Gift-giving is truly an ~art form~. You could scroll through all the gift ideas in the world and still not find a prezzie that a) feels special enough for your giftee or b) that they don't already have. If you're looking for a truly unique gift that feels extra thoughtful, sometimes spending your hard-earned money on an experience gift is the best way to go—no matter how alluring that luxury gift might be. To help you find the perfect ~experience~, we've searched high and low for the 46 best experience gifts to give anyone and everyone in your life—from your S.O. to your bestie to your parents. And as a disclaimer: certain tangible items can double as an experience gift (you’ll see what we mean when you check out the list below).
From fun adventures that will help them make memories with the people they love (like moonlit outdoor outings and vacay homes that'll for sure need an iconic caption for your photo dump) to cool ideas you can give just in time for the holidays (like clothing, wine subscription boxes, or even cabin getaways), 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 experience gifts is 100 percent the way to go.
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.
Yes, everyone knows Airbnb, but did you know they have an "OMG" tab that'll show you some of the coolest homes you've ever laid your eyes on? Book a weekend trip away with your friends where your whole group can stay, cook, and hang out in one place.
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this at-home pottery making kit
Virgin At Home Pottery Sculpting Kit With Classic Paints by Sculpd
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this at-home pottery making kit
Virgin At Home Pottery Sculpting Kit With Classic Paints by Sculpd
Your crafty friend is gonna love this one. Whether you've never touched clay in your life or have a couple of handmade mugs already, this at-home pottery sculpting kit comes with everything you need to let your inner Michelangelo loose.
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.
A cooking class is never a bad idea, but a cookbook is a much more affordable experience gift...especially when it combines food and their love for film. This one is full of recipes for 40 dishes seen in iconic films. To really make it an experience gift, buy the ingredients for a recipe and plan to cook it together.
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.
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.
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.
As someone who has a permanent bracelet, I'm here to confirm that it kinda does change your life. Not to be dramatic, but being able to shower, swim, and wake up with a dainty lil gold chain feels like quiet luxury and now that you can get your own DIY kit for a fraction of the price, I may be gifting one to myself.
You can never go wrong with the ultimate treat yo' self experience of a spa. The only thing filled with more stress other than our entire body is the search for a spa that a) won't break the bank and b) has the services you're looking for. A SpaFinder gift card allows them to pick their spa of choice and their service of choice, and what's more relaxing than that?
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.
Have you seen all of IMDb's top 100 motion pictures? Yeah, didn't think so. This colorful poster made for movie lovers includes Hollywood classics, international hits, and blockbuster franchises. As you watch your way through the chart, use a highlighter to give each pic a star rating right on the print.
I'm sure you've heard of coffee subscriptions, but matcha is really having its moment rn. This subscription (with totes adorable packaging) offers free shipping, the ability to select your flavor, frequency, and the ability to modify anytime. Oh, and if the name didn't already give it away, it's by THE Emma Chamberlain...so do with that info what you will.
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.
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.
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a gift card that works for getting around and eating
Uber Gift Card
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a gift card that works for getting around and eating
When it's time to call the Uber before their next night out, they'll be pleasantly surprised to remember that you already have it covered. The gift card also works for Uber Eats (!!!), which is biggg because ordering fast food is the only way to end a long night.
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a luxe charcuterie subscription
Williams Sonoma 3 Months of Cheese and Charcuterie Subscription
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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.
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.
All your true crime-obsessed friends are gonna be obsessed 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.
Up, up, and away! For the adventurer in your life, there's no experience gift quite like a hot air balloon ride. So long as they're not afraid of heights (be sure to double-check, btw), this will make for memories that last a lifetime.
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.
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.
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.