Last Minute Gift Ideas When Visiting Friends

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When you’re traveling to visit friends or family, it can be a little intimidating trying to find the right gift. You don’t have access to the same resources that they do, so it’s hard to think outside of the box.

Fear not! We’ve rounded up some great ideas for gifts that you can bring along when visiting friends and family into three categories:

What are the Best Gifts From Your Hometown or City?

When you’re traveling, your hometown shows your roots and . Share a little bit of it with the people you’ll be visiting! Bring a quality, item from your hometown or several small items as part of a “my favorite things” gift basket.

Local Coffee or Tea

Local coffee or tea is easy to transport, and it’s something that can easily be personalized for your hostess. Besides being easy to find and buy (especially online), local coffee is also typically roasted within 100 miles of where you live so you won’t run into any issues getting it shipped on time.

Nice Bottle of Wine

Whether you’re visiting someone’s home or hosting a dinner party, it’s always nice to have a bottle of wine on hand. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but if you can afford it and know what you like, there’s no shame in bringing a nicer bottle.

Local Craft Beer

As a last-minute gift idea, consider giving a local craft beer. There are so many wonderful breweries in every state (and even some abroad). You can usually find these beers at your grocery store or liquor store, which also makes them easy to pack for travel!

Recommended: 14 Unsurpassed Party Themes For Social Bars

Biscotti, Pretzels, and Other Baked Goods

Biscotti and pretzels are two classic snacks that are easy to travel with, especially if you buy them from a local bakery or market. They’re also easy to put into a plastic bag or container without looking too fancy. Plus, both of these treats go well with wine or any other beverage that your friends might offer.

Flavorful Candles & Soaps

Candles and soaps have an extra touch of home! You can typically find then at local shops made from regional ingredients.

Raw Local Honey

Locally produced honey is full of antioxidants, pollen, protein, minerals, and vitamins. You can buy raw honey at most grocery stores or farmers markets (and even some big box stores). If you’re buying local honey, look for those that are marked “local” or “organic.”

Neighborhood Chef’s Cookbook

You might not be able to take them to your favorite restaurant, but you can bring your favorite to them in fresh, gourmet style! If your friend is more of a foodie, consider getting them a cookbook by a chef from your favorite restaurant in your home neighborhood.

Local Music (CD or digital download)

If you know the taste of your friend, then you can easily find an artist or band that they will like at a local music store. Next time they come visit you, invite them to see the local musician live in concert!

What are the Best ‘Luxury Practical’ Gifts?

The best gifts are the ones that are thoughtful, but also practical or consumable. I like to gift items that can be consumed, but are of a higher or nicer quality than the host typically buys for themselves. I refer to these items as ‘luxury practical’.

Note: This may not be the ideal gift type if your host regularly purchases high quality consumable items for their household.

Candles

Candles make a great luxury practical gift. They’re easy to find, transport, gift, and store. Consider the candle tier levels below:

Flowers

Flowers are the perfect gift for a hostess or host. They’re easy to find, and you can have them delivered directly to their home or office. Most people don’t buy flowers regularly for themselves so having a fresh bouquet is definitely a natural luxury that your host will enjoy!

Chocolates

If you’re pressed for time and looking for a last-minute gift idea, consider high quality chocolates. Ideally, you can purchase fresh chocolates from a local shop, however, these chocolate brands will also emit the same luxury vibe:

What are the Best Experience Gifts?

What if your host is the “person who has everything”? Consider getting an experience gift instead of something material. Experience gifts provide lasting memories and are often more meaningful than material items. Check out our suggestions below:

Treat Them to a New Restaurant

If your friend loves to try new food, but hasn’t had a chance to visit the new local Thai place, consider taking them out! If you’re short on time you can also, purchase a gift card for them to use at a more convenient time.

Recommended: Best Experience Gifts Made For Couples in NYC

Give Them A Night Off

Uninterrupted, free time is a wonderful treat. If they have kids, either volunteer to pay for a babysitter or watch the kids yourself. You could also consider paying for other relaxing services such as a spa day, massage, or pedicure.

Recommended: 13 Best Experience Gifts for Your Sister

Tickets to One of Their Favorites

If your friend or family member enjoys theater, movies, concerts, or other artistic events, then tickets are a fantastic gift idea. You can purchase them online and have them sent directly to their phone or email.

Recommended: 22 Best Experience Gifts for Your Husband

Conclusion

Next time you visit friends or family out of town, don’t rush out to buy a generic present at the airport! Instead, take some time to find something special in your hometown, that is ‘luxury practical’, or that is a high quality experience.

I hope these ideas have helped you make your shopping easier. If you have any other suggestions, please let us know in the comments below!

8 Little Dirty Romantic Birthday Ideas At Home For Him

Every birthday is special, but this year you want to add a little extra spicy hot. That’s where we come in. Adding a few dirty little romantic birthday ideas will help you make his day unforgettable.

After reading this article, you’ll have enough ideas that it won’t just be a birthday celebration, it will be a weekend getaway with tons of fun activities to try.

So let’s get started!

