39 Experience Gift Cards They'll Love in 2025
Experience gift cards are the best present to hand out this year. Let’s be honest; with the rise in quick delivery, most people can get anything they ever want and need in a matter of days. While this can make everyday life tasks more convenient, it makes buying gifts much more difficult. So, what do you get your friends and family who have everything?
An experience can be much more memorable than a physical item. The receiver can make memories or gain a new skill; something they can't do with a traditional gift. Cooking class gift certificates and other foodie gift cards make great presents for the holiday season and special occasions because they give access to hundreds of unforgettable, creative experiences.
If you want even more flexibility, gift cards for experiences like travel, spa days or adventure activities let the recipient choose something that truly excites them. What other experiences can you give this year? We’ve rounded up the best gift card ideas that your friends and family will appreciate.
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- Creative Experience Gift Cards
- Foodie Experience Gift Cards
- Unique Experience Gift Cards
- DIY Experience Gift Cards
- Virtual Experience Gift Cards
- Bonus Experience Gift Cards
Creative Experience Gift Cards
1. Paint and Sip
Know someone who’s always looking for a new creative outlet? A local paint and sip experience gift card gives them the chance to learn different painting techniques and styles while enjoying drinks in a lively atmosphere.
One session of paint and sip in Los Angeles, Sacramento or Chicago will help them reconnect with their inner artist. If they don't want to travel, you can always get your friend or loved one some online painting classes, one of the top unique gift experiences they won't forget.
2. Pottery Classes
If your buddy loves more hands-on creativity, pottery is a popular choice. If they’re on the East Coast, you can get them some pottery classes in Boston. There are also beginner to advanced pottery classes in San Francisco for every skill level if they’re in the West. This gift for artists will have them master everything from hand-building pottery to wheel-throwing and beyond.
During pottery classes in San Diego, they can make their next favorite coffee mug or a decorative bowl to hold fruit. Pottery gift cards are a great option for a unique gift card that will provide them with joy for the long term. They also work well as experience gift cards for couples who want something different from the usual weeknight date ideas.
3. Dance Classes
Let the creative juices flow through movement with dance classes in Los Angeles. They can try salsa, hip-hop dancing, ballroom or even belly dance. In Orlando dance classes, Bollywood and Latin rhythms add something new to the mix.
Know any young and budding dancers? A gift card for dance classes in Las Vegas is a fantastic experience gift card for kids, helping them burn energy, boost confidence and fall in love with music and movement.
4. Interior Design Help
Wondering which gift card experiences would suit someone who’s always tinkering with their space or can’t seem to get their design aesthetic right? Interior design services from Havenly will help them create a beautiful room that perfectly matches their style.
You can gift one of their two packages. The Havenly Mini features a design concept and custom styling for a single room, while the Full Package includes one-on-one help for a complete transformation. This is one of the best alternative gift cards for friends who already have more candles and throw pillows than they can use.
5. Calligraphy Classes
Anyone with an eye for detail will love honing their craft with calligraphy workshops from Laura Hooper Design House. These experience gift cards include both online courses and curated supply kits.
Your wordsmith friend will learn a variety of beautiful scripts they can use for creative hobbies like journaling, writing thank-you notes or even wedding invitations and signs.
6. Music Lessons
Be it guitar, violin or flute, the only way to improve is to practice — but a good teacher makes all the difference. A music lesson gift card gives access to interactive instruction that keeps learning fun.
These are also fantastic experience gift cards for kids, helping them develop discipline, rhythm and creativity. Many programs even offer beginner-friendly virtual lessons, so kids and teens can explore music without pressure.
Foodie Experience Gift Cards
7. Cooking Classes
For anyone who loves to cook, bake or simply eat better food, cooking class gift cards are one of the most versatile presents. They can dive into cooking classes in Chicago to learn pillowy gnocchi from scratch, tackle spice-rich curries in Baltimore or roll sushi at Japanese cooking classes in Orange County.
If they can't get to a cooking class near you, online cooking classes bring the whole culinary world into the home. These sessions are interactive and hands-on, making them foodie gift cards that work just as well for individuals as for couples cooking together.
8. City Food Tours
Every foodie knows the best way to learn a city is by tasting it. A city experiences gift card unlocks walking tours with local guides who introduce hidden restaurants, family-owned bakeries and market stalls tourists often miss.
From dim sum in San Francisco’s Chinatown to pizza slices in New York or tacos in Austin, each stop reveals a story about the culture behind the dish. This kind of gift doesn’t just fill a stomach; it deepens a sense of place and makes the memory stick. Food tours are unforgettable gifts for foodies and they also make memorable employee gift cards for your team.
