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Buy An Experience For A Holiday Gift

BOSTON (CBS) -- Are you having trouble figuring out what to get some of the people on your gift list? You might want to consider buying them an experience instead of a traditional present.

Luis Salgado received a gift that would never fit under a Christmas tree. Instead of a watch or a sweater, he got lessons at a trapeze school from a friend.

Paula Ebben reports.

Luis was thrilled with this present which gave him the opportunity to have a new experience.

Gretchen Rubin wrote "The Happiness Project" and believes these types of gifts can truly bring a new level of personal satisfaction. "You have these peak experiences or take photos of vacations and look at them again and think back on the fun you've had in the past. That's a great way to make yourself happy," explained Rubin.

The gift giver can also feel good about spending money on a present which had lasting impact.

It's not necessary to spend thousands on a thrill seeking adventure. Something as simple as tickets to a museum can do the trick.

The goal is to think about an experience which can lead to lasting memories, like a family vacation or attending a concert.

You can also try the gift of learning by enrolling a loved one in music lessons, a cooking class, or a language course.

It's a good idea to check on the return policy on any type of class, incase your idea of a fun experience isn't shared.

Another option is to make a charitable donation on someone's behalf, particularly something that enriches their community.

But with a little thought, your present can truly last forever.

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