Holiday gift guide: Give the gift of experience rather than goods
Christmas is less than two weeks away and we have a great list of gift ideas that won't clutter up the homes of the ones you love. We have compiled ideas for all age groups, budgets, and interests. We've even managed to think of ways to support local businesses without having to purchase tangible items. Whether you're shopping for "the person that already has everything", someone who is working toward a minimal lifestyle, or for someone that you wish would get rid of some clutter, we've got you covered.
Experiences:
- A Weekend away. Knoxville is conveniently located in driving distance from Nashville, Atlanta, Louisville, Chattanooga, and the Smokey Mountains. Try out an air bnb property rather than a hotel for a more personalized experience.
- Dinner out. A few of our local favorites are A dopo, Knox Mason, Emelia, and J.C. Holdway
- Manicure, pedicure, massage, spa treatment etc. Support a local salon like Wild Lavender or Pure Lux
Give the gift of classes or offer to teach someone a skill that you have:
- Teach a loved one to knit, crochet, embroider, or sew. Loopville offers lots of classes for all levels of learning
- Teach someone how to bake your "signature" treat or cook your favorite meal or give the gift of cooking classes at The Cutting Edge Classroom
- Music/instrument lessons. Bill Jones Music offers many options.
- Art or pottery classes. Check out Mighty Mud or ask a local artist if they offer private lessons.
- Yoga membership or class package. The Glowing Body is one of our favorite locally owned studios.
- Photography classes. Light Finds offers classes and private lessons as well!
Events:
- Tickets to a concert. Check out the websites of these local or neighboring city venues to see whose coming to town soon. The Bijou Theater, The Tennessee Theater, The Mill & Mine, The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and The Orange Peel in Asheville.
- Tickets to a play or musical. These local theaters and theater company's won't disappoint. River and Rail, Clarence Brown Theater, The Carpet Bag Theater
- Tickets to a sporting event like a UT basketball game or an ice bears game
- Tickets to a workshop at The Hive (upcoming workshops include embodied season, understanding the enneagram , and make your own perfume) or Central Collective (upcoming workshops include good sport night, sushi making, and an introduction course to indigo and shibori dyeing)
Gift ideas for Kids:
- Climbing passes to Onsight Rock Gym or The Climbing Center at River Sports
- Classes at or passes to The Basement Community Arts Studio
- Navitat at Ijams is a tree based adventure course that kiddos would LOVE getting passes for
- A trip to Paint your own pottery at Liza moz
- Ice Chalet passes or lessons
Miscellaneous:
- A Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Membership. Check out this website for local options.
- A fishing license (and a gift certificate to a bait shop) or hunting license (with ammunition)
- Ancestry/DNA testing is all the rage. Give a friend or family member a kit so that they can learn more about their heritage. These two services come highly recommended--Ancestry DNA and 23&Me.
- A trial run of a meal service. Our favorites are Hello Fresh and Peach Dish
- Know someone that could use some organizing help, packing help for an upcoming move, or interior design assistance? Help You Dwell gift cards are the way to go :)
- Give a donation to a charity in honor of a loved one. Some of our favorite non profits in town are Beardsley Farm, The Knoxville Museum of Art, The Knox County Library, Compassion Coalition, Interfaith Health Clinic, The Change Center and The Volunteer Ministry Center
Think outside of the box this year and give those you love something that they will remember forever!