Some of the best holiday gifts aren’t things -- they’re experiences.
New or fun experiences aren’t just easy to give, they’re also easy to receive. There’s no clean-up or batteries required. They don’t have to be hauled to the thrift store in 10 years.
With gifting experiences, there are a wide range of options to choose from, so it’s simple to base your gift on the tastes and preferences of the gift recipient. Here are a few ideas for local experiences:
Tickets. Does your recipient have a favorite band performing anywhere in the region in the coming year? You may have to search as far as Seattle or Boise for bigger names, but don’t rule out closer venues. Spokane offers a number of entertainment options besides music, including stage and ice performance. But you don’t have to travel for good entertainment. Local stages offer fun and affordable shows; check the Inland 360 calendar for current listings -- this weekend you’ll find “James and the Giant Peach” at Clarkston High School -- or purchase advance or season tickets at local theaters for future shows.
Passes. If tickets offer an amazing one-time experience, passes keep the magic coming all season (or year) long. Local family-friendly places you can visit again and again include the Palouse Discovery Science Center, University of Idaho Climbing Center, Palouse Ice Rink, LC Ice Arena and local aquatic centers. Friday and Saturday, the Asotin County Aquatic Center is holding its Winter Pass Sale, offering 10 percent off.
Recreation. If playing outdoors is what your recipient loves best, consider giving a raft trip on the Salmon River, a day (or season) of downhill skiing at their favorite mountain or a guided fishing trip. Or give a gift card to a local outdoor equipment-rental facility so they can gear up for that next adventure.
Tours. Tours are often left to tourists but there’s no reason residents wouldn’t enjoy a jet boat trip up Hells Canyon or a helicopter tour of the same. Trolley and walking history tours of Lewiston’s downtown are offered through Idaho History Tours.
Classes. If your recipient gets a kick out of learning new information or a new skill, find a local workshop they might be interested in. The Parks and Recreation departments in Pullman, Moscow and Lewiston offer a wide range of options, as does Lewis-Clark State College in the form of non-credit classes. If cooking is an interest, consider classes at Ampersand & Oil in Lewiston and Moscow or Artisans at the Dahmen Barn in Uniontown, which also offers instruction in the arts. Learn knitting and crochet techniques at the Yarn Underground in Moscow or yoga or fitness basics at studios and gyms in the area. Gift cards are often available from businesses.
