40 Best Experience Gifts for Families This Christmas + How to Wrap Them

The perfect, unforgettable family gift ideas for Christmas bring joy and create lasting memories.

Christmas is a special time of the year when we gather with our friends and families to celebrate and create unforgettable memories. It’s also the perfect time to show our loved ones how much we appreciate them by giving them gifts.

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Gifting experiences and activities families can do together make the best gifts – they’re unique, memorable, and fun. If you’re tired of giving traditional presents like socks and sweaters, why not switch things up this year and give your family the gift of experience? Not only will it be a memorable present, but it also allows for quality time spent together.

We’ve compiled a list of 40 unique experiences to give and receive this holiday season. Plus, we’ve included tips on how to wrap them up in a way that will make them even more special.

Family Experience Gifts

Our lives are filled with enough “stuff” from the latest tech and gadgets to trendy clothes and the latest toys. Don’t get me wrong. “Stuff” is nice to have. But honestly, what do you remember most about the last hike or place you when with your kids? Things or the experience you shared?

Making memories is, in my opinion, so much more important than anything you can buy. And what better way to create memories than by gifting an experience that the whole family can enjoy together?

Table Of Contents

Family Experience Gifts
Budget-Friendly Family Gift Ideas
Family Gift Ideas – Travel Together
How to Gift Experiences for Christmas (Gift Wrapping Ideas)

Budget-Friendly Family Gift Ideas

We have put together a list of our favorite experience gift ideas. There are some once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list experiences on here. But there are also fun activities you can do at home and around your hometown that won’t break the bank.

Closer to home, learn to cook a new dish together rediscover a favorite children’s museum or local attraction with an annual membership, or get seats to a favorite concert, minor league ball game, or live event.

You can even join my email newsletter list are get my customized experience coupons to print out and give to your loved ones.

These gift experience ideas also make great gifts for date nights, graduations, birthdays, multi-generational family gifts, anniversaries, or just because it’s a Tuesday. So this year, provide family gifts as experiences they will ALWAYS remember!

Family Game Night Voucher or Coupon

Board games are a great way to have fun with family and friends. I love the classic games and some of our favorite family board games are the ones that can be played by ages 6 and up such as Ticket to Ride, Catan, Super Skills, and Risk.

But don’t forget the classics like Monopoly (Star Wars Edition), Scrabble, and Don’t Spill the Beans. Gifting a Family Game Night voucher or coupon to your own family is also a great way to encourage play and spend quality time together. Whatever the game, it’s sure to be remembered and cherished as part of your little family adventure!

Don’t forget about card games too! Whether you’re looking for an easy game like Go Fish or something more sophisticated like Poker, there are plenty of options available. Uno and Phase 10. All are an excellent way of beginning a family game night tradition.

Food Tour Gifts

One of my favorite family gift ideas is a food tour. This is especially true if they love to cook and/or eat. A restaurant gift certificate to a single eatery or restaurant group is always appreciated. But a food tour takes guests on an unforgettable journey around the city to experience its best cuisine.

It’s a great way to introduce your family to some new dishes, try out some new flavors, and get a glimpse of the area’s culture. Plus, you’ll all make lasting memories while enjoying delicious meals together!

You can gift a voucher for a food tour in a family’s hometown or in a place you know they will be visiting soon. I find great food tours using Viator like this one I did in Georgetown outside Washington D.C. Get Your Guide is another great place to find local food tours. You can find food tours that cover certain types of cuisine, specific neighborhoods, types of food, and even bar crawls for adults.

Zoo or Animal Sanctuary Day Pass or Member

For the animal lover, zoo day passes or annual membership to a zoos or animal sanctuary offer great year-round programming for all ages. Many zoos also offer special animal encounters, animal feeding experiences, animal adoption programs, and special events.

ANIMAL EXPERIENCE: In addition to zoo passes, check on the availability of special behind-the-scenes experiences offered.

At the Oklahoma City Zoo, our family loved the animal encounter with Galapagos Tortoises (shown above) that you can read about here. Also at the Tampa Zoo, we had a penguin encounter that was a lot of fun. Many zoos offer similar animal encounters as well as zipline courses, guided tours, and special events.

