Experience gifts create lasting memories that physical items cannot match. A 2024 Tinggly survey found that 82% of respondents believe experiential gifts are significantly more memorable than traditional wedding presents1. For couples who already share a home or simply prefer adventures over appliances, experience gifts offer the perfect alternative.
Why Experience Gifts Are Trending
The shift toward experiential wedding gifts reflects broader changes in how couples approach their registries. According to The Knot's 2025 Real Weddings Study, honeymoon funds, new home funds, and travel-related registries now rank among the most popular cash fund categories2. This marks a departure from traditional china and cookware that dominated registries for decades.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Percentage | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Couples who believe experiences are more memorable | 82% | Tinggly Survey 2024 |
| Couples including experiential options on registry (2025) | 68% | Industry reports |
| Guests who have given experiential wedding gifts | 56% | Tinggly Survey 2024 |
| Couples who prefer cash/experience over physical gifts | 70% | The Knot 2024 |
Benefits of Experience Gifts
Creates shared memories. The Tinggly survey revealed that 43% of recipients value experiential gifts because they create new adventures together, while 39% noted that memories from shared experiences outlast physical possessions1.
No clutter. Couples establishing their first home together often lack storage space. Experience gifts require no shelf room and leave no unwanted items to return or donate.
Perfect for second marriages. Partners who already own household items appreciate experiences over duplicate toasters or additional sheet sets.
Flexibility. Most experience vouchers allow recipients to choose their preferred date, location, and sometimes even swap for different activities entirely.
Best Experience Gift Ideas by Category
Food and Drink Experiences
Culinary experiences rank among the most popular choices for couples. Cooking classes, wine tastings, and fine dining vouchers let newlyweds explore new flavours together.
| Experience | US Price Range | UK Price Range | AU Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couples cooking class | $100–$200 | £75–£150 | $150–$250 AUD |
| Wine tasting tour | $80–$175 | £60–£120 | $100–$200 AUD |
| Fine dining gift card | $150–$400 | £100–£300 | $200–$500 AUD |
| Mixology class | $75–$150 | £50–£100 | $120–$180 AUD |
| Food tour (city walking) | $100–$180 | £60–£120 | $130–$200 AUD |
Cooking classes remain particularly popular. Pasta-making, sushi rolling, and dumpling workshops offer hands-on fun that couples can recreate at home.
Relaxation and Wellness
Spa treatments provide newlyweds with post-wedding recovery time. After months of planning stress, couples often welcome the chance to unwind together.
| Experience | US Price Range | UK Price Range | AU Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couples spa day | $200–$400 | £150–£300 | $250–$450 AUD |
| Massage package (60-90 min) | $150–$280 | £100–£200 | $180–$320 AUD |
| Wellness retreat (day) | $250–$500 | £175–£350 | $300–$550 AUD |
| Float therapy for two | $120–$180 | £80–£140 | $150–$220 AUD |
| Hot springs access | $80–$150 | £60–£120 | $100–$180 AUD |
Adventure and Outdoor
For thrill-seeking couples, adventure experiences deliver unforgettable moments. The Tinggly survey found that 28% of respondents specifically wanted adventures like hot air balloon rides or skydiving as wedding gifts1.
| Experience | US Price Range | UK Price Range | AU Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot air balloon ride | $175–$350 | £130–£250 | $250–$400 AUD |
| Sailing lesson for two | $200–$400 | £150–£300 | $280–$450 AUD |
| Zip lining adventure | $100–$200 | £60–£120 | $130–$220 AUD |
| Tandem skydiving | $400–$600 | £280–£400 | $500–$700 AUD |
| Scuba diving intro course | $250–$450 | £180–£320 | $300–$500 AUD |
Hot air balloon rides consistently rank as one of the most requested adventure gifts for couples, available through providers like Virgin Experience Gifts in the US and RedBalloon in Australia.
Entertainment and Culture
Theatre tickets, concert packages, and cultural experiences appeal to couples who enjoy shared entertainment.
| Experience | US Price Range | UK Price Range | AU Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway/West End show | $150–$400 | £80–£250 | $120–$300 AUD |
| Concert tickets (premium) | $200–$500 | £150–£400 | $200–$450 AUD |
| Escape room for two | $50–$90 | £40–£70 | $70–$110 AUD |
| Private photography session | $200–$500 | £150–£400 | $250–$550 AUD |
| Art class or workshop | $80–$180 | £60–£130 | $100–$200 AUD |
Travel and Honeymoon Experiences
For contributions toward the couple's honeymoon, consider specific experiences rather than general cash. Many couples appreciate tangible bookings they can anticipate.
Popular honeymoon experience gifts include:
- Resort dining credit ($150–$300)
- Guided excursion or day tour ($100–$250)
- Romantic sunset dinner ($200–$400)
- Private sunset cruise ($250–$500)
- Helicopter tour ($300–$600)
For structured honeymoon gifting, explore setting up a honeymoon fund where guests can contribute to specific activities.
