Gift-giving doesn't have to be about stuff. Skip the material goods this year and give an experience that will do anything from build skills to create memories, and offers a lot of fun in between.
Not only does an experience mean ditching some tangible object that may end up re-gifted or in the landfill, but it also makes the joy of the holidays last a little longer, and often well into the new year - like when the weather is warmer.
This is a call to get creative, too. Write a coupon book of IOUs for anything from a promise to take the lucky recipient to a big festival next summer, or for a few hours of babysitting to some tired parents. And, hey, we won't blame you if you work yourself into the experience, too. Win-win!
Here are 100 Vancouver (or nearby) experiences to give as gifts.
We've provided links to some specific vendors; for others, you'll need to figure out what works best for your recipient.
1. Cooking classes at Dirty Apron and the Northwest Culinary Academy (or look for specialty classes and workshops).
2. Improv lessons or workshops
4. Learn about Indigenous sustainability practices while in nature
6. Tickets to Vancouver Cocktail Week
9. A culinary adventure around Vancouver with Secret Food Tours.
10. Whale Watching
11. Dining at Dark Table
12. Introduction to Fly Fishing course from Pacific Angler
13. Spa visit. We have tons of amazing spas in and around Vancouver, from the indulgent downtown luxury hotels to something smaller in your neighbourhood. There's always Scandinive in Whistler for a special experience.
14. Mani/pedi from a favourite nail salon
15. Macaron wokshops with Bon Macaron Patisserie
16. Vancouver Aquarium membership or tickets to a special event like their sleepover or adults-only night
17. Vancouver Art Gallery membership
18. Theatre, opera, or concert tickets
20. Tickets to an unusual beer festival
22. Fight choreography class
23. Dance classes
25. Flight experience in Squamish
26. Stand-up paddleboard lesson
27. DJ classes
28. Art classes
30. Wall or rock climbing
32. Sex workshops
33. Tour Vancouver and the Capilano Suspension Bridge
34. Take a blacksmithing workshop
35. Behind-the-scenes tour of Rogers Arena
36. The Olympic Experience at the Richmond Oval
37. Collage classes
38. Adult evenings at Science World (or a gift membership)
39. Photography courses or lessons
40. The Forbidden Walking Tour
41. Membership to VanDusen Garden
42. Tickets to the Just For Laughs festival
43. Wine tasting/classes
44. Go behind the scenes at the Museum of Anthropology
45. Bird watching
46. Ziplining
48. Go-karting
49. Jet Ski to Bowen Island for dinner
50. Helicopter tours
51. Go visit a farm animal sanctuary
52. Go for high tea
53. Scotch Whisky tasting events
56. Escape Rooms
57. Ride on a vintage Interuban Streetcar
60. Paintball
62. Pin-up photography (for men and women)
63. Try out some stunt driving
64. A NASA-inspired space adventure
65. A paella making class
66. Boat rental
67. Bowling
68. Paint Nite wine and painting
69. Hawk Walks
70. Pottery classes
73. Personal shopping/stylist experience
74. Learn how to forage from the sea
76. Tickets to sporting events in Vancouver
79. Snowshoeing
81. Housecleaning service
82. Professional organizer/de-clutter service
83. Ski lift tickets
84. Amtrak tickets from Vancouver to Seattle or Portland
85. Take a water taxi at Granville Island, hop on an Aquabus or False Creek Ferry.
86. Parkour classes
87. Go for a seaplane tour
89. Virtual Reality at Zero Latency
90. Visit to Catfe
91. Take a jewelry-making class
92. Sword fighting lessons at Academie Duello
93. Curling at Richmond Curling Club
94. Scavenger hunt at Let's Roam
95. Laser tag
96. Glass blowing classes at Vancouver Studio Glass
98. An excursion on a vintage bus from the Transit Museum Society
