Context Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday season is upon us—and, though atmospheric, Michael Bublé, Christmas markets, and hot apple cider bring with them a certain amount of holiday gifting stress. But fret not: the Context gift guide and blog are here, and it's sure to have something for everyone on your list. So without further ado, our top holiday picks for all stripes of curious traveler:  

For the bibliophile: 

Did you know that many of our guides are published authors? 

One of our recent favorites is Eight Flavors by NYC guide and food historian Sarah Lohman, in which she explores the ingredients that define the American culinary landscape—from vanilla to Sriracha.

And, as we’ve been long-time adorers of City of Lights, we’d also recommend The New Paris, an exploration of more modern trends of France’s capital, by Paris guide and journalist Lindsey Tramuta.

For the dramaturge:

There's no place like New York for theater, and tickets to the Great White Way (or Off- Broadway finds) are inspirational fodder for the inquisitive. If NYC isn't included in your travel plans in the near future, we've got the perfect online course for you! 

We love “American Utopia”: For those looking for something a little funky, David Byrne—yes, of Talking Heads fame—delivers a concert-cum-spectacle that’s nothing like your typical Broadway production. 

The Public Theater: A small Off-Broadway theater in the East Village, The Public (and Joe’s Pub next door), has a knack for finding the best up-and-coming playwrights and performers (ahem, yes, this is where Hamilton got its start), from the eclectic to the mainstream.

Cinematic Moments That Impacted American History: A Two Part Course with Marc Lapadula: While most works of cinema are produced for mass entertainment and escapism, a peculiar minority has exerted a profound influence on American Life. Led by Yale Film Professor Marc Lapadula, this two-part course will discuss several movies (with accompanying film clips) that, for better or worse, made their indelible mark on the American history books.  

For the seeker:

Gift a subscription to Afar, a digital and print companion (and our Context partner) for the wanderlust afflicted the world over.

For the philanthropist:

Donate on behalf of your loved one to a worthy cause—like our friends at We Are Here Venice, an organization whose mission is to protect Venice's unique environment and reverse the effects of overtourism. (And as a registered B-Corp, this is certainly on our list!)

For the Francophile:

Whisk away your amour to Paris for a taste of la vie en rose—and be sure to stay with our friends at Le Bristol Paris, a 5-Star hotel located in the 8th Arrondissement on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. 

For the Fashionista:

Want to really impress them? While on your aforementioned NYC getaway, visit In America: A Lexicon of Fashion Exhibition, with Context. Get an insiders view of the Met Museum with an art historian.

If they're a life-long learner, they may love our upcoming January 2022 course, Glitter and Gold – History of Western Jewelry: A Six Part Course with Estela Mendes. In this course, we will learn how jewellery evolved in the western world, from Ancient Egypt to the most famous jewelry houses such as Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels. We will analyse the different types of jewelry and their purpose through centuries, the symbology of stones and the evolution of the jewellery trade.  

For the artist:

Gift a membership to The Cultivist, a premiere global arts club that gives access for you and up to three guests to skip the line at over 100 of the world's top museums.

For the endlessly curious:

Still puzzling over the perfect gift? This holiday season, choose experiences and connection over things.  A Context gift card might fit the bill. Redeemable for any of our in-depth, expert-led, immersive experiences around the world, online or in person. Through Context, you can explore the Colosseum with an archaeologist, uncover masterpieces of the Louvre with an art historian, or explore the palaces of Istanbul with an architect— from home, or in person.