1) Write A Love Letter

If you want to kick things up a notch, why not write your partner a love letter? It’s a simple and effective way of showing them how much you truly care about them and their happiness. The best part? A love letter is something that can be done anywhere (and at any time) because all you need is some paper and pen!

If you’re really feeling romantic, take the time to write out the letter in an old-fashioned way on nicer paper, with a quality pen, with a splash of perfume, and closed with a wax seal.

2) Massages

If you’re looking for an intimate way to celebrate your partner’s birthday and make him feel special on his big day—or any other occasion—then definitely consider giving him one or two before the big event.

Or consider getting a couples massage together. A good massage can be a wonderful way to relax, unwind, and reconnect with your partner.

3) Bubble Bath for Two

You cant go wrong if you follow the romantic bath stereotypes: a tub, bubbles, candles, wine, chocolate, and strawberries.

This is a fantastic opportunity to introduce a few fun ideas that you’ve wanted to try in the past, but perhaps considered to be too messy: whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and honey.

4) Have a Candlelight Dinner

One of the best ways to up the romantic ambiance is to add candles. And one of the best ways to a man’s heart is through his stomach! Combine the two, and you are looking at a power duo.

5) Make a Homemade Naughty Birthday Card

You can make all sorts of cards with different themes/jokes/puns within them as well as send messages via social media sites like Facebook if you want some more options too!

6) Go Skinny Dipping

It’s not just for kids anymore! Go ahead and strip down and jump in — it’s good exercise, plus it’ll make you feel closer to each other.

7) Body Paint

Body paint is a fun way to get creative, experiment with colors, and feel close with your main squeeze. You don’t need any special equipment for body painting, so it’s perfect for those who are looking for cheap ideas. Body painting can be done at home or in a hotel room and is best when you do it with someone you love.

8) Bedroom Truth or Dare

Get creative with your choices. For example, if you choose “truth,” ask him to tell you something that he’s been holding back from you. If he chooses “dare,” tell him to wear your favorite outfit for the next week and leave it on until bedtime!

Take turns asking each other questions—the best way to get honest answers is by having fun with them! Remember: this isn’t about blaming or shaming each other for past mistakes; it’s about learning more about what makes them tick without judgment or shame. The point here is to be playful and open-minded so that everyone feels comfortable sharing as much information as possible without feeling awkward about it later.

Conclusion

Your man is going to love these sexy, romantic birthday ideas. And if you want even more tips on how to make his special day the best ever, check out our other articles. We’ve got tons of great ideas for men of all ages and interests.

Best Genuine Experience Gifts For Your Boyfriend

If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a hard-to-buy-for boyfriend (or girlfriend) who already has all the gadgets and gizmos he needs—and then some. How can you possibly find a gift that’s both meaningful and unique?

Well, I’ve found that giving experiences as gifts is often a great way to enrich your partner’s life by giving them something they might not have done on their own.

A great gift is something that lasts forever—or at least feels that way—and spending time together certainly qualifies as one of those things.

Help Him Get Healthier

For the man who loves to work out, get him a new gym membership. Make sure you know what kind of gym he wants (does he prefer a high-tech facility or a more laid-back place?).

If your boyfriend already has an active lifestyle, consider investing in another fitness tool that will help him stay motivated. A Fitbit is an easy way to track calories burned and steps taken, plus it gives him real time feedback about his progress toward his daily goals.

If your boyfriend is consistently active but wants to try something new, order him some workout videos or DVDs online—he could use them as part of his new routine! You can also give him some meal plans that are made specifically for people who exercise regularly or hire someone to design them for your guy based on his current activity level and nutritional needs.

Another option to motivate your guy’s health kick, consider getting him some workout clothes like yoga pants, running shoes, or compression shorts.

Get Matching Tattoos

A matching tattoo is one of the most meaningful ways to show how much you love your devoted boyfriend. Tattoos are a permanent way to express yourself and show your devotion. Consider getting a tattoo that matches or is just complimentary

Wine Tasting/Food Pairing Dinner

Wine tasting is always a fun activity for couples to do together. It’s a great way to get to know each other better and bond with your partner, especially if you’re not very familiar with wine yourself or have never tried it before. Wine tasting can also be a great way for the two of you to learn about different varieties and even discover what wines go well together!

If your boyfriend loves wine, this experience gift from his favorite store will be perfect for him. He’ll love learning more about his favorite drink while enjoying some delicious food and snacks in between tastings (like cheese and crackers).

Make Rings (or other Jewelry) Together

Looking for a really special, customized gift experience? Make a piece of jewelry together. Not only will it last forever, but also it’s something that can be worn every day. Rings are a great symbol of your love for each other and don’t necessarily need to indicate that your relationship is moving to something more serious.

Couples Massage and Spa Retreat

If you’re considering giving your boyfriend an extra relaxing experience gift, consider a couples massage or spa retreat. Look for a spa retreat that offers services specifically for men. Many spas have a variety of choices so you can find one that fits his needs best.

Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop

The copperplate calligraphy workshop is the perfect gift for a guy who loves to dive into his more creative side, but wants to learn a practical skill. Copperplate calligraphy is a form of penmanship using a pen with a broad nib. This workshop will teach him how to write in copperplate calligraphy, and also provide all the materials he needs (such as paper and ink) so that he can practice his new skills at home or anywhere else.

