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Updated May 15, 202425 Experience Gifts for Couples That'll Help Them Make New Memories
From date night activities to wow-worthy trips, this list covers it all.
Illustration: Natalie Romine
When it comes to choosing a standout present for your spouse or favorite duo, experience gifts for couples are always worthy of consideration. With more and more engaged couples registering for experience gifts, picking out fun and creative activities to gift your loved ones is a smart move. Whether you're looking for a unique wedding present for the newlyweds or you want to surprise your partner with a romantic Valentine's Day gift, we're here to help you find something special. From virtual cooking classes and game day tickets to a relaxing cabin getaway, there's an experience out there for every duo and every budget. Below, you'll find our top gifts for couples to do together that are sure to please.
In this article...
- If They're Self-Proclaimed Foodies…
- If They Love the Great Outdoors…
- If They Want to See the World…
- If They're Tourists in Their Own Neighborhood…
- If They Like to Try New Things…
If They're Self-Proclaimed Foodies…
If you're looking for fun experience gifts for couples, food (and drink) activities will always be a foolproof option. Whether they're globetrotters determined to sample every nation's cuisine or home chefs who love testing out new recipes, one of these ideas will make their next date night extra special.
A Choose-Your-Own Culinary Experience
Photo: Tinggly
Tinggly's Taste the World gift box allows couples to choose from over 1,000 culinary experiences across six continents, from a cheesesteak segway tour in Philadelphia to a private cooking lesson in Italy's Matera caves. There's no expiration date, so while they can use it to sample local cuisine in their hometown, they could also save it for their next trip abroad. Bonus: For every gift experience, Tinggly will offset CO2 emissions by 200%, making this couple's gift experience an excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers.
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A Virtual Cooking Lesson
Photo: Sur La Table
Do they love getting creative in the kitchen? If that's the case, we can't think of a better holiday or wedding gift than a virtual cooking lesson. Sur La Table offers classes on various cuisines, from Spanish tapas to Thai food, and even teaches participants how to beautifully plate their dishes. Bonus: The price of a class is per household, not per person, making it a pretty affordable experience gift for couples (or the whole family).
A Home Mixology Class
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Shopping for an amateur bartender or a pair who loves hosting parties? This online mixology class is a great gift experience idea for any couple who enjoys crafting their own cocktails. An expert instructor will guide them through three drink recipes (a Cucumber Chili Margarita, a Left Hand and a Gimlet) using a variety of simple syrups that are shipped to their house ahead of time—they'll just need to supply the alcohol. If their cocktail game is already pretty elite, other classes are available for drinks like whiskey, gin and tequila, so you're sure to find one to suit their tastes.
A Book of Dinner Date Ideas
Photo: The Adventure Challenge
Help your spouse or favorite duo turn dinnertime into a more memorable occasion with this book of winning ideas. The Adventure Challenge's Dinner Dates offers exciting scratch-off recipes and engaging activities to fill the time between prepping ingredients and eating. It's a simple yet thoughtful gift any foodies will love and is guaranteed to transform their regular date night routine. Use THEKNOT20 code to get 20% off your purchase.
A Blue Apron Gift Card
Photo: Blue Apron
If they like to cook but don't have much time to experiment in the kitchen, a Blue Apron gift card will cut down on prep so they can focus on the best part of cooking: eating. The brand's signature meal plan will send them a weekly box of everything they need to make two servings of multiple chef-designed recipes. It's an especially great couple's shower gift idea that'll help them save some time (and reduce stress) during a very busy stage in their relationship.
A Gingerbread Baking Kit
Photo: Williams Sonoma
Here's a creative pick for any couple who enjoys baking together: A gingerbread-making kit that's perfect for the holidays or any other occasion that calls for delicious baked goods. It includes two quick mixes for gingerbread loaf and cookies that'll make baking a breeze, along with five cookie cutters, a tree-shaped box filled with decorations, two kitchen towels and a heat-resistant spatula. Even better, everything comes in a reusable wooden crate for a beautifully rustic presentation, so you can skip the wrapping altogether.
If They Love the Great Outdoors…
Shopping for a holiday, anniversary or wedding gift for an outdoorsy couple or partner? While you could scour a recreational store for new gear they hopefully don't already have, an experience-based gift is a more memorable option (and less likely to get returned). Plus, it guarantees they'll get to explore the outdoors, which will definitely put a smile on their faces.
