Get a Group-Gift for Mom this Mother’s Day- Like a Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Michigan

With the economy in turmoil and families tightening up the purse strings for non-essentials, there’s one essential gift that must be made and that’s to mom on Mother’s Day. Rather than give mom a lot of little gifts there’s an emerging trend to pool resources for a big group-gift.

Plymouth, MI – That’s why many families are collecting contributions from family members for a “group gift” or “experience gift” that mom will remember forever.

According to Ryan Howell, assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, "When people spend money on life experiences, whether they also take someone with them or buy an extra ticket or whatever, most of
our life experiences involve other individuals. Experiences, continue to provide happiness through memories long after the event occurred.”

Another reason for increased happiness in experiences, the researchers found, was that people felt a greater sense of vitality or "being alive" during the experience and in reflection, Howell said. "As nice as your new computer is, it's not going to make you feel alive," he said.

Thankfully there’s a solution offered by Westwind Balloon Company which has been providing memories for their hot air balloon passengers since 1981.

“In the end all we have are memories and the balloon ride provides a vivid and lasting memory,” Scott Lorenz, President and Chief Pilot of Westwind Balloon Company of Plymouth, Michigan.

“The cool thing about a hot air balloon flight is that it’s a group gift that an entire family can enjoy too. Mom and dad can take the flight and the kids and grandkids can participate as well. They can help out during inflation of the balloon, then they can chase it as it flies across the countryside. Everybody that gave the gift can be there at the landing and have a little champagne toast at the end of the flight. Balloon flights have been very popular for years because they really are the ultimate in experience gifts. With the economy in flux the group gift idea makes even more sense than ever,” says Lorenz.

Lorenz says nobody forgets their first balloon flight because it’s an experience that cannot compare to anything else. The sensation of flying over trees, lakes and streams, spotting deer and other wildlife is unique and inspiring. “When a gift touches someone both emotionally and on a multi-sensory level they never forget it. “
The balloon flight costs $695 for two people. Gift certificates for flights in the area over Kensington Park in Milford, Michigan can be purchased by calling 734-667-2098 or by visiting www.westwindcos.com/balloon/ or via email at: scottlorenz@westwindcos.com. Multiple checks from various family members including payments via AMEX, Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card are accepted. Flights are scheduled May through October.

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