The Best Non-Clutter Experience Gifts for the Holidays

With the holiday season around the corner, it's time to start thinking about gifts. However, the joy of receiving gifts can often be overshadowed by the dread of clutter. If this resonates with your recipients, whether they’re parents of young kids or retirees who have downsized, or anyone who has adopted the minimalist lifestyle, we've got the perfect solution - non-clutter experience gifts! 

Here we will introduce you to a range of unique, memorable gifts that give the joy of the experience, rather than adding to the pile of 'things' in someone's home. 

Let's dive in and discover the best non-clutter experience gifts for the holidays!

What is an experience gift?

An experience gift is a unique and memorable present your recipient can take part in. Rather than a physical item, the gift can be anything from an adventure or activity to a workshop or event, which provides the recipient with a fun and exciting experience.

It can be a perfect gift for anyone - your friends, family, or kids! Experience gifts are especially popular during the holiday season as they offer a fun and meaningful way to celebrate with loved ones.

Why you should consider a clutter-free holiday experience gift

  1. Emphasizes relationships and connection: The joy of a clutter-free experience gift lies in the shared experience. It's a great family gift, bringing individuals closer together and strengthening relationships during the festive season.
  2. Promotes Experiential Learning: Engaging in a new experience offers valuable opportunities for learning and growth, be it learning a new skill or gaining insights about different cultures or regions during a trip!
  3. Environmentally Friendly: Experience gifts are a sustainable choice as they don't contribute to the physical waste that conventional presents often do, especially during the holiday season when excessive consumption is common.
  4. Long-lasting memories: The memories made during an experience can last a lifetime, making it a gift that keeps on giving. These experiences can also be documented and shared with others, a gift that continues to bring joy.
  5. Personal and Meaningful: You can tailor your experience gift to the recipient's interests, making it a more personalized and meaningful gift. It also ensures that they're gonna love your gift, or you can choose to surprise them with something new you know they're gonna love too!

Here are some of the best clutter-free experience gifts to consider for your loved ones this holiday season.

Culinary Experience Gifts

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

A wine-tasting experience offers the perfect blend of education and indulgence, a fantastic choice for a memorable Christmas gift! You can opt for a virtual wine tasting or a winery tour and tasting, depending on the recipient's location. They'll learn about different wines, their production, and refining techniques, all while enjoying a variety of delicious wines.

Cooking Classes

Cooking Classes

For the foodie in your life, a cooking class is one of the most fantastic family gifts! In the spirit of gift-giving, imagine the joy on their faces as they learn to whip up their favorite dishes or explore a new cuisine. This gift is perfect for individuals, couples, or even an entire family, making it an exceptional option for spending quality time together during the holiday season.

Baking Classes

Baking Classes

For someone in your life who has always loved baking, or wants to learn but didn't have the time to - give them a baking class gift card!  It's a fun and engaging experience that will leave them with new skills and delicious treats to enjoy. And who knows, they might just discover a new hobby, or career this holiday season.

Dining Cruise

Dining Cruise

Let your loved ones unwind and leave the bustling city for a while with a dining cruise experience!  They'll enjoy a scenic boat ride while indulging in delicious food and drinks, dancing, cash bars, and more. You can book now on Virgin Experience Gifts with their wide range of dining cruise gifts located all over the US.

Roving Restaurants

Roving Restaurants

A unique experience to try during the holidays! Outstanding in the Field  offers a one-of-a-kind experience where diners sit at a long table placed in the middle of a farm, vineyard, beaches, mountain tops, and other picturesque places. Your recipient will get to savor delicious food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients while enjoying breathtaking views of nature!

Brewery or Distillery Tour

Brewery or Distillery Tour

A fantastic holiday gift for the beer or spirits enthusiast in your life, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the production process and a chance to taste a variety of finely crafted beverages. Ranger Creek's 2-in-1 brewstillery tour shows the process of making beer and bourbon, with a detailed guide tour and three product samples for only $15!

Cheese Pairing Classes

Cheese Pairing Classes

A cheese pairing class from Murray's Cheese is an interactive experience that invites participants on a mouthwatering journey through the world of fine cheeses. From selecting the right cheese to pair with wine, beer, chocolate, or fruit, to understanding the nuances of flavors and textures, it's an exceptional way to spend the holiday - learning, tasting, and enjoying the goodness of perfectly paired cheese!

