Turning Your Gifts Into Memories - The Magic of Giving Experiences
Few things capture the magic of the holidays like gift giving. From the thrill of spotting that perfect present to the fun of wrapping it just right, there’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s face light up as they open it. But let's be honest - how many of those gifts actually end up being used? We’ve all given or received something that, a few months later, is living its best life shoved in a drawer, lost in the back of a closet, or let’s face it, headed for the donation pile. And while material gifts are far from bad, there’s a case to be made for shifting gears this year and focusing on something that won’t just end up gathering dust in a drawer or tossed aside after a few months.
Instead of defaulting to the latest gadget or novelty item, why not consider giving something that’s truly meaningful - an experience?
The holiday season is a time to connect with those we care about, and what better way to do that than by sharing an unforgettable moment together? When you give an experience, you’re not just handing someone a present - you’re giving them a memory, an adventure, or even just a really good laugh. And those? Way better than another pair of fuzzy socks. It’s about turning time into truly special moments - not just for the recipient but for you, too. Gifts that are less about the things and more about the moments you create together.
I know what you’re thinking: “But what about the joy of wrapping a physical gift?” Don’t worry - I’ve got you. Pair the experience with a little something that ties it all together. For example, give a cooking class along with a beautifully wrapped set of kitchen tools or a cookbook to make the gift feel complete. Gift a pottery workshop and toss in a small bag of clay (because nothing says “I care” like mud for grown-ups). You still get the fun of handing someone a physical gift, but the real focus is on the memory you’re helping to create when you’re sharing that time together.
Gifting an experience also comes with bonus points for being easier on the recipient. They don’t need to find space for it, figure out what to do with it, dust it, wash it, etc. As a professional organizer who has helped countless people deal with the mountains of stuff they’ve accumulated, I see firsthand how overwhelmed people can feel by the sheer volume of items in their homes. (And hey, if you’re giving an experience to someone in your own household, it’s less you’ll have to deal with… win-win!)
It’s also a sneaky way to spend more time with the people you care about. You’re not just giving them a gift - you’re giving them a moment to connect. Whether it’s tickets to a show, a wine-tasting adventure, or an event out on the town, these are the kinds of gifts that create stories you’ll be telling for years. Like that time your best friend’s pottery “masterpiece” looked suspiciously like a deflated marshmallow. Or when your dad got way too into his role during that murder mystery dinner.
And let’s not forget the practical perks. Experiences can support local businesses (there are so many gems in our neck of the woods!) and they are SO customizable. Want to go big? Plan a weekend getaway. Prefer something simple? Gift a day pass to a local museum. The options are endless - and way more exciting than another candle that smells like “Citrus Zen Bliss.”
So this year, instead of racing to fill shopping carts and check off lists, consider gifting an experience. Not only will it help lighten the physical load we all tend to accumulate, but it will also create something far more valuable - lasting memories and deeper connections with the people you care about.
Because the best gift you can give is time. Well spent. Together.
Below you’ll find 50 ideas for “experience” gifts. Some will fit the folks in your life, and others might not - but hopefully this will help get your creative juices flowing!
Remember: You can always pair these with a little item to complete the gift.
For any of these, designing a gift certificate would be a great touch (yes, even you can do this!). I’d recommend canva.com - you can sign up for a free account and design away. They have a bunch of gift certificate templates to start from! <<- - Click that link to see some of the templates!
50+ “Experience” Gift Ideas (that’d you’d actually want to give and receive)
Starting with the obvious - Tickets!
Tickets to see their favorite band in concert. Whether it’s a big venue or a small coffee shop, if it’s a musician they love to listen to, it’ll be a memory they won’t soon forget. Pair it with a home-cooked meal at your place, drinks on the town, or a shopping trip beforehand to find the perfect outfit.
Tickets to the local symphony orchestra. This is so fun because you can make it a fancy night out with a rented limo… or a super casual matinee paired with a trip to your favorite bar afterward! An absolute favorite of mine here in the Portland, OR area is the Oregon Symphony Popcorn Series (just search “Popcorn Package” under event type on that webpage). You can watch classic blockbuster films while the Oregon Symphony performs the score live. It’s such a great experience to share with someone - and makes a perfect gift. They also do so many other amazing “non-traditional” concerts - it’s definitely worth checking out! (I took my brother to a Star Wars themed concert… the conductor used a light saber!)
Sports Event Tickets: If they’re into sports, consider gifting a trip to see their local team. Find a cool rooftop bar in the city to visit beforehand - no matter where you are I guarantee you there is one nearby! Or if you’re really up for some time together, take a weekend trip to a neighboring city or one that’s a fun flight away.