A Bucketlist-Worthy Outdoor Experience
Photo: Tinggly
If they're into outdoor activities, chances are they already have a few adventures on their wish list. This is why Tinggly's Bucketlist trumps the rest when it comes to exciting adventure gifts for couples. With over 1,400 things to do—and 100 countries to choose from—they'll get to experience the outdoors as they never have before. From scuba diving in the Red Sea to quad biking in Australia, there are tons of exhilarating options that'll get their adrenaline flowing. Whatever they pick, they'll have an incredible time making new memories and exploring new places.
A 5K Fun Run in New York
Photo: Virgin Experience Gifts
Are they the type of people who love rising early to get outside for a morning jog? If so, this activity gift for couples will be right up their alley. The five-kilometer (or three-mile) fun run takes place in New York's Central Park and is guided by a certified fitness professional who'll take them through the city at a casual jogging pace. Along the way, they'll get to see local attractions like the Bethesda Fountain, the Bow Bridge and the Imagine Mosaic. Whether they're native New Yorkers or just visiting the city, this unique experiential present will help them catch the sights from a different perspective.
A Romantic Cabin Getaway
Photo: Getaway
Getaway is one of those couples experience gifts that encourages people to unplug, spend time in nature and enjoy the company of their loved ones. It offers a host of tiny, cozy cabins that couples can rent just a few hours outside of major cities (including New York, Chicago and LA) to spend quality time together, celebrate their anniversary or simply escape for a while. Surprise your spouse with a romantic overnight stay or give your friends a Getaway gift card so they can book a weekend away together at a time that works for their schedule.
A Virtual Gardening Course
Photo: Learning with Experts
Here's a thoughtful experience gift idea for couples who love gardening outdoors. This online course is designed to teach them everything they need to know about growing herbs like a pro. It includes four on-demand video lessons presented by an expert gardener who'll cover topics like the history and health benefits of herbs, how to use them in cooking and how to create their very own herb garden. The course also includes assigned projects the lovebirds can do together for a hands-on experience.
A Helicopter Tour of the Grand Canyon
Photo: The Knot
If you already know where your favorite couple is heading on their next vacation, you can gift them an experience they'll never forget, like an aerial tour of the Grand Canyon. This helicopter ride for two lasts about 30 minutes and will fly them over Kaibab National Forest and deep into the Grand Canyon, where they can see the Colorado River, the Tower of Ra and other incredible natural landmarks. It's a great experiential gift for anyone who enjoys checking out national and state parks.
If They Want to See the World…
If you're shopping for a pair of globetrotters, one of these travel-friendly gifts will help inspire their wanderlust. From gift vouchers they can put toward activities and accommodation to exclusive access to cheap flights, we've found the best experience gifts for couples who love exploring the world.
A Virgin Experience Gifts Voucher
Photo: The Knot
Gift vouchers for couples are a great idea, especially if they can use them for fun activities, like whale watching in San Diego or hot air ballooning in Washington, DC. With a Virgin Experience Gifts gift card, the world is their oyster—and with over 3,400 options available, they're guaranteed to find something they haven't done before. The hardest part will be deciding what to do, but thankfully these vouchers never expire, so they can take all the time they need.
A Membership for Discounted Flights
Photo: Going
How great would it be to get first dibs on cheap flights? With a membership to Going, you and your spouse (or a couple you know) can get notifications about great money-saving deals as they go on sale. The Premium package covers the best economy deals from up to 10 US airports, while the Elite option extends to first and business-class flights. Every deal is vetted by the company beforehand, so you won't have to contend with long layovers or unreliable airlines.
A Fun and Spontaneous Trip
Photo: Pack Up + Go
Is your favorite couple always up for a bit of spontaneity? This super cool experience gift from Pack Up + Go will bring a playful surprise element to their next trip. The company offers pre-planned vacations based on a couple's budgets and interests, but there's one twist: They won't know the destination they're heading to until the last minute. It's guaranteed to shake up their usual travel routine and take them out of their comfort zone. Get them a gift card so they can schedule a trip at a time that suits them best.
A Guided Group Trip
Photo: EF Go Ahead Tours
If you're shopping for an extra-special anniversary gift experience for you and your spouse, look no further than EF Go Ahead Tours. They find hotels and flights, design exciting itineraries and pair you with local guides so you can soak up the culture of a new place stress-free. You can shop over 200 trips across all seven continents to find an adventure you'll both enjoy, like a relaxing week in Belize, a scenic tour of Ireland or a guided excursion to Machu Picchu. It's easily one of the best getaway gifts for couples, hiking lovers or anyone who enjoys traveling with a group.
