Over the past few years, I’ve been learning towards gift-giving for something the receiver will actually use. For some, it might be something they’ve specifically said they wanted/needed. For others, it might be something generic like a gift card that they can have fun spending. Gift giving doesn’t have to be expensive and it doesn’t have to involve a lot of clutter. I try to think of something the receiver has wanted to do or own, but hasn’t done yet.
Here are a few gift ideas that will create lasting memories and that won’t immediately end up as more clutter.
90 Experience Gift Ideas
CLASSES AND LESSONS
Classes can be virtual (For adults, Masterclass subscription. For kids, Outschool) or in-person. Support small businesses and check out options available locally. Many times, short-term classes pop up. These can be a great way to learn a new skill and gain some new experiences.
- Cooking class
- Dance/yoga class
- Theatre class
- Writing class
- Music lessons
- Art class
- Horseback riding lessons
- Computer class
- Workout class
- Sports class
- Ice skating lessons
- Foreign language lessons (I love iTalki)
- Archery class
- Martial arts class
- Pottery class
- Private coaching
LOCAL FUN THINGS
- Ice skating passes
- Museums
- Art galleries
- Trampoline park
- Escape rooms (this one for kids can be done at home)
- Tastings (ie chocolate tasting, wine tasting)
- Mini golfing
- Arcade
- Rock climbing
- Specialty gym pass
- Bowling
- Ax throwing
- Laser tag
- Botanical gardens
- Local restaurant gift card
TICKETS
- Concert tickets
- Sports tickets
- Theatre tickets
- Comedy club tickets
- Community plays
- Ballet/symphony performance
- Theme parks
- Water parks
- Broadway show
- Festival tickets
MEMBERSHIPS/SUBSCRIPTIONS
- Audible/book membership
- Spotify Premium/Apple Music
- Premium Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+
- Community center membership (ie Kroc)
- Zoo
- Aquarium
- National Parks
- State Parks
- Specialty subscription (ie Adobe)
- Barkbox (for dogs)
AT-HOME IDEAS
Creating memories (for kids especially) doesn’t have to be expensive. Make it special by doing something you wouldn’t normally do.
- DIY spa day
- Epic pizza party
- Backyard camping
- Specialty movie night (make snacks with the movie theme, etc.)
- Picnic
- Coupon books
EDIBLE GIFTS
Last year, my sister surprised me with some popping chocolate from Israel. I LOVE Israel and this was a simple but thoughtful gift that made my day!
- Charcuterie boards
- Fruit basket
- Jam assortment
- Cookie kit
- Hot cocoa kit
- Dessert basket
- Locally made treat box
- M&M Gift Box
- Coffee box
- Specialty/nostalgic food
EDIBLE SUBSCRIPTIONS
I love subscriptions since they provide a few months of fun! A three-month subscription is a perfect gift idea.
- Hello Fresh (meal kits)
- Blue Apron (meal kits)
- Universal Yums (treats for various countries)
- Atlas Coffee Club (coffee)
- Raw Spice Bar (spices)
- Bean Box (coffee)
- Sips By (tea)
- Candy Club (candy)
- Snack Crate (snacks from around the world)
- Shaker and Spoon (cocktail monthly subscription)
- Raddish (cooking kit for kids)
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
These experiences are more expensive but are a great option if you want to invest in some lasting memories.
- Glamping
- Camping
- AirBnb in your neighborhood
- AirBnb a few hours away
- Helicopter ride
- Hot air balloon ride
- Skiing trip
- Hiking trip
- Fishing trip
- Spelunking
- Snorkeling
- Sailing
- Sky diving
- Visit a National Park
- AmazingCo – $90 mystery picnic kits for couples, friends, or families in large cities (Denver, LA, Chicago, etc.). These are so cool and include around-the-city puzzles and challenges to pick up your picnic ingredients.
