17 Unforgettable Experience Gifts in Minneapolis for 2025
If you’re looking for something unique to give, consider experience gifts in Minneapolis for your next gift-giving occasion. More people are looking to give and receive experience gifts over physical items.
And there is increasing evidence that experiences are more beneficial than material goods for gifts. Some research suggests experience gifts lead to more happiness, as reported by US News and World Report. Fun experiences can create lasting memories and often give the receiver more enjoyment.
Experience gifts are also great because they can be extraordinarily personalized based on the receiver’s interests, hobbies or something they’ve always wanted to do. This can lead to a higher feeling of satisfaction when receiving a gift. Plus, experience gifts are ideal for those who have everything or don’t want more material items.
So, what is a good gift for people who like experiences? Luckily, there are many types of experiences for every type of person. However, the majority of people will enjoy experiences like cooking and art classes, dinners and entertainment.Â
Memberships also offer some of the best experience gifts in Minneapolis. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a birthday or anniversary present, we’ve rounded up a few unforgettable experience gifts in Minneapolis to give this year.Â
Jump to Section
- Unique Experience Gifts in Minneapolis
- Best Experience Gifts in Minneapolis
- Experience Gifts in Minneapolis for Adults
- Luxury Experience Gifts in Minneapolis
- Experience Gifts in Minneapolis FAQs
Unique Experience Gifts in Minneapolis
1. Cooking Classes
Learn a new recipe to delight your taste buds with cooking classes in Minneapolis. Led by expert local chefs, you’ll learn professional tips, tricks and techniques to recreate some of your favorite comforts, dishes inspired by world cuisine and something new you’re sure to love.
These are great gifts for those who love to cook and try new foods. Or try online cooking classes to learn chef-approved techniques in the comfort in your own kitchen.
2. Learn Photography
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to take better photos, photography classes make unique experience gifts in Minneapolis. These classes are taught by local photographers and will teach you the basics and essential techniques to take show-stopping pictures.Â
Plus, you can learn how to take stunning images on a film or digital camera or on your phone. Check out photography classes in Minneapolis to learn more.
3. Create Your Own Pottery
Get your hands dirty and unleash your creativity with pottery classes in Minneapolis. You’ll learn beginner techniques to throw clay on a wheel to make bowls, vases and more.Â
Or practice hand-building techniques to make sculptures. After glazing and firing, you’ll take home a handmade piece you can display and admire.
4. Dogsledding Tour
Enjoy the outdoors during the Minnesota winters with a dogsledding tour. These tours are unique experience gifts in Minneapolis that will take you through the snowy woods. It’ll be a fun way to enjoy chilly weather as a family, with friends or with your partner.
Best Experience Gifts in Minneapolis
5. Theater Tickets
Minneapolis has a thriving art scene, including the performing arts. If you’re looking for one of the best experience gifts in Minneapolis, consider giving theater tickets to see a local troupe put on a show.
6. Minnesota State Park Pass
Minnesota has plenty of state parks to explore. One of the best experience gifts in Minneapolis for him or anyone who likes the outdoors is a Minnesota State Park pass. The annual permit allows for unlined access to parks and historical sites for a year.
7. Museum Membership
Minneapolis’s many museums make great experience gifts for kids in MN and anyone who likes art. The membership allows for free access to museums and special exhibits.
8. Day at Nickelodeon Universe
If you’re looking to give kids an unforgettable present, a day at Nickelodeon Universe won’t disappoint. Tickets here will be fun experience gifts for kids in MN as they rides and meet their favorite Nickelodeon characters.
Experience Gifts in Minneapolis for Adults
9. Yoga, Pilates and Fitness Passes
Everyone wants to stay in shape and get their body moving. They can do just that with experience gifts in Minneapolis for adults. Passes for yoga, Pilates and fitness classes as well as gym memberships make wonderful experience gifts for anyone who likes to keep fit.
10. Minnesota Twins or Vikings Tickets
Know a sports lover? Then these are the experience gifts in Minneapolis for him. Get tickets to a Minnesota Twins or Minnesota Vikings game so they can see their favorite team win in person. Bonus points if the game is against a rival team.
11. Tour and Dance at The Wabasha Street Caves
Find yourself at an authentic speakeasy at The Wabash Street Caves. It’s a quick drive over to St. Paul for a unique experience gift near Minneapolis for her. Here you can take a tour of the historic caves and spend the night swing dancing.
12. Ticket to Chanhassen Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner with a show at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. While you enjoy a meal and drinks, a local theatre troupe will perform around you. A dinner theatre experience is a fun twist on classic date ideas in Minneapolis.
13. Afternoon Tea
Spend an afternoon in elegance with an afternoon tea at The Lynhall. Here you can sip on delicious tea varieties while enjoying accompanying sandwiches and desserts. Afternoon teas make unforgettable experience gifts in Minneapolis for adults for celebrating special occasions.
Luxury Experience Gifts in Minneapolis
14. Staycation
There are plenty of places to get away in Minneapolis. Staycations make wonderful luxury experience gifts in Minneapolis, especially for couples or for celebrating milestone vacations. For example, you can rent a lake house for a long weekend and just relax.
15. Day on the Slopes
Spending a few days on the slopes will be an unforgettable experience gift in Minneapolis for her. Rent a cabin or a room at a ski resort and spend the days snowboarding or skiing and the evenings in the luxurious restaurant. You can also gift day passes or annual passes to avid skiers and snowboarders.
16. Luxury Spa Day
Everyone can use a day to relax and rejuvenate and you can do that with a spa day. Spa days are some of the best luxury experience gifts in Minneapolis. Spend the day getting pampered with facials, massages and hair treatments.
It’s perfect for couples who want to spend quality time together, friend group outings and individuals who want a little treat.
17. Flying Lessons
Take in Minneapolis from a new view with flying lessons. Gift these classes via the local flight school and the receiver can learn the basics of flying a plane.Â
Plus, with a few hours under their belt, they can qualify to test for their pilot's license. Or, you can book a romantic flight over the city for unforgettable experience gifts in Minneapolis for couples.
Experience Gifts in Minneapolis FAQs
How to Surprise Someone With an Experience Gift?
Many people wonder how to wrap up an experience or surprise someone with such a gift. While you obviously can’t wrap the physical experience, you can wrap the gift certificate, experience gift cards or gift coupon and give that as a present.
You can also reveal that experience gift in a unique way. For example, if you’re giving them a gift on Christmas, give the experience through a tree ornament. Or give items associated with the gift. If you’re going on a beach trip, gift a new beach bag or towel.
Or, since they’ll be making memories, gift a Polaroid camera along with the experience. This can make for fun experience gifts in Minneapolis for couples, groups of friends and families to document their time together.
Is Minneapolis Famous for Anything?
Minneapolis is known for many things, one being the abundant shoreline thanks to the many lakes, creeks and the Mississippi River. So, there are plenty of water-related activities to do in the city.
The city is also known for its art scene. The Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden attract many visitors every year. The performing arts are also a draw to the city, with attractions like the award-winning Minnesota Orchestra and local theaters.
As for food, the city is known for creating the famous Jucy Lucy burger, which is iconically sold in two competing restaurants. The Honeycrisp apple was a cross-bred variety created in this state.
With so much to do in the city, there are plenty of experience gifts in Minneapolis to try. Experience gifts are ideal of people of all ages, genders and interests. Whether you’re a creative, a sporty person or simply looking to try new things, there are experience gifts in Minneapolis for you to take part in.Â
Give experience gifts to all your loved ones this year for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and other special occasions for a memorable gift they’re sure to love.Â
For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
