Sometimes the people on your holiday shopping list aren’t “stuff” people, or they’re people who like to pick out their own stuff. Or they’re “doing” people. They’re more about the experience than the souvenir, let’s say. The gift is the experience and the memory they’ll have of it. For those individuals, we have 10 local shopping ideas to consider…
- A Membership or Donation to the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. The “Y” is more than a place; it’s a purpose. Regardless of the ability to pay, the Y provides access to programs that strengthen families, connect seniors and create safe places for kids to learn and grow. ymcarbc.org/annual-giving
- Tickets to an Independent Film at an Independent Theater. Grab a gift certificate for the movie buff in your life to take in a show at The Boscov Theater at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading. The spot often showcases films not shown in other local theaters, including indie works and old-school favorites. goggleworks.org
- An Excursion on the Colebrookdale Railroad. The train enthusiast on your list will love a ride on the rails. Upcoming themed excursions include a New Year’s Eve Celebration and for the ultimate fan, you can even book a Locomotive Cab Ride. Other rides throughout the year take tourists on a two-hour ride through the splendor of the scenic Boyertown area and beyond. colebrookdalerailroad.com
- A Membership to the Reading Liederkranz. Know someone that relishes their German heritage or who just plain loves great fellowship paired with delicious brews? A membership to the Reading Liederkranz may be just the ticket. Note this though: applications for new membership must be made in person at the club, so you’ll have to let the recipient in on your idea. readingliederkranz.com
- A Season of Symphony.Power. Passion. Excitement – all three words are used to describe the upcoming season plans the Reading Symphony Orchestra has in place. If you know someone that is a classical or orchestral music fan, this gift is a no-brainer. For more than 100 years the symphony has brought exceptional performances to Berks. readingsymphony.org
- Coffee & Conversation. For the java lover in your life, there’s no better spot to grab a gift certificate than for Reading Coffee Company’s new café in Birdsboro. Maybe they’ll even ask you to tag along for a tasty drink and snack! readingcoffee.com
- Get Creative. For the artistic individual on your list, grab a gift card to redeem at Studio B in Boyertown. The spot hosts a wealth of workshops with topics that run the gamut: from painting parties, art for kids and much more. studiobbb.org
- For the Yoga-lover. Gift a 10- or 20-class card or a monthly membership to BLDG 7 Yoga in Wyomissing so they can enjoy one of the many class offerings, including: Power Yoga, Mellow Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Pilates, Meditation and more. New membership trials are also available. bldg7yoga.com
- Get Gaming. For the video game lover in your life, a game card to use at The Works in Wyomissing is a must. A $100 card will buy them 1,000 credits to play to their heart’s desire. They can get double their money’s worth by visiting on Wednesdays when game plays are half-price. workswyomissing.com
- For the Foodie. Grab a certificate to Wyomissing’s Dundore and Heister, a craft butcher shop offering pastured meats, local provisions and even prepared foods. They can help with items to serve at any entertaining feast, including wings for the big game, or simple dinners for a great meal on a night when you don’t want to cook. dundoreandheister.com
