The Gift of Memories

by sfgirl06 - 1 Review - 261 Lists

Updated: November 29, 2007

Last-minute shopping is a personal tradition. But this year, instead of spending Christmas Eve at a mall, I'll be spending half an hour on Ticketmaster and writing IOUs in holiday cards. Because I'm smart (and a wee bit conceited and a lot selfish), I'm giving the best gift of all: memories ... with me. Follow suit with these "experience gifts"--from lift tickets and concerts to spa days--that you can share with your loved ones.

Experience Gifts

  1. 1 750ml Bar
    Write a review

    227 S San Mateo Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401 (map)

    For my oenophile office buddy: A tasting card good for several one-ounce pours at this San Mateo wine-bar-meets-retail-shop that features self-serve wine dispensers. Price tag: $10, $20 or $50 denominations ($1.20-$6.80 per pour)

  2. 2 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Squaw Valley Ski Corp
    Read Reviews

    1960 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146 (map)

    For my black-diamond-acing brother and his snow-bunny girlfriend: Lift tickets for this legendary ski resort, which hosted the 1960 Olympic Winter Games. Price tag: $55 and up per ticket

  3. 3 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Cocoon Urban Day Spa
    Read Reviews

    330 First St, San Francisco, CA 94105 (map)

    For my girly-girl friends: Side-by-side signature pedicures, replete with foot bath, buff, paraffin dip, leg massage and more, at this homey urban day spa. Price tag: $55 each

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Dance San Francisco - A Salsa Dance Academy
    Read Reviews

    3214 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)

    For my best (gay) guy friend: Dues for a series of group dance classes, plus the honor of being my partner, at this salsa dance school. Price tag: $50 per four-week course

  5. 5 3.5 Star Rating: Average Napa Valley Wines
    Read Reviews

    1275 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559 (map)

    For my red-wine-loving mom: A train ride through Napa Valley's gorgeous vineyards with a gourmet meal on board to boot. Price tag: $49.50 and up per ticket

  6. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Go Kart Racer Indoor Racing
    Read Reviews

    1541 Adrian Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010 (map)

    For my self-proclaimed redneck friends: A gift card--and a challenge--to this indoor track with high-horsepower racing karts and three road courses. Price tag: $25 and up per session

  7. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended S Factor
    Read Reviews

    2159 Filbert St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)

    For my newlywed best friend: An introductory pole-dancing class at this saucy Cow Hollow fitness studio. Price tag: $40 each

  8. 8 Napa Valley Aloft, Inc.
    Write a review

    6525 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599 (map)

    For my imaginary (but very romantic) boyfriend: A sunrise hot-air-balloon flight over Wine Country. Price tag: $210-$295 each

  9. 9 San Francisco Helicopter Tours
    Write a review

    Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133 (map)

    For my relatives visiting from out of town: A helicopter tour over the stunning San Francisco sky. Price tag: $140-$350 each

  10. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended i FLY SF Bay
    Read Reviews

    31310 Alvarado Niles Rd, Union City, CA 94587 (map)

    For my thrill-seeking dad (who has a fear of heights): A gift certificate for this "indoor skydiving" facility, which offers a safe alternative to the real thing in the form of a high-powered vertical wind tunnel. Price tag: $49.95 and up per session