Are you looking to give a gift that doesn’t take up any space or create any more clutter for your loved ones? While most folks don’t need more stuff, you can never have enough time with the ones that you love. We have some great ideas for you that are gifts of experience and special memories that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Recipients will be thrilled to play tourist in their own city, try something fun they’ve always wanted to do, or simply enjoy the gift of quality time with loved ones.
Western Washington:
Gift Ideas for Kids and Families:
Paintball Tickets – Everett, WA, Snohomish, WA or Puyallup, WA
Get all day paintball admission and equipment rental for groups of 4, 6 or 12. This is for ages 10 and up, so it’s most appropriate for the tweens and teens in your life. Get tickets on Living Social now, for $19-$55 (regularly $160-$480).
Build a Bear Workshop Gift Cards – Tacoma, WA or Lynnwood, WA
If you have kiddos who loved stuffed animals, you can get them a gift card to Build a Bear. They’ll be able to make their own stuffed animal with a choice of accesories and unique personalizations. Get 4 gifts cards, each worth $25 for only $79.99 at Costco now, a savings of $20!
Family Fun Center – Tukwila, WA & Edmonds, WA
Take the family for a fun night out with bumper cars, Max Flight roller-coaster simulator, outdoor kiddie cars and outdoor Screamin’ Swing. In Edmonds, there is also outdoor mini golf and bumper boats.
Right now on Groupon, get 150 points for $18, a 52% savings.
Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt – Seattle, WA
Embark on a scavenger hunt that takes you on a journey through Seattle’s landmarks, traversing 3 miles and riding the monorail. The hunt is $49 for the full quest or $30 for the mini quest, and includes a family or team of 2-5 people.
Columbia Tower – Seattle, WA
If you think the view from the Space Needle is spectacular, you should definitely check out the Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Tower. With 360 degree panoramic views, you can see Mt. Rainier, the Olympics, Bellevue, Seattle, the Puget Sound and the Space Needle. Make a pit stop on the 40th floor the the highest Starbucks in the world, which also has a great view!
Tickets are on sale now on Groupon for $18 for two (reg. $28.50).
Tickets to Harlem Globetrotters – Kent, WA or Everett, WA
Get discounted tickets from Living Social to the Harlem Globetrotters on February 12, 14, or 15. The world famous basketball team displays their awesome ball-handling skills, dunks, and tricks, all while making you laugh. After the game, fans can get autographs and photos with the the players. Tickets are $37-$50/person (reg $61-$82).
Hands On Children’s Museum – Olympia, WA
This award winning museum features exhibits on the local environment, arts and crafts and safety! Children can explore the Fabulous Forest and Puget Sound galleries, or climb the Tide to Trees Climber & Slide. Admission for a family of 5 for only $29.99 on Living Social, a 50% savings!
Climb Tacoma – Tacoma, WA
Indoor rock climbing is perfect for burning off some wiggles during the winter! This is a fun workout for kids and adults. Get a pass with shoe rental and chalk for 2 days ($22) or 10 days ($90), a 50% savings on Living Social right now. This gift is ideal for kids over the age of 8.
LeMay Family Collection Museum – Tacoma, WA
If you have any car fans on your list, a trip to the LeMay Car Museum will make them happy. Explore over 500 antique vehicles and don’t miss the Kids Zone on the bottom level. On the 3rd Saturday of each month, special auto related STEM activities are offered for kids, too. Included with admission is a family photo in an antique car. Find discount tickets on Living Social as low as $20 for 2 adult admissions and 2 kids’ admissions.
Batting Cage Rental at Rijo Athletics – Woodinville, WA
If your kiddo is missing the feel of the bat in their hands, get them some time at the indoor batting cages! Right now on Living Social, for a one hour session pay $26 ($40 value) or $99 ($160 value) for a 4 hour session.