Movie Tickets

Many families have the Christmas tradition of going to the movies together on Christmas Day. Give them that experience this year with a theater gift card or ticket vouchers for any movie they want to see.

Where Can I Buy Movie Tickets as a Gift?

You can buy gift cards and/or vouchers directly through national theatres like AMC, Cinemark, Regal, some local drive-ins, and from Fandango. You can also buy discounted vouchers on Groupon for local theaters.

Additionally, if you are a Sam’s Club member, you can save on theater gift card packs from AMC, Regal, Cinemark, and others. Availability differs by location, but the packs are always under face value. If you aren’t a Sam’s Club member, use my exclusive partnership link to save 60% and get a new membership for $20 for the first year.

Subscription Boxes

Send a monthly subscription box that the family can enjoy doing together. There are subscription boxes available for a wide range of themes and interests. Snack boxes and food subscriptions boxes are some of our family’s favorite things to get in the mail. Although technically marketed as a child’s box, these activity-based subscriptions are ones families can do together.

Kiwi Crate – Hands-on projects ranging from arts & crafts to STEM/Engineering projects. There is a box for every age group from toddlers to adults.
Green Kids Crafts – Creative, nature-based craft boxes great for families with younger children, ages 2-5, and up to age 10.
Little Book Club – This book club sends books you can read together with your child(ren) or they can read to you.
Find more on Cratejoy – they are like the Amazon of subscription boxes and have something for every budget.
Think Outside – (Shown above) These nature-based education subscription boxes are the perfect family gift if they enjoy being outdoors. Not only do they come with all the items you need to explore nature, but the accompanying activities are great for families together too.

Escape Room Experience or Subscription Box

For those who love to solve mysteries and decipher clues, give them a gift certificate to a local escape room. Check Groupon for deals on local Escape Rooms. I’ve found great deals that way and you may as well.

If your family prefers at at home experience, gift an at-home Escape Room experience or mystery subscription box. We have used Escape Room at Home with Dispatch who has a few options. But these others offer more options.

Tickets to a Local Event

There’s no place like home! You don’t have to travel far to have fun and there are always plenty of local events happening. Here are a few ideas:

Local Concert Tickets
Major League Baseball Tickets
Minor league baseball tickets
Comedy Show Tickets
NFL Football Tickets
NBA Basketball Game Tickets
College Basketball Tickets
Virtual Experience or Virtual Reality Game Tournament
Play or theater presentation
Broadway Tickets
Paw Patrol Live Tickets – for families with younger children
Disney on Ice Tickets
Ballet or musical tickets
“Gift Voucher” to attend a free local festival they love
NASCAR Race or Event Tickets
Haalem Globetrotters World Tour Tickets

National Parks Annual Pass

The National Parks are America’s best idea. Gift the great outdoors with a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands annual pass. Go and explore everywhere from Mesa Verde in Colorado to Joshua Tree, California to Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park. Passes allow for the admission of pass holder, 3 additional adults ages 16+, and children 15 and under wherever entrance fees are charged.

Buy it at usgs.gov or at REI.com for $80. Note that when you buy from REI, they also donate 10% of the pass sale to the National Park

Interactive City Scavenger Hunt

For those who love the Amazing Race, gift them an interactive, urban scavenger hunt. Find interactive experiences combined with guided city walking tours in locations around the world via Viator.

Players follow the clues, make discoveries, and earn points toward completing challenges. There are 400+ cities around the globe to choose from all with plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops. Themes range from history and food/drink to ghost tours.

Botanical Garden Membership or Day Passes

A membership or day pass to a Botanical Garden would make an excellent shared family gift for the nature enthusiast. Most botanical gardens have events year-round that are suitable for all ages, in addition to exhibits and gardens that change with the seasons.

Some gardens provide holiday light displays while others offer concerts, butterfly releases, educational programs, and food festivals.

Note: be sure to check out the reciprocal agreements that many gardens have. This will allow the recipient to visit other gardens around the country (or world) at no cost.

Cooking Classes or Cooking Club Membership

For those who enjoy food and/or cooking as a family, sign up for a cooking class or meal delivery subscription. Families, couples, and extended family can take part in hands-on or virtual cooking classes to learn new culinary skills and make new recipes.

