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Give the gift of an amazing experience this Christmas
There's no better present than the gift of an experience. While we all love chocolates and clothes, an experience gift is one that a friend or family member will remember for a long time. After all the presents are unwrapped, this gift is one they can still look forward to, and may even brighten the cold January and February months ahead.
Having gained popularity in recent years, experience gifts can range from spa days and vineyard tours to pottery classes and coffee making.
It's also perfect if you're a last-minute Christmas Eve shopper, as you can simply purchase these gifts online and receive an e-voucher instantly, so no more last-minute rushing around the shops.
Whether you're purchasing for thrill-seekers, calm hunters, crafty types or foodies, here's our roundup of the best experience gifts to give them memories they'll cherish forever...
This pottery experience gift is ideal for creatives or those who would love to try a new craft in a relaxed and laidback setting.
From complete beginners to those who are already in the know, this crash course in pottery will cover all the basics, and they can pay an extra £6 to have their vase or pot fired and glazed to take home.
Chris Beardshaw’s Container Gardening course from Learning with Experts teaches how to design and care for beautiful plant displays in pots and planters, covering container choice, plant combinations and year-round maintenance.
A thoughtful gift for a green-fingered friend who prefers independent experiences over extravagant outings, it offers expert tuition, creative inspiration and lifetime access to learn at their own pace.
This is one for the coffee aficionados. With this full day experience, your coffee-loving friend will learn how to roast, pour and taste coffee like a professional. They'll even learn how to operate the roaster, make the classic coffees (hello, cappuccinos) and learn the tricks of the trade. Trust us, they're sure to leave loving coffee even more than they already do.
This fabulous gourmet tasting day for two will allow the foodie lover in your life to try new tastes, textures and exciting flavour combinations, with so many options to choose from.
From British classics to international cuisines – and from cookery classes to brewery tours and olive oil testing – there's sure to be a choice they'll love. They all take place in stunning venues across the UK, making the experience feel all the more special.
Give the gift of a relaxing two night break away in the countryside with this Moonpig glamping experience. Whether it's a stylish pod, quirky wigwam or sturdy timber tent, these unique accommodation options will provide fresh air and countryside views while remaining cosy and dry from the elements. With a number of locations across the country to choose from, there's sure to be a place that's convenient for them.
This online interior design course, taught by Tricia Guild and the Designers Guild studio, guides you through discovering your personal style in interior design – from moodboards and inspiration to combining colour, texture and pattern.
Available to be sent instantly via email, it makes a great independent experience gift for anyone interested in reinventing their space or tapping into their creativity.
There' always something special about an afternoon tea, and there's no better place to experience one than in Fortnum and Mason’s elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.
As well as delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes in a beautiful setting, the recipient of your gift will be joined by expert ‘Tearistas’ who will advise them on which tea is right for them – before they toast the occasion in style with a glass of champagne, of course.
Know someone who loves archaeology and history? This London tour guide experience, hosted by an archeologist, is the experience for them.
The knowledgeable tour guide will take them around major landmarks such as Tower Bridge and The Tower of London, the Roman Wall, and amazing churches, cathedrals, and more. It'll be an informative experience that's sure to change how they see London forever...
How relaxing does this look? With this gift experience, the owners of the Oastbrook Estate in Sussex will take your loved one on a tour of the vineyard and reveal how their award-winning English sparkling and still wines are grown and made.
The tour consists of a visit to the winery for a behind-the-scenes look at the tanks and barrels before attending a private wine tasting session. Here they can sample four of the estate’s award-winning wines alongside a cheese platter, or even a charcuterie platter if they fancy.
A luxurious day out with wine and stunning views? It's a yes from us.
Discover the treetops of one of 34 beautiful forests across the country with this Tree Top Challenge for Two. One for thrill seekers who love the outdoors, you can choose from tree-to-tree crossings, free-fall Tarzan swings and super-fast zip wires up in the canopy.
St Pancras station is an iconic London landmark known for its architectural beauty. But did you know it houses a spa? Offering a calm escape in the centre of the city, this gift involves four hours of using the modern facilities, including a Victorian-tiled pool, salt-wall sauna, steam room and gym. Your gift recipient can then enjoy a two-course meal at Hansom Restaurant, a stylish venue in King’s Cross, and they'll even receive a gift to take away with them. What a treat.
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