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Updated Oct 14, 202425 Experience Gifts for Couples That'll Help Them Make Memories
Date night just got even more exciting.
Illustration: Natalie Romine
While physical presents are popular for special occasions, they aren't the only gift option to celebrate your loved ones. Experience gifts for couples are yet another thoughtful way to surprise your spouse or favorite duo (without cluttering their living space). Lately, opting for experiences is trending way up, meaning more engaged couples are registering for experience gifts before their big day. Whether you're looking for a unique wedding present for a pair of lovebirds or a romantic Valentine's Day gift for your partner, we're here to help. From game day tickets and mystery picnic dates to thrilling hot air balloon rides, we've found the best couples experiences that'll knock their socks off. Below, you'll find our top gifts for couples to do together that will help them bond and make new memories.
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 rarely fail. Whether they're globetrotters with a taste for international cuisine or home chefs who love trying new recipes, these ideas will make date night extra delicious.
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 worldwide, from chocolate-tasting tours in Hawaii to pasta-making classes in Rome. There are also plenty of options in the US if they prefer to vacation closer to home. We think it's an excellent wedding gift for couples who have everything and are open to trying new things together. Bonus: There's no expiration date, so they can use it whenever they please.
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Use the TK code to get 10% off your purchase.
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 a couple who enjoys making cocktails. During the 90-minute lesson, an expert instructor will show them how to create three signature drinks: a Cucumber Chili Margarita, a Left Hand and a Gimlet. They'll receive a set of simple syrups in the mail beforehand—they'll just need to supply the alcohol.
A Book of Dinner Date Ideas
Photo: The Adventure Challenge
Experience presents for couples don't always have to be schedule-dependent. The Adventure Challenge's Dinner Dates book is a cool activity gift that'll transform midweek meals into memorable experiences. It's packed with 30 scratch-off recipes and fun things to do between prepping ingredients and eating. Plus, it works for any occasion, like an anniversary present for your spouse or a simple engagement gift idea for to-be-weds.
Use THEKNOT25 code to get 25% off your purchase.
A Food Tour in Philadelphia
Photo: The Knot
Food tours are one of our favorite experience gifts for couples who love indulging in new cuisine. Whether they're Philly natives or they're planning a trip to the City of Brother Love, this excursion will whet their appetite. The tour takes them through the heart of the city, where they'll sample an authentic cheesesteak, soft pretzels, delicious pizza, Cheez Whiz fries and—of course—the city's famed 4th Street cookies. In between eating, they'll learn all about the history behind Philadelphia's iconic dishes.
A Hands-On Cooking Lesson
Photo: Sur La Table
Do they love getting creative in the kitchen? Then, we can't think of a better holiday or wedding gift than a professional cooking lesson. Sur La Table offers date night classes in numerous US locations on various cuisines, from traditional Italian cooking to Japanese food. If you're unsure of their schedule or preferences, gift cards for couples are also available.
A Bagel and Cream Cheese Kit
Photo: Farm Steady
Here's a unique gift experience for a couple who enjoys baking together: A bagel and cream cheese-making kit. Perfect for the holidays or another occasion, it comes with all the dry ingredients to make a dozen bagels and cultured cheese, including flour, yeast, malt powder, spice mix and vegetable rennet. All they need to add are milk, eggs and cream from their pantry. (Psst: it's an especially thoughtful couple's shower gift idea that'll help them bond during a busy stage in their relationship).
If They Love the Great Outdoors…
Shopping for a holiday, anniversary or wedding gift for an outdoorsy couple or partner? While you could upgrade their gear, an experiential gift is a more memorable option (and less likely to get returned). Plus, they'll get to explore the great outdoors, which will put a smile on their faces.
A Bucketlist-Worthy Experience
Photo: Tinggly
The best experience gifts for couples are the ones inspired by their bucket list. With over 9,000 things to do (and 100 countries to choose from), Tinggly's Bucket list experience will allow them to explore the outdoors like never before. From scuba diving in the Red Sea to quad biking in Australia, there are tons of exhilarating options to get their adrenaline flowing. Bonus: Tinggly offsets CO2 emissions by 200% for every couple's gift experience, making it a more eco-conscious choice.
