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A selection of gifts for those who prefer experiences to things.
Often, the best stuff isn’t really stuff at all. It’s spending time with someone, taking a trip, learning a new skill, or seeing a great band. In addition to making great gifts, experiences are also perfect for last-minute shoppers: All you have to do is write up a little card, pop a recyclable paper bow on top, and hand it to your recipient. (An email will do too, but we think at least a little pomp and circumstance is fun!)
The Gift of Chill
Headspace
If you know someone who might benefit from unplugging, one nice way to help may actually be a subscription to a meditation app! It might sound counterintuitive, but Headspace’s thoughtfully designed app is a great way to help the terminally online find a little inner quiet. $12.99/month or $70 per year.
The Gift of Travel
Booking.com
What’s more exciting than going on vacation? Going on vacation and having someone else take care of the details. Booking.com is an easy-to-use platform that includes an astounding array of accommodations across the globe
The Gift of Knowledge
Masterclass
There’s no shortage of options on Masterclass, where subject matter experts teach classes on a huge range of topics, such as entrepreneurship, portrait photography, interior design, chess, conservation, French pastry, and so much more. A gift subscription allows recipients to dabble and pursue whatever subject interests them. Memberships from $6/month.
The Gift of Music
Ticketmaster
Tickets to an event make an incredible gift. While we can’t say that we love Ticketmaster, the platform provides access to just about everything. Bruce Springsteen, Oasis, Beyonce, Metallica, The Pixies, Dua Lipa, Wynton Marsalis, and about a million more artists will take the stage in 2025.
The Gift of Learning Something Quirky
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods, a Brooklyn-based B Corporation, curates a wonderful assortment of attractive and quirky yet useful items. They also offer great experiences, including live virtual classes. Offerings include Merry Mixology, Pet Portrait Painting, Historical Cocktails, How to Read Tarot, and Flower Arranging. The recipient can choose when to schedule the class. Classes from $30.
The Gift of Doing it Yourself
Etsy
Some of the best items on Etsy aren’t objects, but tutorials and guides. Experts of all kinds sell do-it-yourself craft patterns, tutorials, and even plans for small buildings like fancy chicken coops. Gorgeous knitting and crochet patterns are among the most popular, and would be a lovely gift combined with a trip to the yarn store. Read our review. Home decor project guides from $0.65.
The Gift of Good Food
King Arthur Classes
King Arthur Baking offers great live and on-demand online classes on how to make everything from fruit pies to cinnamon buns to pizza dough to impressive bûche de Noëls. The classes would be great fun to take together as a family or with a partner. King Arthur also offers in-person classes in Vermont and Washington. Read our review. Classes from $35.
The Gift of Waking Up
Trade Coffee
Coffee addicts will love a subscription to Trade Coffee. The easy-to-navigate site allows filtering by roast levels, flavor notes, certifications, and more. The site has over 110 coffees with Organic, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance certifications. Three months of coffee from $50. Read our review.
The Gift of the Great Outdoors
Parks Pass
If you know someone who loves getting outside, a Parks Pass makes a wonderful gift. The pass offers access to over 2,000 National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands, and admits the owner and three adults to all of America’s parks. (Children under 16 always enter free.) $80.
