Wine and spirit education – adults
My mother, a wine lover, told us many times that she would like to have a “better nose” to identify and evaluate the precious and delicious liquid. She is now retiring. The best gift for her is wine and spirit education…
- Wine Courses are offered in many Canadian cities. You can choose between different course lengths for your convenience and budget. The $45 starter kit includes 6 tasting glasses and a carry bag that will allow you to practice at home.
- The SAQ offers tasting courses for $260 (five meetings of three hours) in many areas in Quebec.
- In Montreal, you could also offer a short training (five evenings) at Les Conseillers du Vin for $229.95.
Cooking classes – adults
You know someone who is really having trouble in the kitchen or who just wishes to improve their culinary skills? Cooking classes are a great opportunity to learn new techniques to impress friends and family!
- The Culinary Academy allows you to attend cooking classes online or on-site at one of their three locations (Montreal, Laval and Quebec). Several parent-children are also offered for an original family outing!
- The President’s Choice cooking school offers cooking classes everywhere in Canada at affordable prices – allowing you to pick & choose the ones you think your friends will love the most. Check out the classes offered in your area!
- In Ontario, the LCBO Cooking Classes give you the opportunity to learn how to prepare some amazing dishes while teaching you which wines pair best with your new recipes.
Art classes – adults
Without aiming to become Picasso – because we don’t necessarily have his talent – many of us would like to learn how to paint and there are many classes offered.
- Bob Grant’s Art classes in Ottawa
- In Montreal La Salamandre art center offers many different painting courses costing between $225 and $325.
- In Toronto, Avenue Road Arts School offers Adult Arts Programs starting at $320.
Let the music play! – adults
- Someone you know would love to be able to sing? Offer him a singing lesson! Montreal Academy of Music has gathered a list of teachers offering courses at your home or in studios in the Greater Montreal area.
- Percussion courses are an original gift for anyone who likes music and rhythm. Carrefour musical de l’Est, in Montreal, offers private and semi private courses for adults and children starting at $23.50 per hour.
Horseback riding – children
Horses fascinate most children and for those who would like to horse ride, we can find a course in your region.
- In Laval, the Centre équestre des Mille Îles offers courses for children aged 3 to 8 years old: five lessons of 30 minutes each will cost $197.50.
- You can also find many ranches all across Canada.
Gifts that move – children
- The Sportheque and its many affiliated centers across Quebec offers squash courses for children aged 7 to 11 years old: $99 for 12 weeks.
- Martial arts can be offered as it pleases both children and parents. You can find courses in different disciplines in most cities, and the prices vary from $85 to $130.
- What about ski? You must first make sure that all members of the family like this sport. You can usually buy tickets by the day, multi-days or family packages in most ski centers.
- If your friends and family don’t like ski or any other winter sport, swimming or gymnastic can be an option. Check your local sports center to find out what activities are available.
Relaxation – young girls
Your daughter, niece or the daughter of your best friends just reached puberty, and you don’t know what to give her anymore. She now likes to pamper herself. You can give her:
- Manicure: $25
- Pedicure: from $55 to $80
- Eyebrows: around $20
- Massage: around $50 (for an hour)
Most beauty salons offer these services.
You could also offer her a make-up course. Most renowned spas, salons and institutes offer make-up lessons such like Clarins and Lise Watier.
Make them read – everyone
A magazine subscription is a good gift for someone who reads a lot. You just have to know this person a bit and find the publication that he or she will like best.
- For children aged 3 to 12 years old, you can subscribe to Disney’s Family Fun Magazine, an arts and craft magazine, for $12 a year. National Geographic Kids is also a wonderful gift at $36.80 for 10 issues. Finally, girly girls will love Discovery Girls ($26 for 6 issues).
- For adults, we suggest Maclean’s for $49,95 for one year. Your trendy women friends could also love Fashion, Vogue or Nylon.
Vacation – everyone
Giving (full!) time to our children is giving an underestimated gift. You could book a full weekend away from your home and its thousand chores. You could also book a trip in a camp or a weekend in a cabin or an inn. Better even; give a theme (animals, chic, cooking, no technology…) to this great escape.
- You can consult Go Canada for condos, inns and cabins suggestions. You will also find activities and family packages: winter fun, dogsledding and more.
- Hotels and inns usually charge between $55 and $100 a night for a family (2 adults and 2 children).
- A weekend in a camp with the whole family may be cheaper. Check out the Certified camps of Quebec Association website for an exhaustive list of all camps and activities available in Quebec.
