39 Most Exciting Experience Gift Card Ideas in 2024
Experience gift cards are the best present to hand out this year. Let’s be honest; with the rise in quick delivery, most people can get anything they ever want and need in a matter of days.
While this can make everyday life tasks more convenient, it makes buying gifts much more difficult. So, what do you get your friends and family who have everything?
An experience can be much more memorable than a physical item. The receiver can make memories or gain a new skill; something they can't do with a traditional gift. Classpop! gift cards make great presents for the holiday season and special occasions because they give access to hundreds of unforgettable, creative experiences.
What other experiences can you give this year? We’ve rounded up 39 of the best gift card ideas that your friends and family will appreciate.
Jump to Section
- Creative Experience Gift Cards
- Foodie Experience Gift Cards
- Unique Experience Gift Cards
- DIY Experience Gift Cards
- Virtual Experience Gift Cards
- Bonus Experience Gift Cards
Creative Experience Gift Cards
1. Paint and Sip
Know someone who’s always looking for a new creative outlet? Why not give them a paint and sip gift card, so they can learn different painting techniques and styles.
At paint and sip in Los Angeles, they can get creative at a fancy restaurant. Paint and sip in Sacramento will take them to their next favorite pizza place. Or how about paint and sip in Chicago, where they can also enjoy glamorous drag performances.
If they don't want to travel, you can always get your friend or loved one some online painting classes, one of the top unique gift experiences they won't forget.
2. Pottery Classes
If your buddy loves more hands-on creativity, pottery is a popular choice. If they're on the East Coast, you can get them some pottery classes in Boston. There are also beginner to advanced pottery classes in San Francisco for every skill level if they're in the West.
During pottery classes in San Diego, they can make their next favorite coffee mug or a decorative bowl to hold their fruit. Pottery gift cards are perfect gifts for artists. Pottery classes are also fantastic experience gift cards for couples looking to break their mundane routine, or if you just broke your partner's favorite salad bowl.
3. Dance Classes
Let the creative juices flow through movement with dance classes in Los Angeles. Learn a variety of styles, from belly to Bollywood through dance classes in Orlando.
Know any young and budding dancers? Help them hone their talents with dance classes in Las Vegas for kids, so they can grow their love of dancing early.
4. Interior Design Help
Wondering which gift cards for experiences would suit someone who’s always tinkering with their space or can’t seem to get their design aesthetic right? Interior design help from Havenly will help them to create a beautiful interior that perfectly matches their style.
You can gift one of their two packages. The Havenly Mini features a design concept and custom styling for a room of their choice. The full package includes one-on-one help for a total room design.
5. Calligraphy Classes
Anyone with beautiful handwriting will love honing their craft with calligraphy experience gift cards. Gift online courses and calligraphy supplies from Laura Hooper Design House.
Your wordsmith friend will learn a variety of beautiful scripts they can use for creative hobbies like journaling, writing thank-you notes or even wedding invitations and signs.
6. Music Lessons
Be it guitar, violin or flute, the only way to get better at an instrument is to practice. Of course, the best experience gift card ideas for blossoming musos looking to improve their skills would be fun and interactive music lessons.
Here, they can learn to read sheet music and also how to improve on the instrument of their choice. A music lesson makes a great experience gift for kids and teenagers.
Foodie Experience Gift Cards
7. Cooking Classes
For anyone who likes to cook, bake or try new recipes, cooking classes are the ideal experience gift cards for birthdays, holidays and special occasions.
They can master the art of fluffy gnocchi during cooking classes in Chicago, learn how to make Thai curry in cooking classes in Baltimore and create authentic Japanese cuisine with cooking classes in Orange County.
Search for cooking classes near you if you're in the same city as your friend or loved one and you can be taught a new skills by world-class chefs. Or they can cook in their own home with online cooking classes.
8. City Food Tours
Every city has some incredible food, and trying new dishes are some of the best experiences to give as gifts. The food lover in your life will love receiving this experience gift card for any special occasion or holiday because they’ll get to try some of the city’s best restaurants and most famous dishes.
They may even find one of their new favorite spots to eat. Food tours are unforgettable gifts for foodies, and they also make memorable employee gift cards for your team.
9. Cheese Club
For anyone who likes something different than the standard cheddar or American, an experience gift card to a cheese club is the perfect present to unwrap for any turophile (that's the word for a cheese lover).
