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The 50 Best Experience Gifts

Sustainable Gift Guides

Last Updated on August 26, 2024

Experience gifts can be pulled off in any price range, and these 50 ideas will have the recipient smiling from ear to ear! Each one is thoughtful, fun, and a unique option no matter what your budget is.

These experience gift ideas are the perfect way to make memories that will last a lifetime. But let’s face it, when you hear someone say, “experience gift,” you immediately think “expensive.” At least I do! Believe me when I say that good experience gifts don’t have to be expensive. I have compiled a list of 50 of the best experience gifts, no matter who you’re shopping for.

2 people skydiving with overlay text reading "50 of the best experience gifts"

experience gift ideas

I haven’t had a ton of holiday posts on the blog because the holiday season has always seemed to sneak up on me. One second it’s Halloween, and the next I’m frantically shopping for the perfect gift for all of the people I care most about.

Not this year! This year, I am prepared. I’m going to be feasting on sugar cookies with homemade natural food coloringhomemade hot cocoa, and looking at ALL of the Christmas lights.

I’ll be singing along to all of my favorite tunes like Bing Crosby’s Jingle Bells which will be my December anthem. Other than the 12 Days of Zero Waste Christmas…. of course. 😉 

One of my favorite ways to reduce waste around this time of year is to give the gift of unique experiences rather than stuff. But the options become overwhelming, so what is a girl to do when evaluating present ideas that are experiences rather than items?

what is an experience gift?

Experience gifts are gifts that aren’t a physical item, but you are gifting an experience, activity, or memory instead. When I hear, “experience gift,” I think of vacations, sky diving, tickets to concerts, and sporting events. But, even the best experience gifts can be inexpensive. Not only can experience gifts can be affordable, but when done right, they’re also thoughtful and fun!

I’ve broken these experience gift ideas down by price point to help you gift experiences this holiday season. You can get an experience for everyone! 

tips for giving good experience gifts

When purchasing an experience gift, be sure to offer your recipient at least three dates for them to claim their prize. If you don’t, you put too much pressure on the receiver. Gifts that come with stress feel like an obligation. 

I also like to make a card or a little coupon/ticket to give to the receiver (assuming their experience doesn’t come with one) just so they have a physical reminder. Plus, it gives them something to physically open so the experience of receiving the gift doesn’t fall flat.

And lastly, it seems like it should go without saying, but choose something your special someone may enjoy. The bookworm who’s allergic to the sun and gets anxious around adrenaline-inducing activities will probably not enjoy the gift of skydiving.

Don’t forget to check out Groupon; a lot of these experience gifts are on sale. 

Also, check out my zero waste gift guide for consumables!

experience gift ideas for anyone: 

These low cost experience gifts gift ideas are well rounded enough to work for anyone! Think of daycare providers, teachers, neighbors, co-workers, kids, and your spouse.

low cost present ideas that are experiences ($)

1. coffeeCoffee is great. I love to take my friends out for a cup of joe. We can chat for an hour and catch up, and it only costs around $10.

2. ice cream: Ice cream is another simple gift. Place it in a sugar cone to keep it zero waste and this gift will only set you back around $10. 

3. hike: Grab a friend for an afternoon, pack some homemade granola, and get out in nature. Soak up the beautiful scenery and good conversation. This gift is free! 

A woman hiking as an example of experience gift ideas

4. picnic: Head to a park for the afternoon and enjoy some tasty homemade treats. This gift costs around $10-15 depending on what you pack. 

5. drinks: Invite your friend out to the bar or the pub for a drink. Even better, aim for a trivia night for some extra fun. This costs about $20-$40. 

6. movie tickets for two: Grab some candy in bulk and sneak it in your bag or just pick out candies that come in a cardboard box like Dots. Compost the box when you’re done! On average, movies cost $25.

7. bowlingBowling night is always a blast! The alley I go to even serves pints of beer in real glasses. Treat your friend to a super fun night — it only costs about $30.

