As you are making your list and checking it twice to decide what to get for all the people in your life, it can be difficult to know what to get for the person with everything or someone looking to declutter. This year, the perfect option is the gift of an experience.

What exactly does that idea mean? Here is an example from my own life. My mom is someone who lacks for nothing and truly just loves to spend time. She definitely ranks high on the love language of quality time and doesn’t always get a lot of time with her grandkids, who are older and busy with many activities. Last Christmas, we gifted her with a surprise day of experience. It consisted of a trip to Bismarck/Mandan and a stop at a restaurant to eat in an igloo. From there we did a little shopping and then took a limo ride to look at Christmas lights. It was such a fun time and we have pictures and memories to last a lifetime.

The cool thing is, you don’t even have to leave Minot to give the gift of experience. We have so many options right at our front door. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative ideas going to formulate a plan that will be just perfect for any person on your list.

Margies: Get your creativity going with an art class at Margie’s located at 109 Main St S. They offer everything from stained and fused class to watercolor painting. They have classes available for all age ranges and skill sets. Check out their website at www.margiesartglass.com to find out more about their class offerings. Another option is to go to the Ceramic Cafe during store hours and paint any one of their ceramic options.

Gourmet Chef: For the foodie in your life, a Gourmet Chef cooking class might be just the ticket. They offer a wide variety of classes for all ages. From cookie baking for kids to Mexican comfort food and Southern comfort food to sushi making, you can find so many options. Find a list of classes at www.shop.gfchef.com or go to their store at 122 Main St S.

Escape Point: If you have never tried an escape room, it is a must do. An Escape Room is a live-action adventure game where players are locked in a room where they must find clues and solve a series of puzzles in order to escape the room within a set period of time. You can have up to 10 people participate at a time and pay a per person fee. Located at 18 2nd St NE, you can find out more on their website to book your time at www.escapepointnd.com

Up Your Axe: If looking for an experience for 21+, Up Your Axe is it! Axe throwing is a one of a kind experience that you will never forget. Safety coaches will work with you to practice the art of axe throwing before you play a variety of games at your own pace. It is recommended that you book a lane ahead of time to ensure that you get a spot. You can do this by going to their website: www.upyouraxe.bar

Putt District: Located in downtown Minot at 17 S. Main St, the Putt District offer Blacklight Mini Golf, composed of 14 unique holes that challenge all age levels and is completely illuminated by blacklight. It’s a great opportunity to take the whole family on an outing. While there, you can indulge in ice cream and other food items. Another fun opportunity includes the Clubhouse Board Game Cafe. Check out their website at www.theputtdistrict.com to learn more.

Oak Park Theater: Sit back and relax at a movie at Oak Park Theater. Get the best popcorn in town, a fountain drink, and some candy before picking your comfy seat in the theater. Check out their website: www.oakparktheater.net to find out currently showings and times. You can even purchase a movie punch card so you can go to the movies many times.

Downtown Ice Skating and a Meal: Experience ice skating under the lights at the Aksal Skating Rink in the Alley behind Prairie Sky Breads. Bring your own skates or look for dates that they offer skate rentals. After ice skating warm up at a nearby restaurant such as the new, Don Tapatios, Ironhorse, Starving Rooster, or Ebeneezers.

Get creative and think of an experience that you can gift while also enjoying time together. It is truly what the season is all about and the gift receiver will appreciate the time you spent organizing the experience and also the quality time you will get to spend when you go on your experience outing.