9. Cheese Club
For anyone who likes something different than the standard cheddar or American, an experience gift card to a cheese club is the perfect present to unwrap for any turophile (that's the word for a cheese lover).
Subscription boxes will deliver gourmet cheese from around the world right to the recipients’ door. Murray's Cheese is renowned for its variety and quality. They’ll be able to enjoy new and unique flavors.
10. Private Cooking Lessons
Who doesn’t want to improve their cooking skills with the help of a gourmet chef? With this experience gift card, the receiver will be able to make a tantalizing dish under the supervision of a talented chef.
Cooking experiences like this are an ideal gift for newlyweds building confidence in the kitchen or foodies who want to sharpen specific techniques. It’s both practical and indulgent.
11. Coffee Shop Gift Card
While Starbucks cards are always safe, a better option is an experience gift card tied to a specialty café or local roastery. Third-wave shops often roast beans on-site and train baristas to pull espresso shots with care, which makes even a simple cappuccino feel special. This makes for a thoughtful experience gift for couples to add a fun twist to their morning brew.
12. Meal Kit Delivery Gift Card
Home chefs will beam when opening this experience gift card to a meal kit delivery. A meal kit service like HelloFresh or Blue Apron solves the “what’s for dinner” problem while teaching new recipes. Ingredients arrive portioned and ready to use, which cuts down on waste and grocery trips.
This is also a great experience gift card for couples who enjoy cooking together or always have trouble deciding what to have for dinner. Birthday delivery ideas like this are practical, affordable and considerate.
13. Travel Experience Gift Cards
What's better than giving your frequent flier friend a travel experience gift? They can explore new cultures, meet interesting people, have plenty of adventures and taste some of the finest foods in the world.
There are gift cards for experiences at museums, walking tours, segway guides, and, of course, amazing foodie trips. Whether they choose to eat from street vendors or sit down at a Michelin-starred restaurant, the trip will surely leave a lasting impression, making it an unforgettable and flavorful trip. It's the perfect experience gift card for an 18th or 19th birthday idea for someone who's maybe going on a gap year or going on vacation.
Unique Experience Gift Cards
14. Mixology Classes
With this experience gift card idea, the receiver will learn to craft cocktails and boozy treats during online mixology classes. In these epic lessons, expert mixologists teach behind-the-bar secrets to modern classics and flavorful twists to fan favorites.
That might mean learning to shake a perfect margarita, balance bitters in an Old Fashioned, or torch a garnish for a smoky finish. Soon they'll be making the best cocktails in town. Mixology classes make for fun birthday experiences because the students will have all the drinks they need to celebrate afterward.
15. Wine Tastings
Don’t be boring and get the wine lovers in your life new wine glasses again. Give them one of the best experience gift cards for an event they won’t soon forget. Virtual wine tastings will allow them to try wine varieties from around the world in the comfort of their living room.
They’ll be guided by expert sommeliers who will teach all the techniques they need to taste like a pro. These also make perfect five senses gifts for the senses of sight, taste and smell. Soon, they'll be ready to teach the best wineries in Napa a thing or two.
16. Kayak Tours
What do you get a person who likes more active experiences in nature? The chance to get up close and personal with some of the country’s prettiest waterways.
Give a kayak tour through the La Jolla sea caves or to see bioluminescent organisms in Tomales Bay. There are so many places to explore by kayak and it is surely one of the best gift cards for experiences in the U.S. and beyond, as it’s truly unforgettable. If they prefer to stand, you can always get them some stand-up paddle (SUP) board lessons to find their new favorite hobby.
17. Fitness Classes
For friends who’d rather sweat than sit still, a city experiences gift card tied to a boutique gym or yoga studio makes sense. Spin sessions, outdoor boot camps and even aerial silks are all on the menu depending on the location.
Unlike one-size-fits-all memberships, these cards let the recipient choose their preferred workout style, ensuring they’ll actually use and enjoy the gift.
18. Drive a Classic or Luxury Sports Car
There is no doubt that driving a classic or luxury sports car is one of the top 10 experience gifts. Here, the receiver can race a Lamborghini or a Ferrari or cruise down the busiest roads to show all the style of a classic like an Aston Martin DB5 or Jaguar E-Type.
They can ride along with a NASCAR racer or take an hour-long supercar driving tour. This is one of the best experience gift cards for car lovers and anyone who likes an intense experience. Some thrills only come with horsepower.
19. U.S. Travel Experiences
What is the best experience gift card idea you can give to your friend in the ol' U.S. of A? The opportunity to travel, of course! There’s no experience quite like being a tourist in your own country and seeing the world with a fresh perspective. These experience gift cards provide just that. Give a U.S. National Parks Pass so the receiver can travel the country, visiting some of the most beautiful sights the United States has to offer.
