Don't Know What to Get Them? Check Out These Popular Experience Gifts

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When it comes to gifts, some people are really hard to shop for. We're talking about people who insist they really don't want any more "stuff," people who live in small homes, or people who are committed to a minimalist lifestyle. If you've got a few of these people on your holiday shopping list, it can feel challenging. What do you get the person who doesn't want anything?

Luckily, we've got a solution: Experience-based gifts. These gifts allow for your recipient to have a memorable experience, learn something new or create something they'll love. We've rounded up the best experience gifts for everyone on your list this season. Unlike traditional gifts, experience gifts don't necessarily create clutter — just memories! Imagine giving someone you love the gift of a sunset sail or once-in-a-lifetime sports car experience.

But not all experience gifts have to be extravagant. We've included plenty of affordable gift ideas, too, like DIY kits that let her create her own candles or a gift card that lets him spend a day on the golf course. We've even included a few practical experience gifts, like a laundry service or Uber gift card for your favorite college student. In short, these experience gifts are perfect for the person or couple in your life who has everything!

Need more gift inspiration? Check out our top gifts for book lovers, Disney gift ideas, and travel gift ideas.

Cocktails in Paris

This gift is sure to take their bartending skills to the next level. The virtual course is taught by mixologist Carey Jackson, who guides participants through three Parisian-inspired cocktails. As you mix up your drinks, Jackson will also share stories from her travels and some tips on bringing a wanderlust vibe to your next party.

Cabin Experience

If your recipient would love nothing more than to escape to a tiny secluded cabin with a pile of books, they'll be so grateful to receive a gift card for Getaway. The company offers cabins in picturesque natural settings across the country that are the perfect place to unplug for a weekend (or longer!). And did we mention they're pet-friendly? You can buy a gift card for amounts starting at $50.

Go Play Golf Gift Card

Stumped on what to get Dad this year? If he's a golfer, he'll certainly appreciate a Go Play Golf gift card, which can be redeemed for a tee time at more than 5,000 courses, golf gear, time at TopGolf or a golf lesson if it's time for a tune-up.

DIY Candle Making Kit

Is there anything cozier than a homemade candle? This kit comes with everything your recipient needs to make their own candles, including wax, wicks, scented oils and dye blocks. Who knows, you just might receive a candle in the future as a "thank you!"

Sunset Catamaran Cruise

If you're looking for a romantic and thoughtful gift for your sweetheart, consider booking a sunset cruise. This one takes place in San Francisco Bay, but Virgin Experiences has plenty of options for sunset cruises in a wide variety of cities.

Race a Lamborghini

Is your guy impossible to shop for? Fear not, because we've found a gift he'll actually love: Racing a Lamborghini! This experience takes place in Las Vegas, but there are plenty of similar experiences the can be booked around the country.

eGift Card

If you'd prefer to let your recipient choose their own adventure, buy them a gift card to Virgin Experiences. Here, they can choose to book anything from hot air balloon rides to sightseeing tours to spa days to NASCAR ride-alongs and more. Gift cards can be purchased in amounts starting at $50.

Gift Card

If someone in your life could seriously use a massage, they'll appreciate the gift of a SpaFinder gift card. They can use it to book a massage, facial, mani-pedi, or other treatment at hundreds of spas. The gift card makes it easy for them to book a treatment on their schedule.

Cameo

Cameo allows you to purchase customized video messages from actors, athletes, creators, reality TV stars, cartoon characters and more. You can search the platform and buy a video from a celebrity you know your recipient loves, or give them a gift card so they can make their own choice.

Make Mexican Street Tacos with a Pro Chef

You don't need to fly to Mexico City to get delicious street tacos. This experience, bookable through Airbnb Experiences, allows your recipient to make authentic Mexican street tacos with the guidance of an expert chef based in Mexico City. It's the most delicious experience gift you can give this season.

Gift Card

If your sister is always trying out the latest fitness craze, she'll love the gift of ClassPass. She can use it to book a wide variety of fitness classes, including yoga, pilates, dance, boxing, spin classes and more. She can also use it for beauty treatments or wellness experiences at participating locations.

Escape Room Game

Sure, you could give your friend a bottle of wine. Or you could give them a bottle of wine and an escape room-inspired adventure to enjoy at home. This set comes with a metal cage, combination lock, score sheet and 54 escape room cards.

