Sometimes finding the right gift can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want something meaningful, something that truly shows you care, but the usual go-to presents just don’t seem to cut it anymore. That's why more and more people are choosing to gift something better: experience gifts.
What is an experience gift?
An experience gift is a present, that comes delivered in a physical envelope or eVoucher, where the recipient can enjoy a memorable experience, rather than a physical object. There's thousands of experience gifts to choose from too, with Giftory offering over 4,500+ in the US.
They are quickly becoming one of the most thoughtful and exciting ways to celebrate the people you care about. From fun cooking classes, scenic sailing cruises to romantic hot air balloon rides, whatever you decide to gift will create unforgettable stories that will be talked about time after time.
Experience gifts focus on creating true memories and emotions, which often feel more valuable than any object. Keep reading to find out why experience gifts are better than physical gifts and how they can transform every occasion into something meaningful.
Why Choose Experience Gifts Over Traditional Presents?
1. They Make People Feel Truly Seen
Experience gifts show you’ve paid attention to what someone actually enjoys. Is your friend a foodie? Give them a hands-on cooking class or meal at a top restaurant. Is your partner adventurous? Try a thrilling driving experience. You’re not just giving a thing - you’re giving them a moment they’ll love.
2. They Create Lasting Memories
Unlike physical gifts that may break or go out of style, experience gifts last forever in memory. People remember how you made them feel, not what you gave them.
3. They’re Perfect for the Person Who Has Everything
Some people are hard to shop for because they already own it all. But have they made their own pasta? Taken a mixology class? Tried a mystery picnic? Experiences offer something fresh, exciting, and one-of-a-kind.
4. They’re Easy to Send - Even Last Minute!
Running behind? No problem. With Giftory, you can send digital gift vouchers instantly via email. No wrapping. No shipping. Just meaningful gifts, delivered on time, every time.
Best Occasions to Gift an Experience
Looking for the right time to try experience gifting? Here are some of the best moments to swap out stuff for memories:
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Birthdays: Make this year unforgettable with something they've never done before. Push them to the limit with a skydive experience, make them try something new like a dance lesson or send them on an experience they've always wanted to do such as a helicopter tour.
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Mother’s Day or Father’s Day: Celebrate parents with spa days, mystery picnics, or creative workshops. It's the perfect way to say thank you Mom and Dad, which they'll really appreciate.
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Weddings & Anniversaries: Skip the flowers and go for romantic getaways or dining cruises. Trust us, major brownie points right there! Get the newlywed a romantic experience like a couples massage, date night or private chef experience, which they can enjoy together after the wedding buzz.
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Graduations & Milestones: Mark big achievements with bold adventures like skydiving, sailing, or art classes.
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Holidays: Instead of the usual Christmas presents, consider gifting experience gifts they've always wanted to do from Michelin restaurants, wine tasting tours to getaways and more. The options really are endless.
Who Will Love a Gift Experience?
Gift experiences also appeal to a wide range of people.
- Adventurers will love gifts like race car driving or ziplining.
- Food lovers often appreciate cooking classes, brewery tours, or gourmet dinners.
- Couples enjoy romantic outings such as hot air balloon rides or spa treatments designed just for two.
- Families can share quality time through theme park visits or creative pottery painting sessions.
- Busy professionals may welcome a relaxing spa day or a weekend retreat to recharge.
- And for those who seem to have everything, experiences offer something truly unique and memorable instead of just more stuff.
Popular Gift Experiences in the US
So, what are some popular gift experiences in the US right now? Here are some of the standout experiences that are popular on Giftory.
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🧑🍳 Cooking Classes: a firm favorite across the US, foodies can learn new skills and have fun in the kitchen. Pasta, sushi and dumpling making classes are all the rage right now.
🔗 Explore all our Cooking Classes
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🍾 Michelin Restaurants: gift luxury with a Michelin restaurant gift card. The food and service is always incredible, a real treat and memory they'll be talking about for years to come!
🔗 Explore Michelin Restaurants on Giftory
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🏨 Overnight Getaways: there are some stunning getaways across the US. It will be a weekend break they'll really thank you for. From New England getaways to NYC hotel stays.
🔗 Explore all our Overnight Getaways across the US
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🍷 Wine & Vineyard Tours: another popular hit this summer, with experiences offering guided tastings, vineyard and brewery tours to train rides through the Napa Valley. There's lots to explore here, which any foodie in your life is going to love.
🔗 Explore all our Wine & Brewery Tours
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🏎️ Driving Experiences: gift a car-enthusiast the thrill of a lifetime, behind the wheel of a supercar. Choose from some of the most popular racetracks in the US.
🔗 Explore supercar experiences
Explore even more in our full experience gift collection.
How to Choose the Perfect Gift Experience
Choosing the right gift experience is all about knowing who you’re gifting to and what they would enjoy most. Are they thrill seekers or do they prefer relaxing moments? Do they love learning new things or just want to have fun?
Also consider logistics like whether the experience is local or requires travel. And at Giftory, your experience gift never expires so there's no rush to book - do it in your own time, when it suits you.
Gift Memories, Not Things
At the end of the day, gift experiences are more than just presents - they are opportunities to create memories, share laughter, and enjoy life’s special moments. It's a chance to say "I know you" in a way that sticks.
If you want a gift that truly shows you care and stands out from the crowd, consider giving an experience. It might just be the best gift anyone ever receives.
So next time you're looking for something meaningful, skip the store and explore our full collection of experience gifts. Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary, or just because, gifts that create memories are always the right choice.
FAQs About Experience Gifts
Do Giftory experience gift vouchers expire?
Nope! All Giftory vouchers never expire, so your recipient can book their experience whenever it fits their schedule.
Can I send an experience gift to someone in a different state?
Yes! Giftory offers experiences in cities and regions across the U.S., from New York to California and beyond. Simply choose a location that works for them.
What if the recipient wants to exchange the experience I picked?
No worries! We make it easy to swap experiences or upgrade using the value of the voucher. Flexibility is part of the Giftory promise.
Are these gifts suitable for last-minute occasions?
Absolutely. All experience gifts can be delivered instantly by email. You can add a personal message and even print the voucher at home if needed.