These subscription boxes will deliver gourmet cheese from around the world right to the receivers’ door. They’ll be able to enjoy new and unique flavors.
10. Private Cooking Lessons
Who doesn’t want to improve their cooking skills with the help of a gourmet chef? With this experience gift card, the receiver will be able to make a tantalizing dish under the supervision of a talented chef.
Here they’ll learn the tips, tricks and techniques to create better dishes and improve their own recipes. This makes for a thoughtful experience gift for couples.
11. Coffee Shop Gift Card
Coffee lovers know exactly how they want their coffee, and coffee aficionados are always interested in trying the best varieties. Give the experience of a really good cup of coffee for a birthday or special occasion.
A gift card to Starbucks is great for avid coffee drinkers, but a more artisanal approach to a local roastery is a better choice for a true coffee lover, and it supports the community. There are also coffee-centered experience gift card ideas like latte art, espresso and barista courses or even roasting and cupping classes.
12. Meal Kit Delivery Gift Card
Home chefs will beam when opening this experience gift card to a meal kit delivery. They will get all the ingredients at their door from local and sustainable food suppliers to cook to their hearts' content!
This is also a great experience gift card for couples who like to cook with each other or always have trouble deciding what to have for dinner.
13. Travel Expeirence Gift Cards
What's better than giving your frequent flier friend a travel experience as a gift? They can explore new cultures, meet interesting people, have plenty of adventures and taste some of the finest foods in the world.
There are gift cards for experiences at museums, walking tours, segway guides, and, of course, amazing foodie trips. Whether they choose to eat from street vendors or sit down at a Michelin-starred restaurant, the trip will surely leave a lasting impression, making it an unforgettable and flavorful trip. It's the perfect experience gift card for an 18th or 19th birthday idea for someone who's maybe going on a gap year or going on vacation.
Unique Experience Gift Cards
14. Mixology Classes
With this experience gift card idea, the receiver will learn to craft cocktails and boozy treats during online mixology classes. In these epic lessons expert mixologists teach behind-the-bar secrets to modern classics and flavorful twists to fan favorites.
Mixology classes make fun birthday experiences because the students will have all the drinks they need to celebrate afterward.
15. Wine Tastings
Don’t be boring and get the wine lovers in your life new wine glasses again. Give them one of the best experience gift cards for an event they won’t soon forget. Virtual wine tastings will allow them to try wine varieties from around the world in the comfort of their living room.
They’ll be guided by expert sommeliers who will teach all the techniques they need to taste like a pro. These also make perfect five senses gifts for the senses of sight, taste and smell.
16. Kayak Tours
What do you get a person who likes more active experiences in nature? The chance to get up close and personal with some of the country’s prettiest waterways.
Give a kayak tour through the La Jolla sea caves or to see bioluminescent organisms in Tomales Bay. There are so many places to explore by kayak and is surely one of the best gift cards for experiences in the U.S. and beyond as it’s truly unforgettable. If they prefer to stand, you can always get them some stand-up paddle (SUP) board lessons to find their new favorite hobby.
17. Fitness Classes
Anyone who loves spending their free time in the gym will always appreciate a selection of fitness classes. These are also perfect city experiences gift cards for anyone who wants to start working out or begin their fitness journey at the local gym.
Fitness classes can be an outdoor activity too if the receiver loves nature or going to the local park. They’re also customizable to their skill level, so they’ll always be properly challenged.
18. Drive a Classic or Luxury Sports Car
There is no doubt that driving a classic or luxury sports car is one of the top 10 experience gifts. Here, the receiver can race a Lamborghini or a Ferrari or cruise down the busiest roads to show all the style of a classic like an Aston Martin DB5 or Jaguar E-Type.
They can ride along with a NASCAR racer or take an hour-long supercar driving tour. This is one of the best experience gift cards for car lovers and anyone who likes an intense experience.
19. U.S. Travel Experiences
What is the best experience gift card idea you can give to your friend in the ol' U.S. of A? The opportunity to travel, of course! There’s no experience quite like being a tourist in your own country and seeing the world with a fresh perspective. These experience gift cards provide just that. Give a U.S. National Parks Pass so the receiver can travel the country, visiting some of the most beautiful sights the United States has to offer.
