26 Unforgettable Gift Experience Ideas: An A-Z Guide
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Struggling to find the perfect gift for someone who seems to have it all? Or maybe you’re planning ahead for Christmas and want something truly memorable that goes beyond the usual gadgets or gift cards. Experience gifts are a fantastic way to surprise loved ones, offering something unique, meaningful, and often unforgettable.
Unlike traditional presents, experience gifts create lasting memories—whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a relaxing escape, or an opportunity to learn a new skill. They’re perfect for people who are difficult to shop for, those who already have everything they need, or anyone who values moments over things. Best of all, many experiences can be shared, making them a wonderful way to bond with friends, family, or a special someone.
From quirky and offbeat adventures to indulgent and luxurious escapes, there’s an experience out there for every personality and interest. Whether you want to make someone laugh, inspire their inner artist, or give them a little adrenaline rush, the options are endless.
Below, we’ve rounded up 26 popular and exciting experience gift ideas to help spark inspiration and make your gift-giving truly unforgettable.
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26 Exciting Experience Gift Ideas That Go Beyond the Ordinary
Afternoon Tea
An afternoon spent sipping tea and eating cakes in a stately home or quaint tearoom could be an excellent relaxing gift for a frazzled family member or friend.
Balloon Ride
Give someone the thrilling experience of taking to the skies in a hot air balloon. Sunrise flights with a champagne toast are a popular option.
Cooking Class
Foodies are certain to appreciate a cooking class. Varieties of this gift experience include pasta making, baking, sushi making, chocolate making, and even sausage making.
Dinner Cruise
Combine a scenic boat trip with a luxurious meal by booking someone a dinner cruise. These gifts are best purchased for two or more people.
Escape Room
As the name suggests, this experience involves escaping a room, often by solving puzzles within a time limit in a themed environment.
Foraging Walk
During these guided excursions into the great outdoors, participants are taught how to identify and pick foods like berries and mushrooms - sometimes with the bonus of a cooking class afterwards.
Ghost Tour
Many historic towns and cities host ghost tours (either by foot or by bus) in which you can hear local ghost stories and visit the places of sightings.
Helicopter Ride
For those with a head for heights, a helicopter ride can be a thrilling experience and an opportunity to capture breathtaking views.
Indoor Skydiving
Less scary and dangerous than real skydiving, indoor skydiving allows someone to experience the sensation of free falling in a specially designed wind tunnel.
Jazz Supper
If you know someone who loves jazz music and fine dining, why not consider a jazz supper in an intimate setting? A multi-sensory experience!
Kayak Tour
These guided tours involve paddling down a scenic river, around a dramatic coastline, or across a picturesque lake. Kayak tours at dawn and dusk can be particularly stunning.
Luxury Train Ride
Luxury train rides offer the opportunity to ride in a chic carriage in a vintage steam train through beautiful scenery. Afternoon tea or lunch may be included.
Mixology Class
Lovers of cocktails will enjoy a mixology class - learn from a master bartender how to craft drink concoctions and enjoy sipping them afterwards.
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Night at the Museum
Inspired by the Night At The Museum movies, many museums now offer after-hours tours or even overnight stays, which allow the option to explore the museum when it is quiet.
Outdoor Movie Viewing
Watch a classic film outdoors! This could be a drive-in cinema or a sit-down outdoor movie theater that allows picnics.
Pottery Class
Allow someone to learn how to craft pottery under the guidance of an experienced potter or ceramicist.
Qi Gong and Tea Ritual
If you’re looking for a truly zen experience, consider a gentle movement session followed by a traditional Asian tea ritual.
Rage Room
On the opposite end of the spectrum, for those who need to let out some frustration, why not consider a rage room?
Supercar Driving Experience
Petrolheads and adrenaline seekers are certain to enjoy a supercar driving experience. Look for tracks nearby that provide the chance to drive their dream car.
Theatre Trip
Who doesn’t love a West End or Broadway production? Take your time to explore different shows and buy some tickets.
Urban Beekeeping Experience
Suit up in a beekeeper costume and learn how to harvest honey with the help of a professional apiarist. Some of these experiences also include honey tastings.
Vineyard Tour and Tasting
Wine lovers won’t turn their nose up at a vineyard tour, especially if it also includes a wine tasting. Some wine-growing regions even offer organised vineyard crawls.
Wildlife Tour
Friends and family members who are fascinated by nature are certain to enjoy a wildlife tour. From whale-watching tours to owl walks, there are a variety of tours to choose from.
XR Art Immersion
XR (Extended Reality) art immersion experiences offer the option to explore paintings using VR goggles or mobile apps virtually. Popular art exhibitions include Van Gogh, Dali, and Picasso.
Yacht Overnight Stay
Spend a night on the water in the private cabin of a yacht. This is a fantastic romantic experience for couples.
Zorbing
We end this list with zorbing - the opportunity to be rolled down a hill in a large inflatable ball. A great gift experience for thrillseekers and those who enjoy offbeat adventures!
Final Thoughts
Giving an experience rather than a physical gift can create memories that last far longer than any object. Whether it’s a serene afternoon tea, a high-speed supercar drive, or a quirky adventure like zorbing, these gifts allow you to tailor the experience to the recipient’s personality. Experiences also have the added benefit of encouraging bonding, learning, and shared joy.
Which experience from this list would you love to give—or receive—this year?
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