8. lecture: Attend a lecture on a topic you’re both interested in. When Justin and I first moved to California, we got tickets to a lecture at California Academy of the Sciences. It cost about $30. 

9. arcade: Pizza and pinball… I can’t think of a more fun night! Challenge your friend to all of the arcade games like Pacman, Twin Racer, and the King of Fighters. This fun night only costs about $30. 

mid level experience gifts ideas ($$)

If you’re looking for something in the $40-75 range, these mid level options are good experience gifts for anyone.

10. a foraging trip for two: My friend took one of these local foraging hikes, and it sounded like so much fun! Get outside and learn about the local flora and fauna. The class cost about $40 for two. 

A photo of a foraging basket for present ideas that are experiences

11. laser tag or mini golf: Mini-golf and laser tag are such fun events! Head out with a friend or two for a wildly competitive evening. This gift costs about $40 for two to three people. 

12. trampoline park for two: Get your bounce on! Trampoline parks look like so much fun. Make it a family trip, and a two hour pass for two costs around $50. 

higher end gifts for anyone and everyone ($$$)

Why gift one experience when you can gift an entire season of experiences? Season passes at a theme park, water park, or adventure park are great present ideas that are experiences and can be used over and over again.

13. theme park passes: Season passes to a local theme park are a great way to have fun all year long. Two passes cost around $150 — what a steal! 

experience gifts for men: 

These experience gifts for men seem masculine on the surface but are also suitable for anyone who loves adventure.

low cost experiences that are active ($)

14. batting cages/driving range: A lot of arcades also have batting cages, driving ranges, or go karts. This gift costs around $30. 

15. rock climbing: It’s nice to center activities around being active. Take a break from all of the holiday indulging and take a trip to a climbing gym together. This will cost around $30 for two. 

Rock climbing as an example of experience gifts for her.

mid priced activities as gifts ($$)

16. two museum tickets: Justin and I are definitely museum people. Tickets to museums run all over the place, but on average, it’s about $50 for two. 

17. a weekend camping: Plan a weekend camping with a friend! You can typically rent a local campsite for around $50 a weekend. 

18. pub crawl: I’ve seen so many pub crawls advertised lately. A crawl typically involves going to two or three breweries and trying a flight at each one. A pub crawl costs about $50 for two. 

19. escape room: You know I’m partial to escape rooms! You can usually grab a ticket for an escape room fairly inexpensively. Book a place with a room for two for around $50. 

20. theatre show: Grab tickets to a musical or play and support your local theatre scene. Grab a drink at a bar afterward and discuss all of your favorite moments. Tickets to a local show cost around $60 for two. 

21. minor sporting games: Minor league sports or college games tend to cost less than pro games. They’re just as fun, though! I used to go see the Arkansas Travelers play all of the time. Tickets run about $60. 

22. bathhouse: Spend the day in a bathhouse for a luxurious present. Steam rooms, hot tubs, and pools sound like such a relaxing atmosphere. Plan for about $60. 

23. sponsor a run: Have a friend that loves to run? Races cost money, so why not sponsor a run! Even better, buy the pass for two and now you have an exercise buddy. Runs can cost anywhere from $25-80

splurge-worthy activity gifts ($$$)

24. zip lining: A couple of years back, I went zip lining in the Ozarks. It was SO MUCH FUN! A good experience gift for a friend or family member. For two, it cost about $80. 

25. wine tasting: Wine tasting is one of my favorite activities when friends and family come to visit. You can hit up about three wineries with a friend for about $75. 

26. tandem skydiving: If you’re looking for an adventurous time for you and a pal, nothing says, “I love life,” like jumping out of a plane together! Tandem skydiving costs around $125. 

experience gifts for her: 

All of these experience gifts for her will make her feel extra special. Take her yourself, or send her with her bestie.

mid range experiences for women ($$)

Keep in mind you can use any of the above low cost experience gifts for the women in your life! For a more pampered gift, I’ve jumped right into more luxurious present ideas that are experiences for the women in your life.

