The holiday season is here, and so is the hunt for the perfect gift! This year, skip the ordinary and find something that truly stands out. We’ve rounded up inspiration from around The Bend to help you give unique and special gifts that are outside of the typical. Experiences that create memories, memberships that keep the fun going all year long, and one-of-a-kind treasures from local shops and artists. And when in doubt? You can't go wrong with a gift card to one of our local restaurants. Explore our list below and "Bend Your Rules" this holiday season.

Attractions

Broadway in South Bend Season Membership

Membership to the American Theatre Guild guarantees your secured seating for all shows at the Morris Performing Arts Center at a great value, plus benefits that provide exclusivity and flexibility throughout the season, all while enjoying a one-of-a-kind theatre-going experience. Additional tickets can also be purchased at a discount for most shows before they go on sale to the public. If necessary, you can also exchange your tickets to another performance of the same show. This is a wonderful year-long experience to give as a gift!

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Also consider a subscription to the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, which offers guaranteed seats for each concert in your series, worry-free ticket exchanges, savings on additional tickets and more.

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RELATED CONTENT: Don't Miss These Holiday Shows in South Bend

Indiana Dinosaur Museum Membership

Purchase an unlimited pass for your dino-lover, which grants every day, unlimited access to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum, The South Bend Chocolate Company Museum, and full all-day access to the Continental Divide Park. You also receive 10% off all purchases at the T-Rex Gift Shop as well as South Bend Chocolate and South Bend Public House. Receive invitations to all special events and free admission to all lectures.

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Potawatomi Zoo Membership

Your purchase of a Potawatomi Zoo membership will gift someone enjoyment and adventure throughout the year. There’s something for everyone with a wide variety of admission options based on your membership level of choice. Some benefits include free unlimited regular admission, discounted admission to over 150 zoos nationwide, discounts on Zoo camps and classes, discounts in the Zoo gift shop and special events, free admission to Winter Days during the Zoo’s off-season, a subscription to UPROAR, the Potawatomi Zoo magazine about wildlife, Zoo events, animals, and staff, a free copy of the conservation calendar, and more!

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South Bend Cubs Swag and Suites

Pick up a gift certificate or Cubbie Cash from the Cubs Den Team Store to use toward South Bend Cubs merchandise, or to use for the 2026 season! Also consider renting one of Four Winds Field's brand new spaces for a special outing. 

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RELATED CONTENT: Take Me Out to the Ball Game: South Bend Cubs Baseball

South Bend Museum of Art Membership

Gift the immersion in visual arts with a membership to the South Bend Museum of Art. As a member, you will receive a discount on classes, opportunities to be the first to experience new exhibitions, events and more. SBMA offers adults and youth creative and stimulating experiences through hands-on educational programs, diverse exhibitions, and strong experiential events and classes.

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Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum Campus Membership

Give the gift of learning this holiday season. Enjoy many benefits with your campus membership that include free admission to the Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum and Oliver Mansion, discounts in the Museum Stores and on facility rentals, and advanced notice about upcoming events and exhibitions. Your membership will also give you access to the Time Travelers program, granting you benefits and privileges at more than 300 museums including free or discounted rates for admission, tours, and more. 

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Eat & Drink

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant Gift Card

Buy $25 in gift cards to Hacienda and get $5 off. The offer is valid in November and December of 2025. $5 off cards are redeemable in January and February of 2026.

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RELATED CONTENT: Around The Bend: Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

Navarre Hospitality Group Gift Card

If you want to give your gift recipient options, consider a gift card for Navarre Hospitality Group. They will have the option to use it at Cafe Navarre, Cascade, Doc Pierce's, O'Rourkes, Rocky River Tap & Table, Spirited and more.

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Photo credit: Andrea Grieco

The MFG Experience Gift Card

If you want to give your gift recipient options, consider a gift card for The MFG Experience. They will have the option to use it at Corndance Tavern, Evil Czech Brewery, Jesús Latin Grill & Tequila Bar and more.

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Restaurant Gift Cards

It's probably hard to find any place that doesn't offer a gift card. Consider getting one to a local restaurant. We have no shortage of amazing options in The Bend.

Experiences

Blackthorn Golf Club Membership

Treat the golfer in your life in 2026 with a membership to Blackthorn Golf Club, which includes unlimited green and cart fees, special rates and deals, adnvance booking, food and beverage credits, range ball discounts and pro shop discounts.

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Concerts at Notre Dame Stadium

We are "Back in the Saddle" with another exciting concert in Notre Dame Stadium featuring global superstar and 2-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, Luke Combs, on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

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Is AC/DC more the vibe? They're coming too! AC/DC is bringing the POWER UP TOUR 2026 to South Bend at Notre Dame Stadium on Friday, September 4.

Buy tickets

East Race Waterway Passes

Give the adventurer a gift for an experience unlike anything in the Midwest. Purchase a ride, day or season pass to the East Race Waterway for Summer 2026. Located in the heart of downtown South Bend, the East Race Waterway is the first artificial white water course in North America. Its rapids rival those of the Colorado River and can generate waves up to six feet or higher.  It is approximately 2,000 feet long with a total fall of about 12 feet depending on the flow of the river.

