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45 Best Experience Gifts That Are More Sentimental Than a Plain Ol’ Present

We’ll take a memorable event over a regular prezzie anytime.

By Daisy Maldonado, Mekita Rivas and Hanna Flanagan
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Patchareeporn Sakoolchai//Getty Images


Gift-giving is truly an ~art form~. It requires knowing your giftee well enough to make some calculated (sometimes bold) assumptions about what they could like. If you just so happen to be a perfectionist (hi, guilty), the thought of getting it wrong is heartbreaking and something we’d prefer to avoid altogether. At the end of the day, no matter how much time and effort you put into finding the absolutely, positively perfect personalized gift idea for your loved one, there’s a very real possibility it’ll probably still get tossed after a handful of uses or lost in the never-ending whirlwind of consumerism (lol… but seriously, though).

So if you’d rather spend your hard-earned money on something thoughtful like an experience gift rather than something material, no matter how alluring that luxury gift might be—you’ve come to the right place. To be fair, certain tangible items can double as an experience gift (you’ll see what we mean when you check out the list below). That’s right, we’ve searched high and low for the best 45 experience gifts to give anyone and everyone.

From fun adventures that will help them make memories with the people they love (like moonlit outdoor outings and ultra-luxe vacations at the world’s sexiest hotels) to cool ideas you can give to your mom this Mother’s Day for them to enjoy solo (like clothing, flower, or wine subscription boxes), these are the experience gifts that truly keep on giving. Whether you’re trying to impress that special someone or shopping for that one friend who already has everything and doesn’t need more meaningless stuff, giving them one of these 45 best experience gifts is 100 percent the way to go.

SHOP EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS HERE

1
a ukulele starter pack

iECO iECO Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit

iECO Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit
1
a ukulele starter pack

iECO iECO Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit

$46 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon

For the person who has always wanted to learn how how to play the ukulele or guitar, this starter package will teach 'em the ropes. It includes a uke, a case, a clip-on tuner, a hook-on strap, a learn-to-play booklet, a microfiber polishing cloth, two picks, and an extra string. Watch them be a pro in no time!

2
a box with stuff to make a cool home decor art

Home Made Luxe

Home Made Luxe
2
a box with stuff to make a cool home decor art

Home Made Luxe

Credit: Crate Joy

Arts and crafts, but make it an ~adult version~. This fun, monthly subscription box is filled with materials to create a vibrant home decor project. It's perfect for the person in your life who loves a good DIY moment.

3
this subscription for musical lovers

Welcome to Broadway Your Way Subscription Service

Welcome to Broadway Your Way Subscription Service
3
this subscription for musical lovers

Welcome to Broadway Your Way Subscription Service

Credit: Broadway HD

All you can watch Broadway shows for less than $15 a month...?! Musical die-hards will go nuts over this!

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4
these virtual fitness classes

alo moves six month membership

alo moves six month membership
4
these virtual fitness classes

alo moves six month membership

Credit: ALO Moves

Are they already fans of ALO Yoga's clothing line? Go a step further and gift them a six-month membership to Alo Moves, which includes unlimited access to thousands of on-demand classes in yoga, fitness, and mindfulness.

5
An at-home liquor aging barrel

Marcellin Charred American White Oak Mini Aging Barrel

Charred American White Oak Mini Aging Barrel
5
An at-home liquor aging barrel

Marcellin Charred American White Oak Mini Aging Barrel

With this mini aging barrel, your giftee will feel like they have a distillery in their home. They can age any liquor they want, like brandy and whiskey or even rum and tequila. All they have to do is cure the barrel to ensure it's sealed with no gaps, fill it with their fave spirit, and within two to three weeks, they can have a perfectly aged drink poured straight from the barrel.

6
a month of unlimited manis and pedis

Glosslab One Month Membership

Glosslab One Month Membership
6
a month of unlimited manis and pedis

Glosslab One Month Membership

Now 11% Off
Credit: Glosslab

Who wouldn't love having a fresh manicure and pedicure set on the regular? This membership has them covered and will ensure they never leave the house with chipped nails (unless they're heading straight to the salon that is).

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7
A virtual reality headset

Meta Quest Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset

Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset
7
A virtual reality headset

Meta Quest Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset

With this super cool gadget, anyone can fully immerse themselves in a whole universe of virtual experiences. They'll have access to over 350 titles across gaming, fitness, social, and other entertainment platforms. And they’ll even be able to virtually attend live events like concerts and panels.

8
A luxe charcuterie subscription

Williams Sonoma 3 Months of Cheese and Charcuterie Subscription

3 Months of Cheese and Charcuterie Subscription
8
A luxe charcuterie subscription

Williams Sonoma 3 Months of Cheese and Charcuterie Subscription

There's nothing like coming home to a delicious charcuterie board. With this yummy three-month subscription, you can send your friend a variety of themed boxes that include some of the world's finest cheeses, meats, and crackers.

9
An evening under the stars

REI Events Moonlight Hike

Moonlight Hike
9
An evening under the stars

REI Events Moonlight Hike

For the outdoorsy person in your life, treat them to a fun moonlit adventure. With REI Events, they can enjoy a guided three-hour hike to experience the beauty of nature after dark. All they have to do is bring their comfy shoes or hiking boots, and REI will provide headlamps, flashlights, and a great time under the stars.

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10
A chance to see a show

StubHub StubHub Gift Card

StubHub Gift Card
10
A chance to see a show

StubHub StubHub Gift Card

We know what you're thinking, a gift card? Really? But hear us out. With a StubHub gift card, they can put money towards buying a ticket to practically any show they want (*hint hint* like Taylor Swift’s the Eras tour). So they can finally see their fave band on tour or watch their home sports team play live. Either way, it'll be an experience they'll never forget.

11
A cozy cabin stay

Getaway House Getaway Three Night Pack

Getaway Three Night Pack
11
A cozy cabin stay

Getaway House Getaway Three Night Pack

Treat your loved ones to a weekend away from it all with Getaway House. The company has over 25 outpost sites throughout the US that all feature tiny house-style cabins in a quiet and secluded woodland area. While surrounded by mother nature—and with very little cell reception—they’ll have the chance to disconnect from the world and their devices to spend quality time with one another.

12
A night of homemade sushi

Honolulu Fish Company Japan Nigiri & Maki Sushi Set

Japan Nigiri & Maki Sushi Set
12
A night of homemade sushi

Honolulu Fish Company Japan Nigiri & Maki Sushi Set

The sushi lover on your list will adore this sushi-making kit. From a pound of Hawaiian bigeye tuna and king salmon to sushi rice and a bamboo mat, this kit has everything they need to learn how to make authentic sushi rolls from home.

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13
A plane ticket to practically anywhere

Delta Airlines Delta $250 Gift Card

Editor’s Choice
Delta $250 Gift Card
13
A plane ticket to practically anywhere

Delta Airlines Delta $250 Gift Card

If treating them to an all-expenses-paid trip is out of budget, go for the second best thing: money towards their next flight via a Delta Airlines gift card. The trusted airline flies to over 275 destinations across six continents, so they’ll be sure to find a place they wanna visit.

14
a choose-your-own-adventure gift

Tinggly Happy Birthday Gift Box

Tinggly Happy Birthday Gift Box
14
a choose-your-own-adventure gift

Tinggly Happy Birthday Gift Box

Credit: Tinggly

If you want to seriouslyyyy impress with a one-of-a-kind present, check out Tinggly’s extensive collection of experience and getaway gift boxes available in more than 100 countries (!!!) around the world. When you send this birthday-themed one, the lucky recipient will get to choose from more than 1,500 activities and book it at their convenience.

15
a personalized celebrity video message

Cameo Video

Cameo Video
15
a personalized celebrity video message

Cameo Video

Credit: Courtesy

Set up your loved one with a personalized video message from their favorite musician, reality TV star, internet personality, or even politician (???). They'll be so stoked to hear, "Happy birthday!" or "Happy holidays!" from the notable figure you guys always share memes about. Prices start at $50.

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16
an invite to go adventuring

The Adventure Challenge Couples Camera Set

On Sale
Couples Camera Set
16
an invite to go adventuring

The Adventure Challenge Couples Camera Set

Invite your S.O. to go on a series of "adventures" with you. This book will be your guide—you just won't know exactly what adventure you're about to go on until you scratch it off. We love spontaneity! It even comes with a cute lil film camera so you can document allll the mems, too.

17
an indoor skydiving outing

iFly The Experience Voucher

The Experience Voucher
17
an indoor skydiving outing

iFly The Experience Voucher

Why is it that when I hear the words “experience gift” my mind goes straight to skydiving? If yours does, too, then you need to grab your fun friend and take them indoor skydiving. And of course, not having to jump out of a plane is a bonus.

18
a flower subscription

Urban Stems Flower Delivery Subscription

Urban Stems Flower Delivery Subscription
18
a flower subscription

Urban Stems Flower Delivery Subscription

Whether you choose to gift weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, flower deliveries are kinda like the original experience gift. Who doesn't love a constant stream of fresh, delicious-smelling blooms? Plus, the service is available nationwide and free shipping is included with each send.

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19
a bunch of date ideas

UncommonGoods Date Night Bucket List

Date Night Bucket List
19
a bunch of date ideas

UncommonGoods Date Night Bucket List

From stargazing to watching the sunrise, this can is full of all the best date night ideas for making memories. Once you two cross one off, write the date on the back of the stick and move on to the next.

20
a fashion rental service

Rent the Runway Membership

Rent the Runway Membership
20
a fashion rental service

Rent the Runway Membership

Rent the Runway users receive a shipment of designer clothes and accessories every month, and yes, it is just as thrilling as it sounds. It’s a more sustainable and budget-friendly way to shop that the fashionista in your life will appreciate.

Headshot of Daisy Maldonado
Daisy Maldonado
Associate Shopping Editor

Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram. 

Headshot of Mekita Rivas
Editor

Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can't put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Women's Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you'll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.

Lettermark

Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets. Before joining Cosmopolitan, she wrote fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content at People (so, yes, she’s basically a professional product tester at this point). Follow her on Instagram for photos of Timothée Chalamet and #OOTD mirror pics. 

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