When I graduated from university, my boss surprised me with an experience gift I will never forget, a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon (see photo below). It was something I could never have afforded on my own, yet it remains one of the most vivid memories of my life. Soaring above that vast, red landscape with Austin Powers (Soul Bossa Nova) theme song playing, I remember feeling both exhilarated and deeply grateful.
That single flight taught me something important. The best gifts create unforgettable memories rather than collecting dust on a shelf. They connect us to life, to each other. They remind us of our achievements and they are moments we will treasure for a lifetime.
Whether you're searching for the perfect gift for a graduation, birthday, a romantic escape, or something special for the person who has everything, experience gifts transform ordinary occasions into stories worth sharing.
1. Adventure & Adrenaline Gifts
Get the adrenaline pumping with experiences designed for adrenaline junkies who live for heart-racing moments. These gifts aren't just exciting - they're transformative, pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable memories that will be talked about for years to come.
Examples:
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Kayak tours at sunset in Melbourne or Brisbane
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Hot air balloon ride experiences across stunning locations
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Zip lining adventures for the ultimate rush
Why it's trending: Adventure gifting taps into the global "dopamine travel" trend - people want to feel alive, conquer fears, and collect stories they'll treasure forever. Whether it's for a birthday, Christmas, or just because, these experience gifts matter to those who crave excitement and refuse to sit still.
With flexible vouchers available, your friend or loved one can choose when to embark on their adventure, making this the gift that keeps on giving.
2. Water & Wildlife Encounters
Ocean-based gifts never lose their magic. These memorable experience days connect people to the natural world - a growing passion in our busy, tech-filled lives. From whale watching to swimming with seals, wildlife encounters create unforgettable experiences that inspire wonder and respect for our planet.
Examples:
Why it's trending: Wildlife encounters make meaningful gifts that support conservation tourism - perfect for loved ones who care about the world around them. Check availability at top destinations and book with confidence knowing you're giving more than just a present - you're creating memories that will last a lifetime.
These experience gifts suit families, couples, and solo travellers who dream of getting closer to nature. With activities across the UK, Australia, and beyond, you'll find locations that match every adventurer's dream. Choosing the right location can make a wildlife experience even more special, allowing couples or families to personalise their adventure based on the setting that inspires them most.
3. Food & Wine Experiences
Food brings people together, and culinary gifts are amongst the most popular categories in 2025. From tapas tours to vineyard tastings, these experiences let your loved ones taste their way through incredible destinations while creating cherished memories around the table.
Examples:
Why it's trending: Culinary tourism continues to grow, with travellers seeking authentic, locally sourced food and regional wine experiences. These gift experiences matter to foodies who live for flavour and connection. Whether they're exploring cooking classes or sampling street food in Bangkok, food gifts offer the perfect blend of taste and adventure.
4. Romantic & Scenic Escapes
Give a gift that feels like a getaway. These romantic experiences pair stunning views with unforgettable moments - perfect for anniversaries, honeymoons, or simply showing someone they matter. Create unforgettable memories together with experiences designed for couples.
Examples:
Why it's trending: Couples are prioritising quality time over physical gifts, turning shared experiences into the new love language. Whether it's spa days for ultimate pampering or sunset cruises that take their breath away, these experience days help loved ones disconnect from daily life and reconnect with each other. Choosing the right location, such as a scenic spot or a favourite nearby destination, can make a romantic experience even more memorable for couples.
5. Cultural & Creative Experiences
These gifts immerse travellers in local art, craft, and culture - perfect for those who value learning and creativity over pure adrenaline. Experience gifts in this category create memorable experiences that enrich the mind and soul.
Examples:
Why it's trending: Creative tourism lets travellers "make, taste, and feel" a destination's essence - experiences they can take home in their hearts, not just their luggage. These gift ideas appeal to friends and family who love exploring new cultures and creating something meaningful with their own hands.
