Sarah Oliver
After almost two years of the state in and out of lockdown, it’s been a while since Hume and Whittlesea residents could have a new, fun experience.
If you still haven’t thought about what to give your loved ones this year, take a look at these options for experiences you can easily purchase online.
1. For the artsy type
Victoria is known for its diverse artistic culture. If you have a person on your gift list who loves everything art and performance, then the following experiences could be just for them!
A yearly pass to a gallery, museum, theatre company, ballet, orchestra or something similar. If you don’t want to go too far over budget, most of these companies offer gift vouchers. Check out places in Melbourne like the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Theatre Company or ACMI.
Get them a voucher to a workshop. There are so many great places that offer workshops in art, music, dancing and many more. Either book a particular session, or gift them a voucher. Even better are workshops that include wine, like sip and sketch sessions!
2. For the adventurous type
There are so many great opportunities around the state for some fun adventures. Help your loved one to check something off their bucket list!
Get them the experience of skydiving, bungee jumping, a swim with sharks, a ride in a formula one car or a tree-top adventure
If once isn’t enough for them, get them some lessons in experiences like helicopter or small plane piloting, scuba diving or rock climbing.
3. For the foodie
What about that person who revolves their days around food and has every cookbook under the sun?
Check what cooking classes are available in their area, or organise a trip into Melbourne. Think about what their favourite cuisine is or something they may not have tried cooking before.
If they’re someone who prefers to have their food prepared for them, check out where they could do a food tour. There are some great options in Melbourne and beyond.
They might also like a food box subscription. There are options for boxes with ingredients to cook themselves, or boxes with pre-made items like chocolate or cheeses.
4. For the wannabe wine connoisseur
We all know someone who is a self-certified wine snob. So why not feed their love of vino?
Give them a day of wine tasting in the Yarra Valley, or better yet, send them to a winemaking workshop or a vineyard tour!
Alternatively, you could gift them a monthly subscription that sends them a selection of wines that they can tailor to their tastes.
5. For the kids
Now the state is open up again, there are so many great places to take the kids – and give yourself a break from entertaining them!
Nothing beats a classic venue that never ceases to amaze them. Gift them a day at Werribee or Melbourne zoo, or keeping with the animal theme, take them to Healesville sanctuary or the Dingo sanctuary in Toolern Vale.
Keep their imaginations running wild and their minds engaged and take a trip to Scienceworks, which also houses a planetarium. Or check out what’s being screened at IMAX. And while you’re there, go next door to the museum which often has great activities for the kids over the holidays.
Let them run free and your inner child out and take them to the Legoland Discovery Centre or to Luna Park.
No matter what you decide to buy your loved ones, whether it be a physical gift or a fun experience, it’s the thought that counts, especially after a tough couple of years.