Movie Tickets… Elevated! Ever heard of Studio One Theaters? How about McMenamins Theaters? Both are very different, but each offer a super cool and unique experience for your movie-watching pleasure. Studio will deliver a “penthouse theater” viewing experience with farm-to-table world cuisine menu and specialty cocktail menu… and you enjoy the show on luxurious custom-designed furnishings (not theater seats). McMenamins, on the other hand, offers a more casual experience, and each theater location is different. You can grab whatever food & drink you want from the bar and bring it on in to the theater with you. Some have typical theater seats with tables for your food… others have couches, and armchairs - they’re all different and very eclectic. Some of the McMenamin’s properties are great fun to hang out on for hours before the movie - try out Edgefield (Edgefield walking guide here) or Kennedy School!
Adventure Experiences (and maybe a few not-so-adventurous ones)
A zip lining or bungee jumping experience is something neither of you will forget! Plan a picnic afterward with wine and a cartoucherie board (or beer & brats) - because honestly, you’ll probably need it! ZiplineX - Zip Line Tours | Bungee.com
Plan a hike or camping trip with all the fixin’s. Plan the entire trip, down to the snacks and gear. Pair it with a new lantern, headlamp, or whatever your adventure buddy may need. Write them a letter and tell them about what’s going to happen! And of course, make a gift certificate! OR - you can always go glamping in some vintage Airstreams just south of Portland.
An overnight stay in a really cool treehouse is something great for any age - and there are so many different styles that you’re sure to find one to fit any type of experience you’d like to plan. Airbnb treehouses in the northwest!
A hike or nature walk passport: Create a “Hiking Passport” or “Adventure Book” that invites the recipient to explore various hiking or nature trail spots with you. Canva.com is great for this! For each new place you visit together, they can earn a stamp or sticker. Include a note with a list of your favorite spots to visit. This adds a fun, lasting element to the gift while encouraging the recipient to spend quality time with you outdoors.
Horseback riding! If you’re in an area that’s within driving distance to the coast, I’d highly recommend a quick Google of “horseback riding on the [insert your location here] coast.”
Learn how to shoot! Gift a firearm safety class together and learn how to shoot at a local gun range - education, safety, and fun all at the same time! SafeFire Range | Portland Gun Club
Helicopter tours can be a bit on the spendy side, but they are an amazing way to take in a brand new perspective in both new and familiar areas. It’s such a cool experience to share with someone. Pair it with an elevated picnic lunch!
White water rafting: This is an amazing experience that folks of all ages can take part in, from kids all the way up! My favorite outfitter in the Portland / Vancouver area is Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys. I’ve run the river with them many times and they are absolutely amazing. They’ve been round since 1973!
Skydiving - woohoo! Alright - this suggestion is not for the faint of heart. But I can tell you from personal experience - it’ll be a memory that lasts a lifetime! You can go tandem (with an instructor safely connected to you), static line (where you’re connected to a line that pulls the chute for you), or all on your own!
Sailplane (glider) ride: This may not be available everywhere, but in the Portland, OR area the Willamette Valley Soaring Club offers this during the good weather months. These two-person gliders are pulled into the air by a tow plane, and then set loose to soar on thermals rising from the ground. You’ll enjoy an incredible view of the valley.
Take a guided fishing trip together: Just about anywhere you are, you can find a river, stream, lake, or ocean. A quick internet search will probably return a myriad of options for fishing guides, many of which will supply everything you need. Pack a fun lunch, bring your camera, and spend a day together on the water. Let the local experts take you right to the fish, and catch your dinner!
Spa Day or a Mani/Pedi Gift Certificate: And… uh… of course you are going, too. Duh.
Classes / Lessons / Workshops:
I’m not providing any unnecessary narrative here… just find a fun workshop or class (or series of classes) and have a great time together!
Cooking classes
Pottery workshop series (my favorite studio, by far, in the northwest: Norris Arts)
Dance lessons
Rock climbing class
Sewing classes
Music or vocal lessons
Yoga class(es)
Art or graphic design classes
Cooking or baking classes
Candle making classes
Soap making class
Knitting, crocheting, or sewing classes
DJ-ing or digital music mixing class
Food tours in your local city
Winery or brewery tours
Sushi making class
Mixology (bartending) class
Photography classes
Glassblowing workshop
Flower arranging class
Writing / journaling workshops
Seasonal adventure classes (skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.)
Gift a Hybrid: A Non-Experience Gift that Requires Time with You!
Shopping Trip + Trendy Apparel: The gift of an entire afternoon / day of shopping with you! You foot the bill, and the recipient gets time with you - which is a gift itself because, well, you’re simply awesome. Make a gift certificate, set a date, and set the budget. Have fun planning the day together! Pick the places, plan where to go for lunch… enjoy the time together.
