7 Best Local Experiences To Give As Gifts
If you’re like me and take gift-giving very seriously, you’re going to want to read this article! Philadelphia offers a range of local experiences that make fantastic gifts, giving recipients the chance to enjoy the city’s rich history, arts, and culinary scene. Here are some unique ideas:
Food Tours
- Cheesesteak and Foodie Tours: Gift someone a guided food tour through Philly’s iconic cheesesteak spots and local favorites. There are also diverse culinary tours highlighting Italian, Asian, or vegan eateries around the city.
- Reading Terminal Market Tour: Philadelphia’s historic food market is a feast for the senses, where you can gift a tour to explore its amazing array of food vendors, from Amish goods to world-famous sandwiches.
Art and Museum Experiences
- Philadelphia Museum of Art: Give a membership or tickets for an immersive experience at one of the country’s most prestigious art museums, famous for its collections and the “Rocky Steps.”
- The Barnes Foundation: This museum features an incredible collection of Impressionist and Modernist art. A gift membership here would offer access to exclusive events and exhibitions.
- Mural Arts Tour: Philadelphia is known for its incredible street art and murals. A mural arts walking or trolley tour is a great gift for art lovers who want to explore the city in a unique way.
Local Workshops and Classes
- Cooking Classes: Offer the gift of cooking knowledge with a class from La Cucina at the Market, where recipients can learn to make dishes like handmade pasta or even sushi.
- Craft Beer Brewing Class: Philadelphia’s vibrant brewery scene offers the opportunity for people to learn how to craft their own beer, like those offered at Home Sweet Homebrew.
Outdoor Adventures
- Schuylkill River Kayaking: For the outdoorsy type, give the gift of a scenic kayaking tour along the Schuylkill River, providing beautiful views of the city skyline.
- Historic Walking Tours: Philadelphia’s history is one of its main draws. Gift a guided walking tour through Old City, covering the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Benjamin Franklin’s legacy. History buffs, this one is for you!
- Ghost Tours: For a spooky thrill, give tickets to a ghost tour exploring Philadelphia’s haunted past and eerie landmarks. Eastern State Penitentiary, we’re looking at you!
Sports and Entertainment
- Phillies, Eagles, or 76ers Tickets: If they’re sports fans, gift tickets to one of Philadelphia’s major league games for an unforgettable live experience.
- The Mann Center for the Performing Arts: Outdoor concerts and performances are a staple here. Gift tickets to an upcoming show or a season pass for live music under the stars. Who doesn’t love a concert ticket as a gift?
- Helium Comedy Club: Treat someone to a night of laughs with tickets to this popular comedy venue featuring local and national comedians.
Wellness and Relaxation
- Massage or Spa Day: Philadelphia has many luxurious spas like The Ritz-Carlton Spa or The Spa at Four Seasons. A massage or full spa day is a perfect relaxation gift.
- Yoga Classes or Retreats: Wellness gifts like yoga classes at Amrita Yoga & Wellness or a retreat day at a nearby center can help someone de-stress and rejuvenate.
Unique Philadelphia Experiences
- Philadelphia Distillery Tour: For the spirits enthusiast, consider a tour and tasting experience at Philadelphia Distilling, home to Bluecoat Gin.
- Philly by Segway: Give the gift of a fun, techy adventure with a Segway tour through historic and modern Philadelphia.
- Longwood Gardens: A gift of tickets or membership to these expansive and stunning gardens just outside of the city makes for a peaceful escape into nature.
7 Best Local Experiences To Give As Gifts
These experiences cater to a variety of tastes and interests, providing memorable, local gifts that showcase the best of Philadelphia!
7 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe This Holiday Season
Put The Trash Away
Your pets may get into trash. If lids aren’t secured, or trash bags you intend to take out are left unattended, your pets may find a way in. Did you know turkey and chicken bones are not safe for pets to munch on? They splinter and can cause a host of issues. The raisins in your fruitcake? Not good on puppies’ tummies. There are so many hazardous items your pet can find in the trash. Be sure to keep lids tightly closed, and watch your pet.
Keep Guests in Mind
Guests may make your pets anxious. The influx of people in their safe space may cause them to act out because of anxiety. Consider ways you can help keep them calm. The guests themselves may overstep and feed your dogs table scraps even if they are not allowed to have them typically. If you are uncomfortable with that, try to chat casually with your guests about it.
Be Careful with Plants
Poinsettias are pretty poisonous to cats and dogs. When ingested, mild signs of vomiting, drooling, or rarely, diarrhea may be seen. Lilies, holly, and mistletoe are also poisonous to cats, Consider buying fake versions of these plats for your festive décor.
Avoid Turkey Skin
Turkey skin can cause pancreatitis for dogs, which can be a life-threatening condition. Also, try to avoid giving this to your pets because of the spices you rub onto the skin. Some spices may not play well with your pet’s tummy. If you want to give them turkey, give them only a small piece of white meat.
Christmas Tree Safety
Low hanging ornaments and branches may be a nightmare for pet owners with playful animals. Cats and dogs may see the tree as a plaything and send it tippling over when trying to grab at a fun looking decoration. If you feel your pet may try to mess with the tree, hang ornaments higher than their eye level, or cordon them off from the room the tree is kept in, unless supervised.
Also, be careful if you have a live tree. Tree water may look appealing to a curious pet. Not only is pine water hard on tummies, it is also essential to the safety of your entire family. If you don’t realize that Fido has lapped up your tree’s water, the tree will get dry. Dry trees = fire!
Keep Your Stockings Hung High
Stockings hung with care help protect your pets. Loads of treats get stuffed into these festive socks. One treat being namely, chocolate. We all know the issue with chocolate and pets. Hang your stocking high if you feel your pet may try to bring it down!
New Years Eve Loudness
5, 4, 3, 2, 1! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Fireworks, yelling, noisemakers, and singing ensues. Reactive pets may have a hard time with all of the excitement. They may try to bolt out the door as you’re heading outside to celebrate, or huddle in a corner of your home alone. Support them with things that make them calm on New Years Eve. And keep an eye on them!
