Have you ever noticed how a good gift can change someone’s day? Sometimes it’s not the what, but the how and the why. And while a nice object is always appreciated, memories stay with us much longer. So… why not give unique moments as gifts?
The art of giving: more than a detail, an unforgettable experience.
“You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving,” said Amy Carmichael. Gifting is an act that goes beyond the simple delivery of an object: it is a way to connect, to transmit emotions and to leave a mark on the person who receives the gift. In our daily lives, surrounded by hurry and distractions, giving gifts gives us the opportunity to say: “I have thought of you. I know you. This is for you.
But what makes a gift truly special? It may not be the material value, but the intention, surprise or meaning behind it. Not for nothing, in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince” we read, “It was the time you spent with your rose that made it important.” In the same way, a gift is not important because of what it costs, but because of the time, care and thought we have put into choosing it.
The gift is an emotion
We’ve all experienced that magical moment when someone opens a gift and their eyes light up. Maybe because it was something they had wanted for a long time, or because they never imagined that someone would think of them in that way. Giving a gift is an act of empathy. It is putting yourself in the other person’s shoes, imagining what would make them smile and turning that idea into reality.
Gifting also connects us with ourselves. It forces us to stop and reflect: what would this person like? What would make them feel special? It’s a moment of pause in a world that rarely gives us permission to slow down. In that sense, gifting not only benefits the receiver, but also the giver. As Maya Angelou said, “I have learned that people will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Moments not things: the new era of gifting
In a world saturated with things, more and more people value giving moments rather than objects. And it makes sense. A perfume wears out, a sweater goes out of fashion, but a memory stays forever. Studies on gift psychology show that experiences, such as trips, special dinners or getaways, generate more happiness than material goods.
A couple who decide to treat themselves to an unexpected getaway to reconnect. A child who takes his or her parents to a place where they can remember the best years of their lives. Or even a group of friends who decide to celebrate their friendship in a unique setting, away from the routine.
Why not make our gifts like that? Moments that become stories to tell. The magic of the unexpected.
The Houses of Ea Astei
The Houses of Ea Astei
Did you know that the surprise factor plays a crucial role in how we perceive gifts? According to a Stanford University study, unexpected gifts activate our brain’s reward system more intensely than those we expect. In other words, the surprise generates more emotion than even the value of the gift.
Therefore, an unexpected gift can be a detail that breaks the monotony of everyday life: a sunrise in an unknown place, an improvised dinner on a candlelit terrace or a weekend surrounded by nature. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be special.
Gift ideas that won’t be forgotten
If you’re looking for gift ideas that will really leave an impression, here are some suggestions:
- A time to reconnect: A getaway to a place where you can enjoy together, away from the distractions of everyday life.
- A shared memory: Create something together, such as a special meal, a craft or a photo album full of happy moments.
- A new learning experience: Give the gift of a course, workshop or experience they have always wanted to try, such as sailing, painting or even learning to cook typical dishes from another culture.
- An unforgettable day: Combine activities that will surprise them, such as a hot air balloon ride, a walk through a magical forest or an outdoor dinner in a unique setting.
- Remember that the important thing is not the size or the price of the gift, but the meaning it carries with it.
The Houses of Ea Astei: the perfect gift to create memories.
At this point it is inevitable to recommend our Ea Astei Houses, a place where every corner seems designed to give unique moments. Located in the heart of the Urdaibai Reserve, these cottages are not only an accommodation, but a destination in itself.
Here, you can give the gift of an experience that combines luxury and nature. From quiet nights by the fire to sunrises surrounded by green mountains, every detail is designed to disconnect and enjoy. In addition, our gift cards allow you to personalize the experience: you can include nights in our houses, access to the wellness area, or even a welcome aperitif with local products.
Imagine starting the day exploring Laga beach or strolling through the Oma Forest, and then returning to a place where silence and comfort are the protagonists. As Goethe said, “he who gives must never remember, but he who receives must never forget”.
A gift that stays in the heart
This year, instead of giving something that will be forgotten over time, go for something that will be remembered forever. It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small, simple or elaborate: the important thing is that it’s meaningful, that it makes people smile and that it leaves a mark. Because, in the end, the most valuable gifts are the ones that can’t be wrapped.
