From Facials to Getaways, Here Are 10 Experiences Worth Gifting This Season
Gift giving—a tangible act of service that can quickly turn into a tedious hunt for the perfect item. While it’s true that the season of giving is more about the memories and less about presents tucked under the tree, let’s be honest: the stress can be real. Rather than asking the dreaded “What if they don’t like it?” question, relinquish the pressure this Christmas season with our fool-proof holiday gift guide, guaranteed to satisfy even the most trivial tastes. There’s a perfect present for everyone in this SoCal-inspired gift guide, from the foodies and fitness enthusiasts in your life to the self-care queens. Experiential Holiday Gift Ideas
For the Athlete: Volo Sports Membership
Gift your athletic friend or family member the thrill of competition and camaraderie with a Volo Sports Membership. This all-access pass unlocks a world of sporting opportunities, with unlimited pick-up games, drop-in leagues, clinics and tournaments. Whether they’re a seasoned athlete or fresh onto the field, Volo Sports San Diego offers a variety of activities to suit every skill level and interest. This active social club embraces the season of giving all year long through its Volo Kids Foundation. For every hour spent on the playing field, Volo members support this mission-minded program that brings the joy of sports to kids!
Location: San Diego
For the Fitness Lover: Pure Barre Membership
With the new year around the corner, a Pure Barre membership is the perfect gift to inspire some new fitness goals while working off that gingerbread and pie. Pure Barre is a boutique fitness studio that combines elements of barre, Pilates and yoga while enhancing flexibility. Their membership grants unlimited access to low-impact workout classes designed to sculpt and strengthen the entire body in just 45-50 minutes. Now they can show off their cute new workout set in everything from strength and power to flexibility-focused fusions that will leave them looking long and lean.
Location: Various locations
For the Car Guy: Ken Grody Ford Customization Package
Turn your car enthusiast’s dream into a reality with a Ken Grody Ford Customization Package. This personalized experience transforms their vehicle into a unique masterpiece that reflects individual style and preferences. Custom performance and suspension upgrades will have your friend cruising with confidence down Pacific Coast Highway in a snazzy new ride. From custom wheels and spoilers to eye-catching paint jobs, the possibilities are endless with Ken Grody Ford‘s expertise and craftsmanship.
Location: Buena Park
For the Self-Care Queen: Facial at Facial Lounge
Gone are the days of sheet masks and DIY recipes that leave your skin feeling itchy and irritated. Upgrade your skincare queen’s self-care night with a 50-minute organic, vegan facial from Facial Lounge. Their personalized treatments leave skin feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and radiant using products that are the soulmate to your skin. Expert estheticians start by assessing skin type and then create a customized facial that aligns with specific needs. Enhancements, such as professional peel and dermaplaning, are also available in case she’s in need of an extra touch of pampering. Whether her skin is craving a deep cleanse, exfoliation or an enzyme mask, Facial Lounge’s signature treatments will leave her looking and feeling just like a princess.
Location: Newport Beach (CDM) and Costa Mesa
For the Adventurer: Catalina Express Boat Tickets
For the friend who’s wild at heart, unleash their adventurous spirit with the gift of Catalina Express tickets. Departing daily from ports in Dana Point, San Pedro and Long Beach, charter the seas on a luxury ferry to Catalina Island’s captivating shores. This charming island off the coast of CA offers a wealth of activities, from hiking and biking to swimming and snorkeling. Once on land, get lost in the seaside town of Avalon or soak up the sun on a chaise lounge at Descanso Beach Club.
Location: Catalina Island
For the Foodie: Lawry’s Dining Experience
What better way to show your friends love and gratitude than by treating them to an upscale foodie experience at Lawry’s? This legendary LA steakhouse combines luxury and elegance with exceptional cuisine that draws inspiration from the land and sea. Prime rib is the house specialty at Lawry’s, with a savory lineup of premium cuts. Go big with their Beef Bowl Double-Cut Prime Rib Dinner or keep things simple a la carte style. Lawry’s roasted prime rib is a signature dish that’s carved to perfection and served tableside on a silver cart. Shrimp cocktails and Yorkshire pudding make up a mouthwatering collection of classic sides and decadent desserts. Toast to the holiday season with their selection of wines imported from the world’s finest regions.
Location: Beverly Hills
For the One Who Needs a Getaway: La Quinta Resort & Club Vacation
We all love the friend who goes above and beyond in the season of Christmas party-planning and Secret Santa gift exchanges. A luxury getaway to La Quinta’s sun-soaked dunes might be just the thing to ease their post-holiday stress. Nestled amid lush gardens and sparkling pools, La Quinta Resort & Club is a desert oasis that invites relaxation and rejuvenation. Tee off at one of their championship golf courses or indulge in pampering treatments at Spa La Quinta. With cozy casitas, five stylish dining venues and private spa pools, La Quinta Resort is the ultimate restorative getaway to close out the holiday season.
Location: La Quinta
1/13
For the Seafarer: Vision Electric Boat Rental Membership
Who wouldn’t want to dive head-first into California’s pristine boating lifestyle without the hassle of cleaning and maintenance? Surprise your loved one with the gift of cruising Newport Beach’s picturesque harbor. As a member of Vision Electric Boat Rental’s exclusive boating club, they’ll receive unlimited access to a dynamic fleet of sleek and powerful vessels. Still not sold? Personal boat club concierges, in-depth training and zero storage or maintenance fees are all part of the package. Feeling pretty in pink? With a stylish collection of pink electric boats, your friend can even match their vessel for a dinner date out while sailing down the harbor. Dock and dine at some of Newport Beach’s most coveted staples, including Gracias Madre, The Cannery and Buddha’s Favorite.
Location: Newport Beach
For the Golfer: Round of Golf at SilverRock Resort
A dreamy day trip to La Quinta’s sun-drenched mountains and a round of golf on an Arnold Palmer Classic Course? Say less. Any of the golfers in your life will fall head over cleats in love with SilverRock Resort’s manicured landscape (did we mention it was also the home course of the PGA Tour’s American Express Golf Tournament for four consecutive years?). Breezy palms, crystal-clear ponds and challenging bunkers coalesce on their beautiful canvas nestled at the foot of the region’s Santa Rosa Mountains. Nailing that satisfying hole-in-one calls for a well-deserved meal at SilverRock Grill, where you can take in stunning views on the open-air terrace. A BBQ beef brisket or tuna melt is the perfect end to a well-played round of golf.
Location: La Quinta
Experiential Holiday Gift Ideas
For the Beachgoer: Malibu Farm Gift Card
Dining out in style is sort of a given when living in SoCal. And when it comes to aesthetics and farm-fresh cuisine, Malibu Farm is hard to top. Gift the foodies in your life the meal of a lifetime that will leave them craving just one more forkful of heavenly Baked Coconut French Toast. Who said eating healthy had to be boring? Pan-seared fish tacos, smoothie bowls and grilled chocolate cake are all still part of this menu, which are all crafted from nothing but fresh, organic and local ingredients. What started as a small dream planted on the edge of Malibu Pier has blossomed into a flourishing chain of aesthetic eateries serving up smiles and soulful meals.
Location: Multiple CA locations
