Experience Gifts

Most Unforgettable Experience Gifts

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

According to Stanford, experiential gifts elicit a stronger emotional response than physical gifts. Such gifts have a greater capacity to strengthen relationships by creating lasting memories that the recipient can reflect on later. 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, for all genders, for thrill-seekers and everyone in between!

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 a sushi showdown, depending on what you think they'll love. You could even book them into an online cooking class, where they can learn from the comfort of their own kitchen.

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.

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!

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, self-portrait or still life.

Paint and Sip

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.

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 any kind of budding artist. Find local expert-led art classes for a hands-on experience that will leave them with a beautiful custom piece of art.

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.

Candle Making Classes

With a candle-making class, 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. Go a step further and book a class for them and their buddies so that they can make a night of it.

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 the art of ikebana — how to create stunning floral arrangements. Then, they'll put their knowledge to the test and build their own beautiful bouquets!

Sewing Classes

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

Photography Classes

Take their Instagram game to the next level with photography classes. Your giftee will learn new skills, tips, and techniques to perfectly capture the moment, whether it's a scenic landscape or a golden-hour selfie. For a great virtual gift, there are also online photography classes.

Classpop! Gift Card

If a couple you know loves learning new things, a creative gift card is the way to go. It’s a fuss-free, click-to-book experience gift, where local experts guide them on what they know best, from sushi rolling to pasta perfection to candle making and pottery throwing. The gift card works year-round, so they can book an experience whenever romantic date ideas come calling. If you know the couple is always busy, or if they're new parents who can't easily escape the house, they can book an online class or two for an at-home date night.

Team-Building Experiences

So you’re looking for an experience gift that caters to your entire squad and are grasping at straws for things to do. Throw those straws away because a team-building activity is the way to go! Essentially, you can take any of the experience gifts mentioned above and apply them to a group — just add a little friendly competition to the mix. You could be searching for experience gifts for work colleagues, family, a group of friends or even your indiscreet book club gals. Gather the troupe and do something unforgettable to build your team spirit.

Experience Gifts FAQs

What Are Good Experiences To Give as Gifts?

The best experience gifts are the ones that create memories instead of clutter. At the end of the day, it’s not about extravagance — it’s about thoughtfulness. A well-chosen experience becomes a story, a laugh, or a memory that lasts far longer than any physical gift.

Is an Experience Gift Better Than a Physical Gift?

In a way, yes. Experience gifts don’t clutter shelves or go out of style, and they give you an excuse to spend more quality time together. They’re the kind of present that can turn into a story the giftee can tell again and again. Plus, people will never forget how you made them feel, instead of the gadget you gave them that’s gathering dust in the attic.

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 develop a reputation for being one of the best gift-givers, as experience gifts are genuinely 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!