Sports fan or outdoorsy type still on your gift list?

Matthew may live in Portland now, but he still shares an abiding love for the University of Florida Gators football team with his brothers who live in Florida. Instead of sending his brothers more Gators gear for their packed closets, Matthew gets them tickets to a game. While his brothers enjoy the game in person, Matthew feels more connected to his team and his brothers as they share photos and messages as he watches the game on TV from Portland.

Matthew shows off his team pride in Gators gear.

Sports fan on your gift list?

Is there a Trail Blazers fan or a member of the Timbers Army on your gift list? Tickets to a game allow for gifts of experience for the sports fan on your list. Giving tickets to a Blazers or Winterhawks game can be fun for the whole family. Or plan ahead for a different seasonal sport, like the Timbers, Thorns or Hops, and gift a day at the field.

Game day party host on your list?

There are many ways to make game day parties more resourceful (and add more team spirit), including how you serve the food and drinks. Growlers, reusable glasses and dishware are all ways to show your team pride and be more sustainable and make great gifts for sports fans.

Outdoor enthusiast on your list?

Do you have a snowboarder or skier in the family? Or are you looking for something the family or group of friends can do together?

Portland has options for renting gear before you head to the mountains or trails. Next Adventure offers equipment rentals for skis, snowboards and snowshoes, as well as gently used outdoor gear at great prices. REI has rental options for Nordic skiing, mountaineering gear and snowshoes.

A gift of lift tickets or an annual Sno-Park Parking Permit makes it that much easier for snow fans to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Find discount season passes by checking out Mt. Hood Meadows Holiday Gift Guide and Timberline.

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Find gift ideas for other hard-to-buy-for people in your life in our resourceful holiday series. #holiday

Give busy parents a “time out” this holiday season

Annette’s choice to start new traditions is a win-win for her and her family and offers inspiring gift ideas for the parents or busy couples on your gift list.  

“Once my kids got married, I started giving them overnight stays at local Portland hotels as Christmas presents. I also give them a gift certificate for dinner at a local restaurant. They always look forward to seeing where they are going, and I feel good about supporting local businesses. It really isn’t any more expensive than buying a bunch of stuff, provides lasting memories for them, and is quick and easy for me to buy this way.”

When Annette’s daughter and son-in-law started a family of their own, free time became even more precious. To provide them with a break, Annette not only gives gift certificates to a hotel and restaurant, but tops off the special evening out by babysitting the two boys, ages 7 and 4, allowing quality time with her grand kids.

“My daughter is a stay-at-home mom, so these weekend getaways mean a lot to her. Her husband works long hours and travels frequently, so this down time is great for them, and for me because I get time with my grandsons. They look forward to time with their ‘Nana,’ which includes eating candy, beating me at video games and staying up past their bedtime.  It’s a win-win for everybody!”

Annette’s son and his wife are young, busy professionals. They have to pencil time into their calendars to spend time together, so they also benefit from this time away together. With the hotel gift idea, they can call and reserve whatever date they want that fits their busy schedule, for any occasion.

Offering any part of this getting-away experience could be a valuable gift to time-crunched family. Perhaps consider offering to babysit the kids while parents take themselves out for dinner, or buy movie tickets to kick off an evening out for friends.

Deals are available for local restaurants, hotels and businesses. Visit Travel Portland to gather some gift ideas, drop hints for your own local wish list, or find coupons for many local restaurants in Chinook Book.

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Find gift ideas for other hard-to-buy-for people in your life in our resourceful holiday series. #holiday