Intro to Archery Class

Archery classes are a great gift for couples and friends. If your boyfriend likes to be active, this is the class for him! It’s also a good activity if you’re looking to get some exercise together. Archery is fun indoors or outdoors, depending on what kind of weather you’re having. This gift would be especially good if one of you had never tried archery before and wanted to learn how!

Personal Chef for the Day

This gift is an ideal experience for those who want to take their relationship to the next level. You’ll learn more about your partner’s preferences, cooking style and habits in one day than you ever could over a traditional dinner date.

Meet with a personal chef for the day to discuss your partner’s likes, dislikes and favorite recipes. You can even request specific ingredients for your custom menu (e.g., spicy foods or no onions).

The chef will prepare everything from scratch on site — so you won’t have any prep work or cleanup afterward!

Surf Lessons

Surfing is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, so it’s perfect for couples who have been together for years but still want to do something new together. Surfing also has the added bonuses of practicing balance & coordination, meeting new people, and learning something new!

Conclusion

Other recommended experience gift related posts:

I hope this list was a fun read and inspired you to find the right gift for your boyfriend! Just remember, a great experience gift is often one that’s related to his hobbies or interests.

You can always do a little extra digging into his interests and design a gift around them. And the best part is: if you make a mistake, you can always fall back on the other trusty default option of getting him something delicious to eat 😉

How To Make Your Birthday Special For Yourself

We often associate birthdays with making other people happy. So, we spend the day hosting parties, entertaining guests, and giving to others. And that’s great! There’s nothing wrong with celebrating a birthday by spending time with people you love.

But what if you don’t have time for a party or just don’t feel like having one? What if you’re introverted, or would just prefer to celebrate alone? In this post, I’ll show you some ways to make your special day even more special for yourself.

You might also enjoy these birthday-related posts:

1) Do Something That Scares You

Your birthday is the perfect time to challenge yourself. Try something new, like going to a new restaurant or trying out a new hobby. Maybe you’ve always wanted to go scuba diving but never had the courage before; this would be the best time to do it! Or if you’re more of a homebody, maybe pick up an instrument and learn how to play it—the possibilities are endless. Just as long as you’re challenging yourself, there’s no wrong answer!

2) Visit an Interesting City

Go somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, but never had the chance. Or try visiting somewhere that is known for something that you are not interested in at all. (This is a great way to discover things about yourself.)

3) Go to the Beach or Lake

Take a trip to the beach or a lake. If you live in a place with either, visit one of these spots on your birthday and enjoy the weather, water and natural beauty that it offers. Bring along a book or journal to read and pack up a picnic lunch!

4) Plan a lot of Activities for the Day

One of the best ways to make your birthday special is by planning many activities for the day. You can plan something that you’ve never done before, or something that you have always wanted to do, or something that you think would be fun, or even just something interesting. The point here is that if you take the time in advance to plan out all the things that are going to happen on your birthday, then it will be an unforgettable day and will help ensure that everyone has fun!

5) Get Dressed up and Go To a Nice Restaurant

How about going out for a nice dinner? Get dressed up, have reservations and enjoy the food, atmosphere and company. Don’t worry about the bill–it’s your birthday!

6) Reflect on Life While Watching the Sunrise or Sunset

If you’re feeling contemplative, spend some time watching the sunrise or sunset on your birthday. It’s a beautiful way to reflect on life, and it’s also a great way to make yourself feel better about yourself and appreciate all that you have accomplished in life so far. It’s also a good idea because it makes you feel like you’re refreshing yourself on your “big day”.

7) Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

You don’t have to have a pet of your own to volunteer at an animal shelter. You can help out with the animals of all kinds, ages and sizes. The best part about volunteering is that you get to spend time with cute animals and make them feel special for their day.

You can also help out by cleaning cages, walking dogs and playing with cats. It’s a great way to make your birthday more meaningful because you’re helping others while doing something fun on your special day!

8) Attend an Amusement Park

One of the best ways to make your birthday special is to go somewhere you enjoy that doesn’t require a lot of other people. That’s why I recommend attending an amusement park solo!

You can go on rides by yourself, or visit the gift shop and no one will be there to hold up the line! You can also take pictures alone and eat food by yourself. Some people might feel uncomfortable doing any of these things on their own, but trust me: The feeling will pass quickly once you realize how much fun it is!

9) Have a Movie Marathon in your Pajamas

This is one of my favorite ways to spend my birthday. I love spending time with friends, but sometimes it’s nice to just hang out by myself with a good movie or TV show. Pick out some snacks and get comfy in your PJs!

10) Take Yourself on a Date

Plan a date that you would like to go on, write a list of things you would like to do and make sure you are safe, comfortable and having fun while doing it.

11) Celebrate your Birthdays of Previous Years

One of the best ways to make your birthday special is to celebrate the ones you’ve had in the past. This can help you celebrate what a great person you are, and it can also be a good way to get closure on any emotional issues that may be holding you back from moving forward.

