Experience Gifts

Experience Gifts and Ideas

Find fun gift experiences near you in 2026

It’s never been easier to embrace the art of gifting experiences instead of material possessions in 2026! That’s because there are so many hidden gems and things to do near you that are so much better than receiving a physical gift.

For the Sydnersiders, head to the city’s Inner West area and discover a creative studio where you can try glassblowing with artist Mark Elliot and downstairs give woodworking a go under the guidance of the amazing team from Among The Trees. If you’re on the Lower North Shore, you’re in the perfect spot for trying pottery, with funky studios like Klaypots in Crows Nest, Silky Shapes in Willoughby and Print Paint Pot in Artarmon. Each offers beginner-friendly pottery classes and courses in both clay hand building and wheel throwing.

If you’re in the sunshine state and looking for experience gifts in Brisbane, you can’t go past one of Vanilla Zulu’s unmissable cooking classes in Teneriffe. From healthy Japanese dishes to authentic Italian favourites, you’ll learn how to whip up some of the tastiest food you’ve eaten with your loved ones.

“Took my mum for Mother’s Day and it was such a great experience! Everything was delicious and the chef was super friendly and great at what she does! Amazing how easy it is to make some things when you know how! Will definitely be back to try something else!”

Down south on the Gold Coast, have fun with paint and sip at The Sweet Fine Artist Studio in Mermaid Beach.

Melburnians can unwind while making a one-of-a-kind Turkish mosaic lamp at Art Masterclass on Elizabeth Street in the CBD, before trying their hand at a barista course just a short walk away with Barista Course Melbourne.

No matter where you or your gift recipient is, you’re guaranteed to find a plethora of creative workshops in your neighbourhood that you can try together. Alternatively, gift your loved one a solo adventure in their local area—it sure makes for thoughtful present ideas. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for in person, one of our interactive live online classes and DIY craft kits will bring that same magic to their home!

Top 5 experience presents for adults

When choosing the perfect experience gift, it’s all about matching your present to your giftee’s passions and interests. However, some experience presents are universally loved and sure to delight anyone on your list! Here are the top 5 popular activity gift ideas for adults that offer both fun and creativity.

1. Pottery classes provide a hands-on experience where they can create their own unique pieces, from mugs to vases. It’s a fantastic way to unwind and enjoy some creative expression.
2. Paint and sip classes combine art with relaxation. Your giftee can enjoy a glass of their favourite drink while they’re guided through painting a beautiful masterpiece, making it a perfect blend of creativity and socialising.
3. Cooking classes are a great gift choice for food lovers. Whether it’s mastering a new cuisine or perfecting a specific dish, a cooking class gift card can unlock both practical skills and delicious results for your loved ones.
4. Cake decorating classes let them indulge their sweet tooth while learning intricate techniques to create stunning cakes and pastries.
5. Art classes offer a broad spectrum of creative outlets, from pet portraits to sketching to pouring resin, providing endless opportunities for artistic exploration. They’re the perfect gifts for Mums who need some me time.

No matter which experience gift you choose, these options are sure to make any occasion memorable and enjoyable.

Why experience gifts are better than material gifts

Experience gifts beat traditional gifts in several ways—let us enlighten you!

