Thoughtful Gifts for Men He'll Actually Want

Let’s face it, finding the perfect gifts for him can be tough. Whether it’s your partner, Dad, brother or best mate, it often feels like he already has everything he needs. Another pair of socks? Boring. A new gadget? He probably bought it himself last week. So how do you find something he’ll genuinely love, use and remember? The answer is simple: give him an experience, not another thing.

That’s where we come in. With thousands of creative workshops and experiences across Australia, you can find thoughtful gifts for men that suit every type of guy—from the foodie and the maker to the adventurer and the chill-seeker. These aren’t just gifts; they’re opportunities to try something new, learn a cool skill and make lasting memories along the way.

Keen to find out more? Read on to discover some of the best experience gifts for men that he’ll actually want this year.

For the guy who loves good food: cooking classes

If his love language is food, a cooking class is the perfect thoughtful gift. Whether he’s a home chef or can barely boil water, there’s a workshop to match his vibe.

At a BBQ masterclass, he can learn the art of grilling from the pros—mastering the perfect steak, marinades and sides that’ll impress at his next cook-up. If he is a lover of cuisines, try a Thai, Japanese or Italian cooking class, where he can whip up restaurant-worthy dishes using authentic ingredients and techniques.

It’s hands-on, fun and most importantly—he gets to eat what he makes! Plus, he’ll walk away with new skills he can bring to your next dinner night in.

For the man who loves a good drink: mixology or whisky tasting experiences

If he’s the type to appreciate a well-made cocktail or a good single malt, a mixology class or whisky tasting session will be right up his alley.

In a cocktail making class, he’ll learn to shake, stir and garnish like a pro bartender. With guidance from expert mixologists, he’ll discover how to balance flavours, layer ingredients and create classics like a Negroni or a mojito. It’s equal parts creative and social—and yes, there’s plenty of tasting along the way.

For something more refined, gift him a whisky tasting experience, where he can explore different regions, notes and aromas. Whether he’s a seasoned whisky drinker or new to the world of spirits, it’s a classy and memorable way to spend an evening.

For the creative soul: pottery or woodworking workshops

If he enjoys working with his hands, why not give him the chance to create something from scratch? A pottery class is surprisingly therapeutic and perfect for men who like to get a little messy. He can learn to throw clay on a wheel, shape his own mugs or bowls and even glaze them in his favourite colours.

Alternatively, a woodworking class might be more his speed. Under expert guidance, he’ll use traditional tools to carve, sand and finish his own creation—something he can proudly say he made himself. It’s a satisfying and grounding way to switch off from screens and get lost in craftsmanship.

For the chill guy: paint and sip classes

Sometimes, he just needs a night to relax and unwind. That’s where paint and sip experiences come in. These sessions combine creativity with a casual, social atmosphere—perfect for a date night or a fun evening with friends.

He doesn’t need to be the next Picasso; the friendly teachers will guide him step by step. With a drink in one hand and a brush in the other, it’s all about having fun and expressing himself. There are even themed options, like glow-in-the-dark painting or urban sketching, for a unique twist.

For the hands-on learner: leatherworking or metal forging

For the guy who loves a good challenge, leathercraft workshops offer a seriously cool experience. He can make his own leather wallet, belt or keychain, learning about stitching, tooling and finishing from skilled artisans.

Or if he’s always been fascinated by ancient crafts, a blacksmithing class lets him forge steel over fire, shaping and hammering metal into knives, hooks or other creations. It’s primal, satisfying and an unforgettable way to spend a day.

For the nature lover: gardening or floristry classes

Got a green-thumbed guy (or one who’s trying to become one)? A gardening workshop is a refreshing and unique gift for him. He can learn how to care for indoor plants, design his own mini ecosystem or even grow herbs and veggies from scratch.

If he enjoys a bit of artistry, floristry workshops offer a hands-on, mindful experience where he can design floral arrangements that brighten up his space. It’s creative, peaceful and a nice break from the fast-paced daily grind.

For the impossible-to-buy-for: a gift card

Still can’t decide? That’s what our experience gift cards are for! They let him choose exactly what he wants to try, from cooking and cocktail classes to pottery and photography experiences. It’s flexible, thoughtful and guaranteed to please even the pickiest of men.

Plus, every booking supports local artists, makers and small businesses across Australia so your gift gives back to the community too. Win-win! 

Why experiences make the best gifts for men

At the end of the day, most men don’t need more stuff. What they really want is time—to relax, to learn, to connect or to just have fun doing something different. Experiences make for thoughtful gifts because they’re personal, memorable and can even spark new hobbies or friendships.

So, whether it’s Father’s Day, Christmas, his birthday or just because, skip the predictable presents and surprise him with something he’ll actually look forward to. You’ll find thousands of experiences to suit his personality, passions and schedule—all easy to book online and available Australia-wide.

Because the best gifts aren’t things—they’re the memories you make together.