So, you’ve left it a little (lot) late to settle on Christmas gifts, meaning the best experience gifts are your only option if you don’t want to show up empty-handed. I’m not shaming — in fact, I’ll be the first to agree that it’s a hard task trying to find a unique gift for everyone on your list that also falls within your budget. And let’s not even go into the challenge of wrapping…
But a day out together — the chance to be off your phone and away from mundane stressors — may actually be the best gift of all, especially if hangouts are often few and far between.
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Next question: what gift cards, e-vouchers and experiences are actually worth your money and your time? Thankfully, I’ve spent the last year asking PRs for recommendations and personally testing out as many of the experiences below to see which make suitable gifts for her, gifts for men and gifts for mums.
Keen for some spoilers? Think off-grid getaways to help your giftee recharge and reset, as well as London spa days, supercar driving experiences and cooking classes to reignite their spark in the kitchen. Or, for those embracing Grannycore activities, how about the chance to make their own beaded phone bracelet? Of course, I’ve also tracked down luxury dining experiences, opportunities to get up close with animals and even the chance to party with Paddington Bear, which all double as the perfect gift.
So, read on for the best experience gift ideas for 2025, whether shopping for a thrill-seeker, TV fanatic or hard-to-please teen, all approved by Glamour’s gifting editor.
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How I choose the best experience gifts & why you can trust me:
Having been a commerce writer for the last three years, and a gift guide writer for just over two, it’s fair to say that I’m in the know about the best gifts for anyone (and everyone) on your list. In fact, I was recently asked to share my tips live on on Radio 4, where I suggested we collectively skip novelty socks in exchange for a DIY gift hamper or, you guessed it, a well-considered experience gift.
I’ve also spent the last six months attending countless press days and have personally chatted with various experts about 2025 shopping trends to ensure I’m clued up on the best Christmas gifts for 2025.
But also, because I wouldn’t recommend anything to you that I wouldn’t to a pal, I aim to personally review as many products as possible. Once they arrive in my hands, I consider the following:
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