There are also some really unique activities to do all around the country. Be careful, because some experience gift card have an expiry date, so be sure to purchase one that either doesn't have a time limit or for a destination you know they'll be traveling to.
20. Tickets to an Upcoming Concert, Show or Game
Do you know your mother's favorite singer? How about your best friend's best band? What is a better experience gift card than tickets to see them perform live? When they unwrap the present, they’ll be overcome with joy to know they’ll be in the audience to cheer for and sing along with their musical idol.
If you know that they love music, but aren't sure who their favorite is, you can always get them a gift voucher for a booking site. Just be sure to know what the average cost of a ticket is so that you can give the correct amount.
21. Spa Voucher
One of the best experience gift cards for her is a spa voucher she can use to pamper herself. Give a few treatments that she can use on a total relaxation day or return a few times to redeem. Facials, massages and mud baths are all great gifts that continue to give.
These are also the perfect experience gift cards for stressed-out couples who have too much on their plate. Why not give new parents a spa voucher and also offer to take care of their little one for a few hours? They will surely be forever thankful.
22. U.S.A. Rail Pass
You know the old saying: "It's about the journey, not the destination." So why not get your friend or loved one a picturesque travel adventure by riding the train, cross-country? With a U.S.A. Rail Pass, you can book ten rides over 30 days, creating an unforgettable trip and one of the top 10 experience gifts. This is perfect for anyone who loves taking the scenic route.
23. Extreme Adventure Park
Get the adrenaline pumping with this experience gift card to an extreme adventure park. This thrilling present will let the receiver choose from a several heart-thumping activities like skydiving, ropes courses, rock climbing and paintball. These experience gift card ideas are for the active person looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
24. Scuba Diving Certification
Scuba classes are one-of-a-kind experience gifts that are great for couples or anyone who likes to spend their time by the water. You may not be able to gift the certification, but you can gift the classes leading up to the certificate.
Think of the potential of this gift card experience. After becoming certified, they can explore coral reefs, sea life and, once they get the experience, maybe even underwater caves and shipwrecks. It really is the gift that keeps on giving.
DIY Experience Gift Cards
25. Flower Arranging Classes
Why buy bouquets when you can make your own? Virtual flower arranging classes can be a fun experience gift for her if she loves filling her home with fresh flowers. It's also a perfect experience gift card for your romantic friend who loves to woo their partner.
These classes teach the art of arranging by balancing colors, bloom size, textures and heights to make stunning bouquets and dried floral art.
26. Photography Classes
Anyone can take a photo. And with the advent of Smartphones, everyone thinks they're a photographer. Yet, photography classes can up any aspiring photographer's game. Experts will teach the basics like lighting, contrast and advanced photographic techniques. With photography classes, they’ll be able to work in both digital and film, learning how to edit and develop their work.
If you know someone who wants to become a blogger, influencer or vlogger, this would be the perfect match.
27. Woodworking Classes
This unexpected experience gift card might end up being one of their favorites. Woodworking classes will teach all the basics of transforming a block of wood into a unique piece of art or even a useful piece of furniture.
Experts will teach them woodwork basics like carving to create candlesticks, vases and bowls. They can also get more advanced techniques like milling, jointing, planing, drilling and boring.
28. Glass Blowing Classes
Glass blowing not one of your ordinary experience gift card ideas. In fact, it's an art medium that many people find fascinating but have never tried. That’s exactly why you should give glass blowing classes as an experience gift card!
The receiver will learn beginner techniques for how to melt, form and shape the glass into a unique art piece or useful crockery they can display at home.
29. Mystery Game Box
Anyone who likes to be an armchair detective or solve mysteries will love this experience gift card. Inside there are objects to help solve a mystery in a different city from around the globe. There are also junior versions for family gift ideas with children under 10.
30. Make Your Own Music
Know someone who’s always tapping a beat or singing a melody but has never picked up an instrument? Then they’ll love Uncommon Goods Band Camp as an experience gift card. An expert instructor will teach them how to make music with the Orba digital instrument. The best part is that they don’t need previous musical experience to learn.
Virtual Experience Gift Cards
31. Online Game Nights
Do you have a really competitive friend who loves to win win win? Then virtual game nights can be a brilliant idea for an experience gift card. It's an especially great experience gift for couples who love gathering their friends for boardgame nights but live out of town.
