Creating memorable experiences that’ll allow you to live life to the fullest is what life is about. So many people regret not experiencing more in life. Not many people regret not buying more. My goal for the holidays is to focus on gifting experiential gifts to friends and family, there's never enough quality time spent and hopefully we will create opportunities for memories that will only bring me and the people I care about closer together.

Plus, there's no shortage of meaningful experiences for family and friends—from creative workshops and museum memberships to spa packages. Gifting for the holidays doesn’t always have to come down to buying things. Here are a list of just a few of the experiential gifts I am thinking about giving this year!

Museum & Botanical Garden Memberships

A membership to a museum or botanical garden is perfect for the sightseers in your life.  Often times members receive free visits, museum coupons, and discounts on tours and lectures for weekends filled with art and culture. For the institutions that are still closed due to COVID-19, virtual visits are available.

Outdoor Adventures & Virtual Yoga Classes

A punch card or monthly membership to a local yoga studio, rock climbing gym, or dance center is perfect for the active ones in your life. 

When it comes to outdoor adventures, REI ($23+) has some of the best outdoor classes and group expeditions. Whether your loved one is into hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, or mountaineering, the nationwide store has hundreds of options that make for a truly special gift.

Online Classes & Learning Opportunities

For the one longing to get back in the classroom (even if it’s a virtual one), you can support their endeavor by gifting a membership to an online educational platform. 

MasterClass ($180/year) offers courses in writing, cooking, photography, and more while Coursera ($59/month) teaches numerous subjects to over 60 million learners and partners with more than 200 universities to bring all kinds of content to users. 

Spa or Pampering Service

 It goes without saying that visiting a spa is a fantastic way to relax and de-stress. Allowing them this time to wind down and relax has so many additional benefits, such as a clear mind and increased productivity once they leave their treatment.

Find a local spa to view services, Refuge in Carmel, CA is a personal favorite with hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, lavender steam room and massages available when booked in advance. 

Organize a cooking class in person or online

If your friend or special someone is a foodie, this would be the perfect gift for them. This can be classes like chocolate making, cake decorating, bread making, vegan cheese making, fermenting or learning how to cook a specific type of cuisine. If you’re on a bit of a budget, online is a cheaper option.

Premium Movie Experience

Spending the evening at the movies is a favorite of many, and some packages even include premium tickets with soft drinks and popcorn depending on your budget.

Sports Game or Concert

While this option might be a little trickier due to actually having to plan a date, tickets to a sports game or concert can be an exciting experiential gift.

We rarely remember things that we’ve bought, unless these items have some significant meaning, we tend to forget about them soon after purchase. Or in this case, after they’ve been gifted to us.

My motto going into the New Year is to focus more on experiences and quality time with friends and family over buying items no one really needs.