Treat Yourself...A Consumable Gift Guide
Making a list and checking it twice...I love finding the perfect gift for my family and friends whether they are naughty or nice. However, as I get older, I find that consumable gifts have become a favorite to give and receive as they can still be super indulgent and fun without adding to the clutter. Here are my top clutter-free gifts (with a hint of local flare):
Pack-Up-And-Go: If someone on your list loves surprises and travel, this would be an amazing gift to find under the tree. This SURPRISE travel agency books roundtrip transportation and a hotel for a 3-day trip to a destination of their choice somewhere in the US. Your budget dictates how you get to your destination (i.e. train vs. plane vs. automobile), the type of accomodations you have and where you end up - but regardless of budget, I have full confidence that this type of treat would be perfect for the spontaneous gift receiver on your list.
Oakley's Bistro Chef for a Day Experience: My husband LOVES to cook (I got S U P E R lucky in that respect) and we have a favorite restaurant in Indianapolis called Oakley's Bistro. One of the neatest offerings they have is their Chef for a Day experience. If you know an avid cook who wants to experience the thrill of working in a fine-dining restaurant, this is such a cool treat. You help through the prep process in the morning, work to create magical morsels throughout the afternoon and get to return with a guest that evening to devour a three-course dinner! Serious YUM factor!
Fitness Classes: Have you heard of Open Gym Indy? A free month or two would be an awesome gift for someone new to the city, someone who loves variety in their workouts, or someone looking to get out of their bubble! The Open Gym Indy concept provides members with unlimited classes at 40 different studios and gyms around the city for a flat monthly fee of $79.
Gallery Pastry Shop Classes: Indianapolis locals, have you experienced the deliciousness of Gallery Pastry Shop? Whether you go for weekend brunch, stop in for a box of macarons or learn the craft of croissant making, this spot is seriously the best. I've taken both a Macaron Making class and a Dessert Plating Class and learning a few new tricks of the culinary trade, plus Chef Ben and Allison are the best hosts. Throughout the year they offer classes up on their Instagram feed and courses generally come with a glass of wine included and and all sorts of yummy goodness to take home.
Candles: The ultimate indulgence, Unplug Soy Candles, smell incredible and are themed around cities in Indiana (their studio is based in Fortville, IN). The wonderful thing about candles (especially those that come in a fun container) is that they can serve as decor, add a wonderful sense of hominess to a space and those containers can be repurposed for all sorts of things down the road. They also offer workshops so that you can pour your own candles - now that would be a fun gift to receive!
Wine & Gourmet Food: My favorite local wine shop is Tasteful Times in Fishers. Their owner happens to be a great friend and does a phenomenal job helping you choose the perfect bottle within your budget. They also have a HUGE selection of gourmet gift baskets filled with a ton of local products, including one made right here in Zionsville called B. Happy Peanut Butter (seriously, grab a spoon and go to town if you find this in your stocking).
Calligraphy or Art Classes: Manayunk Calligraphy in Indianapolis offers calligraphy workshops throughout the year and in just a few short hours, you will be on your way to being able to do some fanciful fonts of your own. She also offers beautiful notecards through Crane & Co, and has DIY Ornament Kits this holiday season. I just can't get enough!!
Entertaining Goodies: For the individual who loves to throw a great dinner party, consider putting together a gift basket of napkins, straws, candles and a fun cake topper. Haus of Hooray is my go to Etsy shop for all things entertaining!
Experiences: Whether a family pass to the zoo, a gift certificate for a massage or tickets to an upcoming concert coming through town, the gift of an experience is something that everyone can look forward to and will surely provide long-lasting memories.
What am I missing? What is your favorite consumable gift??