Personal Chef Experience

Give your recipient a special gourmet experience during the holidays, inside their home!  Take a Chef offers personal chefs for hire, who will come to your recipient's home and prepare a delicious meal right before their eyes. They'll get to interact with the chef, ask questions about the dishes, and enjoy a fine dining experience without leaving their house!

Adventure Experience Gifts

Indoor Skydiving

Indoor Skydiving

Do you have a friend or a family member who has skydiving on their bucket list? Help them cross that out this holiday season without having to fly them to skydiving locations and ideal weather conditions! Indoor skydiving is an exhilarating experience that recreates the feeling of free-falling. iFly offers gift cards for indoor skydiving at various locations, making it accessible for almost anyone!

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot Air Ballooning

Take your 'experience gift Christmas' theme to greater heights and explore the skies! A hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views, a serene atmosphere, and a unique perspective of the world below. Virgin Experience Gifts offers various hot air ballooning packages located all over the US, making it easy to find one close to your recipient.

Indoor Rock Climbing

Indoor Rock Climbing

For the more adventurous family members in your life, give them an indoor rock climbing experience this Christmas! This is a fun and challenging activity and a great way to improve physical strength and mental resilience. Unlike traditional physical gifts, indoor rock climbing offers an opportunity to create lasting memories and a sense of achievement!

Camping Trip

Camping Trip

A great gift to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, give your loved ones a camping trip gift card this holiday season! It provides the unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, build survival skills, and appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors. Hipcamp offers gift cards for camping experiences all over the US, ranging from luxurious glamping to rustic campsites.

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are awesome ideas for unique and exciting Christmas gifts. They offer a thrilling adventure that prompts problem-solving, teamwork, and a whole lot of fun - a standout choice amidst traditional Christmas gifts. Book a Let's Roam scavenger hunt for your friends and family this holiday season and give them an unforgettable experience of exploring a new city or their own hometown in a unique way!

Ice Skating

Ice Skating

Ice Skating is a magical experience gift that combines the joy of winter, the excitement of outdoor activity, and the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, or make new friends! Treat them to an ice skating rink of your choice and give your recipient the thrill of gliding on ice under a sky full of stars, embracing the chilly breeze, and creating memorable moments.

Amusement Park Pass

Amusement Park Pass

An amusement park pass is one gift that guarantees an amazing experience! Endless fun, thrill, and a variety of attractions for everyone in the family, all under one pass. Kids love the roller coaster rides, water slides, and the variety of games available. Adults can enjoy nostalgic theme park food, like cotton candy and hot dogs, as well as live performances and fireworks at night. This holiday season, a gift card or annual passes to the amusement park could be an unforgettable present that goes beyond material things!

Wellness Experience Gifts

Meditation App Membership

Meditation App Membership

A meditation app membership is one of the great ideas for a unique gift this holiday season. In this increasingly busy and stressful world, offering someone the chance to find peace, calm, and mindfulness through guided meditation can be truly invaluable. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer memberships that can be gifted, giving your loved ones access to different meditation practices tailored for various needs such as stress management, better sleep, and anxiety reduction.

Spafinder Gift Card

Spafinder Gift Card

Give relaxation and wellness with a Spafinder gift card this Christmas. For over a decade, Spafinder has been one of the best experience gift ideas, giving people an array of wellness services such as massage, facials, yoga classes, and more at thousands of locations worldwide! Unwrapping a Spafinder gift card on Christmas morning will surely bring a smile to your loved one's face.

Yoga or Fitness Class Package

Yoga or Fitness Class Package

Whether it's a virtual or in-person class, gifting a fitness class package to your loved ones this holiday season is a great way to encourage them to prioritize their physical and mental health. Through platforms like ClassPass and Alo Moves, they can choose from a variety of fitness classes such as yoga, pilates, spin, and more at different locations around the globe, or start their journey inside their homes!

Swimming Lessons

Swimming Lessons

As mentioned earlier, experiential gifts give your loved ones a memorable experience this holiday, whether it's on land, air, or water! A swimming lesson package is a great gift for kids and adult loved ones who have always wanted to learn how to swim. Swimming is a  beneficial skill for safety, fitness, and fun, and this gift can be used long after Christmas too! Swim Right Academy offers swimming lessons in various locations in the US, perfect for both kids and adults.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy Massage

A gift card for an aromatherapy massage is an excellent antidote to the hustle of outdoor activities - a gateway to peace and tranquility. This unique and thoughtful gift can be a delightful change of pace for your loved ones who have just come from a trip or a physical activity. Massage Envy offers a range of aromatherapy massage gift cards that can be purchased and gifted easily. Give the gift of relaxation and an experience that will leave your loved one feeling rested, refreshed, and ready for their next outdoor adventure.