Use the TK code to get 10% off your purchase.
A Romantic Cabin Getaway
Photo: Postcard Cabins
Getaway gifts for couples are becoming increasingly popular, especially for those wishing to spend time in nature. Postcard Cabins offer cozy chalets that couples can rent a few hours outside major cities (including New York, Chicago and LA) to spend quality time together without distractions. Surprise your spouse with a romantic anniversary experience gift or get your friends a gift card so they can book a weekend away together.
A Virtual Gardening Workshop
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Here's a thoughtful experience gift idea for couples who love gardening. This online workshop is designed to teach them the art of kokedama (the Japanese term for growing small plants in spheres of moss and soil). The gift includes a 60-minute live virtual experience with an expert gardener and a kokedama ball kit which they'll receive beforehand. It's one of the best activity presents for couples who like cultivating plants but don't have lots of outdoor space.
A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Photo: The Knot
If you already know where the lovebirds are heading on vacation, you can give them an experience specific to that area. This hot air balloon ride is one of the most unique experiences for couples visiting southern California and is guaranteed to create unforgettable memories. The adventure starts in Temecula wine country (between San Diego and LA) and will take them over rolling hills, gorgeous vineyards and scenic countryside. Once they land, they'll get to enjoy a champagne toast. It's also an incredible engagement experience gift if you're planning to pop the question.
A Mystery Picnic Date for Two
Photo: Giftory
Does your favorite couple have a spontaneous side? Giftory's mystery picnic date will bring a surprise element to their next hang. With 50 stunning locations across the US, they'll get to explore their chosen city, while gathering delicious picnic treats and solving clues along the way. Their destination will be a secluded picnic spot where they can savor their food and admire the view. (Experiential gift ideas for couples don't get more creative than this!)
If They Want to See the World…
If you're shopping for a globetrotting pair, one of these adventure gifts for couples will inspire their wanderlust. From wedding gifts for travelers to practical gift certificate ideas, here are the best experiences for anyone who loves exploring the world.
An Airbnb Gift Card
Photo: Airbnb
Finding experience presents for couples can be tricky, especially if you don't know their travel preferences or schedule. Enter: an Airbnb voucher. With this thoughtful (and practical) gift, they can find somewhere cool to stay on their next vacay. From luxurious villas to trendy apartments, they can pick from thousands of trusted accommodations worldwide. It's easily one of the best gift certificate ideas for couples who travel regularly.
A Guided Group Trip
Photo: EF Go Ahead Tours
If you're shopping for a memorable anniversary gift experience for you and your spouse, check out EF Go Ahead Tours. They find hotels and flights, design exciting itineraries and pair you with local guides to help you navigate new places. You can shop over 200 trips across every continent to find an adventure you'll both enjoy, from exploring Costa Rica to admiring the Northern Lights in Iceland. Adventurous couples, hiking lovers and group travelers will love this one.
A Virgin Experience Gifts Voucher
Photo: Virgin Experience Gifts
Gift vouchers for couples are a great idea, especially if they can use them for fun activities like skydiving, shoe-making and surfing. With a Virgin Experience Gifts gift card, the world is their oyster—and with over 4,600 options available, they're guaranteed to find something they haven't done before. Deciding what to do is the hardest part, but they can take their time because the vouchers never expire.
A Deck of Travel Challenge Cards
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Shopping for an affordable couple's experience gift? We've found a thoughtful (and budget-friendly) present that'll shake up their travel routine. This pocket-sized deck includes 50 cards, each printed with an activity geared toward exploring a new area. From interacting with locals to switching off their GPS for a day, it's full of cool ideas to help them escape their comfort zone. They'll take this on vacations for years to come.
A Membership for Discounted Flights
Photo: Going
If you're looking for cool gift cards for couples, stop scrolling now. By signing them up to a Going membership, your favorite pair can get exclusive access to cheap flights. The Premium package covers the best economy deals from US airports, while the Elite option extends to first and business-class flights. Every deal is vetted by the company beforehand for a more seamless travel experience.
