Sometimes the best holiday gifts aren't something tangible, but rather when someone takes the time to do something fun together and the real gift is the memories you take away from those experiences. We love creative and out-of-the-box gift ideas and some of these might just be perfect for that special someone on your list that you really have no idea what to get for them.
Take a Hike with a Loved One
Holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year but they can also bring stress. We all need to take a break from the hectic schedules and to-do lists. Do yourself a favor and grab a friend and make time to get into nature. Getting away from it all, breathing deeply and soaking in some of the natural world can do wonders for your mental state. Give yourself and someone you care about the gift of a truly calming experience because a relaxed you is a better you during the holidays.
Hit the Legends of Superior Trails for some truly magical time with native plants deep in nature. Learn more about the your next hike here.
Small Town Shopping Excursion
If you do like to do your shopping in the cities you should continue that guilt free because there is nothing wrong with that. Malls provide a condensed and convenient shopping experience that can get you through your list, but maybe not without the crowds and traffic headaches. Small towns can offer a nice complementary shopping excursion that you can really find one-of-a-kind gifts in boutique shops. You can feel good about supporting rural small business owners who are grateful for your patronage. The shop owners in Superior take a lot of pride in keeping the historic downtown beautiful and vibrant. They are investing in the community as a whole and for that we should be thankful. Spend a day during the holidays strolling through Main Street of this little mountain town and you may just find the spirit of a small town holiday. Visit our list of downtown shops here.
Visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum
If you are local to the area you should definitely put an annual membership to the arboretum on your list. BTA truly is a gift that keeps on giving all year long. As a frequent visitor you will always see something new blooming, colors changing and new inspiration popping, not to mention its a great place to get your daily steps in. If you are visiting from further away then you need to gift yourself a trip to see these magnificent gardens. Soak in the mountains, the wild and cultivated plants and the desert wildlife that is bountiful here.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. It is one of the oldest botanical institutions west of the Mississippi. Founded in 1924 as a desert plant research facility and “living museum”, the Arboretum is located in the Sonoran Desert on 392 acres along Queen Creek and beneath the towering volcanic remnant, Picketpost Mountain. More on Boyce Thompson Arboretum here.
Stay the Night in Superior
For our city dweller friends we invite you to come and experience a night away from it all in Superior. Far enough away from the city you will encounter crystal blue skies during the day and bright starry nights. Amongst the craggily mountains and saguaro covered hillsides your senses will be heightened to the sights and sounds of the desert. Downtown Superior brings friendly faces and easy conversation perfect for the holiday season. Either staying at one of the hotels or an Airbnb you will find the perfect spot to stay for you and your family. Check out places to stay here.
Stuff your Mental Stocking with Creativity
Superior offers self-guided mural tours, unique art classes and art galleries to refresh your creativity. Spread throughout downtown there are a total of 27 outdoor murals, many of them completed in the past few years. Taking a stroll downtown searching for murals is a great way to explore the town on foot and take in the historic architecture. For bonus points document your mural tour on instagram with a fun jump photo!
Art 145 operates a public studio space, art classes for adults and children, and soon an artist-in-residence program. They promote a collaborative community, foster new work and intellectual exchange, and provide artists with exposure. They are a hub for creatives to experiment, learn new mediums, and improve their craft.
Perhaps a loved one would appreciate bringing a little Arizona flair into their home with a desert painting or a piece of southwest art. Browse Superior's local downtown art galleries to find something truly one-of-a-kind. This little town really has some good art vibes to spark some inspiration for the new year.
Rejuvenate at the Spa
Superior Skincare helps people glow with spa services that include facials, waxing, dermaplaning, peels, and makeup. You will start the restoring process the moment you enter. The music, the lighting, even the snacks are all subtle reminders of loving who you are. Relax, relax, relax! Check out the skincare menu here.
Off-roading Adventures for the Whole Family
For young families with kids a one-of-a-kind off-road jeep tour with a friendly guide you can check out Superior Tour Company. The kids will love the excitement that off-roading can bring. They provide historical off-road and in town tours with either a lifted off-road jeep or a golf cart. Take in the sites and history of Superior and get up close and personal with the beauty of the landscape. Choose from one of many packages around Superior learning about the Silver King Mine, Picketpost Mountain, Oak Flat, or you can mix and match to see exactly what you want! Also available are night time tours to go ghost hunting or see celestial events or perhaps a whimsical, nostalgic, adventurous, quiet, peaceful, spontaneous, romantic, star gazing type of night tour. Book a tour here.
An unforgettable adventure awaits with Superior UTV Rentals. Hop onto a UTV that is street legal which means you can ride straight from their shop to the trails, just minutes away. They will teach you step by step how to use the vehicles and provide all the necessary safety gear. Your rental will come equipped with a trail map for easy traveling. Let the adventure begin! No trailers needed. Rzr's can also be booked to a designated drop off location. 1-3 day rentals. Book your rental here.
Book a Local Wine Tasting for You and the Besties
It's a nice time during the holidays to make time to catch up with friends that are a part of your support system. Treat them to something special with a private wine tasting in this cozy little town. Bruzzi Vineyard is located in scenic and historic Young, AZ. They are the first vineyard in Gila County. The grapes are expertly crafted into some of the finest wines in the state. Taste what they are bottling up at the Bruzzi Vineyard Tasting Room on Magma Avenue in Downtown Superior. Located in a beautiful historic building, the tasting room is the perfect place to relax. Not only will you find incredible wine, you can also shop for great gourmet gifts and handcrafted items. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday reservations are strongly recommended. Make reservations for your tasting here.