Museum Memberships
You can’t go wrong with a museum or zoo membership, too. Memberships are awesome because the recipient can use them year round, and most include gift shop discounts and additional passes for friends. Plus, most museums and zoos participate in a reciprocal agreement with nationwide zoos or museums, which means you can get discount or even free admission at locations around the country, which offers even more savings. Some favorites for kids and families include:
Northwest Trek
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle Aquarium
Seattle Children’s Museum
MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry)
Pacific Science Center
Museum of Flight
Gift Ideas for Adults:
Murder Mystery Dinner – Seattle, WA & Snohomish, WA
Here’s a fun idea for a gift to give an adult or couple – buy tickets for an interactive murder mystery dinner. Guests will be served a three course meal while professional actors test their skills as detectives. This would make for a unique date night experience or a fun night out with a group of friends. It does also say that the material is PG- PG-13 level, if you have older kids or teens who would be interested in this.
Right now, Groupon has discount tickets for 50% off, making each ticket $29.99/ea. (Reg $60/ea).
Puzzle Break – Seattle, WA
You’re locked in a room for 60 minutes and the only way out is by solving a puzzle! The entire experience is about 90 minutes and is only $30/person.
Ferrari Autocross Experience – Auburn, WA
For the foreign car enthusiast on your list, this is a very special gift. Get behind the wheel and take 3 Autocross laps in a Ferrari 360 Modena, Ferrari F430, or Lamborghini Gallardo. Some folks dream of driving a car like this! Make their dreams come true this Christmas. Must be 21 and over to participate. But this gift on Living Social for $99, with a retail value of $549.
Glass Blowing Activity – Seattle, WA
Under the guidance of an expert glass blowing artist, make your own blown glass pumpkin. Experience the magical process of heating and shaping molten glass to a color that you choose. This experience is only $35 (regularly $60) on Living Social and is perfect for the art lover.
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden – Shoreline, WA
Take a two hour guided tour of 2,000 varieties of local Pacific Northwest and exotic plants and flowers. This is a great deal at only $10 for 2 people on Living Social.
Seattle Bike Tours
Looking for a gift that includes lots of activity and exercise outdoors? Give someone a biking tour of Seattle, that covers 13 miles of the beautiful city. Stops include the Olympic Sculpture Park, Ballard Locks, and a ride through the hipster neighborhoods of the city, all while taking in breathtaking views of the surroundings. Equipment and gear are included at $49/per person, a 50% savings on Living Social.
Salsa or Latin Dance Classes – Seattle, WA
Learn salsa or latin dancing with a partner, under the guidance of award winning instructor Michael Cahn. Learn to perform high energy steps and a routine tailored to your level. This package is only $29 for a five week class, valued at $118 on Groupon.
iFly Indoor Skydiving – Tukwila, WA
If you’re looking to give the gift of adventure, indoor skydiving is your ticket! All of the gear and instruction you need is provided for 2 one minute flights and a video of the experience! At Costco, the package is $39.99/person.
2.5 Hour Cooking Class – Seattle, WA
Learn how to cook master tapas, Italian cuisine and appetizers in this cooking class taught by professional chefs. At $37, this is a great deal for an experience that lasts over 2 hours, valued at $75 on Groupon.
Surf Ballard
This is a fun date idea for the summer time, and you’ll get a work out in, too! Rent a paddle board in Ballard for $22 for one 2 hour rental ($40 value) or $43 for two 2 hour rentals on Groupon right now. Each rental includes board and paddles.
Western Oregon:
Gift Ideas for Kids and Families:
Kids Ultimate Fitness Challenge – Portland, OR
This traveling, multi-city event is great for kids who love to run, jump and be challenged physically! It includes an obstacle course, and rides such as Bumper Ball Xtreme, ZipLine Xtreme and SkyJump Xtreme. Pay $16.99 ($30 value) for two ride tickets or $33.99 ($60 value) for four ride tickets on Living Social now.
Trampoline Passes to G6 Airpark – Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR
A great gift for any child is to give them tickets to a Trampoline play area. This is not only tons of fun for the kids, but also the parents will thank you, too, as it is sure to wear out their kiddos for good sleep that night! Groupon has discount tickets for 2 hours of play time from $8 – $12 (up to 60% off).