It’s important not to dwell on the past though, so make sure that when you’re celebrating your birthdays of previous years, you focus more on how far you’ve come since then rather than how much better or worse things were back then.

12) Make a Song Playlist

You can start by making a list of all the songs you love. Be sure to include any song that makes you feel good, even if it’s one that doesn’t seem like it would make sense on this list. These are your favorites, after all.

When you’re done, create a playlist on your phone or computer so that each time one of these songs comes up in shuffle mode, it will remind you of how much joy they bring into your life. Then listen to the playlist throughout your birthday: while getting ready for work or school; on the way there and back; while cleaning the house; during lunch break—the possibilities are endless!

13) Make a List of All the Things You’re Grateful For

One of the most important things you can do for yourself on your birthday is to make a list of all the things you are grateful for. This should include anything and everything that makes you happy, including your family, friends, job/school/hobbies, etc.

By taking time each year to write down everything good about yourself, will help ensure that throughout any given year’s 365 days’ worth of moments that aren’t so great after all…you’ll have those feelings from your birthday still lingering strong!

Conclusion

We hope that by sharing these tips and strategies, we’ve helped you come up with some new ideas for how to make your own birthdays special. There are so many ways to celebrate yourself, from doing a digital detox to having a personal mini movie marathon. We want to remind you that this is YOUR birthday, and it should be spent doing what makes YOU happy. So, if that’s hiking in the mountains or going out for a fancy dinner or sleeping in until noon, make sure you do what feels right!

Takeaway: You deserve an amazing birthday – no matter who joins you or how old you are!

13 Best Experience Gifts For Your Special Sister

Experiences help us appreciate what we have in life. They force us out of our comfort zones, allowing us to meet new people and try new things without fear of failure or embarrassment. But perhaps most importantly, they allow us to share those moments with our loved ones—the very people who mean the most to us in this world!

Gift your sister a new experience and help her create memories that will last a lifetime.

You might also be interested in our other posts on Experience Gifts:

Go to an Improv Class Together

Improv is a fun way to bond with your sister. You will learn how to make others laugh, work together & trust each other, improve listening, and most importantly, being spontaneous.

Improv allows for some interesting conversations because it’s more about listening than talking!

Take a Painting Class

A painting class is a great way to bond with your sister, because you’ll be spending time together and doing something creative. Painting can be a lot of fun and therapeutic, too, whether you’re an artist or not. It’s a creative outlet for those who want one—and for those who don’t, it can be an opportunity to try something new!

At the end of the day, painting is a form of self-expression that anyone can do at any age or skill level. So no matter how old or young your sister is (or if she’s been an artist her whole life), taking this class together can be really rewarding for both of you!

Relax and Get Pampered Together

There’s nothing more relaxing than spending quality time with your sister. And if there’s nothing you both enjoy more than getting pampered together, why not combine the two?

Get massages, facials, or pedicures together!

Watch the Sunset from a Hot Air Balloon

For the sister who loves to enjoy nature, a hot air balloon ride is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

As you float above the ground, you’ll be able to see the sunset and get a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings. It’s like being in a castle floating over your kingdom!

Take a Cooking Class

Cooking classes are a great way to bond with your sister. You will be able to learn new skills, try out new foods, meet new people, and explore different cultures. Classes are often held in an intimate setting where you can have a one-on-one relationship with your teacher. This is a great experience for sisters who want to share their passion for food together!

See Your Favorite Band in Concert

If you have a sibling who is a music fan, concert tickets are the perfect gift. Concerts are fun and exciting, and they’re also a great way to bond with your sister. Plus, you get to spend some quality time together!

If you want to give your sister something special and unique, concert tickets are the answer. Your sister will love them because they’re personalized just for her and they show that you care about her interests. If your sister loves going on adventures or exploring new things, concert tickets will be perfect for her!

Visit Animals at a Petting Zoo or Animal Sanctuary

If you’ve never been to a petting zoo or animal sanctuary, then I highly recommend it. Spending time with animals is a great way for you and your sister to connect with nature, learn about different species of animals, learn about conservation efforts, and learn about different habitats and species of plants. It’s an amazing experience that will definitely bring smiles to both of your faces.

Practice Yoga at Sunrise

If your sister loves yoga, this is a great gift idea. It’s also a great way to spend time together. Yoga helps improve flexibility and strength while reducing stress and anxiety. When practiced regularly with a partner, it can promote feelings of solidarity and connection. If you have an early morning ritual or workout routine already set up for yourself, this idea works well as an alternative that involves your sister too!

Take a Wine Tasting Tour

If your sister is a wine connoisseur, she’s probably been to plenty of wine tastings already—but why not go together? Wine tasting tours are a fun way to learn about the history, geography and science behind wine making. Plus, they’re also an amazing opportunity for bonding time with your sister.

Makeup Lessons

Makeup lessons are great for sisters because they give you both the chance to learn a new skill and about each other. Whether she’s a beauty guru who loves learning new techniques or just someone who wants to try something new, makeup lessons are the perfect gift for your sister.

