Solo experiences are ideal for pampering that special someone, while an activity
designed for two will create an occasion to share and reminisce about for years
to come.
Second, whichever type of experience you choose, you must also consider the
recipient’s schedule, commitments, and availability. For starters, make sure she doesn’t double book the day of the scheduled activity by asking her to reserve that
day for a surprise. Alternatively, you might select an experience she can enjoy
on a day of her choosing and make arrangements for childcare, if needed, so she
can enjoy the day worry-free.
Finally, there’s the task of finding the perfect experience to gift. Think about the recipient’s hobbies and passions when weighing potential ideas, and then make certain it
meets the criteria outlined above.
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Let her constant praise of French cuisine inspire a gift of French cooking
classes. Or play off his unsurpassed passion for football and buy tickets to
the next big game. Just remember, the experience should be rooted in the
recipient’s interests, not yours. If you love ballet but your significant other finds it a
bore, seats to The Nutcracker will not excite him or her one bit.
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For further gift ideas, consider this selection of niche experiences for
inspiration.
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For the Foodie
Signing up Food Network-obsessed individuals for a cooking class brings their
favorite topic to life and provides an opportunity to build upon their culinary prowess with hands-on instruction. To find a
perfect course, call a culinary school near you to learn about classes that
cater to the recipient’s culinary interests (such as a certain type of cuisine or genre, like grilling
or baking) and those that will also be appropriate for their skill set.
For the Wine Aficionado
Treat aspiring oenophiles to a winemaker’s dinner to give them a chance to explore a specific wine or producer in greater
depth. Bonus points for learning who their favorite producer is or which wine
style they adore most, and then snatching up a seat at a winemaker’s dinner focused solely on those much-appreciated wines.
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For the Musically Minded
Wannabe musicians and friends firmly attached to their iPods will light up when
they open an envelope containing tickets to an upcoming concert. Just make
certain the concert fits with the style of music they like best, be that
classical, country, or rock ‘n’ roll.
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For the Fitness Fanatic
A stress-busting gift indeed, gift certificates for yoga, Pilates, or Gyrotonic
classes cater to the fitness-focused individuals in your life. Look for a
reputable studio that offers a range of classes so that recipients can choose
which courses best suit their fitness level and availability.
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For the Avid Traveler
If a trip abroad isn’t in the cards this year, give that special someone a staycation for two. Start
by researching your hometown’s reputable hotels and restaurants. Then, plan a weekend outing to sample those
renowned local places the recipient has long heard raves about but never
personally explored and enjoyed. Written by Ashley Gartland.
