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43 Best Experience Gifts They’ll Cherish Forever

Finally, a gift for the person who says "I don’t want anything."

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As we all know by this point in December, shopping for the perfect gift is daunting. You scroll through countless posts and gift guides, looking for ideas, but nothing feels quite right. A present that truly leaves a lasting impression has to be personable, unique, and truly out-of-the-box. Enter: experience gifts.

Gifting your loved ones an experience goes the extra mile. You can cater to their interests and hobbies, giving them time to turn their brain off, which you literally can't put a price on in today's world. Think: getaways for the outdoorsy one, games for the puzzle solver, crafting kits for the creatives, date night ideas for your S.O., and so much more. Monthly subscriptions are still very much a thing, and we found options for to wine snobs, coffee connoisseurs, plant parents, and even novice bakers. And yes, there are a few spa/self-care finds for the one who desperately needs some me-time (lookin' at you, mom).

To make your life easier, we rounded up the 43 best experience gifts that will make anyone feel extra loved this time of year. Trust us, there’s something here for every type of person on your list—especially that friend who “doesn’t want anything.” Added bonus: These also make a great last-minute gift, since you can quickly snag them online.

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.

2
an unforgettable activity

Airbnb Experiences

Experiences
Credit: Airbnb

IMHO, you'll be hard pressed to give a cooler activity gift than an Airbnb Experience in their city. From cooking classes to walking tours to craft workshops to photoshoots, there are countless options to choose from, and you'll likely be treating them to something they'd never discover on their own.

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3
a bunch of spontaneous date ideas

Date Night Scratch Off Card Deck

Date Night Scratch Off Card Deck
Now 26% Off

This deck is full of spontaneous date ideas for making memories together. Each card has an estimated cost, time commitment, and date category (like outdoors, at home, or grub) so you can have an idea of what you're getting yourselves into before scratching it off.

They may have the hottest blush, a luxe eyeshadow palette, and a skincare collection that can rival a spa, but they probably won't have their very own custom lippie. This gift card lets you give the beauty lover in your life the chance to create their own makeup product. Choose to cover the cost of a custom balm, lip gloss, lip stick, or a combination.

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Everyone in our office is obsessed with Boarderie's signed, sealed, and delivered charcuterie boards. Their gorgeous spreads come pre-arranged and ready to eat, so no prep work is required. This one serves about three people, but they also make massive options that'll feed a whole party. They've even been included on Oprah's Favorite Things. What's not to love?!

6
a personal message from their fave celeb

Cameo Celebrity Video Message

Celebrity Video Message

One of the best gifts I've ever received is a video of Sonja Morgan singing me "Happy Birthday" from the comfort of her infamous NYC townhouse that gets to live in my camera roll forever. Make your bestie's dream come true with a similarly niche (and hopefully unhinged) Cameo message.

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Name something more luxurious than a staycation... I'll be waiting. ICYMI, ResortPass is a platform where you can book day passes to hotels (i.e. use their amenities) without staying the night. Gift them a getaway to a rooftop pool, zen spa, etc., in the comfort of their own city.

8
these unique coffees from all over the world

Atlas Coffee Club Coffee Subscription

On Sale
Coffee Subscription

Hear me out that a coffee lover will undoubtedly appreciate this gift: A.) they don't have to buy coffee at the store, B.) coffee from a different country will show up at their doorstep every month, and C.) it comes with sourcing info and tasting notes so they can really appreciate what they're drinking.

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9
this craft day in a kit

Sculpd Pottery Kit

best experience gifts
sculpd pottery kit, air dry clay starter kit for beginners with gloss varnish, pottery kit for two includes paint, tool set, paintbrushes, sponge and step by step guide, air drying clay kit for adults
This is an image
best experience gifts
sculpd pottery kit, air dry clay starter kit for beginners with gloss varnish, pottery kit for two includes paint, tool set, paintbrushes, sponge and step by step guide, air drying clay kit for adults

Instead of just turning on a movie during their next night in with friends or their S.O., give them the option to up the ante with this pottery kit. It includes everything they’ll need to create chic ceramics (sculpting tools, gloss varnish, and paint brushes) and will make for the ultimate craft night. Plus, they’ll love the bragging rights this will get ‘em—because who doesn’t want to say, “Oh that? Yeah, I made it.”

