City Guides

33 Sure-Fire Experience Gifts in New Jersey for 2025

Published on Jan 10th 2025
Experience Gifts in New Jersey

Finding the perfect gift can be tricky, but experience gifts in New Jersey can make things simpler. From birthdays to anniversaries to the holidays, there are many gift-giving opportunities throughout the year. That means pondering what to give your loved ones multiple times a year. It can be incredibly difficult to figure out what to give someone, especially when they have a lot of material possessions already. That’s where experience gifts can come in handy.

There are many benefits to giving experiences as a present. Experiences can feel incredibly personalized, as you can choose an event or activity that the receiver has always wanted to do or one that they already enjoy doing. Experience gifts have also been shown in studies to strengthen bonds, according to Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, as they promote larger emotional reactions and the receiver tends to feel more gratitude.

So, what is a good gift for people who like experiences? Luckily, there are plenty of experience gifts in New Jersey for every interest. Whether they like to be outdoors, get creative or simply try something new, there is an experience that everyone will enjoy.

Jump to Section

Unique Experience Gifts in New Jersey

1. Learn to Cook in Cooking Classes

Woman in Cooking class for Experience Gift in New Jersey
Cooking class (via Classpop!)

Calling all hungry foodies and budding chefs, cooking classes in New Jersey are one of the best ways to learn a new recipe. Taught by expert local chefs, you can master the techniques to create your favorite comfort foods or a new dish inspired by cuisines from around the world. Online cooking classes are also a great option if you want to learn new tips and tricks in the comfort of your own kitchen.

2. Get Creative with Art Classes

Unleash your creativity with art classes in New Jersey. Led by local artists, you can learn a variety of art forms, from painting to pottery to photography. Try new painting techniques or learn how to throw a vase on a pottery wheel. Or take photography classes in New Jersey and learn how to take professional quality photos with a camera or your phone.

3. Adventurous Rock Climbing

Head to a climbing gym to get your heart pumping. Giving a certificate to go indoor rock climbing is one of the most unique experience gifts in New Jersey. It’s a great option for those who like to be active and have a little adrenaline rush.

4. Tour of History

New Jersey is surrounded by plenty of history. With this experience gift, you can take a boat tour to view the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Though these are in New York, they’re close enough for a day trip to explore an important landmark.

5. Go to the Arcade

Arcade games
A trip to the arcade is a great gift for all ages (via Canva)

Nights at the arcade are simple experience gifts in New Jersey, but also fun because it’s a unique way to spend an evening. You can give certificates to a local arcade to allow someone to play all night. This is a great gift for all ages.

6. See a Show at a Local Theater

Theater shows are unique New Jersey gifts that anyone will love to receive. There are many incredible local theaters around the state that put on shows all year long. Give someone the gift of seeing a play or musical at one of the theaters.

7. Class at Flight School

If you’ve ever wanted to go sky high, flight school classes are unique experience gifts in New Jersey you should try. These classes can teach you the basics of flying a plane to get started on your pilot’s license or simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Best Experience Gifts in New Jersey

8. Aerial Obstacle Course

Test your agility while getting your heart pumping with an aerial obstacle course. This is one of the best experience gifts in New Jersey for those who like to be outside and want a little sense of adventure. These obstacle courses also make great team building activities in New Jersey to build bonds and improve communication skills.

9. Archery Classes

Archery class for experience gift in New Jersey
Archery class (via Canva)

If you’ve ever wanted to shoot a bow and arrow, archery classes should be your next experience. Practice your aim as you shoot at targets and learn the proper technique from qualified teachers. It’s a fun place for friends to try out a new skill together.

10. Try Throwing Pottery

One of the best ways to get creative is with a pottery class. You can learn how to throw clay on a wheel and turn it into a vase or bowl. Or learn some hand-building techniques to make sculptures from clay.

11. Tickets to Broadway

New Jersey has the benefit of being close to New York City. Give tickets to a Broadway show so they can make a day in the city of it, getting dinner and seeing the sights. It’s close enough for a day trip, so it’s ideal for New Jersey residents.

12. Tickets to a Professional Sports Game

If you’re looking for experience gifts in New Jersey for him, consider tickets to his favorite sports team. The New Jersey Devils are based in Newark, so one of their games makes a great experience gift. You can also give tickets to nearby New York City and Philadelphia games.

13. Train Trip

Train trip experience gift in New Jersey
Explore by train (via Canva)

New Jersey is conveniently located near other cities and states that are fun to visit. And the nearby train stations make for one of the most unique New Jersey gifts. Give someone train tickets to a nearby state to let them have a fun getaway.

Experience Gifts in New Jersey for Adults

14. Mixology Classes

Learn behind-the-bar secrets with mixology classes in New Jersey. Expert mixologists will teach you how to make the classics, your favorite drinks and a few with modern twists. Mixology classes are the experience gifts in New Jersey for adults to give to those who love a good cocktail.

15. Spa Pampering

Everyone deserves a good pampering experience. Spa treatments, like massages and facials, make great experience gifts in New Jersey for her. Ideal for moms, wives, girlfriends and friends, spa days are a great way to show appreciation for what they do.

16. Go Golfing

Anyone who likes to spend a day out on the links will enjoy having this as an experience gift. One of the best experience gifts in New Jersey for him would be a certificate to hit golf balls at the driving range or a game at a golf course.

17. Paint and Sip Classes

Paint and sip class
Paint and sip class (via Classpop!)

