It's time to shake things up this Christmas. Let's skip the ordinary and dive into the extraordinary with experience gifts your loved ones will actually remember. From thrilling adventures to cozy outings, we've got seven fantastic ideas that'll make this holiday season truly special.
1. Bundle Up for a Snowshoeing Excursion
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to hide indoors. Embrace the magic of winter and organize a snowshoeing excursion on one of your local trails—it's the ultimate gift of quality time. Look for snow sports shops or hotels that offer rentals, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, tell your partner (or bestie or kiddos) to bundle up, and you're set for a fabulous day out.
Ask the staff at the rental shops for trail recommendations. Or, take a peek at the Guess Where Trips map and use the 'outdoorsy' filter! Besides destinations, we’ll also share tips on where to find rentals.
2. Toast to the Season at Nearby Vineyards
Everyone (of legal drinking age!) deserves to sit back with a glass of wine in hand and toast to yet another year passing. And while yes, you could gift a bottle of wine, how about upping your game and looking for wineries in your region?
If you’ll be joining, consider wrapping a bottle of wine from the winery and hinting that “there’s more to come.” Or, if you’re gifting this to another couple or family members and you won’t be joining, purchase a gift card for them.
3. Discover Local Legends on a Ghost Hunt
Ready to add a thrill to your gift-giving this year? Research haunted locations in your area and embark on a spine-tingling adventure. From eerie old buildings and historic sites with dark pasts to creepy forest paths, there's bound to be something nearby that'll get your hearts racing.
For the gift itself, assemble a little kit with a flashlight, a notebook for jotting down observations, and maybe even some walkie-talkies for added fun. If you won't be joining, you could also create a custom map highlighting spooky spots for them to explore.
Too busy to hunt down hauntings? Use the Guess Where Trips map and select the 'Unusual, Bizarre, or Haunted' filter.
4. Uncover Hidden History Near You
From historic estates with centuries-old landmarks to state parks showcasing remnants of days gone by, there's a good chance your hometown has some intriguing history to uncover. You could walk in the footsteps of soldiers on former battlefields, stumble upon cliff dwellings dating back 1,000 years, or see firsthand an authentic Viking settlement.
The best part? Many of these places are free to enter. If there’s an admission fee, consider gifting a state park pass—grab a day pass for a fun outing or go all out with an annual pass. It’s a gift that keeps on giving!
If you’re not sure where to start, check out the National Park Service (USA) or Parks Canada for ideas.
5. Seek Out Vintage Finds Together
There's something enchanting about strolling through quaint antique shops, the air filled with the scent of history and the promise of hidden gems. Instead of a generic Amazon gift card, why not offer an experience that's so much richer and more personal? They'll get to select something that truly speaks to them—a vintage watch, an elegant tea set, or perhaps an old book with a storied past—making the gift all the more special.
Plus, you can easily pair antiquing with lunch at a nearby café. Antique shops and charming eateries more often than not go hand in hand.
6. Sip and Savour on a Craft Beer Journey
Breweries have taken small towns and big cities by storm, popping up in historic buildings, revamped warehouses, and repurposed barns—each offering its own unique twist on good old-fashioned beer. Beyond the brews, many feature rotating food trucks and plenty of games to enjoy with a drink in hand.
So instead of sticking to your usual spot, why not arrange a brewery-hopping tour? Your town or city might already have one that includes transportation and a drink, but if not, you can easily plan your own. Circle a few on the map, decide if you’ll be the designated driver or if you'll use a taxi or shuttle service, and get ready for an afternoon of fun.
7. Spark Their Wanderlust with a Mystery Trip
Want to be the gift-giving champ this year? Skip the socks and scented candles; give them a full day of surprise adventures with Guess Where Trips! They'll hit the road without a clue as to where they're headed, and before long, come across one hidden gem after another—maybe a quaint little town, a breathtaking lookout, or a funky roadside attraction they never knew existed.
The best part? All the planning is done for you. Just choose a trip that matches their interests—be it foodie delights, outdoor escapades, or quirky finds—and Guess Where Trips takes care of the rest.