10
this meal subscription

Blue Apron Gift Card

Blue Apron Gift Card
Credit: Blue Apron

Things I love: a good home-cooked meal. Things I don’t love: grocery shopping. This meal subscription is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a night in with good food without the hassle. Blue Apron makes cooking simple with fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, so they can whip up gourmet dishes without breaking a sweat, or their bank account.

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Game night anyone? This card game is a cool experience gift for couples who love a good heart-to-heart sesh. Whether they’re with their long-time love or in a new relationship, this card game allows them both to dig deep and get to the heart of it all. More special moments like these, please!

Look, I get it, picking a new hobby is difficult. If you know someone who has been dying to try something new, get them this beginner-friendly crochet kit. It includes easy-to-follow instructions and all the supplies they need so they can stitch up some neat creations in no time.

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13
this lifetime language-learning membership

Rosetta Stone Learn Unlimited Languages

Learn Unlimited Languages
AmazonAlso Consider

Perhaps they’re prepping for their dream vacation or they just want to flex their brain. Whatever the case, this Rosetta Stone lifetime membership is one of the coolest gifts you can give someone. They’ll get access to 25 languages along with the ability to get instant feedback on pronunciation with the brand’s speech recognition engine. If they're ready to graduate from DuoLingo university, then voila!

14
this luxe sushi dinner

Blue Ribbon Special Sushi DIY Kit

Blue Ribbon Special Sushi DIY Kit
Credit: Goldbelly

If you ask me, I’ll take a fancy dinner at home over one where I have to go out any day. This at-home dining experience is for the homebodies who will appreciate a good meal with the people they love. All you have to do is choose between hand rolls, cut rolls, crispy rice, nigiri sushi, and sashimi—a dream scenario IMO!

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15
good reads for the bookworm

Bookshop.org Gift Cards

Bookshop.org Gift Cards
Credit: Bookshop

A good book is firmly placed on my list of top three presents you can get someone. This gift card gives them the ability to unlock so many different reads and support local bookstores while they're at it. But I promise the most satisfying part will be when they tell you all about their new read they can’t put down.

Shopping for someone who prefers audiobooks? Libro.Fm lets them choose their next listen from over 4,000+ bookstore partners. They can tune into their riveting read, all while supporting local bookshops. It's perfect for multitaskers, commuters, and those who love a good book.

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Treat your loved ones to a weekend away from it all with Postcard Cabins from Marriot Bonvoy. It has over 25 outpost sites throughout the U.S. 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.

All your true crime-obsessed friends are gonna have so much fun with this murder mystery game. Each month, a box will arrive at their door containing all the evidence and clues they need to solve a cold case. This is sure to be a night full of excitement that will bring everyone together.

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19
a monthly subscription for plant lovers

The Sill Monthly Plant Subscription

Monthly Plant Subscription
Credit: Sill

We all know that one person who is a bonafide (and v proud) plant parent. Dozens of plants later, they're still collecting and finding spots for pots and planters throughout their home. This monthly subscription from The Sill will give them a new bb every month.

Got a budding mixologist in your life? Perhaps they might even be a Taylor Swift fan? If so, "The Eras Pour" is a no brainer. With 60 cocktail recipes, all Swiftie-themed, they can stream the new Eras Tour docuseries with a craft cocktail in hand.

Headshot of Heath Owens
Heath Owens
Deputy Editor, Commerce

Heath Owens (he/they) is the Deputy Editor for Hearst Magazines' central commerce editorial team, where he leads content strategy and production. He specializes in product testing and sales and deals coverage, with the ultimate goal of helping readers shop smarter. When he’s not at his desk or running around New York City to preview the latest product launches, he’s probably catching up on the Real Housewives of Everywhere™ and tending to his plant children, or, as of late, training for a marathon. 

Headshot of Anvita Reddy
Anvita Reddy
Commerce Editor

Anvita Reddy (she/her) is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Magazines. She contributes commerce content across Hearst’s portfolio, including Elle, Harper's Baazar, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, and more. She has over four years of experience in the commerce space, including writing detailed first-person product reviews, trend and best-of round-ups, deals and sales coverage, and more. Previously, she was an assistant editor for PS Shopping, covering beauty, home and kitchen, fashion, tech, travel, wellness, and lifestyle. In her free time, you can find her catching up on everything from reality TV to reruns of classic sitcoms, testing out viral beauty products, sharpening her cooking skills, working out, or traveling.

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