Reserving a space on the Virgin Galactic craft does include some centrifuge training in Philadelphia, where participants will go on reduced gravity flights. But maybe there are some other stocking stuffers you could add, just to ensure your loved one spends the time in space enjoying the view rather than recovering from the worst case of motion sickness he or she’s ever experienced. (Virgin Galactic, US$250,000, virgingalactic.com)
A few ideas:
A Multi-Play Pass for West Edmonton Mall: A one-year individual pass at $269 means your loved one can go on the Space Shot at Galaxyland as many times as needed to get that gag reflex under control. It launches passengers 120 feet high in less than two seconds, and then drops them. It’s not the same as the g-forces involved with space flight, but it might be the closest thing to it in the city.
Space snacks: What would be a road trip without snacks? The Telus World of Science’s gift shop sells freeze dried ice cream sandwiches for the down-to-Earth price of $4.95 each.
Choc Creator 3D Chocolate Printer
$7,000
Sure, most of us know the story of Willy Wonka. But, what if you could be just like Charlie and get the chance to inherit the chocolate factory? With the Choc Creator 3D Chocolate Printer you can make treats every day, without the need for a golden ticket. (Choc Edge, $7,000, chocedge.com)
Now that you’ve given your loved one the chance to be Willy Wonka – complete the gift with a special 50th anniversary edition of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, available at Audreys Books through special order. Featuring original illustrations from Joseph Schindelman, it’s sure to bring out the Oompa-Loompa in all of us. (10702 Jasper Ave., 780-423-3487)
Oompa-Loompa, hippity-hop!
I’ve got a chocolate printer
And it won’t stop!
Terminus Bike
$38,000
This hybrid bicycle from M55 will get you farther, faster, while you hardly break a sweat. M55 is a Hungarian bike manufacturer, but it sources parts from across Europe. And the Terminus is the latest in M55’s line of extravagant e-bikes. A battery cell and motor give you the extra push to make this thing go like a stylish bat out of hell. Pull the throttle, and the motor provides extra torque. Heck, M55’s Beast model could do nearly 80 km/h. But, don’t worry, the RPM sensors monitor how fast you pedal, and won’t allow the bike to torque you out of your speed comfort zone. You won’t hit the throttle and go off like a shot. In Canada, you can only get the bike through a dealer in North Vancouver (M55, $38,000, m55-bike.com).