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Gifts are a love language for a reason’. They can make us feel special, understood — and who doesn’t love the feeling of a wrapped present in hand? But thinking outside-the-box (literally and figuratively) and treating loved ones to experience gifts can be an even more meaningful way to connect, whether you live down the street from one another or thousands of miles apart.
In a 2023 survey, 92% of Americans reported they’d prefer to receive an experience to share with a loved one over a physical gift — up from 62% in 2021. And as research points to experiential gifts fostering deeper relationships, this gesture is a wonderful way to both strengthen connections and help your recipient to learn a new skill, practice self-care, or forge priceless memories.
Experience gifts come in all shapes and sizes, spanning a range of budgets and interests. Below is our roundup of ideas, including DIY kits, date night outings, outdoorsy activities, and quirky finds for that hard-to-shop-for-person on your list. When in doubt, a gift card to their favorite coffee shop is sure to make them smile.
For Lifelong Learners
Rosetta Stone Subscription
Do you have a loved one who wants to learn a new language? A gift subscription to Rosetta Stone is as thoughtful as it is useful. The award-winning app offers bite-sized lessons in 25 tongues, including Italian, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, and Polish. Cutting-edge speech recognition technology ensures your recipient perfects their pronunciation, and the immersive learning environment leads to lasting mastery. Best of all, from Nov. 18 through Dec. 10, a lifetime unlimited subscription is only $149. You might just have to get one for yourself, too.
REI Classes and Events
What better gift than to get someone outside in the sunshine and fresh air? REI classes and excursions cover a wide range of activities, including cycling, hiking, rafting, and the art of stargazing. (I’m eyeing Snowshoeing Basics.) Find classes by entering your giftee’s zip code or by filtering the selection by interest, and feel confident they’ll be in good hands with REI’s trusted guides.
Sculpd Pottery Kit
With over 4 pounds of air-dry clay, a sculpting tool kit, nine paint colors (including white), and a step-by-step guide, this all-in-one kit has everything your loved one needs to give pottery a whirl, no studio visit or kiln required. Creating with clay can be a soothing way to unwind and disconnect from screens, and they can make whatever their heart desires, from pots and ornaments to candles and trinket dishes — we’re especially partial to these adorable wall vases.
Sur La Table Cooking Classes
There’s always more to learn in the kitchen. Cooking classes are a welcome gift for anyone who wants to kick their skills up a notch or simply appreciates a novel date night idea. In-store classes range from French Classics to Korean BBQ, Lobster Ravioli Feast, and more, and the brand also offers online tutorials that can be joined from home, so there’s something tasty and enjoyable for everyone.
For Culture Lovers
Bookshop.org Gift Card
Any bookworm would love a gift card to Bookshop.org. The online bookstore is a certified B Corp and on a mission to support independent booksellers around the world, raising over $33 million to date for that cause. Go the extra bookish mile and pair it with a crocheted bookmark.
Fandango Movie Gift Card
Never underestimate a Fandango gift card! There’s just something special about settling into a dark theater with popcorn in hand. And a recent study found that experiencing big emotions with others — like the kind we feel when watching movies — can lead to stronger bonds and feelings of connectedness. So this is a gift in more ways than one.
Poetry Magazine Subscription
As poetry is often called medicine for the soul, this is a gift that can truly make an imprint. A one-year subscription to Poetry includes 10 issues of the magazine straight to your recipient’s door, complimentary access to the digital archive, and a free tote that doubles as a lovely conversation starter.
For Self-Care Enthusiasts
Postcard Cabins Stay
Sometimes we all need to just get away. If someone on your list would love a change of scenery, consider gifting them a stay at Postcard Cabins. The picturesque “tiny cabins” are tucked away in scenic destinations across the United States, from Big Bear, California, to Catskill, New York — and usually within two hours of a major city. The aim is to invite “guests to savor their free time, find balance through disconnection, and enjoy the company of those who matter most.”
SpaFinder Gift Card
Give the oh-so-nice gift of self-care. SpaFinder cards can be redeemed at over 6,000 spas and hotels worldwide, where they can book their choice of treatment — massage, facial, manicure, you name it. Gift tip: Add a tried-and-true candle or a pair of cozy slippers to make it a set.
Headspace Subscription
Bring some grounding, peaceful vibes to their life with a Headspace subscription. The award-winning platform is home to over 1,000 guided meditations, along with breathwork sessions, soundscapes, sleep stories, and yoga classes. And if you’re curious about the benefits of meditation, Assistant Editor Rebekah Brandes wrote about her experience meditating every day for eight weeks. Spoiler alert: She didn’t regret it!
ResortPass Gift Card
You know about staycations, but what about daycations? A ResortPass gift card will treat your loved one to all the vacation vibes that come with spending a day at a hotel without having to stay overnight. They’ll get exclusive day access to pools, spas, and more at over 900 hotels across 250+ cities. We think it’d be an especially nice gift for a new parent or caregiver.
For Those Who Seem to Have Everything
The Sill Garden Jar Duo
Just about any dish can be enhanced with a handful of fresh herbs — and that’s exactly what these darling botanical-embossed jars deliver. This beginner-approved set comes with organic Genovese basil seeds and organic mint seeds and a self-watering setup, so there’s very little effort needed and lots of fresh herbs to enjoy.
Piecework Pasta Time Conversation Game
This quirky set includes 108 faux pasta noodles printed with questions in different categories, some “spicy” or “saucy” and others “cheesy” or “meaty.” (Get it?) It’s a fun gift for the person who’s always hosting dinner parties or anyone who loves getting into deep conversations.
Bird Buddy
Featuring a high-resolution camera and bird species recognition, this AI-powered bird feeder pairs with your recipient’s phone to notify them when a winged visitor arrives and help them identify critters in their community. I gave it to my parents and quickly got one for myself after seeing how much joy it brought them.
RELATED: The Science of Great Gift-Giving: How to Select the Best Presents, According to Research
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