The Best Gifts Don’t Come in a Box
Give your loved ones gifts they’ll never forget. “Stuff” eventually ends up in the landfill, but memories last a lifetime. Think beyond the box and give one of these fun experiences:
- For the sports fan
Game tickets for their favorite team
Tip: Minor league and college games cost a lot less than pro games and can be just as fun. - For the workout lover
Gym membership, fitness class, yoga pass for a month, massage or a personal trainer session.
Tip: Sign up yourself as well—you can be workout buddies! - For the outdoor enthusiast
Buy annual County park passes or plan an excursion, like a hike along the coast or a bike tour. Don’t forget snacks!
Tip: Create your own gift certificate and offer several dates. - For the thrill seeker
Rock climbing, kayak, zipline or paddleboard outing – buy a class or rent equipment. - For the friend with family or for your own kids Try a day of boating, horseback riding or mini-golf. Consider a gift certificate to a local ice cream or frozen yogurt shop.
- For the TV binge-watcher
Give a subscription to their favorite streaming service. - For the gourmet
Dinner at a special place or gift certificate for their favorite restaurant.
Tip: It can also be a dinner party at your house!
- For the cook
Give a cooking class — show someone how to prepare an heirloom recipe from your personal recipe collection. - For the aspiring homesteader
Class or workshop to learn pickling, canning, cheese-making and even fermentation. - For dancers
Dance class coupon for salsa, tango, hip hop or belly dance. - For the technology buff
Tickets to a science or tech museum or a robotics class. - For the tinkerer
A subscription to a DIY online magazine in their specific interest, or welding or metalcraft classes. - For the movie critic
Tickets to see that hot new movie – don’t forget to include the popcorn. - For lovers of live performance
Tickets to a local music venue, theater or comedy show. - For the altruist
Make a donation on their behalf to a cause or organization they care about. - For the commuter
Buy a digital audiobook or give a subscription so they can pick their own. - For the social butterfly
Organize a group activity like bowling, roller skating, ice skating or trivia night at your local bar. - For the friend you haven’t seen in a while
Invite them out to catch up! - For the aspiring musician
Instrument or voice lessons with a private teacher or a class.
Tip: Music classes are not just for kids — community colleges offer many for adults! - For the wine lover
Invite them to a wine tasting at a local winery or book a class for the more serious oenophile.
Tip: Bring a picnic and start with a hike before you taste.
Special thanks to the Santa Clara County Recycling & Waste Reduction Division for the “Less Stuff, More Fun” campaign concept and artwork.
