December 23, 2024: Escape Ordinary Gift Cards?

Last year I had some not-so-humble suggestions for how to make a gift certificate (such as those for the wondrous Warehouse 23) a little more exciting. So, when the holiday spirit spurs you to gift-giving greatness, consider taking a little extra time to make the gift-getting experience even better.

If your recipient is of the right temperament and mindset, I recommend a puzzle hunt. These can be as straightforward or elaborate as your inclination and skills allow. I enjoy making puzzles, and it's fun to inflict, err, create challenges for others to endur- enjoy. I meant enjoy. However, the challenges don't need to be grandiose. Even a series of sequential notes provides a momentary flush of excitement: "Check the oven" leads to "go to the dryer," which has a note saying "behind the TV," etc.

Any of those steps can be either obfuscated (by a puzzle, riddle, or the like) and/or enhanced, such as by putting a different photo of you and the recipient with each clue to remind them that you two are pretty awesome together.

If you want to go for something a bit more elaborate, you could download and print an "escape room" with the gift certificate being the final prize. There are many good, free options, but I'm a fan of the commercial offerings from Lock Paper Scissors.

With gift certificates, a printer, and some creativity, it's never too late to give an awesome gift! I mean, until it is. We're good, but we're probably not time travelers . . .

-- Steven Marsh