If you want to give the gift of an amazing experience, here’s how to do it—no gift wrap required. But sometimes it pays to think a little outside the box, to see if your gift recipient might be interested in trying something new. My parents may not have taken up pottery as a hobby, despite enjoying the pottery class I gifted them a couple years back. But they have returned to the shop several times to buy the owner’s handiwork. RELATED: 24 Amazing Gift Ideas That Don’t Cost a Thing
Tickets to a concert, play, sporting event, or performance Classes or lessons (cooking, dance, or crafts) Camping trip Theme park tickets Museum visit or overnight Horseback riding Movie night Baking or crafting day Animal encounters at a zoo or aquarium Kayaking, paddle boarding, or other water sports Hiking or biking A tasting excursion or food tour Walking history tour Zoo or aquarium visit Spa day Afternoon picnic Tea party
If you still want something they can unwrap, include a little something related to the gift—like a paint-by-numbers kit if your gift is a trip to an art museum, or a nice canteen if you’re taking them camping. My husband and I trade off years planning (and attending) our daughters’ birthday adventures. For us, the chance to spend that quality, one-on-one time with our daughters is absolutely priceless—and a wonderful gift we’re giving ourselves, too.
