Looking for an off the beaten path gift for the special someone? Enjoyable experiences, memberships, and subscriptions can all be thoughtful choices for gift giving, and better for the planet than buying new material goods. Here are some ideas:
- Tickets to activities like movies, theater, concerts, family friendly game rooms, and puzzle rooms
- Membership to the Appalachian Mountain Club, Mass Audubon, or the Trustees which provide access to many hiking trails in and around New England or a subscription to the All Trails app
- Membership to botanical gardens around the country or a pass to a national park for those with an itch to travel
- Gift certificate to classes through the Newton Art Center or Newton Community Ed (both in person and online courses offered)
- Cooking class, a sailing class, or a dance class
- High tea or a brewery tour
- Gift card for massage, cold therapy, red light therapy, or spa services
- Subscription to nonprofit sites covering climate and environmental issues such as Grist, Inside Climate News and High Country News
- Subscription to a music service such as Spotify, Apple Music, or the classical music service Idagio
- Subscription to a video viewing service such as Netflix, Hulu, or Britbox
- Subscription to a streaming service that specializes in the Met Opera or independent films
- Donation to Green Newton!
- More sustainable gifting ideas at simplifytheholidays.org
In addition, when selecting tangible presents this holiday season, think good quality and long term so items will last. Reusable is great as are unique thrifted items, and avoid plastics when possible (including synthetic fiber clothing).