Let's be honest: Gift giving can be hard. You do your best to give something heartfelt and meaningful that they'll cherish forever. But what if you've just plain stuck on a physical gift idea? Give them an experience instead! It's an opportunity to try something unique, perhaps something they normally wouldn't think of for themselves. Trust us, they will remember these best gift experiences way more than another pair of socks. (Not that we're knocking socks, mind you. We love a cozy, warm pair!)
Are they into outdoor adventures? We found a family-sized teepee to go glamping with the family and an incredible horseback riding excursion that’s a perfect gift for the cowboy at heart. Sign them up for a cooking class or a dance class, or better yet, get them a gift card to a site that let’s them choose their own adventure! If they're the stay-at-home type, we have plenty of virtual experiences, too. Just because they want to be inside doesn't mean they don't like to experience life!
And these ideas don't have to be expensive. In fact, there are some activities on this list that would be great gifts under $50. There are gift cards that would make excellent stocking stuffers, along with gift ideas for the baker, the wine lover, and even fans of true crime. Rest assured, whatever their interests, they'll be sure to remember one of these experiences for a lifetime to come. And since some of these don't have to be gift wrapped, you'll look like the best gift giver without even having to tie a bow! 🎁
What activity does the gift recipient like to do? Take a painting or pottery class? Maybe a dance class? How about cooking? It doesn't matter, because with a gift card, they can select from over 1,500 activities in over 70 cities and online.
For someone how loves to be artsy but may not be as familiar with pottery, get them started with this kit to use at home. It has everything they need to sculpt, paint, and seal pottery pieces like dishes and vases.
Have someone in your life that's the keeper of family stories? Try this! Once a week, an inspiring question is emailed to them to write about an event or memory. Then at the end of the year, they're all collected into a gorgeous keepsake book!
Fans of trivia nights, happy hours, and the 1990s will love this set! It's a set of five cocktail mixers, two fluted martini glasses, and a fun trivia game about music from the 1990s. It has 40 different cards, so it will be hours of entertainment!
This is an easy idea, because doesn't everyone love pizza? Now they can make their own with this fun gift set. Included are two different pizza sauces, a pizza crust mix, seasoning, and a cookbook to follow for recipes. It's great for families!
You can book a virtual chocolate tasting for one person or a whole group! This is what they get: an expert to explain the history of chocolate and the chocolate making process and then a guided tasting of at least six varieties that are shipped to them ahead of time.
Pet lovers are a whole different breed of human. Get them an experience only they would truly appreciate: a watercolor paint set and a virtual class to paint their favorite furry creature!
Did they just move into a new place or have suggested maybe redecorating? Check this out! You can buy them a consultation with an interior designer to help with any room in the house.
For a family that loves to have fun together, why not get them a huge gift basket full of goodies like soda and candy so they can stay up all night playing games? This gift basket even comes with the popular Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game.
For cheese lovers, getting to experience new tastes is always fun. Why not let them savor with one of the best cheese shops there is? They will receive four expertly selected cheeses with four snacks to pair and an hour-long virtual class to explore the flavors.
You can pretty much learn anything on MasterClass: country music with Reba McEntire, cooking with Gordon Ramsay, or makeup with Bobbi Brown. Best of all, whatever you want to learn can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Giving access to all the best studios in their area is like a dream come true for a fitness buff. Yoga, cycling, strength training―if it makes them sweat, ClassPass has got them covered.
Yes, that's right! You can now order Blue Apron with wine pairings. The wine subscription is curated to complement your favorite recipes. They provide tasting notes and other fun facts, too. Who needs a restaurant when you have amazing food and wine at home?
A curious hiker always wants to see something new, and the national parks provide endless options. This set includes a guide book, a safety kit, and a bandana for all the adventures. If you want to make it extra special, you can add a yearly park pass.
A quick trip to New York, Los Angeles, or Washington D.C. can include a fun experience at the famous Milk Bar bakery. Build a cake or cookie in just 30 minutes. Yum!
No matter where the gift recipient may live, Spafinder will have a luxurious location to get the spa treatment they want. You choose the amount, they choose the spa, and everyone is happy.
Fans of concerts, Broadway shows, and sporting events will all appreciate that you snagged them great seats. Seat Geek will give you all the price, time, and location options. All you have to do is decide!
Play along to solve a murder mystery! This subscription box sends a new "episode" each month, like you're in a TV crime show. Any crime fan would love this unique find.
A splash of hot sauce is pure joy to a spicy food lover. Now they can make their own! A box of heirloom chili peppers are shipped to their door, then they attend an online class to make the hot sauce themselves.
Craftsy makes it easy to learn sewing from the comfort of home. Well, it's like that for pretty much any craft―knitting, quilting, jewelry making, and even cake decorating. With thousands of ideas, your crafter will never get bored.