Participate in Pottery

Pottery classes are another great way for your sister to learn something new and create something beautiful. She will love learning about the history of pottery, as well as turning her own pieces on the wheel.

Museum Membership

If you have a sister who loves to travel and explore new things, a museum membership is an excellent gift. Plus, she’ll get discounts on events and special members-only benefits like free admission for friends and family.

You could also give her an “experience” membership that includes tickets for multiple museums within your area so she has plenty of options when deciding where to go next!

Hiking or Kayaking Trip

A hiking or kayaking trip is a great way to get out in nature and bond with your sister. Hiking is a great workout, and it provides ample opportunities for conversation as well as quiet moments. You may even learn something new about your sister as she tells you about her life experiences that led up to this moment.

Quality time spent with your sister is a gift that will never be forgotten

The experience of the gift, however, will bond you over and over again.

Why, then, are we so quick to say that memories are the best gift you can give? Because they’re personal. They’re memorable. And they’re fun!

Unusual Little Romantic Birthday Ideas For Him At Home

If your partner, husband, or boyfriend has a birthday coming up and you want to plan something more romantic and intimate at home, this article is for you!

It covers everything from personalized gifts to thoughtful acts of service – Plus a few fun extra surprises!

You can combine any of these ideas into one event or do them separately depending on your budget and time constraints. Whatever you choose, remember that this day should be about having fun together, and showing how much you care about him!

If you need some extra fun, creative gift ideas for his birthday, check out our post 22 Best Experience Gifts for Your Husband.

Make a Memory Jar for Him

A memory jar is a special jar that you fill with memories that you and your partner have shared. This can be anything from your first date to the last fight. The idea of a memory jar is that you create a physical representation of all the most important memories in your relationship. It’s something he will be able to treasure for years to come.

To start, pick out a large glass jar (ideally one that has some sentimental value).Then grab some strips of paper and write down all those little moments in time when you felt truly happy together: the first time he told you he loved you; the day he proposed; etcetera…

Make his Favorite Dish for a Romantic Birthday Dinner

One of the easiest ways to show that you love your man and want to celebrate his birthday is by making him a delicious dinner. You know his favorite food, and you know what will make him happy.

Organize a Little Surprise Birthday Party with Just Family and Close Friends

Organize a surprise birthday party with just family and close friends.

There are so many reasons why this is not just a great way to show your partner how much you love him, but also a wonderful opportunity for everyone to spend time together. First of all, he’ll be surprised by the fact that you have organized something special for him. And secondly, he will feel loved and appreciated by his friends and family members!

You can plan it around his favorite activities or hobbies. If he likes playing video games maybe organize an evening where they play together. Or if football is his thing, make a reservation at a restaurant where there are TVs broadcasting football matches. If he likes painting maybe get some canvases and paints ready. You get the idea.

Plan a Movie Date at Home

For this plan, you’ll need to get some of his favorite snacks and favorite flicks. Just cuddle, snuggle, and enjoy each other’s company!

Organize a Picnic in your Backyard or in the Park Nearby

Nothing says ‘romance’ like eating together in a beautiful place! Plan the menu beforehand and find a nice soft picnic blanket. Get a portable basket and take some food from home: sandwiches, fruit slices, chips and dips, etc. Also take drinks (water or juice).

Make a Couples Birthday Slideshow

Slideshows are a great way to capture memories and bring them to life. You can make one yourself or use an online service such as Animoto, which is a website that creates personalized videos out of your photos and music. If you want to do it yourself, you can use Movie Maker for Windows or iMovie for Macs (or other programs). Using your photos from the past year, add some video clips and music into the slideshow. If you’re feeling extra creative, add captions or transitions!

Once it’s finished, put it on flash drive so that he can share or watch it again later!

Give his Car a Little Decoration

You can do this by hanging streamers, banners, balloons, and a “Happy Birthday” sign on the car.

Clean up for Him

Who doesn’t appreciate some help with their chore load? A few weeks before his birthday, ask him if he has any chores around the house that need doing. Before the big day, secretly complete the whole list.

If you want to be extra cute, send him a little checklist of all the things you got done, and invite him to totally relax for the rest of the day!

Stretch and Snuggle

A great way for couples to connect is to relax and snuggle together. You can watch a movie, listen to music, or just spend some distraction-free quality time together.

Having a romantic backdrop is a major plus. Sit in front of the fireplace. Light candles around the house highlighting your favorite memories. All in all, just make sure that the lights are off and there are no distractions!

Surprise gift!

If you know that he’s been eyeing something in a store, or on a website, this is the perfect opportunity to buy it for him. There is nothing better than landing the perfect gift on your birthday!

Best Exciting Experience Gifts Made For Couples In NYC

Forget about finding a perfect present for your other half by browsing the shelves of a department store. The most meaningful, memorable gifts you can give don’t come from a box: they’re unique experiences that you and your partner share together in The City that Never Sleeps.

We’ve put together a list of unique, fun, and diverse activities for you and your partner.

If you’re looking for a specific experience gift for your “main man” check out 22 Best Experience Gifts for Your Husband!

