We can’t deny there is something to those holiday gifts you see every year. Candles, blankets or a hot-ticket book (“The Big Bad Book of Bill Murray”, we’re looking at you) are always great options, but this year, we’re looking to give our loved ones an unforgettable experience instead.
We’ve all heard it before: the science of happiness tells us that we gain maximum satisfaction from getting out and doing things. The reason? A huge part of who we are stems from the sum total of our experiences. Travel, bike rides, beach days, hikes and more end up becoming an ingrained part of our identity and we begin to identify with what we do. What better boost for the people you love the most? Here are 9 gift ideas centred around having a great time:
1. Parks Canada Discovery Pass
Canada’s national parks offer endless opportunities to explore, camp, hike, boat, ski – you name it. Parks Canada’s Discovery Pass gives pass holders unparalleled access to nearly 100 grounds that charge fees, so your giftee has 12 long months to see the beauty of national historic sites, backcountry grounds and conservation areas. Prices vary by pass type.
Package it for the holidays!
Stocking stuffers: MEC water bottle, outdoor hammock or picnic-ready mat.
Big ticket item: a hiking pack suited to their adventure style.
2. Lessons in a New Sport
Have someone special in your life who has always wanted to try SUPing, skiing or snowboarding, climbing or cycling? Lessons are the best way to help get them started. Learning from an expert will not only get them acquainted with the ins and outs of safety, but also help them build a strong foundation for athletic progression and meet other newbies looking to take up the same sport.
Package it for the holidays!
Stocking stuffers: wetsuits and the like, toques and mittens, a fun chalk bag or handy bike lights.
Big ticket items: a paddleboard, skis, harness or sweet two-wheeled ride.
3. A Weekend Escape
However your beloved prefers to get away for a quick escape, there’s nothing quite as refreshing or relaxing as a weekend away. Book a rustic cabin, playful yurt, traditional hotel or relax in a refurbished airstream and make the most of the wilderness or city. When all else fails, pack your own shelter and visit your favourite campground.
Package it for the holidays!
Stocking stuffers: a shoulder or weekender bag, a wash kit or flexible tripod.
Big ticket item: durable rolling luggage.
4. Race Entry
Have a devoted racer in your life? Help them get a head start on their 2016 goals by grabbing them MEC’s Race Series Value Pack (click here for Quebec Value Packs). Runners can register for the entire season at a discounted price – limited number available.
Package it for the holidays!
Stocking stuffers: run socks or headwear.
Big ticket items: running shoes, a fitness tracker or heart rate monitor.
5. Passes to Your Local Snow Resort
Whether it’s already cold and white or snow has yet to fall, nothing quite gets a powder hound as excited as a day on the slopes. Tucking through trees at Tremblant, carving corduroy at Blue Mountain, or running laps at Lake Louise, a free pass or hill-specific discount card is just the ticket for that snow-obsessed someone in your life.
Package it for the holidays!
Stocking stuffers: wax and tuning tools, goggles or base layers.
Big ticket items: boots, bindings or skis.
6. A Tune Up
Whether your loved ones are partial to planks or wheels, any pair of skis or bike will inevitably need a tune up to keep them in working order. All MEC stores offer professional ski shop services and competitive rates. Our bike shop techs service all makes and models and can recommend a bike tune up package that best fit your rider’s needs.
Package it for the holidays!
Stocking stuffers: thermal socks for hitting the hills or fun socks to jazz up a bike kit.
Big ticket items: ski helmets or bike helmets.
7. Drop-In Passes
Gym membership sales surge every December, with lots of people resolving to devote their lives to fitness in the New Year, but numbers start flailing again as early as February. Instead of getting someone a membership that might not suit their exercise habits, grab them a drop in pass to their favourite spin studio, dance company, or crossfit outlet. Class Pass lets attendees try out a wide selection of fitness studios for a flat monthly rate and Passport to Prana lets pass holders try every yoga studio in their city once for maximum om output.
Package it for the holidays!
Stocking stuffers: fitness tops or bottoms.
Big ticket items: mats and other fitness tools.
8. Equipment Rentals
Know someone who is interested in tackling a new sport but isn’t ready to commit their dollars to all the equipment it takes to make it happen? Grab them an MEC gift card that they can put towards an equipment rental. We lend out everything from tent and sleeping bag to kayaks, mountaineering or cycling gear.
9. A Membership That Encourages Movement
Shameless plug: a membership to MEC is only $5 and we have lots of gear to support the adventures you and yours want to take in 2016. On top of all the awesome gear available exclusively to members, there are a bunch of additional bonuses to signing up. Check out all the benefits of membership and we’ll see you outside.