30 Gift Experiences They'll Talk About for Years and Years
No boring gifts here—I guarantee they'll never forget this present.
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Some of the most thoughtful gifts can't be wrapped up in a box. Real-life, hands-on experience gifts allow your loved one to not only do something they love, but also create lasting memories in the process.
As a shopping editor who regularly recommends gifts—I've rounded up 33 unique gift ideas for every kind of person. That includes the family member who's a frequent flyer and may appreciate a travel experience, a crafter in search of a new hobby, or a wine connoisseur looking to expand their palate. The best part? Since most of these experiences are redeemable online, there's no need to stress about shipping dates—making them ideal options for last-minute shoppers.
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Why we like it: Virgin Gifts offers a wide range of adventures you can gift to loved ones at home and abroad. Take them skydiving, white water rafting, hot air ballooning and more with a specific experience gift—or try a gift card for them to plan their own excursion.
What you should know: Gift card amounts start at $25, while experience options start at $20.
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Why we like it: You've heard of Cameo—but have you gifted a Cameo? Make your BFF a custom video from their favorite viral star or childhood hero for a moment they won't forget.
What you should know: Prices vary, depending on the person (Chuck Norris is $450, for example), but there is a section called 50 Under $50 that features reality stars and influencers.
Why we like it: This bimonthly subscription gives them the thrill of breaking free from their four walls by turning their house into an escape room—they just have to solve family-friendly riddles and puzzles to make it possible.
What you should know: These games are recommended for ages 10+, and can be played solo or in small groups of two to six people.
Why we like it: They may have graduated years ago, but MasterClass can help them hone new skills any time. With an all-access subscription, they can learn skills like tennis, fiction writing, and cooking from the best of the best like Serena Williams, Neil Gaiman, Thomas Keller, and more.
What you should know: In time for the holidays, Masterclass is running a 50% off promotion—so you can score a membership for just $5 a month.
Why we like it: If you're looking to impress the foodie in your life, consider a monthly Goldbelly subscription. Choose from deliveries of pizza, barbecue, pies, cakes or city-specific foods from restaurants around the country, or gift them the "best of Goldbelly," and they'll have some fantastic new treats delivered each month.
What you should know: Goldbelly offers a variety of subscription options, with prices ranging from $50 to $160 per month.
Why we like it: Sure, a regular piece of jewelry is fine—but if you really want to wow them, go with the permanent kind. They can DIY a clasp-free bracelet or ankle (both available in silver and gold options), from the comfort of her own home. While it usually requires welding, this kit doesn't.
What you should know: This kit is available in silver or gold, with gold costing $10 extra.
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Why we like it: Hiring a private chef might seem out of budget, but Cozy Meal actually has a lot of options, starting at less than $100 per person. The chef will come to them and cook any style of meal you choose, from an Italian feast to a lobster dinner.
What you should know: These private chef meals start at $49 per person, and they're available across 400+ different cities.
Why we like it: If your loved one dreams of driving down a race track at high speed, several online reviewers recommend the NASCAR racing experience. Reviews praise how helpful the staff was, and we like that you can choose from a variety of tracks nationwide.
What you should know: You can find NASCAR Racing experiences in cities with major speedways, like Los Angeles, Daytona, Charlotte, Texas, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
Why we like it: With Tinggly, you can purchase a show or performance of any kind for them to see literally anywhere in the world. Stay local and find something in their hometown, or if they have a trip planned, go that route.
What you should know: Tinggly offers a variety of gifting packages, which start at $50 for 6 pairs of tickets. Individual event vouchers start at $20.
Why we like it: From historical walking tours to cooking classes that immerse you in local culture, Airbnb Experiences offers a vast range of immersive activities all over the globe. You can purchase them a specific experience, or opt for a gift card that applies to both Airbnb stays and experiences.
What you should know: Experience options start at around $10 based on location, while gift card amounts start at $25.
Why we like it: Meaningful conversations can be the greatest gift of all. Great for friend groups, couples, and even families, this viral card game is designed to encourage deeper relationships by asking deep and insightful questions.
What you should know: This game is recommended for ages 15 and up, and it's designed for groups of 2 to 6 players.
Why we like it: Think of this as the gift that keeps on giving. For a person who is overworked or has a busy mind, the Headspace app will allow them to take some time for themselves. With this monthly subscription, your loved one can work through guided meditations and calming stories to help them decompress and even fall asleep at night.
What you should know: Subscriptions start at $39 for a three-month plan, while an annual subscription costs $70.
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Why we like it: Each month, Shaker & Spoon will package up all of the ingredients to make three different cocktails (12 drinks in total), all tied to a theme, like Girls Just Wanna Have Bourbon or Tequilin' It.
What you should know: Since these packages ships don't include booze, we recommend making a run to the liquor store before gifting.
Why we like it: Treat them to wine deliveries tailored to their unique taste with our editors' best customizable wine club pick. Our testers love how it offers a wide range of classic wines, and that their bottles will be selected by an actual sommelier.
What you should know: Pricing for this wine club starts at $120 for six bottles.
Why we like it: Perfect for parents and grandparents, Storyworth helps people document their own story and turn it into a keepsake memoir. Each week, Storyworth will ask your loved one questions about their life, like their wedding day or chosen career path, to create a physical book of memories.
What you should know: Through December 31, 2025, you can take $15 off your Storybook order.
Why we like it: Celebrate their green thumb with The Sill's Plant of the Month club. Each month, your giftee will receive a new, low-maintenance plant in a ceramic planter. You can opt for a classic plan, which includes a wide range of plant types, or a pet-friendly plan for pet parents.
What you should know: Plant varieties change each month. You can choose from a range of planter colors and sizes, with prices starting at $60 for your first month.
Why we like it: Gift the art of home brewing with this craft beer-making kit. It comes complete with all the supplies needed to brew a gallon of beer, and you can choose from a range of flavors like light lager, Irish stout, single malt IPA, and even hard cider.
What you should know: Reviewers say that this beer-making kit is straightforward, easy to use, and results in delicious-tasting beer.
Why we like it: If they want to learn a new skill, crocheting is a great option. This beginner-friendly kit with thousands of rave reviews comes with everything they need to create a plush animal, including yarn, instructions, and a crochet needle.
What you should know: This kit comes in five styles: penguin, fox, dinosaur, chick, or whale.
Why we like it: For the astrology-obsessed giftee, this live virtual class led by expert astrologer Emily Klintworth will help them chart their forecast for the year ahead. During the class, Klintworth explains celestial energy patterns for each month and provides deeper insight into one's birth chart.
What you should know: This class comes with an annual astrological chart and stickers for customization.
Why we like it: If an extended trip isn't in the cards, this genius service allows your giftee to enjoy all the amenities that a hotel has to offer without paying for an overnight stay. Available at more than 2,000 hotels, it's the ultimate staycation experience.
What you should know: Resortpass options start at $25, and included amenities vary based on location.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
Lauren Gruber is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines with more than five years of professional writing experience. She specializes in fragrance, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content for Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, and more. Before her time at Hearst, Lauren graduated from New York University and wrote for Shop TODAY, Entertainment Tonight, Self, V Magazine, L’Officiel, and more. When she’s not researching Prime Day deals or testing the latest perfume launches, you can find Lauren hanging out with her cat Serafina or flexing her AMC A-List membership at the movie theater.
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