Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), Galentine’s Day (Feb. 13), or Random Acts of Kindness Day (Feb. 17), we’ve got tips for giving thoughtful and sustainable gifts of experience, from no-cost to splurge-worthy.
Because let’s be honest: How many teddy bears and trinkets does one person really need?
Skills over Stuff
ReBuilding Center: Take a hands-on class to learn woodworking, furniture building, or home improvement skills.
SCRAP PDX: Sign up for one of many different types of crafting workshops, including some for kids and others for adults.
And so much more: Just search the web for Portland-area gardening classes, music lessons, bike repair, and more.
Trips over Trinkets
Plan a day or weekend trip out of town for a change of scenery. Head over to the gorge, or coast, or take the train to Seattle.
Cooking over Collectibles
Learn how to make a new meal or sharpen your knife skills at one of Portland’s many cooking schools.
Kitchen Culture PDX on Southeast Foster Rd.
Cookshop on Southeast 26th Ave.
Hipcooks on Northeast MLK Jr. Blvd.
Adventures over Accessories
Plan a day of hiking at Forest Park or snowshoeing on Mount Hood.
Book a food cart tour, brewery tour, river cruise, or hot air ballon ride.
There are so many options to play tourist for a day!
Shows over Shopping
Portland hosts incredible theater, music, and comedy shows. Book a show and then look for a nearby spot to grab dinner before.
Chores over Chocolate
What chore would you love someone to do for you? Laundry? Dishes? Taking the dog out in the rain? Give someone the gift of doing their least favorite chore for a week – or a month, if you’re feeling generous.
Actually, chocolate’s pretty great. Especially when it’s from one of Portland’s many great chocolate makers. So maybe offer chores and chocolate.
Give gifts of experience a try
Gifts of experience create lasting memories without the environmental toll of manufacturing, packaging, and shipping physical goods, which often end up as waste. By choosing experiences over stuff, you cut down on carbon emissions, reduce landfill waste, and give a gift that lasts.