Physical gifts may end up in the landfill, but memories last a lifetime. When considering gift ideas for the holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries, we encourage you to think outside the box (literally!) and give the gift of great memories! Not only will you be gifting your loved one with a fun new experience, you’ll also be reducing waste.
Read on for some of our favorite tips and suggestions for gifting experiences! Note – inclusion of a link or business here is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute an endorsement.
Gift a loved one a class pack to try out a new art style, like pottery, watercolor painting, sewing and mending, or drawing! Locally, Art Abloom in San Anselmo offers weekly classes for all ages to explore various mediums. The Art School of San Francisco Bay in San Rafael also offers class packs based on age for all groups to learn about drawing and painting!
You could also gift a one-day class or workshop. For example, MarinMOCA hosts classes on collage, making ceramic tiles, linocut, and more!
Is your loved one a sports fan? Gift tickets to a sports game, such as to the Giants, Warriors, Valkyries, or 49ers!
You could also gift a one-day pass or membership to one of the Bay Area's many museums. Some ideas to get you started include the Bay Area Discovery Museum, the Cal Academy of Sciences, the Exploratorium, the DeYoung, or the MOMA.
For a loved one who enjoys the great outdoors, consider one of these ideas: a National Parks Pass; a day pre-planned by you to take them on their favorite hike with a picnic included; or ferry tickets to Angel Island to walk, bike, or picnic!
Is your loved one a foodie? Give them a gift card to their favorite restaurant, or one they’ve been wanting to try!
Do they prefer to do the cooking? Sign them up for a cooking class!
Make the most of what the North Bay has to offer: take them on a Sonoma or Napa winery date, or gift them a membership at their favorite winery.
Gift them a digital gift card to their favorite local coffee shop – and don’t forget to remind them to bring their reusable thermos!
Have they been looking to try a new workout? Buy them a class pack at a local yoga, Pilates, or strength-training studio!
Are they a life-long learner? Gift them a set of lessons to learn a new skill, such as music lessons or language lessons.
Gift a guided tour or rental for kayaks or paddleboards, and explore the Bay Area’s beautiful waterways!
Do you need to buy a physical item rather than an experience? Here are a few tips for reducing waste while shopping:
