Beyond Materialism: 100+ Meaningful Experience Gift Ideas

Updated: Nov 19

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Experience gift ideas for couples
Experience gift ideas for him
Experience gift ideas for her

Experience gifts are a unique and thoughtful way to show your loved ones how much you care about them. Instead of giving a meaningless material object that may eventually be forgotten, an experience gift creates memories that will last a lifetime. From cooking classes to ice skating, the options for experience gifts are endless. Not only are they more personal and meaningful, but they also promote bonding and create opportunities for new adventures with your friends and family. In this article, we will explore a variety of creative experience gift ideas that are sure to make your loved ones feel special.

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Why experience gifts are better than physical gifts

An experience gift is a very sustainable gift. It doesn’t cause any waste or clutter like a physical gift may making it a very eco-friendly gift.
An experience gift creates a memory that lasts much longer compared to an object that may eventually be forgotten.
An experience gift is much more meaningful and personal as it can be tailored to the interests and preferences of the recipient. Not only that, it is versatile enough that you can tailor it to specific budgets as well.
By giving an experience you create memories with loved ones making it a great opportunity to bond with them over these new shared memories. Experience gifts are an amazing way to introduce someone to a new activity or hobby that they may not have tried otherwise.

How to ask for experience gifts

If you rather not receive physical gifts for yourself, just be honest about it. This not only prevents disappointment but also makes sure you receive the gifts that make you happy. If you send out (digital) invitations, you can simply put it on the invitation that you would like experience gifts and add a few examples for those who have no idea what these are. You could mention a specific activity or event that you would like to go to, or a place you have always wanted to visit. Another way to ask for experience gifts is to mention a general category of activity, such as "I would love to try a cooking class" or "I would love to go to a beauty salon." Be sure to express your excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to have this experience.

How can I give an experience instead of physical gifts?

When I gave climbing park tickets to the son of a friend I designed a specific card for this activity to give to him while I (secretly) gave the money for that activity to his mom.

You could package the experience in a thoughtful way, such as a printed or electronic gift certificate, or a personalized note explaining the experience you have in mind for them. It's also important to consider the timing of the experience, whether it's a one-time event or something that can be used over a longer period. Overall, an experience gift should be tailored to the recipient and show that you put thought and effort into selecting the perfect gift for them.

50+ Experience Gift Ideas for Couples

The gifts below are great experience gift ideas for couples who have a celebration in mind like an anniversary, Valentine's, or birthday. They also make a great gift for parents who have been together for a long time but hardly do anything new together.

Recreate your First Date
Breakfast in Bed
StayCation
Hotel Stay
Picnic in a Park
Restaurant Visit
City Scavenger hunt
Train Tickets
Camping Trip
National Park Visit
Botanical Garden Visit
Museum Visit
Zoo Visit
Movie Set Tour
Movie Night
Game (video or board) Night
Hand Reading Session
Theater
Comedy Show
Cirque du Soleil
Concert
Festival Visit
Escape Room
Observatory Visit
Amusement Park Visit
Zorbing
Mini Golf
Roller Skating
Ice Skating
Indoor Ski Park
Bike Ride
Bowling
Dance Lessons
Surf Lessons
Snorkeling Lessons
Scuba Diving Lessons
Kayaking/Canoeing Trip
Rafting
Go-Karting
Paint Ball
Laser Tag
Indoor Wall Climbing
Outdoor Rock Climbing
Art Classes
Cooking Classes
Wine Tasting
Cheese Tasting
Local Food Tour
Spa Day
Massage
Therapy Session

25+ Experience Gift Ideas for Him

Men can be very difficult to buy gifts for. An eco-friendly gift is a great idea but if you prefer to give something else for a change, these experience gift ideas for him may be a great option. Also, take a look a the gifts for her below. Not all men and women are the same and some may prefer an experience gift I put on a different list so also take a peek at the womens section.

Coffee Tasting
Beer Tasting
Whiskey Tasting
Brewery Tour
Beer Brewing Classes
Music Lessons
Coding Classes
Game Event visit
Sports Event visit
Sports Club visit
Rock Climbing Park visit
Factory visit
Virtual Reality Game visit
Personal Trainer
Gym Membership
Golf Lessons
Archery Classes
Martial Art Classes
Photography Classes
Survival Lessons
Fishing Trip
Car Wash
Handyman Service
Pet Sitter Service
Spotify Subscription
HBO Subscription

25+ Experience Gift Ideas for Her

Most women already have a lot of stuff, to begin with, and giving a zero waste gift may be a good option, an experience gift may be an even better option for her.