Holiday Gift Guide 2018- Experiences
Gift-giving can be tricky for several different reasons. Maybe the person you are looking for seems to have it all. Or perhaps your friend has been working on paring down possessions and adopting a more minimalist lifestyle. My parents, for example, are much more interested in doing things together as a family instead of getting a bunch of gifts. If you are in this situation, consider the gift of an experience.
Listed below are five different types of “experience” gifts to help you surprise your loved ones this holiday season.
Concerts
When it comes to concerts, there is really something for everyone! From symphony orchestras, to pop and rock concerts, and local bands. Get two tickets and gift them in a beautiful card or box.
If you know their favorite band or musician (and they still tour) check out the official website for the singer/group to see upcoming tour dates. You can also search by city on Ticket Master or on any local venue websites. (If you live in the Northern Virginia area, I highly recommend Wolf Trap.)
Theater | Movie Night
A pair of tickets to a live show or to a local movie theater can also make a really fun gift. Depending on your budget, you can also include a handmade voucher for dinner, snacks, transportation, and/or a babysitter. If you have an Alamo Drafthouse nearby, it’s a movie night, drinks, and dinner all rolled into one!
Food or Drink Tastings
A food or drink tasting would be a great opportunity for the recipient to try something new. Do you have a friend who loves wine or beer? Check your local area restaurants or breweries to see what types of events are available. For DC/Metro area residents, check out Loudoun County for some amazing wineries, breweries, and distilleries with great atmosphere.
Arts and Crafts
I feel like there has been a resurgence in “paint and sip” studios, at least where I live. These are experiences, let by an artist, where you can paint, drink wine, and sample hors d’oeuvres. Some studios even offer daytime events for the younger set where they offer sparkling grape juice and kid-friendly food like pizza.
In the same artistic vein, you could also get tickets to a pottery painting class. Usually these events will guide you through creating and painting a piece of pottery to bring home.
Massage/Spa
We could all use a little extra TLC and self-care, especially around the holidays. Give someone the gift of massage, a facial, or a manicure/pedicure