Uncommon Goods offers unique cooking classes as virtual experiences. Choose from classes to make handmade dumplings, chocolate and coffee tasting, Ethiopian cooking, DIY raindrop cake, wine tasting (for the adults) and more.

Music Lessons

It’s no secret that music is a powerful force that can unite people from all walks of life. This Christmas, why not give the gift of music by giving music lessons or a musical instrument to your loved ones? Music lessons are a great way for family members of all ages to learn a new skill and bond with one another. Plus, they’re a lot of fun!

If your loved ones are already musicians, then why not give them a new instrument to play? There are all sorts of different instruments to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for each person. Not only will they love learning to play the instrument, but they’ll also have something special to cherish for years to come.

Hot Air Ballon Ride

Take to the skies for a bird’s eye view of the landscape below. Most hot air balloon rides are offered early in the morning or close to sunset when the winds are calmer. This makes for a peaceful and serene experience as you float gently through the sky.

Many companies offer champagne toasts after your landing making it a perfect activity for celebrating a special occasion as a family too – sparkling cider for the kids of course. Find a company near you and book directly with Viator which is where we book most all our experiences like this.

Dance Lessons

If you are looking for a unique gift, dance lessons might be the perfect choice. Dance classes can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and they offer a fun way to get some exercise. Plus, dancing is a great way to bond with family and friends.

Family Gift Ideas – Travel Together

Travel is one of the few things you can buy or gift that makes a family richer. It also doesn’t clutter up the house. Families who travel and do things together enjoy where they are in the moment, but also recount these experiences for years to come.

Can you imagine their glee when they discover their very own secluded paradise? I’m sure this will be a memorable experience for years to come! A travel gift can be small like a weekend road trip or big like an extended bucket-list vacation to a secluded tropical getaway.

Whatever type of travel they choose, this gift will be remembered as one of the best and most unique presents they ever received.

Did you know you can gift plane tickets too? So if the family you are buying for is planning a trip, you can help them get there! Plane tickets are a great way to show your family you care and that you’re with them on their journey. You can also use plane tickets to surprise someone for an upcoming special occasion or just because.

Attraction or Amusement Park Tickets

Theme parks, museums, science centers, children’s museums, and aquariums are favorite destinations for families. Give tickets to attractions or theme parks close to home or for an upcoming trip. Also, check out annual memberships to nearby attractions. Below are my affiliate links to various theme parks that offer exclusive savings to our readers (no code required).

CityPASS Tickets

For those who what to gift multiple attraction tickets, CityPASS tickets are the perfect gift. With CityPASS, you select one of 14 major US cities and/or Toronto and experience the best attractions that the city has to offer.

These mobile tickets allow for a full VIP experience and best of all you can save up to 50% off combined prices for admission to must-see attractions with CityPASS. Shop now!

Take an RV Trip

One of my favorite travel-related, family experience gift ideas is an RV vacation. Pick out a travel destination or region and gift an RV rental to explore. This opens the door for outdoor adventures, national park visits, or simply spending time together outdoors.

Check out RV rentals on RVShare.com. They have options from rustic to luxury with prices that are affordable for every budget. Plus, check out their trip insurance so you can book now and travel later without worry.

Guided Backcountry Ski Trip

For the family who loves the mountains, escape the crowds on the slopes and head into the backcountry. Imagine skiing in Park City, Lake Tahoe, Crested Butte, or Jackson Hole as a family. If you want a guide or need ski lessons, 57Hours is an online platform that connects people with certified guides for outdoor adventures in locations around the world.

If you prefer to head to popular ski destinations like Vail, Aspen, Park City, and others, check out ski vacation packages from Orbitz that lists options for all ski levels; beginner skier to expert. Also see the deals Undercover Tourist has available.

Note: if skiing isn’t your style, 57 hours also offers certified guides for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, surfing, kiteboarding, sailing, and other outdoor sports. Also – you can schedule your own outdoor experience and make a day of it as a gift.

Family Space Camp

Blast off for a one-of-a-kind experience in Huntsville, Alabama at U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Camp is like no other sleepaway camp you can imagine. This unique, hands-on, STEM experience is perfect for all ages and the new Family Astronaut Training Experience brings families the chance to train like real astronauts!

