Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1484582
BY METRO Holiday shoppers know that almost every year there's one person on their list who's hard to shop for. Seniors may fit that bill, as many have already ac- cumulated a lifetime's worth of goods and gadgets. That's why ex- periential gifts can be such a great fit for se- niors come the holiday season. Experiential gifts are wildly popular. In its 2021 Winter Holi- day Shopping Report, the market research firm Mintel revealed that nearly half of individuals surveyed for the report felt that experiential gifts are superior to tangible items. Seniors who al- ready have everything they need might be even more enthusias- tic about experiential gifts, which may en- courage them to get out of the house or pursue passions they've long had a passing in- terest in. This holiday season, shoppers can consider these experi- ences as they look for something new and unique for the seniors on their shopping lists. Biplane flight Few experiences are as exhilarating as a flight in an open cock- pit biplane. Biplane flights are unique to each company that of- fers them, but some planes can accommo- date two passengers (in addition to the pilot), making this an ideal gift for senior couples who aren't afraid of a bird's-eye view. The length of a flight de- pends on shoppers' budgets, but no matter how long seniors are in the air, they're sure to return to the ground having enjoyed a truly unique experience. Hot air balloon ride If riding shotgun with a pilot in a tiny plane is more adven- ture than your favorite senior may be seeking, a hot air balloon ride may be more suitable. Hot air balloon rides provide a truly stun- ning way to experience idyllic settings and a calm way to take to the skies on a beautiful day. Rides tend to last around an hour, but companies typically offer various packages and may even let shop- pers customize rides for their loved ones. Theater tickets The COVID-19 pandemic hasn't been easy for anyone, but seniors were among the groups most vul- nerable to serious in- fection if they caught the virus. As a result, many seniors strictly adhered to social dis- tancing guidelines before getting vac- cinated. Now that seniors are eligible to be fully vaccinated and even receive two rounds of booster shots, a trip to the the- ater can reignite their passion for live enter- tainment and make for a memorable treat. Cycling tour Modern seniors are among the most physically active de- mographics. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Medical In- ternet Research found that, within months of the pandemic being declared, adults age 65 and older averaged 100 more minutes of physi- cal activity than the next closest cohort. A cycling tour can make for a perfect gift to active seniors. Tours may be designed to visit local places of historical significance, idyllic natural settings or local eateries. Wher- ever the tours ulti- mately end up, they're sure to put a smile on active seniors' faces. Experiences can make for the perfect holiday gifts for seniors who have it all. Experiential gi"s for seniors Gi"s to get kids off the couch BY METRO Devices can be hard to ignore. Seemingly always within arm's length, devices such as tablets and smartphones are as popular as ever. In a survey designed to gauge smartphone own- ership, the Pew Research Center found that 85 percent of Americans owned a smartphone in 2021. That reflects a significant increase since 2011, when 35 percent of Americans owned a smartphone. Adults may rec- ognize the potential pitfalls of spending too much time on their de- vices, but those pitfalls are not nearly as ap- parent to children. A 2021 study pub- lished in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry found that excessive smartphone use is as- sociated with various health problems in adolescents and young adults. Such issues in- clude psychiatric, cogni- tive, emotional, medical and brain changes. A separate 2021 study published in the In- ternational Journal of Eating Disorders found that children have a 62 percent greater risk of developing a binge-eat- ing disorder for each ad- ditional hour they spend on social media. Parents know that getting kids to put down their devices is no small task. However, the holiday season can be the perfect time to find fun gifts for kids that have nothing to do with screens and encourage kids to be more physi- cally active. Lessons Whether it's surfing, boating or music les- sons, various courses do not require devices or even allow them to be used during sessions. Parents and loved ones of children can look for lessons that inspire youngsters to pursue a new passion that pro- motes physical activity and encourages kids to get up and go. Trampoline Aunts and uncles should definitely clear this one with Mom and Dad before purchas- ing it. However, no kid, including tweens and newly minted teenag- ers, can resist a good trampoline. Modern trampolines are safer than yesterday's mod- els, especially when shoppers choose ones with enclosures that prevent kids from fall- ing off the trampoline and onto the ground below. Sports equipment Organized sports instill lessons about sportsmanship, hard work, overcoming ad- versity and the value of working as a team, all the while promoting physical activity. Young children who haven't yet participated in organized sports may be compelled to do so if a new baseball mitt or basketball hoop is waiting under the tree this holiday season. Kites Kites can be perfect for kids who don't take to sports or those who simply need a break from competition. Kites can help young chil- dren develop their gross motor skills and instill in them a love of the great outdoors that lasts a lifetime. Getting kids to put down their devices is no small task. But parents and loved ones can do their best by giving gifts that encourage kids to get off the couch and be more physically active. H6 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001 Homes | Advertising Section