42 Most Unforgettable Experience Gifts for 2025

If you want to give a loved one something truly special and memorable this year, look no further than experience gifts. Unlike when you gift the latest gadget or accessory they’ve been eyeing, the gift of an experience allows them to try something new, have an adventure and make lifelong memories in the process. 

According to Stanford, research has found that giving an experiential gift produces a stronger emotional response than physical gifts. Such gifts have a greater capacity to strengthen relationships by creating lasting memories on which the recipient can later reflect.

While everyone loves to do fun things, not everyone enjoys the same types of activities. It’s all about choosing the right experience for your recipient, and we’re here to help you find it. No matter who you’re shopping for, we've got unforgettable experience gifts for everyone, with unique experience ideas for foodies, men, women, thrill-seekers and everyone in between!

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• Foodie Experience Gifts
• Creative Experience Gifts
• Good Experience Gifts for Men
• Fun Experience Gifts for Women
• Unique Experience Gifts
• Adventurous Experience Gifts

Foodie Experience Gifts

1. Cooking Classes

Sharpen their culinary skills with a local cooking class led by top-rated chefs. They'll learn to cook dishes from around the world, as well as the fundamental techniques that every good cook needs to know. Whether they're culinarily-challenged or already a bit of a connoisseur, learning from a professional will open up new and exciting possibilities in their kitchen.

Pick a themed class, such as a pasta-making workshop or something more general, depending on what you think they'll love. You could even book them into an online cooking class, where they'll be able to learn from their own kitchen. If you're stumped, give a foodie gift card to show you care while giving them the flexibility to choose.

2. Mixology Classes

Shake things up with an online mixology class. World-class mixologists will teach them how to make the best cocktails and all about their origins. Not only does this experience gift guarantee a fun (and tipsy) evening but it will also provide them with the skills and home bar ideas to take future celebrations to the next level.

3. Virtual Wine Tastings

If you’re looking for a sophisticated and relaxing experience to share, book a virtual wine tasting! Led by a professional sommelier, they'll be guided through delicious varieties from around the world, learning the notes and aromas that distinguish them. They'll never look at their favorite bottle the same again!

4. Coffee Classes

One of the best experience gift ideas for coffee fanatics is a coffee master class. Under the guidance of skilled baristas, they’ll learn the secret tips and tricks to perfecting their favorite drinks and creating mesmerizing latte art.

If classes aren't what you're looking for, try a Bean Box monthly coffee club subscription box, which will give them a taste of different coffees from around the world. 

5. Make-Your-Own-Sushi Kit

A make-your-own-sushi kit is a great experience gift if they love Japanese cuisine and enjoy a challenge. Not only will they have a fun time learning a new skill, but they’ll also get to savor some delicious sushi after all their hard work. 

6. Cheese of the Month Club Subscription

With a subscription to the Murray's Cheese of the Month Club, they’ll get to enjoy a gourmet cheese tasting each month. From sharp cheddar cheeses to tangy blue cheeses, they'll get to taste delicious cheeses from around the world. With different samples every time, it’ll be a new experience of fromage and fun again and again.

7. Brunch or Dinner Date

One of the classic experience gifts is simply to take them out for dinner or brunch. Sharing a meal is always special, but even more so when there’s an occasion to celebrate. Take them to a special spot they might have had their eye on and order yourselves a feast!

8. Meal Kit 

For the foodies who aren’t necessarily as passionate about cooking as they are about eating, a meal kit will turn their at-home cooking into a fun and simple activity. Services like Hello Fresh and Dinnerly offer customized subscription plans with delicious options for every dietary plan. To make it even more exciting, challenge the recipient to send out photographs of their finished culinary masterpieces. 

9. Fruit Picking

Celebrate a special occasion together by going fruit picking, whether it be for apples, berries or whatever else happens to be in season. Then, afterward, you can bake a sweet fruit pie or scrumptious dessert to enjoy together.

10. Food Tour

Treat the foodie in your life to a food tour, where you can sample all sorts of delicious bites and gourmet food together. Tours led by local guides are a great way for them to explore their hometown and discover new spots. Or, you can take the more bespoke route and organise it yourself!

Creative Experience Gifts

11. Painting Classes

Painting classes are a fun way for them to explore their artistic side and relieve some stress. There is even a wide array of online painting classes they can try from the comfort of their home. With this fun gift for artists, they'll learn fundamental painting techniques and be guided through the process of painting a landscape, portrait or still life.