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Event Tickets

There are so many events happening every day around The Bend. Consider looking ahead at our Events Calendar to see if there is something that would make a great gift.

Golf Course South Bend All Inclusive Pass

As a patron of city courses – whether Elbel, Erskine or Studebaker – you will enjoy the benefits of a private golf club, from great golf to friendly service, without paying private club fees. The all inclusive pass inclused green fees, cart and range balls at all three courses. It also includes a 15% discount off golf shop merchandise.

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Howard Park Ice Skating Season Pass

Purchase a season pass for your favorite ice skater. There are individual and family season pass options. Howard Park opens for the season November 28.

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RELATED CONTENT: Where to Ice Skate Around South Bend

Mishawaka Fieldhouse Membership

A membership to the newest sports facility in Mishawaka, Mishawaka Fieldhouse, affords the ability to reserve a court without drop-in fees as well as access to the ball machine and other perks. Mishawaka Fieldhouse has courts for basketball, pickleball and volleyball as well as fields for soccer.

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Momentum South Bend Membership

 A membership to South Bend's newest entrepreneurship hub, Momentum, is a great gift for professionals and entrepreneurs. This membership includes more than a desk or office, but also collaborating with a community of like minded professionals, creatives, and changemakers building the future of South Bend. This can include private offices for individuals or teams, cafés, meeting rooms, a fitness center, podcast studio, and a community of collaborators.

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Notre Dame Hoops & Hockey Tickets

The gift of a Notre Dame basketball or hockey game experience is something unique you will only find in The Bend! Notre Dame Women's and Men's baskteball as well as Hockey seasons last through February. There are plenty of opportunities to catch the action!

Buy tickets

The Cat Lady Cafe Mempurrship

Gift the puuurfect outting for your feline loving friends. At the Cat Lady Cafe you can sip on a tasty beverage while you visit with adorable, adoptable cats in the Cat Lounge. Don't forget to stop through the shop to pick up some unique gifts and coffee to take home. You can also purchase a mempurrship which offers free entry to the Cat Lounge of various types depending on the level you puuurchase. You receive 10-15% discounts on merchandise and a free drink on your birthday.

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Weekend Getaway at Four Winds Casino South Bend

Consider gifting a weekend getaway to The Bend's biggest entertainment destination. Four Winds Casino South Bend offers an all-encompassing experience. Dine at one of its five restaurants — Copper Rock Steakhouse offers fine dining and Kankakee Grille features rustic cuisine — then head to the gaming floor or poker room for a night of thrills. Include a spa day at Cedar Spa and shopping at Four Winds Outfitters. You can also purchase gift cards.

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H2 Pickleball Membership

An H2 Pickleball Membership includes all court fees and open play fees, availability to reserve a court up to 10-14 days in advance, register for events up to 10-14 days in advance, reduced fees for events, free open play and higher playing limits per week.

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South Bend Racquet Club Membership

As a member of the South Bend Racquet Club you receive a discounted rate for all programming. Members-only programming consists of open drills, in-house leagues and team drills. Members can reserve courts two weeks in advance as well as permanent and recurring court time reservations. Tennis membership also includes pickleball membership.

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South Bend Community Rowing Membership

A membership with South Bend Community Rowing includes coached programs for all skill levels, from the Novice learn-to-row program to Masters Rowing. This is a great membership for those looking to row for sport, but also those looking to enjoy summer evenings on the water.

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Wellness Retreat

Who wouldn't want a spa day? Or maybe a gym membership is a great gift for those who like to be active. Check our list for all kinds of ideas for those seeking a healthly lifestyle in The Bend.

Shop Local

The holidays are a perfect time to support local shops. Check our blog below for unique boutiques, but don't forget to check our listings for other stores and markets, and consider many restaurants, coffee shops, etc. have swag and goods for purchase as well!

Country Florist Flower Subscription

The Monthly Wrap Club offered by Country Florist will provide a fresh bouquet of vibrant blooms at your doorstep every month. What a wonderful gift for someone who enjoys the color, fragrance and enjoyment of fresh flowers in their home!

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Holiday Mugs

Miracle Bar at Brasserie 23 and Sippin' Santa at The Exchange South Bend have the most fun, festive holiday cups and mugs for purchase. Visit their incredible Christmas pop-up bars to pick some up for your loved ones! Also consider purchasing gift cards while you're there, or maybe surprised your friends and family with a fun night out to holiday-themed dinner and drinks!

Local Art

There are many local artists that sell creations and goods at art galleries and shops around town. Check our listings for Art Galleries as well as shops below.

Local Bottles & Beer

A bottle of wine, whiskey, or a pack of local craft beer is always a great holiday gift. Or maybe something to bring to dinner! Check our listings for wineries and distilleries as well as our local breweries. These places also carry pretty awesome swag to complete the gift.

RELATED CONTENT: Around The Bend: The Indiana Whiskey Co.