Experience gifts: ideas and how to present them

An experience gift is an event rather than an object: a photo shoot, a workshop, a concert or a trip. Such gifts suit people who "have everything" and stay in the memory for a long time. Here are the types of experience gifts, how to choose the right one and how to present a voucher nicely. Ideas for other people and occasions are in our guide what to give: gift ideas.

A bouquet to go with a voucher: see our flowers in a box and roses in a box sections.

View full-size photo

Why experiences

Psychologists note that experiences often bring joy for longer than things: people remember them, talk about them and share them. An experience also takes up no space and can be a reason to spend time together.

View full-size photo

Experience gift ideas

• A photo shoot — in a studio or outdoors, solo, for a couple or the whole family.
• A workshop — floristry, pottery, painting, cooking, coffee tasting.
• Relaxation — a spa, a massage, a day at a country retreat.
• Culture — tickets to a concert, play or exhibition.
• Activities — an escape room, karting, horse riding, a climbing wall.

View full-size photo

View full-size photo

How to choose

• Consider their personality. An introvert may prefer a spa or a workshop to a noisy escape room.
• Check health and restrictions. Age, wellbeing and contraindications matter for adrenaline activities.
• Check the terms. The voucher should be valid long enough, with flexible dates.
• Think about company. A voucher for two lets you spend the time together.

View full-size photo

View full-size photo

How to present a voucher

A voucher on its own looks modest, so add something to it: a nice envelope, a card and a small bouquet or boxed arrangement. That gives the gift a tangible part and an instant sense of occasion. Wrapping ideas in "How to wrap a gift beautifully".

View full-size photo

Suitable occasions

• Birthdays and milestones — especially for people who "have everything".
• Relationship anniversaries — a couples' photo shoot or a trip.
• New Year and 8 March — a spa, a workshop, a concert.
• Corporate gifts — a team workshop or escape room.

View full-size photo

View full-size photo

FAQ

What do you give someone who has everything?

An experience: a photo shoot, a workshop, a concert, a trip or a spa day.

How can I present a voucher nicely?

In an envelope with a card and a small bouquet or arrangement.

What should I consider when choosing?

The person's personality, any health restrictions and the voucher's validity.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

About the author →