Think back to a happy holiday memory. Chances are it involves an experience rather than one particular gift. I know that my best friend doesn’t remember the shoes I gave her one year, but she will always remember the incredible dinner and show we went to. A 2014 Cornell University study confirmed that people get more enjoyment out of a favorite experience than from the acquisition of a longed-for item.

When you give an experience, you demonstrate the thoughtfulness that those on your list are bound to appreciate even more. If possible, include your company as part of the gift, so you can share in the pleasure it brings. You can shell out loads of money or you can keep it simple, experiences don’t mean you have to break the bank for gifting. Often times, the most thoughtful and memorable gifts cost the least and here is the best news for us procrastinators…you can gift experiences at the last minute! Below are some of the best experience gifts.

1. Museum or Exhibition Tickets

Most people don’t visit their local museums or take the time to check out upcoming exhibits. What’s so great about this gift is that you start to experience parts of your city that you would not normally take the time to do. Visit the website of your local museum and check on upcoming exhibits. You may be able to score free tickets. Print the tickets, place them in a card and add lunch to the package. Keep the dates open-ended if possible so the receiver can choose the day and time most convenient to them. Print a cool image of the exhibit or museum, place in a card with a local restaurant gift card. This can be for you and the receiver or for the receiver and a person of their choice.

2. A Class Pass
I personally love yoga classes. Anyone who gives me a yoga class to my favorite studio knows me well. It is quite possibly one of the best gifts I could receive and extremely affordable. Everyone loves to do something they would normally do in their weekly (or daily) routine, for free. If you know a workout fanatic, or someone who wants to try a dance class but never took the time to research where to go, this is the best gift for them. It shows you took time to care about their interests and it forces very busy people to make room in their schedule to do what they love. They’ll be thanking you for a long time. I really like the Class Pass app where you can gift someone a month membership to try any gym, studio, or class for 30 days. Check it out here.

3. Movie Tickets or a Movie Rental Service

Movie tickets are a classic one but still really good. Or you can be more original and get a one-month to a year subscription to Netflix, Hulu Plus, or Amazon Prime.

 

4. Theater Tickets

Check out your local performing arts center. See what shows are coming to town and choose what best suits the interest of the person you’re getting the tickets for. In Miami, we have the Adrienne Arsht Center that offers everything from ballet to opera, to Broadway Shows. This is a great option for your elderly relative who lives alone. Print the season schedule and have them choose their favorite event.

5. Wine Tour, Brewery Tour, or Berry Picking

Depending on what you like, a wine or berry picking tour takes your recipients out of their usual routine into a world of enticing sensory experiences. Sharing it with others who have a taste for the grape makes for lasting memories and friendships.

6. Drinks and Bowling

Go for an impromptu party to keep the holidays alive after the gifts have been opened. A couple of rounds of bowling, drinks and meal tickets at the local alley provides some quality time your friends or family will treasure long after the Holidays. Add in some drinking games and watch the entertainment unfold.

7. Get “Turnt” at An Ice Skating Rink.

In Miami, we have the Edition hotel, which offers a fun environment with an indoor ice skating rink along with a bar and club right next to the rink. Print out a cute image of an ice skater and place it on your greeting or gift card invitation. Go for dinner and drinks (maybe just one) before the rink to get nice and “toasty” before skating (the drink might actually make you a better skater, wink, wink).

 

8. Be a Tourist in your Own City

Book a tour, as cheesy as it may sound. Add in dinner or lunch with wine before and then sit back and enjoy your city from a tourist’s eye.

9. Online Cooking Memberships

Give a month or year membership to give the gift of something they’ll likely be doing already, eating! Many sites, like Blue Apron, will send you recipes and the pre-measured ingredients to cook your own dinner. Worst-case scenario if the recipient doesn’t cook the recipes, at least they’ll have a kitchen with food to mix up their own way and each time that box of food arrives, you’ll be on their mind, lasting way longer than that wallet or pair of shoes you were thinking of gifting.

10. The One Stop Shop for Experiences: Giltcity.com

I love this site because they curate tons of options and activities based on the city you live in. From cooking classes to hair salons and spas, you can find the perfect day, evening or hour to gift someone. Buy your packages in two’s if possible so your recipient can choose to take someone along or even invite you!

When you give an experience, you don’t have to worry about choosing the correct size or the right color, but you do have to consider the recipient’s interests and dreams. The more thought you put into it, the greater the pleasure an experience will bring. Try to buy actual tickets to the activity you choose to gift. It forces your recipient to commit to the gift and for busy people, I cannot tell you how awesome it is for someone to force us to have fun!

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