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When it comes to gift giving, many of us gravitate towards the same old stuff. Mix things up with unique experience gifts! Forget the standard socks, scented candles or the dreaded gift set sales and start giving people what they really want—life experiences they can add to their memory bank and repertoire of interesting stories to tell at dinner parties. And if your gift is the start of a new hobby or passion, even better!
From pottery making and art to melting glass with fire, our experience gift ideas are fit for the most introspective of souls to the most adventurous of spirits. Plus they come in the form of gift vouchers so there’s no last-minute scrambling down at the shops, desperately trying to find a gift that ticks all the boxes while upping that shopping mall step count. You can breathe, relax and find the perfect experience gift for your loved one from the comfort of your own home, knowing they can book an experience at a time that suits them. That’s why we think it’s time to stop buying stuff in 2024 and start buying experiences for gifts. Are you ready to find out all the ways experiences are better than things?
Because they’re last-minute gifts without feeling last-minute
We’ve all been there—scrolling frantically for gift ideas as the clock ticks down. Enter experience gift cards, the ultimate lifesaver for last-minute gifting. Available digitally, they can be sent straight to your giftee’s inbox in minutes, perfect for those “Oh no, I forgot!” moments. If you’re more of a hands-on gifter, don’t worry—you can print these gift cards and present them in a thoughtful way, like inside a heartfelt card or tucked into a small handmade item for an extra personal touch.
Want to make it even more special? You can select a gift card for a specific experience you know they’ll adore, like a latte art workshop or a beginner’s pottery class. Not sure what to choose? Opt for a generic gift card for a set amount and let them decide. Quick to buy, easy to redeem and endlessly exciting—experience gift cards have you covered.
Because they add flavour to life
Experiences are the ultimate way to savour life and truly live it. That’s why experience gifts go so much farther than a typical material present—they open doors to new adventures, hobbies and memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s learning how to make their favourite pasta from scratch, mastering the art of photography or simply spending an evening painting with a glass of wine in hand, experiences create stories worth telling and skills worth keeping.
What makes them even better? You can join in the fun! Many experience gifts are perfect for two (or more), offering a chance to bond with your loved ones over laughter and creativity. After all, isn’t sharing the best gift of all?
Discover why our Head of Content Laine, loves gifting experiences during the holidays here.
Because they won’t end up in landfill
In a world where sustainability matters, experience gifts are a thoughtful way to reduce consumption and focus on what truly matters. Instead of giving yet another trinket that might gather dust—or worse, end up in the trash—gift an experience that leaves no physical waste behind.
By choosing experiences over things, you’re giving a gift that feels lighter on the planet and heavier on the heart. Whether it’s a mindful meditation class or an outdoor photography workshop, you’re investing in meaningful moments rather than mass production.
Because they’re gifts to show you’ve been paying attention
There’s nothing quite like receiving a gift that shows someone truly knows you. With experience gifts, you can tap into your giftee’s passions and interests, offering them the chance to explore something they’ve always wanted to try.
Do they love baking but never find the time? A sourdough workshop might be just the thing. Obsessed with nature? A terrarium-making class is perfect. Whatever their interest, you’re giving them the gift to pursue what lights them up—and that thoughtfulness won’t go unnoticed.
Because they’re the perfect gifts for any occasion
Struggling to find a gift for a milestone birthday? Need a romantic anniversary surprise? Experience gifts are the answer for every occasion. They’re versatile and personal and come in a range of price points, making them accessible for anyone.
For smaller celebrations, opt for budget-friendly experiences like candle-making or painting classes. For a grander gesture, surprise your partner with a wine-tasting weekend or a couples’ cooking class. From Christmas to Mother’s Day to “just because,” experience gifts fit the bill every time. See some of our gifting recommendations below:
Best experience gifts for romantic anniversaries
This experience is not your typical wine tasting—it’s a unique look at Aboriginal culture, heritage and traditions. A quintessentially Australian experience, perfect for couples looking for something interesting to do for a celebration. You and your partner will enjoy a guided wine tasting and be immersed in interactive learnings from an Aboriginal Elder about a diverse range of Aboriginal culture and traditions.
Location: New South Wale’s Central Coast at Firescreek Botanical Winery in Holgate
Price: $225 per person
Make it special: To really elevate the anniversary celebrations, make it a weekend away on the Central Coast! Enjoy beaches, nature and a laidback vibe, perfect for relaxing together. If you want to make the experience extra special, opt for the private Aboriginal story telling and wine tasting.
Blacksmithing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think ‘romance’ but trust us, after a little fire and excitement, you’ll start to see why this is such a popular activity for couples!
Location: Cheltenham, Melbourne
Price: $200 per person
What others are saying:
“My boyfriend and I had a great time at our blacksmithing class! Ron was super knowledgeable and friendly and guided us through the process of turning two humble iron rods into some very cool looking spoons. Would definitely recommend!” - Katherine L.
Make it special: Make it a date! Add a lovely dinner to the end of your class to complete the anniversary celebrations. We recommend nearby Saltimbocca Italian Restaurant for good Italian food in a relaxed ambience.
Best experience gifts for birthdays
What could be more cute than drinking your morning coffee or tea from a mug you made yourself? Making it with some friends for a birthday event of course! Pottery is the perfect group activity. While your hands are focused on moulding clay, you’re free to chat with your nearest and dearest, and by the end, you have a one-of-a-kind mug to take home or gift!
Location: South Brisbane
Price: $125 per person
What others are saying:
“This was a fantastic class for a group of people who had no experience. Mitra was beyond helpful, friendly and very accommodating of our schedule. I will definitely be coming back in the future.” - Matt B.
A whole birthday itinerary: Start the birthday shindig with a high tea at Bacchus before heading over to your fun group pottery class. Bacchus is only a 13 minute walk so it’s easy to get the whole crew coming along!
There’s nothing like getting crafty with friends and making your own colourful and quirky jewellery out of polymer clay to get the birthday festivities going! This experience will make a wonderful addition to a day out with your friends in Perth and you’ll all finish up with two earrings each and a bead bag tag.
Location: Balcatta, Perth
Price: $88 per person when you book for two or more
What others are saying:
“Great afternoon on a rainy day :) good music and great instructions. Look forward to coming back again” - Jenni C.
A whole birthday itinerary: After your workshop, don your new handmade earrings and walk over to Stirling Central Shopping Centre to pick up supplies then stroll over to Rickman Delawney Reserve for a picnic (and cake) in the sunshine.
Because they’re fun!
Let’s face it—experiences are just plain fun! They bring joy, laughter and a sense of adventure to any occasion. Whether it’s learning, creating or simply enjoying something new, the excitement of an experience gift is unmatched.
So why settle for another pair of socks when you could gift the thrill of something new? Let’s make 2024 the year we stop buying things and start gifting moments that matter. What experience will you give next?
