Indulge me for a minute. Do you remember the last tangible gift you received? Maybe for your birthday or Christmas? What about the last experience gift you received? I’m talking about things like movie passes or a spa service?
I always have trouble remembering tangible gifts I receive, but I never forget experiences.
If you have been a reader for long, you know how much I love celebrations. So the year my husband turned 24, I planned a pirate-themed birthday for him with a pirate cake, pirate decorations, the works. And, I surprised him with tickets to a pirate-themed dinner show. (I know, I really commit to themes.) Fortunately for him, I did not make him dress like a pirate.
Now, that’s memorable, right? And, that’s just one of the reasons I love giving experience gifts. But, they aren’t always the easiest to come up with, which is why I’m sharing a few ideas of experience gifts for all ages and budgets.
18 Experience Gifts for All Ages and Budgets
1. Movie or theatre tickets
If you have a small budget, consider gifting someone only 2 movie passes or tickets to a performance at a smaller venue or community theatre.
2. Sporting events
You can go big with tickets to a professional game, or spend less on a minor league or arena league game.
3. Concert tickets
Concert tickets are typically very expensive if the concert is being held in a large arena. However, tickets for concerts at smaller arenas are cheaper, or even free if you see an up-and-coming artist at a local club or bar.
4. Spa services
You could go all out and buy your loved one a full spa day, but if your budget doesn’t allow for that, think about buying a gift card for one service, such as a manicure or pedicure.
5. Museum memberships
I love this option for giving to children. Just think about all the options: history museums, children’s museums, aquariums, science museums, zoos, art museums, botanical gardens and more.
6. Membership fees
If you are paying close attention, your loved one may mention a group or organization they would like to join. It may be career-related or hobby-related. For example, my husband is an engineer and has always been interested in joining a maker group of people who like to design and build things.
7. Activity fees
What kid’s activity doesn’t come with assorted fees and costs? Whether we’re talking about ballet, sports, gymnastics, or scouts, there are always added expenses.
8. Classes
This is a great option for adults or children. Many areas offer community education classes. Michaels offers fun craft classes. And, some libraries even offer paid classes or events.
9. Workout classes
Know your audience, but I love passes or punch cards to different gyms and fitness studios. If you know a fitness fan, they would likely to love trying something new like cardio kickboxing, reformer pilates, or Orange Fitness.
10. Car wash pass
This might be a good idea for the men in your life. Because guys love their vehicles, and they like for them to look good. And, if you are looking around the holidays, you might even find some good deals on car wash packs.
11. Amusement park tickets
Of course, kids would love amusement park tickets. But I know some adults who like amusement parks too.
12. Conference ticket
Believe it or not, there is a conference being offered for almost every interest: business, comic fans, moms, faith, food, etc. And, I can tell you that I would be blown away if my husband surprised me with a conference ticket.
13. Ice skating or roller skating
I have to confess, skating of any kind is not one of my gifts. I have good balance, but something about being on skates makes me very awkward. However, many people would disagree with me because they really enjoy skating. If your loved one is a skating fan or has never tried it before, get them a pass to the local rink.
14. Entertainment center passes
I’m not talking about the piece of furniture that holds your TV. I’m talking about places like Dave & Busters, an all-in-one house of fun where you can do things like bowl, play laser tag or mini golf, and hit the arcade. Who wouldn’t like this kind of place?
15. Driving range or Topgolf
This may be another good experience gift for the men in your life. If your loved one is a golfer, consider booking a tee time for them or purchasing a class or lesson for them at Topgolf.
16. Escape room
I have yet to go to an escape room, but boy, am I up for it. And, they are popping up everywhere, in cities and rural areas. This would be a great gift idea for a spouse or couple.
17. Race registration
This is for your sporty loved ones. I mean, really sporty friends. If you have a loved one who lives to run road races, Ironmans, triathlons, and the like, they would probably be very touched if you gifted them with a race registration.
18. Courses
There are online courses for every topic under the sun. Get your loved one a gift card for Udemy, Lynda, or Skillshare and they’ll have access to thousands of courses that may interest them.
So, here’s what I want to know: what is the best experience gift you have ever received. Email me or send me a message on Instagram or Facebook, so we can get to know each other better.
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