Local Gift Guide for Design-Minded, Impossible-to-Buy-for People

Local Gift Guide for Design-Minded, Impossible-to-Buy-for People

It can be exhilarating to know exactly what you are going to give your loved ones for the holidays. Unfortunately, obtaining the perfect gift can be elusive for many. Here is the way it often goes: One day, your friend or family member mentions something they want or need. You quickly make a mental note, and, then, somewhere in bustle of the season, you completely forget; or, better yet, they buy that magical item for themselves on a Black Friday sale. Darn, the plan has been foisted again! If this situation sounds familiar to you, have no fear. We are here to help. Instead of trading the latest in top-gift trends, why not give your loved one something they will actually remember? To help, we put together this little list for those of you wanting to really make an impression on your loved ones this season.

For your buddy, who’s a Frank Lloyd Wright Freak… A membership to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation might just be the ticket! This is a great way to give someone an experience instead of just a trinket that may get lost in the shuffle. There are various levels of memberships, but even at the basic level, your Frank Lloyd Wright-o-phile will get to enjoy a subscription to the Frank Lloyd Wright Quarterly, a discount at the Frank Lloyd Wright Store,Annual passes to the Insights Tour at Taliesin West and discounts on additional tours at Taliesin West. Click here to check out the various levels and benefits of membership.

For your creative friend or family member that has everything… This person is the worst (and most oftentimes one of the best people in your life)! They are impossible to buy for because they have everything. For this challenging character, only an experience of a lifetime will do! You’re in luck. The interactive website, Masterclass, allows you the opportunity to digitally apprentice with notable artists and architects such as Architect Frank Gehry, Photographer Annie Liebowitz, Makeup Artist Bobbi Brown, Comedian Steve Martin or even Chef Gordon Ramsay. So, go ahead and take a bow. You just found the perfect gift for the person who has everything!

For the dramatic one in your life… theater tickets are a MUST! There are many fine theatre companies in the the Phoenix Metro Area such as Desert Stages Theatre, the Arizona Theatre Company, the Phoenix Theatre Company, and the Scottsdale Musical Theater Company. In addition to the various theatre companies, there are many excellent venues around the valley to take in a show such as the Herberger, Tempe Center for the Arts, Mesa Arts Center, and, of course, the Frank Lloyd Wright designed ASU Gammage. Click here to check out the lineup and purchase tickets at ASU Gammage. Do us a favor and take some time to admire the architecture while you are there!

For your funky friend who loves to groove to the music… a membership to the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) will have them dancing around for days! The MIM is rated the top attraction in Phoenix and one of the top 15 museums in the United States by Trip Advisor. As a member of the MIM, your loved one can explore instruments used around the world, dive into the history of music, and attend live concerts and events. Click here for information about purchasing membership to the MIM for the music lover in your life.

For the Art History buff… This person loves art, and, I mean, LOVES art in all of its forms! Be it American Art, Asian Art Contemporary Art, European Art, Latin American Art, Western American Art, Modern Art, Fashion or Photography, The Phoenix Art Museum has a variety of ever-changing exhibits on display, so your art fanatic will never get bored. In addition to the art on display, they also have films, lectures, talks, family events and special “members only” events. Click here to learn more about the membership gift packages the Phoenix Art Museum offers.

Hopefully, this list has given you a few fresh ideas for your design-minded, hard-to-buy-for loved ones this season. And, if you just happen to be that challenging loved one that has everything, feel free to forward this list to your friends and family. We are sure they will appreciate the help!

~ Happy Holidays!