What We’re Loving Right Now: Experience Gifts That Make Memories

The holidays are a season for giving, but let’s be honest: finding the “perfect” gift year after year can feel impossible. We’ve all been there—scrambling for something meaningful, practical, or just downright memorable. That’s why this season, we’re leaning into experience gifts—the kind of presents that don’t just sit on a shelf but create moments, stories, and memories that last long after the wrapping paper is gone.

Why Experience Gifts Are the Perfect Choice

1. They create lasting memories
Unlike a new sweater or gadget, experiences are remembered. A cooking class, a weekend retreat, or a concert ticket creates a memory that can be recalled for years. In our fast-paced, always-online lives, giving someone a tangible memory is a rare and precious gift.

2. They show thoughtfulness
Choosing an experience that aligns with someone’s interests—like a pottery workshop for a creative friend or a guided hike for an outdoors lover—sends a message: you see them, you understand them, and you want them to enjoy something meaningful.

3. They reduce clutter
Let’s be real—our homes fill up fast, and the holidays can create a mountain of “stuff” that often goes unused. Experiences are clutter-free gifts: the joy comes from participation, not storage.

4. They often support local businesses and communities Booking an experience locally—think spa days, art classes, small concert venues—helps support the people and places around us. That adds another layer of meaning to the gift.

5. They encourage connection
Many experiences are shared. A cooking class, a guided tour, or even a virtual wine tasting can be enjoyed together, fostering conversation, laughter, and connection—something tangible that products alone rarely provide.

Experience Gift Ideas That Feel Luxurious Without Being Overwhelming

Wellness & Self-Care Experiences

• Spa day or massage gift certificate

• Meditation or yoga retreat

• Float tank session

Food & Drink Experiences

• Private cooking class or wine pairing workshop

• Tasting menus at local restaurants

• Non-alcoholic wine or tea ceremony experiences

Adventure & Outdoors

• Hot air balloon ride or helicopter tour

• Guided hike or kayak adventure

• Horseback riding or sailing lesson

Creative & Learning Experiences

• Pottery, painting, or craft workshops

• Photography or creative writing class

• Music lessons or performance tickets

Home & Lifestyle Experiences

• Flower arranging or terrarium workshop

• Personalized mixology class at home

• Virtual experiences from experts around the world

Why These Gifts Work for This Season

We all know the holidays can feel heavy—overbooked schedules, crowded stores, and the pressure to find the perfect gift. Experience gifts shift the focus away from consumption and toward presence, joy, and shared memories. They’re meaningful, sustainable, and they often give back to local businesses—a perfect alignment with the season’s spirit of gratitude and care.

Think about it: instead of another scarf or candle that will eventually fade into the background, you’re gifting a laugh, a story, a memory. Those are the things that matter most.

How to Choose the Right Experience

1. Consider the recipient’s personality: Are they adventurous, creative, food-focused, or wellness-minded?

2. Check logistics: Make sure dates, travel, or accessibility won’t get in the way.

3. Make it personal: A handwritten note, a small add-on, or a themed package can elevate even a simple experience.

4. Add flexibility: Gift cards or options for multiple dates ensure your gift fits their schedule.
   
   

What We’re Loving Right Now:

This season, we’re especially drawn to:

• Local cooking classes for small, intimate groups

• Guided wellness retreats that combine movement, meditation, and nutrition

• Personalized creative workshops—think pottery, floral arranging, or watercolor

• Mindful adventure experiences, like guided forest bathing or gentle kayak tours

Each of these gifts is designed to create a memory, support intentional living, and make the recipient feel truly seen.

Affiliate Disclaimer:
As always, What We’re Loving Right Now only recommends products and experiences we genuinely use, adore, and would gift to our own best friends. Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission — the kind that helps us keep sharing the things we truly love (and never the ones we don’t).