There are also some really unique activities to do all around the country. Be careful, because some experience gift card have an expiry date, so be sure to purchase one that either doesn't have a time limit or for a destination you know they'll be traveling to.
20. Tickets to an Upcoming Concert, Show or Game
Do you know your mother's favorite singer? How about your best friend's best band? What is a better experience gift card than tickets to see them perform live? When they unwrap the present, they’ll be overcome with joy to know they’ll be in the audience to cheer for and sing along with their musical idol.
If you know that they love music, but aren't sure who their favorite is, you can always get them a gift voucher for a booking site. Just be sure to know what the average cost of a ticket is so that you can give the correct amount.
21. Spa Voucher
One of the best experience gift cards for her is a spa voucher she can use to pamper herself. Give a few treatments that she can use on a total relaxation day or return a few times to redeem. Facials, massages and mud baths are all great gifts that continue to give.
These are also the perfect experience gift cards for stressed-out couples who have too much on their plate. Why not give new parents a spa voucher and also offer to take care of their little one for a few hours? They will be forever thankful.
22. U.S.A. Rail Pass
You know the old saying: "It's about the journey, not the destination." So why not get your friend or loved one a picturesque travel adventure by riding the train, cross-country? With a U.S.A. Rail Pass, you can book ten rides over 30 days, creating an unforgettable trip and one of the top 10 experience gifts. This is perfect for anyone who loves taking the scenic route.
23. Extreme Adventure Park
Get the adrenaline pumping with this experience gift card to an extreme adventure park. This thrilling present will let the receiver choose from several heart-thumping activities like skydiving, ropes courses, rock climbing and paintball. These experience gift card ideas are for the active person looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
24. Scuba Diving Certification
Scuba classes are one-of-a-kind experience gifts that are great for couples or anyone who likes to spend their time by the water. You may not be able to gift the certification, but you can gift the classes leading up to the certificate.
Think of the potential of this gift card experience. After becoming certified, they can explore coral reefs, sea life and, once they get the experience, maybe even underwater caves and shipwrecks. It really is the gift that keeps on giving.
DIY Experience Gift Cards
25. Flower Arranging Classes
Why buy bouquets when you can make your own? Virtual flower arranging classes can be a fun experience gift for her if she loves filling her home with fresh flowers. It's also a perfect experience gift card for your romantic friend who loves to woo their partner.
These classes teach the art of arranging by balancing colors, bloom size, textures and heights to make stunning bouquets and dried floral art. It’s a practical choice for anyone who loves entertaining and makes one of the most creative gift cards for experiences.
26. Photography Classes
Anyone can take a photo. And with the advent of smartphones, everyone thinks they're a photographer. Yet, photography classes can level up any aspiring photographer's game. Experts will teach the basics like lighting, contrast and advanced photographic techniques. With all types of photography classes available, they’ll be able to work in both digital and film, learning how to edit and develop their work.
These make great fun gift cards for anyone curious about starting a blog or side hustle, giving them tools they’ll use far beyond the class itself.
27. Woodworking Classes
This unexpected experience gift card might end up being one of their favorites. Woodworking classes will teach all the basics of transforming a block of wood into a unique piece of art or even a useful piece of furniture.
Experts will teach them woodwork basics like carving to create candlesticks, vases and bowls. They can also get more advanced techniques like milling, jointing, planing, drilling and boring.
28. Glass Blowing Classes
Glass blowing is not one of your ordinary experience gift card ideas. In fact, it's an art medium that many people find fascinating but have never tried. That’s exactly why you should give glass blowing classes as an experience gift card!
The receiver will learn beginner techniques for how to melt, form and shape the glass into a unique art piece or useful crockery they can display at home.
29. Mystery Game Box
The Masters of Mystery reviews are in and there's no doubt that this craze isn't going anywhere. Anyone who likes to be an armchair detective or solve mysteries will love this experience gift card. Inside, there are objects to help solve a mystery in a different city from around the globe.
It's also an experience gift card for kids that serves as a family gift idea, giving them a screen-free way to spend an evening together.
30. Make Your Own Music
Know someone who’s always humming or tapping out rhythms on the table? A digital music-making class can finally turn that energy into a song. Some courses bundle a compact instrument, such as a handheld synth and looper, that lets beginners create beats instantly. Pairing the class with the gadget itself transforms this into one of the most unique gift cards for aspiring creatives.
