43 Amazing Experience Gifts to Book Now and Enjoy Later
43 Amazing Experience Gifts to Book Now and Enjoy Later
Whether we’d like to admit it or not, consumerist culture has us all in quite a chokehold—especially during the holidays. From the Black Friday rush to never-ending holiday sales for Christmas and Hanukkah, and all the way through Valentine’s Day, it seems like a vicious chase to find the latest, greatest, and best gifts for friends, family, and ourselves. Targeted Instagram ads don’t make it any easier.
Now, we’re not by any means throwing shade at scoring your BFF a new handbag, or your dad a cool gadget from Amazon, or yourself a new pair of shoes (we’re a fashion magazine for goodness sake). But, we are saying there are great alternative options if you’re sick of the same old material items. Enter: experience gifts. If you’re bored of giving and receiving socks, beauty gift sets, or cashmere sweaters, or you can’t stand to see another “best gifts for her” roundup (sorry...), you can shake things up with one of the best experience gifts of 2022 and 2023.
From thrilling adventures to luxury escapes and relaxing spa days, an experiential gift is something that will be remembered long after the holidays are over. To help you out, we’ve put together this list of the 43 best experience gifts that cover all interests. From skydiving to wine tasting, classes ,and subscriptions, there’s something here for just about everyone in your life.
And if you’re in the scramble to find a great last-minute gift for the holidays, these take the cake! With just a few clicks, these trips, experiences, and reservations will instantly land in your inbox.
1) Annual Membership
MasterClass
The production and set design of MasterClass’s online courses are unmatched. Why not gift loved ones with a new skill? From screenwriting to crypto, master makeup courses, and so much more—it’s never too late to learn something new.
2) The Regenerative Farm Box
Flamingo Estate
flamingoestate.com
$94.00
Send a farmer’s market in a box with the highest quality produce from Flamingo Estate. It supports local farmers and growers in California while delivering the most delicious, nutrient-rich, and nourishing rotation of food.
3) A Concert or Sporting Event
UBS Arena
ubsarena.com
$2022.00
From sporting events to stand-up shows and concerts (hi, Harry Styles)—the UBS arena holds a mix of history and newness. Score a pair a tickets and immerse yourself in the world of private suites, clubs, and fandom that celebrate New York’s lively culture.
4) Couples Camera Set
The Adventure Challenge
theadventurechallenge.com
$147.98
This book boasts a year’s worth of adventurous date ideas for couples and comes with a camera to document the memories. It’s a fun way to try new things and get out of your comfort zone. The only catch is that each date idea is revealed via a scratch-off for a true surprise.
5) Luxury Beach Accommodations in Maui
Fairmont Kea Lani
fairmont.com
If season 1 of The White Lotus taught us anything, Hawaii is the place to be (just tell them to be careful...). The show was shot at Four Seasons Maui, but Fairmont Kea Lani, located a stone’s throw away, recently renovated hundreds of its one-bedroom suites and two-story villas, which the property dubs “ho’omaka hou” (translation: a new beginning). Give them one to remember.
6) ClassPass Membership
ClassPass
classpass.com
If you’re looking to mix up your workouts, try ClassPass. You can choose from hundreds of boutique and franchise fitness studios, gyms, spa treatments, and more with any membership plan.
7) Play Guitar Lessons
Fender
launchgiftcards.com
$149.99
Fender Play is the best virtual learning app for guitar, bass, and ukulele. Students can track their progress and be a part of an online community, too. Pair this with some strings and you’ve got the ultimate gift.
8) A Getaway
Getaway
getaway.house
Getaway outposts are located all over the country—from SoCal to Texas, Florida, New York, and everywhere in between. It’s the perfect weekend escape where you can disconnect from the digital world and become one with nature in a tiny, chic cabin featuring window walls for stargazing from bed.
9) A Trip to Amangiri
Amangiri
aman.com
Escaping to Amangiri in Utah is like entering a new world, immersed with a luxury spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and top-notch dining. The famously luxurious and serene retreat in one of the most beautiful and unique parts of the world offers a range of amenities and activities to help guests relax and recharge.
10) Unforgettable Experiences
Wonderbox
godream.com
$199.00
Wonderbox believes in gifting experiences, not material things. This box features a curation of unforgettable, one-of-a-kind adventures, like riding along with a professional racing driver, sailing at sunset, spending a debaucherous night in Vegas, and more.
11) Airstream Getaway
Autocamp
Autocamp is a unique way to glamp, straight out of a fully operating airstream. With locations in Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Cape Cod, Russian River, and the Catskills, your escape to nature is complete with the tin-can aesthetic.
