Journal Pioneer

This year, put something different under the tree

Why experience­s are this year’s hottest gift

- SPONSORED BY DISCOVER HALIFAX

While busy shoppers are hunting for unique gift ideas for friends and family, many are choosing to gift “experience­s” instead of traditiona­l gifts.

Experience­s allow people to make memories and try new things. They’re also the perfect gifting solution for the hard-to-shop-for person who has everything.

Handpicked Halifax for the Holidays is a curated list of some of the best giftable experience­s available within the Halifax region, so it’s easy to slip a trip to Halifax under the Christmas tree.

For the explorer: Actionpack­ed adventure

Start your day at Nearby Planet VR, where you’ll dive deep below the ocean surface, orbit the earth or escape a hungry dragon — virtually, of course — in one of their VR escape rooms.

Then head down Gottingen Street to Seven Bays Bouldering

for some climbing. New to climbing? No problem! They offer climbing for all levels and a delicious café where you can refuel for your next adventure.

For the entertainm­ent enthusiast: Ha!ifax Comedyfest opening gala tickets

Ha!ifax ComedyFest is one of the most successful, longestrun­ning comedy festivals in Canada and its opening gala on April 22, 2020 — hosted by critically-acclaimed and award-winning comedian Mike Delamont — promises deep belly laughs and loads of fun. This experience makes a perfect gift for friends, couples and anyone who loves to laugh.

For the foodie: Savour Food and Wine Show tickets

Gift your loved ones with an evening to eat, drink, and be merry. Showcasing Nova Scotia’s finest restaurant­s’ culinary creations and wines, the Savour

Food and Wine Show is a delicious event that lets your taste buds run wild. Tickets to the Feb. 20, 2020 show would make a scrumptiou­s gift for any foodie on your list — sure to warm their heart and belly.

For the romantic: A winter getaway at Oceanstone Seaside Resort

What’s better in the winter than a cozy night by the fire? Based on a Danish concept of hygge (“hue-ga”), this experience package celebrates a feeling of cozy contentmen­t and well-being — all at the stunning Oceanstone

Seaside Resort near Peggy’s Cove. An amazing experience for couples, parents or to share with your best friend, the package includes a one-night stay, a bottle of local wine, chocolates and s’mores, two pairs of cozy socks, a beautiful candle and an overview of Hygge. The fire will be lit and waiting!

For the family: Beyond Rubik’s Cube at the Discovery Centre

Looking for a gift that you can share with the whole family? The

Discovery Centre’s family pass to Beyond Rubik’s Cube is the perfect way for the family to get creative with robotics, art, music, computer programmin­g and engineerin­g.

For the culturist: Billy Elliot the Musical

A spectacula­r show with heart, humour and passion, Neptune Theatre’s Billy Elliot the Musical is an inspiratio­nal story of one boy’s stumble from the boxing ring to the ballet studio — all set to a rousing score by Elton John.

As a bonus, there are so many fantastic restaurant­s along nearby Argyle Street where you can enjoy a bite or a drink before or after the show. Turn this experience into a weekend getaway with a stay at a nearby hotel.

Handpicked Halifax has many more giftable experience­s to explore. To purchase these experience­s and browse more, visit handpicked­halifax.ca.

 ?? PHOTO CREDIT: Contribute­d ?? Handpicked Halifax for the Holidays is a curated list of some of the best giftable experience­s available within the Halifax region.
PHOTO CREDIT: Contribute­d Handpicked Halifax for the Holidays is a curated list of some of the best giftable experience­s available within the Halifax region.

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