Giving gifts is more than a tradition. It’s a way of expressing connection, gratitude and love. A thoughtful gift shows someone that you truly see them, that you’ve taken the time to understand what brings them joy or meaning. It’s not about the price or size, but the sentiment behind it — the act of saying, you matter to me. Whether it marks a milestone, celebrates a success or simply brightens an ordinary day, gift-giving strengthens relationships and creates shared moments that linger long after the occasion has passed. In a world that moves quickly, a well-chosen gift is a small but powerful reminder of care, appreciation and human connection.
Experiences and Gatherings
Once upon a snowy December evening, in the heart of Lincoln, there stood a place where holiday dreams came to life — Venue 5 Twenty-Two (Venue5Twenty-Two.com). It wasn’t just a building of grand halls and sparkling lights; it was a place where laughter danced through the air and every gathering shimmered with a touch of Christmas magic.
Inside, tables glimmered beneath chandeliers like freshly fallen snow under moonlight. The scent of warm food drifted through the air, mingling with the cheerful sounds of friends and coworkers sharing stories from the year gone by. Outside, the fire pits crackled merrily, their glow wrapping guests in a cozy embrace as they sipped festive drinks and watched the stars twinkle overhead.
With more than 17,000 square feet of enchanting indoor and outdoor space, Venue 5 Twenty-Two could transform into anything your holiday heart desired, a grand winter ball, a joyful company feast, or an intimate fireside celebration. Tucked away, the private suites, once reserved for brides and grooms, offered quiet little havens, perfect for secret plans, warm laughter or a peaceful moment by the glow of the tree.
And even as December fades, the holiday magic continues. Venue 5 Twenty-Two carries the festive spirit into January and February, creating celebrations that feel just as merry and bright. So if you’d rather skip the rush and host your gathering after the holidays, this magical venue and its joyful staff will make it feel like Christmas every day.
When the weather turns cold and the golf courses are covered in frost, The Back Nine Lincoln South (TheBackNineGolf.com/Lincoln-Ne-South) becomes a cozy place to keep the love of the game alive. It’s where golfers gather to stay sharp through the winter months — and where families and friends come together to share a little friendly competition and a lot of laughter.
This holiday season, The Back Nine is encouraging people to focus on experiences over things. Spending time together, learning something new and keeping a favorite pastime going through the winter makes for lasting memories. Whether it’s a quiet hour working on your swing in the simulator or a weekend outing with the whole family, the experience brings people closer while keeping the fun of golf alive until spring returns.
For those who want to give a meaningful gift this year, The Back Nine offers lesson packages and eGift cards that can be used for tee times, lessons or merchandise. Lessons with Class A PGA Professional Matt Person combine top-of-the-line technology with personal instruction to help golfers of any level stay confident and consistent. It’s a thoughtful way to give someone time, time to play, to practice, or to share the game with others.
There’s something special about giving an experience you can enjoy together. Whether it’s a gift card slipped into a stocking, a lesson package for a dedicated golfer or an afternoon spent playing rounds on the simulator with friends, The Back Nine offers a warm, welcoming way to celebrate the season and keep the spirit of golf going strong all winter long.
The Back Nine is the perfect holiday place to get the office golfers together, but if you want a more formal, full-service place to host, The Talon Room in Downtown Lincoln isn’t just a place to throw a party; it’s a space where memories are made, laughter fills the room, and the end of the year feels truly celebrated.
Imagine walking into a warm, festive setting where everything’s taken care of, from the food, drinks and atmosphere. With customizable catering, a full bar and seasonal décor that turns the space into your own winter celebration, the Talon Room (TalonRoom.com) makes it easy to turn a simple night out into a shared experience.
Whether it’s a laid-back cocktail night, a casino-themed bash, or a cozy dinner for 150–200 guests, the space adapts to fit your kind of fun. Smaller groups can add a playful twist with game tables and friendly competition, while larger parties can enjoy a full evening of dining, dancing and connection.
Their holiday package makes planning effortless — just $40 per person for five hours of private venue time and a two-entree buffet for groups of 100 or more. You bring the people; they’ll bring the magic.
So instead of another “office party” that still feels like work, gift your team a night that feels like a thank-you and a celebration of everything you accomplished together. The Talon Room has the space, the service, and the sparkle to make it happen.
Every year, we chase the perfect holiday gift, something that says, “I know you. I appreciate you. I see you.” But the best gifts aren’t just objects. They’re moments, experiences, feelings, and memories that last long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Maybe it’s the sparkle in their eyes when they open a box that holds something truly personal, something that feels made just for them. That’s the magic of thoughtful giving.
