Minimalist suggests giving experiences over gifts this Christmas

We are exactly one week away from Christmas, and many people are still scrambling to get some last minute shopping done.

But a local minimalist recommends gifting experiences rather than items.

Instead of shelling out some cash for the same old gifts, self described minimalist Julie Sims recommends offering experiences.

Sims says although this idea of gifting doesn't offer the same instant gratification the traditional style offers, she says it's longer lasting.

“There's one woman in our group, and her brother in law rented a stretch limo and picked up all his nieces and nephews and spent two hours going around looking at Christmas lights,” said Sims. “Now that is an experience they'll never forget.”

Sims says she believes opting to go the creative route in gift giving will give children something they will remember for years to come.