12) Gift Card
ResortPass
resortpass.com
$300.00
ResortPass provides access to luxury hotel experiences such as the pool, spa, fitness center, and more without having to book an overnight stay. The gift card is perfect for the staycation connoisseur, self-care addict, or a loved one who isn’t able to travel far this year.
13) Classic Membership
Dry Farm Wines
dryfarmwines.com
$171.00
Natural Wines are the cool thing to drink these days. Dry Farm wines vets them so you don’t have too. Each monthly box is personalized to your taste (or not) for an organic experience of unique grapes, regions, and profiles in their purest form, without the sugar, high alcohol levels, and additives of commercial wines. Plus, it’s Kristin Cavallari-approved.
14) eGift Card
Virgin Experiences
virginexperiencegifts.com
$1000.00
Virgin Experiences has an impressive list of fun things to do in a variety of categories. From creative courses to outdoor adventures, water activities, spa packages, and other getaways—this gift card applies to them all.
15) Camping + Hiking Experiences
REI
REI experiences are a great way to cross off any bucket list outdoor adventure that seems intimidating to conquer on your own. We’re talking everything from weekend camping trips to a white water rafting excursion and an overnight backpacking adventure along the Appalachian Mountains.
16) StubHub Gift Card
StubHub
StubHub offers concert tickets, comedy shows, sporting events, and more in cities across the country, even if they are sold out. (Yes, you can buy gift cards on Amazon!)
17) The Ranch Italy
The Ranch
theranchmalibu.com
Wellness retreats are becoming more and more popular, and at the top of the list is The Ranch Italy. This particular excursion offers a range of wellness programs including yoga, meditation, fitness classes, guided hikes, and coaching. It even includes a team of doctors and nutritionists among the luxury accommodations that help guests achieve their wellness goals and improve their overall health. If overseas isn’t doable, they have a Malibu location, too!
18) Excursion
Tradewind
flytradewind.com
Tradewind offers a range of scheduled flights and charter services for private or group experiences around North America and the Caribbean. The airline is known for its high level of service and impeccable attention to detail, making this one a very special gift.
19) A Stay in Sayan
Four Seasons
When Bali reopened its borders post-pandemic, it became an even hotter spot for wellness seekers, surfers, and nature lovers alike. The Four Seasons Sayan is one of the best hotels in the region, with new guest experiences around the local culture, culinary and cocktail programs, a totally reimagined spa, and enhanced wellness programs. It’s the ultimate wellness destination and culture shock in true paradise. For a beachfront stay, check out its sister property, The Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay.
20) Gift Card
Delta
Adding a Delta gift card to your travel bank creates the feeling of wanderlust with endless possibilities. To make it easy, Amazon offers email delivery for any amount.
21) Once in a Lifetime Box
Tinggly
tinggly.com
$499.00
This Tinggly box is a tangible item that has over 400 experiences to chose from, covering gourmet food, spectacular tours, luxurious pampering, and adrenaline fixes for two. Simply purchase the box, gift it to a loved one, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
22) Subscription
Headspace
headspace.com
$50.00
Less stress, more happiness, and the best sleep ever are just some of the benefits of this meditation app.
23) Momofuku Bo Ss?m Pulled Pork
Good Eggs Select
goodeggsselect.com
$59.99
Good Eggs brings the famous Momofuku experience straight to your kitchen with all the fixings and flavorings of this iconic Asian dish. Meal kits are available in select regions, but Momofuku products are available nationwide.
24) Personalized Video
Cameo
cameo.com
$1.00
Hardcore celeb fans won’t know what hit them when they receive a personal message from their favorite actor, influencer, athlete, or musician. Cameo makes that possible.
25) A Stay at Ignacia
Ignacia
ignacia.mx
$336.00
This boutique property in Mexico City’s most coveted neighborhood offers townhouses and suites with access to an irresistible patio and Mayan-inspired hot tub. It’s the perfect getaway for the remote worker.
26) Ear Piercing
Studs
studs.com
$6.78
Studs offers a safe and stylish way to map out your next piercing. With locations across the country, you can order your stud and book online, whether you’re gifting a single lobe or adding to your recipient’s already-stacked ear. Studs’ piercers are experts in the art of earscaping.
27) Fitness Membership
Barry’s
barrys.com
There’s a reason Barry’s is known as '"he best workout in the world." The combination of high intensity runs with targeted weight training will fast track your goals in the red room with motivating instruction and heart-thumping beats. If your beloved Barry’s lover doesn’t live in a metro area, Barry’s X is the next best thing (in the comfort of their home).