For 120 years, Sartor Hamann (SartorHamann.com) has helped Lincoln transform gifts into memories. We’ve watched generations celebrate engagements, anniversaries, milestones, and small everyday joys with pieces that don’t just shine, but tell stories. From timeless classics to rare vintage treasures to watches that mark life’s biggest achievements, every piece is chosen with care and crafted to last.
And when you want to give something beyond the ordinary, our expert jewelers can help bring a vision to life—whether that’s designing a brand-new heirloom, reimagining a family diamond, or engraving a message only the two of you will ever know.
So this season, think beyond the checklist. Choose a gift that captures a feeling, a promise, a thank-you, a shared history. And when you’re ready to make it sparkle, Sartor Hamann—celebrating 120 years of love, luxury, and legacy—will be here to help you find the one.
Food and Culinary Gifts
Some of the best gifts in life don’t come in boxes or holiday wrapping. They are the moments that happen around a table—the shared laughter, the stories told between bites, the feeling of belonging. For decades, DAVINCI’S (Davincis.com) has been part of those moments in Lincoln, feeding families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors with pizza, pasta, and hoagies that feel like home.
This holiday season, the table takes on even greater meaning. Mornings become warmer and slower when shared with Greenfield’s skillets and fresh coffee. Evenings are filled with the familiar scent of baked pasta, melted cheese, and hoagies stacked just right. Plates are passed, bites are shared, and glasses are raised. These are the moments that fill the season—not the rush, but the time spent gathered together.
A DAVINCI’S gift card may seem simple at first glance, but it offers something more meaningful: an invitation. It invites someone to slow down for a meal, to meet a friend, to sit across from someone they care about and savor not just the food, but the time. It’s a promise that memories will be made—whether it’s laughing about a slice of pizza that didn’t quite make it to the plate, or lingering long after dessert because the conversation is too good to end.
Even the desserts have a way of telling their own story. The espresso-soaked ladyfingers and velvety mascarpone of tiramisu, or the soft, oversized cookies that disappear faster than expected—these are more than sweet treats. They are pauses. They are excuses to stay just a little longer. They are the punctuation marks on the moments we try hardest to hold onto.
This season, the gift of DAVINCI’S isn’t just about food. It’s about the people at the table. The meals we linger over, the cookies we split, the conversations we return to long after the plates are cleared—these are the gifts that last. And they can’t be wrapped. They can only be shared.
The holidays are about more than presents under the tree. They are about moments spent together, laughter shared over a meal, and toasts made to the people who matter most. Salt Mine City Brewing Co. (SaltMineCity.com) is a place where those moments unfold naturally.
Located in Lincoln’s Haymarket District, the brewery invites guests to slow down and enjoy one another’s company. Friends gather over small-batch beers, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs and rich seasonal brews, while hearty comfort dishes make sharing a meal as easy as sharing a story. Each visit becomes a chance to connect, to laugh a little louder, and to savor time together, a gift that cannot be wrapped.
Whether you are planning a birthday celebration, a work gathering, or a casual night out with friends, Salt Mine City’s private party room provides a welcoming space for creating memories. With room for small groups, a full menu of crowd-pleasing food, and fresh craft beer on tap, every gathering becomes an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy one another’s company.
Giving the gift of an experience at Salt Mine City Brewing is about more than an outing. It is about offering the gift of time together, shared laughter, and connection. A quiet winter evening over a seasonal stout or a lively table filled with friends toasting the year past becomes a present that will be remembered long after the glasses are empty.
In a season full of hurry and noise, Salt Mine City Brewing reminds us that the most meaningful gifts are the ones that bring people together. It is a place to slow down, connect, and celebrate the simple pleasure of being with the people who matter most.
There’s a special kind of joy that comes from giving something made with love, something that has been carefully crafted by hand, meant to be shared and savored. That’s the spirit behind Sweet Things by Marcy (SweetThingsbyMarcy.com), where every pie, pudding and cake feels like a heartfelt gift all on its own.
Marcy, a proud veteran and baker with deep Southern roots, pours her heart into creating desserts that remind people of home, the kind of treats that bring everyone to the table and make even ordinary moments feel like holidays. From her silky banana pudding to her famous pecan and sweet potato pies, each dessert tells a story of tradition, care, and community.
