By Jana LepojevicIn this story:
When it comes to gift-giving, experience gifts reign supreme. Regardless of who the gift is for — whether you want gift ideas for your boyfriend, or cute activities for your friend's birthday, experience presents focus on making meaningful memories and giving your loved one something intangible — an adventure to do together!
From making magic in the kitchen to artistic adventures, you can give an experience gift tailored to your giftee’s interests, showing you’ve put thought into your gift. The next time they’re looking for fun things to do or planning an outing, they’ll have the perfect experience ready to enjoy. Ultimately, the best thing about gifting an experience is that you can join your recipient and spend quality time together.
No matter where you are, we’ve got experiences across the U.S. that make gifting effortless and unforgettable. From pottery classes in New York City to sushi-making in San Francisco, floral design in Chicago, or candle workshops in Los Angeles, you’ll find something inspiring near you — or a virtual experience they can enjoy from home. So, let's jazz up your gift game in 2026 and explore the top 17 best experience presents you can do together for a fun twist on gifting!
Romantic experience presents for two
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate an anniversary, date night, or just surprise your partner? Romantic gift experiences for two are all about doing life together — sharing moments, learning something new, and creating memories. The right experience blends ambiance, creativity, and connection, turning an ordinary night into a moment you’ll remember forever.
1. Pottery classes are the perfect date night to let loose. Get messy, laugh together, and see what you can make out of a lump of clay.
2. If you’re looking for an experience gift for your girlfriend who has a sweet tooth, a baking class is equally hands-on, though decidedly more sweet! Whip up delectable treats together and learn the skills to continue your baking journey at home. Freshly baked croissants in bed, anyone?
3. Take date night to a whole new level with a couples body painting class in NYC. This glow-in-the-dark experience is equal parts creative and playful — perfect for stepping outside your comfort zone.
4. Create a scent that tells your love story with a perfume making workshop. You and your partner will explore a range of essential oils and fragrance notes to craft custom signature scents. It’s intimate, luxurious, and the perfect way to bottle up a special memory.
5. For a romantic night in, make chocolate-dipped strawberries together. It’s simple, and pairs perfectly with a bottle of bubbly. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a Tuesday night, this DIY experience is the sweetest way to end an evening.
The best experience gifts for the whole family
There’s nothing more wholesome than spending time with the family to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. If you’re looking to step out of your usual routine (and maybe cut down on the chores a big family feast involves), then these things to do gifts for the whole family are just what you need!
6. Cooking classes across the U.S. are a fantastic way for the family to come together and make magic in the kitchen. From mastering the art of pizza to exploring cuisines of the world, these classes cater to all ages and skill levels. It's a deliciously fun way to spend quality time together while discovering new flavors and techniques. Plus, you still get all the fun of a family feast with way less clean-up!
7. For a more hands-on and aromatic experience, a candle making workshop in San Francisco offers a sensory journey for everyone. Perfect for family members of all ages to enjoy, candle making is a low-impact activity that sparks creativity and relaxation.
8. And let's not forget about terrarium classes, where you can create miniature green worlds together. These classes blend art and nature, allowing you to design and build your own little ecosystems. It's a refreshing and educational experience that will see every family member taking home their handmade creation and adding a touch of greenery to their home!
9. Families in Seattle with a sweet tooth will adore a chocolate making class with Chef Michael, where you’ll learn to temper chocolate and decorate your own box of truffles. The best part? Sharing and savoring your handmade treats together at the end!
10. For families who love the outdoors, gardening classes in LA offer a hands-on way to connect with nature. Plant flowers, herbs, or veggies together while learning tips from local experts.
While these experiences are ideal for family gatherings, they're also a thoughtful option for any occasion, whether it's birthday experience ideas, or a fun family activity for Christmas.
Celebrate friendship with fun experience gifts
Why settle for the usual gifts when you can celebrate friendship with unforgettable experiences? Whether you're looking for unique experience gifts for a birthday or exciting ideas for a night out with the girls, experience presents are the way to go. When it comes to celebrating with friends, the best experiences are casual and lighthearted, promising loads of fun and something a little out of the ordinary!
11. Enter tufting classes in Chicago — a chance for you and your friends to make eye-catching rugs that pop. It’s also a chance to be creative together, do something different, and go home with a brand-new handmade rug that will bring back fond memories every time you look at it! These classes are the perfect experience presents for friends who love DIY projects and trying new things.
12. If you’re ready to shake things up, cocktail making classes in NYC are a girl's night out with a twist! Learn the secrets behind crafting delicious cocktails and mocktails, perfect for spicing up your gatherings and adding a touch of mixologist magic to your friendship celebrations.
13. Looking for the perfect gift for a friend who’s a dog or cat parent? A paint your pet class in San Francisco lets them capture their furry friend on canvas in a fun, relaxed setting. It’s a creative, memorable experience they’ll love — and a keepsake they can treasure forever.
Unique quality time gifts to do together
Looking to spend quality one-on-one time with someone you don’t see often? Ditch the awkward coffee chat and embrace unforgettable experiences that bring you closer together. The key is an experience gift that gives you both plenty of time to chat and catch up while doing something new and engaging.
14. Glass and mosaic classes in the Bay Area sometimes require patience, but they’re also relaxed enough to keep the conversation flowing. You and your giftee will enjoy working with beautiful tiles to create kaleidoscopes of colors and find yourselves catching up as you create unique masterpieces side by side. It’s a therapeutic and creative process that will have you walking away feeling zen.
15. For those who appreciate a good ol’ coffee date, a late art class in San Jose or a Japanese tea ceremony class in Manhattan is a fun way to combine learning about tea or coffee with spending time with one of your favorite people. Escape into a world of flavors and aromas as you learn about brewing methods and the origins of these celebrated drinks.
16. Knitting workshops are the perfect cozy activity for quality conversation. The repetitive, rhythmic nature of knitting makes it easy to chat and catch up while your hands stay busy. By the end of class, you’ll have a handmade piece to keep or gift, and a shared memory stitched together.
17. Flower arranging classes bring color and creativity into your time together. Choose blooms, mix textures, and craft beautiful arrangements side by side. It’s relaxing, visually stunning, and gives you both something to take home that will brighten your space
No matter who you’re gifting or what kind of experience you choose, the best memories are made when you share time, laughter, and creativity with the people you care about. From romantic date nights and family adventures to friendship celebrations and meaningful one-on-one moments, experience gifts go beyond material presents — they’re opportunities to connect, celebrate, and enjoy life together.