Couples Edition

This book is full of unique date ideas that aren't just watching a movie or getting drinks. "I won't spoil the dates, but the starter ones are simple, cheap, easy to do, and unexpectedly a great time!" shared one reviewer on Amazon. "We can't wait to keep going through the book and do more dates!"

Laundry Gift Card

Give a practical experience gift this season with the gift of Rinse. It's a laundry and dry cleaning service that allows you to send your items out to be washed, dried and folded and then delivered back to you at a convenient time. This would be an especially thoughtful gift for your loved ones who just had a baby or are experiencing other big life changes.

Gift Card

The little ones in your life will be so excited to create their own teddy at Build-a-Bear Workshop. They'll think of you every time they cuddle with their new stuffed toy.

Flower Subscription

Who doesn't love the experience of fresh flowers appearing on their doorstep? With a Bouqs Co. subscription, you can send them a gorgeous arrangement of flowers weekly, every other week, monthly or every other month.

Crochet Animal DIY Kit

This kit comes with everything they need to crochet an adorable little animal. Step-by-step video instructions make it easy for beginners to get started with the Japanese art of amigurumi, or crocheting and stuffing charming little plushies.

RELATED: 26 Unique Gifts for Crafters That Are Sure to Spark Creativity

Gift Card

A practical experience gift is the gift of an Uber gift card. It's an especially great gift for any college students in your life, who can use it to make sure they get home safe from a party or order snacks from UberEats to fuel their next late-night study session.

The Road Ahead: Make a Vision Board

Even the person who has everything has probably never received the gift of a vision boarding class! "I had never done a vision board before and Kristen walked us through step by step really thoughtfully, so we wouldn't overthink it," shared one reviewer. "I'm really excited to start making more of these vision cards and learning more about myself and goals in the process."

Wine Club Memberships

Ensure your recipient always has a few bottles of amazing wine on hand with the gift of a McBride Sisters Wine Club membership. The seasonal club sends them a mixture of wines four times a year, with seasonal selections from the female-founded California winery.

Paint-By-Number Kit

This isn't any old paint-by-numbers set. This one allows your recipient to create cool 3D succulents for their desk. It comes with everything they'll need, including mini terracotta pots that are too cute for words.

Full Moon Hike

If your recipient loves nothing more than exploring the great outdoors, book them an experience with REI. The retailer's full moon hike experience takes place in several locations and allows participants to experience one of their area's best hikes under a blanket of stars.

Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit

If your brother is always dousing his food in hot sauce, this is one gift he's sure to appreciate. It comes with simple instructions, bottles, labels and all the ingredients he'll need for his signature hot sauce.

Gift Card

Even if you can't book them a vacation, you can still give the gift of R&R thanks to ResortPass. They can use the gift card to book themselves a daycation and enjoy poolside cabanas, spas, and other hotel amenities.

Banana Pudding Lovers' Sampler Pack

Give them the gift of experiencing Magnolia Bakery's iconic banana pudding for themselves. This sampler kit — which ships nationwide — includes six cups of the banana pudding and six soft-baked banana pudding cookies.

Cooking Class

Pasta, dumplings, pastries and more are on the menu when you give the gift of a cooking class at Sur La Table. Your recipient can use a gift card towards an in-person class or online class taught by a professional chef.

Masterclass

Your friend who is always looking to learn a new skill will get tons of use out of Masterclass. They can learn how to write from major authors like Roxane Gay or get modeling tips from Naomi Campbell or learn business skills from Howard Schultz. The possibilities are endless!

Paint Your Pet

The dog mom or cat lover in your life is going to be so excited. This gift allows them to attend a class with artist Addie Stunkard, where they'll learn how to create a gorgeous painting of their favorite furry pal.

Subscription

Your true-crime obsessed friend will have tons of fun with a subscription to Hunt a Killer, an immersive murder mystery game that's told through monthly shipments. It's truly a gift that keeps on giving.

Coffee Subscription

Who wouldn't love starting their day with a delicious cup of coffee? The mother-daughter team behind Bean & Bean thoughtfully sources each blend and actively works to give back to the environment and promote women-owned coffee farms.

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