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11 experiential gifts that won't break the bank - from local tours and cooking classes to a service that'll plan your next trip

Cozymeal: cooking classes

11 experiential gifts that won't break the bank - from local tours and cooking classes to a service that'll plan your next trip

Fadango: pro-level movie night

Fadango: pro-level movie night
Fandango gift card, available on Fandango, from $15

Who doesn't love a good dressed-up dinner and a movie date, whether it's for a significant other or just you and your grandparents? In the age of Netflix, it's nice to make an occasion out of going to the movies.

Stubhub: live games, concerts, and theater

Stubhub: live games, concerts, and theater
Browse live concert and game tickets, available on StubHub, from $15 per person

Is there a good concert, play, or game coming up in the next few months? Grab tickets and make a night of it with them.

Airbnb: a staycation or trip

Airbnb: a staycation or trip
Airbnb Gift Card, available on Zola, $100

Grab a card and a gift card to Airbnb to gift them a trip, even if it's just a weekend away in a neighboring state. Plus, half the fun happens before the trip itself, shopping through options and checking out local activities and sights.

VNYL: an ongoing music experience

VNYL: an ongoing music experience
Three-Month VNYL Gift Membership Subscription, available at VNYL, $99.97 (originally $120)

VNYL's team of curators studies their music profile — assembled via a quiz and connected Spotify, Soundcloud, Instagram, etc. — to handpick new albums that they think they'll love. Then, they send a vinyl of their tailored pick to their door. If they love music and have a record player, this is a thoughtful, ongoing gift that you can experience together if you wish (after all, the best part happens when you're listening to the music).

Vinebox: an ongoing wine taste-test

Vinebox: an ongoing wine taste-test
Six-Month Gift subscription, available at Vinebox, $158

Vinebox sends a personalized wine flight to their door four times per year (six months equals two boxes) that's curated based on their personal tastes and preferences. Each vial is portioned to be one full glass of fine wine, and members get $15 toward full-sized bottles each quarter.

Driftaway coffee: an ongoing coffee sampler

Driftaway coffee: an ongoing coffee sampler
Three-Month Subscription, available at Driftaway, from $39

Introduce them to a cool, interactive coffee startup that gets smarter and better at its recommendations as time goes on by learning their palate preferences. They'll discover new beans that are still in their wheelhouse, and they'll think of you every time they have a great morning cup. If you're both into coffee, make an ongoing coffee date to try to the new brews together.

Airbnb Experiences: entertainment, classes, and tours

Airbnb Experiences: entertainment, classes, and tours
Book an Airbnb Experience, available on Airbnb, from $15 per person

Too few people know about or take advantage of Airbnb experiences. You can book an experience in your local community that's memorable, unique, and makes you appreciate your hometown in new ways. A few of the New York options, for example, are a Harlem Jazz Singer's Showcase, a vegan food crawl, a guided bike tour through Central Park, and a mafia, crime, and food walk with a retired NYPD officer.

Check out your local options here, and use the reviews and ratings to steer you in the right direction.

Journy: a personal travel concierge

Journy: a personal travel concierge
Buy a Journy gift card

Journy acts like a personal travel concierge for $25 per day. An expert takes into account your preferences, plans, and feedback and designs the ideal trip — including booking hotels and making dinner reservations. Find more details on the service here.

Airline gift cards: travel

Airline gift cards: travel
Buy a Delta gift card on Best Buy or Target, from $50 Buy a Southwest gift card on Best Buy, Target, or Amazon, from $50

This idea is perfect for frequent travelers, and even better for family members who see trips home as opportunities to score more miles on their go-to airline. It's also easier than booking a trip for them yourself.

If they travel by train most frequently, there's also an Amtrak gift card.

Groupon: classes and experiences

Groupon: classes and experiences
Browse Groupon

Groupon's daily deals include everything from pottery classes to beauty services to travel and fitness. You don't have to spend a lot, and you can make memories while learning a new skill together.


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