20 Memorable Experience Gift Ideas for Couples

couple waving to boat — Photo by Adriana Rivera

When a gift-giving opportunity rolls around, it’s always nice to wrap up something nice and tie it off with a pretty bow. But more often than not, your thoughtful gift is consumable, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. So, maybe the next time you want to give a gift to your partner or your favorite couple, an experience gift might be the way to go.

These gifts that keep on giving offer you and your partner unique opportunities to hone a skill, dig into a hobby you love, or try something new. Whether it’s taking a few courses in wine school, driving an exotic sports car, or using your problem-solving skills to break out of an escape room, experience gifts are fantastic ways to create memories that last a lifetime.

Not sure where to begin? Here are 20 awesome experience gift ideas for couples.

01 of 20

Drive a Fancy Sports Car

Whether you and your S.O. are car enthusiasts or not, it’s hard to beat the thrill of driving around in a fancy sports car. Exotic car rentals are available all over the U.S., and they allow drivers to experience the thrill of driving luxury cars on some pretty exciting courses. This will be an adrenaline rush neither of you are likely to forget any time soon.

02 of 20

Go Skydiving

For an experience gift for couples that will really get your adrenaline pumping, it's hard to beat skydiving. The good news for this experience gift is that there are plenty of options for every skill level. Choose from tandem skydives, jumping with your own parachute, or even indoor skydives.

03 of 20

Take a Glider Ride

Hop aboard a sailplane and enjoy some spectacular views as you soar above your favorite city or countryside on a glider ride. In many cases, a clear plexiglass canopy offers you an unobstructed view of local mountain ranges or cities, and while these planes are pretty large (some are as large as airplanes), there’s no motor, so you can thoroughly enjoy the ride.

04 of 20

Learn With a Masterclass Subscription

Cook with Gordon Ramsey, think like a skeptic with Neil Degrasse Tyson, or learn how to bring your photos to life with famed photographer Annie Leibovitz. With a Masterclass subscription, the sky’s the limit for you and your partner to expand your mind with the best of the best.

05 of 20

Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot air balloon rides offer a unique opportunity to see the world around you from a totally different perspective—a bird's eye view. Fly from treetop level to a few thousand feet, depending on the weather, and enjoy an intimate experience with your love while taking in the landscape below you.

06 of 20

Go Rock Climbing

If rock climbing has been on one or both of your to-do lists, then there’s no time like the present to treat yourselves to some lessons. Not only is rock climbing a great way to get some aerobic and anaerobic exercise, but it’s a great way to scratch your itch for adventure, too.

07 of 20

Hop on Horseback

Whether you love the countryside or enjoy city life, horseback riding is a great way for you and your S.O. to enjoy the great outdoors with a majestic creature as your guide. Most horse ranches offer experiences for all levels; beginners can get a nice introduction to the hobby, and accomplished equestrians can sharpen their skills. Whichever category you and your partner fall into, there's something for everyone.

08 of 20

Sign Up for a Cooking Class

Food is the ultimate show of love, and cooking together, whether you’re a novice or an experienced home chef, can be a great way to bond. So take a cooking class with your beloved and whip up something tasty.

09 of 20

Take Scuba Lessons

When it comes to experiences that leave a lasting impression, it’s hard to find one more serene and beautiful than scuba diving lessons. Go for a dive and take in all the rich and vibrant colors of reef fish, and maybe if you’re lucky enough, you might even catch the interest of a dolphin or two.

10 of 20

Relax at the Spa

A romantic spa day is a great way to celebrate something special with your favorite person. Schedule an intimate couples massage, soak in a hot spring, or indulge in a mani/pedi. It’s hard to make a wrong choice here because whichever one your choose, the result is an entire day spent relaxing and unwinding.

11 of 20

Visit National Parks With An Annual Pass

If you and your partners love being out in nature, then an annual pass to some of the country's most beautiful national parks is a great experience gift. Take a hike, enjoy a picnic under a tree, or sleep under see the stars for memories that will last a lifetime. These passes typically cover entrance fees, but you may have to obtain camping permits separately.

12 of 20

Secure a Museum Memberships

For art and history buffs, a museum membership might be one of those great experience gifts for couples that keep on giving. While memberships will allow you to explore to your heart's content, they may also offer access to members-only events, parties, and discounts.

13 of 20

Plan a Paint Night

Paint night makes a great experience gift because it offers a unique opportunity to tap into your creative side. What’s more, you can even make it into a date night. Socialize, have a little fun, and walk away with a nice reminder of the night to hang in your living room or not.

14 of 20

Purchase Concert or Sporting Event Tickets

Most people think of experience gifts as a once-in-a-lifetime thing or something that you’ve never done before, but the truth is, experience gifts can also be something that you enjoy doing and something that never gets old. In that case, don’t forget concert or sporting event tickets. If you and your spouse enjoy singing along with your favorite bands or cheering for your team, event tickets are a great bet.

15 of 20

Take a Dance Class

Dancing is a great form of exercise, but it can also be a great way to connect with your partner. After all, you’ve got to work together to get in sync, right? Even better, there are so many options that whether you choose ballroom or swing dancing, you’re sure to have a blast.

16 of 20

Go Ice Skating

Ice skating makes an awesome experience gift for couples. For beginners, it's likely a laugh a minute, and experienced skaters will undoubtedly appreciate a little ice time to practice their double axels and camel spins.

17 of 20

Try a Yoga Class

Not only does yoga help you get your zen on and wind down with your favorite person, but as an added benefit, you can practice your athleticism and do something great for your health in the long term.

18 of 20

Head to Wine School

Everyone likes a great bottle of wine, but for your favorite oenophile, wine school is a great opportunity to take a deep dive into their favorite libation. Beginner courses will start with the basics, such as grapes, vineyards, and regions, while intermediate and advanced courses may cover grape growing and winemaking. If it's something you both love, you can even go on to earn your diploma as a master sommelier.

19 of 20

Tackle an Escape Room

Escape rooms are an exhilarating gift that appeals to gamers and trivia fans alike, and it really tests your teamwork to boot. Complete tasks, use clues, and solve puzzles to make your way out of the designated room with your partner—if you can.

20 of 20

Play Paintball

For a little friendly competition, try a paintball date with your partner. Typically gift certificates will cover admission, equipment, and paint, and you can choose between indoor or outdoor courses.

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