Ten gift experience ideas for people who have everything

Tis the season for giving, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be conscious consumers. This year, why not be a sustainable Santa and give the ones you love experiences over material possessions? 

The eco-friendly experience gift trend 

The trend of experience gift-giving keeps gaining traction. One in five Brits planned to give an experience as a gift last Christmas at an average of £129, which is a 115% rise from 2017. And this year it seems likely we’ll see even more Brits buy experience-based gifts for loved ones.

Ditching physical gifts for experiences can also reduce waste. According to a study by the University of Manchester, Christmas contributes to 5.5% of the UK’s annual carbon footprint, so gifting experiences are a great way of cutting back our consumerism. 

Here we’ve rounded up ten gift experience ideas for people who have everything (that don’t have to cost the earth)…

Historical sites membership

For the Dad history buffs out there, an annual Historic England or National Trust membership might be worth looking into. With a membership, they’d be able to visit hundreds of historical and cultural sites for free, offering fun days out from home or while they’re traveling around the country. Better still, by giving a National Trust membership, you’ll also be helping protect our country’s historic gems for future generations.

Want to find out more? Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/join-us.

Music course

Is your loved one musical? Instead of standing clueless in a music shop, perhaps gifting unique luxury piano courses would tickle their fingers! Finchcocks, a Grade I listed manor featuring idyllic views onto beautiful countryside in Kent, offers workshops for all levels. And for the fully immersive experience, piano courses included sleeping in the manor, food cooked by a private chef, and free-flowing wine. There will be 20 piano courses throughout 2020 with additional piano retreats available for the serious piano enthusiast.

Want to find out more? Finchcocks is offering 20 piano retreats in 2020. Visit their website for more information!

Cooking class

Is cooking more of your loved one’s style? There is a wide range of cooking classes throughout the UK covering food types from sushi and pasta to cheese and puddings. Culinary courses can be a fun activity as well as a way to improve cooking skills. And it’s a great group activity so why not gift it to a couple or even the whole family?

Want to find out more? Daily deal sites like Groupon offer cookery classes from just £29.

Spa treatments

Maybe one of your loved ones had a busy or stressful year? A voucher for spa treatments could be the perfect gift to rejuvenate them, whether for a facial, manicure, massage, or full spa day. It could be just the gift they need to start off the new year. Thermae Bath Spa is spectacular with a naturally warm, open-air rooftop pool surrounded by the beautiful architecture of Bath.

Want to find out more? Visit thermaebathspa.com/shop/gift-vouchers/.

Fine dining

For your foodie loved ones a voucher for a fine dining experience is a luxurious gift, many would be excited about. Who wouldn’t want a three-course meal at a Michelin star restaurant, afternoon tea with bottomless bubbles, or wine and cheese pairings? As more people are preferring experiences over material possessions, a night out with a friend, family member, or spouse with top-notch food could just be the perfect gift. 

The B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour is a great option for afternoon tea lovers who want to explore more of London. You can even rent out the entire bus!

Want to find out more? Visit shop.b-bakery.com/ and click “gift vouchers”. Prices start from £55 for the bus tour and afternoon tea. You can also find some great London foodie offers on Portico.

Winery, distillery, or brewery tour

A local winery, distillery, or brewery tour is a fun experience to gift a friend or family member who has moved to a new area or who enjoys learning more about what they drink. Tours are great ways to learn more about how wine, beer, or liquor is made and gives insight into what makes the specific winery, distillery, or brewery unique.

Want to find out more? Visit visitengland.com/things-to-do/breweries-and-distilleries.

Cocktail making class

Learning to mix, shake, and craft cocktails can offer a unique night out for siblings, couples, or your special someone. There’s a variety of cocktail making classes across the UK, each with different niches and ambiance. There’s even a cocktail masterclass at The View from The Shard in London, which includes concocting three cocktails and unlimited time to take in the views from the top of The Shard.

Want to find out more? Visit virginexperiencedays.co.uk/cocktail-experiences.

Sporting events

If you have a loved one who is a sports fanatic, buying them tickets to a game or match can be the perfect gift instead of sifting through the endless amounts of memorabilia at the sports shop. And going to watch their favorite team play will always be at the top of any sports lover’s wish list.

Want to find out more? Visit ticketmaster.co.uk.

Concert or theatre tickets

Since streaming music has gained popularity, gifting CD’s and iTunes gift cards have become much less popular. If you know one of your loved one’s favorite bands or a show they’d like to see, buy them tickets or maybe even vouchers for their local cinema if they’re more of a movie lover.

Want to find out more? You can get discount theatre tickets at londontheatredirect.com.

Escape rooms

Instead of picking out a board game you’re not sure your friend of the family will use, think of gifting a trip to an escape room. It’s great for team building among co-workers or for a bit of family bonding. Test everyone’s puzzle-solving skills and teamwork and see if you can solve the puzzles and escape in record time! 

Want to find out more? Visit Escape Reality, which boasts a variety of games to choose from, has escape rooms across the UK.

The editorial unit