Let’s face it, the 12 Days of Christmas isn’t exactly filled with practical gifts. Who really wants eight maids a’milking or seven lords a’leaping? And do you have any idea what kind of mess all those birds would make – not to mention that geese and swans are feisty even if they’re not laying or swimming.

Everyone on your gift list – true love and all – would much prefer an island Christmas gift. Read on for 12 Ways to Give Catalina this Christmas.

Give a getaway: We can all use a break and giving your true love a getaway to the island of romance is the perfect way to say you care. Whether it’s a quick weekend away or a week in the summer, you can easily plan the perfect vacation online and surprise your sweetie with an envelope of gift certificates for Catalina Island lodging plus island transportation, dining and activities.

Give the ultimate hiking experience: The island’s challenging Trans-Catalina Trail is one of the West Coast’s most intriguing wilderness hiking trails. Stretching from one end of the island to the other and offering awe-inspiring views of the Pacific, this rugged trek takes several days to complete. Want to take your Trans-Catalina Trail experience to the next level? Contact Catalina Backcountry for trail support, gear hauls and comfort camping.

Give the underwater world: Learning to scuba dive opens up an entire world of adventure. Book a dive course for you and your love on the island and get certified at one of the best dive destinations in North America.

Give the gift that gives back by donating to one of many island charities: Give a gift – and give back at the same time – by making a donation to an island charity in honor of those on your gift list. From KISL, the local island radio station to the Chimes Tower Foundation, Avalon Beautiful, Avalon Rotary Foundation or from the Catalina Island Humane Society to the Catalina Island Medical Center Foundation, no matter what your interests – or your family’s – Catalina Island has a non-profit that will put your donation to good use.

Give an expedition to Catalina Island’s wild side: Let those on your gift list roam wild in Catalina Island’s rugged interior with a gift certificate for an off-road adventure.

Give Catalina all year long with a membership to the Catalina Island Conservancy or Catalina Island Museum for Art & History: Make the holidays last all year long by giving a membership to the Catalina Island Conservancy or the Catalina Island Museum for Art & History. Both memberships offer a range of benefits, including free admission, in addition to supporting organizations that preserve and protect the island and its culture and history.

Give an epic battle on the high seas with a fishing adventure: The waters around Catalina Island teem with an abundance of game fish, including marlin, white seabass and tuna. Anglers on your Christmas list will never forget fishing island style on a Catalina Island charter boat.

Give a high-flying adventure with an Maverick Helicopter tour: Flying high above it all on a Maverick Helicopter tour of Catalina Island will make the Catalina Island fan on your gift list swoon with delight.

Give your kids an adventure they will cherish forever with time at a Catalina Island summer camp: Summer camp on Catalina Island has been a tradition for generations of kids – and it’s not hard to see why. New friends and exciting adventures surrounded by the beauty of Catalina Island and a newfound sense of independence combine to make an experience children rave about all year long.  

Give all the stars in the sky: With very little light pollution, Catalina Island is a perfect destination for star gazing. An astronomy tour, led by a trained astronomer, lets you show off the stars.

Give a unique Catalina gift: The island offers a number of unique gifts available nowhere else, including Catalina Island pottery, island-themed salt water taffy, "Cubs on Catalina" paraphernalia and Catalina Island-inspired art. 

Give it all with a gift certificate: Can’t decide what to give? Many Catalina Island businesses offer gift cards or electronic gift certificates, making it easy to give Catalina Island this holiday season. Even easier are Love Catalina gift certificates available in your choice of amounts ($25 increments) and redeemable at most Catalina Island businesses.