Soak, Steam, Repeat at USVA Spa

Moncton

Think Nordic spa thermal cycle—hot → cold → rest—that feels like a treat, not a chore. A few rounds in and shoulders drop, sleep improves, and conversations get real. It’s an easy half-day gift that feels like a mini-vacation without leaving the province.

Perfect for: couples, besties, solo decompressors, and anyone who needs alone time—a break to focus on themselves.

How to gift it: Slip a USVA gift card (grab online or in-store) inside a card and let them claim their own quiet afternoon—no scheduling on your end.

Pair it with: a reusable water bottle, a good book, or a warm pair of ear muffs or a knit hat for the outdoor portions.

Quiet Woods, Slow Mornings at MapleBrook Retreat

Shediac

Book their own little forest escape in MapleBrook’s bubble accommodations—glamping-style domes tucked among the trees—perfect for an overnight or full-weekend getaway. Think slow coffee, trail wandering, and lights-out whenever. Overnight stays include access to the on-site outdoor spa via reservable time slots (hot tub + sauna), so the unwind ritual is built in.

Perfect for: writers, nature lovers, couples who need a reset, or anyone craving a quiet getaway.

How to gift it: Give a MapleBrook gift card so they can choose their perfect dates.

Pair it with: ultra-cozy PJs or wool socks, a local bottle of wine (or bubbly), and—if you want a splurge add-on—an optional dome dining reservation to make the night feel extra special.

Stargazing with Cliff Valley Astronomy - They Come to You!

Imagine your backyard turning into a tiny observatory. An astronomer arrives, they bring the telescope (the big, pro kind), and suddenly the Moon has texture, Saturn wears rings, and star clusters look like glitter tossed across velvet. It’s a private, mobile stargazing session—they come to you (or a dark-sky spot), tailor the tour to your night, and make the heavens feel close.

Perfect for: families, science buffs, cottage nights or simply wanting to create a “wow” moment.

How to gift it: Buy a Cliff Valley Astronomy gift certificate, or book a Private Star Party on their site: you pay a small deposit now (balance due the night of the event), pick your region/date, and they bring the telescope to you.

Pair it with: a blanket, a thermos, and a tiny red flashlight so eyes stay night-sky ready.

Unplug & Recenter at Jolie Vie Wellness Retreat

Grand Falls

Give the gift of nervous-system calm. Jolie Vie blends a Nordic-style thermal cycle (saunas + cold plunge) with holistic treatments and cozy tiny-home stays in the woods. It’s a choose-your-own-reset: book a thermal session, add a facial or naturotherapy, and linger in their Wellness Lounge for true “ahh” time. Gift cards make it easy—let them pick the ritual that fits.

Perfect for: anyone craving a slower pace, couples, wellness-curious friends, and anyone who says “I just need to breathe.”

How to gift it: Grab an e-gift card for thermal cycle or services (note: accommodations are booked separately).

Pair it with: a plush robe, a water bottle, and a good book.

AURA - A Moncton Holiday Experience

Moncton

Gift a festive night out that feels straight out of a holiday movie. During AURA: A Moncton Holiday Experience (Dec. 4, 11 & 18), the Moncton Market glows with live music and carollers, a cozy outdoor movie setup, hands-on cocktail classes hosted by BRIX Experience, and indoor/outdoor vendor stalls for last-minute treasures—with on-site gift wrapping to finish the job. It’s FREE to attend, easy to plan, and big on atmosphere—complete with a photo station to capture the moment. And yes, you can gift gifts before Christmas—it’s called being efficient.

Perfect for: friends who love a festive vibe, date-night planners, families with tweens/teens, and anyone who prefers creating holiday memories over more “stuff.”

How to gift it: Wrap a handwritten “AURA Night” invite with a small budget for market treats; optionally add a note to try a BRIX cocktail class on-site if available. (No tickets required for entry.)

Pair it with: warm mitts or a scarf, a reusable mug for market sips, and a disposable film camera for old-school snaps.

Stay in a Restored Church (or a Private Dome) at Old Church Cottages

Flatlands (near Campbelton) and Boundary Creek (near Moncton)

Gift a stay with a story. Old Church Cottages transforms historic NB churches into stylish retreats—and adds luxe glamping domes on the Restigouche River for starry, hot-tub nights. Pick the Island View Cottage (mountain/river views), Jones Brook Church Cottage (roomy three-bedroom near Moncton), or Appalaches Domes & Spa (year-round, with kitchens, bathrooms, heat, and private hot tubs). It’s adults-only (teens 15+ at cottages by exception) for a calm, cozy vibe.

Perfect for: couples, best-friend getaways, design lovers, and anyone craving quiet time by the stove and a soak under the stars.

How to gift it: Reserve a weekend as a surprise or arrange a dome/cottage gift certificate so they can choose the dates.

Pair it with: a local bottle to uncork, ultra-cozy socks, and a game to play by the fire.

Give the Gift of Live at the Capitol Theatre

Moncton

Make it a night that plays back for years. The Capitol’s season mixes feel-it-in-your-bones concerts, one-night-only storytellers, laugh-til-you-cry comedy, touring theatre and dance, classic films with live twists, and Francophone showcases—so you can match the show to their vibe. And the setting elevates everything: a beautifully restored 1920s vaudeville house in downtown Moncton, known for its grand architecture and intimate seat hall that puts you close to the action.

Perfect for: date nights, parent escapes, best-friend hangs, and anyone who lights up at the words “live show.”

How to gift it: Two easy routes: (1) Choose a specific show you know they’ll love—instant home run. (2) Give a Capitol Theatre gift card so they can pick the performance and date themselves; gift cards can be purchased online or at the box office and never expire.

Pair it with: Downtown dinner reservations, a handwritten “open me the night of” note, and a taxi credit for a carefree evening.

Wrap up something truly NB this year: a memory they’ll talk about long after the holidays.

From steamy spa circuits to starry backyard observatories, experiences make the best stories—and they keep New Brunswick’s communities thriving. Ready to find more? Head to Navigate NB on our site to explore tons of local experiences you can gift (or enjoy yourself).