This year, think outside the box. Literally.
It is that time of year again when everyone scrambles to gather last-minute gifts for loved ones.
Instead of material gifts, why not gift an experience? It is the gift that will continue to give in the form of memories, quality time and even skills that can nourish young minds. Here are a few suggestions that come without ribbons or tags. A few even come without packages boxes or bags.
Garden starter kit
A gift that the entire household can enjoy and participate in, a garden starter kit just might be the gift that keeps giving, literally. Whether it be veggies, herbs or flowers, these kits offer much to look forward to and nurture creativity and responsibility in children. Nothing tastes better than a tomato grown fresh from the garden, or a dish made with homegrown herbs.
Museum membership
Museum memberships can be a great gift option that comes with perks such as free admission, discounted shopping in the gift shops, special invitations to member-only events and a great way to support further research and educational programs. Both the Cade Museum and the Florida Museum offer membership programs that the entire family can benefit from.
Theatre
The Hippodrome in downtown Gainesville is the perfect venue for a romantic date or a night out with family and friends. There are plenty of seasonal performances taking the stage this time of year, including “Miracle on 34th St.” and the classic, “A Christmas Carol.”
The Hippodrome also offers Flex Passes for purchase in sets of four or six, which can be redeemed for any show at any point in the 2021/2022 mainstage season.
Meal Delivery Services
For those busy weekdays or lazy weekend nights, meal delivery services can be a convenient, delicious and interactive gift that the entire family can enjoy. Chef Ami, for example, is a local delivery service that provides subscribers with simple recipes and pre-portioned, locally-sourced ingredients.
Headspace App
These past two years have been stressful, to say the least. Headspace is a wonderful subscription gift that many people might not think to buy for themselves. The app offers guided meditation, music that promotes focus and relaxation and soundscapes for bedtime. Help your loved ones start the year off right with less stress and more focus.
Massage or wellness packages
This time of year can be stressful for just about anyone. What better way to relieve stress than with a massage or facial? Gifting a wellness or spa package is incredibly thoughtful and can be the ultimate reset button to prepare for the new year.
Trips
Planning a family trip is a gift that anyone involved can look forward to. Whether it be a camping trip or passes to an amusement park, these experiences harbor time well spent together and fun memories that will last a lifetime.
By Madison Rae