Some men tell you exactly what they want for Christmas. The rest leave you piecing it together from clues: the fishing videos he forwards, the way he lingers at a cellar door, the hike he still talks about. If that sounds familiar, this guide to experience gifts for men is sorted by what he's into, so you can match the clue to the gift and get on with your day.
Experience gifts also give him something to look forward to long after the wrapping paper is in the recycling (and nobody has to find shelf space for them). They make unique gifts for a simple reason: the story that comes out of them is his.
Experience Gifts for Men, Sorted by What He Loves
Men are rarely just one thing. The same person might love a day on a boat, a long lunch at a vineyard and a proper rest afterwards. So pick the section below that sounds most like him, or mix two. From skydives to spa days, there's a lot to choose from.
Christmas experience gifts
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Kyoto: Small-Group Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
Barcelona's Coastline Helicopter Flight
Best of Niagara Falls Tour: Journey Behind Falls & Boat
Dining Experiences and Drinks for Food Lovers
Cooking Classes for the Man With the Untouched Pasta Machine
Picture garlic hitting a hot pan and a teacher explaining, kindly, why his onions always burn. That's the bit where he'll learn the most, and it's a great way to pick up a new skill. Cooking classes and other food experiences cover plenty of cuisines, so pick one he already orders when you eat out and he'll walk in keen. It suits the weekend cook who wants to level up and the one whose kitchen gadgets are still in their boxes (we've all got one). You also get to eat the results.
A Winery Afternoon
Rows of vines, a crisp Pinot Gris in hand (if you're asking us) and nowhere to be. A winery or vineyard visit gives him the fresh air and scenery of an outdoor day at a much gentler pace. Sort out a designated driver or transport first. It's one of the most relaxed of the dining experiences on this list, and it suits the man who'd rather have a tasting than a summit.
Winery Tours gift ideas
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Niagara-on-the-Lake Private Wine Tasting Experience
Napa and Sonoma Group Wine Tour From San Francisco
Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour
Adventure Experiences for Thrill Seekers
If his idea of a fun day involves wind, water or a bit of altitude, start here. Adventure days are the easiest of the experience gifts for men to match to a personality.
Skydiving and White Water Rafting
Roaring wind, a long drop and a tandem instructor doing the clever bits: a tandem skydive is the classic thrill. Rafting is the wetter cousin, with icy spray and a guide barking paddle commands. Both are weather dependent, so check the cancellation policy on the experience page before you commit. They suit the daredevil who watches a cliff edge a little too fondly, and the man who's never tried an adrenaline activity but secretly might love one.
Driving Experiences
The growl of a supercar engine on a proper track beats any road trip playlist. Driving experience gifts range from supercar laps to off-road courses with tricky terrain. Check the age and licence requirements on the experience page, as they differ. They suit the car-mad man and anyone who's always checking out other peoples cars.
Hiking and Fishing Days
Boots on gravel, thin air and a view that makes the climb worth it: a mountain hike is freedom, fresh air and a challenge. Expect sore legs the next day. If he's more patient than that, a deep sea fishing trip means quiet water and the thrum of a line, though you should warn him about the early start. Neither needs him to be a Bear Grylls type.
Big Views, Balloons and Northern Lights
A hot air balloon drifts almost silently at sunrise, apart from the odd burner roar, and the alarm is early. Scuba diving lets him explore a whole underwater world. The Northern Lights depend on location, season and luck, as nobody can promise the sky will cooperate. This trio suits the traveller who likes to see the world from a new angle.
Calmer Gifts for Men Who Need a Break
A Spa Day
Steam, warm stones and a phone left in a locker. A massage, facial or hot springs visit is a brilliant way to treat the man who runs on empty and thinks sleep is optional. Look at what's included before booking. It's a perfect present for anyone who hasn't properly unwound since the last public holiday.
A Photo Tour
Golden light on a street he's walked past a hundred times. Whether he's a serious photographer or a budding Instagrammer, a photo tour helps him see his surroundings fresh and refine his skills. He can bring the camera he already has (a phone works for many tours, but check the experience page). It suits hobbies that currently live on his camera roll.
Not Sure? Let Him Choose
Some men are hard to shop for, whether it's your first Christmas together or your fiftieth. If you can't tell which is the right gift, a Gifting Owl gift voucher hands the decision to him, from 19,000+ experiences in 100+ countries. It works for Christmas, a birthday or any other special occasion, and it's a perfect gift when you'd rather he picked the day himself.
You choose the amount, in your currency, and add a personal message and a voucher design. We email it straight away or at the date and time you schedule, so it can land on Christmas morning even if you're travelling. You can also send it to yourself to print and hand over. The voucher is valid for 3 years, he books live on Gifting Owl, and one voucher can cover several experiences. Exchanges are free, so if he'd prefer a different experience, it's sorted. If it costs more, he pays the difference by card.
Gifts for Men on the Rest of Your List
Shopping for someone specific? We have guides for your dad, husband and boyfriend, plus Secret Santa ideas for coworkers if you've drawn a name at work.
Ready to Choose?
Pick the clue that sounds most like him and the choice gets easier. Browse the full range at Gifting Owl and send it by email. Happy gifting!
