This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Groupon Gift Shop. All opinions are 100% mine.
Every holiday season I'm stumped on what to give the people I love most. Especially when it comes to my husband. He makes a list but it's generally things like a head lamp or a new bike rod. Most of these things I don't know much about, and while he's thrilled, they seem unexciting. I want to really give him something he'll love.
A memory. Something that we can do together. Get us up and out of the house. Enter Groupon . While it is everyone's all time favorite deal site, they have experiences that you can purchase, at a discount that make the absolute perfect gift.
This year, Michael and I decided for the first time, to have a new Thanksgiving tradition. We went to Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico with the dogs in tow. I was so excited to be in a completely different place and have Thanksgiving with just the four of us.
But there was a problem. I had no idea where to stay. Since we were celebrating our 10 year dating anniversary, I wanted to really wow him. I looked online for hours and hours and then, finally, looked at Groupon Getaways. Then I found it. The perfect hotel for our Santa Fe stay. Close to the shops, but dar enough away from the hustle and bustle. The Lodge at Santa Fe is beautiful, with traditional New Mexico flair. Plus, I was getting a discount through Groupon and I know and I could trust a hotel that they picked.
I wanted a way to surprise Michael. Every year, for the past 10 years, I make a scrapbook, commeorating the past year. It might sound a little nerdy, but I really like putting it together as a way to remember everything. So for the last page, I added a little something special:
He was shocked to see the Groupon tucked into the last page of the scrapbook.
We traveled to Taos and ended our little anniversary trip in Santa Fe. Through Groupon Getaways, I booked the Lodge at Santa Fe. It looked like a great choice, but I was blown away when we arrived!
Beautifully designed with Southwestern inspired decor, pet friendly, and a shuttle service that takes you straight the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe (a big perk since we literally couldn't find any parking.) Plenty of room for the dogs and us, AND a free bottle of wine.
With Groupon Getaway, I had the peace of mind that I could go and explore and that everything was safe and sound (including the pups) at the hotel.
It's hard to really wow someone with a gift but I think I nailed it, thanks to Groupon . There are so many options of things you can do in your city, or even if you want to Get Away!
I love Groupon….it saves so much money! I have yet to use a Groupon Getaway but after reading this I might have to book a little trip for the ginger and me!
I was honestly JUST about to ask you where you stayed with 2 pups in Santa Fe. I love it there and am dying to go back (with my dog!). Thanks Helene!
Wow that hotel looks so nice! I love the look of the rooms, and it's so nice when you are able to bring a pet with you. So many hotels don't allow that anymore.
You totally nailed that gift. Giving a memory really is the best kind of present. Those are the ones you remember and cherish!
Wow this place looks amazing x
http://www.rainbowsandunicornsblog.co.uk/
Groupon is my jam! We did groupon getaway on our girl's trip to NYC a couple of years ago and it worked perfectly! I even had a groupon for dinner last night! Nailed it!
Sheesh! I wouldn't mind that gorgeous spiral staircase in my house!! I love me some Groupon.
What a great gift and I love how you surprised him with it in the scrapbook!
Isn't it funny how we think other people's gift are not exciting? Robert asks for things like tools for work and I'm like THAT'S BORING but to him it's really exciting.
I love that you do a scrapbook every year! That's such an amazing way to keep memories!
I love Groupon, we want to get away for our anniversary in March and I'm hoping they'll have something perfect for us 🙂
I love Groupon, always look at the getaways but haven't booked one yet.
Cool, I love Groupon getaways. I am looking at them for next year's vacation. That hotel is awesome! I would stay there, I love the southwestern design.
I've browsed Groupon Getaways so many times but have never purchased one as yet. The lodge in Taos looks gorgeous!
I bought a Groupon Getaway recently too and went to Portugal! so i vouch for its awesomeness.
I love Groupon and photo books. I have sent a few people ones in the past.
I never really was on board with the whole "doing something" gift instead of "getting something" gift until I met Freddie. He totally got me into going places and doing new things as gifts—they make the best memories!
I always forget Groupon for gifts, such a good idea. I have also never used it for booking a getaway, though I do always check it. Maybe one day I'll actually use it, lol.
I need to check Groupon out more often. I was checking it all the time and then it sort of faded out of my mind. I have never used it to book a trip but that place looks so awesome!!!
I've never actually bought anything through Groupon, but I should. I have friends who have gotten amazing deals.
I honestly always forget about Groupon…especially that they have getaway deals. I need to start looking more often, The lodge was gorgeous!! I want to stay there!!
Oh man I love this idea of creating a scrapbook of each year. I may borrow the idea and do it with my boyfriend & I, such a great way to remember all the great times had. This post definitely makes me want to travel to New Mexico, it looks like such a gorgeous city!
SUCH a good idea. I'm all about experiences. Can't put a price on time together! 🙂
Just ordered a dog bed from Groupon for around $35, and looking anywhere else it'd be around $100!
The scrapbook with the getaway at the end is SUCH a cute idea! I've always wanted to try one of the groupon getaways, I'm sure it would make a wonderful gift!
That place looks absolutely stunning! Great gift!
That place is beautiful!
Your trip looked like a lot of fun. I love using Groupon for my getaways when it works out too.
what a beautiful place, and such a unique idea.
This looks like a really fun trip! Groupon is the best!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
I use Groupon a lot and have got some fantastic experiences through them. I also use Topcashback before I shop there to get a little extra back too! Love a bargain
What a beautiful place!
I love that you make a scrapbook at the end of each year! I should start doing that because I rely on my blog too much! Love that gorgeous hotel room.
I recently went on a road trip around the country and absolutely adored my time in Santa Fe. It really has this different pace. Perfectly stated by a Whole Foods cashier, "yeah we're all a little spaced out". I'm posting about the trip on my own blog but haven't hit Santa Fe yet it the posting. I was so excited to see you picture of Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi – it took me back <3 (my blog: blanketfortadventures.com)