The holidays are quickly approaching and sometimes finding a great gift can be tough — especially when shopping for the person who has everything. But if you ask us, we know that the best things in life aren’t actually things — they’re experiences. Here in Hudson County, there are several activities from archery to golf to DIY crafts for any type of gift recipient, young or young-at-heart. We’ve rounded up a few fun gift ideas that will make the holidays a ton of fun. Read on to find out what is in our Hudson County experiential gift guide.

Hoboken

Gravity Vault | 1423 Clinton Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by The Gravity Vault Hoboken (@gravityvaulthoboken)

 

For the adventurous one, Gravity Vault provides an exhilarating experience for first-time climbers and seasoned vets. With varying degrees of difficulty, each wall poses a unique climbing experience for children and adults. Day passes, private sessions, memberships, and more are available for purchase. The facility even has gift cards and class packs for anyone interested in taking their skills to new heights.

Hudson Golf | 16 Hudson Place

Hudson Golf is the best of both worlds — with professional golf simulators and a dinner + drinks menu. Maybe the recipient is just getting to the game of golf and wants to learn some basic skills or is a seasoned hobbyist or even a pro. Visitors here can come solo or bring a group of friends to play a course or hit some balls in one of the bays, equipped with TrackMan technology. Hudson Golf is also known for its kitchen and bar, which has a menu filled with modern flare. Some great ideas for gifts here include gift cards, sim rentals + memberships, lessons, club fittings, and repairs.

Read More: Where to Get Personalized Gifts in Hoboken + Jersey City

Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street

For a more intimate experience, Hudson Table is the place to go. While this spot is known for its hands-on cooking classes, it also has dining events such as Chef’s Table + Chef Competitions for all to enjoy. With monthly events featuring a variety of cuisines, Hudson Table is a great gift for just about anyone with any level of cooking experience. For a group gift experience, this spot is the perfect night out for a group to get together and make things like homemade pasta, Mexican street food, surf + turf, and dim sum, just to name a few. Or sit back, relax, and enjoy a friendly kitchen competition between chefs plus a dining experience that will truly impress. Gift cards + individual experiences are available for purchase.

Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by IVY MANE STUDIO (@ivymanestudio)

 

While this studio primarily sells handcrafted goods for the home, Ivy Mane Studio also hosts creative workshops for those interested in unlocking their creative sides. Experiences like Create Your Own ‘Drip Plant Pot’ and ‘Booty Planter’ — yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like — are always on the schedule at this local studio. Gift cards are also available and can be used towards a workshop or handcrafted goods.

Tipsy Tie Dye | 155 First Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by TIPSY TIE DYE | DIY Party (@tipsytiedye)

 

For the creative one, Tipsy Tie Dye is a family-friendly spot that provides all of the essentials you’ll need to create your own tie-dyed goods. With a wide variety of dyeable merch including sweatshirts + pants, cropped hoodies, Turkish towels, scrunchies, onesies, dog outfits + more, this local spot is the perfect giftable experience for anyone on your list.

Woodhouse Spa | 225 River Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by The Woodhouse Day Spa Hoboken (@woodhousespahoboken)

 

Nestled in the heart of Hoboken and attached to The W Hotel, Woodhouse Spa is a relaxing and rejuvenating oasis with an array of therapeutic services available. From facials to massages to even waxing services, this day spa provides a retreat from the hustle of everyday life. A spa experience here or a gift card would be the ultimate treat for someone who needs to put their feet up and feel pampered.

Jersey City

Aerow Archery | 98 Forrest Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by A/E/R/O/W/ (@aerow.archery)

 

Maybe the recipient just watched The Hunger Games and wants to prepare, or maybe they’ve been totally inspired by Taylor Swift’s song The Archer. Either way, archery seems to be gaining more popularity in recent years and enough to have an entire facility dedicated to its craft here in Jersey City. Aerow Archery is a great way to try out this sport. Give the gift of archery either by individual sessions or sessions in bulk. This local spot also has Olympic-style and light bow rentals.

