s Buenos Aires. Get to feel and empathize with the dance’s history, its roots in Africa, Cuba, and Europe, and its relationship with the Argentine people, before a tango expert leads you to the floor in one of the homes of Tango, a traditional bar on the city’s Avenida de Mayo. See the real experts in action, and feel the pulses rise as the dancing reaches a crescendo. An experience for all true romantics at heart.
DISCOVERY
Sunrise balloon flight over Egypt’s Valley of the Kings – If you want to have one of the greatest experiences of your life – a sunrise hot air balloon ride – it’s almost impossible to imagine a more spectacular location than the skies above the Egyptian city of Luxor. Escape the crowds and be the envy of the earth-bound as you gaze down on the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the temple at Karnak, and the Colossi of Memnon. From a unique perspective, create memories from an experience which is sure to be the envy of friends and family for years to come. There is nothing as peaceful and serene as balloon flight, add to that the experience of sunrise in the land of the Pharaohs.
The Barbados ultimate land and sea experience – Barbados, one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Adored by honeymooners and those in search of a real luxury holiday experience. On a unique day trip, using specially adapted vehicles offering panoramic of views the island, venture offroad to discover secret locations unknown to conventional tourism. Follow this wild adventure onboard a stylish sailing catamaran for a leisurely cruise through the tranquil azure waters of the Caribbean. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, before choosing between sunbathing on deck, enjoying the hospitality of an open bar, or snorkeling with sea turtles for an experience never to be forgotten. Welcome to Paradise.
FLYING
Paragliding in the Colombian Andes – From the silence of the Andean skies marvel at the unobstructed views of Medellin and the breathtaking vistas of the Colombian landscape. From the peak of San Felix, take to the air with a professional instructor. With a backdrop of the snow-capped Andes, experience first-hand this adventure for seekers of thrill and raw emotion. With pick up and drop off at your hotel in Medellin you can soar like a condor above the Andes and be back in your hotel in time for lunch. Food will never taste better.
Indoor skydiving in the Netherlands – Honeymooning in Europe? Always wanted to try the thrill of skydiving, but the thoughts of flinging yourself from a perfectly good aircraft were just too much? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answer. The amazing thrill of indoor skydiving in the Dutch city of Roosendaal gives you the real feeling of jumping from an aircraft, without the dangers. Free-falling on a cushion of air, inside a see-through perspex cylinder – so your other half can record the experience – is a fun and realistic experience for everyone. In a controlled and safe environment, float like a butterfly, or somersault through the air, you’re sure to fill a library of great memories.
GOURMET
Twilight tall ship dinner cruise – Sydney – Experience Sydney Harbour at sunset from the decks of an authentic tall ship; either the Southern Swan or the much celebrated Soren Larsen. Enjoy views of Harbour Bridge, the famed Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison, and Admiralty House as you enjoy an onboard buffet dinner experience. Soak the views at sunset with relaxing musical accompaniment, or help the crew to raise and lower the sails on these working relics of maritime history.
Stomping grapes in France – Tell the truth, we’ve all wanted to try our hands (or feet) at stomping grapes to make wine. If you’re lucky enough to be honeymooning in the south of France, then this great experience is just for you. This is rural France at its best. Slip off your shoes, roll up your trousers legs or dress, and climb into the huge oak grape casks and stomp away until your heart’s content. When you’ve finished, take a tour of the winery and learn about their history and the wine-making process. With views of nearby Mt. Sainte-Victoire enjoy a hearty traditional lunch of cheeses, charcuterie, crispy crusty local bread soaked with local olive and truffle oils, and of course the fruits of your delicate footwork, lashings of delicious wine.
TOURS AND SIGHTSEEING
Horse and carriage ride in Paris – Paris, the city of love and romance, and what better way to enjoy its charms than a leisurely jaunt through its elegant streets in a horse-drawn carriage. Capture the city’s world-renowned and iconic landmarks – the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees, and the Arc de Triomphe – from an enchanting and unique perspective. The Parisian horse and carriage excursion is one of the most romantic and memorable experiences for any couple with love in their hearts.
Alappuzha backwaters houseboat cruise in India – Imagine cruising the lazy backwaters of India’s Kerala at the point where they empty into the tranquil Arabian sea. In a land of heritage and outstanding natural beauty, enjoy the ever-changing landscape from beneath the on-deck sunshade of your houseboat. Surrounded by comfort and luxury – including nightly air-conditioning – let the rhythmic movement of the waters gently rock you to sleep. The ultimate honeymoon luxury experience.
WATER EXPERIENCES
Ireland – River Barrow camp and canoe – Forty shades of green, Guinness, the land of a thousand welcomes, leprechauns and pots of gold; cliches one and all. The real Ireland lies in the serenity of its nature and wild countryside, and there’s no better way to experience that peace and quiet than by slowly drifting on the currents of the country’s second-longest river, the Barrow. The verdant riverside landscape, populated by herons, kingfishers, otters, and swans, is largely undeveloped, leaving passers-by free to let their minds wander. At night, stop by a small rural village and say hello to the locals or maybe join in the music and fun that’s sure to be found there. Finally, camp under the stars and feel the true timeless rhythm of the land of saints and scholars.
Bali – Diving for beginners – No trip to Indonesia is complete with diving in its crystal clear waters. The Blue Lagoon, just off the island of Bali’s east coast, is the perfect place to learn to dive. Discover long white sandy beaches, pristine waters, and all without the overcrowding associated with Bali. Once you can swim, the professional instructors will introduce you to the beauty of life beneath the waves. With visibility up to 20 meters witness the marvels and abundance of life and color in this underwater paradise. See turtles, squid, octopus, razorfish, snake eels, and sea cucumbers as your diving instructors lead you gently through the beauty of the living corals. This is an experience that will fill your life with stories for years to come.
WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES
Two-day jungle safari in Nepal – Nepal doesn’t usually spring to mind whenever safaris are mentioned. However, Nepal’s first national park, Chitawan – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is breaking all of those old rules. In Chitawan over two days, and in the company of expert local guides, share encounters with elephants, rhinoceroses, monkeys, crocodiles, leopards, and maybe even the majestic Bengal tiger. Delve deep into the park and explore a rare and diverse ecosystem first-hand. Hear the song of the forest and the scent of the flora as you attempt to spot the amazing and unique local wildlife. But don’t forget to keep your camera ready at all times. Nobody will believe the wonders of your stories without hard evidence to back them up.
Whale watching in Australia – Get up close and personal with the ocean’s most magnificent creatures, whales. From the Australian city of Brisbane, your modern comfortable vessel transports you to Moreton Bay, regarded as one of the world’s best whale observation sites. Your boat is designed specifically for perfect whale watching and offers 360-degree views of the ocean. Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars to really enhance the experience. There is nothing as breathtaking as the site of a giant humpback whale breaching the ocean surface, guaranteeing you a set of memories that you’ll treasure forever.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Tinggly.
So, Emma here: which of these experiences would you want to try first? My first pick would be the Paris carriage ride or Barbados wedding experience. They all sound amazing! Tell us your pick in the comment box below.