An Airbnb Gift Card
Photo: The Knot
When it comes to choosing experience presents for couples, a gift card can go a long way. Voted a 2023 The Knot Registry Awards winner, an Airbnb voucher will help your spouse or the happy couple find somewhere cool to stay on their next holiday. Whether they've set their sights on a luxurious villa or a trendy apartment, they can pick from thousands of trusted accommodations worldwide. Just have a digital gift card emailed to them or print it off to slip in a card for a sweet and thoughtful surprise.
If They're Tourists in Their Own Neighborhood…
Experience gifts for couples don't have to take them far from home. Help them explore their hometown—and find new date night activities—with one of these gift experience ideas that celebrate local attractions.
A Unique Escape Room Experience
Photo: Escapely
Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly experience to enjoy with your spouse or a cool gift for the lovebirds, we've found just the thing. With one of these Escape The City Boxes, you can turn your local neighborhood into home base for a one-of-a-kind adventure. It's a combination of a scavenger hunt, an escape room and an urban crawl that'll take you and your partner around your chosen city, solving puzzles in your environment along the way. Choose from 14 US cities, including Boston, Miami and Philadelphia, for a memorable outing with your other half.
A Spa Gift Card
Photo: The Knot
You don't always need a vacation to sneak in some R&R. This Spa & Wellness gift card can be used at over 9,000 spas and salons around the US, so the couple can seek out a relaxing oasis without going far from home. The card never expires and offers access to everything from facials and massages to haircuts and pilates sessions, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to unwind. It's an especially good experience gift for couples who have recently got married and need to de-stress after all the chaos of event planning.
A Broadway Theater Gift Voucher
Photo: Broadway.com
Theater buffs will love the chance to explore the best of what Broadway has to offer. If you need a gift experience for couples who live in New York City (or anywhere that's just a train ride away), this gift voucher will help them plan a date the next time their favorite show is in town. Whether they've always wanted to see a live performance of Moulin Rouge or experience The Lion King on stage, they'll appreciate this fun and thoughtful present.
MLB Game Tickets
Photo: The Knot
Take them out to the ballgame! No matter what team they cheer for, MLB tickets (or NFL or NBA) will be an impressive gift experience idea for sporty couples. Simply select the amount you want to gift before having the voucher emailed to them so they can choose their preferred game. Looking for something physical to hand over? Fill a clear stadium bag with some snacks (like peanuts and Cracker Jacks, obviously) and their favorite canned drink to help them prepare for the tailgate.
If They Like to Try New Things…
A couple that learns together, stays together. Whether you're shopping for a duo that routinely takes on new challenges or simply want to overhaul date nights with your spouse, one of these gift experiences will do the trick. Hello, quality time!
A Wine Tasting Experience
Photo: In Good Taste
If they're always trying new bottles of vino and longing for a trip to Napa Valley, they'll enjoy this experience gift idea. In Good Taste offers curated gift boxes of wine, with six small bottles in each bundle, so they can sample different flavors from the comfort of home. It's one of our favorite Christmas gift experiences for couples that they can enjoy at their leisure during the holidays.
A Romantic Mapmaking Class
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Appeal to their artistic side with this fun online Romantic Mapmaking class from Uncommon Goods. The 90-minute workshop is designed to help couples create a map of relationship milestones, like their first date, engagement and wedding day. They'll receive all the necessary supplies in the mail in advance, so they'll have very little prep to do before getting started. Once they've finished their unique piece of artwork, they can have it framed so it's ready to display in their home.
A Virtual Pottery Workshop
Photo: ClassBento
Looking for something that really sparks their creativity? This virtual pottery class will teach them the basic techniques of hand-building pottery, like pinching and coiling, so they can make anything from candle holders to trinket trays. They'll get a craft kit shipped right to them and a link to the online lesson. Just make sure to gift two boxes so couples can do it together.
A MasterClass Subscription
Photo: MasterClass
A MasterClass subscription is arguably one of the coolest gift experiences for couples, no matter what occasion you're shopping for. They'll both have access to a hundreds of virtual learning experiences, from photography and cooking classes to mindfulness courses—all from some of the world's greatest pros like Gordon Ramsay, Mariah Carey, Martin Scorcese and more.
A Flower Arranging Class
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Step up your romantic gesture for their birthday, Valentine's Day or an upcoming anniversary with a flower arranging class for your partner (that you can tag along to, too). Expert floral artist Nsombi Woodson leads a 90-minute online course on the meditative art of floristry, allowing your partner to learn a life-long skill. All you have to do is provide some pretty blooms and a few words of encouragement. (P.S.: If you're looking for unique engagement experience gifts, this thoughtful present will definitely get your fiancé into wedding planning mode).