Regional Experience Gift Platforms
Different platforms dominate in each market, offering varying features, pricing, and experience selections.
United States
| Platform | Price Range | Voucher Validity | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinggly | $79–$499 | No expiry | Global experiences, gift boxes |
| Giftory | $50–$1,000+ | No expiry | 5,000+ US experiences |
| Virgin Experience Gifts | $50–$500 | 3 years | Well-known brand, diverse options |
| Cloud9 Living | $75–$600 | No expiry | Premium adventure focus |
Tinggly particularly suits couples planning international honeymoons, as their experience boxes work in over 100 countries.
United Kingdom
| Platform | Price Range | Voucher Validity | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Experience Days | £30–£500+ | 2 years | 4,000+ UK experiences |
| Red Letter Days | £30–£500+ | 2 years | Established since 1989 |
| Buyagift | £20–£400 | 2 years | Budget-friendly options |
| Into The Blue | £50–£400 | 2 years | Adventure specialist |
UK platforms offer excellent coverage nationwide, with experiences ranging from afternoon tea to motorsport days.
Australia
| Platform | Price Range | Voucher Validity | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| RedBalloon | $50–$1,000+ AUD | 5 years | Largest AU platform |
| Adrenaline | $75–$600 AUD | 5 years | Adventure and thrill focus |
| Luxury Escapes | $200–$2,000+ AUD | Varies | Premium travel experiences |
| Experience Oz | $50–$500 AUD | 3 years | Tourism-focused |
RedBalloon stands out for offering gift vouchers from $100 AUD that recipients can apply toward thousands of experiences across Australia.
Canada
| Platform | Price Range | Voucher Validity | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakaway Experiences | $75–$500 CAD | No expiry | 2,000+ Canadian experiences |
| Tinggly | $79–$499 USD | No expiry | International coverage |
| Great Canadian Adventures | $100–$600 CAD | 1 year | Outdoor adventure focus |
How to Purchase and Present Experience Gifts
Booking Options
Gift vouchers. Most flexible option. Recipients choose their preferred experience, date, and location. Ideal when you're unsure of the couple's specific preferences or travel schedule.
Pre-booked experiences. Book a specific activity for a set date if you know the couple's availability. More personal but less flexible if schedules change.
Gift cards. General-value cards let couples apply the credit toward any experience on the platform. Useful when you want to contribute toward a higher-priced adventure.
Voucher Considerations
Before purchasing, check:
- Expiry dates. Most vouchers last 2-5 years, but always verify
- Exchange policies. Can the couple swap for a different experience?
- Refund terms. What happens if they cannot redeem the voucher?
- Booking windows. Some popular experiences book months in advance
Presentation Ideas
Experience gifts lack the unwrapping satisfaction of physical presents. Make the reveal memorable:
- Create a themed card. Include photos representing the experience with booking details or voucher code
- Gift box presentation. Place the voucher in a small box with related items (e.g., mini champagne bottle for a hot air balloon ride)
- Printed certificate. Many platforms provide downloadable gift certificates you can frame or present in an envelope
- Photo reveal. Include a picture of the exact experience location with a personal note
For guidance on presentation etiquette, see our complete gift etiquette guide.
How Much to Spend on Experience Gifts
Experience gift spending should follow similar guidelines as traditional wedding gifts. Your relationship to the couple and personal budget both factor into the decision.
| Relationship | Suggested Range (USD) | Experience Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Acquaintance/Colleague | $50–$100 | Escape room, cooking class |
| Friend | $100–$200 | Couples spa session, wine tour |
| Close friend | $150–$300 | Hot air balloon, fine dining |
| Family member | $200–$500+ | Adventure package, weekend getaway |
For detailed guidance on wedding gift spending by relationship, see our gift amount guide.
Experience Gifts for Special Situations
Second Marriages
Couples entering second marriages often already own household essentials. Experience gifts prove particularly thoughtful in these situations, offering fresh memories without duplicating possessions.
Destination Weddings
Guests traveling to destination weddings often spend significantly on attendance. A modest experience voucher acknowledges this while still celebrating the couple.
Couples with Small Homes
Urban couples in apartments appreciate gifts that don't require storage space. Experiences eliminate the challenge of finding room for another kitchen appliance.
Eco-Conscious Couples
Experience gifts align with sustainable values. No manufacturing, packaging, or eventual disposal—just shared moments together.
Sources and References
Footnotes
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Tinggly, New Tinggly Survey Reveals Couples Would Rather Receive Experiences than Physical Gifts in Their Wedding Registries, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-tinggly-survey-reveals-couples-would-rather-receive-experiences-than-physical-gifts-in-their-wedding-registries-302181479.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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The Knot, 2025 Wedding Industry Statistics: The Knot Real Weddings Study, 2025. https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-data-insights/real-weddings-study ↩