Unique Gift Ideas - Get Them an Experience
If you want to get your loved one a gift they will always remember, why not give them an experience? Studies show that 78% of Millennials would rather spend their time and money on experiences over material items. That means that receiving a thoughtful card containing tickets for an experience, might hold a much higher value for your sweetheart over a traditional wrapped gift. By gifting them an experience, you’re giving them the opportunity to try something new, make memories, and maybe even develop a skill.
So, what exactly can you gift as an experience? It depends what your special person likes. Here’s a short guide of giftable experiences that will give you a place to start.
Performances
An evening of performance is the classic experience option. A performance gift might be tickets to a concert by their favourite band, a local comedy show, or a theatre performance (to name a few). If you’re located in Toronto, you can check out the upcoming programming by local talent to get some ideas:
Live Music
Gin & Jazz Concerts at Reid’s Distillery
Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
Candlelight Concerts at Paradise Theatre
Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
Comedy
GayAF Comedy
Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
Theatre
Factory Theatre
Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
Check out Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for all of you Potterheads.
Workshops & Lessons
Image source: Kandl Artistique
A class-type gift might give your loved one the opportunity to try out something they’ve always wanted to. Or perhaps you will surprise them with something outside of the box that they are sure to remember. This could be a workshop they do on their own, or it might be a chance for the two of you to get some quality time together. Here are a few upcoming workshops in Toronto that are fun and unique:
Workshops
Is your loved one a fan of candles? Give them a chance to make their own personalized candle using high end scents from the Kandl Artistique Candle Lab.
Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
These fun nights are hosted once a month at Toronto Brunswick Bierworks Brewery. The evening starts with a glass of beer, cider or wine, and includes a lesson on styling a charcuterie spread. The best part is the workshop where they will create their own live edge charcuterie board to take home.
Lessons
Dance lessons are a classic couples experience. Learning to dance together will spark intimacy and playfulness. The best part is you can take dance lessons in Toronto in a totally relaxed and stress free environment.
Try out Drom Taberna for swing dance classes. Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
Or the Lula Lounge for their Cuban dancing nights. Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
Immersive Shows
Image source: Moment Factory
Immersive shows delight the senses. These experiences might include light shows, performances and interactive elements. The popularity of immersive shows has been skyrocketing and is definitely something worth considering. Here are a few places in Toronto to look for an immersive gift:
Terra Lumina Light Show at the Zoo
Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
Curated date night experience here - adjust the date/times to suit your needs.
Psychedelics the Experiential Exhibition
For those interested in the history of psychedelic substances.
Culinary Experiences
Is your significant other a foodie, wine or cocktail connoisseur? Surprise them with a culinary encounter that they won’t forget! Toronto happens to be a treasure trove of cuisine and spirits, so there are lots of options to choose from. A few of our favs:
Tastings
This special once a month event by East End Vine includes a themed tasting menu with wine pairings. What really elevates this evening is that it provides guests an opportunity to interact with the chef, as the chef presents each course along with the wine pairing.
Wine Tasting at Downtown Winery
Take them on a wine tasting experience at Downtown Winery, where you can indulge in curated wine flights. Or contact the wine bar for more information on the private wine tasting sessions that are hosted in their tank room.
Food Tours
With this gift, you and your loved one can get out and experience the city while trying some of the best food TO has to offer. Try out Culinary Adventure Co. a tour company that offers experiences in St. Lawrence, Kensington, Leslieville and Little India.
Wellness
Image source: Sir Sam’s Inn Spa
Who couldn’t use a little extra pampering in their lives? Show your loved one you care by giving them some relaxation time. Check out some of our recommendations for spas and wellness centers below:
Choose from massages, body treatments or facials at Hammam Spa. The unique draw at this spa is the steam room where they can experience a steam ritual complete with eucalyptus oils.
Book your partner a session in a float pod where they will be floating in 1,000 pounds of healing epsom salts. This weightless experience provides sensory deprivation and allows for a moment of true relaxation.
If you’d like to give your loved one an entire weekend of wellness, consider this weekend getaway option. Sir Sam’s Spa and Inn is an adult’s only boutique hotel located near Haliburton. Amenities include an indoor water therapy circuit, an outdoor pool (seasonal), and winter activities (skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding). They offer spa services such as facials, body wraps and massages.
Experiences as gifts will create memories that last a lifetime. Use these ideas to spark your imagination and we hope you find the perfect gift for that special someone.
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