60+ Experience Gift Ideas for Everyone You Know

An experience gift is the best gift you can give someone. Think back to your childhood. Which presents do you remember getting from your favorite relative? Maybe you remember a few, or maybe none at all. I know I can barely remember most of the Christmas and birthday gifts I got as a child. You know what did stick with me?

Memories.

I remember going to the science museum with my big sister, my dad taking my whole family to Cedar Point Amusement Park for my Sweet 16 and visiting local museums with my grandma. That’s what really stuck with me.

I’m a strong advocate for experience gifts across the board. I’m a firm believer that kids need less stuff and more adventures. Even the most captivating of toys doesn’t hold my two-year-old’s attention for more than 10 minutes. But trust me, she can spend HOURS playing outside or wandering around a science museum.

It’s scientifically proven that people who spend money on experiences instead of material things are happier. In the consumer-driven society we live in, we’re programmed to think that we have to buy physical gifts for our friends and families.

However, 50% of Americans report receiving unwanted gifts for Christmas. That is a lot of unnecessary clutter coming into people’s homes! Signals are sent up the supply chain to make more, we’re “consuming” things we don’t even want or need, and the earth suffers as a result.

The solution is simple: experience gifts.

For Families & Kids

1. Trampoline play zone tickets. This was one of my favorite places to go not just as a kid, but as a teenager and adult too! This is for older kids–not recommended for children 6 and under.
2. Amusement park tickets. Who doesn’t love a day at the theme park? While on the pricier side, this is an experience everyone will remember.
3. Museum membership/day passes. Museums have a bad rap for being boring. Lean towards unusual museums that are catered to children: space museums, science museums, and natural history museums (hello, dinosaurs!).
4. Helicopter ride. This is an absolutely unforgettable gift! Not only that, but it can be educational too. Use this gift as an opportunity to explain how aviation and the mechanics of flying work.
5. Ice skating. Bundle up and go to an outdoor rink if it’s the season! Otherwise, an indoor rink is also a good option.
6. Roller skating. Ahh, the good old days. Remember when the roller skating rink was THE SPOT on Friday nights? This is your chance to relive some of that nostalgia while sharing the magic with a special child in your life.
7. Camping trip. Plan a camping trip for the family! You can even supplement this experience gift by wrapping a piece of camping gear that you know you’ll need anyways. Here’s a guide for keeping your camping trip zero waste.
8. Horseback riding. This is STILL on my list of experiences I’m dying to do! Make it an activity for the day or enroll them in classes.
9. Movie tickets. Who doesn’t love a night at the cinema? Grab a bucket of popcorn and enjoy the show!
10. Aquarium or zoo membership/day passes. Educational and fun? Count me in.
11. Indoor skydiving. You’d be surprised at the age requirement for indoor skydiving! At many places, it’s 6 years old.
12. National Parks Service membership. This is a gift that keeps on giving all year long. It’s the perfect gift for an outdoorsy family!
13. VR game center passes. Not just for gamers! VR experiences can be enjoyed by anybody.
14. Ice cream shop date. Experience gifts don’t have to be expensive! A trip to your local ice cream parlor is one we can definitely get on board with.
15. Bounce house/play area tickets. Bonus: they’ll get a TON of energy out.
16. Dinner at a themed restaurant/kids restaurant. Chuck E Cheese, here we come!
17. Steam engine ride. I know plenty of kids who would love to take a ride on a real locomotive!
18. Live show tickets. Some popular ones are Sesame Street Live, Disney on Ice and Paw Patrol. Here’s a website with a list of touring kids shows (updated 2019).
19. Sponsor an animal at a local zoo or aquarium. You can often get a certificate saying which animal you’re sponsoring (or make your own). You can even go visit that animal at the zoo!
20. Laser tag. Who doesn’t love a good game of laser tag? This is fun for everyone in the family!

For Your Significant Other

21. Dinner cruise. An evening of dinner and dancing on a river cruise: the ultimate romantic gift!
22. Air BNB at a vacation spot. Time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life makes for a perfect present.
23. Winery/brewery. Tour a local vineyard and learn about the different wines they make there! Some good ole classy, tipsy fun.
24. Horse drawn carriage tour. Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling! Regardless of whether it’s Christmas or not, this is SUCH a romantic gesture.
25. Couple’s massage session. Masseuse for two? Yes, please.
26. Cabin/camping getaway. Take a break from your phone and get back to nature. In the mountains, on the beach, by a lake–all sound perfect for a weekend getaway!
27. Couple’s spa day. Spend the whole day getting pampered with the love of your life!
28. Gourmet cooking class. Learn how to make sushi, French cuisine, fancy desserts, and more. You’ll pick up some new skills and it will be a fun bonding experience!
29. Wine, cheese and chocolate pairing class. Need I say more? Three of my favorite things all in one place? Count me in.
30. Comedy club tickets. There’s nothing better than sharing a night of laughter. Stand up comedy is always a blast!
31. Concert tickets. From local jam bands to international icons, attending a concert with your significant other is sure to get the good vibes flowing.
32. Tickets to a sports game. It doesn’t have to be a major sporting event– minor league sporting events are fun too!
33. Broadway tickets.
34. Plan a vacation. This is SERIOUSLY such a winner. Who doesn’t love going on a vacation that’s already planned out? Yes, yes, yes!
35. Hot air balloon ride. (Your significant other isn’t afraid of heights, right?)
36. Ski trip. Looking for some adventure? Skiing is fun, no matter your skill level. Most resorts offer beginner classes, or you can go straight to the advanced slopes if you’re a pro already!
37. Gourmet restaurant dinner. This is the perfect opportunity to take your love to that new fancy fondue restaurant you’ve been eyeing.

