As the holiday season approaches, many shoppers are rethinking their gift-giving strategies amid economic concerns. According to Deloitte’s 40th annual Holiday Retail Survey, Americans are expected to reduce their holiday budgets by 10% this year due to challenging economic conditions. Despite tighter budgets, there is a trend toward giving more meaningful gifts that create lasting memories.
One option gaining popularity is gifting experiences rather than physical items. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF), which began in 1997 at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, continues to offer a variety of food and drink events. This year marks the festival’s 25th anniversary, with all net proceeds supporting FIU and its students. “Buy your loved one a ticket to one of the Festival’s more than 100 events. Check out all of them on the SOBEWFF holiday gift guide. Plus, FIU Family gets a gift too, an exclusive 15% discount on select events using codeFIUFAM15 at checkout here,” states the announcement.
Travel also remains a sought-after experience during the holidays. AAA projects that over 122 million Americans will travel by various means this season, an increase from last year’s figures. In addition to general travel trends, FIU offers study abroad opportunities for students during winter break as well as in spring and summer sessions.
Sports and adventure activities are also highlighted as experiential gifts. This year, FIU Football is set to compete against the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on December 26 in Dallas, Texas. “Why not support our student-athletes as they prepare to take on the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on Friday, Dec. 26, in Dallas, Texas? Give your favorite FIU Panther a ticket to the game,” suggests the release.
For those interested in professional development or learning new skills, FIU Chaplin School has introduced executive education programs covering topics such as artificial intelligence in hospitality and beverage management.
The overall message encourages shoppers to consider giving experiences instead of material goods this holiday season.
