Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la larrraahh no, Christmas shopping!
Yep, with the silly season comes the pressure to find the perfect presents to spoil your loved ones with. But don’t worry, we asked our team to share the meaningful Christmas RedBalloon gifts they have on their wish list to either give away or secretly hinting at for themselves. Here are the meaningful gifts our team will be buying this Christmas.
Sangeeta Kocharekar – Lifestyle Editor
Hot Air Ballooning Over The Hunter Valley – For 2 – Weekend
“A hot air balloon ride is an experience I’d probably never buy for myself but would be happy to get as a gift — even better if the gift giver had the plan to make a weekend trip of it. The Hunter Valley would make for an incredible setting, with its vineyards — plus, I usually go there about once a year, so every time I went back, I’d remember that time I soared over it.”
Valentina Todoroska – Managing Editor
Skydive Over Wollongong Beach – Up To 15,000ft
“I would love to gift my husband a skydiving voucher for Christmas. I’ve actually already gifted him this before through RedBalloon for his 30th birthday and we had such an amazing experience. It would be wonderful to do it all again a few years later and relive the experience, considering we enjoyed it so much the first time.”
Alana Young – Gaming Producer
Hands-On Trial Flight With Aerobatics – 45 Minutes
“When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up to be either a writer or a pilot. I grew up to be a writer, but if someone gave me this as a gift I would scream and then give them a little kiss on their forehead. Not only do you learn how to fly the plane, but you also get to ride in it as it does tricks. Sign me up and strap me in, please!”
Joel Burrows – Culture Producer
Sydney Harbour Cruise with 3-Course Lunch – For 2
“I have chosen a Sydney Harbour cruise with a three-course lunch as my experience. This is because I love fine dining and my fiancée loves Benny the seal, who vibes on the Opera House steps. If I’m able to nom on some scrumptious food while the love of my life is on seal patrol, we’ll both have 10/10 times.”
Jack Revell – Culture Editor
Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Lunch and Snorkelling
“I’d have to go with this one. Having just come back from the reef, I can confirm its pure bucket-list stuff. You can watch all the documentaries you want but nothing comes close to swimming right up to some psychedelic coral teaming with schools of fish or floating along next to a sea turtle. It’s magic. Everyone probably wants to do this but might not buy it for themselves so it would make an excellent gift.”
Cassandra De Francesco – Client Solutions Coordinator
Authentic Italian Cooking Class with Meal – 4 Hours
“I would love to give this ‘Authentic Italian Cooking Class’ as a Christmas gift for my parents. Coming from an Italian heritage making pasta was a huge part of their childhood in Italy. Being able to handmake traditional pasta with expert Chef Stefano, would allow them to immerse themselves in the culture again and bring back wonderful memories from their hometowns in Italy.”
Stephanie Anderson – Entertainment Editor
Penfolds Make Your Own Blend Wine Making Experience – For 2
“I think this would be a great gift for any couple of friends. Not only do you get to learn about wine, but you also get to share a fun experience together and create something that’s specifically for the two of you, which is pretty special!”
Dominique Birouste – Branded Content Editor
Byron Bay Sea Kayaking with Dolphins Tour – 3 Hours
“My husband and I took up kayaking during the pandemic as a fun way to exercise and fell in love with it. I also think I’m one of the few people who live in NSW who hasn’t been to Byron Bay so this experience really ticks all the boxes PLUS who doesn’t love dolphins?!”
Still looking for some gifting ideas? RedBalloon is offering up to 30% off selected experiences during their 2022 Christmas sale. From skydiving to scenic cruises, you can save on an amazing range of Christmas gifts. Offer valid from 29th Nov – 25th Dec 11.59 pm AEDT. Check out what’s on offer here.