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—within their city of choice (even their own). One of these gift experience ideas certainly will celebrate local attractions and landmarks.
A Date Night in New York
Photo: Tinggly
If you need a gift experience for a couple living in New York City (or anywhere that's just a train ride away), Tinggly has their next date night sorted. This curated gift experience allows them to choose from 140 activities across The Big Apple, from sophisticated dining experiences to Broadway shows and more. It's an especially thoughtful Christmas gift experience for couples, whether they're New Yorkers or just visiting for the holidays. Shopping for a pair who lives elsewhere? Tinggly's Fun Together package can be used all over the US.
Use the TK code to get 10% off your purchase.
MLB Game Tickets
Photo: The Knot
Take them out to a ballgame! No matter what team they cheer for, MLB tickets (or NFL or NBA) is a winning gift experience for sporty couples. Simply select the amount you want to give before having the voucher emailed to them so they can choose their preferred game. Looking for something physical to hand over? Fill a stadium bag with snacks (like peanuts and Cracker Jacks) and their favorite canned drinks to help them prepare for the tailgate.
A Romantic Scavenger Hunt
Photo: Scavenger Box
How about planning a romantic treasure hunt for your partner? Thanks to Scavenger Box, you can set the scene for a unique adventure right in your own neighborhood. Simply personalize the clue cards and final prize, before hiding the prompts in fun locations for your S.O. to find. The kit also comes with rose petals, LED candles, a custom message in a bottle and a treasure box with a heart-shaped lock. Hide a surprise inside (like a piece of jewelry) to really up the excitement.
A Spa Gift Card
Photo: Spafinder
You don't always need a vacation to sneak in some R&R. This Spafinder gift card for couples allows them to access beauty and grooming services in their locality. It never expires and can be used for facials, massages, mani-pedis, haircuts and more. It's a really good experience gift for couples who have recently got married and need to de-stress after wedding planning.
Use THEKNOTSPA code for 25% off all purchases over $80.
If They Like to Try New Things…
A couple that learns together, stays together. Whether you're shopping for a pair who likes a challenge or want to overhaul date nights with your spouse, these creative gift experiences will do the trick. Hello, quality time!
A Romantic Mapmaking Class
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Appeal to their artistic side with this romantic mapmaking class. The 90-minute online 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 very little prep is required. It's a really cute Valentine's or one-year anniversary gift that'll allow them to reflect on their relationship and create a bespoke piece of art.
A MasterClass Subscription
Photo: MasterClass
Subscription gifts for couples are yet another route to discovering new experiences. With a MasterClass membership, the lovebirds will have access to hundreds of online classes from the world's greatest pros. From singing lessons with Mariah Carey to cooking demos with Gordon Ramsay, they'll have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips. It's one of the coolest gift experiences for couples that'll bring them joy all year long.
A Sensual Wine Tasting Experience
Photo: The Fantasy Box
Looking for spicy couples experiences for you and your partner? Enter… The Fantasy Box. Their naughty wine tasting box is packed with props, including wine glasses, lingerie, massage oil, a silky robe and a body massager, along with step-by-step instructions to enhance the experience. Just add your favorite bottle of vino for a sensual evening with your spouse. (P.S. They also have date night poker and bath time for two packages if you're not into wine).
A Pet Portrait Painting Class
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Sometimes, the best experiential gifts for couples have a silly side. If their pet is the center of their universe, they'll love this online painting class. Over 120 minutes, an experienced art teacher will show them how to paint a portrait of their furry friend. They'll use a black-and-white photo of their pet to create an outline, before filling in the details with watercolor paints. You can opt for the experience only or add a watercolor paint kit for them to receive before the lesson.
A Memorable Airbnb Experience
Photo: Airbnb Experiences
We know we mentioned the gift card already, but fun fact: Airbnb is not only one of our go-to spots for affordable vacay accommodations, the company is known to offer experiences too. From wellness retreats in California to street art workshops in Chicago, the possibilities are endless. Book something exciting to do with your spouse or get the couple a gift certificate so they can pick their own adventure.
