6 Experiences to Gift this Holiday Season
It's officially the most wonderful time of the year! With Thanksgiving down and Christmas about a month away, the holiday shopping season is in full swing. While there’s nothing better than gifting a loved one a token of your appreciation, it's important to consider the environmental impact of the holiday season. Data shows that household waste increases 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years!
Now, the purpose of this blog is not to make anyone feel guilty for buying presents or participating in holiday traditions, but to encourage awareness and conscious consumer habits. Aside from reusing, recycling, shopping secondhand, or hand making presents, one of the best ways to do this is to gift experiences over goods. So, if you still have some loved ones that you’re shopping for, here is a list of possible experiences to invest in this holiday season.
1. Truckee Meadows Trails Challenge
As an AmeriCorps member with the Parks Foundation, I may be a bit biased here, but I really do think our Trails Challenge Program makes for an excellent experiential gift. If you know someone who wants to get out and explore trails in the area, this can be a great catalyst to do so. Hiking is often better with a buddy or group, and with a Trails Challenge Membership, you get access to guided monthly hikes for a whole year!
We’re running a Buy One, Get One Half Off special through the end of the month, so now would be a great time to get you and a buddy registered. Click here for more info!
2. Tickets to a Movie or Play
With the recent pandemic and rise of streaming services, many have resorted to viewing their entertainment at home. But, let's be real, nothing can replace the experience of the big screen, or better yet, the big stage! In an ever expanding, technologically advanced world, I feel it's more important than ever that we continue to support the arts, and spaces that facilitate human connection.
With this being said, consider supporting your local movie theater, or places like Reno Little Theater and the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts, this holiday season.
3. Make a Craft!
Get in touch with your artistic side and consider gifting something crafty! Candle Vino is great for making candles and soaps. Plus, it's ecologically friendly, as once you burn through a candle, you can bring in the container and refill it, instead of going out and buying a new one entirely.
If you’re looking to paint, I’d suggest either supporting Picasso & Wine, or buying your own supplies and following along to a Bob Ross video, or going to a park or outdoor space and painting what you see! Either of these options will be sure to foster some quality time with your art buddy of choice.
4. Give a Museum a Visit
Museums are great places to visit year round, but especially in the winter months to beat the cold. The Nevada Museum of Art consistently has wonderful exhibits and galleries. Plus, their open rooftop area offers a great view of Reno, perfect for photos or simply taking in the sights.
For the children in your life, definitely check out the Discovery Museum! Their colorful, hands-on activities and exhibits are sure to leave visitors of all ages entertained and having learned something new.
5. Check Out a Yoga Class
Again, as a yoga teacher, I’m a bit biased here, but I think a yoga class makes for a great gift for the mind, body and soul. The holidays are notorious for being stressful times, so why not try going inward with some mindful breathing and movement? Mountain Pose Yoga is just one local studio of many that has multiple class offerings everyday!
If you’re looking for another type of meditative experience, I attended a tea ceremony and sound bath at Sierra Sunrise Wellness Group this past weekend, and it was amazing. In our go go go world, there’s so much value to slowing down and recentering. I believe these are offered monthly, so definitely check out their schedule if you’re interested!
6. Alternatively... Throw Stuff!
Zen vibe not for you? Check out Reno Axe & Social! They’re like a normal bar, but with axe throwing! Channel your inner lumberjack and try something new. Plus, they also have a game bar downstairs complete with ping pong, air hockey, pool, and more! I went here for my birthday and really enjoyed the twist they put on the bar scene, and it made for a great place to unleash your inner child.
In conclusion, I hope this blog has been helpful in inspiring experiences to gift in these next few weeks. This holiday season, may we remember the value of togetherness and quality time spent with those we care about.
About the Author
Born and raised in the Truckee Meadows, Dayna studied International Business Marketing at the University of Nevada, Reno. After graduating in 2021, she spent 2 months in India pursuing her passion by studying yoga and becoming a certified instructor. Now, Dayna is excited to join the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation promoting one of her favorite things, the outdoors! In her free time, Dayna can be found practicing yoga, exploring the world around her, or cozying up in her hammock with a good book.
