{"id":14252,"date":"2025-12-03T04:50:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T10:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/?p=14252"},"modified":"2026-02-03T16:51:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T22:51:46","slug":"experiential-gifts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/experiential-gifts\/","title":{"rendered":"Experience gift ideas: Finding the perfect gift for your significant other"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You want to show your special someone how much they mean to you, but between birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine\u2019s Day, and the holidays, gift ideas can run dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Investing in experiential gifts for a significant other (SO) is a great alternative to typical material purchases\u2014flowers, chocolates, watches, etc. From simple, sentimental gestures to once-in-a-lifetime events, experiences as gifts can be tailored to any&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/ways-to-make-budget-simple\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">budget<\/a>&nbsp;and any person. Is your SO a hopeless romantic? Addicted to adrenaline? Let their interests guide your exploration into experiential gifts. Below, you\u2019ll find 10 experience gift ideas to delight your SO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/170330_Discover_Final_v2-500x500.gif\" alt=\"Motion graphic of different items that highlight different experential gifts - popcorn and tickets for a movie night, ferris wheel for a carnival, a bottle of wine and a cloche for date night, and suitcases to show travel.\" width=\"728\" height=\"728\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-for-the-foodie\">For the foodie<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cooking class: Whether it\u2019s a class for couples or a solo course, your SO will love the chance to explore their inner chef, and you can volunteer to be a taste-tester. (That\u2019s one of the best aspects of experiences as gifts\u2014they\u2019re often a win-win.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A year of dinner dates: Pick out 12 restaurants, enough for a monthly dinner date. You can provide your loved one with a map of the restaurants you want to hit before the end of the year or, if you want to keep it secret, a calendar simply marking date nights. Big budget? Go gourmet. Keeping it&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/frugal-living-tips-with-a-big-impact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheaper<\/a>? Find little-known local places. Better yet, make your experience gift a mixture of both.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the thrill seeker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Amusement park tickets: Free falls, corkscrews, loop-de-loops, all that good stuff. If you don\u2019t have your SO\u2019s taste for adrenaline, surprise them with a group outing. Some can enjoy the tamer attractions while others brave the big rides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skydiving: It\u2019s on every thrill seeker\u2019s bucket list. Skydiving can be a bit spendy, especially if you\u2019re taking the plunge as a pair, but it can be a once-in-a-lifetime rush and an experiential gift that would not soon be forgotten.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"w-100 mb-8 md:mb-[60px] md:mt-[30px] max-h-[400px] overflow-hidden\">\n    <picture class=\"flex w-full\">                                                             \n        <source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_0-MARQUEE-991x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_2-FULL-992x400.jpg.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"(min-width: 755px)\"><source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_0-MARQUEE-991x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_2-FULL-992x400.jpg?v=4.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 755px)\">        <source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_0-MARQUEE-1199x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_2-FULL-1200x400.jpg.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"(min-width: 992px)\"><source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_0-MARQUEE-1199x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_2-FULL-1200x400.jpg?v=4.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 992px)\">        <source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_0-MARQUEE-1399x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_2-FULL-1400x400.jpg.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"><source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_0-MARQUEE-1399x399.jpg?v=14'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_2-FULL-1400x400.jpg?v=4.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\">        <img src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_2-FULL-754x221.jpg?v=4' style='max-width:100%;' data-src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_2-FULL-755x222.jpg?v=4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazy object-cover w-full\" loading=\"lazy\" >                        \n    <\/picture>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"post__content\">\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the traveler<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A weekend getaway: This is among the most classic experience gift ideas, and it can have so many variations. Road trip or air travel. Relaxing retreat or exciting, activity-packed adventure. You can give your SO a travel brochure-style itinerary of the weekend you\u2019ve planned for the two of you, throw a dart at a map together, or keep the location a secret until arrival. Plus, quick trips don\u2019t have to break the bank: There are lots of ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/cheap-weekend-trips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">save on a weekend getaway<\/a>, from cashing in on last minute travel deals to being flexible on your dates.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the experimenter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lessons: There are countless options for lessons to gift. Your community likely offers a diverse array of options, from beginner\u2019s sewing classes to scuba-certification courses. Maybe your SO has always wanted to learn home-brewing or expressed an interest in pottery. Give your special someone an excuse to explore something they\u2019ve never tried before. Do-it-yourself kits are another option. Although DIY kits technically count as material gifts, they\u2019re also a way to learn a skill while spending less money (since formal lessons can be expensive).