27. dance lessons: Take your sweetie out for a tango, salsa, or swing class! Spend the night twirling away. You can grab a couple of classes for about $60. 

28. yoga passes for a month: If your friend is a yogi, buy them passes to their favorite studio. My favorite one in town charges around $60 for a monthly pass. A total steal for a gift that keeps giving all month. 

A yoga class as an example of good experience gifts

29. chocolate workshop: Wouldn’t it be so fun to go learn how to make delicious chocolates with your bestie? Then you could come home, watch a movie, and eat all of those yummy chocolates!! Sounds like a perfect day to me. These classes for two cost around $60. 

splurge-worthy gifts for her ($$$)

30. facial: A facial is another great gift to pamper someone you love. As the weather get colder, it can wreak havoc on our skin. A facial is a great way to get back some of that summer glow. Facials cost around $100. 

31. dinner: It’s always nice to take your friend out to a nice dinner. You can also give someone a gift card to their favorite restaurant. Giving someone a break from cooking is a great gift. A couple of drinks, an app, an entree, and a dessert to share at a mid-range restaurant is about $100. 

32. bread making class: I’ve seen a couple of bread classes advertised recently that look like so much fun! Giving the gift of making bread is a gift that keeps on giving. The class costs $100 for two. 

33. musical classes for a month: Has your friend or loved one wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument? Buy them a month of classes! It runs around $120 for four 30 minute classes. 

34. opera tickets: Opera costs a little more than musicals or plays, but it’s a wonderful time! Justin got me tickets to the Opera for my birthday this year, and we’re going on Sunday. I can’t wait. Tickets for two cost around $125. 

35. sailing trip: Living by the water, there are lots of boats you can charter for sunset cruises. You and a loved one can embark on the water for a 1-2 hour long trip for around $150. 

experience gifts for couples: 

These experience gift ideas are ideal for couples. You don’t have to be romantically involved — just ready to have a great time with at least one other person.

low cost couple experiences ($)

These couples experiences start at just $20 per person! Talk about a steal for a shared experience that’s sure to become a lifelong memory.

36. ice skating: I always loved ice skating, especially in the winter. Grab your favorite scarf, mittens, and bff for a fun trip to the rink! Grab some hot cocoa with extra marshmallows while there — just remember to get it in a real mug. This costs on average $20 per person. 

couple ice skating as an example of experience gifts for couples

37. roller skating: Roller rinks were the hit birthday party activity when I was growing up. Throw it back with your friends and rent some rollerblades (or break yours out from a couple of years ago) for the evening. This costs about $20 per person.

38. gardening / composting class: Many local community gardens offer composting and gardening workshops. These classes are typically inexpensive and run about $20 for two. 

mid range couple activities ($$)

39. comedy or improv show for two: There are a lot of comedy and improv shows done by local troupes. Check out a local troupe for a fun night of laughs. This fun event will only set you back about $30 for a low cost activity, or up to $60 if you include dinner or drinks. 

40. fermentation workshop for two: Fermentation workshops are all the rage right now. I see them advertised everywhere. You can learn a new skill with a friend and pick up tickets for two for around $40. 

higher end activities for couples ($$$)

41. massage: Who doesn’t love the gift of pampering? This is my mom’s favorite gift, and I’ve gifted Justin a couple’s massage before too. (Of course, that’s kind of like a double gift. 😉 A massage typically runs around $100.

42: cooking class: Take a class with a friend or loved one and learn how to make a new type of cuisine. You can then use your skills tp cook for friends and family too. Classes cost around $125 for two. 

43. hot air balloon: I’ve always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon ride. It sounds so lovely! You can charter a balloon for around $200. 