They can also play online trivia games, virtual scavenger hunts and virtual escape rooms, and challenge friends and family to a little bet.
32. Watch Broadway From Home
No need to travel to New York City for a musical. With BroadwayHD, the receiver can watch classic and modern musicals in the comfort of their own home. Who says an experience gift card needs to be for the active and adventurous? Couch potatoes and culture vultures will both love this experience.experience gift card ideas
They can also watch ballets and performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company. And for anyone who likes behind the scenes, there are plenty of documentaries available as well.
33. VR Game Gift Card
If they have a virtual reality headset, get them a gift card to a gaming store. This gift allows them to experience new virtual reality games that they handpick themselves! If you don't live closeby, you can join them in the metaverse for a virtual meetup.
Bonus Experience Gift Cards
34. Choose Your Own Adventure Gift Card Experience
Can’t decide what to get your intrepid friend or loved one? Why not let them choose their own experience gift cards? Whether it’s flying through the sky in a hot air balloon, kayaking in the open ocean, or just playing a round of golf at their favorite fairway, choosing their own adventure is probably the best present for that fussy friend that you know loves extreme activities.
Select the budget that suits you and the receiver can then use the full amount in one go or purchase a few activities over time. Some sites allow you to customize your card depending on the occasion, like Father’s and Mother’s Day, Graduation or Retirement.
35. Hotel or Resort Gift Cards
If you’re buying a gift for a jet setter who loves to travel to new and exciting destinations, then one of the best experience gift card ideas would be a stay at a hotel or resort. Treat them to an opulent weekend at a luxury boutique hotel or book them an extraordinary Airbnb in a unique location.
If you know they can’t travel far, get them a staycation at a hotel nearby. This would complement any of the city experiences gift cards, like walking or food tours, where they can explore their town as a tourist. Booking a full-board resort stay is also a great experience gift card idea for families who are looking for an escape over the school holidays.
36. Flower Subscription Gift Cards
Don’t just get your mom flowers on her birthday and Mother’s Day, get her a gift that keeps on giving with a full-year flower subscription. A fresh new bouquet will arrive at her doorstep every fortnight, bringing a sense of beauty and a reminder that she's loved.
This also makes a great self-care gift which can be a luxurious present to yourself! It should be the first choice for partners who’ve messed up and need to apologize with a grand gesture.
37. Mindfulness Gift Cards
For the spiritual person who loves meditation and yoga, extend their present moment with a mindfulness gift card. Send them off to a mindfulness retreat, a yoga camp or a Vipassana meditation course. This is one of those gift cards for experiences that are off the beaten path, for people who want to find inner peace and everyday calm.
If they don’t have the time to visit a retreat up in the mountains or a foreign coastal village, a mindfulness app subscription is another great experience gift card idea that will help them attain enlightenment. Headspace, Calm, Ten Percent Happier and Insight Timer are top picks for adults, while Smiling Mind is geared toward younger people and mindful families.
38. Masterclass Gift Card Experience
Learn tennis from Serena Williams. Study acting with Samuel L. Jackson or Natalie Portman. Boost your framing with Annie Leibovitz. Masterclass offers lessons in just about everything from the best in their craft.
If you have a friend who’s gaga over Gordon Ramsey or captivated by Christina Aguilera, a subscription to Masterclass is one of those unique experience gift card ideas that will make them elated and beaming with gratitude.
39. Round the World Ticket Gift Card
For a loved one who's embarking on a gap year, heading toward retirement or starting out as a travel blogger, there's no better experience gift card ideas than an RTW or Round the World airplane ticket. Airline organizations Star Alliance and Oneworld both provide various options depending on where or how far the traveler wants to explore.
The options usually include a continent-based fare, a distance-based fare or an inter-continental journey. This is a massive gift that is reserved for a very special occasion.
So, what's the best all-round gift card for that fussy friend and family member? Visa gift cards are flexible and accepted by most places and can even be used at ATMs worldwide. Still, whether you’re shopping for the holiday season or birthday experiences, giving an experience gift card is the way to go.
Instead of shopping for material items that they may not like or could be left to the side to gather dust, experience gift cards provide unforgettable memories they will cherish for years to come.
Give unique gift experiences for a present they won’t stop talking about. But be careful, because it may be so good, it’ll be hard to top.
For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
