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Last-minute shoppers can please almost everyone — and avoid the mall — by giving Las Vegas experiences.
For the Frustrated Mixologist: Cocktail Classes at Velveteen Rabbit
This Main Street staple — glowing under twinkle lights that crisscross the newly refreshed Main Street — has been serving creative cocktails for years. Now, you and five of your closest friends or adult family members can learn to replicate their most decadent beverages. Drinks with names like Arthur Flanzarelli or Papa Loves Mango. Cocktail classes are taught by owners and overall cool ladies, the Dylag sisters. With their one-on-one attention, even the most culinarily challenged can walk away an educated mixologist, along with some memorable moments. $60/person (includes three cocktails), 1218 S. Main St., velveteenrabbitlv.com
For the Anxiety-Ridden Workaholic: Rage Room Session at Sin City Smash
Help those you love who are crushed by the burden of a stressful job or home life. This establishment provides a private room where guests can obliterate inanimate objects, creating a fantastic release. Tired of hearing your cousin complain about how Sheila from accounting never answers her emails? Exhausted from the way your spouse yells at other inept drivers on the road? Sin City Smash is what they need. You might even end up booking a session for yourself. $35 and up, 2907 Meade Ave., sincitysmash.com
For the Desert Dwelling Hockey Fan: Skating Lessons at City National Arena
Treat the Vegas Golden Knights super-fan in your life to classes that will bring them closer to the athletes they admire. Literally closer, as City National Arena is where the team practices. Classes are available for all ages and skill levels. You haven’t experienced true joy until you’ve seen a middle-aged man ice-skate for the first time. Hockey has swept up Las Vegas in a magnificent fever. Since it shows no signs of breaking, further education is in order. Be the one who provides it. $155 for eight lessons, 1550 South Pavilion Center Drive, citynationalarenavegas.com
For the Grandiose Gourmand: Dinner at É by Jose Andres
In a city known for extravagant dinning, one would have to be truly exceptional to stand out. This is the case with É by Jose Andres, one of The Cosmopolitan’s hidden treasures. The intimate chef’s-table experience plays jump-rope with the lines between food, art, and performance. A meal reserved for lists, best of and bucket alike. Dinner here will earn you, the tasteful gift-giver, gratitude that may never end. $275/person, in The Cosmopolitan, ebyjoseandres.com
For the Fitness and Fresh Air Enthusiast: Annual Pass to Red Rock Canyon
The fancy gyms in Las Vegas can’t compete with the splendor of the natural world. Or top the natural world’s ability to furnish exercise that’s sure to knock even the fittest among your friends on their behinds. The hiking trails at Red Rock Canyon combine the serenity of beautiful desert landscapes with high-octane, full body workouts. All without the need for a high-strung, spandex-wrapped instructor. The “gift that keeps on giving” cliché is truly apt with the Red Rock Canyon Annual Pass. $30 at
park entrance