From experience gifts to e-gift cards, we have ideas for the adults in your life
Waiting until the last minute to get a gift isn’t exactly recommended, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen every single year in Champaign-Urbana
For some people, holiday shopping is wrapped up in a bow (quite literally) before Black Friday sales even begin promotion. For others of us, all of a sudden December dates are in the “20s,” kids are out of school and the list of presents that still need to be purchased hasn’t shrunk at all in recent weeks. Starting to fret? We are here with some last-minute (and easy) gift ideas that Champaign-Urbana adults will love.
Give the gift of a “date” and spend some quality time together at an adult-friendly event in Champaign-Urbana
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We’re going to start with some ideas that may require a trip out of your home or office, or may be mailed to you to wrap up. “Experience gifts,” which are just a fancy way for saying you’re gifting something other than stuff, make great last-minute gifts. We have a long list of experience gifts for kids in Champaign-Urbana, but here are some highlights that make great gifts for adults. Many of these places will do gift certificates of some sort, so you have something to wrap up and “gift” your special someone.
Illini basketball tickets — There are so many great basketball games coming up in the new year! You can log on and purchase a couple of tickets to be delivered to your mobile device. Want those hard-copy tickets to put in an envelope? Stop by the State Farm Center ticket office Monday through Friday, noon-5 p.m.
Krannert Center tickets — Yes, we have this option in the section below, too, but sometimes you have a particular show in mind for a special someone. You can buy these online and print them at home. One idea in the first couple months of the new year: 10,000 Maniacs!
DICK’s House of Sport — Have a golfer in the family? You can gift some time in the golf simulator at DICK’s for the golfer on your list. Rock climbing, batting cages and other experiences available too.
Cooking Classes — Grovestone classes may be sold out, but that’s just a testament to how awesome of an experience they are. If you’ve never been to a class at Grovestone, your recipient will participate in various elements of preparing (and consuming) the food themed to the night’s event. Get a gift card and the person you’re shopping for can handle hopping on registration for the class they want as soon as it opens. If you’d like to pick up some special Grovestone olive oils to bundle with your gift card, we think that would make a nice gift.
Common Ground will offer cooking classes from time to time too. You can check its website for upcoming events and pick up a gift card.
Facial Treatments — Experience the ultimate in luxury skincare at Benjamin & Co. Esthetique, which caters to all skin types with exclusive Benjamin & Co. rituals. Indulge in personalized treatments designed to rejuvenate and enhance your natural beauty. For a limited time, book any treatment online using the code “chambanamoms” and enjoy 15 percent off your purchase until Jan. 31, 2025. This offer is limited to one entry per person, so don’t miss your chance to elevate your skincare routine. More info here or buy online gift card here.
Gift cards featuring digital delivery
Without even stepping outside, you can pick up your phone and give someone one of these gifts digitally. Note that these will be delivered straight to the recipient’s email address, so you may not have anything to wrap if you are looking to gift them something in person.
Know of a local business that we should add to this list? Be sure to let us know so we can get it added.
- Ancho & Agave, Bloomington
- Benjamin & Co. Esthetique, Champaign
- Big Grove Tavern, Champaign
- BodyWork Associates, Champaign
- Chophouse on Main, Mahomet
- Columbia Street Roastery, Champaign
- Common Ground Food Co-Op, Urbana
- the CU Flower House, Champaign
- CU Adventures in Time & Space, Urbana
- Delight Flower Farm, Champaign
- Espresso Royale, Champaign & Urbana
- Fire Doll Studio, Champaign
- Firefly Grill, Effingham
- Industrial Donut, Savoy
- Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana
- Monicals, various locations
- Planted, Champaign
- Seven Saints, Champaign
- Ten Thousand Villages, Champaign
- Yo-Yo’s, Mahomet
Looking for more? Subscribe to our Holiday Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Events Calendar.
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