Paint a masterpiece while enjoying your favorite drink with paint and sip in New Jersey. Expert local artists will teach you step-by-step instructions on how to paint a picture. Paint and sip classes are fun experiences for friends, families and couples.

18. Tipsey Tie Dye

Tipsey Tie Dye classes are a unique experience gift in New Jersey. They host adult-only classes in Hoboken, so you can go with a group of friends or for a date night. Tie-dye your own shirt while enjoying a drink you brought along.

19. National Parks Pass

For anyone who likes to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, a National Parks Pass will be a welcomed gift. The annual pass will give them access to all of the National Parks across the country as well as recreation areas for a full year.

20. Jet Ski Tour

Want to tour New Jersey in a unique way? Why not hop on a jet ski? Jet ski tours are some of the best experience gifts in New Jersey, where you’ll cruise around the bay and take in the views from the water.

Fun Experience Gifts in New Jersey

21. Race Go-Karts

Go karting for experience gift in New Jersey
Go karting is perfect for a competitive friend (via Canva)

Want to race around a track? Go-karting is a great experience gift. Give someone experience gift cards to the local go-kart track so they can spend the day hitting top speeds and racing each other.

22. Trip to Science Center

If you’re looking for fun experience gifts in New Jersey, a trip to the Science Center will never disappoint. There’s so much to explore and to learn about when you spend the day here. Kids, especially, will love receiving tickets to the Science Center.

23. Indoor Skiing and Tubing

Skiing and tubing don’t have to only be winter activities. Big Snow American Dream is an indoor ski resort where you can ski, snowboard and go snow tubing. Give gay packages, slope access tickets or lessons. It’s one of the best indoor activities in New Jersey.

24. Day at the Zoo or Aquarium

There are plenty of zoos and aquariums throughout the state that would make a fun day experience for kids or adults. Gift cards can often be used for general admission and education programs.

25. Go Ice Skating

Ice skating
Ice skating is a great winter experience to gift (via Canva)

If you’re looking for a winter activity, ice skating will make fun experience gifts in New Jersey. Outdoor skating rinks pop up in the colder months, but there are also indoor rinks you can use during the rest of the year.

26. Indoor Water Park

Have fun all year round at an indoor water park. A day at Big Kahuna or DreamWorks Water Parks are some of the best experience gifts in New Jersey. Kids will love swimming, riding the lazy river and going down slides.

27. Try an Escape Room

Escape rooms are classic experience gifts all ages love. Work together to solve the clues and escape with time to spare. Escape rooms are great for bonding with colleagues to improve communication skills.

Experience Gifts in New Jersey for Couples

28. Get Permanent Jewelry

If you’re looking for a new way to express your commitment, get permanent jewelry with your partner. Permanent jewelry sessions are wonderful experience gifts in New Jersey for her, especially for anniversaries and birthdays.

29. Dinner Cruise

Dinner cruise experience gift New Jersey
Dinner cruises are a fun way to see the city in a new light (via Canva)

Cruise around the bay while enjoying a delicious dinner and drinks. Dinner cruises are ideal experience gifts in New Jersey for adults. Couples can enjoy a date night or a group of friends can celebrate a special occasion.

30. Hot Tub Boat Tour

A unique boat tour around New Jersey is the hot tub boat tour. With this experience gift, you can soak in a hot tub while you cruise the waters and take in the views. It’s also one of the most unique date ideas in New Jersey and a fun summer activity.

31. Splatter Art

Get a little messy with this experience gift. Head to Splatter Craze in Green Brook Township to throw paint around. You’ll get it on canvases as well as all over yourselves for a messy and silly good time.

32. Mystery Day Road Trip

If you’re a fan of surprises, consider taking a mystery day road trip. Giftory will curate a day trip experience based on your interests and you won’t know where you’re going until you get there. These make fun experience gifts in New Jersey for couples to spend time together and have a little quality time.

33. Vacation on the Shore

Cape May Beach
Cape May beach (via Canva)

New Jersey is lucky to have miles of coastline. If you’re looking for unique experience gifts in New Jersey for couples, consider giving them a stay at Cape May, Stone Harbor or another coastal town. They’ll love having a little weekend getaway to spend time together.

Experience Gifts in New Jersey FAQs

What Is an Experience Gift?

Experience gifts are presents for an event or activity rather than a physical item. This can come in the form of tickets, gift cards and certificates. These are often good gifts for people who have everything or don’t want more material things. Because of the many activities available, experience gifts can be given to people of all ages, genders and interests. You can give them to kids or couples as well.

What Is a Good Gift for People Who Like Experiences?

If you’re looking for a good gift for those who prefer experiences, think first of their interests. For example, if they enjoy cooking or trying new foods, Classpop! gift cards are a great choice as they can be used to take a cooking class with a local chef. Or, if they like sports, consider tickets to see their favorite team. There may also be an experience they’ve always wanted to try or something they already like doing, and those activities can be good options as well.

In general, there are a few experience gifts that most people enjoy. Cooking classes and art classes tend to be well-received by many people. Dinner and brunch cruises are a favorite for both couples and groups of friends. And seeing a show at a theater or attending a concert are also great gifts for people who like experiences.

Skip the physical presents this year and give experience gifts in New Jersey. Whether you’re racing around a track with friends or taking a romantic boat cruise for date night, there is plenty to do throughout the state. 

Gift one of these activities to your loved ones to help them make fun memories or experience something they’ve always wanted to do. These experience gifts in New Jersey are just a few ways to explore. They’ll surely be a gift they won’t soon forget and possibly the best they receive this year. 

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!