Gift Guide

47 Experience Gifts That Will Win You the Most Thoughtful Gift Award in 2025

Interactive and adventurous

By Anna Smutny

Updated May 20, 2025

Additional reporting by
Stephanie Meraz & Jael Rucker

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Real talk: The best gifts are ones that create a core memory—something that enriches the person's life and helps you both connect on a deeper level. Or, at the very least, inspire a new inside joke. That's why experience gifts are my fave way of showing your giftee you care. And although the idea of celebrating every occasion—whether that be the birthday, a housewarming or an anniversary—with an experience gift may not sound like the most budget-friendly endeavor, fear not.

There are plenty of immersive options out there for all age ranges, price points and preferences, from popular online subscriptions for your parents or grandparents like MasterClass ($120)—a hub of thousands of classes for all skill levels taught by renowned professionals in their craft—and Rosetta Stone ($239; $141 for the year) for the one who’s set on being conversational in Spanish to kick off the new year. Or you can gift full-on adventures with Tinggly or Getaway House to the friend or sibling with a serious case of wanderlust (picture: camel riding in the red dunes of Dubai, walking tours of New York City or unplugged weekend stays in a cozy oasis).

How I Chose the Best Experience Gifts

To curate my list of the best experience gifts, I vetted hundreds of selections, considered customer reviews and sought out editor-approved favorites. Whether it be influential online classes or delicious monthly subscriptions, I made sure to include a range of hobbies, adult geared activities, services and adventures. I also considered many factors, from practical needs to entertainment, that provide diverse picks for any age, gender and personal preference.

Without further ado, here are 47 of my favorite experience gifts you can give to anyone on your list (even at the last-minute), from your brother-in-law to your grandpa to your kiddos.

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Commerce Editor

Anna Smutny

Commerce Editor

Anna Smutny covered a range of beats, from fashion and beauty verticals to home decor (and everything else in between) for PureWow from 2021-2022. With a background in wedding and beauty content, she's worked with designers and beauty gurus alike, developing a trained eye for spotting industry trends a mile away. Whether you're looking for a dress to wear to your friend's wedding, are in need of some skincare recs or are simply searching for the perfect gift for your BFF, she's going to have an answer for that.

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