Did you know that 78% of Canadians purchase at least one gift per month?

That’s 12 gifts per year. After a while, you gotta start thinking outside the box, right? That’s probably why 42% say they try to get creative with their presents.

We recommend gifting experiences as opposed to actual things… why? Because in the same survey we conducted, we found that 53% of Canadians want to be surprised by a gift. And the best way to surprise someone isn’t with something but rather, an experience.

The other reason, an experience can transcend seasons. Go beyond the material; a beautiful memory is one of the greatest gifts you can give. A dinner out works no matter what time of year it is (Valentine’s Day be damned!). In fact, 35% of Canadians surveyed say they want to receive a meal out.

Rakuten is your one-stop shop for everything you need to make gift giving SUPER simple!

Occasions for presents can be as seasonless as going away, housewarming, weddings, babies, surviving exams, snow in Vancouver, and more…

More food for thought… Approximately 50% wanted to be gifted tickets to an event, 40% like to give gift cards, and the most popular gift cards include gas, grocery stores, dining, and movies.

Here are some of the suggestions we have for optimal memory-making gifts.

• Splurge with a luxury surprise. Rakuten has a slew of luxury merchants, like Jimmy Choo, Barneys New York, Coach (and more!) you can get a primo present from. One that they may never have bought themselves. 

• An incredible alternative to a dinner out is to prepare an awesome home-cooked meal. Order from HelloFresh and surprise them with a special night at home.

• Gift cards can go along way. More and more, people are giving gift cards because it’s the best way to ensure your giftee gets exactly what they want.

• Concerts, sporting events, theatre – there’s something for almost everyone at Ticketmaster, including you (aka Cash Back).

• Sometimes you just need to treat yourself with a little something… 62% of Canadians can’t be wrong! Maybe it’s a piece of jewellery, a book for a cozy reading weekend, a day at the spa, or that fancy new purse. Whatever it is, you deserve it!

• Whether you’re searching for your partner, your family, or a girls’ weekend getaway, the gift of travel is one of the best. Talk about making memories – a trip is the way to do just that!

• Vintage or one-of-a-kind finds are pretty special, as well. Consider supporting makers from Etsy and get something they’re unlikely to find anywhere else.

But whatever you choose to give, it’s not about how much you spend, it’s about the thought that goes into it, and the gesture of showing someone you care.