There’s something timeless about giving baked goods as a gift. A homemade pie or a box of carefully wrapped desserts carries a kind of meaning that can’t be found on a store shelf. It’s a way to show appreciation through something warm and tangible. The sweetness lingers long after the first slice is gone, becoming part of a shared memory between the giver and the receiver.
For those looking to give more than a store-bought gift this year, Sweet Things by Marcy offers a delicious way to show appreciation. A beautifully boxed pie or dessert platter makes for a thoughtful client gift, a gesture of thanks to a host, or a sweet surprise for someone special. Each creation is made from scratch with real ingredients and a generous touch of Southern hospitality, making it as meaningful as it is mouthwatering.
Whether you’re sending something sweet across town or setting the centerpiece of your own holiday table, Marcy’s desserts bring warmth, nostalgia, and joy to every celebration. The best gifts do not just sparkle under the tree; they fill the room with laughter, the air with sweetness, and the heart with memories that last long after the last bite.
Experiences and Adventures
The holidays are a season of movement, not just from place to place, but from moments of everyday life into times of connection, laughter, and celebration. Tailored Dreams (TailoredDreamsLimousines.com) invites people to step into that journey, turning travel itself into a gift.
Imagine stepping onto a party bus with friends or family, the glow of holiday lights reflecting on the windows, music filling the air, and conversation flowing freely. Each mile becomes part of the celebration, a chance to share stories, laughter, and small traditions that make the season feel magical. The ride is no longer just a way to get somewhere, it is a space to arrive together, to slow down, and to enjoy the company of those who matter most.
Gifting a journey with Tailored Dreams is about offering more than a destination. It is about creating a shared experience that begins the moment you step inside the bus. Whether it is a night out with coworkers heading to a year-end celebration, a friends’ holiday lights tour, or a family outing filled with joy and conversation, the ride itself becomes part of the memory, as meaningful as the gathering that awaits at the other end.
Thoughtful details including spacious interiors, holiday playlists, and professional drivers who make every passenger feel cared for transform a simple trip into an experience to savor. Every ride offers the gift of presence, connection, and time spent together in a way that is rare during the hectic season.
This year, consider giving the gift of a journey. With Tailored Dream, the road into the holiday season becomes part of the celebration, and every mile is an opportunity to make memories, share laughter, and arrive together.
Some of the best gifts are not things you can wrap. They are the moments you spend together, the laughter that fills a room, and the memories that linger long after the holidays have passed. Sun Valley Lanes & Games (SunValleyLanes.com) is a place where those moments come to life.
From the first strike on the bowling lanes to the playful chaos of laser tag and the quiet fun of mini-golf, every activity offers a chance to connect. Families, friends, and coworkers can step away from their daily routines and simply enjoy each other’s company. The air is filled with laughter, the excitement of friendly competition, and the warmth that comes from being together.
Giving someone the gift of time at Sun Valley Lanes & Games is about more than an outing. It is about creating memories that they can carry with them long after the balls are returned and the lights go down. Whether it is an afternoon spent cheering on a child’s first strike, a night of laughter with friends, or a chance to bring coworkers closer through shared play, it is the shared experience itself that becomes the gift.
In a season that can feel rushed and busy, it is a reminder that the most meaningful celebrations are the ones where people gather, connect, and enjoy one another. The simple joy of spending time together can be as sweet as any present, and places like Sun Valley Lanes & Games make those moments easy to find and impossible to forget.
The holidays are about wonder, shared experiences, and moments that bring people together. For families in Lincoln, the Nebraska Christmas Lights Show has become a place where those moments come alive. Driving through the twinkling displays, visitors are enveloped in color, music, and the magic of the season. Each turn brings a new scene to admire, a new opportunity to laugh, marvel, and create a memory with loved ones.
This year, the show is smoother and brighter than ever with two lanes of traffic, including a VIP lane that offers special touches like free treats, glowing LED necklaces, and even a red-carpet photo opportunity. These small gestures enhance the experience, turning a simple drive into a festive adventure that can be shared with family, friends, or a special someone.
For many, the light show is more than a display. It marks personal milestones and holiday traditions. Families have celebrated anniversaries, birthdays, gender reveals, and even proposals within its glow. Children wave from car windows, parents pause to take pictures, and grandparents watch in delight as their loved ones experience the wonder together. The light tunnel is one of the most photographed spots, capturing the joy and connection that the season inspires.
