Ultimate Gift Experience: Chicago Highlights

Make your gift this Holiday season more personal by surprising friends and family with unique chicago gifts! Chicago is one of the best cities to enjoy the Yuletide cheer this year with their deep-dish cuisine, pitch-perfect rock tunes, and elevated art. 

Chicago gift ideas make for awesome personalized gifts since they're inexpensive and fun to boot. Plus: there's always something for everyone. If you or your loved one want something different; or to simply get away for the weekend – book a day and let the thrill begin!

Music Lovers

Rock n' roll fans will not resist a visit to Recordbreakers (located a couple of flights up Reggie's Rock Club in South Loop). Find classic records or modern rock artists as you browse their extensive collection. The reading room even boasts of old edition magazines featuring legends such as KISS and photo books of the famous Rolling Stones. Get psyched as you listen to anything you want, while deciding on an album to take home.

If you're starting to feel famished from all the excitement, head back down to Reggie's Music Joint – a restaurant and bar serving comfort food with live musical acts. 

Nature Babies

In the midst of the busy metropolitan is Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: a kid-friendly attraction which features a Butterfly Haven and lots of crawling insects. Their many exhibits showcase nature in all its tiny glory – from the collection of farmed insects made into meticulous art by famed Jennifer Angus; to a Hands-On Habitat where tikes can explore animal homes like a cave and spider web.

Their most loved exhibit though, would probably be the Butterfly Haven. An enclosed space of over a thousand winged wonders, the visitor would be up close and personal to about 75 species of them. You and your friends will certainly enjoy the being surrounded in nature's best!

Artistic Bunch

For those longing for a bit of culture, Chicago boasts of the local Riviera Theater and Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). Theater aficionados would love a visit to the renowned Riviera, located in the historic Uptown district. Built in 1917 by Rapp & Rapp architects, it was originally a movie theater before it was transformed into a private nightclub. Since then, it has hosted special events and prime functions from many of the world's biggest performers.

The Museum of Contemporary Art has been offering stimulating creations through paintings, photography, sculptures, video and film since 1945. Complete with a bookstore, gift shop (for great Chicago souvenirs!) a restaurant and garden – it's undoubtedly a devoted facility for modern art in the heart of this huge city. 

These are only some of the best places to see and experience in Chicago. Not convinced? Go online and check out some amazing deals for experiential gifts. If you're suddenly stripped of cash and ideas, graduation or wedding gifts won't be a problem with the many coupons and certificates at varying prices. So send the ultimate gift today and make the Holidays a memorable one!

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Unique Gifts for Everyone: Give & Experience Seattle

With the Holidays just weeks away, wouldn’t it be great to give something truly unique like Seattle gifts to your loved ones? If you’re not yet familiar with the new trend of gifting experiences, it’s about giving lasting memories instead of material presents. It’s nothing new since many people have been doing this whenever they take someone with them on a tour, or on expensive gourmet dinners. 

Now, this practice is spreading worldwide as more and more online sites offer special deals and discounts. People have more choices when it comes to places, events, or activities they want to give or receive: from regular cruise tours and sightseeing, to more exciting options like skydiving or rock climbing.

Why Give an Experience

Most folks worry themselves over what presents to give during Holidays or special occasions (like birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s, or graduations). While it’s still wonderful to receive jewelry, clothes, gadgets, and other material items as gifts; experts say that getting experiences – especially if it’s something shared with a loved one – would bring lasting happiness and priceless knowledge.

It’s been said that experiences bring people closer together – and that couldn’t be truer. Stimulating activities (such as trekking, cooking, or dancing) enrich lives and give more meaning to an otherwise regular present. 

Men are often troubled what ideal gifts for women should they purchase that they repeatedly turn to clothing, designer bags, or jewelry. This is sometimes costly and some girls prefer to receive something different. Retirement gifts are also what a number of folks are anxious to give. Seniors usually have everything they need and have experienced most of what life has to offer. 

Try asking your loved if there is something they’ve always wanted to do or try and look for an offer which suits them. Your grandparents may have liked to go on a winery tour but never had a chance – gift them that experience and see how happy they would be! Your dad might have dreamed of joining a boot camp – book him a training session and watch his eyes light up!

Seattle has Something for Everyone

Thinking of giving a unique experience from Seattle? Seattle tours typically include the famous Space Needle and Pike Place market for souvenirs. Search for something a little bit different like a chocolate tasting tour or burlesque shows (if you’re more daring). Parents would love to take home a box of special salted caramels; while kids would enjoy a day at the Seattle Aquarium. A day or weekend trip would be more affordable by buying the Seattle Citypass so you (or your friends) could enjoy what this city has to offer – for less. 

Couples on the other hand, would take pleasure in eating at Seattle’s best dining spots and bars. Even better? Purchase a gourmet cooking session with the best chefs in the business to surprise your loved one! More adventurous pairs can go kayaking, rock climbing, or skydiving – definitely more thrilling than your average store-bought gift. 

After all the fun and excitement, don’t forget to pick up Seattle t-shirts to always remember your one-of-a-kind experience!

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