Lunch + Personalized Sneakers: A new pair of stylish sneakers can be a perfect gift for someone who really loves their kicks. So many brands like Nike, Adidas, or Vans have the option to personalize a design, so get a gift card and get creative together!
STEM Kits for Teens: Brands like Tinkering Labs and Thimble offer more advanced kits aimed at older kids that challenge them to build and create real-world projects, like robotic cars or code-based projects. These are such a great opportunity to connect on a project together. Buy two kits and learn side-by-side.
Craft Kits: If they enjoy making things, consider craft kits like DIY jewelry-making sets, pottery kits, or candle-making kits, or melt-and-pour soap kits. These can spark creativity without adding more toys. You could even include a "Craft Night" coupon that invites them to a creative evening with you.
Memory Scrapbook Starter Kit If you’ve already shared memorable moments with someone, create a "Memory Scrapbook Kit." Include printed photos, a blank scrapbook, stickers, and other decorative elements to encourage them to craft their own scrapbook of your shared memories. You could even start it for them by adding a few pages of your favorite photos together. This is a good way to organize and declutter your photos while spending time together - and finding a special way to create memories, both old and new.
Memberships, Passes, and Subscriptions:
Gym Membership: A weekly date with your bestie at the gym? Yes please! And no, you don’t need to tell anyone that your favorite coffee shop is just next door. This is a great way to get your workouts in and spend time together!
Annual Membership to the Local Art Museum, Zoo, or State Parks near you provide year-round enjoyment. If your person is a hiker in the northwest, the NW Forest Pass is a handy thing to have.
Streaming Services: Give them a year of ad-free entertainment with Netflix, Disney+, or Spotify Premium. With so many options, it’s a way to offer entertainment without adding physical clutter to their rooms. Put together a basket or gift box filled with items for a cozy movie night: a blanket, popcorn kernels (or premade bags), a few favorite snacks, and a list of movies or TV shows to watch together. You can even add a handmade “movie ticket” inviting the recipient to a special movie night with you.
Gaming Subscriptions: If you’re both into gaming, subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus provide access to new games, exclusive content, and multiplayer features. This is especially great if you’re gifting to someone in a different home - you can connect through gameplay, creating memories even when you’re not physically together.
Book or Audiobook Subscriptions: If they enjoy reading, a service like Audible, Kindle Unlimited, or Book of the Month gives them access to a huge library of books.
Music Subscriptions: For the music lover in your life, YouTube Music Premium, AppleMusic, Spotify, or Amazon Music are all great options. I’d suggest you ask around and see if they have a preference. Most have “family” plans - if you’re on them together you can share playlists. It’s a way to connect and share a love of music.
Meal Subscription Box: Know someone who likes to cook but not necessarily shop? Just have it all show up at their door for them, every week. (Please put me on your list. I’d like this.) What’s great about this is you can also set up a weekly or monthly dinner with them - plan some recurring time together.
From books to wine to plants, there’s a subscription box for nearly every interest. So if cooking isn’t their thing… I’m sure there’s a box for whatever they’re interested in.
Craftsy is a great subscription service for those who love crafting - it’s a never-ending supply of video instructions, classes, and projects! You can both spend time choosing a project that you can do together. This is a fun option for friends and family in different states - you can each do the same project together - meet weekly over video and show each other progress. It’s a great way to connect.
Educational Subscriptions: A subscription to MasterClass or Skillshare makes learning fun and accessible. Gift this to someone you love, and pair it with a homemade gift certificate for a monthly lunch out on the town - with the main agenda item being to share with you what they learned from one of the classes they took that month. Share time and knowledge!
So there you have it - 50 ways to give the gift of not more stuff.
Hopefully, you’ve found some inspiration to ditch the gift-wrapped chaos and embrace a more meaningful way to celebrate the holidays. Whether it’s a cooking class, a day trip, or sharing audiobooks for the whole of next year, experience gifts have a way of sticking with people long after the season ends.
At the end of the day, the best gifts aren’t the ones that sit in a drawer or take up space in a closet - they’re the moments you create and the memories you make. So this year, let’s make some really great memories - avoid the overwhelming clutter and give gifts that actually bring people closer together.
Go forth, be creative, and maybe keep one of those experiences for yourself - you’ve earned it.
Hey there! I’m Kerry, and I’m a professional home organizer in the Northwest, specifically the Portland, Oregon / Vancouver, Washington area. I also travel up to the Mat-Su Valley region of Alaska (Anchorage, Palmer, Wasilla) a few times a year - going everywhere clearing clutter from people’s homes. I’ll meet you where you're at, zero judgment (and will bring along a sense of humor).
We can declutter, organize, and create spaces that support the life you want to live!
If you’d like, you can learn a bit more about me here.
Want to schedule a no judgment, complimentary consultation? I’d love the opportunity to meet you, hear your story, and learn how I can help.