 

Beyond the Plate Food Tours | Multiple Locations

Beyond the Plate Food Tours takes guests around the city and into the kitchens of a carefully curated list of restaurants. Each stop highlights the best of the food + drink menu of an iconic spot in Jersey City. Owner Alessia Aron and her team have since expanded their coverage to different locations including Red Bank and Somerset. The tours each focus on a different culture + cuisine. Gift a tour or a gift card to someone who would truly enjoy this experience, which is best done in a small group.

Ellis Island + Statue of Liberty | 1 Audrey Zapp Drive

For the history buff, an experience of Ellis Island would be not only an enriching experience but a connection to the past. This would be a special gift for a family to experience together. The National Museum of Immigration is an incredible delve into history, which has been preserved, allowing visitors to learn about their family’s journey to America.

Liberty Science Center | 222 Jersey City Boulevard

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Liberty Science Center (@libertysciencecenter)

 

Liberty Science Center is a hands-on, interactive science center and museum that often hosts special events like themed light shows, one-of-a-kind exhibits, animal displays, and more.  This incredible facility, which has the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere is currently featuring an exhibit on Pixar. The LSC is all about giving visitors the best learning experience possible. A trip here or even a yearly membership would be an excellent gift.

Newport Skates | 95 River Drive South

Photo Credit: Newport Skates

There are few things more magical than ice skating outside in the winter and Newport Skates is just the place. Public skating sessions are available for skaters aged 3 and up, and private skating lessons are also available. The enchantment of outdoor skating would be a wonderful gift for a family or even a significant other to enjoy. Don’t forget about grandparent gifts, either. Many would love a day out with their grandchildren.

RPM Raceway | 99 Caven Point Road

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by RPM Raceway (@rpmraceway)

 

For the adrenaline rush seeker, RPM Raceway has  European-style indoor tracks for an authentic racing experience with Italian-made go-karts and 3,000 feet of hairpin and spiraling ramps for the thrill seeker in your life to enjoy. Gift cards are available for purchase so the recipient can pick the details of their drive. The track also has a bar and grill to keep drivers fueled up and ready to race or to celebrate after a fun and speedy afternoon.

Beyond

Big Snow American Dream | 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Big SNOW American Dream (@bigsnowad)

 

If you’re looking for a gift that can be used year-round, Big Snow at American Dream is a great choice. the indoor ski slope is a huge attraction for locals and visitors alike. Available for purchase are snow passes, snow day packages, slope access, sno-go bikes, snow play + tubing, private lessons, camps + coaching, and children’s packages.

The Bond Society | Multiple Locations

Photo credit: The Bond Society

Permanent jewelry is all the hype lately and The Bond Society is making waves in our area. This luxe permanent jewelry company is popping up all over New Jersey, New York, + Pennsylvania. Using only 14k gold chains, guests can choose the style and length of the piece to create necklaces, rings, bracelets, and anklets. This experience could be a great gift to your significant other, best friend, mom, or other special person in your life. Make it doubly special and get a custom piece made together.

Great Gorge TreEscape | 414 County Road 517, Vernon

This golf club has an amazing combination of nature, golf, and adventure. With the most popular choice being the aerial obstacle course, these grounds are a fun spot to test your limits and get outside of your comfort zone. This experience would be a great fit for anyone over the age of four and who is in good physical condition.

Mud Clay Studio | 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by MudClayStudio (@mudclaystudionj)

 

This DIY pottery studio is a welcome addition to the Montclair craft scene. Popular gift options include memberships for the experienced do-er and workshops + classes who need a bit more guidance. There are other locations in Essex County.

See More: A Guide to Gift Shops in the Montclair Area

SoJo Spa | 600 River Road, Edgewater

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by SoJo Spa Club (@sojospaclub)

 

Well-known on the Hudson County waterfront, Sojo Spa is a wellness spa that mirrors a Korean bathhouse and features a number of baths, saunas, treatment rooms, and pools for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. This gift will be well received by anyone who is searching for a place to feel their best and recharge after a busy holiday season. Gift certificates and curated packages are available for purchase.