It’s that time of year when gift giving is front of mind for the holiday season. We love to receive thoughtful gifts over the holiday season, but as one that lives in a condo with limited space and having acquired a lot of things over the years to fill that space, there is only so much room for more ‘things’. Thus, we are big fans of giving the gift of experience which has the added benefit of creating memories and not just for the few minutes you are opening your gift, but for the many hours while the recipient enjoys your gifted experience. In East Vancouver, there are some great options for gifting an experience. We have set out below a sampling of ideas that speak to us.
Founded in 2013 by local craft beer enthusiast Ryan Mackey, Vancouver Brewery Tours offers behind the scences excursions to more than 18 local craft breweries. Vancouver Brewery Tours offers walking tours as well as ones in their comfortable vans that take you to various breweries for some VIP treatment. Having experienced this tour first hand, we can say they make this a great experience. Tour guides are knowledgeable about beer, the brewing process and the collaborative community behind the making of beer. Any one of their 3 tours would make a great gift for the beer enthusiast. Your options include a three-hour walking tour of Brewery Creek at $69.99, a four-hour van tour at $79.99 and you have the option of a four-hour Beer and Food Tours at $89.99.
Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours
The ladies behind Off The Eaten Track Walking Tours provide some delicious walking tours in which you get to taste your way around the City. They’ve expanded to other cities being Victoria and Banff so should you be buying a gift for someone out of the City, something to keep in mind. But for those buying for family or friends locally, Off The Eaten Track Tours offers their Railtown Urban Eats Tour for $59.99, Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour at $69.99 and Main Street Hidden Gems Tour for $69.99. Each tour offers something a little different, but always tasty. Having organized similar tours for friends in pockets of East Vancouver, we know first hand these tours are well received.
Les amis du FROMAGE – Wine & Cheese Tasting Classes
les amis du FROMAGE is a wonderful family owned and operated specialty cheese store with two locations in Vancouver, but our go to spot is their East Van location on East Hastings in Strathcona. Outside of having an amazing selection of cheese both local and imported, they also have on hand charcuterie, frozen soups and meals as well as many items to help with your entertaining needs. Add to that, they have some delicious Cheese Tasting Classes which are held at their East Van location. As luck would have it, they’ve just released their upcoming classes for the New Year . Your choices include Cheese & Wine 101 January 25th, 2017 and Ole Espana on February 28th, 2017 and Vive la France on March 29th, 2017. Heads up though, class size is limited and some of these classes do sell out. Classes generally run between $60 – $65 and wine is usually served with the tastings. We think these would make a great gift for the cheese loving foodie on your giving gift listing.
Federico’s Supper Club – Dinner & Dancing
If know someone that loves to dance, then you may wish to consider a gift certificate to Federico’s Supper Club for a night of dinner and dancing. Federico’s Supper Club has great Italian food in the heart of Little Italy on Commercial Drive. Add to that amazing staff and impeccable service. Owner, Federico Fuoco, belts out great tunes most nights, but they often showcase special guests such as Abra Cadabra an Abba Tribute or Nearly Neil for a Neil Diamond Tribute along with many others. For those that love to put on their dancing shoes, this would make a great gift.
The gift of experience is a gift that keeps on giving, the memories will stay with them for many years to come. Add to that, it’s eco-friendly and supports local. Win win all around as we see it.
ILiveInEastVan.com 