If we have learned anything over the last several years, it’s to enjoy the simple pleasures. And the chance to spend time with the people we love is our biggest joy. This year, in particular, we love the idea of giving a gift that our friends and family will actually use and enjoy together. Something thoughtful to elevate their day because the things we use and do daily, weekly, or monthly often have the biggest impact. In that spirit, our team has pulled together some of our favorite gift ideas from local businesses that focus more on the time spent than the physical gift itself. Bring on the merriment!
The Gift of Quality Time Together
Whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood in the evening or getting out on the greenway on the weekends, some fresh air and movement always work wonders. A new pair of shoes from Charlotte Running Co. would be a great gift. As would a new (or used) bike from Gear Goat XCHG, Charlotte’s only new and used outdoor gear consignment store. If spending time inside sounds more up your alley, a jigsaw puzzle or game from Paper Skyscraper is fun for the whole family. One of the easiest ways to spend time together is around mealtime. Elevate the everyday with a gift basket from Reid’s Fine Foods, sweet treats from The Batchmaker, artisan olive oil from Pour Olive, freshly-baked bread from Team Rose Bread, or infused honey from Cloister Honey. The options are endless! If spending time in your kitchen sounds more like a chore than quality time, consider treating your significant other to a special night out. Remove the distractions of the day and enjoy a nice meal at one of Charlotte’s amazing restaurants. Supperland, Stagioni, The Fig Tree, Kindred, Peppervine, La Belle Helene, and The Crunkleton are some of our team’s favorite date night spots.
Peppervine
The Gift of Shared Experiences
Give the gift of entertainment with tickets to a concert or performance perfectly suited to your loved one’s interests. Blumenthal Performing Arts hosts amazing events all year and, if one show isn’t enough, you can also buy season tickets and a variety of performance packages. Sports lovers would love a driving experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and tickets to the Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or the Carolina Panthers (next season will be better, right?). Annual passes to Discovery Place, Carowinds, and the Whitewater Center are always crowd-pleasers when you want to get the whole family involved. For something a little more interactive, you could make jewelry at Beads, Inc., craft a candle at Paddywax Candle Bar, paint at Wine & Design, or B.Y.O.T. (build your own terrarium) at PlantHouse. Shared experiences are made even better when you get to take home your handmade, custom gift at the end — win, win! Another gift idea we love… cocktail or cooking classes! We recently did a blog on 10 Places to Take Cocktail and Cooking Classes Around Charlotte filled with all the details.
Whitewater Center
The Gift of Self-Care & Relaxation
Is there a better gift than blissful relaxation? We all need a reset, unwind, and take care of ourselves. Mood House offers amazing massage memberships. True Rest Float Spa takes peace and quiet to a whole other level with its personal floating salt-water pods. And the facials at Toccare Day Spa will have you feeling like a whole new person. Treating your loved one to a staycation is a great way to get away without going far. Who wouldn’t appreciate a night or two in a luxurious hotel? Check out The Ivey’s Hotel, Ritz-Carlton, Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, The Duke Mansion, or The Ballantyne. One out-of-the-box self-care idea? Hire a cleaning service so you can spend your Saturday however your heart desires instead of tidying up the house. Now that sounds relaxing!
Toccare Day Spa