Register and Get Tickets at SpaceCamp.com . Tip- Watch for their Black Friday Camp Sale! But if a week at Space Camp isn’t in the budget, get day passes to the Space and Rocket Center for an out-of-this-world experience gift (see what I did there 🤩).

Unique Train Rides

For children who love trains, there’s nothing quite like taking a scenic train ride or a themed Polar Express Ride. There are many Polar Express experiences available, but the best is the one provided by The Grand Canyon Railway which offers a special Christmas Eve ride.

For scenic train rides, get tickets for the Skunk Train through the redwood groves in Northern California, or ride through the Royal Gorge of Colorado on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.

For a longer ride, experience the American Orient Express, which runs from Chicago to Seattle or Los Angeles, and offers luxury accommodations for an unforgettable journey. And if you’re looking for a truly unique adventure, hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train to enjoy breathtaking views of vineyards as you sip wine.

You can find regional railways and local railroad museums offering tours, rides, and other experiences too. If you buying for a real train enthusiast, you can also add a railroad museum membership.

Plan a weekend getaway filled with Outdoor Adventure

Plan to mini-vacation to get back outdoors. It could be a camping trip, kayaking excursion, snowshoeing to a backcountry yurt, guided hike, day of rock climbing, or whatever your favorite outdoor activity is.

This is a fun thing to add to a DIY coupon book, but gift certificates and gift cards for the different vendors work too. Check out Viator.com for tickets, tours, and experiences in your local area.

Related: we loved our trip to Tampa Bay, St. Pete’s, and Clearwater Beach, Florida using the Tampa Bay CityPass. It makes a great family vacation destination.

Take a Familymoon

Vacation makes great family gifts. Give your kids the opportunity to see the world and foster better connections with their nearest and dearest people. Take a family vacation where everyone in the family, even grandparents and toddlers, can participate. Beaches Resorts offer family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts, which give you the opportunity to relax and focus on your family, provide world-class amenities, waterparks for kids of all ages, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Start planning your holiday familymoon at Beaches Resorts here.

Other favorite family destinations of ours include:

Swim with Otters

Imagine swimming alongside and interacting with playful river otters. There are just a handful of locations around the United States that offer visitors the opportunity to swim with or alongside otters. All interactions are voluntary for the animals and trainers make the experience not only entertaining but educational for the human participants.

Read more about where to swim with otters. Hint: one is in Central Florida and there are plenty of other activities you can do besides swimming with otters, so this can be a great family holiday trip!

Go Camping/Glamping

Gather around the campfire to roast marshmallows before turning in for the night. You could go camping, but what an experience it would be to sleep under the stars in your very own covered wagon, teepee, or canvas-covered yurt.

It’s fun outdoors without sacrificing the creature comforts of home. Check out Campspot, a website booking site we love offering everything from campgrounds and glamping to cabins and RV sites.

Read more about where in the US you can spend the night in a canvas-covered wagon. You can also give a gift card to GlampingHub.com where you’ll find an array of Glamping options around the world.

Looking for more family experiences? Take a look at these and others on Get Your Guide.

Visit a Dude Ranch

Get out on horseback to explore the wide-open plans or channel your inner cowboy. A dude ranch getaway is the ultimate rustic escape or glamping experience that ensures ample social distancing away from crowded areas.

Each destination provides a unique chance for fun, from horseback riding and a cattle drive to campfires and relaxation, a dude ranch is an all-inclusive vacation. Head to TripAdvisor to search for one near you or with the activities you would most enjoy.

Waterpark Tickets

During the winter months, a visit to an indoor water park is a welcome escape. Get tickets for the day or stay the night at a resort/hotel with an onsite waterpark like Great Wolf Lodge. See our list of the best indoor waterparks in the US many of which make it easy for a weekend escape.

Resort Stay

Give the gift of relaxation and a little escape with a resort stay. Family resort stays can include amenities like spas, golf courses, pools, kids clubs, and onsite entertainment. Here are 5 US Marriott Resorts for Families we really enjoy.. Book directly with the resort or book with Expedia

Yellowstone & Grand Teton Family Expedition

Imagine what you’ll see when you take this guided tour of one of the nation’s most beloved parks. It could see bison, moose, or bears in among the trees and meadows. Visit Old Faithful, see the kaleidoscopic Grand Prismatic Spring, explore forests, and take a day trip to Grand Teton.