Acupuncture Session

Acupuncture Session

An acupuncture session can be a truly unique and transformative gift this holiday season. It's an experience that not only promotes relaxation but also aims to balance the energy pathways within the body, potentially aiding in a range of health issues from pain relief to stress management. Consider gifting an acupuncture session from a reputable provider such as Modern Acupuncture. Gift your loved ones memorable experiences that transcend the usual holiday presents, offering a journey toward balanced health and overall wellness.

Educational Experience Gifts

U.S National Parks Annual Pass

U.S National Parks Annual Pass

A U.S National Parks Annual Pass provides a fantastic gift for adventure challenge couples or the whole family, offering a year full of explorations, adventure, and stunning natural beauty! It's an incredible value, opening the gates to over 2,000 federal recreation sites and catering to a diverse range of interests and activities. They can visit during the holidays, and anytime they want during the year! To purchase one as a holiday gift, visit the National Park Service Website.

Museum Membership

Museum Membership

Museum membership offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in culture, history, science, and art, an enriching way to spend the holidays! Your recipient can visit exhibits, workshops, and talks. Moreover, some museum memberships may also provide access to beautiful botanical gardens and zoos, making it a great gift option for nature lovers too! The American Museum of Natural History and Museum of Us offers memberships that can be gifted.

A Language Course

A Language Course

A language course is a perfect gift to a loved one who's going on a trip abroad, or to a friend who has always wanted to learn a particular language. Rosetta Stone and Duolingo Plus offer gift options for courses in various languages that can be accessed through a mobile app or computer. This gift will not only give them the chance to learn a new language but also open doors for future travels and personal growth!

Podcast Subscription

Podcast Subscription

In today's digital age, podcasts have become an accessible and engaging medium for learning and entertainment. Gifting a podcast subscription can be an excellent gift for loved ones who have a thirst for knowledge, enjoy storytelling, or have specific interests in fields like history, science, arts, or personal development. Services like Apple Podcast and Spotify offer gift options that provide access to exclusive content, ad-free episodes, and even bonus materials across a diverse range of podcast genres and topics.

Masterclass Subscription

Masterclass Subscription

A Masterclass subscription can be an empowering gift that truly keeps on giving, far beyond the material possessions. From learning writing skills from bestselling authors, cooking techniques from renowned chefs, and understanding filmmaking from award-winning directors, a Masterclass subscription offers endless possibilities for personal and professional development. A thoughtful and impactful gift during the holidays!

Creative Experience Gifts

Art Classes

Art Classes

An art class makes an exciting and unique holiday gift, perfect for opening up a world of creativity! They offer fun activities for the recipient to explore their artistic side, learn new techniques, and create their own masterpiece. Whether it's painting, pottery, or digital design, art classes provide a relaxing and rewarding experience that goes beyond the holiday season. The Art Studio NY offers online and in-person classes for adults and kids, and you can buy gift certificates for your recipient!

Music Lessons

Music Lessons

Learning a musical instrument is a lifelong gift you can give to someone you love, especially when they're really inclined to music!  It's a fun and fulfilling experience that can lead to new friendships, opportunities, and even a career. TakeLessons offers gift certificates for online or in-person music lessons from highly qualified instructors. Gift your loved ones a musical journey that they'll always cherish!

Flower Arranging

Flower Arranging

Instead of giving them flowers, give them a flower-arranging experience and they'll be able to create beautiful arrangements themselves! They will acquire new skills to create stunning bouquets for their home or special occasions. FlowerSchool NY offers in-person and virtual classes, making it a great gift option to brighten up someone's holiday season!

Jewelry Making

Jewelry Making

For your loved ones who have always adored jewelry, give them a fun and creative way to try and create their bespoke piece! Jewelry-making workshops offer hands-on experience and can inspire unique designs, and your loved ones will have a good time crafting their designs into life! You can buy gift certificates from Jewelry Creations Workshop or Anice Jewellery and book a class for your recipient.