Virtual Experience Gift Cards
31. Online Game Nights
Do you have a really competitive friend who loves to win, win, win? Then, virtual game nights can be a brilliant idea for an experience gift card. It's an especially great experience gift for couples who love gathering their friends for board game nights but live out of town.
They can also play online trivia games, virtual scavenger hunts and virtual escape rooms, and challenge friends and family to a little bet.
32. Watch Broadway From Home
No need to travel to New York City for a musical. With BroadwayHD, the receiver can watch classic and modern musicals in the comfort of their own home. Who says an experience gift card needs to be for the active and adventurous? Couch potatoes and culture vultures will both love this experience.
They can also watch ballets and performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company. And for anyone who likes behind-the-scenes, there are plenty of documentaries available as well.
33. VR Game Gift Card
Instead of guessing which title they’d like, a Steam VR gift card lets the receiver choose from hundreds of immersive options. That could mean slashing beats in Beat Saber, solving puzzles in The Room VR, or exploring fitness-based games. It’s a safe bet for teens and adults alike, particularly if you’re hunting for experience gift cards for kids who already own a headset.
Bonus Experience Gift Cards
34. Choose Your Own Adventure Gift Card Experience
Can’t decide what to get your intrepid friend or loved one? Why not let them choose their own experience gift cards? Whether it’s flying through the sky in a hot air balloon, kayaking in the open ocean, or just playing a round of golf at their favorite fairway, choosing their own adventure is probably the best present for that fussy friend that you know loves extreme activities.
Select the budget that suits you and the receiver can then use the full amount in one go or purchase a few activities over time. Some sites allow you to customize your card depending on the occasion, like Father’s and Mother’s Day, graduation or for a retirement gift.
35. Hotel or Resort Gift Cards
If you’re buying a gift for a jet setter who loves to travel to new and exciting destinations, then one of the best experience gift card ideas would be a stay at a hotel or resort. Treat them to an opulent weekend at a luxury boutique hotel or book them an extraordinary Airbnb in a unique location.
If you know they can’t travel far, get them a staycation at a hotel nearby. This would complement any of the city experiences gift cards, like walking or food tours, where they can explore their town as a tourist. Booking a full-board resort stay is also a great experience gift card idea for families who are looking for an escape over the school holidays. Even adding a restaurant gift card to an existing travel booking can be a great idea.
36. Flower Subscription Gift Cards
Don’t just get your mom flowers on her birthday and Mother’s Day, get her a gift that keeps on giving with a full-year flower subscription from The Bouqs Co. A fresh new bouquet will arrive at her doorstep every fortnight, bringing a sense of beauty and a reminder that she's loved.
This also makes a great self-care gift, which can be a luxurious present to yourself! It should be the first choice for partners who’ve messed up and need to apologize with a grand gesture.
37. Mindfulness Gift Cards
For the spiritual person who loves meditation and yoga, extend their present moment with a mindfulness gift card. Send them off to a mindfulness retreat, a yoga camp or a Vipassana meditation course. This is one of those gift cards for experiences that are off the beaten path, for people who want to find inner peace and everyday calm.
If they don’t have the time to visit a retreat in the mountains or off in a foreign coastal village, a mindfulness app subscription is an experience gift card idea that will help them attain some inner peace. Headspace and Calm are our top picks for adults, while Smiling Mind is geared toward younger people and mindful families.
38. Masterclass Gift Card Experience
Learn tennis from Serena Williams. Study acting with Samuel L. Jackson or Natalie Portman. Boost your framing with Annie Leibovitz. Masterclass offers lessons in just about everything from the best in their craft.
If you have a friend who’s gaga over Gordon Ramsey or captivated by Christina Aguilera, a subscription to Masterclass is one of those unique experience gift card ideas that will make them elated and beaming with gratitude.
39. Round the World Ticket Gift Card
For a loved one who's embarking on a gap year, heading toward retirement or starting out as a travel blogger, there's no better experience gift card idea than an RTW or Round the World airplane ticket. Airline organizations Star Alliance and Oneworld both provide various options depending on where or how far the traveler wants to explore.
The options usually include a continent-based fare, a distance-based fare or an intercontinental journey. This is a massive gift that is reserved for a very special occasion.
So, what's the best all-round gift card for that fussy friend and family member? Visa gift cards are flexible and accepted by most places and can even be used at ATMs worldwide. Still, whether you’re shopping for the holiday season or birthday experiences, giving an experience gift card is the way to go.
Instead of shopping for material items that they may not like or could be left to the side to gather dust, experience gift cards provide unforgettable memories they will cherish for years to come. Give unique gift experiences for a present they won’t stop talking about. But be careful, because it may be so good, it’ll be hard to top.
For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
