This holiday season don’t give a gift that you know will end up stuffed in a closet or given away. Instead, go for experience gifts that will allow your recipient to try something new or do something fun. The memories made will be a far better gift than another candle or novelty mug. Check out these six activities across NoVA that make for great gifts.
Cake and Cookie Decorating Classes at Fran’s Cake and Candy Supplies
Let your giftee try a hand at decorating food. Skills taught include piping royal icing, smoothing out buttercream, and crafting cute designs on cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. The recipient will walk out of the class with a new skill and a sweet treat to enjoy later. 10927 Main St., Fairfax, prices vary
Cocktail Classes at Catoctin Creek
Shopping for an aspiring mixologist? Or someone who just appreciates a good cocktail? Take that family member or friend to Catoctin Creek Distillery to learn how to make fun cocktails at home. Each class will show off how to make three specialty cocktails, and all ingredients are provided. Classes are at 7 p.m. on Fridays from January 5 through February 9. 120 W. Main St., Purcellville, $39 per person
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Adrenaline junkies will love the rush of this indoor skydiving experience. The wind tunnels allow guests to experience the weightlessness of skydiving without actually having to jump from a plane. Before the first jump, an instructor will go over an orientation to demonstrate how it works. You can choose to give a gift card from $25 to $500 or purchase one of the holiday gift packages. 20315 Commonwealth Center Dr., Ashburn, gift packages starting at $79
Catch a Show
A night of music or theater is a gift that anyone can appreciate. Get a gift certificate to local venues like The Kennedy Center or Wolf Trap. Some performances to look forward to include the American Ballet Theatre’s performance of Swan Lake February 21 to 25 at the Kennedy Center and comedy group The Second City at Wolf Trap February 14 to 16. Various locations
A New Workout Class
There are so many different types of workout classes around NoVA and it can be fun to try something new. Your giftee can learn how to rock climb with an introduction class at Sportrock Climbing Centers, take a high-energy cycling class at New Trail Cycling and Strength Studio in Reston, try their hand at kickboxing and Muay Thai at Urban Boxing in Arlington, or relax with a Pilates or yoga class at Mind the Mat.
Get Pampered
Help that special person relax and get rid of holiday stress with a pampering spa treatment. Origins Thai Spa, with locations in Arlington, Alexandria, and Sterling, offers services like Thai herbal massages, hot stone massages, and aromatherapy. Sesen Spa in Vienna is a great spot for manicures and pedicures, and Alexandria’s Sugar House Day Spa has plenty of options for rejuvenating facials.
Feature image courtesy Sportrock Climbing Centers
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