One Fast Talkin' Lady and David Meyers, CEO North America, UK
RIPLEY’S BELIEVE OR NOT NYC,
WEST 42ND STREET, NYC
Words, Event Image Judith Ecochard.
As humans who value experiences over stuff…especially since city living abodes are spatially challenged…we can’t believe we haven’t heard of the Smartbox™ gift cards before.
And so fitting the intro for us media types ---at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not …a Times Square museum/attraction kinda space--- that is full of wow who da’ thunk exhibits.
WHAT IT IS:
Smartbox™ is a gift card, priced in the USA from $49-$369 each---that buys the receiver an experience ranging from soothing manicures for two, a session on a golf simulators with serious time on automatic tees, a plush overnight in a luxe B&B, a speed freak thrill on a bobsledding down an ice tunnel- that's legal of course, or a nester's flower arranging class -----.
Themed boxes (Adventure, Serenity, Adrenaline (most popular by our informal survey), Gourmet Retreats etc)… for all regions of the USA (and better yet, available in twenty countries…including 60 different Smartbox™ offerings in FRANCE, the mothership of this company---)….are attractively packed in colorful CD sized boxes. Really.
Each 'experience' is lavishly pictured over two pages in the booklet, with the added plus of the 411 on where to eat, sleep, and what else to do…in the area of said experience. Smart.
In other words, idiot proof to give and to get. And so much better than yet another mani/pedi coupon…flowers that die in three days (hostess gifts) or a tie…ugh.
ATTENTION MEN: The ultimate for the hard to please… or for the guy who has everything.
We think this is a great gift for those second (or third) marriages... who needs MORE china at this point and the duo has no biz registering.
AND: In the USA…the cards never expire. One can reserve the session for a museum tour for example…directly with the museum…no middleman hassle.
New experiences are added all the time. (Check out the website).
These Smartboxes are widely available--- at Border’s, Amazon.com, Sam’s Club, Duane Reade and online at SMARTBOX.
ADDED PLUS: Our Fun For All box ($49) has some family outings as well as singular experiences. Important for those who value getaway time.
THANKS:
The evening included testing our putting skills with the trainers from Chelsea Piers---a multi sport locale (bowling too!) on Manhattan’s West Side where we spend meaningful hours/$… a relaxing hand massage from Sothy’s spa…
and an attempt to follow what one fast talking lady had to say. She is a riot and should probably drink decaf.
INFO: SMARTBOX
