Holiday gift guide: The best experience gifts in NC
It's the time of year when gift-giving is front and center. The holidays move us to focus less on ourselves and to instead, prioritize the joy of others. Those gifts of happiness are usually enclosed in decorative boxes with pretty bows. Sometimes, however, it's the experience of a thing that sets it apart.
My priority this time around is giving what's meaningful. That sentiment puts experience gifts at the top of my list. If this concept is new, explore the ideas below and see what appeals to you.
These are some great North Carolina gift ideas for experience gifts in and around Raleigh.
Relaxation experience gift ideas in NC
Who couldn't use a bit of rest and relaxation to close out the year? It's much needed in my opinion! Have you ever heard of salt caves? Think of a spa with Himalayan sea salt covering the floor and walls. Soothing music and ambient lighting often fill the space simultaneously.
Also known as Halotherapy, these sessions are believed to have multiple benefits. Examples include decreasing stress and anxiety, in addition to treating respiratory issues, allergies, migraines, inflammation, sleep disorders, and skin conditions.
I first learned of salt caves when my parents visited one in Virginia. They raved about how relaxed they felt afterwards and the lessening of pain and other ailments. The entire process was very simple, too, but rules may vary by location.
Changing clothes wasn't necessary, however, they were given slippers to replace their regular shoes. Some places may require you to wear white socks while visiting. This is to ensure the salt quality is preserved. From there, they sat in anti-gravity chairs, closed their eyes, and surrendered to stillness.
No worries... you don't have to drive out of state to experience this. I found a few locations right here.
Get Salty NC - 8398 Six Forks Rd STE 203, Raleigh, NC 27615
Skin Sense - 6801 Falls of Neuse Rd #130, Raleigh, NC 27615
Asheville Salt Cave - 16 N. Liberty St. Asheville, NC 28801
Durham Salt Cave - 410 W Geer St, Durham, NC 27701
HALO Salt Lounge - 1152 Executive Circle Suite #210, Cary, NC 27511
Himalayan Hideaway Salt Cave - 3281 Robinhood Rd, Winston-Salem, NC
Lake Norman Salt Spa - 20723 Torrence Chapel Road, Suite 204, Cornelius, NC
The Salt Suite Concord - 9900 Poplar Tent Rd Suite 120, Concord, NC
This kind of experience serves as a great gift option for adults but it is believed to also be safe for younger ages. Of course, check with your health care provider if you have questions.
Adventure gifts in NC
There are unique options for the adventurous hearts and nature lovers in your life, too.
NASCAR driving or ride-along experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway
At Charlotte Motor Speedway, your loved one can have a true race car adrenaline rush! Choose the Richard Petty Driving Experience where you're the one behind the wheel. No accompanying instructors. Or, choose the NASCAR Ride Along if your person enjoys NASCAR but would prefer not to drive.
Reservations are required for this activity. Get more information on their website.
Hike, bike or kayak in Asheville
Through Hike Bike Kayak Asheville, you can gift a North Carolina mountain lover with a half/full day Blue Ridge Mountain driving tour. They get the luxury of sitting back and enjoying the scenery. Drivers will even stop along the way for guests to take photos and possibly a short hike! Prepared picnic lunches can also be added to the tour.
Segway guided tours
How about helping someone explore a new-to-them North Carolina city/town, or perhaps more of their own via a Segway tour? It's a fun way to explore and discover. When booking a tour, be sure to read the company's guidelines and other pertinent information.
Segway Guided Tours offers you a list of 13 links to choose from.
Learn to fly
Do you know you can gift an aviation enthusiast a Discovery Flight? I just recently learned of this and can only imagine the excitement of the recipient! Whether your loved one is contemplating an aviation career, is ready to go all in, or simply loves planes and wants to learn from experts, there are so many places locally that can assist!
These are some flight schools to check out in NC
- Victory Lane Aviation in Charlotte
- Raleigh Flying Club
- FlightGest Academy in Morrisville
- Elite Aircraft Services in Raleigh
- Executive Flight Training in Sanford
Entertainment experience gifts in NC
Movies and dinner theaters are fun ideas for experience gifts in North Carolina.
I like the idea of entertainment as an experience gift. Dinner theaters are becoming more popular and I've heard about a few around North Carolina. They typically involve murder mysteries, comedies, musicals and drama. This gift is perfect for couples or anyone who appreciates theater.
The Dinner Detective (Raleigh – Durham, Chapel Hill, Charlotte )
The Barn Dinner Theatre (Greensboro)
Dine-in movie theaters are another option. The only one I've been to is Alamo Drafthouse in Raleigh. We've enjoyed their comfortable seating and tasty food a couple of times. There's a bar inside and even take home movie rentals are available. It's a whole experience!
