Experience gifts you can book

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At a glance

All the picks

Each button opens a live results page, so you see current prices, delivery dates and reviews before you decide. Our notes say what to look for in the results.

1. Date-night conversation cards

   A set of conversation cards is a wrapped gift that goes with a booked experience and makes the evening more than just an outing.

   Look for:

   A deck with a mix of light and deep questions.

   Best for:

   Couples.

   Skip if:

   Skip if your relationship is brand new.

   Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results

2. Two-player board game

   A two-player game is a gift for an evening in, and a good partner to a booked experience.

   Look for:

   A box that says two players, a play time of under an hour and clear rules.

   Best for:

   Couples, a parent and a teen.

   Skip if:

   Skip if the person plays mostly with groups.

   Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results

3. Air-dry pottery kit

   An air-dry clay kit lets the recipient try a craft at home before they book a class.

   Look for:

   A kit with tools and paint included, and non-toxic clay.

   Best for:

   Creative adults and teens.

   Skip if:

   Skip for people who do not want a messy table.

   Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results

4. Picnic backpack set

   A picnic backpack set turns any park or beach day into an outing. Pair it with a day trip.

   Look for:

   Insulated compartment, plates and utensils for two, and a comfortable strap.

   Best for:

   Couples, outdoor lovers.

   Skip if:

   Skip if the person lives in a place where winter lasts half the year.

   Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results

Viator lists tours and classes in thousands of cities with reviews and cancellation terms on every listing. Start with a city, or a type of experience.

1. Food tourEasiest to gift

   A food tour is the easiest experience to gift: it needs no gear, suits most ages and gives the recipient a taste of a neighborhood.

   Look for:

   A small group size, a clear list of tastings, a cancellation policy and a start time that is not too early.

   Best for:

   Foodies, travelers, anyone new to a city.

   Skip if:

   Skip if the person has food allergies or restrictions you do not know about.

   Browse on ViatorOpens Viator search results

2. Cooking class

   A class lets the recipient make a meal and eat it. It also makes a good date or friends’ night.

   Look for:

   Hands-on rather than demonstration-only, a class size that lets everyone cook and a clear list of what is included.

   Best for:

   Couples, friends, cooks.

   Skip if:

   Skip if the person is a confident cook. Look for a class on a cuisine they do not know.

   Browse on ViatorOpens Viator search results

3. Guided walking tour

   A guided walk is low-cost and flexible. It is a good gift for people who are curious about where they live.

   Look for:

   A local guide, a route that suits the person’s mobility and reviews that mention the guide by name.

   Best for:

   Visitors and locals who are curious.

   Skip if:

   Skip if the person has trouble walking for two hours.

   Browse on ViatorOpens Viator search results

4. Sunset or harbor cruise

   A harbor or sunset cruise is a classic, relaxed outing for couples and families.

   Look for:

   A seating plan, a weather policy and a departure time that matches the season’s sunset.

   Best for:

   Couples, families, visitors.

   Skip if:

   Skip in winter in cold places unless the boat is enclosed.

   Browse on ViatorOpens Viator search results

5. Skip-the-line museum or landmark entry

   Skip-the-line entry to a busy museum or landmark saves the one thing visitors lack: time.

   Look for:

   A timed-entry ticket for the right date, a clear meeting point and the exact landmark.

   Best for:

   Visitors to busy cities.

   Skip if:

   Skip for places that are rarely crowded; a regular ticket is cheaper.

   Browse on ViatorOpens Viator search results

6. Scenic helicopter rideSplurge

   A scenic flight is a big gift for a big occasion. It is the one people tell stories about.

   Look for:

   A licensed operator, a clear weight and age policy and a cancellation policy for weather.

   Best for:

   A milestone birthday or anniversary.

   Skip if:

   Skip for people who are afraid of heights or flying, and check the weight limits.

   Browse on ViatorOpens Viator search results

7. National park day trip

   A guided day trip to a national park suits people who love the outdoors and don’t want to plan the logistics.

   Look for:

   Transport included, a small group, and a pace that suits the recipient.

   Best for:

   Outdoor lovers.

   Skip if:

   Skip if the person gets carsick or dislikes long days.

   Browse on ViatorOpens Viator search results

8. Pottery or craft workshop

   A pottery or craft workshop gives the recipient something to make and take home.

   Look for:

   A beginner class, materials included and a date for collecting the finished piece.

   Best for:

   Creative people, couples.

   Skip if:

   Skip if the person does not like messy, hands-on activities.

   Browse on ViatorOpens Viator search results

9. Night or ghost tour

   A night or ghost tour is a fun, short outing with a story.

   Look for:

   A reputable guide, a clear route and an age guide.

   Best for:

   Friends, teens and people who like stories.

   Skip if:

   Skip for young children and for anyone who dislikes being scared.

   Browse on ViatorOpens Viator search results