November marks the beginning of the festive season in London – the lights are going up on Oxford Street, the ice rinks are opening, and people are starting to think about holiday gifts and gatherings.
It’s the month of bonfires and early Christmas markets, of wrapping up a bit warmer but still getting out to enjoy the city. At Putt in the Park, we like to say that mini golf is a year-round joy, and November is no exception. In fact, this time of year adds a special twist: mini golf can be part of your holiday plans! Considering what to get your loved ones for Christmas? How about an experience rather than more “stuff”? There’s a growing trend in the UK toward gifting memorable experiences – a recent Accenture survey found that 67% of Brits were considering buying experience-based gifts for family and friends in the 2024 festive season, one of the highest rates in the world for this trend. Instead of another pair of gloves or a generic gift card, imagine surprising someone with a day out at Putt in the Park. It’s unique, it’s active, and it promises quality time together – truly a gift that keeps on giving.
Experience Gifts: Memories Over Material
There’s a good reason experience gifts are on the rise. People have realised that doing something fun creates lasting happiness that far outlives the momentary thrill of a new item. The UK’s “experience economy” is booming: half of British consumers say they plan to spend more on experiences in 2024-2025 than they did before, according to research by Mastercard[9][10]. And about four in five people in that study said that money spent on experiences is “worth it” – practically an unanimous vote for making memories! Mini golf fits perfectly into this ethos. It’s affordable, easy to arrange, and suitable for nearly anyone. At Putt in the Park, we offer gift vouchers that can be purchased for rounds of mini golf (and even include some refreshments at our café if you like). Picture the face of your friend or family member when they open an envelope expecting a standard gift voucher, but instead see an invitation to a fun day out in the park with you. It’s an invitation to laughter, a bit of friendly competition, and maybe a celebratory pizza after the game. And the best part? You get to share in the experience too, making it a gift for both the giver and receiver.
Festive Outings and Work Parties
November is also the time when plans for holiday parties and end-of-year celebrations kick into high gear. Offices, clubs and friendship groups are booking their Christmas get-togethers. Instead of the usual restaurant dinner or pub night, have you considered a mini golf party? It can really set your event apart. We’ve got you covered at Putt in the Park – our locations can accommodate group bookings and even private hires for larger corporate events. A mini golf course with fairy lights, some cheerful holiday music in the background, and your team decked out in Christmas jumpers is a recipe for a memorable time. In fact, company surveys show that organising something a bit different can boost team morale; many businesses have cottoned on, which is why nearly 60% of companies planned a seasonal party or special outing for their staff last year[11][12]. Mini golf injects playfulness into the mix and gets everyone mingling across departments (nothing bonds accounting and marketing like a little contest on the putting green!). And don’t worry about the November chill – just bundle up in a coat and hat. You’ll likely be moving and laughing enough to stay warm, and our clubhouse is there with hot drinks and heaters for a cosy post-game wind-down.
Looking Ahead to the Holiday Season
Playing mini golf in November has another advantage: it’s a great way to destress before the December rush. The act of focusing on a simple, fun task – getting that ball through the clown’s mouth or around the loop – can clear your mind, almost like a little meditation (with added giggles). Bring your visiting relatives along for a game to show them a different side of London life, or rally your friends on a weekend to catch up before everyone scatters for Christmas. With the trees bare or sporting the last of their autumn colours, the parks have a serene beauty this time of year. You might even get a crisp, sunny day where the air is cool and everything feels fresh – some of the best mini golf games happen under a clear winter sun. And if the weather truly doesn’t cooperate one day, no fear: you can still gift the promise of a future game. Those vouchers don’t expire quickly, so your loved ones can choose a perfect day in spring if they prefer. As we approach the end of 2025, it’s clear that people value time together more than ever. So, as you plan your Christmas lists and festive meet-ups, think outside the box (literally, outside the gift box!) and consider giving an experience like Putt in the Park. It’s a present, a celebration, and an outing all in one – and it might just start a new holiday tradition. After all, the smiles and laughter you’ll share on the mini golf course are the kind of holiday cheer money can’t buy. Here’s to a joyful November and a festive season filled with fun!
References:
1. Accenture Research (2024). “UK Shoppers Turn to Experiences – Festive Survey.” (Revealed 67% of UK consumers considered buying experience-based gifts for the 2024 holidays, highlighting a shift towards gifting memories over goods).
2. Mastercard Newsroom (2024, April 11). “U.K.’s Experience Economy Set to Spring Forward.” (Press release reporting that 50% of British consumers plan to spend more on experiences in 2024 vs 2023, and 80% say spending on experiences is “always worth it”).
3. Retail Times – Fiona Briggs (Nov 18, 2024). “Thrifty Gifting and Experiences on the Rise.” (Noted that nearly 67% of Britons were contemplating buying experience gifts, and many companies were organising special seasonal events to engage employees during the holidays).
