More shoppers are skipping traditional presents for trips and activities, with 82% of Americans now choosing experiences over physical gifts. They now place greater value on moments that create lasting memories, strengthen relationships and support well-being. This shift transforms the holiday season as people opt for gifts that focus on shared time instead of clutter.
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To meet rising demand for travel-based gifts, companies offer flexible packages that can be used anytime, from resort stays to guided tours. Many brands also expand their options through digital platforms, making it easier to personalize trips, track rewards and share experiences across destinations.
The rise of experience gifting
Experience gifts have become a regular choice for holidays, birthdays and milestones, replacing items with activities people can share. Around 68% of shoppers are choosing experience gift boxes, while only 20% are selecting standard digital gift cards. During the holiday season, about 37% of these purchases are for Christmas, followed by 23% for birthdays and 19% for weddings.
For couples, options such as cooking classes or hot air balloon outings appeal to about 76% of gift buyers. About 51% of people giving to friends or family prefer shared activities or trips over gadgets. This growing preference for gifts that create memories and time together is also influencing how people plan early travel this year.
Experience gifts match with travel
Travel often feels more meaningful when it involves something shared or memorable, and experience-based presents fit naturally into that idea. Many travelers prefer gifts that add meaning to their plans over items to pack or store.
Digital delivery makes these gifts simple to send, even to friends or family who live in another state or country. Recipients can use them on future vacations, business trips or weekend getaways without worrying about expiration dates or location limits.
The range of options allows gift-givers to match a person’s interests easily. Spa days, guided hikes, cooking workshops or adventure outings let people tailor the gift rather than default to a one-size-fits-all present. Such flexibility aligns with the broader move toward gifts that add value to upcoming trips, especially during the holiday season when many people are already arranging travel.
Popular categories for experience gifts
Gift trends this season favor activities people can enjoy together. Dining experiences remain a popular choice, with restaurant gift credits, guided tasting events and small-group cooking sessions in steady demand. Wellness trips also appeal to those seeking a slower pace, from spa stays to short retreats that focus on rest and grounding.
Adventure options continue to gain attention, especially bookings for guided hikes, scenic flights and outdoor excursions that feel memorable without requiring long travel. Cultural experiences round out the list, including museum access, hands-on workshops and event passes.
Travel industry adapts to the demand
Travel companies are responding to increased interest in experience-based gifting by creating packages that can be used at any time throughout the year. Many now create options that are simple to purchase and easy to redeem, appealing to shoppers who want something thoughtful without complex planning. Loyalty programs are also evolving to recognize spending on activities and tours in addition to traditional hotel stays.
Auberge Collection offers gift cards that users can redeem for stays, dining or on-property experiences across its global locations. This option lets recipients choose the setting and pace, whether that means a wine tasting in wine country or a beachside retreat. On Mackinac Island, the Grand Hotel sells gift cards that apply to room bookings, meals, hotel services and merchandise, giving travelers the flexibility to plan a trip that fits their schedule.
Adventure travelers have options as well. Intrepid Travel USA and REI Co-op issue credits that can be redeemed for guided hikes or national park trips, allowing recipients to pick routes and travel windows that match their schedules. Online platforms and mobile apps support this shift by making it easier to browse, customize and share experience-based gifts.
A new kind of giving season
Experience gifting continues to influence how people think about time, celebration and travel. Instead of focusing on what to own, many are choosing shared, meaningful moments. This change encourages earlier planning and more intentional trips, especially around the holidays. As more travelers lean into the idea, the industry will likely continue to expand choices that feel personal, flexible and memorable.
Mandy is a luxury travel, fine dining and bucket list adventure journalist with expert insight from 46 countries. She uncovers unforgettable experiences around the world and brings them to life through immersive storytelling that blends indulgence, culture and discovery, and shares it all with a global audience as co-founder of Food Drink Life. Her articles appear on MSN and through the Associated Press Wire in major U.S. outlets, including NBC, the Daily News, Boston Herald, Chicago Sun-Times and many more.
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