50+ Experience Gift Ideas
The holiday season can be pretty trashy. In fact, a 2019 survey found that Americans alone spend around $15.2 billion on unwanted holiday gifts. And if these unwanted gifts aren’t returned (which majority are not), they end up in the landfill or incinerated.
So if you’re looking to share an experience rather than a gift, here are some ideas! 😊
1. Cooking Class - I mean, who doesn’t love food? This one can be super fun and with a quick Google, it’s likely you can find a class near you!
2. Concert - Does the person you’re gifting have a favorite band or musician? Grab some tickets to their next show in town & jam out!
3. Visit a New or Favorite Restaurant - Again, I love using food as a way to connect. Make a reservation at a new or favorite restaurant and spend some time chatting over a good spread.
4. National Park Trip - The great outdoors are a great gift on their own if you ask me! You could even grab them an America The Beautiful Park Pass to gift!
5. Picnic - Grab some snacks + bevvies and find a spot with good scenery!
6. Weekend Getaway - This one can be whatever you make it! Maybe it’s a camping trip at the lake, maybe it’s a roadtrip to the mountains, maybe it’s booking an Airbnb somewhere new to explore.
7. Spa Day - Everyone could use a little extra self care these days. Whether it’s a couples massage, facial or mud spa moment. Give the gift of relaxation!
8. Sauna & Cold Plunging - A wellness moment with loads of benefits! Check your local spas and wellness centers to see if they offer this combo (often referred to as “Fire & Ice”).
9. Yoga Class - Book a flow for you and a friend. Add on a smoothie date afterwards too!
10. Sewing Class - For that friend or family member that loves DIY projects or would enjoy learning how to mend their own clothing.
11. Ice / Roller Skating - Visit the rink and rent some skates together! If it’s ice skating, hot cocoa is the perfect additional companion.
12. Rock Climbing - Personally, I love rock climbing and it can be even more fun with a friend! Grab some passes, harness up and get climbing!
13. Snowboarding / Skiing / Cross Country Skiing - Hit the snowy slopes together!
14. Theatre Performance - Think Broadway shows, musicals, plays, operas and more!
15. Movie Date - Dinner and a show (plus popcorn, of course). If you live near a Drive-In Theatre, that can be a unique spin too!
16. Horseback Riding - Find a spot that offers lessons or equestrian trail excursions!
17. Sporting Event - Have a sports fan in your life? Tickets to their favorite game just might be their favorite gift of the season!
18. Kayaking - Find a local river or lake and see if they offer kayak rentals!
19. Camping / Glamping - Spend some quality time together amongst the trees!
20. Projector Movie - A backyard or elevated indoor movie experience for two or more! (Susty Tip: Many times you can rent projectors from your local library.)
21. Pottery Class - Spin the wheel and learn how to make a tea cup or bowl together!
22. Stand Up Comedy Show - Give the gift of deep belly laughter!
23. Candle Lit Dinner - This could be in your own space with a home cooked meal or a special spot with the perfect ambiance.
24. Staycation - A night on the town and a local hotel stay for two!
25. Museum Moment - Visit a local museum followed by lunch.
26. Cook A Meal Together - Cooking together can be fun, find a recipe in one of those recipe books you rarely use or browse Pinterest for something you both will love.
27. Fitness Class - Kickboxing, barre, pilates, HIIT, and more options!
28. Sound Healing - An experience filled with sound vibration, releasing stuck energy and chakra balancing.
29. Online Course - Nowadays there are SO many online courses! Find the perfect course for your loved one.
30. Babysitting - If you know someone with a little one at home, chances are they would love the gift of babysitting.
31. Pedi / Mani - Kick your feet up and relax!
32. Donation - Donate to a cause that someone in your life deeply cares for.
33. Gym Membership - Health is a great gift if you ask me! 😊
34. Art Class - Encourage someone to express themselves!
35. Subscriptions - A thoughtful subscription curated for the one you’re gifting.
36. Hot Air Balloon Ride - So unique and so fun! That’s my kind of experience gift!
37. Volunteer - Give back to your community together. ❤️
38. Coupon Book - I remember gifting these when I was younger, and I still think they’re such a fun & thoughtful little homemade gift.
39. Skydiving - For the adventure seeker in your life! They even have “indoor skydiving” nowadays that you could try out too.
39. Language Class - Give the gift of learning another language!
40. Plane Tickets - That trip you’ve always been talking about? Take it! Maybe even make it a surprise too!
41. Train Ticket - For example, from Michigan you can easily train over to Chicago for a short trip!
42. Crafting / DIY Workshop - See what’s offered near you & book something crafty.
43. Amusement Park Trip - For the thrill seekers!
44. Dance Class - I was gifted this a couple years ago and it was so much fun!
45. Farm Tour - Take a trip to your local farm or orchard!
46. Snorkeling / Scuba Diving - Book an experience with a guide or safely DIY it at a local spot.
47. Go Karting - For someone that has the need for speed!
48. Whale Watching - An experience to be remembered forever. 🐋
49. Trampoline Park - Think high energy activity!
50. Botanical Garden - Visit your local botanical garden together, and if weather permits, have a picnic nearby too!
51. ATV Adventuring - Rent an all-terrain vehicle near some trails and have fun!