Chicago Receives a Whole New Way of Giving.

Excitations Offers Wide Range of Intriguing Experiences as Exceptional Gifts

FAIRFAX, Va. -- Learn to ride a bull, sail a schooner along Lake Michigan, or give the gift of a gourmet picnic in Millennium park Co Chicagoans will now have far more exhilarating possibilities than the usual standby gifts to choose from Co thanks to the launch today of Excitations. Excitations, an experiential gift-giving company, is quickly making the days of last minute scrambling to find the perfect gift a thing of the past.

Excitations offers gift buyers an easy way to give friends, family and business associates the experience they've always wanted - whether it's a stint behind the wheel of a race car, a birds of prey photo shoot or an introduction to flat water kayaking along the Chicago River.

"Many people have all the material things they want, but they long for great experiences," says Excitations' CEO Ian Landy. "Physical objects are soon forgotten, but the memory of receiving an experience can last a lifetime. In fact, experiential giving is a trend that is hardily entrenched in Europe and now gaining traction in the U.S."

Americans spend approximately $253 billion a year on gifts, with the average adult spending almost $2,000 a yearCo 40 percent of it during the holiday season. Experiential gift-giving is considered by leading market analysts to be the "next big thing." In fact, 22 percent of 2005 holiday shoppers opted to give gifts of experience rather than material items, according to Unity Marketing Research.

Excitations offers a variety of categories and a wide range of price points, some starting for as little as $70. Something can be found to compliment any personality - including children. Experiences are the answer to finding that perfect giftCoeach one set to thrill, rejuvenate and enjoy such as:

* Exclusive - A reptile encounter, behind the scenes at the theater, or private guided excursion to the Chicago Antiques Market;

* Extreme - Skydive, ride along in a NASCAR stockcar, or go ice climbing;

* Exhilarating - Harley for a day, glass blowing, or learn how to fly fish;

* Exciting - Segway tour of Chicago, junior paintball party, or drive an exotic car for a weekend; and

* Extravagant -Massage for two, play nine holes with a golf pro or learn how to play polo and join the club for a year

Consumers can purchase a specific experience or opt for The Circle Gift Packages, which allow the recipient to choose from a variety of diverse experiences. To provide consumers piece of mind, all of Excitations' partners are carefully vetted and are considered the best in their fields. In addition, the experiences are conveniently available in a wide range of locations throughout the greater Chicago area.

No matter the price, all gift experiences come packaged in beautiful, handcrafted, keepsake boxes that can be cherished right along with the memories of the experience itself.

The company offers its services online at www.excitations.com.

About Excitations

Excitations, a premier experiential gift-giving company based in Northern, Va., offers a variety of unique experiences as gifts in numerous categories and in a wide range of price ranges, some starting for as little as $50. From skydiving to glass blowing, something can be found to suit all types of personalities, including children. Experiences are the answer to finding that perfect giftCoeach one set to thrill, rejuvenate and enjoy. Go to Excitations.com for more information.