For Your Friends

38. Zip line tickets. Get that adrenaline pumping by zip lining through nature.
39. Challenge course tickets. A day of team building and problem solving might be right up your best friend’s alley.
40. Bar crawl. Hopefully everybody is still walking (not crawling) at the end of the night.
41. Wine and paint class.
42. Coffeehouse date. This is an inexpensive but still very personal experience gift.
43. Food tour of a nearby city. You’d be surprised how many local delicacies you aren’t aware of in your own city! Embark on a food tour to expand your palate.
44. Go-karting. Get all of your friends presents knocked out at once by inviting everyone to go go-karting! Pick up the bill and consider your shopping done!
45. Shooting range. Get your target practice in with a friend along for twice the fun.
46. Escape room. Problem solve your way through puzzles and riddles with a friend (or a few friends). This is a serious bonding experience!
47. Adult arcade. Head to a Dave and Busters or an old-fashioned arcade for some games.
48. Kayak tour. Tour the landscape a little differently by signing up for a guided kayak tour for you and a buddy.
49. White water rafting excursion. Save this one for your friends who have summer birthdays–it’s the perfect summer excursion.
50. VR experience zone. VR gaming is increasing in popularity, and VR experience zones are popping up everywhere now! Check one out with your bestie for guaranteed fun.
51. Hike a mountain. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as reaching the peak of a mountain. Plan an all-day hike with your outdoorsy friends. Bonus: it’s free.
52. Paintballing. This is another one that is perfect for a group of friends.

For Your Parents/Grandparents

53. Dinner at their favorite restaurant. Honestly parents/grandparents are so happy for you to take time out of your busy lives to spend dinner with them. Do it. You won’t regret it, and they’ll love it.
54. Teatime for two at a tea house. Get dressed up and have some English tea and crumpets at a local tea house.
55. Go for a walk at a botanical garden/arboretum. Bird watch, see the bees buzzing and observe the butterflies at a local botanical garden. There are often events held showcasing a particular type of flower (cosmos fields, tulip fields, etc) so plan around that!
56. Art class. There are so many different classes that fall into this category. Spinning pottery, painting, calligraphy, you name it!
57. Orchestra tickets. Hearing complex classical music being created is an something best experienced live.
58. Tickets to the local theater to see a play. There are always shows happening at your local theater. Plus, you’re supporting up and coming actors!
59. Museum membership/day passes. So many different kinds of museums to choose from! Pick one that lines up with your mom’s interests and watch her eyes light up.
60. Flower arranging class. Often offered at botanical gardens, this is a fun way to spend the afternoon. You’ll pick up some new skills for that next bunch of wildflowers you pick, too!
61. Opera tickets. Opera shows aren’t just about the music–they’re about the art and story behind it as well. Although not for everyone, some people absolutely love the magic of going to an opera house.
62. Day by the water. Whether you live near a river, lake, or the ocean, a day spent next to the water is always sure to please. Pack a picnic lunch (zero waste picnic tips here) so that you can sit back and relax all day long!

Get Creative!

Finding a way to announce your experience gift is a big part of the fun. If you plan out a vacation for your significant other and yourself, print out an invitation. “Your presence is requested for dinner and dancing on a river cruise.” Maybe it’s corny, but it’s oh so cute too! Make an itinerary and have that on there too, so they know you’ve already taken care of all of the details.

If you have little ones you purchased amusement park tickets for, start a countdown on your refrigerator! This makes it more tangible and helps the anticipation build.

In a perfect world, experience gifts would always be shared experiences. However, it can’t always be like that. Luckily, modern technology (and Groupon!) makes it easy and affordable for us to buy gifts like these for your loved ones no matter the distance.

There are lots of ways to have a low waste Christmas or birthday celebration, but giving the gift of experiences drastically helps you cut down on waste. Not only that, but you’ll be giving the gift of memories to your loved ones. That’s an invaluable gift that no amount of scented lotions, video games, Barbie dolls or remote control cars could ever replace.