For an experience gift idea with a bit more of a social side, book them into a local paint and sip. They'll enjoy getting tipsy and letting their inner artist out at the same time. 

12. Art Classes

If paint and pencil art isn’t their forte, but they still like being creative and making art, consider different types of art classes instead. From sculpture classes to puppet-making and more, there’s a fun, artsy experience gift that's perfect for anyone. Find local expert-led art classes for a hands-on experience that will leave them with a beautiful custom piece of art. 

13. Pottery Classes

For another artsy experience gift, pottery classes are a great option. Talented potters will help them fine-tune their sculpting skills. They'll even take home their handmade artwork — another gift in itself! 

Book a local pottery class and help them discover this rewarding hobby. Classes are available for all skill levels, so they'll be able to learn everything from hand-building pottery to wheel throwing and beyond.

14. Creative Writing Classes

If they’ve always had a passion for telling stories or simply love using their imagination, then they’ll love the experience gift of a creative writing class. With any luck, they’ll even have a poem or short story by the end!

15. Interior Designer Consultation

Help them elevate their living space by booking them a consultation with an interior designer. This professional will guide them through the remodeling and decorating process so they can finally have the room of their dreams.

After all, decorating is always a fun experience, especially when you get to work with an expert. 

16. Beanie Knitting Kit

Instead of giving them a hat, let them experience the fun of making their own with a beanie knitting kit. This all-inclusive kit is designed for beginners, so it’s great for anyone who likes arts and crafts. Plus, by the end, they’ll have a super cozy new hat, making it a perfect winter or fall gift.

17. Movie Theater Trip

Plan a trip to the movie theater together so they can catch a showing of that new movie they’ve been dying to see. Watching a movie on the big screen with your favorite snacks is just one of those experiences that never gets old, which is why everyone will love this experience gift.

18. Live Theater Tickets

If live theater is more their speed, gift them a pair of tickets to the latest Broadway (or off-Broadway) show or musical. Attending a spectacularly mind-blowing theater performance is an experience they won’t soon forget. If they don't live in The Big Apple, this experience gift in NYC will give them a great reason to make the trip.

19. DIY Candle Kit

With a DIY candle kit, they’ll have everything they need to pour their own fragrant candles. They say smells evoke the strongest memories, so this thoughtful experience gift will be impossible to forget. To make a night of it, order multiple kits and throw them an at-home candle-making party with all their friends. 

Good Experience Gifts for Men

20. Glass Blowing Classes

If you're looking for unusual birthday experiences for him, glass blowing classes are anything but ordinary. He'll learn to blow and sculpt glass from experts, who'll guide him through the creation of his own project piece. It’s the best experience gift for men who enjoy an artistic and technical challenge.

21. Escape Rooms

For another unusual birthday experience for him, what could be more exciting than trying to solve challenging puzzles and riddles? He’ll have a great time with this experience gift as he puts his knowledge to the test. In addition to traditional escape rooms, there are even virtual escape rooms if you can’t be together but still want to share a fun activity.

22. Woodworking Classes

Whether he’s a master DIY carpenter or a novice craftsman, woodworking classes will help him sharpen his skills in the workshop. There's always something to learn and he'll treasure the opportunity to spend time in a fully-equipped workshop. In addition to being a great experience gift, he’ll also get something physical out of it — whatever he makes during the class!

23. Go Play Golf Gift Card

With a Go Play Golf Gift Card, they’ll be able to tee off at over 5,000 courses throughout the U.S., including both public and private clubs. Plus, they can also put this gift card towards new equipment, golf lessons or even a golf vacation trip!

If golf isn't their thing, check out other experience gift cards to treat them to a memorable occasion that suits their interests. 

Fun Experience Gifts for Women

24. Dance Classes

You can never go wrong with a little dancing, which is why dance classes are an awesome experience to gift. With different styles to choose from, she'll be able to learn whatever takes her fancy, be that break, salsa or even belly dancing!

If she gets a little self-conscious dancing in front of others, she can work on improving her skills and building confidence with online dance classes.

25. Virtual Flower Arranging Classes 

Anyone who loves flowers (and who doesn’t?) will enjoy virtual flower arranging classes. In these classes, expert florists will teach them to create stunning floral arrangements. Then, they'll put their knowledge to the test and build their own beautiful bouquets!

