This holiday season, some shoppers are looking beyond traditional wrapped gifts — the kind that sometimes end up forgotten in the back of the closet — and choosing instead experiences that create memories.

From spa days to holiday concerts and family passes, county residents are giving gifts that come with a story to tell and an experience to remember.

Whether it’s a calming massage or a refreshing facial, Butler County’s spas and wellness venues share a common goal: helping people prioritize self-care.

Kylie Worthy, assistant manager of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Cranberry Township, said spa and salon experiences are always popular gifts, particularly during the holiday season.

“We offer holiday specials that combine services, and our clients love to stop in and buy them for last-minute gifts,” she said. “They make a thoughtful present.”

Experience gifts — like spa visits — are part of a growing trend.

Western Pennsylvania businesses and venues are noticing a shift from traditional wrapped presents to experience-based giving — especially during the holidays — and national surveys agree.

A 2023 GetYourGuide survey found that 92% of Americans prefer receiving experiences over physical gifts, while CivicScience reported that 58% of U.S. adults received a gift card during the 2023 holiday season and 57% planned to purchase them for 2024.

Families have plenty of options for adventures, from catching a movie or live theater performance to bouncing at a trampoline park, exploring indoor play centers, ax-throwing, feeding a wild animal, learning a new craft or having dinner at a fine restaurant.

Fun Fore All Family Fun Park in Cranberry Township offers arcade games, duckpin bowling, go-karts, amusement rides and mini golf.

“During the holiday season, we see a good number of online purchases from out-of-state visitors buying gift certificates for relatives to use when they visit,” said owner Chris Camp.

While many family fun experience gifts can be found close to home, some residents look just beyond the county line for memorable experiences, too.

At Living Treasures Wild Animal Park in Lawrence County, gift certificates and season passes are popular gifts. Promotional materials invite customers to “Give the Gift of Fun.”

The Kamin Science Center, part of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, promotes its “Biggest Membership Sale of the Year” leading up to Christmas, encouraging visitors to give the gift of science exploration “that lasts all year.” Gift memberships can be used for daily visits, special exhibits and a variety of programs, such as holiday ornament-making and laser shows.

Elizabeth Molloy, of Wexford, Allegheny County, was delighted when her 2-year-old daughter, Emaline, received a yearly membership last Christmas from her aunts. A highlight was a meet-and-greet with princesses Elsa and Anna from “Frozen” in January.

“Now that we have the membership, we can go there for programs or just an hour or two as often as we like,” Molloy said.

Of course, not every experience gift involves tickets or attractions. Some, like Storyworth, offer something even more personal — the chance to preserve a loved one’s stories.

Making family history come alive has become a sentimental holiday gift.

Paul Anselmo, of Elizabeth Township, Allegheny County, received Storyworth from his daughter last Christmas. Storyworth is a service that compiles a person’s life stories into a bound book after weekly email prompts, such as “What is your favorite childhood memory?”

“It required work on my part, but allowed her to read about my experiences throughout my life,” Anselmo said.

“December is, by far, our busiest time of year,” said Jamie Miller, customer support specialist at Storyworth. “Many of our customers choose Storyworth because it helps them connect with family members, reflect on their lives and create something that lasts far beyond the holidays.”

For others, experiences mean sharing time through music, theater and cultural events that bring people together.

Tickets to holiday performances, both in Butler and Pittsburgh, remain popular experience gifts.

Kim Asti-Fritz, of St. Mary’s, Pa., was thrilled when her sons surprised her with a trip to Pittsburgh to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at PPG Paints Arena last year.

“It was fabulous, better than anything we could have unwrapped,” she said.

Local ensembles also present an opportunity for an experience.

“Our holiday concerts are always sold out,” said Nancy Backo, office administrator for the Butler County Symphony Orchestra.

For those who’d rather do than see, lessons and workshops make another kind of meaningful experience gift.

Art, crafting, cooking, and even golf and flying lessons offer enrichment that lasts long after the holidays.

High Flight Academy at Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport in Penn Township offers “discovery” flights.

“Some people purchase the discovery package for a fun flight to get the feel of flying, and others are interested in the next step flight lessons,” said Dillon Bly, dispatcher and pilot at the academy.

Many who receive a discovery flight go on to become licensed pilots, he said.

Golf lessons make a thoughtful and lasting holiday gift, too.

At The Perfect Swing Golf School and Driving Range in Center Township, gift certificates are available for private lessons and the junior program. Owner Joyce Hoffman said the holidays always bring more golfers-in-the-making through its doors, with Christmas being the most popular time for giving the gift of lessons.

And for givers who find joy in helping others, the most rewarding experience of all may be sharing generosity itself.

For those who want to give a gift that helps others this holiday — tribute giving, or donations made in someone’s name, is a meaningful tradition.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Butler County Humane Society, Butler YMCA and veterans groups are just a few of the organizations that see an increase in tribute contributions at Christmas.

Butler Hospital Foundation’s long-running “Caring Angel” program supports children, youth and families in need. The program provides free emergency medical care for children and funds programs through the hospital’s family services.

“Letters go out during the holiday season and donors and recipients receive a thank-you card from the foundation,” said Kris Bowser, foundation manager.

Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts of the season are experiences. Their true value can only be measured by the joy, memories and traditions they inspire for years to come.