If you're still looking for some gift ideas that are sure to be appreciated, consider the gift of adventure this holiday season. 

Giving the gift of travel and adventure is a unique, memorable gift that creates memories that will last a lifetime. Years down the road, the recipient won't remember that one materialistic gift that was under the tree, but the memories of an adventure in Alaska will definitely stay with them for a lifetime.

There are amazing experiences to be had in the Mat-Su Valley, and a gift certificate makes a perfect gift. Here are a few of our favorites:

A Talkeetna experience - give the gift of a weekend spent in one of Alaska's most unique towns. There are a number of great and cozy bed and breakfasts, cabins and even the larger Talkeetna Alaska Lodge. Couple that with a gift certificate for a Denali experience that includes flightseeing, rafting, jet boating or even zip lining. The possibilities are endless.

A glacier experience - Matanuska Glacier is Alaska's largest road-accessible glacier, and affordable guided trips are available year-round. In addition to trekking on the glacier itself, a rafting trip down the Matanuska River is an adventure that is fun and memorable. Knik Glacier is filled with adventure as well, including stand-up paddelboarding in glacier tide pools.

A backcountry experience - guided ATV and snowmobile trips are great for the person who wants to get into the backcountry, but doesn't necessarily have the equipment or the knowledge. These are fully guided so you won't have to worry about getting lost. There are a number of trips to choose from.

A fishing experience - the Mat-Su Valley rivers are filled with salmon and trout, and by going with a guide, you take the guesswork out of finding them. There are even guide services that specialize in ice fishing trips in the winter and lake fishing in the summer. Trips are affordable and by giving a gift certificate at Christmas, you have six months to get excited!

By giving the gift of travel, it makes gifts more personal and special. Christmas gift giving doesn't have to be materialistic. And, by giving a gift certificate for an adventure experience, you are helping small family businesses succeed.

Happy holidays!