For the person who seems to have everything, or for the family that proclaims they appreciate the thought but don’t want more “stuff,” we’ve got some local gifting ideas for them, too! Have no fear – they’re clutter-free and sure to please.
1. An Escape of Sorts.
Gift a family or group of friends with an experience at the Encrypted Escape Room in West Reading. Room themes change over time, but at press time included Biker’s Revenge, The Last Vampire and Viking Raid. The recipients will work as a team and race against the clock to try to escape within a 60-minute time period. Rooms hold as many as 10 people at one time. Attendees should be 12 years and older.
610.743.3041, encryptedwr.com
2. A Ticket to Marvelous Meats.
Sign a foodie friend up for Dundore & Heister’s “Meat Your Maker” Series. They’ll follow food from farm to butcher table and learn from the craftpersons that epitomize the best the region has to offer. Classes will include visits from farming partners, butchery demonstrations by Head Butcher Mark Mancuso, and house-made gourmet offerings from Dundore & Heister paired with local beer, wine and distilled spirits. Classes can be purchased as a series or separately and include: Beef Steak Banquet on Jan. 11 at 2pm ($125); Wine & Swine on Jan. 25 at 2pm ($95); and Libations & Lamb on Feb. 1 at 2pm ($95).
610.374.6328, dundoreandheister.com
3. A Stay at South Mountain YMCA.
Grandparents – here’s the perfect present for the kiddo that seemingly has it all: a gift certificate for a week or two at South Mountain YMCA Camp. Just call to request the certificate of your liking and the camp staff will put together some fun camp swag for the recipient to open as well.
610.670.2267, smymca.org
4. Art All Year.
Enjoy new exhibits and year-round favorites at the Reading Public Museum with the gift of a Family or Grandparent Membership. Benefits include free admission to The Museum and Neag Planetarium star shows, access to member-only events, invitations to special programs and opening receptions including the annual gala, free or discounted admission to educational programs, a subscription to The Museum’s newsletter, and a discount at The Museum Shop, as well as discount passes to share with friends and family. $75 for Family or Grandparent Membership, includes two named adults and up to four children or grandchildren (ages 4-17).
610.371.5850, readingpublicmuseum.org
5. Sweet Treats.
Know an ice cream lover? Then head to Sweet Ride Ice Cream in West Reading and scoop up their special “Ice Cream Each Month for a Year” gift. Fans of the frozen concoction are sure to agree that anytime is time for ice cream. Punch cards are available for small scoops, pints, sundaes and milkshakes.
484.987.7338, sweetrideicecream.com
6. Give them the World.
The world of travel, that is. For the person who loves to jet off to both beloved and new places to explore, an AAA Travel Gift Certificate may be just the ticket this holiday season. Find it at AAA Reading-Berks in Wyomissing.
610.374.4531, aaa.com
7. An Investment in Relaxation.
Who doesn’t love a bit of pampering? Especially if it’s pre-paid. At European Medical Massage & Spa in Shillington, sign a recipient up for their Monthly Wellness Program, and the first of each month your card on file will be charged $49. That amount is credited towards future services. Other benefits include 20 percent off all services and retail products, a credit rollover plan, family member add-on options, and a free sauna or Hydrotub session on the individual’s birthday. A 12-month commitment is required.
610.685.5530, euromedspa.com
8. Pamper your Pooch.
Our furry friends deserve special treatment for the holidays, too! Take your pup to Oasis Dog Spa & Shoppe in Muhlenberg for his or her own spa service of sorts with “A Little Taste of Heaven.” For just $18, choose from two luxurious milk baths (strawberry or vanilla) to soothe your pet’s skin and create a healthy, lovely sheen. It’s topped off with a relaxing massage and a blueberry facial to help with tearstains. Don’t forget the breath refresh, paw balm and nail polish option for girly girls.
610.816.5492, oasisdogspa.com
9. Roll with it.
Know a bowling fan? Pick up a gift certificate to Berks Lanes in Sinking Spring so he or she can enjoy one of their fun bowling events like Friday Rock and Bowl. At just $15 per person, you get unlimited bowling from midnight to 2:30am, and it’s glow-in-the-dark! A live request DJ is also on hand.
610.678.8044, berkslanes.com
10. For the Film Buff.
For the movie lover in your life, grab a gift card to the theatre that has it all, Fox Berkshire in Wyomissing. Make sure to put enough on there for a special dinner and drink, too. Bonus: it’s the perfect hideout during winter months with its special heated reclining seats.
610.374.1123, foxshowtimes.com
11. Clean House.
For the person in your life that always puts him or herself last, consider the gift of giving them a break. Call on locally owned and operated David’s Cleaning Service and purchase a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly cleaning plan. David’s 360 Degree Cleaning Program ensures that no area in a home ever goes untouched or unnoticed. Give the gift of fewer burdens and more free time!
484.706.2425, davidscleaning.com
12. Ticket to the Stage.
For the performing arts lover, a Miller Center for the Arts membership is just the ticket. Fan or Star membership packages are available at $60 and $100, respectively, and include Members-only pricing for events; advance purchasing benefits; priority seating; a subscription to the Centerstage newsletter; free participation in Miller Center workshops, master classes and other special programs; free admission to select films and more.
610.670.6270, millercenter.racc.edu/memberships
13. Drawing Classes.
Treat your aspiring child artist to a 4-week pack of classes ($85) for Drawing and Painting with Ozzie at Studio B in Boyertown, held Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-7:30pm for ages 9-18. Ozzie Sneddon helps students explore their imagination and learn how to translate ideas into successful drawings. Topics include creating your own characters, anatomy of a superhero, comic book illustration, and anime, along with landscape and still life, too.
610.367.8066, studiobbb.org/classes
14. A Winter Getaway.
Know someone who loves winter activities like skiing, snowboarding or tubing? Get him or her an overnight stay at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie. After some fun on the slopes, he or she doesn’t have to hit the road to head home with a room to retreat to. Bonus: there is a heated indoor pool and indoor and outdoor hot tubs to enjoy as well.
877.982.6953, bcmountainresort.com
15. Go Organic.
For the family member or friend that's passionate about health and the environment, buy him or her a spring or summer CSA share through Taproot Farm in Shoemakersville. Share options include fruit, vegetable, dairy, egg, cheese, mushroom and even coffee options. All produce is grown by husband and wife team, George Brittenburg and Ola Creston, who founded the farm in 2009.
610.657.1927, taprootfarmpa.com
