GET ACTIVE

Try some outside-the-house gifts There are so many choices today when shopping for gifts, from gift cards to technology, to housewares and clothing items. Yet, gifts involving actual activities are growing in popularity, and are a fun surprise that get pe

There is also a bountiful array of categories to choose from for these activities, so many giftgivers are not sure where to start. First, consider what the person you are buying for is interested in.

For example, when shopping for hunting, fishing and sportsoriented folks, walking through sporting goods stores such as Academy, Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Gordy’s & Son’s Outfitters will spur ideas. Plus, many items found in the store can also be used as a teaser for the gift enclosed.

For example, the gift of golf balls could include a round of golf at one of Houston’s 20-plus golf courses. Fishing lures could be added to a deep-sea fishing trip or for renting a boat for a day on an area lake.

Galveston Sea Ventures and Williams Party Boats both offer bay, deep-sea and tuna fishing.

“We offer eight-, 10-, 12- and 36-hour fishing trips (all information is on our website). The types

of fishing trips we offer change with the seasons,” said Daphne Reagan, with Williams Party Boats.

Footballs, soccer balls, baseballs or basketballs could be attached to an envelope with tickets to future games.

“Right now, we have season tickets available, and we have different types of packages. In March, we will make the announcement of when individual tickets will be available,” said Chris Peixoto, communications manager, Houston Astros.

Tennis shoes or hiking boots could signal a weekend at a national park to enjoy hiking trails and the peacefulness of nature.

Also, stores like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnn’s, Fire It Up Pottery and Art Studio, and other shops and stores, offer

many classes in cookie decorating, quilting, cross-stitching, pottery, jewelry making, knitting, cake decorating and more.

“We have classes for everyone, from beginners to advanced, and children and groups. People can come in and buy gift cards for the amount of the class, and all classes are listed online. Our instructors are passionate experts, and they like to have fun,” said Amanda Hayes, manager of corporate communications, JoAnn’s.

JoAnn’s has six stores in Houston and 850 stores in 49 states, so, if you know someone, in Houston or around the country who has wanted to learn a new crafts but has not taken a class, you could give the gift of having a new hobby.

Cooking classes are also a hit with most people and couples, and Sur La Table, H-E-B Central Market, Urban Chef, Cozy Meal and Well Done Cooking Classes have a range of choices.

In addition, if you are buying for stressed-out folks, giving the gift of a spa day, manicures and pedicures, or facials will be welcome. Luxury spas can be found in almost every part of town, so check with friends for a referral. Or what about a day of indoor skydiving or rock climbing?

One of the most popular items is a “date night” gift card for dinner for two at a restaurant, or possibly an evening at The Alley Theatre, Wortham or Jones Hall.

Young parents might appreciate a date night out, or possibly a weekend retreat. There are a number of bed and breakfasts around Houston, such as Silver Sycamore in Pasadena, Maple Creek in Tomball, or Honey Farm in Katy. However, a babysitter will be needed, so perhaps a “coupon” for that could be attached.