Every year Manny and I actually don’t exchange gifts (maybe some small things…), but we always try to do an activity together. Something that allows us time just for us (depending on what it is…). We enjoy gifting experiences way more than anything else. Listed are Chicago experiences for everyone! The kids to the adults.

For the Adults

Unique Dining Experience

Frontier does these really cool group dinners. I think if friends wanting to do this instead of exchanging gifts, it would be a great idea! You can do a pig roast and other animal experiences. Manny did it with his guy friends a few years ago and still talks about it!

Brewery Tours with The Barrel Run

You might have seen this Barrel Bus around Chicago! They do private and public brewery tours all over the city. I want to take Manny on one, it looks so fun!

Cooking Classes

• The Chopping Block Prices Vary
• Time Out Market Chicago Prices Vary (some adult & kid friendly options)
• Sur La Table $48-$69
• Social Table Prices vary (their space is beautiful)

There are several places that have cooking classes throughout the city. They all vary in prices. Here are few:

Aura Candle Making Class

I want to do this with friends! You can make your own scent, it’s BYO and located on Southport with lots of restaurants/places to grab food afterwards. It looks fun!

Aire

This is something I always wanted to do (hint, hint, haha). Everyone I talk to just loves this ancient bath experience. This would be such a nice gift for a busy mom and a group of friends to do together!

Scratch Goods

This is a BYO facial mask bar! This would be super fun to do with friends or a mom/daughter date!

Lost Lake Cocktail Club

There are different levels to this cocktail club where you learn how to make different cocktails each month!

Shop 900 Golf Suite

I am not a golfer by any means, I think I have gone once in my life. However, this golf suite is SO much fun! I went a few months ago for their preview and had such great time. There are lots of other games like dodgeball and football to play. The drinks and food are from Astor Hall, so it’s all really good. This would be a great gift if you wanted to reserve the space for a golfer partner and his/her friends.

Cocktail Subscription at Violet Hour

How fun would this be for a date night?! Learn how to make cocktails from some of the best in the city, if not in the country! They offer a variety of classes and have just released their winter schedule.

Face Foundrie

I love this newest facial bar in Chicago! They have mini facials that start at $45! Use code “Christine8970” for $10 off first time services!

Brooklyn Boulders Chicago

I took a climbing class two years ago and it’s SO fun! This rock climbing, exercise classes and event space looks so fun. It looks like a lot of work, but would make a great gift for those athletic friends in your life! There is one in West Loop and in Lincoln Park.

Magic Immersive Show

This magic show makes the best date night! It it a popup with live magicians, cocktails, dinner etc. It opens December 3rd!

For the Family

Fit City Kids

This indoor open play plus class facility is our favorite! I think it saved us during the winter months last year! We are actually members and it was a gift from grandma & grandma. They have open play, camps, classes and more!

Altitude Chicago

This indoor amusement and trampoline park is the perfect way to let out energy for the older kids!

Punch Bowl Social

We went as a family a few months ago and had so much fun! Even with our almost 3 year old and 5 year old. They have kids bumpers and lighter balls for bowling. Plus there are lots of games and the food was delicious. Located in the West Loop.

WNDR Museum

For TEENS that love technology! Lots of lights, it’s interactive and a unique experience!

Bubbles Academy

These classes are a great gift for the younger kids and plus they just opened a Water Tower locations! Their facilities are so nice, clean & engaging for the kids!

Afternoon Tea at the Langham Hotel

The perfect gift with GRANDPARENTS! Afternoon tea time at the Langham is such a cute gift for little kids or your family. You can get dressed up and enjoy the sweets and treats they have. Plus, if you go over the holidays, it’s decorated beautifully.

Pearachute Gift Card

This program is a class drop in class that allows parents to try different classes for their kids without buying memberships. It’s kind of like class pass, but for kids. hah. I am starting this with Mila soon and will be sharing the different music and art classes we will be taking all over the city.

Hide and Seek

This interactive popup brings back all the childhood memories! It’s like a flashback of all things nostalgia. This is great for young to teenagers (since they love the 90’s at the current moment! haha)

Children’s Museum Membership

I love bringing both kids here! There is so much to do and once you buy a ticket, you can come and go all day. Navy Pier has really made some upgrades in their food selection so you can really spend all day here. You can buy individual tickets or membership packages that include several perks like unlimited admission.

The Kids’ Table

This is a cooking school just for kids 18 months and older. I have always wanted to bring the kids because it looks so cute! This would make such a nice gift from an aunt or uncle!

iFly

I have always wanted to try this indoor skydiving. This would make a great gift for kids 6 and older. I know kids and adults that have both loved it. It’s something totally different and such a unique gift.

Afternoon Tea at American Girl

They recently started tea time again and I love this idea for a grandma day out!

Kids Coding Classes

These classes are for ages +6 and older. The location is in Lincoln Park.

So that’s it! Chicago experience gifts this holiday season. If you are looking for other gifts, you can them here. And you can follow me on Instagram.

Until next time,