26. Sewing Classes

If she has always wanted to learn how to make and mend her own clothes, sewing classes are the perfect gift! With classes for every skill level, it’s a great experience gift for any aspiring or practiced seamstress.

27. Spa Gift Card

Who doesn’t love a relaxing and pampering day at the spa? With a spa gift card, she’ll be able to indulge in her favorite self-care practices, from manicures and facials to massages. It’s an experience gift that will melt her stress and worries away.

28. Yoga Classes

Perfect for practiced yogis and newbies alike, a pass for yoga classes is a gift that will help them connect with their mind, body and soul. It’s a great activity for staying active while also relaxing.

Unique Experience Gifts

29. Online Trivia Games

Even if they're more of a homebody, it doesn’t mean you can’t give them a super fun experience gift. Online trivia games are a fun and interactive way to have a good time together without ever leaving the house, but they’d better be okay with a little bit of friendly competition!

30. Virtual Scavenger Hunts

Virtual scavenger hunts will have them actively searching for hidden items, following clues and trying to complete a wide assortment of tasks, all without leaving their home. The engaging hosts help make this interactive virtual experience feel even more lively and exciting.

31. Photography Classes

Bring their Instagram game to the next level with photography classes. They’ll learn new skills, tips and techniques to perfectly capture the moment, whether it be a scenic landscape or golden hour selfie. For a great virtual gift, there are also online photography classes.

32. Acting Classes

With acting classes, they’ll finally have the chance to take center stage! Under the guidance of experienced actors, they’ll become well-versed in the art of drama and have a great time doing so. Online acting classes will even bring these fun and engaging workshops right to their home.

33. Meditation

Treat them to a year of zen and relaxation with a subscription to Calm or Headspace. These programs will help them curate a personalized meditation practice so they can work towards adopting a more peaceful and mindful lifestyle.

34. Rosetta Stone Language Course

One of the best gift ideas for lovers of language, culture and travel is a Rosetta Stone Language Course. There’s something so exciting about the challenge of learning another language and it’s also incredibly rewarding (and useful) when it finally all starts to click!

35. Concert Tickets

Live music is a way to a person's heart, which is why concert tickets are one of the best experiences to gift. Whether they love rock-n-roll, country, classical or a different genre entirely, they’ll love attending a performance of their favorite group or artist!

36. Game Nights

If they love playing games, then celebrate the special occasion by setting up a game night! They’ll love engaging in some riveting card games, classic board games or video games with their friends. Or, for something a little different, gather for interactive virtual game nights led by engaging hosts!

37. Museum Membership

Anyone who has a passion for learning will love a museum membership. Whether it’s an art, science, history or novelty museum, this unique experience gift will constantly engage their curious minds as they explore different exhibits and learn new information. This is also an excellent gift experience for couples who love arts and culture date nights.

Adventurous Experience Gifts

38. Indoor Skydiving

Indoor skydiving is a great experience gift for the thrill-seeker in your life. With venues all over the country, this gift makes skydiving possible even f.or those who might be a little fearful of heights. It’s an exhilarating experience they won’t soon forget!

39. National Parks Pass

Give them the gift of endless adventures with a National Parks Annual Pass. Hikers, campers and nature enthusiasts will absolutely love this gift, and by the end of the year, they’re sure to have some pretty incredible travel memories. 

40. Amusement Park Trip

For an experience gift that promises lots of adventure and excitement, treat them to a day at an amusement park. Rollercoaster and ride enthusiasts will have a blast feeling the adrenaline rush take over, and while the feeling won’t last forever, the memories certainly will!

41. Bike Tour

A bike tour is one of the most fun ways to explore a new place. It's a great activity for anyone who loves being active and adventuring in the fresh air. Whether you book them a city tour or a scenic nature ride, they’re sure to have an exciting time!

42. Trail Riding Horseback Tour

If you’re looking for one of the most unique activities to gift, look no further than a trail riding horseback tour. They'll get to channel their inner cowboy or cowgirl as they explore beautiful trails. It’s also a romantic experience gift for couples.

Your next gift will surely impress with these great experiences to choose from! Your lucky gift recipient is going to have an incredible time no matter which of these activities you choose.

Pretty soon, you’ll start developing a reputation for being one of the best gift-givers, as experience gifts truly are some of the most special and unforgettable ways to show someone you care. Plus, it’s always such a wonderful feeling to know your gift is cherished and appreciated. 

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!