Experience Nonmaterial Gifts This Holiday Season

Over the past several years, the desire for experience-themed gifts vs. physical gifts has risen.

According to recent data from the travel booking platform GetYourGuide, 77% of Americans would rather receive experiences over physical gifts. Further, 95% expressed concerns about holiday shopping. Gifting a nonmaterial gift can simplify shopping and ease this burden. Plus, an experience is less likely to get donated or regifted.

Below are some local businesses to consider when shopping for nonmaterial gifts this holiday season.

Severna Park Lanes

For some family fun and memories, consider a gift card from Severna Park Lanes. The bowling alley offers tenpin, duckpin and galaxy bowling, along with access to an arcade that was upgraded this fall. For more information, call 410-647-0811 or visit www.gobowlingsevernapark.com.

Christina Josephs Salon Studio

Another ideal gift card option is one from the Millersville-based Christina Josephs Salon Studio.

Owner Christina Prieto shared the flexibility factor, saying the gift card “can be used anytime and with any service provider.”

You can also print gift certificates or email the information to the recipient. Consider these holiday packages:

Holly Jolly Package: Retouch color, haircut, conditioning treatment and style for $120 (valued at $153).

Santa’s Sleigh Package: Full set of eyelash extensions, manicure and pedicure for $120 (valued at $188).

To learn more, call 410-987-7700 or visit www.christinajosephsalon.com.

The Blended Essentials

If you are looking for a gift that is hands-on, The Blended Essentials has you covered. With a gift card for The Blended Essentials, your special someone can create memories while making their own products like candles, wax melts, soaps, bath bombs and more.

For more information, call 410-544-2050 or go to www.theblendedessentials.com.

Ballet Theatre of Maryland

Ballet Theatre of Maryland offers classes for ballet, tap, jazz, modern, creative movement and adaptive dance for ages 3 to adult. Lessons take place at three locations including Maryland Hall, plus a second location in Annapolis off Moreland Parkway and in Grasonville, Maryland.

Students are also offered opportunities to perform with the Ballet Theatre of Maryland professional company in productions.

Consider gifting a performance this holiday to one or more of the following shows:

• “The Nutcracker” from December 9-17 with sugar plum parties before the Sunday performances. Experience the tale of the young heroine Clara and her adventures to rescue her beloved Nutcracker from the Rat Queen’s evil spell.
• “Momentum: A Mixed Bill” from February 23-24. Choreographers will explore everything that classical and contemporary ballet have to offer.
• “The Sleeping Beauty” from April 26-27. See the classic featuring Princess Aurora.

All performances noted above are held at Maryland Hall. Tickets can be purchased at www.balletmaryland.org/tickets or by calling 410-224-5644.

Repke Fitness

“A gift card to Repke Fitness is the best way to show your loved one how much you care about their wellbeing,” said Louben Repke, who is not only the Repke Fitness owner but also a registered nurse. He and his team of trainers all have backgrounds working in a physical therapy setting. They often assist clients who have injuries and medical conditions.

Prices are $75 per hour. For the holidays, Repke Fitness is selling a six personal training package for $400 (valued at $450).

DodgeBow Annapolis

In addition to Repke Fitness, Repke also owns DodgeBow Annapolis. Both businesses are located in Millersville.

“It’s non-stop action, dodging, shooting, ducking, dipping and again dodging,” Repke said. “It’s a blast for the entire family aged 5 and up.”

One DodgeBow ticket is $19.99 during the weekday and $35 for the weekend. Only a minimum of four players are needed to play DodgeBow. Holiday special: $50 off any gift certificate for a group of 12 or more players.

Annapolis Aesthetics

Located at 537-B Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in Severna Park, Annapolis Aesthetics boasts a wide selection of services, including injectables, lasers, body treatments, facials, brow and lash treatments, as well as expert skin care consultations.

Melanie Erb Shushan is the founder, owner and nurse practitioner who runs Annapolis Aesthetics. Shushan has nearly 20 years of experience with injectables.

“Our goal is to help patients feel more confident about their appearance,” Shushan said. “So, a gift certificate allows the recipient to customize their own treatments while investing in their self-esteem and self-image.”

Shushan shared that botox is the most popular treatment with medical-grade facial as another top gift. Botox is $14 per unit and the Annapolis signature facial, which includes extractions, peels and dermaplaning, is $190. Visit www.annapolisaesthetics.com to learn more or purchase a gift card.