Families will embark on a guided 6 day family adventure from REI Adventures. Tour includes visits to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, hiking through the Hoodoos, wildlife viewing, cycling around Jenny Lake, hiking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone meals, lodging, and more.

Learn to be Sand Sculptor

Step onto the sand and learn how to create sand castles, sculptures, and creations. A Master Sand Sculptor provides hands-on workshops at the all-inclusive Velas Resorts in Los Cabos, Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta.

Closer to home you can attend the Sandcastle University in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Read more about all the family-friendly things to do in Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan.

Indoor Skydiving

You may not have the desire to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, but indoor skydiving could be the experience you are looking for. Gift a session to suit up and fly inside a large column of air at iFly. It’s a lot of fun and the perfect shared family experience for the holidays. You can book directly at iflyworld.com or find discounted tickets at Groupon for a location near you.

Spend the Night in a Glass Igloo, Yurt, or Treehouse

If you’re looking for a unique gift that will give your loved ones a new experience, consider spending the night in a glass igloo, yurt, or treehouse. These accommodations are perfect for those who want to try something new and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. See this list from TripAdvisor for cool & unique lodging ideas.

These are some of the best family gifts and experience gifts for kids we’ve given. Whether they are travelers, families who love the outdoors, or just someone who’s hard to buy for, these unique experience gifts for Christmas fit the bill. Memories created with these gifts will last a lifetime.

For More Gift Guides and Ideas, Check Out These:

35+ Gifts for Hikers
Family Gifts for Love to Be Outdoors
70+ Homemade Gifts that Ship Well
Cool Camping Gadgets
30 Unique Gifts Outdoorsy Women Will LOVE & Cherish!!
43 Amazing National Parks Gifts & Stocking Stuffers for 2021

How to Gift Experiences for Christmas (Gift Wrapping Ideas)

Gift wrapping is an art form, and like any art form, it takes practice to perfect. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to wrap an experience gift that don’t require all that time and effort. We’ll show you how to wrap an experience gift like a pro. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to transform even the simplest experience into a luxurious-looking present. So let’s get started!

1. Find a festive box or container

The first step is to find a box or container that is big enough to fit your experience gift voucher. If you’re not sure what size to get, err on the side of caution and go for a bigger box.

You can give just the gift voucher or add additional items that go along with the experience, such as outdoor gear for hikes, luggage for a trip, or a nice bottle of wine for a cooking class.

A box is not your only option when it comes to wrapping an experience gift. Think outside the box (pun intended) and get creative with what you have on hand. A mug, mason jar, reusable shopping bag, or even a basket can make a great option. Just make sure to securely fasten everything so nothing falls out!

2. Wrap the box or container in wrapping paper

Once you have your box, it’s time to start wrapping. If you’re using wrapping paper, make sure to cut it to size so that there is no excess paper hanging off

Once you have your box, wrap it in festive wrapping paper and add a ribbon or bow. If you’re giving a cooking class as a gift, you might want to use a nice chef-themed paper or fabric. Or if you’re giving a spa day, you could use a pretty floral paper or wrap.

3. Create a “gift card or certificate”

One of the challenges of giving an experience gift is that it can be difficult to explain what it is without giving away the surprise. So, one way to do this is to create a “gift card” of sorts that gives the recipient all the information they need without spoiling the surprise.

To do this, you can either use a blank card and write out all the details by hand OR you can find a printable template online (like these free ones I created in Canva).

4. Include a handwritten note

No matter how you choose to wrap your experience gift, be sure to include a handwritten note. This is your chance to personalize the gift and say why you thought the recipient would love it. A few sentences will do!

With our easy-to-follow guide, anyone can wrap an experience gift like a pro! Just remember to choose high-quality materials, wrap the box (or bag) securely, and add some finishing touches for extra flair. With a little bit of effort, you can create a stunning presentation that will be sure to impress anyone on your list.

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Don’t forget to invite your friends to our Facebook groups! We would also love to see your vacation pictures!