I don't know about you, but buying Christmas presents isn't as fun as it used to be, especially now that my daughter is pretty much a teen. Don't get me wrong, I love giving gifts, but with Christmas wish lists, it feels more like you're just fulfilling orders these days. And the older I get, the less I want stuff around. Each year, I declutter and shake my head at all the silly purchases over the years, hoping that when I donate them, they will at least spark joy for somebody.
So if you are feeling like me and are tired of buying the ones you love more stuff, consider gifting experiences that create lasting memories.
Here are just a few ideas in and around Hamilton:
Get Their Glow On:
You don’t have to drive all the way to Niagara for a great spa experience! We have some great options here including: The Highacre in Dundas, Sugar and Spice Kids Spa in Ancaster, and Magnolia House Spa Salon Boutique in Waterdown.
Bond Over Beef (or whatever floats your boat):
Cooking classes are a great way to learn something new and have a little fun. Couples can do them together or you for the little chef in your house who wants to take it up a notch, Gastro Market Inc. has some great options! A few other places you can check out are Longos in Ancaster, Chef Clay Smith., Joyce of Cooking and for those of you with a sweet tooth, Chocolate Tales has some great options for kids and adults alike!
Get Creative:
Play with Clay on Locke was always a favourtie with my daughter and her friends, but it’s not just for kids! Other places you could check out are; The Art Gallery of Hamilton, Creative Insight Pottery & More, or Hamilton Craft Studios for some cool options.
Load Up on Adrenaline:
For the adrenaline junkies, we have options! Take to the sky with Skydive Swoop, Sundance Balloons, get outside with your favourite people with Nature Girl Expeditions, or take helicopter tour over Niagara Falls with Niagara Helicopter Tours. And something you may not realize, Ontario has surfing options. The great lakes have some great options for surfing (who knew!) and if you check out Surf Ontario you can learn more / book lessons for the person who is always up for some adventure.
Make it a Family Affair:
And the best memories, well they are made together. So many of the above suggestions can be enjoyed together, but here are a few more just in case! If you’ve never been to an escape room, it’s a great way to spend quality time together while having a few laughs. Hamilton has a bunch of great options including: The Crux, Escape Manor Hamilton, Alcatrez Escape Rooms and Next Level Escape Rooms. Or take the family ziplining at Treetop Trekking or a little further away you can check out one of my favourite places,Long Point Eco-Adventures, where you can play and stay (clamping style!) at the same time.
Note that all underlined names link directly to their website for more information and easy access. Happy shopping!