Every piece of the show is custom-built in Lincoln, combining artistry and technology to create a spectacle unlike any other. The lights are individually programmed to dance with precision, making every visit feel unique and alive. For the creator, this is a gift to the city that has supported his family and business for over twenty years, a way to give back to the community while spreading holiday cheer.
Visiting the Nebraska Christmas Lights Show (NebraskaChristmasLightsShow.com) is more than a holiday outing. It is a chance to slow down, marvel at the beauty around you, and share laughter and wonder with the people you care about. In Lincoln, this light show is a gift of connection, joy, and the magic that makes the season feel truly alive.
The holidays are a time to slow down, step away from routines, and spend meaningful moments with the people who matter most. In the rush of shopping lists, parties, and decorations, it is easy to forget that the season is about connection, shared laughter, teamwork, and the simple joy of being present with others.
One of the most unexpected ways to experience that connection is through Escape Lincoln (EscapeLincoln.com). Their escape rooms invite friends, family, and coworkers to put phones away, work together, and solve puzzles in a way that feels playful, engaging, and full of discovery. Every clue found and challenge overcome becomes a small celebration, a reminder of the joy that comes from being part of a team. It is a chance to give someone the gift of attention, laughter, and shared accomplishment, a present that cannot be bought in a store.
During the holidays, the experience grows even richer. Special events like the Masquerade Murder Mystery transform a night out into a festive adventure, mixing curiosity and creativity with the warmth of companionship. Cozy touches in the lobby, hidden surprises, and lively music create a welcoming space where guests can pause from the season’s chaos and focus on what really matters, time together.
Escape Lincoln is also working on The Nook, a new community space designed to help people slow down, unplug, and build real connections beyond the screens. Gifting time at Escape Lincoln, or in the future at The Nook, is a way to give someone the chance to share an experience that is about presence, connection, and joy rather than things.
This season, the most meaningful gifts are not wrapped with ribbons. They are experiences, adventures, and moments spent side by side. Escape Lincoln provides a chance to give that gift, a reminder that the best way to celebrate the holidays is together.
The holidays are a time to slow down, to savor moments, and to gather with the people who matter most. Capital Cigar Lounge turns those simple gatherings into an experience. It is a place where the warmth of good company meets the ritual of a finely crafted cigar, where conversations flow as naturally as the drinks, and where the act of being present becomes the gift itself.
There is a certain pleasure in the tactile experience of a cigar, carefully chosen, unwrapped, and lit. Holding it, feeling its texture, and enjoying the first draw is a ritual that invites focus and mindfulness. Paired with a hand-crafted cocktail, a glass of wine, or a favorite beer, each cigar becomes more than a flavor. It becomes a shared moment. With friends, family, or colleagues, that simple act of enjoying a fine cigar together transforms ordinary time into something memorable.
Gifting an experience at Capital Cigar Lounge (CapitalCigar.com) is about more than a membership or a box of cigars. It is an invitation to slow down, connect, and celebrate relationships. Whether it is a night out with friends, a holiday gathering with coworkers, or a quiet afternoon spent together, the lounge offers a space to make memories in a way that cannot be replicated with objects alone.
Even small touches enhance the experience. From the refined atmosphere to the fresh air ventilation, every detail ensures comfort, conversation, and presence. With colder weather keeping gatherings indoors, the lounge becomes a cozy retreat for connection and celebration. A gift to Capital Cigar Lounge is a gift of time, attention, and shared enjoyment that lingers long after the cigars are finished.
This holiday season, the most meaningful gifts may not be things. They are the laughter, the conversations, and the moments spent together. At Capital Cigar Lounge, every visit is an opportunity to give the gift of presence, connection, and the simple joy of sharing a well-crafted experience.
At Lincoln Running Co. (Shop.LincRunningCompany.com), the season is filled with opportunities to connect while keeping active. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., runners gather for the Cookie Co Cookie Run, a chance to get a winter workout in and celebrate with a sweet treat at the finish. It is more than just a run. It is a weekly reminder that the season is richer when shared with others, that every step and every cookie is a small gift of joy and connection.
On Shop Small Saturday, the tradition continues with the “Shop Small – Sweat Big Run.” Runners meet at 7:30 a.m., head out for a brisk morning run, and return to the store for Cromlettes and coffee from The Coffee House. The gift here is layered: the exhilaration of exercise, the warmth of hot coffee, the taste of a freshly made treat, and the laughter and camaraderie of fellow runners.
These experiences are about nourishing both body and community, making the season feel lighter and brighter.