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1415\" height=\"583\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_3-INARTICLE_NEW-e1671205560240.jpg\" alt=\"A ballerina in motion\" class=\"wp-image-14260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_3-INARTICLE_NEW-e1671205560240.jpg 1415w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_3-INARTICLE_NEW-e1671205560240-300x124.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_3-INARTICLE_NEW-e1671205560240-780x321.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_3-INARTICLE_NEW-e1671205560240-768x316.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1415px) 100vw, 1415px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the artist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Museum membership or performing arts season tickets: Help your SO be a patron of the arts with these experience gift ideas. Museums, symphonies, and stage performances often offer memberships to a full season or full year of entertainment and fine art. If your special someone frequently attends anyway, purchasing these packages can be an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/easy-ways-to-save-money\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">easy way to save money<\/a> too, as they\u2019re usually cheaper than buying tickets individually.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the hopeless romantic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Picnic: Who says you can\u2019t get creative with a picnic? Organize a scavenger hunt for your SO that leads them to the spot, or create a menu with dishes that mean something special to the two of you. Watch the sunrise or sunset together or, if the weather isn\u2019t the nicest, set it up right in the living room.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Couples dance lessons: Waltzing, tangoing, jitterbugging\u2014after an evening or two learning the basics, you and your special someone will be the envy of your friends at the next wedding reception. It\u2019s a skill the two of you can enjoy for years to come. (As long as you learn to avoid stepping on each other\u2019s feet.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the free spirit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Date night jar: Why choose only one experiential gift when there are so many experience gift ideas? Write down all the date ideas you can think of on slips of paper or Popsicle sticks and put them in a jar. You can even ask friends and family to add a few. Present your SO with the jar and explain that they\u2019ll be able to choose a spontaneous activity or outing from the jar whenever you have a date night. Since some dates will likely require more money or planning than others, it might help to color-code the slips of paper or Popsicle sticks. Denote which experience gifts are free, which cost some money, and which require some bigger chunks of your savings.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2091\" height=\"862\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_4-INARTICLE-dup_NEW-e1671205626205.jpg\" alt=\"Person happily feeds a fork full of spaghetti to someone else in a restaurant\" class=\"wp-image-14261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_4-INARTICLE-dup_NEW-e1671205626205.jpg 2091w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_4-INARTICLE-dup_NEW-e1671205626205-300x124.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_4-INARTICLE-dup_NEW-e1671205626205-780x322.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_4-INARTICLE-dup_NEW-e1671205626205-768x317.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_4-INARTICLE-dup_NEW-e1671205626205-1536x633.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Experiential-Gifts-More-Memories-for-Your-Money_4-INARTICLE-dup_NEW-e1671205626205-2048x844.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2091px) 100vw, 2091px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start saving for experience gifts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Experiences as gifts are the perfect way to create memories without creating clutter. Since they often require more planning (and sometimes more money) than traditional gifts, it\u2019s a good idea to think ahead. Even if you aren\u2019t sure right away what kind of experiential gift you\u2019d like to give for the next milestone in your relationship, you can begin putting some money aside each month\u2014or even each paycheck\u2014as you decide. You might consider setting up automatic transfers to an&nbsp;online savings account&nbsp;specifically for experience gifts. That way, when the right idea comes along, you\u2019ll know exactly how much you have to spend on an experience for that special someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cut the clutter and invest in priceless memories. Give experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn how a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/financial-vision-board\/?ICMPGN=OS-BK-ARTCTA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">financial vision board<\/a> can help make your life goals, including unforgettable experiential gifts, a reality.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">Articles may contain information from third parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third party or information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as professional advice. Nothing contained in this article shall give rise to, or be construed to give rise to, any obligation or liability whatsoever on the part of Discover, a division of Capital One, N.A., or its affiliates.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Searching for the perfect gift for your significant other? Think experience over stuff.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":4009,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[85,84],"tags":[105,32,100],"class_list":["post-14252","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-holiday","category-life-planning","tag-money-saving-tips","tag-online-savings-account","tag-quick-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14252"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14252\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22607,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14252\/revisions\/22607"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14252"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}