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46 Best Experience Gifts That Are Much More Memorable Than Any 'Ole Prezzie

Because sometimes the best gifts don't come in a box.

By Daisy Maldonado, Mekita Rivas and Chaise Sanders
traveling in naturepinterest icon
Patchareeporn Sakoolchai//Getty Images

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.

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1
a monthly subscription for plant lovers

The Sill Monthly Plant Subscription

Monthly Plant Subscription
1
a monthly subscription for plant lovers

The Sill Monthly Plant Subscription

$38 at The Sill
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.

2
a one-of-a-kind vacation rental

Airbnb Dream Vacation Home Rental

Dream Vacation Home Rental
2
a one-of-a-kind vacation rental

Airbnb Dream Vacation Home Rental

Credit: Airbnb

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.

3
this at-home pottery making kit

Virgin At Home Pottery Sculpting Kit With Classic Paints by Sculpd

At Home Pottery Sculpting Kit With Classic Paints by Sculpd
3
this at-home pottery making kit

Virgin At Home Pottery Sculpting Kit With Classic Paints by Sculpd

Credit: Virgin Experience Gifts

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.

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4
a personalized celebrity video message

Cameo Celebrity Video Message

Celebrity Video Message
4
a personalized celebrity video message

Cameo Celebrity Video Message

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.

5
a cookbook for movie buffs

Uncommon Goods Eat What You Watch Cookbook

Eat What You Watch Cookbook
5
a cookbook for movie buffs

Uncommon Goods Eat What You Watch Cookbook

Credit: Uncommon Goods

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.

6
an evening under the stars

REI Events Moonlight Hike

Moonlight Hike
6
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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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.

8
a cozy cabin stay

Getaway House Getaway Three Night Pack

Getaway Three Night Pack
8
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.

9
an at-home jewelry making kit

Uncommon Goods At Home Permanent Jewelry Kit

At Home Permanent Jewelry Kit
9
an at-home jewelry making kit

Uncommon Goods At Home Permanent Jewelry Kit

Credit: Uncommon Goods

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.

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10
a spa and salon gift card

Spafinder Gift Card

Gift Card
10
a spa and salon gift card

Spafinder Gift Card

Credit: Stocksy

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?

11
an indoor skydiving outing

iFly Experience Voucher

Experience Voucher
11
an indoor skydiving outing

iFly 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.

12
this top-rated movie watchlist

Uncommon Goods At Home Movie Critic's Chart

At Home Movie Critic's Chart
12
this top-rated movie watchlist

Uncommon Goods At Home Movie Critic's Chart

Credit: Uncommon Goods

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.

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13
a matcha subscription

Chamberlain Coffee Matcha Subscription

Matcha Subscription
13
a matcha subscription

Chamberlain Coffee Matcha Subscription

Credit: Chamberlain Coffee

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.

14
a bunch of date ideas

Uncommon Goods Date Night Bucket List

Date Night Bucket List
14
a bunch of date ideas

Uncommon Goods 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.

15
a fashion rental service

Rent the Runway Membership

Membership
15
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.

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16
a gift card that works for getting around and eating

Uber Gift Card

Gift Card
16
a gift card that works for getting around and eating

Uber Gift Card

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.

17
a luxe charcuterie subscription

Williams Sonoma 3 Months of Cheese and Charcuterie Subscription

3 Months of Cheese and Charcuterie Subscription
17
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.

18
a flower subscription

Urban Stems Flower Delivery Subscription

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 murder mystery subscription

Hunt A Killer Monthly Murder Mystery Box

Monthly Murder Mystery Box
19
a murder mystery subscription

Hunt A Killer Monthly Murder Mystery Box

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.

20
an unforgettable view

Virgin Experience Gifts Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride
20
an unforgettable view

Virgin Experience Gifts Hot Air Balloon Ride

Credit: Courtesy

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.

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.

Headshot of Chaise Sanders
Associate Editor

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.

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