How to Choose the Right Experience Gift – A Beginner's Guide

Experience gifts are more than just presents – they're memories in the making. Whether it's skydiving, wine tasting, a romantic weekend away, or something totally unexpected, gifting an experience is personal, thoughtful, and unforgettable.

But where do you start if you've never bought one before?

This guide walks you through how to choose the perfect experience gift for anyone – even the fussy ones.

[image here – a gift voucher envelope being opened, revealing a photo of an experience inside]

Step 1: Know Your Recipient

Think about who you're buying for:

• What do they enjoy doing in their spare time?
• Are they adventurous or more laid-back?
• Do they prefer solo time or shared experiences?
• Have they mentioned wanting to try something new?

Example: If they love food, a

redletterdays

redletterdays

Five Course Gourmet Meal with a Cocktail at Marco Pierre White London Steakhouse Co for Two

£59.99£157£97.01

might be ideal. If they've got a need for speed, consider a

activitysuperstore

activitysuperstore

Triple Supercar Drive

£99£149£50.00

.

Step 2: Match the Mood

Not all experiences are created equal – some are relaxing, others adrenaline-fueled.

Ask yourself: What kind of feeling do I want this gift to create?

Mood	Experience Idea
Relaxing	activitysuperstore activitysuperstore Indulgent Spa Choice for Two £99£149£50.00
Adventurous	activitysuperstore activitysuperstore Ultimate Helicopter Experience £139£199£60.00
Romantic	activitysuperstore activitysuperstore Romantic Escape with Dinner for 2 £129£169£40.00
Quirky	activitysuperstore activitysuperstore Comedy Night Tickets for Two £34
Indulgent	buyagift buyagift Sparkling Afternoon Tea for Two at a Marco Pierre White Restaurant £40.99£64£23.01

Step 3: Choose a Category

Experience gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some of the most popular types:

• Food & Drink – Tastings, classes, vineyard tours
• Adventure & Adrenaline – Skydiving, supercars, bungee jumps
• Spa & Pampering – Massages, float tanks, facials
• Short Breaks – Glamping, boutique hotels
• Creative & Artsy – Pottery, perfume-making, photography

Use the recipient's hobbies and personality to guide you.

Step 4: Set Your Budget

Great experience gifts don't have to break the bank. Here's a rough idea:

Budget	Gift Example
Under £50	activitysuperstore activitysuperstore Classic Afternoon Tea for Two £34
£50–£100	activitysuperstore activitysuperstore Triple Supercar Drive £99£149£50.00
£100–£200	activitysuperstore activitysuperstore Executive Yacht Overnight Stay with Dinner and Wine on the Sunborn £399
£200+	redletterdays redletterdays Three Course Lunch at Gordon Ramsay's Savoy Grill for Two £124

Step 5: Consider Practical Stuff

• Location – Is the experience nearby or will they need to travel?
• Voucher Flexibility – Look for long expiry dates and free exchanges.
• Availability – Can they book it easily or are slots limited?

💡 Tip: Choose providers that let you exchange experiences or extend vouchers if plans change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Buying something you would love, not them
🚫 Ignoring practicalities like location or accessibility
🚫 Waiting too long and dealing with expired vouchers

Popular Picks for First-Time Gifters

Need a few safe bets that work for most people?

buyagift

buyagift

Sparkling Afternoon Tea for Two at a Marco Pierre White Restaurant

£40.99£64£23.01

activitysuperstore

activitysuperstore

Classic Afternoon Tea for Two

£34

activitysuperstore

activitysuperstore

Japanese Afternoon Tea for Two at Sanctum Soho Hotel

£69

Virgin Experience Days

Virgin Experience Days

Two Hour Spa Relax with Salt & Oil Scrub and Fizz at Euphoria Spa London

£45£90£45.00

These all offer broad appeal and easy booking.

Final Thoughts

The best experience gifts are thoughtful, well-timed, and easy to enjoy. With a little planning and the right provider, your gift can go from "nice" to unforgettable.

🎁 Explore hundreds of experience gifts for all budgets and occasions here.