Physical gifts get forgotten. Experiences become stories. Research consistently shows that spending money on doing things creates longer-lasting happiness than spending money on having things. Here’s how to give experiences that actually land.
The Case for Experience Gifts
Nobody tells dinner party stories about the blender they got three years ago. But that cooking class? The hot air balloon ride? Those become part of someone’s identity narrative.
Experience gifts also solve the “they have everything” problem. Even people with cluttered homes have room for new memories.
Active Adventures
Skydiving — Tandem jumps require no experience. Most places include training, gear, and video. $200-350 range. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for the right recipient.
Kayaking or Paddleboarding Tours — More accessible than extreme sports. $50-150 depending on duration and location. Many include wildlife viewing or sunset timing.
Rock Climbing Sessions — Indoor climbing gyms offer beginner packages with instruction. $30-80 including gear rental. Good for testing interest before committing to outdoor climbing.
Food and Drink Experiences
Cooking Classes — Sur La Table, local culinary schools, or private chefs offer everything from pasta-making to sushi rolling. $75-200 range. Often include the meal you prepare.
Wine or Whiskey Tastings — Beyond basic tastings, look for blending experiences where you create your own custom bottle. $50-200 depending on what’s included.
Chef’s Table Dinners — Multi-course meals with direct chef interaction. Pricier ($150-400) but memorable for food enthusiasts.
Creative and Learning Experiences
Pottery Classes — Wheel-throwing sessions let people make actual functional items. $40-100 per class. Increasingly popular as a relaxation activity.
Photography Walks — Guided tours in photogenic areas with instruction on composition and settings. $75-150. Great for anyone with a camera collecting dust.
Glassblowing Workshops — Make your own ornament, paperweight, or drinking glass. $100-200. The “I made this” factor is high.
Relaxation and Wellness
Spa Days — Beyond basic massages, look for packages including multiple treatments. Day passes to high-end spas often include pool and sauna access.
Float Tanks — Sensory deprivation tanks are polarizing—some people love the meditative experience, others find it boring. $60-100 per session. Good for the adventurous-minded.
Making It Giftable
Experience gifts have a presentation problem—there’s nothing to unwrap. Solutions:
- Print a custom certificate with details and imagery
- Create a small “hint” box with related items (wine glasses for a tasting, an apron for cooking class)
- Use gift experience services that provide professional packaging
- Include a handwritten note explaining why you chose this specific experience for them
Avoid These Pitfalls
Don’t gift experiences that require specific fitness levels without knowing the recipient can participate. Don’t choose activities with narrow scheduling windows that create pressure. Always check expiration dates and cancellation policies.
