If you’re looking to give something meaningful this Christmas, you can’t go wrong with an experience. Experiences create memories that last far longer than another toy or gadget — and they’re fun to give, too!
We gathered ideas from the Home & Kind community (and added a few of our own favorites) to create this big list of thoughtful, exciting, and memorable experiences for every age and budget. To make it even easier, we’ve also included pairing ideas — because everyone loves having something to unwrap on Christmas morning that represents the experience they’re getting.
For Families
Experiences you can enjoy together, whether it’s a weekend adventure or something simple close to home.
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Weekend Getaway → pair with a hotel keychain, travel bottles for toiletries, or packing cubes (a different color for each person)
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Zoo or Aquarium Pass → pair with a stuffed animal or animal-themed puzzle
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Amusement or Water Park Passes → pair with a towel, sunscreen, or refillable water bottle
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State or National Park Pass → pair with a trail map, hiking socks, or binoculars
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Polar Express Train Ride → pair with matching pajamas and hot cocoa mix
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Disney Trip → pair with a Disney t-shirt, or MagicBand fastener
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Movie Theater Gift Card → pair with a box of candy or cozy blanket
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Family Game Night Subscription or Board Game Café Outing → pair with a deck of cards or microwave popcorn bowl
For Couples or Friends
Perfect for gifting to a spouse, sibling, or best friend — these experiences make time together feel extra special.
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Cooking Class or Sushi-Making Class → pair with an apron or a wooden spoon set
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Pottery or Glass-Blowing Class → pair with a small pottery dish
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Spa Day or Massage → pair with a robe, slippers, or fancy candle
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Dinner Date Gift Card → pair with a framed photo of the two of you or a reservation note
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Yoga Class or Salt Cave Session → pair with a yoga mat or essential oils rollers
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Rage Room Session → pair with safety glasses and a fun “Smash Stress” note
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Escape Room → pair with a mini puzzle or brain teaser
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Color Analysis Appointment → pair with fabric samples for color analysis or a color swatch card
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Comedian or Live Theater Tickets → pair with popcorn seasoning or fancy snacks
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Weekend at a Nice Hotel (like Grand America) → pair with slippers, or mini sparkling juice bottle
For Kids and Teens
Give them something to look forward to that’s all their own — these are perfect for parents, grandparents, or family friends to gift.
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Date with Mom/Dad (or each kid’s choice) → pair with a “coupon” or printed itinerary for their day
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One-on-One Date with Grandma or Grandpa → pair with a small treat or framed photo of them together
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Mini Golf or Bowling Night → pair with golf balls or socks
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Amusement Park or Disney on Ice → pair with a themed shirt or snow globe
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Concert or Dude Perfect Live Tickets → pair with a hat, band tee, clear bag, or glow bracelet
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Sports Game Tickets (NFL, basketball, hockey, etc.) → pair with a jersey, cap, or foam finger
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Escape Room or Arcade Night → pair with a puzzle or small game
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Build-a-Bear Experience → pair with a backpack to carry their stuffed animal
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Trampoline Park Membership → pair with grippy socks or a new water bottle
For Adventurers
For the thrill-seekers or bucket-list chasers — these are unforgettable.
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Skydiving or Helicopter Ride → pair with aviator sunglasses or a “Fly High” card
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Luxury Car or NASCAR Driving Experience → pair with a LEGO model race car or driving gloves
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Horseback Riding Lessons → pair with horse riding gloves or a bandana
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Swim with Dolphins → pair with a beach towel or snorkel set
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Scuba or Surfing Lesson → pair with a rash guard or sunscreen
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Walking Food Tour in a Big City → pair with a city guidebook or cute crossbody bag
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Trip to Europe or Hawaii → pair with a travel journal, guidebook, or luggage tag
For Everyday Joy
Simple pleasures that make life a little brighter — perfect for teachers, friends, or co-workers too.
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Manicure, Pedicure, or Hair Treatment (scalp facial is always an unexpected treat!) → pair with cuticle oil or a hair clip
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Starbucks or Local Coffee Gift Card → pair with a reusable mug or cozy socks
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Car Wash Subscription or Detail Gift Card → pair with an air freshener or microfiber towels
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Restaurant Gift Card (to somewhere new!) → pair with a “date night” candle or dessert voucher
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Yoga or Fitness Class Pass → pair with a new water bottle or sweat towel
How to “Gift” the Experience
You can make giving an experience just as exciting as unwrapping a traditional gift! Here are a few fun ways to reveal it:
1. The Custom Puzzle Reveal
Create a photo puzzle that, when completed, spells out the experience — like “We’re going to Disney!” or “Family Ski Trip 2026.”
Fun twist: Hide puzzle pieces in everyone’s stockings so they have to work together to reveal the surprise.
2. The Scavenger Hunt
Hide clues around the house that lead to the big reveal. You can use ChatGPT to help write your riddles — just prompt it with something like:
“Write a Christmas scavenger hunt with 6 clues that ends with revealing a trip to Hawaii.”
It’ll give you creative clues you can print or handwrite for a magical reveal.
3. Wrapped Layers
Wrap a series of smaller gifts that lead to hints — like sunscreen, flip-flops, and a boarding pass that finally reveals the beach trip.
4. Digital Surprise
Send a digital itinerary or e-ticket to their inbox, then hand them a small gift that represents it — like goggles for a water park or a scarf for a Broadway show.