Glass Blowing

Glass Blowing

Give your loved ones a chance to learn from skilled artisans, understand the delicate art of shaping molten glass, and even create their own beautiful glass ornaments! A fun and interactive experience that will not only deliver a sense of accomplishment but will also serve as a memorable holiday activity. A gift certificate for a glass-blowing lesson from studios like Brooklyn Glass or Gather Glass is a truly unique and thoughtful gift!

Travel Experience Gifts

Airbnb Gift Card

Airbnb Gift Card

An Airbnb gift card is a fantastic way to gift experiences, opening up a world of travel possibilities. This unique present allows the recipient to choose from countless accommodation options worldwide, from cozy cabins to city apartments! With great deals available across the platform, this gift offers value for money while ensuring a memorable experience. Visit the Airbnb Website to purchase an Airbnb gift card for your loved ones this holiday season!

CityPASS Attraction Pass

CityPASS Attraction Pass

What could be more exciting than gifting a CityPASS Attraction Pass for the holidays? From zooming to the top of towering skyscrapers for breathtaking views to diving headfirst into vibrant local cultures and cuisines, the CityPASS is a golden ticket to adventure! Let your loved ones explore, discover, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Glamping Night

Glamping Night

Give your loved ones a unique outdoor experience by gifting them a glamping (glamorous camping) night! They'll enjoy the great outdoors with all the luxuries of modern life, perfect for both the outdoorsy person and the comfort lovers. Be it under the stars in a safari-style tent or the woods with private en-suite baths, this gift is sure to be a hit!

Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey

Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey

Treat your loved ones to a luxurious world-class train journey through the Rockies, one of the most spectacular train routes in the world! They get to spend the holidays in a glass-dome coach with oversized glass-dome windows, overlooking the majestic view of the Rockies.  Rocky Mountaineer gift cards can be used with any trip with no expiration date, making it a flexible and unforgettable gift!

Mystery Picnic

Mystery Picnic

Add a sprinkle of intrigue to your loved ones' holiday season with an AmazingCo Mystery Picnic experience! They'll embark on a self-guided journey, solving clues that lead to local artisanal food delights and beautiful picnic spots. It's a thrilling adventure they can enjoy with their friends, family, or partners. Gift them the thrill of a good riddle and a  picnic basket full of delicious food!

Entertainment Experience Gifts

Movie Night

Movie Night

For movie lovers, treating them to a movie theater is always a great choice. But why not make the experience more unique and cozy this holiday season? Give them a Fandango or Cinepolis gift card and let them choose the movie, time, and theater for a more special movie night!

Concert Tickets

Concert Tickets

Music lovers would appreciate nothing more than seeing their favorite artists perform live! Gift them concert tickets for an upcoming show, or a show they're dying to go to, and let them experience the magic of live music! Check out Ticketmaster or StubHub for gift card options.

Broadway Show

Broadway Show

Treat them to unforgettable entertainment with Broadway show tickets this holiday season. Whether they're a fan of classic musicals or cutting-edge plays, the bright lights and dazzling performances on Broadway are sure to make their holidays shine. Check out Broadway.com for gift card options.

Game Tickets

Game Tickets

Nothing delights a sports lover more than watching their most awaited sporting event live!  Give them the gift of excitement and adrenaline with tickets to their favorite game, be it football, basketball, hockey, or any other sport. Get tickets from SeatGeek and Ticketmaster and surprise them with an unforgettable sporting experience!

Family Photoshoot

Family Photoshoot

Holidays are the perfect time to capture and create memories, so why not give your loved ones a family photoshoot experience? They'll enjoy dressing up, posing for the camera, and getting gorgeous shots that will last a lifetime! Gift them with gift cards from Studio B Portraits or JCPenney Portraits for a professional and fun photography session.

Unforgettable Holiday Experiences

Giving experience gifts is a truly meaningful and creative way to make your loved ones happy - without adding clutter! From crafting workshops and travel adventures to exciting entertainment options, there's something for everyone.

These experiences bring people closer together as they create lasting memories, making them a unique and thoughtful alternative to traditional gifts.

No matter what you choose, it's the thought and love behind the gift that truly counts. Happy Holidays from Shadow Breeze!

Read our recent blogs for more gift recommendations:

58 Unique Christmas Gift Trends for Coworkers and Employees

The Best Personalized Christmas Gifts For Your Loved Ones

December 06, 2023 — Annikane B

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