Still working on crossing those final few names off your holiday shopping list? Instead of scouring the shelves last minute, consider gifting an experience instead. Birmingham is full of opportunities for sports fans, foodies, adrenaline junkies, and folks who just never seem to take enough time for self-care.
We’ve updated last year’s guide with some fun new ideas! If you still need inspiration for those final few stocking stuffers, don’t miss our Birmingham 50 Under $50 Gift Guide.
Give the Gift of Self-Care
For friends and family members who take on so much without taking time for themselves, a nudge towards a little self-care (or a lot) is the perfect thoughtful gift. But then again, who wouldn’t love to experience all that Birmingham has to offer in terms of beauty and wellness?
- The ultimate way to encourage those close to you to indulge in a little R&R is, of course, a gift certificate to one of Birmingham’s luxurious spas. The Retreat Day Spa is a local favorite offering massage, facials, aromatherapy, reflexology, and more. We recommend booking a special package like The Retreat Getaway, which includes a 60-minute hot stone massage, 60-minute Eminence Organic facial, classic pedicure, your choice of aromatherapy or CBD, and lunch — all for $330!
- For skincare buffs, opt for a specialized facial at Dermatology & Laser of Alabama (We love the HydraFacial!).
- Check back next week as we will have a round-up of MORE self-care options perfect for last-minute gift cards and even new year’s resolutions!
- One of the latest therapeutic trends taking off in Birmingham is infrared sauna. To take the trend a step further, consider gifting an experience at HOTWORX, which offers a variety of virtually guided workouts to complete inside a private infrared sauna so your loved ones can maximize their time and leave feeling like a million bucks.
- Make working out fun! For group fitness devotees, the opportunity to try out new classes is a fantastic gift. Birmingham has plenty of exciting options — aerial pilates and boxing classes, for starters.
- For the women in our lives who are short on daily prep time, a good shampoo and blowout is a godsend. Blo Blow Dry Bar in Homewood focuses exclusively on blowouts (but you can add on hair treatments for a little something extra).
- Give the gift of organization! Birmingham boasts a variety of home organization services, with various offerings. Check out The Home Organized and Organize with Lia. Total game-changer.
- For those who love to try new things, consider alternative wellness experiences like sound bath therapy, available locally at wellness studios like Evolve Homewood and Birmingham Tree House.
Give the Gift of Competition
Allow your loved ones to nurture their competitive spirit with tickets or season passes to their sport of choice or a gift certificate for a fun night of competition with friends.
- Book a tee time at Cinderella Story, the golf simulator experience at Avondale Brewing Co. The lounge allows for a maximum of 12 people, with six players using the simulator.
- For basketball fans, consider Birmingham Squadron game tickets or season passes.
- UAB offers great ticket packages for all sports, including football season passes.
- Birmingham boasts a long list of public golf courses, but we’re told Oxmoor Valley on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a fantastic option for gifting.
- Bowlero in Riverview is a bowling alley and then some. The space also has arcade games, billiards tables, swanky lounge seating, and a full menu of food, beer, and cocktails.
Give the Gift of the Arts
Birmingham is full of opportunities for cultural enrichment — visual arts, live music, theater, and more.
- A fabulous option for art lovers is the Birmingham Museum of Art membership. Various levels of membership are available, each with a unique set of member perks.
- Gift classes in ceramics, acrylics, painting, stained glass, calligraphy, creative writing, and more. Samford University’s Academy of the Arts offers the opportunity to explore new interests and learn from various artists in the Birmingham community.
- The Alabama Ballet offers both individual performance tickets and seasonal subscriptions. Upcoming shows include The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, and multiple installments of Art in Motion, a special series partnership with the Birmingham Museum of Art.
- For the concert-goers on your holiday list, consider show tickets or a gift card to one of Birmingham’s live music venues — Alabama Theatre, Avondale Brewing, the BJCC, The Alys Stephens Center, and Iron City all offer a robust lineup of performers.
- Sidewalk Cinema offers various membership options, including free cinema tickets and discounts on merchandise, concessions, and special events.
- For avid readers, Little Professor Bookshop offers a membership that keeps on giving throughout the year, with perks like free coffee, event access, and deep discounts on books.
Give the Gift of Holiday Cheer
Birmingham is all dressed up for the holidays, but only about 45 minutes outside of town in Cullman, you’ll find the most magical German-inspired holiday market — the Cullman Christkindl Market! Running through December 23, this is the perfect day trip experience for Christmas enthusiasts. Treat them to shopping, festive food and drinks, ice skating, street performances, a ride on the Ferris wheel, and more.
Give the Gifts of Food & Drink
Birmingham continues to make a name for itself as a Southern culinary destination. As such, there are plenty of food-and-drink experiences to be had around town, from tours and tastings to ultra-luxe dining opportunities. Some of our favorite ideas for gifting this season:
- The team at FEAST Birmingham will be offering a variety of cooking classes during January, February, and March, with each experience focusing on different ingredients and techniques. See below for detailed class descriptions, and register here.
- Treat friends to a private wine-tasting experience at Golden Age Wine in Mountain Brook. At $50 per person, private tastings require a minimum of eight people, so you can splurge to treat the whole crew or split this gifted experience with others!
- If craft beer is more their speed, opt for a City Brew Tour.
- Who wouldn’t love the gift of dinner and drinks for two at fabulous date night spots like Daniel George, Chez Fonfon, and Hot and Hot Fish Club?
- Whether they’re a seasoned home chef or stick with the basics, help someone unlock their culinary skills with cooking classes at the Grand Bohemian Hotel. Options include a pasta workshop, tips on mastering the grill, and even a class that teaches you how to make international street food.
Give the Gift of Adventure
For the adventure enthusiasts on your holiday list, consider some of Birmingham’s outdoor offerings, adrenaline-pumping activities, and opportunities to learn and explore.
- For friends and family with a serious need for speed, there’s no better gift than the Porsche Track Experience. It’s a luxe, bucket-list-level experience for car enthusiasts.
- For indoor rock climbing adventures to be enjoyed in any season, look to Birmingham Boulders or High Point Climbing.
- And, for the outdoor enthusiasts who prefer their adventure without the adrenaline, consider tickets or memberships to the Birmingham Zoo or the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
- Perfect for curious kiddos, memberships to the McWane Science Center start at $85 and include free admission, serious IMAX movie discounts, and more!
Give the Gift of a Staycation!
Whether you’re gifting newlyweds, new parents, or old friends celebrating an anniversary, a relaxing staycation is a gift that simply cannot be beaten. (Unless you’re willing to throw in free babysitting to sweeten the deal.) Check out this list of eight Birmingham boutique hotels that are definitely worth a stay.
Happy holidays, Birmingham — here’s to making memories!
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