'Tis the season! If you're one for gift-giving during the holiday season, you may be wondering how you can truly "wow!" your friends and family this year. Luckily, I've got you covered - here's a list of experiences that you can give that will set the tone for the new year!
Train Ride
Train rides are exceptional gifts because you're not only going on a trip, but you get to experience a beautiful view the whole way there, and hopefully do some bonding on the ride! Depending on where you live in the world, there are quite a few gorgeous trains that you can explore - if you're like me and you're looking for a train that gives you a Harry Potter or Polar Express experience, then definitely do your research!
Book a Trip
Booking a trip is perhaps the most expensive experience, but if you dig deep enough into the internet, then you can definitely score some amazing deals on traveling! Sites like Hopper, AirBnb, and Expedia are always my go-to's when I'm looking to save some money while booking a trip (i.e. always!).
Depending on where you'd like to visit, there are plenty of places that have deals during the winter/early spring since it'll be a bit colder and people aren't as available to travel outside of the summer. I suggest looking into booking your trip as soon as possible so that you can score an amazing deal!
Helicopter Ride
If you're looking for a once in a life time experience for your friend or family member, a helicopter ride is right up your alley! Helicopter rides can range from anywhere between a half hour to a few hours and your pilot will usually share some fun information about your views.
If you have any famous scenic views near you, I suggest looking up helicopter rides that go over that area - you'll gain a whole new perspective of where you live!
Dinner Cruise
Dinner cruises call for relaxation and a great meal. If there are any large lakes, canals, oceans, or other bodies of water near your area, there's a pretty good chance that they do mini cruises.
Just picture you and your loved one relaxing on a boat, with the wind blowing in your face, the smell of a freshly cooked meal, and the sun setting right in front of you - that's an experience we all need!
Indoor Skydiving
Indoor skydiving is a fairly new experience that most people haven't tried out just yet. Places like iFLY and Paraclete offer indoor skydiving - flights typically range from around 1 to 2 minutes per flight, so just keep that in mind before purchasing your tickets.
If indoor skydiving just isn't enough for you, you can always research actual skydiving near you and live out another once in a life time experience!
Shopping Date
Of course, shopping dates are always a fun idea - whether it's a friend or family member, going shopping together means you're spending quality time with one another, and getting them the gifts they actually want!
Especially if you're someone who likes to buy your friends and family members "things" over experiences, shopping dates ensures that you aren't getting them something that they won't end up using or that they secretly don't like and can't return.
Spa Day
For all of the stressed out people in your life, or simply the ones who need a little R&R, gifting them a spa day will help them relieve a bit of stress that takes a toll on their mental and physical health.
With that said, I would highly suggest doing your research on which spas are best for your needs/budget. You want to research their products, amenities, and reviews before booking a spa session because the prices are often too high to be disappointed!
Hiking Tour
Anywhere that you live in the world, I guarantee that there is a place near you that offers tours of gorgeous scenery. If you live in Arizona, I would suggest going on a hiking tour of The Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon - they are both breathtaking and give you a chance to experience God's creations up close!
Road Trip
Even if the road trip is just a few hours to the beach, it's a great way to spend quality time together and listen to a bunch of new music on the way! Whether it's a day trip or you're road tripping to stay at your destination for a few days, it's usually a pretty cost efficient gift (depending on your vehicle).
Cooking/Baking Class
For your cooking/baking-obsessed friends or family members, trying out a cooking/baking class might just be right up their alley! You can choose a class that prepares a fun dish that they haven't tried out before or a new ethnic cuisine that they've never heard of.
Cooking classes are also great because your friend/family member can help build their skills in the kitchen and enjoy a great meal afterwards.
Concert Tickets
For the music obsessed, concert tickets are the perfect gift! Seeing your favorite musicians/bands in concert is such a wholesome experience that doesn't compare to any other. I highly recommend asking them who their favorite musicians are (or if you already know, that's a plus), and looking them up on Instagram to see their latest tour dates!
Ziplining
Last but not least, ziplining is a great experience to do with friends and family - whether it's an indoor or outdoor zipline, they're still so much fun!
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Head over to my Instagram (@faithblackshear) and TikTok (@faithblackshear) to check out the latest in my life and how my style is evolving!
"For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow" "Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withers before any other herb. So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish"
Job 8:9, 12-13
-- Faith Blackshear