San Francisco has numerous shopping malls and districts for whenever you need to go on a last-minute gift shopping trip. Whether it’s for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or other special celebrations, gift shopping is something that you’ll go back to all year round.
But if you’re feeling stuck when it comes to gift shopping and want to find some fun and stimulating options, consider giving an unforgettable San Francisco gift experience to your friends and family. These are at the top of our wish list — read on to get inspired.
1. Float therapy session at Reboot
Reboot offers a fun sensory deprivation treatment that makes for a unique SF gift experience for that loved one who deserves a luxurious self-care day. Their float therapy tanks are filled with body-temp water and pounds of Epsom salt, which provides a sensation of total weightlessness and helps to relieve pain and tension. Other treatments include -220°F cryotherapy chambers, infrared saunas, and cold plunges.
🎁 Learn more: Reboot Float & Cryo Spa
2. Bookbinding classes at SF Center for the Book
SF Center for the Book is a local non-profit organization and museum that works to preserve and uplift book arts in the community. The crafty friend in your life will love their in-depth classes, which usually last around 3 hours and teach you skills like letterpress, western paper marbling, and of course bookbinding. Their gift cards are great for all occasions, and you can order them as an eGift card or have them mailed to your giftee with their special letterpress card holders.
🎁 Learn more: San Francisco Center for the Book
3. Helicopter tour of San Francisco
Tower Tours offers a bucket-list opportunity for adventurers to see the city from an unparalleled perspective. Their helicopter tour takes off from its location in Mill Valley to give you an unbelievable view of Alcatraz, Angel Island, SF City Hall, and Golden Gate Park from above. Your pilot will tell the story of the famous Alcatraz escape attempt and other local lore throughout your flight.
🎁 Learn more: Alcatraz City Sites Helicopter Tour
4. Luxurious journeys aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train
It can be hard to justify treating oneself to a luxurious journey aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train — but that’s why it makes for a great gift. The gorgeous vintage train hosts an exciting range of experiences, ranging from elaborate themed murder mystery dinners, to wine-tasting lunches, to seasonal meals showcasing the best local ingredients.
A more affordable alternative could be the Skunk Train in Mendocino or Roaring Camp’s vintage steam trains out of Felton.
🎁 Learn more: Napa Valley Wine Train
5. A hot air balloon ride in wine country
Did you know that you can book a hot air balloon ride in Napa Valley? Multiple companies offer these epic journeys, but Napa Valley Aloft is one of the most popular and dates back to 1978. Board a colorful hot air balloon in Yountville and gaze over panoramic views of local vineyards, Mt. St. Helena, the Mayacamas Mountain Range, and even faraway glimpses of the San Francisco skyline.
🎁 Learn more: Napa Valley Aloft