How to Celebrate Red Letter Days; Red Letter Days is a UK-based company that offers a wide range of experience gift ideas for all occasions. Since 1989, Red Letter Days has been a pioneer in the concept of giving unforgettable experiences as gifts, making memories for customers and offering them the chance to ‘live a little’. With over 6,000 gifts and experience days to choose from across the UK, there is something for everyone, no matter their taste, occasion, or budget.
Red Letter Days offers a variety of experiences, including short breaks, adventure activities, spa days, gourmet dining, and more. Customers can choose from themed boxes for every occasion or offer their recipient the ultimate choice with an open voucher from £50-£250, valid for 24 months. With thousands of experiences to choose from, Red Letter Days is the perfect solution for those who want to give a unique and unforgettable gift to their loved ones.
Key Takeaways
- Red Letter Days is a UK-based company that offers a wide range of experience gift ideas for all occasions.
- Customers can choose from over 6,000 gifts and experience days from across the UK, making it easy to find the perfect gift for any taste, occasion, and budget.
- With themed boxes for every occasion and open vouchers from £50-£250, valid for 24 months, Red Letter Days offers a variety of experiences that are perfect for those who want to give a unique and unforgettable gift to their loved ones.
History of Red Letter Days
Red letter days have been around for centuries, with their roots in classical antiquity. In fact, the practice of marking important days in red on a calendar dates back to the Roman Republic (509-27 BC) [1].
During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church marked feast days and holy days in red on their calendars. These days were considered important, and often involved religious observances, fasting, or other traditions.
In the 1800s, the term “red letter day” began to be used more broadly to describe any day of special significance or opportunity. This usage has continued to the present day, with red letter days often marking important personal or professional milestones.
In the United Kingdom, Red Letter Days is a company that offers experience day vouchers as gifts and corporate rewards [4]. The company was an early adopter of this concept, and is now owned by Moonpig Group, which also owns the Buyagift, Moonpig, and Greetz brands.
Overall, red letter days have a long and varied history, with their meaning and significance evolving over time. Today, they continue to be an important way to mark special occasions and celebrate milestones.
Note: The information in this section was gathered from a variety of sources, including [1], [4], and others.
Types of Red Letter Days
Red Letter Days offer a wide variety of experiences to suit all interests and preferences. Here are the three main types of Red Letter Days:
Experiential
The Experiential category includes activities that provide an unforgettable experience. These experiences are often adrenaline-fuelled and perfect for thrill-seekers. Examples of Experiential Red Letter Days include indoor skydiving, supercar driving, and bungee jumping. These activities are designed to push limits and provide an unforgettable memory.
Traditional
The Traditional category includes activities that are more relaxed and suitable for those who prefer a more laid-back experience. Examples of Traditional Red Letter Days include spa days, afternoon teas, and wine tasting. These activities are perfect for those who want to unwind and enjoy a more leisurely experience.
Personalised
The Personalised category includes activities that can be tailored to the recipient’s interests and preferences. Examples of Personalised Red Letter Days include cooking classes, photography courses, and craft workshops. These activities are perfect for those who want to learn a new skill or pursue a hobby.
Red Letter Days also offer a range of other categories, including Family, Adventure, and Food and Drink. Whatever the interest or occasion, there is a Red Letter Day to suit everyone.
Significance and Impact
Red Letter Days have a significant cultural and historical significance in the UK. These days are marked as special days in the calendar, mostly associated with senior members of the British royal family and national celebrations. They are called “Red Letter Days” because they were traditionally marked in red on calendars to distinguish them from other days.
Red Letter Days have had a significant impact on the UK’s legal system. For example, the start and end dates of the legal terms during which sittings of the High Court take place are often associated with Red Letter Days. This is because Red Letter Days were originally a fixed selection of saints’ days, which coincided with the traditional start or end dates of the legal terms.
Red Letter Days have also had a significant impact on the UK’s postal system. The Post Office has a long history of issuing special stamps to commemorate Red Letter Days, and these stamps have become highly collectible. Red Letter Days have also been used as a way of promoting the Post Office, with special postmarks being issued to mark the occasion.
Today, Red Letter Days are celebrated in a variety of ways. Many people take the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, while others use the occasion to participate in cultural or sporting events. Some businesses also use Red Letter Days as a way of rewarding employees or promoting their products or services.
Overall, Red Letter Days have had a significant impact on the UK’s culture, history, legal system, and postal system. They continue to be an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and are celebrated by people from all walks of life.
Choosing a Red Letter Day
Red Letter Days offers a vast array of experiences, making it difficult to choose just one. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a Red Letter Day:
Factors to Consider
- Budget: Red Letter Days offers experiences at various price points, so it’s essential to determine how much you’re willing to spend before making a selection.
- Interests: Consider the recipient’s interests when selecting a Red Letter Day. Red Letter Days offers experiences ranging from spa days to skydiving, so there’s something for everyone.
- Location: Some experiences may only be available in specific locations, so it’s essential to consider the proximity of the experience to the recipient’s location.
- Accessibility: Some experiences may have accessibility requirements, so it’s crucial to check the details before making a selection.
Popular Choices
Red Letter Days offers a wide range of experiences, but some of the most popular choices include:
- Spa Days: Relax and unwind with a spa day. Red Letter Days offers a variety of spa experiences, including massages, facials, and more.
- Afternoon Tea: Indulge in a traditional British afternoon tea experience. Red Letter Days offers afternoon tea experiences at various locations, including luxury hotels and historic venues.
- Driving Experiences: Get behind the wheel of a supercar or take a spin in a rally car. Red Letter Days offers a range of driving experiences to suit all tastes.