Along with organized runs, the shop offers winter apparel that keeps runners warm, comfortable, and motivated. A thoughtful gift of high-quality running gear is more than clothing, it is encouragement, support, and a way to show someone you care about their passions and well-being.
Even as the year winds down and the races slow, these weekly runs and thoughtful gifts of connection keep the spirit of movement alive. This holiday season, give the gift of community, activity, and shared joy. A run, a warm cookie, a cup of coffee, or the perfect winter layer can become the moments that make the holidays memorable for the people you care about.
The holidays are a season of warmth, generosity and small gestures that carry big meaning. At Ryan’s Market, every gift tells a story, one of care, purpose and connection. Founded with the dream of creating opportunities for people with special needs, the market has become a place where giving goes beyond objects. Each purchase supports a mission and spreads joy to both the giver and the receiver.
Walking through the store during the holiday season is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Shelves are filled with bird feed, feeders and houses, alongside jars of honey, jellies and Vermont maple syrup. Puzzles and handmade quilled cards, earrings, ornaments, and bookmarks bring a touch of creativity to every gift. Each item reflects thoughtfulness and intention, perfect for anyone on your list who appreciates something meaningful and handmade.
The true heart of Ryan’s Market (RyansMKT.com), however, is Ryan himself. Greeting visitors with a smile and a warm hello, he embodies the joy of the season. Every interaction is personal, reminding shoppers that the holidays are about more than what is under the tree. They are about connection, presence, and the happiness we share with one another.
Gifting from Ryan’s Market is a chance to give more than a product. A bird feeder can bring someone closer to nature, a jar of syrup can create a cozy morning ritual, and handmade creations carry the love and effort of someone who cares deeply about their work. Each gift leaves a lasting impression, reminding the recipient of the joy they helped bring into someone else’s life.
This season, a gift from Ryan’s Market is a way to share warmth, kindness, and the spirit of giving in its purest form. It is a present that creates memories, inspires gratitude, and celebrates the connections that make the holidays truly special.
When the first snow hit and the holiday rush kicked in, parents everywhere were wandering the aisles searching for something different. Toys? They’d be forgotten in a week. Clothes? Kids outgrow them in a month. But tucked between all the typical holiday chaos was a gift that didn’t just sit under the tree… it got people out of the house.
Enter the GetOutPass (GetOutPass.com) —aka the golden ticket to a year packed with “Let’s go somewhere!” energy.
No fancy wrapping needed. No batteries required. Just pure, adventure-on-demand magic. One pass unlocks 40+ attractions — trampoline parks for the wiggle worms, bowling alleys for the competitive crew, indoor play spaces for winter survival… and more. One price. One app. One year of “I’m so glad we have this.”
Parents called it the winter break lifesaver. Grandparents loved that it bought actual time together instead of more clutter. And budget-conscious families nearly cheered—because the fun didn’t stop when the holidays did.
Every tap of the app meant laughter. Every outing turned into a memory. And every use felt like unwrapping a present all over again.
That year, the most unforgettable gift didn’t sit under the tree—it took families everywhere. Again. And again. And again.
Lastly, many of us travel for holidays. Whether your family lives in another state or you plan on taking a hiatus from the family festivities and plan a holiday trip, remember to think of your furry companion. Sometimes, traveling unfortunately means leaving your furry best friend behind, but leave them in the best care with Kenl Inn.
Kenl Inn (Kenl-Inn.com) is filled with ways to stay connected with your pet during their time at the Inn. With Pet Secret Santa Exchange, Pup-A-Grams with holiday accessories, and Holiday Pamper and Play Packages, your dog can join in on the fun, making the holidays just as festive for them.
If you plan on taking your pet on holiday festivities, make sure they will greet every guest with manners. Kenl Inn offers Classic Holiday Dog Training Classes to make sure your pet can handle the chaos of the holidays. They also offer holiday bandannas and bows to make your furry friend look even cuter for the holiday season. Kenl Inn has been nominated Lincoln’s Choice for the last 7 years in a row, so you know, beyond the holiday fun, they will make sure your pet is safe, happy, calm and potentially making new friends at the Inn.
From handcrafted gifts to shared meals, from dazzling lights to unforgettable experiences, the true magic of the holiday season lies in connection. Each gift, whether a tangible token or a moment spent together, is an opportunity to slow down, appreciate the people around us, and create memories that endure. Lincoln is full of places that make this possible — businesses that care, experiences that inspire, and products that carry heart and meaning.