Thinking Out of the (Gift) Box: The Ultimate “Experience” Gift Guide

When I’m holiday shopping, I like to think out of the box. The gift box, that is. It seems that this time of year so many of us are inundated with a mountain of “stuff” – so much so, that it can be pretty overwhelming come January 1^st. That’s why I’ve been thinking this year about giving “experience” gifts. Classes, tickets, and other fun gifts that will allow the receiver to try something new, make great memories, and have a ton of fun, all without adding any more clutter to their lives.

Thinking about giving someone the gift of a new experience this year? Read on! I’ve put together some suggestions for every type of person on your list!

For the “artsy” type:

For the friend who loves to craft, or an older teenager who is just exploring their artistic side, gift certificates to art classes and workshops will allow them to create their own take-home keepsakes, or give them skills that will last a lifetime.

• AR Workshop or Board & Brush
• The Bees Knees 
• Cake Decorating Classes
• Knitting or crochet lessons at your local yarn shop (I love Have You Any Wool? in Berkley)
• Photography Classes

For the food and drink enthusiast:

From cooking classes for kids to creative cocktails for adults, these gifts are serious palate pleasers.

• Michigan By the Bottle Tasting Room – workshops, wine tastings and other fun events sure to make the biggest wine fan smile!
• Cooking classes – try Sur La Table, Mirepoix Cooking School (at Holiday Market), or Fuel Your Life Cooking School . Check the offerings for each, some children’s classes are available too.
• Winc Wine Club – imagine receiving the gift of wine that arrives on your doorstep every month!
• Saloonbox Cocktail Kit – the budding mixologist on your list will love this one. All the ingredients to make two different craft cocktails, delivered right to their door.

For the couple who already has everything:

If you’ve got a couple on your list, they’d probably love one of these great nights out.

• Gift cards for dinner and a movie.
• Escape the Room
• Theatre tickets from Wayne State University – there are so many great shows to pick from!

For the lifelong learner (or a whole family):

Whether you’re buying for your history-buff uncle, or your sister and her entire family, memberships to the following places will give them countless hours of fun and fascination all year long. And, if a membership is out of your budget, single visit tickets would also make a great gift.

• The Henry Ford 
• Edsel & Eleanor Ford House 
• The Cranbrook Institute of Science 
• The Michigan Science Center 
• The Detroit Zoo

For kids (and kids at heart!):

These gifts are great for kids of all ages, or for grown-ups who would enjoy a little trip back to their childhood. Tuck a couple tickets for one of these gems into a card and you’re sure to make almost anyone happy.

• Trampoline parks like Air Time or Sky Zone 
• Passes to an indoor water park like Zehnders of Frankenmuth would make for a great day trip when the winter blues are in full swing.
• An afternoon of laser tag would be just the ticket to fight holiday break boredom – check out Zap Zone 
• Children’s theater tickets from the Marquis Theatre will introduce kids to a lifelong love of performance art. 

Do you have any favorite “experience” gifts you plan on giving (or hope to get!) this holiday season? I’d love to hear your ideas!