Michelle Vale 
In the hunt for the perfect holiday gift, many of us have realized that experiences leave lasting memories. More and more people are seeking out experiential gift ideas for their special loved ones. Here in the Montclair area, there are many choices for this type of gift, from a day at the scent bar to an active outing playing pickleball. Read on for more of The Montclair Girl’s favorite experiential gifts in Montclair and beyond.
Beauty + Wellness
Aura Head Spa | 28 S Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Scalp health and treatments are currently trending with an over 150% year-over-year jump in online searches. It turns out that tending to your scalp is the self-care you never knew you needed. It is said that it can help with migraines, anxiety, hair thinning, and loss as it works to improve blood circulation. At Aura Head Spa, you will indulge your senses of sight, scent, touch, and sound. The luxe and moody vibe immediately invites you in, and at once, you will feel your blood pressure drop. The chill music and pleasant scents pull you in further, but it’s the treatment that will take you to complete tranquility. Pick up a gift card for your loved one, and heck, maybe one for yourself!
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Nails by Mariaale | 1051 Bloomfield Avenue, Clifton
This is an under-the-radar, in-the-know nail experience. This is not just nail design… peruse the gallery and see for yourself. The possibilities are endless, and you will certainly see what you wouldn’t think was possible. Mariaale Nail salon also keeps sanitation top of mind with its next-level cleanliness.
Gift cards are available here.
Virile Barber Shop | 112 Forest Street, Montclair
Some guys just like a classic cut, and others like a bit more primping. Classic Barber Shops offer cuts and more, including beard trimming and hotel towel shaves. Bourbon and beer are offered on the house for the ultimate in a relaxing outing. Worth noting, in addition to their stellar skills with haircuts and straight razor services, attention to detail and hospitality are at the core of the business. Choose your gift card options here.
Alchemy Scent Bar | 30 Church Street, Montclair
Here you can literally take your olfactory memories and make them a reality! Does the smell of apples, cinnamon, and vanilla conjure memories of fall, when your mom would bake that first apple crisp of the season? Make a diffuser and cozy up with that scent at leisure. Have a fragrance that you love, that’s been discontinued? Don’t fret, you can replicate it! Want a custom perfume for your upcoming nuptials, one you can wear for a lifetime? Alchemy Scent Bar can help you create it. From cologne to lotions, diffusers, and more. Visit solo or make it a date night/ group night out. It’s a truly engaging and memorable time! Gift the experience of scent creation here.
Greymade | 16 Church Street (2nd Floor Left), Montclair
This is a truly special experience where everything is made to fit and material selections are customized to the client’s desire. Founder Kelly Grey has trained at some of the world’s most notable fashion programs, including the Fashion Institute of Technology, and now has a bespoke lingerie and loungewear shop here in Montclair. She also creates custom loungewear for all. Greymade is the ultimate in sustainable luxury. Made using environmentally friendly materials, these one-off pieces help keep overproduced commercial products out of the landfill. Click here to purchase a gift card for a future fitting.
Crystals and Candle | 195 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair
Their candles combine scent, illumination, and healing crystals to help radiate healing and energy into your home. Shop already-made candles or custom-create your very own. It has a variety of other products too, all to bring beauty, energy, and intention into everyday life. Crystals & Candle also offers candle-making classes where you can create a candle, including a signature custom scent and your choice of personally selected crystals. Each gemstone carries unique energy, allowing guests to infuse their candle with meaning, whether for love, peace, abundance, or protection. This is a fun experience for groups too… girls’ night out, family or couples time… you choose. Click here to purchase a gift card for a future candle-making experience!
The Arts
Montclair Film | Various Locations around Montclair
If you are from the Montclair area, you have likely heard of Montclair Film. They host the renowned annual Montclair Film Festival. But did you know they are also connected to The Claridge Theatre and the highly anticipated, soon-to-be-open Bellvue Theatre, with full operation scheduled to begin in early November 2025. Just in time for the busy holiday season! So on that note, why not give the gift of film, one that will last all year long? A Montclair Film membership extends to the film festival, The Clairidge, and will include The Bellevue Theatre now too! Highlights include early access to purchase film festival tickets, $4 off movie tickets, $6 matinee tickets, and so much more.