Tickets to Harlem Globetrotters – Portland, OR
Get discounted tickets from Living Social to the Harlem Globetrotters on February 12, 14, or 15. The world famous basketball team displays their awesome ball-handling skills, dunks, and tricks, all while making you laugh. After the game, fans can get autographs and photos with the the players. Tickets are $37.75-$46.90/person (reg $56.65-$74.10).
Naval Air Station Tillamook Museum – Tillamook, OR
Explore more than 15 wartime aircraft stored in an authentic World War II blimp hanger. This is a steal at only $13 (regularly $25) for admission for 2 adults and 2 children on Living Social.
Portland Winterhawks Hockey Tickets – Portland, OR
Hockey games are full of action & fun & right now, Living Social has discount tickets for several Portland Winterhawks games in the winter (January & March) which would make for a fun family event or a night out with the guys. Tickets are almost 50% off at $14/ticket (regularly $27).
Tour the Oregon Garden – Silverton, OR
The Oregon Garden is a beautiful, 80 acre botanical garden outside of Salem, OR and less than an hour south of Portland. For the garden lover or those who love beautiful places, this is a great place to visit & GetMyPerks.com has discount tickets available to use anytime in 2016 for $6 (regularly $11). From April – October, there are tram tours to show you around the gardens.
Discount Movie Tickets to the Kiggins Theater or Clinton Theater – Vancouver & Portland
Living Social has discount movie tickets for the Kiggins Theater in Vancouver, WA or Clinton Street Theater in Portland. You can get movie tickets for $7-$8 for 2 movie tickets & 2 small popcorns (a $16- $18 value).
Gift Ideas for Adults:
Mt Hood 3 Adult Lift Tickets
Ski or snowboard three times this winter or take 2 friends up with you! Mt Hood boasts over 900 acres of skiable terrain, and 65 day and 34 night runs. This gift is only $119.99 for three adult lift tickets at Costco.
Labyrinth Escape Games – Portland
Looking for an adventure with minimal risk involved? Try the Labyrinth Escape Games! In this narrative, you will learn secrets fro an archeologist, become an Allied commando, and explore the cosmos. Value at $36, pay only $23/person on Living Social now for this unique adventure.
Wizard World Comic Con Event – Portland
If you have a comic enthusiast on your list, you can buy them a discount ticket from Living Social to the big Wizard World Comic Con event coming to the Oregon Convention Center in Portland in February. They can meet comic book creators & other comic enthusiasts, as well as see hundreds of comic books & collectibles in the marketplace.
Guided Kayaking Tour – Oregon Coast or Willamette Valley
This would be a fun date day adventure or adventure with friends to take a guided kayaking tour in various locations such as the Tualatin River, the Nehalem Bay, Estacada Lake & more. Discount tickets are available on Living Social for $49 for a 3 hour tour for 1 (reg $75) or $99 for a romantic couples destination tour (reg $150).
Museum Memberships
You can’t go wrong with a museum or zoo membership, too. Memberships are awesome because the recipient can use them year round, and most include gift shop discounts and additional passes for friends. Plus, most museums and zoos participate in a reciprocal agreement with nationwide zoos or museums, which means you can get discount or even free admission at locations around the country, which offers even more savings. Some favorites for kids and families include:
Oregon Zoo
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) – this is currently 15% off!
Portland Children’s Museum
Gilbert House Children’s Museum
Evergreen Aviation Museum
Check out more Holiday Gift Guides for every age::
KIDS & Teen Gift Guides:
Frozen Toys Gift Guide
Lego Toys Gift Guide
Board Game Gift Guide
Video Game Gift Guide
Minecraft Holiday Gift Guide
American Girl Holiday Gift Guide – Dolls, Furniture, Clothing, Books & more!
More Gift Guides:
Gifts that Give Back Holiday Gift Guide
Gifts for Holiday Entertaining at Costco
Holiday Gift Guide for the Outdoor Person
LivingSocial – Great Option for Christmas Gifts + Extra 20% Off!
Northwest Experiences Holiday Gift Guide is a post from Thrifty NW Mom