20 Memorable Experience Gift Ideas for Couples

a couple kissing in the rain under an umbrella — Photo by Jenny Quicksall

When a gift-giving opportunity rolls around, it’s always a nice gesture to wrap up a present and tie it off with a pretty bow. But more often than not, many recipients prefer the excitement of being surprised with an adventure they would have never considered before. That's where experience gifts come in.

A gift that keeps on giving, experience gifts offer individuals and couples a special opportunity to hone in on a skill, dig into a hobby they love, or try something new altogether. Whether it’s taking a few courses in wine school, driving an exotic sports car, or using their problem-solving skills to break out of an escape room, these unique presents are a fantastic way to help newly engaged or married couples create memories that'll last a lifetime.

So for those interested in putting together a memorable gift for a friend, or for your own significant other, here are 20 awesome experience gift ideas for every type of person.

01 of 20

A Fancy Sports Car Rental

Young woman laughing while talking with boyfriend sitting in convertible car — Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Whether a couple calls themselves car enthusiasts or not, it’s hard to beat the thrill of driving around in a fancy sports car. Exotic car rentals are available all over the U.S., and they allow drivers to experience the thrill of operating luxury cars on some pretty exciting courses. This will be an adrenaline rush and an experience no one will soon forget.

02 of 20

A Masterclass Subscription

For those looking to cook with Gordon Ramsey, think like a skeptic with Neil Degrasse Tyson, or learn how to bring photos to life with famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, a Masterclass subscription is a gift to add to your list. With Masterclass, the sky’s the limit for all who watch, especially couples who enjoy learning new things.

03 of 20

Concert or Sporting Event Tickets

Two young women dancing and raising arms with joy on outdoor music festival, blurred background for generic look — zoranm / Getty Images

Most people think of experience gifts as a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but the truth is, these types of presents can also be something that someone already enjoys doing. In that case, don’t forget concert or sporting event tickets. If the recipient enjoys singing along with their favorite band or cheering for their team, event tickets are a great bet.

04 of 20

Wine School Admission

Everyone likes a great bottle of wine, but for your favorite oenophile, wine school is a great opportunity to help them take a deep dive into their favorite libation. Beginner courses will start with the basics, such as grapes, vineyards, and regions, while intermediate and advanced courses may cover grape growing and winemaking.

05 of 20

A Cooking Class

A young, interracial, married couple making a salad in a bright, airy, trendy kitchen — Bernine / Getty Images

Food is the ultimate show of love, and cooking together, whether you’re a novice or an experienced home chef, can be a great way to bond as a couple. So schedule a cooking class for your desired mates, and allow them to whip up something tasty while falling more deeply in love.

06 of 20

A Spa Day

A romantic spa day is a great way to celebrate something special, making it the ultimate experience gift for a couple. You can either provide a gift card or book a few services you know the recipient will love. It’s hard to make a wrong choice here because whichever one you choose, the result is an entire day spent relaxing and unwinding.

07 of 20

A Hot Air Balloon Ride

two hot air balloons above a mountainous lanscape — edelmar / Getty Images

Hot air balloon rides offer a unique opportunity to see the world around you—a bird's eye view—making it a great gift option for adventurous couples. Riders typically fly from treetop level to a few thousand feet, depending on the weather, and are able to enjoy an intimate experience with their love while taking in the landscape below them.

08 of 20

Skydiving

For a couple's experience gift that will really get some adrenaline pumping, consider booking a skydiving session. Choose from tandem skydives, jumping with your own parachute, or even indoor sessions depending on your partner or the couple's skill level. It might be worth running this idea by the recipient first, however, in case they're afraid of heights or would prefer to sit out due to any personal reasons.

09 of 20

Horseback Riding

A man and woman galloping on horseback together across a golden grassy prairie in Montana under a cloudy blue sky — debibishop / Getty Images

No matter if you love the countryside or city life, horseback riding is a great way for anyone to enjoy the great outdoors with a majestic creature as their guide. The best part? Most horse ranches offer experiences for all levels; beginners can get a nice introduction to the hobby, and accomplished equestrians can sharpen their skills.

10 of 20

Rock Climbing Lessons

If rock climbing has been on someone's to-do list, then there’s no time like the present to treat them to some lessons. Not only is rock climbing a great way to get some aerobic and anaerobic exercise, but it’s also a way to scratch an itch for adventure, too.

11 of 20

Scuba Lessons

MR divers jumping into water from PR boat, Indian Ocean, Maldives. — Michele Westmorland / Getty Images

When it comes to experiences that leave a lasting impression, it’s hard to find one more serene and beautiful than scuba diving. Divers get to take in all the rich and vibrant colors of reef fish, and if they're lucky enough, they might even catch the interest of a dolphin or two.

12 of 20

National Park Tickets

For those who love nature, a day or annual pass to some of the country's most beautiful national parks is a great experience gift. Couples can take a hike, enjoy a picnic under a tree, or sleep under the stars for memories that will last forever.

13 of 20

Paint Night

Lovely boyfriend embracing his girlfriend, a female artist, while she working at her cozy home art studio — SrdjanPav / Getty Images

Paint night makes a great experience gift because it offers a unique opportunity for couples to tap into their creative side. It also allows participants to socialize, have a little fun, and walk away with a nice reminder of the night to hang in their living room.

14 of 20

A Museum Membership

For those who are art and history buffs, a museum membership might be one of those great experience gifts that keep on giving. While memberships will allow anyone to explore to their heart's content, they may also offer access to members-only events, parties, and discounts.

15 of 20

Dance Classes

Wide shot of couple dancing in luxury suite of tropical resort — Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Dancing is a great form of exercise, but it can also be a great way for someone to connect with their partner. After all, you’ve got to work together to get in sync, right? Even better, there are so many options that whether you choose to gift a ballroom or swing dancing class, everyone is sure to have a blast.

16 of 20

A Glider Ride

There's nothing more thrilling than hopping aboard a sailplane and enjoying some spectacular views while soaring above a city or countryside view. In many cases, a clear plexiglass canopy offers an unobstructed view of local mountain ranges or cities, and some are usually experienced in a plane of varying sizes.

17 of 20

A Yoga Class

Young woman and man with arms raised practicing yoga on pier at bay against sky — Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Not only does yoga help people get their zen on and wind down with their favorite person, but as an added benefit, it's also a beneficial workout and a great activity to get into in the long term.

18 of 20

Paintball

For a little friendly competition, schuedle a paintball date for your favorite couple. Typically gift certificates will cover admission, equipment, and paint, and you can even choose between indoor or outdoor courses for them to complete.

19 of 20

Ice Skating

two women in warm fur coats are having fun walking skating on a skating rink in the winter forest — Elizaveta Starkova / Getty Images

Ice skating makes an awesome experience gift for couples. For beginners, it's likely a laugh a minute, and experienced skaters will undoubtedly appreciate a little ice time to practice their double axles and camel spins.

20 of 20

Escape Room Tickets

Escape rooms are an exhilarating gift that appeals to gamers and trivia fans alike, and it really tests your teamwork, to boot. Participants can complete tasks, use clues, and solve puzzles to make their way out of the designated room with their partner—if they can.

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