1. Memories over possessions 
   Experience presents prioritise the creation of cherished memories over material possessions, offering recipients the gift of lasting moments and special memories. Plus, these experiences can be tailored to suit the individual's interests, showcasing a personal touch that demonstrates thoughtfulness.
2. More environmentally friendly
   To go a step further, they also contribute to a greener world by reducing carbon emissions (no shipping needed!) and clutter (say goodbye to a cupboard full of unopened gifts). 
3. Bond with your loved ones
   Our unique experience gifts in Australia are the perfect opportunity for bonding with loved ones, with each of our hands-on workshops designed for shared participation, fostering connections and enjoying quality time. They also come with scheduling flexibility, allowing your gift recipient to choose when and where they'd like to partake.
4. Find peoples passions
   It's our mission to bring out creative sides, help others unwind and relax, and even find a new hobby or passion. Whether it's fluid art, knitting or painting, more and more people are taking up creative hobbies because of the many wellbeing benefits they provide. When you gift a crafty experience, you give your loved ones the opportunity to take time out of their daily life to do the things they truly love. They’ll feel more fulfilled, relaxed and connected to themselves. This is why we believe the best present ideas aren't material things but cool experiences that will stick with your favourite person (and you) for life! Not convinced? Check out our huge range of experiences to give as cute gift ideas and see for yourself!
5. Easy to buy and redeem
   Finding time to pick the perfect present can be hard, which is why our unique experience gifts are such a great option. Not only do they make great last-minute gift ideas, but you will be giving a loved one a chance to pick out new hobbies from thousands of unique activities in their local city. We want every Australian to feel like they can take part in our classes, regardless of where they live, which is why our live-streaming classes are the perfect option for anyone looking for thoughtful presents that can be enjoyed from the comfort of their own home, no matter where they’re based

These unique and thoughtful gift ideas in 2026 express your love and appreciation of your favourite people, in a super fun and accessible way. In a world focused on sustainability and meaningful experiences, these workshop gift cards shine as a more meaningful and eco-friendly way to express your love!

Experience gift ideas that'll spark a new passion

If you’re wondering what experience you can give as a gift we have the answer! Spark creative joy for the man or woman in your life with our art, craft and culinary-related activities across Australia! Our craft classes are designed for beginners so you don’t need to worry about having any prior knowledge, but most of all, our classes are all about having fun and maybe even finding a new hobby. If your loved one has always wanted to learn how to make cocktails, improve their cooking skills, or learn how to make pottery, let us help you choose the perfect gift.

Looking for experience birthday gifts? If you're looking for birthday presents for men, why not treat your favourite grill-king the chance to improve his BBQ skills with smoked meats in our popular BBQ classes? They’ll be able to impress friends and family with their newfound BBQ cooking skills and teach everyone the tips and tricks they’ve learned. Our cocktail making classes are also really popular gifts for men (and women) too. You can choose to either learn how to make cocktails in person or through our popular online classes. 

Searching for unique gift ideas for women? If she's a bling lover, our DIY silversmithing classes are the perfect gift for her as she'll learn how to make her own jewellery, something she'll be able to cherish forever and the craft itself might even become a new passion. Our pottery class gift cards and soy candle making classes are also really popular choices for crafty ladies looking to find a new and inspiring hobby! If you're after unique experience presents in Perth, Happy Hub Collective in Fremantle runs a whole range of creative workshops from soy candle making to clay mug making and flower arranging which make great birthday gift experiences.

“It was my 30th birthday today and Shiloh and her team has done so much to make it special for me and my friends. They were so professional and made all of us feel so relaxed. She broke everything down into simple steps so it was easy to follow. I can't wait to attend the next class with Shiloh. Best day ever!!!”

How to buy experiences in Australia instead of gifts this Christmas

Cherishing time with friends and family is our top priority, and that's why we've curated a selection of unique activity presents that will set the stage for unforgettable moments this Christmas 2026. Our diverse range of experience gifts are all about creating memories together, whether you're painting and sipping in our fun classes, crafting easy cocktail recipes or nurturing your creativity while building a terrarium. The options are endless, making it a breeze to find the perfect Christmas presents for your cherished friends! If you're not sure what they like, give your favourite friend or family friend the choice of over 10,000 creative classes and experiences across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and beyond, with an experience gift voucher! To give you an idea, our experience vouchers in Adelaide can open up a world of creative classes from blending custom fragrances in Kensington Park to making colourful fused glass creations in Belair. Whether your giftee decides to sculpt clay, cook a meal or arrange flowers, all they have to do is find a class on a date that suits them and book it with their voucher—it’s never been easier to find Christmas gifts for her, him or someone you love! If they choose an online class, we’ll also send them a beautiful DIY kit that will include all of the tools and materials you would have been given if you attended it in person. All they’ll need to do is simply log onto Zoom and enjoy a live streamed class with an experienced maker or artisan.