The Wellmont Theater | 5 Seymour Street, Montclair
For over 100 years, the Wellmont Theater has been showcasing varying genres of art. From theatre to music, dance, comedians, and more. Tickets purchased at the box office in person avoid all service fees. Check out all upcoming shows here and purchase tickets online here… or head straight to the box office and log in those steps
Bubble Planet | 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
Some might dispute its art, but it’s an immersive experience for sure, and it’s educational, highlighting the architectural structure of bubbles and so many more interesting facts. Fun for kiddos and adults too! It brings the wow factor and the VR experience for an extra $6 is a must. A fun activity to gift to a friend/friends or any loved one. This is a gift they can save for a rainy day! You might also consider this gift card option, which can be used towards any of the Fever experiences across the US.
Sports + Fitness
Montclair Golf | 369 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This is an all-season indoor golf spot for golfers to work on perfecting their game 24/7. With a membership, golfers have 24/7 access to this state-of-the-art facility. There are several different membership options to choose from. Check them out here. Bonus: Bring a friend or two along for no additional charge. Need/want lessons? No sweat! For an additional fee, Native South African and PGA Class A Professional Christoff Els is available. With over 12,000 hours of teaching experience, he can help improve game skills, and the membership will allow for practice to no avail. Gift cards for memberships can be snapped up here.
Montclair Pickleball | 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
Montclair Pickleball started with a location in Montclair, expanded with a facility in Fair Lawn, and has now come full circle with a new indoor location in Montclair slated to be open in December 2025. It has programming, parties, socials, camps, open play, tournaments, and so much more. One can get their game on throughout all four seasons with indoor courts in both Fairlawn and soon Montclair, and outdoor seasonally at Fairlawn. Gift cards can be purchased here.
Pvolve | 558 E. Crescent Avenue, Suite 202, Upper Saddle River
Pvolve combines strength, mobility, and stability training to deliver total-body results. It’s actually clinically proven to build muscle with a focus on deep core and balance to improve control, and increase range of motion to activate more muscles and create length and tone. Workouts can also be done at home with one-of-a-kind equipment to provide constant, progressive resistance for balanced muscle tone. Adaptable for all ages and activity levels, with modifications and advancements to keep members challenged. It’s noted that no two classes are the same to keep all fitness gurus consistently engaged. For now, one will have to travel to Upper Saddle River, but word on the street is that a potential Montclair location could be on the horizon. Get your fave fitness person their gift card here.
Food
Kurly Kurtosh Cafe | 74 E Passiac Avenue, Nutley
This experience is for the person who is always looking for new food experiences. Ever heard of a Hungarian Chimeny Cake? Well, if not, here is the chance to discover one. These cakes are a typical sweet treat made on the streets of Hungary. Nicole, owner and chimney cake extraordinaire, perfected her baking skills whilst living in Budapest. When she moved back home, she decided to open a cafe specializing in this confectionery treat. Not too sweet, this cake can be enjoyed with a simple coffee, but top it with ice cream and various other toppings, and you have a next-level ice cream sundae.
Classes are offered by Nicole herself to teach the art of chimney cake making. Enjoy a class and then sample the creations. Worth noting, what really makes her cakes stand out is the use of European flour and butter. Simple and fine ingredients help make this a standout Chimney Cake worth seeking out. Delight your loved one with a gift card to use towards this experience.
Restaurant Minoru | 608 Valley Road, Fl2 Montclair
This list wouldn’t be complete without newcomer Restaurant Minoru. Minoru hit the Montclair dining scene this past summer, and the buzz has yet to stop. Pair any of the above experiences with a night out at Minoru, but this gift also stands on its own. Anyone’s senses will be thrilled by the umami experience offered at Minoru, which is created by Tyler Laiamnuay, former sous chef of world-renowned Masa. The dishes are beautifully executed, and the ambience is clean and modern with subtle Japanese details.. Click here to purchase a gift card to Minoru now.
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