We love to think our presents will be up on the mantelpiece forever. But let’s face it — some things are destined to add to our closet clutter. Check out our curated list of local giftable experiences so you can sleigh the holidays.
For the foodie
- Give them the insider experience with a meal at one of Richmond’s newest eateries, like Fanboy , Wishbone Food Shop , or Gold Lion Community Cafe .
- Test your talents in the kitchen with a hands-on cooking class at The Kitchen Classroom , Mise En Place , or The Green Kitchen .
- Take a trip of the world’s cuisines on a food-focused tour of Richmond.
For the nature lover
- Adopt an animal at Maymont in their name. The symbolic adoption helps to provide a healthy diet, veterinary care, enrichment activities, and habitat maintenance at the park.
- Grant them RAL Pal status by making a monthly donation in their name to Richmond Animal League. Pals also get a magnet and bumper sticker, early access to special events, and the opportunity to name one RAL dog or cat each year.
- Let their love bloom with a Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden membership.
- Make a jellyfish terrarium, wire plant art, or a moss wall at one of PlantHouse Richmond’s January workshops .
For the artist
- Gather their film-loving friends for a private movie party at The Byrd Theatre. Pro tip: Reservations include unlimited popcorn for all guests.
- Try something wheel-y new with a one-day class or workshop at Hand / Thrown.
- Explore new exhibits and enjoy other perks with a membership to the VMFA.
For the sports fanatic
- Join the W League RVA Founder’s Club on their behalf so they can see every game, get discounts on merch, and be among the first to cheer on Richmond’s newest team .
- Up the Roos with season tickets to see the Richmond Kickers play at City Stadium.
- Make a date at The Diamond to watch the Flying Squirrels — whether you want to snag a season membership or a more flexible plan.
- Get the pickleball lover in your life an individual or dual membership for unlimited play at Bangers and Dinks.
For the adventurer
- Let them learn the ropes at Peak Experiences by gifting them a monthly or yearly membership .
- Take to the streets on an outdoor tour of the city.
- Become a James River Association James Changer by making a donation and volunteering together to protect our river.
For the drama lover
- “Born With Teeth” is the latest from Richmond Shakes, coming in January to the Dominion Energy Center Gottwald Playhouse.
- Get dinner in the Arts District or Jackson Ward, then see a show at the November Theatre — “9 to 5: The Musical” is scheduled for this summer.
- Contribute to Richmond Triangle Players’ annual fund and grant them donor benefits including access to sneak peek events, opening night tickets, and more.
For the lifelong student
- Design a walking tour of local spots on the National Register for Historic Places to go on together.
- Learn more about our history with a membership at The Valentine , Black History Museum , or VMHC .
- Schedule a visit to Historic St. John’s Church and keep an eye out for future reenactments .
We know we left some experiential ideas on the drawing room table. Share with us the experiences you’ve gifted — or would love to receive.