28) Full Body Intelligenc Test
Viome
viome.com
Viome is an advanced at-home holistic health test that measures your gene makeup with your microbiome health to deliver full body wellness results and an action plan to optimize digestion, immunity, oral health, cardiovascular health, mental health, how you’re aging internally, and more. It’s helped people navigate food sensitivities, have more energy, and combat autoimmune disorders and inflammation.
29) Skydive Grand Canyon
Paragon
skydivegc.com
Whether they are an adrenaline junkie or just looking to cross this off their bucket list, skydiving the Grand Canyon is one of the most thrilling experiences that exists.
30) Switch
Isle
islesurfandsup.com
$895.00
While it’s not exactly an experience gift, the Switch from Isle will make a ton of memories on the water. It’s a blow-up stand-up paddle board that easily switches into a kayak, so you can have the best of both water experiences.
31) Yoga and Surf Camp
Rise Up
It’s never too late to learn a new sport. Whether they are an intermediate surfer or just a beginner, Rise Up’s Surf and Yoga camp provides a seamless experience and itinerary full of lessons, courses, yoga classes, and yummy healthy meals surrounding the rainforest and celebrating Costa Rica’s local culture.
32) Gift Card
Spa Finder
spafinder.com
$75.00
The Spa Finder gift card is a great gift when you want to pamper your recipient but don’t know exactly what they like or where they will be. One card brings you endless spa and salon options, and never expires.
33) Hot Air Balloon Adventure
Abercrombie and Kent
abercrombiekent.com
Abercrombie and Kent plans curated trips full of a variety of exciting adventures, leisurely sightseeing, and luxury stays. If you’re looking for a truly unique itinerary without putting in the work, like the Sanctuary Sun Boat hot air balloon trip to Cairo, this service is for you (or whoever).
34) Gourmet French Cocktail Blini
The Caviar Co.
thecaviarco.com
Whether you’re new to caviar or consider yourself an aficionado, The Caviar Co. brings a decadent experience to your home. Its flights include three different types of caviar alongside traditional accoutrements of blini, crème fra?che, caviar tin key, and a mother of pearl spoon.
35) Aesthetics Bar Gift Card
Alchemy 43
alchemy43.com
$43.00
Give the gift of botox, filler, or facials with a select service or gift card to Alchemy 43. With a handful of stylish studio locations across the country, aesthetic treatments have never looked better.
36) Membership
Rent The Runway
renttherunway.com
$800.00
Gift a membership of stress-free styling and fashion rentals from contemporary and luxury designers. Items arrive ready-to-wear for any occasion, from work days to special events.
37) Quest 2
Meta
amazon.com
$397.98
The Meta Quest 2 is one of the best-reviewed virtual reality headset out there, with an endless list of downloadable experiences. From meditations to video games, workouts, and more, the journey into VR is the way of the future.
38) Gift Card
Airbnb
Give the gift of wanderlust with an Airbnb gift card. They can choose a stylish stay or a local guided experience for memories that will surely last forever.
39) Massage
The Now
thenowmassage.com
The Now delivers a spa experience that eliminates the exclusivity and cost of a traditional day spa. Known for an incredibly chic interior combined with high-quality healing services through massage therapy, it’s the most accessible, fancy-feeling massage out there, now in cities across the nation.
40) 2023 Annual Pass
USGS
usgs.gov
$80.00
The U.S. National Parks pass is well worth its value for anyone with plans to travel this year. It provides access to more than 2,000 recreation areas managed by five federal agencies, with up to 100 percent of the proceeds used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services. What could be better?
41) Hotel Stay
Dreamcatcher by DW
San Juan is a destination to watch, not to mention a relatively easy tropical escape from the U.S. that doesn’t require a passport. The latest place to stay is undoubtedly the Dreamcatcher by DW. It’s an artfully designed wellness sanctuary with 19 bespoke rooms just steps from the beach.
42) Subscription
O-p-e-n
o-p-e-n.com
$22.00
The O-p-e-n subscription makes the power of mindfulness accessible to all through ritual, self-exploration, and breath work. Each digital class helps students open their hear, and expand their perspective through foundational breath work and meditation practices. The immediate result is a euphoric feeling, while long-term results come in the ritual of mindfulness, stress aid, and overall happiness.
43) eLearning Course
Padi
padi.com
Once you get your scuba diving certification, the options for underwater adventure are boundless. Padi makes the process easy with an eLearning course before it’s time to dive.
The best experience gifts make lifelong memories. From wellness trips to spa days and endless subscriptions, these are the best experience gifts for 2022 and 2023.