Photo Courtesy of Getty ImagesShopping for the holidays can be stressful, especially when someone on your list seems impossible to shop for. If they’re someone who claims they don’t want “stuff,” consider an experience gift instead.
These gifts go beyond traditional presents, offering fun, excitement, and lasting memories. From a one-on-one skateboarding lesson with Tony Hawk to a hands-on virtual baking class with Martha Stewart, there’s an experience for every personality.
Experience gifts are also surprisingly easy to give. Many are digital, meaning you can send them straight to your loved one’s inbox and avoid shipping delays.
They’re perfect for friends, family, and even coworkers, making them versatile and thoughtful. Plus, these gifts are meaningful without creating clutter, which is ideal for anyone trying to live minimally.
This year, make your presents unforgettable with experiences that will be remembered long after the holidays are over.
The Best Experience Gifts for the Holidays:
Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort
For those craving the ultimate holiday getaway, this secluded Mayan coastline resort is the perfect escape—just 20 minutes from Cancun airport.
Why Travelers Love It: Enjoy an all-inclusive upscale experience with gourmet meals, a daily refreshed minibar, premium wines and liquors, and endless treats like unlimited ice cream and churros. Lounge by the pool or on the beach, and wind down with nightly entertainment that keeps the fun going from sunrise to sunset.
Pro Tip: Book a room with an ocean view for sunrise-worthy Instagram shots and easy access to the beach—your perfect vacay photos await!
Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + $20 Digital Costco Shop Card
Great deal alert (and the perfect gift)! We found a 1-year Gold Star membership to Costco, plus a $20 digital Costco shop card (sent directly to your email), for just $65. Get one for your mom, get one for yourself, just get it. Note: limit one per household.
MasterClass Subscription: Martha Stewart -- Think Like a Boss, Live Like a Legend
For the loved one who loves to learn, an online MasterClass is perfect. You can choose from topics like cooking, business, meditation, and more, or just how to be a boss like Martha Stewart. Take advantage of MasterClass's up to 50% off holiday special, classes start at $7/month (usually $10/month).
America the Beautiful Pass - 2025/2026
For the friend or loved one who loves the outdoors, the National Parks Annual Pass is a slam dunk gift. It's good for one year and admits the pass owner and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle into any federal recreation site for free. One reviewer raved, "This is definitely worth the money."
Cameo - Personalized Video Messages From LuAnn de Lesseps
Reviewers rave about Real Housewives of New York's LuAnn de Lesseps' thoughtful and personal messages on Cameo. Her average video length is 40 seconds and it's a steal at $275.
Theater Tickets Through TodayTix
Nothing beats Broadway, so snag your loved one a ticket to a show. TodayTix has great deals on tons of performances (not just in NYC) and you can even get gift cards.
Tinggly Merry Christmas Gift Box
Forget another candle, give them the gift of choice with Tinggly’s “Merry Christmas” Experience Box, full of thousands of adventures around the world. It's thoughtful, flexible, and way more exciting than socks.
Virgin Experience Gifts
Use code BF20 to get 20% off your choice of experiences from Virgin. There are bucket list adventures (like flying a plane or driving a race car), golf lessons, brewery tours, and more for couples, kids, and more. Each experience you purchase also comes with a beautifully designed digital greeting card.
TripAdvisor's Best of the Best Things to Do
Whether you're traveling abroad or staying local, you can find an experience at TripAdvisor. Not sure where to start? Well, check out their Best of the Best Things to Do, the best of reviews and opinions from over 8 million listings by the TripAdvisor community. Trek to Machu Picchu or go whale watching in Alaska, just get it before Christmas.
Uncommon Goods Couple's Elemental Astrology Class
From art classes to cooking classes, Uncommon Goods has a ton of experience gift options for him, her, couples, mom, dad, and everyone. The class here features astrologer Emily Klintworth guiding you and your partner on a relationship journey through astrology.
Rosetta Stone Subscription
Start learning a foreign language today with Rosetta Stone. There are over 20 languages to choose from, and you can access the expert-driven immersion lessons from your computer or phone. Plus, the speech recognition technology will have you sounding like a native speaker in no time. Buy now and save 25% on your first 3 months, 45% off for 12 months, or 50% off for lifetime access.
Harry & David The Favorite Royal Riviera Pears
No one can resist a gift basket of nine juicy pears from Harry & David. They're handpicked and arrive in perfect condition (someone gifted me these last year, and they were pristine on arrival). Plus, the gift set is best enjoyed within 10 days, so they won't add to the clutter and will give everyone a delicious eating experience.
Cameo - Personalized Video Messages From Sonja Morgan
Ideal for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and pep talks, everyone's favorite Real Housewife of NYC Sonja Morgan delivers personal messages with a quick turnaround. So, raise a glass of Sonja Sangria and book her today.
MasterClass Subscription: Bobbi Brown Teaches Makeup and Beauty
There are tons of practical, unique, and fun classes available at MasterClass. Why not learn makeup techniques from Bobbi Brown? Take advantage of MasterClass's up to 50% off holiday special, classes start at $7/month (usually $10/month).
Amazon Prime Membership
Why not gift an annual membership to Amazon Prime? You get same-day, one-day, and two-day delivery on millions of items, discounts, free shipping, Prime Video, and more. Best of all, it will definitely be used every day.
Cameo - Personalized Video Messages From Tony Hawk
According to skateboarder Tony Hawk, there's "no request is too big or small." His average video length is almost two minutes long and reviewers rave that his Cameos leave a lasting impression.
A Hulu & Disney+ Subscription
You can watch Disney originals, tons of movies and TV shows (both current and new eps), live TV, plus Hulu movies for just $12.99/month. And if you want to make it even more enticing, add HBO Max for an additional $7/month.
HelloFresh Meal Kit
Sometimes cooking at home can be stressful. You have to get the ingredients and pick a recipe...but HelloFresh makes it easy. They send you pre-portioned ingredients and meals designed by professional chefs and nutritionists, and there are tons of ways you can personalize your picks. Choose from family-friendly, veggie, and more.
Giftory Christmas Experiences
From a Michelin-star dining experience to a perfume-making class, Giftory has experiences for everyone (like couples, grandparents, kids, and more). Pick by location and get shopping, you can even snag gift cards. Use code GIFT15 to get 15% off.
Still shopping? Michael Kors Outlet Black Friday has up to 80% off chic shoulder bags, totes, hobo bags and more.