Holiday shoppers—or should I say holiday procrastinators—it’s not too late to snag an ideal gift for the Bostonian (or frequent Boston visitor) on your list. I’ve put together five options that will please foodies, families, and fans. And with many of my gift ideas focusing on experiences (rather than stuff), these presents will be appreciated—and memorable—all the year through.
In the spirit of the season, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Joyous Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year to you and yours! Here are my picks for this year’s Boston Holiday Gift Guide.
Tom Brady Keepsake Ornament
Your favorite New England Patriots fan probably already has all the typical fan regalia: T-shirt, hoodie, beer koozie, cooler, and the like. But how about a Patriots Christmas ornament? Hallmark’s new keepsake ornament collection features NFL superstars this year, including Patriots legendary quarterback Tom Brady. Available for $17.95, this limited-edition ornament preserves the two-time Super Bowl MVP in classic mid-throw stance. (And if your gift recipient has a sense of humor, throw in the Peyton Manning ornament for good measure and continue the rivalry across the boughs.)
City Dining Cards
Know a Boston foodie? Want to support local businesses? Gift a year’s worth of date nights in a box—while simultaneously boosting the greater Boston economy—with Boston City Dining Cards. Each pack contains 50 cards, with each card valued for a $10 discount at a local participating restaurant. I got last year’s pack from a dear friend for Christmas, and it was a blast to try the featured restaurants (some new to me, some old favorites) throughout the year. And at $20 for the pack, it’s a real steal.
Hubway Membership
A membership to Hubway, the popular bike-share service in greater Boston, is a great gift for both locals and visitors. Hubway memberships start at $6 for a day rental and go up to $85 for an annual pass. And if you’re one of the first 100 people to purchase a Hubway gift membership, you’ll get a free cone from Ben Jerry’s to add as a stocking stuffer (or to keep for yourself).
Legoland Membership
This past May, the Legoland Discovery Center opened to great fanfare in Somerville’s Assembly Row. If your friends have little ones and want to go throughout the year, gift an annual pass and they’ll enjoy unlimited visits, early access to special events, and discounts at the Legoland gift shop and café. Passes are available for $70 for individuals or $260 for a family of four.
Boston Museum Membership
Greater Boston has a plethora of world-class museums, and with a gift membership, your recipient never has to pick and choose between exhibits, events, or lectures at their preferred institution. A membership usually enables VIP exhibit access or advance ticketing, sneak peeks, gift shop discounts, and other perks. Make it extra special with a membership to the newly reopened Harvard Art Museums, or opt for the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Science, among other local museums, depending on your recipients’ tastes.
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