Now more than ever, it seems like people are searching for meaningful experience gifts instead of more traditional presents. With that in mind, here are five unique Indianapolis-area experiences that will make fantastic Christmas or holiday surprises for all of your nearest and dearest—or yourself.
Chocolate lovers will adore sampling a tasting flight at the SoChatti Tasting Room in Indy’s Circle City Industrial Complex. The knowledgeable staff will guide you as you sample chocolate from exotic locales like Tanzania and Peru, and you’ll learn about the origins and characteristics of each varietal. You can also add a “Drop Candy Making” class to the tasting and make your own delicious candies on-site.
Chocolate tasting, $7 per person, add-on candy making class, $25 additional fee, visit SoChatti.com to book.
A dinner party by Chef Tanorria Askew, owner of Tanorria’s Table, is bound to be an experience to remember. Tanorria puts a modern spin on American comfort food, and if you book a private party with her, she will prepare three courses featuring a protein of chicken, shrimp, or salmon (a different protein or additional guests will vary the price) and create a meal that’s worthy of a special celebration.
Dinner party experience for six guests, $1,290 and up, email hello@tanorriastable.com for inquiries.
Take a friend to “open pouring hours” at Unplug Soy Candles in Fishers for a little impromptu candle making party. The company provides all the materials you need, the staff gives step-by-step instructions, and prices begin at $18 depending on the vessel you choose. Another bonus? Outside food and beverages—including alcohol—are welcome.
Candle making experience, $18 and up, visit UnplugSoyCandles.com for more information.
Instead of buying packaged holiday Christmas cards, consider treating your friends to one of Hand Stamped by Cheryl’s hands-on card making classes. For $15 per person, you and your guests can each make five cards under the instruction of owner Cheryl Piotrowski, and all you need to bring is your own adhesive and scissors.
Card making class, $15 at HandStampedByCheryl.com.
A “discovery flight” from Tom Wood Aviation in Fishers is an amazing experience that allows you to learn firsthand what it’s like to be a pilot. The company begins by showing you the preflight inspection, and after inspection, the instructor will assist you with starting the aircraft, taxiing, and completing the before-takeoff checklist. From that point, you will take the controls and take off, and control the aircraft all the way up to just before touchdown. The entire experience lasts about one hour, which includes approximately thirty minutes of flight time.
Discovery flight, $99 at TomWoodAviation.com.
Stephanie Groves is a freelance writer in Indianapolis who has never done any of the things on this list, but wants to change that immediately.
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