Go to a Live Cooking Show at the 92nd St Y

Love cooking together? If you and your partner are both passionate about food, consider a night out at the 92nd Street Y. They hold inexpensive live demonstrations by big-name chefs like Bobby Flay and Jacques Pepin that are followed by a 3 course meal with the chef. The non-profit community center is located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan near Central Park, so it’s an easy (and pleasant) commute from all over the city.

Team up in a Music Studio

A truly special gift for a truly musical loved one. Give your loved one the chance to make a music video at a real recording studio!

There are many options when it comes to recording studios. Not all of them offer music videos as part of their services, so be sure to do research before booking. The price per hour for studio time is usually between $50 and $100, depending on what you want to include in your video—the studio itself may include equipment rentals or lighting assistance in that price, but some will not. You can also expect to pay an hourly rate for each employee present during the shoot (which might include sound technicians and videographers).

Video production companies are an excellent resource if you want something more elaborate than just recording yourself singing into a microphone at home. Most studios will allow customers access to professional equipment such as instruments for playing music or cameras shooting on film rather than digital (although these tend cost more).

Learn How to Make Your Own Kombucha, Perfume… or Anything Else!

If you love to try out all types of new creative projects, Class Bento is the place for you. Take a morning or afternoon and learn how to do knife smithing, craft a leather tote bag, or make stained glass with the help of a certified instructors.

They even have a class where couples learn to body paint each other using black light paints. The class promises that “you’ll see your partner in a whole new light.”

Embark on a Vegan Food Tour

For the adventurous foodie couple, this vegan tour is a great way to sample some of the best vegan eateries in the Big Apple. The tour offers you an opportunity to sample incredible plant-based dishes while learning more about New York’s vibrant veggie community.

Tour participants will enjoy samples from vendors and restaurants that are off-the-beaten track, so if you’re a local, expect to discover new places where you can enjoy your favorite meals.

Individual Vegan Tours NY will cost $85+ per person; bookings via their website are highly recommended as tours often sell out fast. You’ll get between six and eight food tastings during the three hour walking tour, so make sure to dress comfortably for the occasion. As for what to bring along for the tour: a camera and comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be doing around 20 blocks on foot).

Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney is one of the leading museums of twentieth-century and contemporary art in the world, and its collection includes over 21,000 works by more than 3,000 artists. Additionally, it offers visitors a variety of exhibits as well as educational programs to ensure that you not only see incredible artwork but that you also learn about it too.

This museum also has a restaurant on-site called Untitled at the Whitney, which serves contemporary American cuisine using locally sourced food from farmers’ markets within New York City. Couples can enjoy their meal while looking out onto spectacular views of the Hudson River. Additionally, they offer gift cards so that couples can top off their experience with an incredible meal!

Go Ice Skating in Bryant Park

If you’re looking for an iconic New York City experience, take your sweetie to the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park and go ice skating! The large ice rink is open from October to March, and skate rentals are $20. The rink is open daily from 8am-10pm, so it’s accessible even if you work 9-5 or have other commitments during the day.

Additionally, there are lockers available to store your belongings while you lace up your skates, as well as food concessions around the park so you can grab a bite before or after taking a chilly glide around the rink together!

Take a Wine Tasting & Yoga Class at City Vineyard

If the couple you’re shopping for is into yoga and wine (who isn’t?), look no further than City Winery’s Vinyasa Yoga + Wine Tasting class.

City Winery has gorgeous views of the river and downtown Manhattan, making it the perfect spot to start your Sunday morning. If wine is your thing as well, this might also be an activity worth checking out yourself. You know what they say… couples who yoga together stay together.

Highlights of NYC with a Helicopter Tour

You can see the city like never before with a helicopter tour.

If you and your partner are looking for a totally unique experience in NYC, then you should try out a helicopter tour over the city. See landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park from above. This will be an unforgettable experience! If you and your partner are travelers at heart and love seeing new places, this activity is for you!

A Night Out with a Burlesque Show.

Burlesque is a classic American entertainment medium that combines dancing, performance art, and striptease. It can be sensual and erotic, but it’s not the same as stripping—it’s more about the tease than the actual reveal.

The show itself can vary from venue to venue: some are more traditional with a theme like “vaudeville” or “pinup girl.” Others are more modern. Many shows feature singers and comedians in addition to dancers. Your experience will depend on which of the many burlesque dance troupes you catch a show by (check out The New York Burlesque Festival for a good sample of most of them).

A Night of Music and Craft Beer Tasting at Brooklyn Bowl

If you and your sweetie love music and craft brews, then a night at Brooklyn Bowl is sure to be a hit. This upscale bowling alley has live performances by both local bands and more well-known acts, plus tons of fun games to play and some great craft beer options.

Couples can grab a couple of tickets to one of the many shows, or sign up for their Brews & Beats series. This special event includes two hours of bowling, delicious eats from the Blue Ribbon restaurant inside the venue, and an introduction to 12 different types of craft beer. You’ll get to taste everything from the lightest lagers and ales all the way through porters, stouts, and sours. You’ll also learn about each beer’s history as well as what foods it pairs best with.

