Too early to talk about Christmas gift ideas? (Pittsburgh, Scott Township: to buy, theater)

[stasia]

... nah.

I'm poking around for some "alternative" Christmas gift ideas for my father. I don't want to buy him a "thing" that may or may not be used; instead, I'm looking for an "experience" gift like theatre or a class.

Along the lines of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Craft Beer School or a farm-to-table + wine pairing dinner ... something like that?

I've really only just started to think about this, so let the ideas rip.

Thanks!

[urbanbird]

Check out livingsocial.com and other deal sites for adventures in your area!

[CaptainPittsburgh]

Does you father like theater? A season subscription to Quantum Theatre might be a cool idea. I've gone to a few of their shows and have always really enjoyed myself. They do small and intimate productions in unique spaces (like in the middle of the Frick Art Museum or in an abandoned floor of a building downtown). They're also incredibly talented, haha; I'm realizing this description on its own isn't conveying that. They generally select very interested work and have excellent performers.

This is less active than the example you gave, though, so it may miss the mark.

[Pitt Chick]

One of the best Pittsburgh gifts I received was a gift certificate from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. It could be used for any Trust event of my choosing.

[Newdaawn]

Stasia - I think theater tickes are a wonderful idea - whether to live theater or movies. I think I may do that myself for someone this year. You will be thought of as they use them too.

[Geeo]

If he likes museums, I suggest a membership to the Carnegie Museums, which include the museums of art and history in Oakland, the Any Warhol Museum, and the Science Center. You can go to any of the museums for a year, including special exhibitions. And you get 10% off food at the cafes. It's nice for those cold winter days.

[John Dark]

Fencing lessons at Three Rivers Fencing Center

[XRiteMA98]

OK, to answer your question #1 yes, it is WAAAAAY too early to even mention X-mas. Come on it's not even halloween yet. I've seen stores in downtown with xmas stuff on the shelves in .... september? What's gonna happen next we'll be preparing for x-mas 6 months per year? This x-mas exaggeration always gets me upset during the holodays and ruins the whole thing for me. Why is the birth of Jesus more important than his death? We don;t prepare for Easter that long in advance. So what's the difference. Is still Jesus, isn;t it?

Question #2. I'd reccoment Crate in Scott Township Welcome to CrateCook.com! . I second the opinion that Quantum theatre has quality shows.

[greg42]

Originally Posted by Pitt Chick

One of the best Pittsburgh gifts I received was a gift certificate from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. It could be used for any Trust event of my choosing.

This seems like a good one. Works not just for any Trust event but also pretty much anything happening in the Cultural District like Pittsburgh Symphony, Pittsburgh Public Theater, etc. (Those are not technically Trust events.)

Several places you could get a good dining experience these days. Eleven has a chef's table in the kitchen where they will design somewhat of a special tasting specifically for the party, which can be up to 6 people.

With the beer angle, maybe this place in Greenfield where you can brew and then bottle your own beer without having to get equipment for home: Copper Kettle Brewing Company You can get gift cards for that place. This concept sounds like fun, and you can have up to 5 others come and help. The cost is per beer batch not per person it looks like.

[fleetiebelle]

If your dad's a foodie/meatie, the Crested Duck offers butchery classes: Crested Duck Charcuterie: Event Page