44. tickets to a concert: Of course, if you go see a local band play, you can catch one for $20-$40. But, if you’re looking to see a more well known artist, these tickets can set you back quite a bit. I bought Justin tickets to see Roger Waters for his birthday and the tickets cost around $100 each. 

luxurious gifts for two ($$$$)

45. tickets to a major sporting game: If your friends or family members are big sports fans, tickets to see their team play is a great gift! I got tickets for Justin to see the Celtics play a couple of years ago, and the game was SO much fun. You can get nosebleed tickets for cheaper, but up-close seats can cost upwards of $300/person

46. cycling ride tour for two: Grab a pal and get ready to hit the open road. Here in wine country, there are a ton of guided bike tours that include lunch and wine tastings. These trips look like so much fun and cost around $250 for two. 

riding bikes together is one of the best experience gift ideas

47. photoshoot: Consider hiring a photographer to take family photos. Photographers have different sitting fees depending on location and timing, but it will probably be around $300. 

48. chef’s tasting menu: I have always wanted to do a chef’s tasting menu! Justin is NOT a foodie, so I don’t know if we’ll ever do that together… but I bet if I bought it for a present for a friend, I could probably make it happen. Tasting menus with wine pairings run around $250. 

49. gym membership: This gift will keep giving all year round. I have a gym membership, and it costs around $360 for a year-long pass. 

50. trip: Of course, you could also go really extravagant and buy someone a trip! Someday, I plan to surprise Justin with a weekend trip to Boston to see his beloved Celtics at home. 

faqs about experience gifts

how do you know someone will like their experience gifts?

The long answer is, you don’t have any guarantee that someone will like your experience gift. But there’s no guarantee they’ll like your physical gift either.

The key is to choose a more generic gift, like the experience gifts for everyone above, or to really know the participant so you know the kinds of activities they enjoy.

how does gifting experiences reduce waste?

For starters, there’s much less to throw away! No wrapping, no packaging, and no item taking up space in their house which will later be thrown away. That’s not to say that all of these activities produce no waste, but they certainly consume less. The spirit of going zero waste is to consume less and waste less. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy more!

Plus, almost all of the above experience gifts can be made zero waste with just a little bit of foresight and planning.

how can you turn an experience gift into a lasting memory?

If you’re going with your special someone, make a special effort to be ultra present. Put down your phone (unless it’s to take lots of great photos), leave work at work, and focus solely on your friend/significant other/family member.

If you’re not going with them, put thought into the presentation of gifting the experience. A homemade card, a cute ‘ticket,’ or an elaborate reveal makes the experience special right from the very beginning.

From there, just choose an experience that runs parallel with their interests and they’re sure to love it!

Don’t forget to check out my guide to throwing eco-friendly and zero waste parties, and of course, if you’re looking for my 2019 Sustainable Gift Guide, I have you covered there too.

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  1. Thank you so much for giving too many ideas as I would use these ideas as a New Year present. Your idea of Dinner is very good. Now, I have decided to give a treat to my family and also I will be able to spend some memorable time with them. Last time, I gifted a beautiful jar with 31 envelope messages from KindNotes. This time, your blog helped me a lot. Again, thanks for sharing these brilliant ideas.

  2. I love all the comment ideas. I just don’t have lots of Time right now. I use AnonimiaGifts.com they provide mystery boxes and I have scheduled a mystery box delivery on their birthdays and holidays. They just ask address of delivery, age, gender, and which park Universal/Disney and Character (Harry Potter is their favorite and Disney ears)

    They sell authentic products from Theme Parks; Disney World and Universal Studios.

    I’m glad I can share my secret how I make sure everyone gets a gift on there birthday or holidays 🙂

  3. Thank you so much for giving too many ideas as I would use these ideas as a New Year present. Your idea of Dinner is very good. Now, I have decided to give a treat to my family and also I will be able to spend some memorable time with them. Last time, I gifted a beautiful jar with 31 envelope messages from KindNotes. This time, your blog helped me a lot. Again, thanks for sharing these brilliant ideas. http://www.dealofthedays.com