The next time you’re looking for something fun for you and your boo to do together in New York City – whether it’s an anniversary dinner date or just some quality time on a Tuesday night – consider making it memorable by purchasing tickets for one of these awesome NYC experiences!

Treat Yourselves to Horseback Riding in Central Park

Ready for an activity that is both exciting and romance-inducing? Central Park Horseback Riding Tours might be the perfect experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Dress like you’re going hiking. For example: jeans or leggings (no shorts), comfortable shoes with a backstrap (no sandals), a long-sleeved shirt (the horses sometimes kick up mud), and layers if it’s cold out. Hats are optional—but recommended! No previous riding experience is necessary; all instructions will be given before departure by a licensed instructor.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea and Live Music at Alice’s Tea Cup

  • Afternoon tea at Alice’s Tea Cup is the perfect romantic experience gift for couples.
  • It’s located at 102 West 73rd Street and 220 East 81st Street in Manhattan.
  • The tea is served with live music, usually on a harp or piano.
  • They serve a variety of loose leaf teas, scones, and finger sandwiches.
  • You can also order pastries like carrot cake, cookies, chocolate chip bread pudding, or banana cream pie if you’re looking for something a little sweeter to go along with your tea.

22 Best Experience Gifts for your Husband

I love gifts. Any time I find myself in a social situation where I know there’ll be a present or two and some small talk, I’m ecstatic. When I discovered experience gifts, it was like hitting my first little white ball down the fairway. Who doesn’t like experiences? Everyone does!

And who loves Experience gifts but is very hard to shop for? My husband.

Whether it’s a helicopter flying lesson, private ninja lessons, or a culinary tour of the city, experience gifts are better than anything you could buy in a store.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the 22 Best Experience Gifts for your Husband, broken down into the following interest categories. You’re welcome for saving you hours of internet research 🙂

What are the Best Experience Gifts for Your Husband?

OUTDOOR / SURVIVAL

There is a secret part of every man that wants to prove that he can beat the wilderness. To show that he has mastered nature and lived to tell the tale.

1) Wilderness Workshops

If your husband is more of the class-environment learning type, consider gifting a workshop. These all-inclusive classes will teach him essential wilderness skills with focus on true sustainability for both nature and humans.

East Coast USA – Survival Skills Weekend of Workshops

West Coast USA – Adventure Out

2) Basic Survival Training – Can your husband survive… for a weekend?

Trip leader, author, and Discovery Channel Star: Mykel Hawke.

Any experience that promises to teach “the basics of survival” and also includes the instruction “Do NOT bring food” is bound to offer a true nitty-gritty, off-the-grid survival experience.

Taught by US military retired Special Operations veterans, this weekend is designed for the truly daring and adventure-minded individual.

Assuming your husband comes back alive, he will likely be 20 lbs lighter and have ‘graduated’ in essential skills such as finding & preparing food/water, building a fire, constructing a shelter, basic first aid, and land navigation.

Cost is around $1,000 and lasts from Friday evening to Monday morning.

3) REI Wilderness Survival: 3-Season Skills Class

An ideal experience gift for the local or stay-at-home wilderness adventurist who is less inclined to completely live off the land, but enjoys a good afternoon in nature.

In the Wilderness Survival Class, REI promises to bulwark participants “10 Outdoor Essential” survival skills. These include navigation tools, headlamps, sun protection, first aid kit, knife use, fire making, shelter, extra food, extra water, and extra clothes.

The class is ~4 hours, costs between $90 – $120, and has a 4.7 star rating.

NERDY

4) Star Trek: Inspiring Culture and Technology by the Smithsonian (Online Class)

The mission is yours. Especially if your hubby is a major Trekkie.

This online course teaches learners the impact of Star Trek on the history of television, science fiction, and modern space exploration.

Best of all, there are 3 sections of the class. If the gift is a hit, you will have your next 2 gifts for him already ‘beamed’ up.

The class is 7 weeks (1-2 hours/week) and can be purchased for $40 or audited for free.

5) Go on a Star Wars Themed Date

If you and your partner are Star Wars fans looking for a fun and immersive date, these 12 Star Wars-themed date ideas will transport you and your partner to a galaxy far, far away! Create a memorable and fun experience together that celebrates sci-fi fun and your shared love for the franchise. May the Force be with you!

LEARNING

6) Learn to Fly an Airplane or Helicopter

Flying by helicopter is an incredible way to travel – there’s nothing like flying around in an aircraft that only weighs 1/20th as much as an airplane does!

Learning to fly a helicopter is a rad bucket list item that many men secretly want to experience. Although becoming an expert requires a lot of time and investment, its relatively easy to learn the basics and take to the air with a registered instructor!

7) Learn to Make Infused Vodka

Is your man the type to drink a beer while he works on DIY projects around the house? Why not combine them and give him the opportunity to DIY his Booze?

This kit comes with recipes and instructions on how to make many types of flavored spirits based on 12 types of botanicals (included in the kit!).

It costs ~$60 and ships though Amazon Prime!

PHYSICAL FITNESS

8) Extreme Competitive Event: Spartan or Tough Mudder

Compete in an extreme physical athletic event like a spartan or tough mudder.

