Lithuanians are increasingly choosing to give not material objects, but experiences that create genuine emotions and long-lasting memories. From virtual reality journeys to silence retreats or creative evenings, gifts are becoming a way to foster connection, calm, and authenticity.
The culture of gifting is changing: from objects to experiences
The holiday season increasingly reflects changing cultural trends.
“People are tired of rushing through shops in search of symbolic gifts. The excess of material presents encourages a shift toward more authentic gifts — ones that enrich and stay memorable for a long time.”
“We are seeing a clear shift in gifting culture: so-called emotional consumption is growing — people are looking not for yet another object, but for an experience,” shares strategic producer Lukas Verpetinskas, who works on unique projects inspired by the art of M. K. Čiurlionis — Trail of Angels and Creation of the Worlds.
“We live in times when material objects have lost their value. A gift that allows someone to feel, experience, or understand becomes a far deeper gesture than yet another new object that is often unnecessary. An emotional gift is a sign to a loved one that we are giving our time, attention, and emotion,” says L. Verpetinskas.
Why are emotional gifts becoming more popular?
This year, an increasing number of companies are making inquiries about distinctive gifts that create authentic experiences, encourage calm, creativity, or empathy, and offer the chance to experience something truly unique.
This shift is driven by several factors: fatigue from excessive consumption, a technology-driven “always-in-a-rush” mode, and a desire to return to a more human-centered way of living.
“What is gaining popularity today is what we call the ‘trend of calm’ — the need to slow down, experience the moment, and be present here and now. Technologies that seemed cold just a decade ago are now becoming tools for creating warmth and connection,” says L. Verpetinskas.
No more things needed!
“While discussing the upcoming holidays within the family, a simple request was voiced: ‘No more things, please.’ This reflects a shift in gifting culture, where what we miss most is not another object, but authenticity — the moment when someone truly sees us, hears us, and understands us. That is why gifts that help create connection, rather than fill a shelf, are becoming increasingly popular,” shares emotional intelligence lecturer, coach, and training creator Simonas Girdzijauskas.
He adds that the most valuable gift is one that shows a person has truly been noticed — their state of mind, wishes, or even their fatigue.
“Such gifts become like a small, sincere conversation without words, where we say: I know what you might need right now — calm, inspiration, light, and togetherness.”
And there is one more important aspect — a gift always says something about the person who gives it. Emotional gifts subtly signal maturity and sensitivity: I care about your inner world, not outward shine. It is a choice that shows what matters more is not “how it will look,” but “what it will create.” Such a gift does not try to impress — it seeks to touch.
“Perhaps this is precisely why emotional experiences resonate so strongly today. They remind us of a simple yet essential truth — that the essence of the holidays is not the gifted object, but the person and the relationship we share with them,” says S. Girdzijauskas.
Technology that creates emotion: VR experiences
One of the most striking examples of emotional gifts is virtual reality (VR) experiences.
Among the most popular in Lithuania are Trail of Angels and Creation of the Worlds — immersive VR journeys inspired by the work of Lithuania’s most renowned artist, M. K. Čiurlionis.
“Virtual reality can become a teacher of empathy. It allows us to see the world through someone else’s eyes, to experience light, calm, or even a spiritual journey. Such a gift is an emotional experience that stays with a person for a long time,” says strategic producer L. Verpetinskas.
These experiences stand out by combining technology, art, and emotional reflection — the gift becomes a mini journey inward. It is an affordable gift, yet one that offers priceless impressions that can last a lifetime.
TOP 10 Next-Generation Emotional Gift Ideas for 2025
- The VR journey Trail of Angels — an experience of light, music, and spiritual calm inspired by the work of Čiurlionis.
- The VR experience Creation of the Worlds — an interactive narrative about creation and the nature of the universe.
- Behind-the-scenes theatre experiences or improvisation workshops — freeing creativity without the fear of the stage.
- A silence or mindfulness retreat — a gift that allows you to pause.
- Creative painting or clay workshops — meditation through art.
- A personal sound portrait — a piece of music composed by creators based on a person’s voice or emotional state.
- A hot air balloon or helicopter flight — a classic yet still thrilling experience.
- A dinner in the dark — a sensory journey that transforms the perception of taste and the moment itself.
- A personal or family photoshoot — a “gift to yourself” that captures a moment in time.
- A nature hike with family or a team — an experience that combines healthy living with connection and togetherness.
Gifts that work from within
Emotional gifts are becoming not only a personal choice, but also a business tool. Companies are increasingly gifting experiences to employees or partners that foster creativity, togetherness, and appreciation.
“When a gift makes a person pause and truly feel, it becomes meaningful. And it is precisely this sense of meaning that is most lacking in today’s fast, information-saturated world,” concludes Lukas Verpetinskas. “Next-generation gifts are emotional bridges. They don’t clutter shelves — they enrich the inner world. And perhaps this is the most beautiful transformation gifting culture could experience.”
