Classic Toyota of Waukegan’s Last Minute Gift Guide: Gift Experiences in the Midwest!

Dec 9, 2024

Are you still on the fence about what to get your gift list for the holidays? Well, we’ved scoured the internet for some more intentional gift giving ideas instead of the typical item in a box or gift bag. Today’s blog is all about giving your family and friends an experience to last a lifetime of memories! Whether they dream of living life in the fast lane in a sleek sports car, wish they could become an expert in the culinary arts, or just want to get away from it all for a little R&R, we’ve got the perfect gift experience. Best of all, you needn’t go far to find it! All of the options on our list are right here in the midwest, some of them right here in our own backyard or a few hours drive at the furthest!

Gift an Experience in Wisconsin

Give the charcuterie obsessed giftee an experience at Fromagination in Madison, WI. Book a public class from their events and workshop schedule, or request a private group lesson with friends by appointment. Learn about different types of cheeses, how to pair them with food and wine, how they’re made, and more.

Book a ride-along experience for 3 laps in a spectacular supercar at the Milwaukee Mile Speedway! Participants can select from numerous cars including a Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and more. It’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime thrill ride for any gearhead enthusiast!

The Lamers Driving Experience is located in Neenah, WI and offers special events where drivers can take the track grouped by experience level and driving style. Have the chance to take your project car or street car into the race track and show ‘em what you’ve got! Request more info on their website.

Get the adventure seeker in your life a unique experience of an e-bike tour! You’ll drive on up to Door County til you reach Cave Point County Park in Wisconsin. Your tour guide will take you for a 2.5hr tour through the Cave Point Wilderness area to take in the scenic overlooks and cliffside views. Then they’ll bring you on a ride to one of the largest lakes in all of Door County, Clark Lake. It’s an exciting new way to see the places

Gift an Experience in Illinois

Take your family out for the afternoon and experience Chicago like never before. 360 Chicago offers panoramic views of Chicago and Lake Michigan from more than 1,000 feet above! Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail at the Highest Bar in Chicago, engage in some thrills and chills with the TILT ride experience, and take in the sights around you as you explore the observation deck. Check the special events calendar and catch a special Sky Yoga or Cloudwalk Art Gallery experience!

Bettie’s Chicago offers retro chic atmosphere and charming events and classes! Located in the River North area of Chicago, this whimsical location has a delightful selection of weekly baking classes, seasonal workshops, date night events, and more! Plus, if you’re looking for allergen-friendly or dietary restriction friendly classes, there are gluten free and vegan options on their offerings, a rare occurrence to be celebrated! You can even opt for a multi-day cooking class and learn basic baking and pastry techniques at these boot camps and intensives!

Inject a little fun and excitement into your usual hiking routine with some fun furred friends. That’s right, Goat Trekking season passes are available at Hoof It in Galena. You’ll get a package of 12 different treks with one of their sweet goat pals and a bonfire experience for up to 4 people!

Gift an Experience in Michigan

Take a scenic ride around Motor City with Antique Touring Company in a charming antique car like a Studebaker, Packard, or Cadillac. You’ll get a 3hr private tour through the industrial district of Milwaukee Junction and learn about the Packard Plant, Ford Motor Company, specialty car companies, historic buildings, and become a scholar in automotive history. Book your choice of car through their website.

Gift the outdoor enthusiast a Kayak and Canoe trip with Crystal River Outfitters in Glen Arbor Michigan. Your trip will be around 2 to 3 hours long and take you just under 5 miles around Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You’ll enjoy the views of the shoreline, the fresh air, and do some fantastic wildlife and bird watching as you paddle along.

Try your hand at something a little old-school and traditional with a Letterpress Printing class at Signal Return Press and community center for art. Choose from a variety of classes like card making, print making, letterpress coasters, paper marbling, and more from independent creators and artists. Located in Detroit Michigan and open weekends.

Let your creativity flow at Water Street Glassworks in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Attend a live demonstration with a seasoned professional metal worker or glass blowing artist, and then go ahead and try your own glass and metal arts class. Craft unique decorations, stunning works of art and decor, and create memories to last a lifetime.

Gift an Experience in Minnesota

The Westin Edina Galleria in Edina, Minnesota offers an incredible selection of “Weekend Wonders” workshops and experiences. Book a family experience like a Ski Day, a curated Indoor Camping Experience, Private Bonfire and S’mores, or enjoy an adventurous day out Dog Sledding, Ice Climbing, and so much more.

Lose yourself in serenity and spend a weekend resting and rejuvenating at the incredible Sisu and Loyly in Grand Marias, Minnesota. This absolutely breathtaking lakeside spa offers a true Nordic experience with saunas, a cozy lounge, bonfire pit, and even a floating sauna experience along Devil Track Lake.

Sign up for a yoga class, massage therapy session, winter wellness class, or other healing workshop or personal session at Ancient Traditions Healing in Grand Marais. Enjoy a day filled with earth-centered, integrative techniques designed to keep your mind centered, release your stresses, and craft a personalized healing experience as you put your body at ease.