Holiday Gifts That Aren't Things
Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday for reasons previously discussed. Being someone that isn't great at gift giving I've found gifts of experiences, relaxation and memories are great gifts. Here are some of my ideas for great gifts that aren't "things". Cuz really do we need more "things"? Gift certificates can sometimes feel like impersonal gifts. But if it's a gift certificate to a super personal and thoughtful experience then that can sometimes be the best gift of all. My boyfriend and I usually plan something for the other in place of traditional gifts and its so wonderful. It really takes away the pressure of finding the "perfect gift". With most of these gifts you are also helping support local business. And that is always wonderful.
Dinner
We definitely have our favorite restaurants but we don't go to them all the time. Usually for special occasions or if we think we need a special date night. So when someone gives us a gift certificate to one of our favorite restaurants that we don't get to enjoy too often that is so special. A couple of our favorite restaurants around town are Vegetable Butcher, Guiseppes, and Luna Red. These places have great food and a great ambiance. If you are giving the gift of food to a student or someone that just prefers more casual food I'd suggest a gift certificate to one of the many great delis around town. High Street Deli also has tons of fun merchandise you can give with their gift certificate. Another favorite place is Lincoln Market Deli. Its a great deli with a nice patio and a cool little market section as well.
Spa Experience
Last year for Christmas my boyfriend planned the most amazing spa afternoon for us as my Christmas present. He took me to River Oaks Spa in Paso Robles for a hot tub soak and couples massage. So. Freaking. Amazing. Another Great spot on the central coast for an amazing hot tub soak is Sycamore Mineral Springs. Their hot tubs are all rented out by the hour and are nestled into a little hillside and surrounded by trees. It's like a fairy hot tub. They also offer facials and massages, I've never personally gotten any treatments here, but I hear they are amazing.
Movie or Theater Tickets
We love movies and theater, pretty much all story telling. What a great gift idea. San Luis Obispo Repertory Theater is my personal home away from home and a gift certificate to a show here is such a great idea. Other Theater groups in the area include PCPA (So amazing!!!) and The Great American Melodrama (A really great time!). Another idea is movie theater tickets oooorrr a year of movie tickets. There is a subscription service called Movie Pass. For $10 a month you can see a movie a day. This is actually my Christmas gift for my boyfriend and I.
A Haircut
Uuuuummmm I'm a hairstylist so obviously I think the gift of hair is an awesome gift. But seriously if someone on your list likes getting their hair done and you know where they go....let their next haircut be on you. If that someone goes to a barber shop check to see if they offer a hot shave. ohlala
Cool Tours of Cool Things
Breweries, wineries, lighthouses, museums, guided kayak trips. There really is so much to do here on the central coast. Hearst Castle tour tickets would be an amazing gift for the history buff in your life. Firestone Walker Brewing is a local staple around here and now they offer some pretty cool brewery tours. And lastly our very own Port of San Luis Lighthouse offers very reasonable priced tours.
Dinner
We definitely have our favorite restaurants but we don't go to them all the time. Usually for special occasions or if we think we need a special date night. So when someone gives us a gift certificate to one of our favorite restaurants that we don't get to enjoy too often that is so special. A couple of our favorite restaurants around town are Vegetable Butcher, Guiseppes, and Luna Red. These places have great food and a great ambiance. If you are giving the gift of food to a student or someone that just prefers more casual food I'd suggest a gift certificate to one of the many great delis around town. High Street Deli also has tons of fun merchandise you can give with their gift certificate. Another favorite place is Lincoln Market Deli. Its a great deli with a nice patio and a cool little market section as well.
Spa Experience
Last year for Christmas my boyfriend planned the most amazing spa afternoon for us as my Christmas present. He took me to River Oaks Spa in Paso Robles for a hot tub soak and couples massage. So. Freaking. Amazing. Another Great spot on the central coast for an amazing hot tub soak is Sycamore Mineral Springs. Their hot tubs are all rented out by the hour and are nestled into a little hillside and surrounded by trees. It's like a fairy hot tub. They also offer facials and massages, I've never personally gotten any treatments here, but I hear they are amazing.
Movie or Theater Tickets
We love movies and theater, pretty much all story telling. What a great gift idea. San Luis Obispo Repertory Theater is my personal home away from home and a gift certificate to a show here is such a great idea. Other Theater groups in the area include PCPA (So amazing!!!) and The Great American Melodrama (A really great time!). Another idea is movie theater tickets oooorrr a year of movie tickets. There is a subscription service called Movie Pass. For $10 a month you can see a movie a day. This is actually my Christmas gift for my boyfriend and I.
A Haircut
Uuuuummmm I'm a hairstylist so obviously I think the gift of hair is an awesome gift. But seriously if someone on your list likes getting their hair done and you know where they go....let their next haircut be on you. If that someone goes to a barber shop check to see if they offer a hot shave. ohlala
Cool Tours of Cool Things
Breweries, wineries, lighthouses, museums, guided kayak trips. There really is so much to do here on the central coast. Hearst Castle tour tickets would be an amazing gift for the history buff in your life. Firestone Walker Brewing is a local staple around here and now they offer some pretty cool brewery tours. And lastly our very own Port of San Luis Lighthouse offers very reasonable priced tours.
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