Gifts Outside the Box

(Family Features) - Spring is full of reasons to celebrate. Weddings, graduations, Mother's Day ... there are plenty of occasions to buy gifts. If you're looking for a unique present for that special someone, why not look outside the traditional gift box for something that provides lasting memories?

Gifts that provide an experience are growing in popularity. These gifts let the recipient do something special that gives them plenty of stories to share. Here are some out-of-the-box experience gift ideas that you can enjoy with someone you love.

Cooking Classes. Local culinary centers and community colleges often host cooking classes for a variety of ages. Classes range from Italian cooking to cake decorating, and many are designed specifically for adults and children to do together.

Art Lessons. Learn about watercolor, sketching or photography along with a friend or family member. Not only do you get to share the experience, but you can create some lasting works of art together. Community colleges, community centers and private art teachers should give you plenty to choose from.

Road Trips. Whether on foot, by bike or by bus, you can find guided trips anywhere from your own neighborhood to places abroad. Discover local history, explore nature's beauty, or shop till you drop at one-of-a-kind stores. Or, if you like to do things yourself, plan a unique adventure that will thrill your loved one.

Language Classes. Brush up on your high school Spanish or tackle Russian or Mandarin. The good thing about taking the class with someone else is that you both have someone to practice with.

One unique gift experience that many families share is the process of making a special stuffed animal at Build-A-Bear Workshop. Grandparents and grandchildren, best friends, parents and kids of all ages enjoy the process of creating a huggable friend.

Build-A-Bear Workshop guests are introduced to all the furry characters in the store and then select one, which soon becomes their new best friend. There are more than 30 varieties of affordable stuffed animals including teddy bears, bunnies, dogs, kitties and more, ranging in price from $10 to $25.

Together, you can help add stuffing to your new friend and give it a hug test to make sure it is just right. You select a satin heart, warm it in your hands, make a wish, and put it inside your stuffed animal. After that, you can fluff, dress and name it. You get a special personalized birth certificate to take home, too. Helping someone create a special friend makes an unforgettable experience for everyone. Find out more at buildabear.com.

There's no limit to wonderful experience gifts that you can give someone. Explore the possibilities and create some special memories that will last a lifetime.

Make It Personal

Creating the perfect gift at Build-A-Bear Workshop is unforgettable. The options to help personalize a furry friend for someone special for spring celebrations are endless.

• Guests can record their own voice and place a special 10-second message inside their furry friend with Build-A-Sound for just $8. The sound chip is inserted safely inside the new friend during the stuffing process. Pre-recorded sounds are also available including giggles, growls, barks, meows and other animal sounds, as well as messages such as "I Love You" or songs like "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
• To make gifts even more memorable, guests can personalize their bear wear by adding names or dates with a wide variety of embroidery messages in an assortment of colors. Personalize a furry friend in hundreds of outfits and accessories and add up to three lines of embroidery for only $8.

SOURCE:
Build-A-Bear Workshop