6. Wellness & Mindful Retreats
In 2025, wellness is no longer a luxury - it's a lifestyle. Experience gifts centred on self-care, balance, and nature are amongst the most meaningful to give, especially for loved ones who spend their lives caring for others.
Examples:
Why it's trending: People are prioritising health and mental wellbeing, choosing experience gifts that rejuvenate mind and body instead of adding more "stuff." These experiences matter deeply to customers who understand that self-care isn't selfish - it's essential.
Our range of experience days includes options suitable for kids, families, and individuals seeking peace and restoration. With flexible vouchers, recipients can book when they need it most, making wellness gifts the present that truly keeps on giving.
7. Iconic Attractions & City Highlights
Perfect for first-time travellers or those ticking off their bucket list, these classic experiences never go out of style. Give the gift of seeing world-famous sites and experiencing destinations they've dreamt about their entire life.
Examples:
Why it's trending: With global travel back in full swing, iconic attractions remain top gift choices for milestone occasions - birthdays, Christmas celebrations, and once-in-a-lifetime trips. These experience days suit travellers of all ages and create unforgettable experiences in the world's most beloved destinations.
8. Unique & Quirky Gifts
For the person who has everything, these out-of-the-ordinary experiences surprise, delight, and make incredible stories to tell later. Sometimes the perfect gift experience is the one nobody saw coming.
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Why it's trending: 2025 is all about personality-driven gifting - experiences that match someone's quirks, humour, and curiosity. These gift experiences are fun, unexpected, and perfect for friends who march to their own beat.
Why Choose Experience Gifts?
An experience gift offers meaningful memories that physical presents often cannot provide. They are suitable for any occasion, whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or simply to show appreciation. These gifts appeal to a wide range of people, from adrenaline junkies to those who enjoy more peaceful moments. Many customers have shared that experience days are memorable not only for the event itself but also for the anticipation leading up to it and the shared moments afterwards.
With straightforward payment options, instant gift delivery, and support from our customer service team, giving an experience gift is convenient. You can check availability across various locations, explore current offers, and find options that fit different budgets and occasions. Our diverse selection of experience gifts aims to provide meaningful and lasting memories. If you have any questions at all about any experiences, or you think we are missing something special, please reach out to us here - we would love to hear from you!
How to Gift an Experience (Anywhere in the World)
Finding the perfect gift doesn't have to be overwhelming. Every experience listed here is available through Gifting Owl, which means you can gift anyone - anywhere - something extraordinary. Simply choose a theme from our popular categories, buy a global gift voucher, and let them book from thousands of experiences across 100+ destinations worldwide.
Ready to Find the Perfect Gift?
Browse to shop by recipient, browse by popular categories, or explore top destinations. Whether you're looking for something exciting in London, relaxing across the UK, or adventurous in far-flung destinations, we have experience gifts that suit every dream and every budget. Don't just give a gift - give an experience that will be talked about, treasured, and remembered for years to come.
Explore our full range today and discover why customers around the world choose experience gifts over traditional presents. Because at the end of the day, it's not about what you spend - it's about creating unforgettable memories with the people who matter most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good experiences to give as gifts?
Some of the best experience gifts include hot air balloon rides, cooking classes, wine tastings, spa days and wildlife tours. They offer something personal and memorable for every type of recipient.
What is a good experience gift for a 50-year-old?
A scenic escape, such as a hot air balloon flight or vineyard tour, makes a wonderful choice. These gifts balance adventure and relaxation whilst creating moments that last a lifetime.
What can you buy for someone who has everything?
The ideal option is an experience gift. Choose something they would never book for themselves, like a helicopter flight, fine dining experience or romantic weekend away.
What is a good last-minute gift idea?
Gifting Owl's flexible vouchers make perfect last-minute gifts. They are sent instantly by email, so your recipient can choose from thousands of experience days across the world.
What are popular experience gifts for men?
Top experiences for men include rally driving, beer and whisky tastings, flying lessons, and adventure tours. Each one provides a chance to get the adrenaline pumping and make unforgettable memories.