If your husband is an adventurous and athletic person, this is a great way to create memories with him. You can sign up together and compete in one of these races together. It’s sure to be a fun time!

9) UFC Gym Training

The UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship, is the largest mixed martial arts organization in the world. It has been on the rise since its inception in 1993 and has over 400 events per year.

If your husband is a fan of fighting sports, he would love to take a UFC fighting class. You can find them all over the country. Some of the best known places to take these classes include:

The Ultimate Training Center in Las Vegas, Nevada

The American Top Team Academy in Coconut Creek, Florida

Team Quest in Temecula, California

10) Private Ninja Lessons

Your husband will love learning how to become a ninja! These lessons are fun and exciting, and will make him feel like a kid again! The best part is that you don’t even need any prior experience with martial arts or weapons training in order to take these classes. Just sign him up, and watch as he masters all of the different moves.

PARENTING

11) Daddy Daughter or Son Date

Sometimes, dads just want to spend time with their children, so why not go on a daddy daughter or daddy son date? When you go out together, it gives you the chance to talk about each other’s day and enjoy each other’s company.

It could be something as simple as going out for dinner, or it could be something more elaborate such as taking him out to a baseball game or concert. The important thing is that the two of you are having fun together while spending quality time together.

12) Father’s Ed: A Hilarious Course for New Dads

Father’s Ed is a series of videos that teach dads how to be better parents and prepare for arrival of a newborn baby.

The videos are short, sweet, and easy to digest. They’re also surprisingly informative. Covering topics like how to change a diaper and how to burp your baby — two things that can be pretty intimidating for new dads (and moms!). There is also an entire section on picking out baby clothes and accessories — everything from onesies to strollers.

STYLE & CULTURE

13) Charm Classes

If your husband is shy or awkward around other people, charm is a skill that will allow him to improve relationships with family members, co-workers, and even strangers. It gives the ability to have a magnetic personality. It might seem like an unusual gift, but its actually one of the best gifts to give your husband!

14) Live Popular Movie Concerts – Live Film with Symphony

Harry Potter. Gladiator. Jurassic Park. Thought you had seen the movie? Think again.

Most city or state symphonies will offer a few concerts each season where they accompany a popular film with live movie soundtrack music. Yes, the whole movie.

The audio is incredible, the fans are enthusiastic (costumes are fairly common, to say the least), and the ambiance is dramatically stunning. A truly memorable experience.

Tickets can range between $40 – $150 dollars depending on the film, location, and quality of orchestra.

15) Race a Lamborghini

Exotic Car Racing in Las Vegas

With a max speed limit of 200 MPH, this experience gift will not slow your husband down. Feel the thrill of driving one of the fastest cars on the planet!

Driving training, a personal professional instructor, and racing completion certificate are included in the package.

Prices start at $299 and increase based on the number of laps and type of car chosen.

16) Private Museum Tour for Two w/Dinner

Experience the magic of a private museum tour for two with a private guide. You don’t have to be an art connoisseur to enjoy these tours! Your guide will be there to explain everything and answer any questions that may come up during your tour. Plus, you can explore as much or as little as you’d like since there’s no time limit on this experience.

This is an amazing gift idea for any couple looking for something unique to do together!

17) Culinary Tour of Your City

If your husband is a foodie or loves cooking, then this is the perfect gift for him. You can take him on a culinary tour around your city and learn about each restaurant’s history and cuisine style from the chefs themselves! This is such a fun way to spend time together and it’s something that he will remember forever!

18) Online Culinary Classes

If your husband is a foodie, then indulge his hobby with an online culinary class. You can pick a class that focuses on a specific cuisine or just something fun like chocolate.

If you know his favorite kind of food or drink, then you can get him something that goes along with it such as appetizers, bread making, or alcoholic beverage crafting.

SPORTS

19) Tickets for his Dream Team

If your husband is dedicated to a specific sports team, getickets to his favorite team’s game is an easy win! Take the experience to a whole new level by adding an autographed jersey or other special memorabilia from his favorite team to the gift.

20) Peripheral Popular Sports Activities

If your husband is a sports fan, there are plenty of unique experiences he’s likely watched on TV that would be better enjoyed in-person. A few examples include, attending a League’s Draft, watching the Super Bowl Victory Parade, or visiting a specific sport’s hall of fame.

21) Specialized or Infrequent Sporting Events

If you live in a small town and there aren’t many opportunities to attend Specialized or Infrequent Sporting Event like Wimbledon, Indy 500, masters final day, L’Alpe d’Huez in the Tour de France. Why not gift some tickets for his birthday?

22) Red Bull Extreme Sporting Events

One part athleticism, one part creativity, and a pinch of insanity. If you’ve never been to a Red Bull Extreme sporting event you are definitely missing out on quality entertainment.

Over the years, the Red Bull team has created a category of their own: Extreme versions of Extreme sports. Think of it as a few steps more extreme than the xGames.

A few noteworthy events over the years include, obstacle course speed skating, stylized ski jump landing in a pool of icy water, airplane switching trick-skydiving, and DIY winter snow skate boarding.

You have to see it to believe it. And you have to be there to see it.

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