Number 9

I couldn’t agree more with IIya Pozin’s article “The Secret to Happiness? Spend Money on Experiences, Not Things”. That’s why, since my daughter was born, she has never received tons of ‘stuff’, but she has always received at least ‘one experience’ on special days. These have included little ‘experiences’ – a gift certificate to the movies, a trip to the ice capades or Kringle’s Inventionasium, and big ones – tickets to Disney and to NYC (where my sister and I played a wicked game of adult musical chairs in Bryant Park while Olivia cheered us on lol).  I often deny my little sugarplum souvenirs at places we visit – as to me the real present is the gift of going to the place, not the over priced trinkets sold at them (I mean $20 to get your picture taken with a cardboard cut-out of a Disney Princess – REALLY?!?!)– but I never deny her the opportunity to meet new people, visit new places, and try new things.

 

My sister shares my sentiments in this matter, and so often we ‘gift’ one another time spent together doing things we’ve either never done or have done and loved. In the past these gifts have included firewalking, sensory deprivation tanks, psychic readings, and enjoying singer/songwriter night at the famed Bluebird Café. In fact, one of our favorite things in the world is the Playhouse Square subscription package we share. It assures us at least one date night a month together enjoying good food and live theater. And now, more than ever, our theaters can use your support.

Check out the following message from Gina Vernaci, President and Chief Operating Officer of Playhouse Square. Can you think of anyone who might enjoy a gift that will also, quite literally, help this amazing organization and the second biggest theater district in the US outside of NYC to keep their lights shining bright.