- Adventure Experiences: For the adrenaline junkies, Red Letter Days offers a range of adventure experiences, including bungee jumping, skydiving, and more.
Overall, when choosing a Red Letter Day, it’s essential to consider the recipient’s interests, budget, location, and accessibility requirements. With such a vast array of experiences on offer, there’s something for everyone.
Red Letter Days in Different Cultures
Red letter days are not exclusive to British culture. Many cultures around the world have their own versions of red letter days, which are often associated with religious or cultural events. Here are a few examples:
China
In China, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important red letter days. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid-February. The festival lasts for 15 days and is marked by fireworks, dragon and lion dances, and the exchange of red envelopes filled with money.
India
In India, there are many red letter days associated with different religions and cultures. For example, Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It usually falls in October or November and is marked by the lighting of diyas (oil lamps), fireworks, and the exchange of sweets and gifts.
Japan
In Japan, there are several red letter days that are associated with the changing of the seasons. For example, Setsubun is a festival that marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated on February 3rd. It is marked by the throwing of roasted soybeans to ward off evil spirits and the eating of ehomaki, a type of sushi roll that is eaten in silence while facing a lucky direction.
United States
In the United States, there are several red letter days that are celebrated nationally. For example, Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is marked by fireworks, parades, and barbecues.
Australia
In Australia, there are several red letter days that are celebrated nationally. For example, Australia Day is a public holiday that celebrates the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, on January 26, 1788. It is marked by fireworks, parades, and barbecues.
Red letter days are an important part of many cultures around the world, and serve as a way to celebrate important events and traditions.
The Business of Red Letter Days
Red Letter Days is a UK-based company that offers experience day vouchers as gifts and corporate rewards. The company was founded in 1989 by Rachel Elnaugh and was an early adopter of the concept of experience days. In 2005, the company was bought by Theo Paphitis and Peter Jones, who saved it from collapse after it went into administration.
In 2014, Red Letter Days was acquired by the Buyagift Group, which is owned by Smartbox Group. The company is now based in Farringdon, London, in the offices of its parent company, Moonpig Group.
Red Letter Days offers a wide range of experiences, including spa days, driving experiences, and flying lessons. The company also offers a range of corporate experiences, such as team-building events and client entertainment.
The company is committed to providing excellent customer service and offers a best price guarantee on all its experiences. Customers can purchase vouchers that are valid for up to two years, giving them plenty of time to redeem their experience.
Red Letter Days has won numerous awards for its experiences and customer service, including the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award and the Best Gift Experience Company at the 2019 UK Corporate Excellence Awards.
Overall, Red Letter Days is a well-established and respected company that offers a unique and exciting range of experiences. With its commitment to customer service and its wide range of experiences, it is a great choice for anyone looking for a special gift or a memorable corporate event.
The Future of Red Letter Days
Red Letter Days has been a leader in the experience day industry since 1989, offering customers unforgettable experiences to suit every budget and occasion. As the company looks to the future, there are several key areas where it is likely to focus its efforts.
Expansion of Offerings
One area where Red Letter Days is likely to focus its efforts is on expanding its offerings. With over 6,000 gifts and experience days available across the UK, the company already has an impressive range of options for customers. However, as the experience day market continues to grow, it is likely that Red Letter Days will look to expand its offerings even further, potentially by partnering with new experience providers or developing its own experiences in-house.
Emphasis on Sustainability
As consumers become increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products and services they use, it is likely that Red Letter Days will place a greater emphasis on sustainability in the future. This could involve working with experience providers that have strong environmental credentials or developing experiences that promote sustainable practices.
Focus on Technology
Technology is likely to play an increasingly important role in the future of Red Letter Days. The company has already embraced technology in a number of ways, such as by offering e-vouchers and developing a mobile app. In the future, it is likely that Red Letter Days will continue to explore new ways of using technology to enhance the customer experience, such as by offering virtual reality experiences or using artificial intelligence to personalize recommendations.
Overall, the future looks bright for Red Letter Days. With its focus on expanding offerings, promoting sustainability, and embracing technology, the company is well-positioned to continue offering unforgettable experiences to customers for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of Virgin Experience Days?
Virgin Experience Days is a similar experience gift company to Red Letter Days. They offer a wide range of experiences, including driving, flying, and spa days. Some of the benefits of Virgin Experience Days include their partnerships with well-known brands, such as Ferrari and Bannatyne, and their flexible booking options.
How do I extend my Red Letter Days voucher?
If you have a Red Letter Days voucher that is about to expire or has already expired, you may be able to extend it. To do so, you need to contact their customer support team either via email or phone. They will be able to advise you on the options available.
What hotels are available for a Red Letter Days Hotel Escape for Two?
Red Letter Days offers a variety of hotel escapes for two, including country manors, city hotels, and seaside retreats. Some of the popular options include The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath, The Langham in London, and The Grand Hotel in Brighton. You can find the full range of hotels on their website.
Is Red Letter Days still in business?
Yes, Red Letter Days is still in business. They have been operating since 1989 and offer a wide range of experiences, including driving, flying, and spa days.
Can I change my Red Letter Days booking?
Yes, you can change your Red Letter Days booking, but it depends on the type of experience you have booked. Some experiences may have more flexible booking options than others. To make changes to your booking, you need to contact their customer support team either via email or phone.
What is a red letter occasion?
A red letter occasion is a special event or occasion that is marked by a red letter. This tradition dates back to medieval times when important days were marked in red on calendars. Today, the term “red letter day” is often used to describe a special occasion or event, such as a wedding, anniversary, or birthday. In the context of Red Letter Days, it refers to the gift of an experience to celebrate such an occasion.
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