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The Tempus Christmas Gift Guide 2022: Experiences
By Gabriel Power | 10 November 2022 | Travel
Want to gift something beyond the realms of the tangible? This fourth instalment in our 2022 Christmas guides collection is for you
With Christmas fast approaching, this week sees Tempus compile the best gifts to grab for a family member, a friend – or even yourself. Over the next few days, we will be looking at the best luxury gift items available in categories ranging from indulgent food and drink to stunning design pieces for your house. Our fourth instalment goes beyond the realms of the tangible world and takes a look at experiences you can buy for a loved one – in case unwrapping a present under the tree just isn't thrilling enough.
So you've got a friend or relative that isn't impressed by a bottle of whisky? Or will turn their nose up and give a limp "oh… thanks" at a scarf wrapped up and stuffed under the tree?
If so, Tempus has you covered. We've compiled the best experiences, subscriptions and other non-tangible presents to pick up for a loved one this Christmas, from parties in the Maldives to monthly jam subscriptions.
Thinking Drinkers Tasting Club
The Thinking Drinkers Tasting Club is the latest experience fromTom Sandham and Ben McFarland, once dubbed the “pioneers of alcohol based comedy” by The Times.
Each month the award-winning alcohol experts, writers and drinks historians are delivering a trio of discerning drinks direct to members, before hosting an entertaining and enlightening online tasting.
Armed with their mantra “drink less, drink better”, The Thinking Drinkers have been broadening the nations booze horizons as critically acclaimed writers, podcasters and comedians. Renown for their hilarious and entertaining tasting shows, they have been selling out theatres around the UK for more than a decade.
MATCH Hospitality
Sports fans rejoice! MATCH Hospitality AG, one of the leading players in sports hospitality, have since 2007 offered premium hospitality packages at some of the world’s largest sporting events. Think private boxes, champagne and unparalleled views of the action.
Currently, the organisation is taking requests for packages at the Women’s Football World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, and the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone, which takes place in July or August next year.
Blue Coffee Box subscription
Blue Coffee Box coffee beans are all ethically sourced from farmers and local cooperatives around the world using the Direct Trade model, which means farmers are paid 30% more than Fairtrade prices – and the beans are then lovingly hand-roasted by the UK’s best coffee roasters.
The sleek letterbox friendly EcoBoxes (fully compostable) can be delivered fortnightly, monthly or every other month (or as a one-off gift) and each box contains two x full sized EcoBags (fully compostable) of 100% pure arabica coffee that is curated to personal taste. You receive different coffee every month, so each month is a lovely surprise.
Club Wembley
Club Wembley, Wembley Stadium’s exclusive private members club, offers levels of memberships to suit your needs and wants. At the top level, dubbed One Twenty, 120 lucky members can recline and relax in the members’ lounge before moving to the bar to enjoy unlimited champagne and bespoke cocktails to suit all tastes. An indulgent five-course meal awaits, with menus inspired by match and event days, providing guests with a culinary experience like no other.
Major events like the Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final and Final, England international matches and the Carabao Cup Final are all included as core events in any Club Wembley membership. As well as priority access to tickets for in-demand concerts which so far this summer have included sell-out shows for Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, Westlife and Coldplay, and other high profile sporting events, like the NFL and boxing.
Blooming Haus masterclasses
For people eager to unearth their creative side and decorate the house this Christmas, Blooming Haus' Christmas masterclasses will help them achieve just that! Spearheaded by master florist Michal Kowalski and his business partner Michael Dariane, the masterclasses will show attendees how to decorate the house like a professional and create opulent tablescapes and eye-catching festive wreaths.
Dubbed floral engineers for their visionary creations, the duo will teach clients the dos and don'ts of purchasing flowers, paying special attention to sustainability. Returning to the studio for coffee and festive pastries, people are then led through the steps of creating designs that are manageable, yet result in real show-stoppers!
WSET course
What is WSET, you may ask? Well it's the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, which offers wine course that make the perfect gift for anyone that loves wine, allowing them to explore the world of oenology in more depth.
It's now possible to take WSET’s globally recognised Level 1 and Level 2 Award in Wines courses online from start to finish including an online exam, as well as at wine schools across the UK; the Level 1 Award is perfect for beginners and is a great way of igniting a passion for wine, learning how to navigate wine lists and impressing friends and family with your wine knowledge!
Bolney Estate tours
Bolney Wine Estate in Sussex, one of the oldest English vineyards, are continuing their tradition of creating delightful, giftable experiences this year.
Tempus' pick of the season is the Sparkling Wine & Tour Voucher Gift Box, where buyers can choose one of Bolney’s sparkling wines to enjoy, paired with a vineyard tour & tasting voucher for a unique experience at Bolney’s Sussex Estate.
Everyman Cinema gift vouchers
When it comes to film lovers, there’s no one size fits all, so Everyman’s gift cards are the perfect present for any relative or friend that loves a night in front of the big screen. These luxury Christmas gift cards are now available on Everyman's website and can be topped up with any value you choose, starting with a minimum of £20.
With a wide array of blockbusters, independent and classic films, there is something for everyone at Everyman, so allow your loved one to put their feet up and relax on a plush velvet sofa for two, and perhaps even order a glass of bubbly delivered straight to their seat. Make it a Christmas to remember, and let Everyman transport them to an ultimate cinematic experience in style.