No more “stuff” this holiday; give these experiences as gifts

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Baby Boomers and Gen X plan to increase their spending slightly this holiday season, according to the recent Holiday Outlook 2025 report from PwC. Baby Boomers plan to spend 5% more on gifts, travel and entertainment compared to last year, while Gen X also intends to increase spending slightly.

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But finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be a challenge. Gift cards and experiences can be the perfect last-minute gift for anyone on your list. Gift cards allow the recipient to choose the perfect present.

Gifting an experience, however, shows a bit more thoughtfulness – without adding to the clutter in your loved one’s home. In a recent YouGov survey, 13% of respondents across all generations said they’d prefer to receive an experience or tickets to an event as a Christmas gift. This number rose to 14% for Gen Z and 15% for millennials. The experiences below are affordable (starting at $30) and fun. The experiences are also virtual, making them ideal for home-bound seniors or busy parents with kids. You’ll find a workshop or hands-on class for everyone on your list.

For tea lovers: Tea Tasting and Discovery Workshop

Tea lovers will relish indulging in three specialty teas with expert instructor Katy Woollard while they learn about the history of teas across time. The class includes the Taste of Tea Exploratory Tea Set. All your favorite tea drinker needs is a few mugs for the tasting, a saucer or bowl, and a teaspoon.

For pet lovers: Pet Portrait Painting Class

A watercolor painting is the perfect way to immortalize a family dog or cat. And it’s even better if the pet lover paints the portrait. That’s the concept behind this Pet Portrait Painting Class, which shows aspiring artists how to transfer (not trace) the outline of your pet (based on a photo) to watercolor paper and then bring the creation to life with watercolor brushstrokes.

'Map your love story' class; photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods — ‘Map your love story’ class; photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods

For creative couples: Your Love Story Mapmaking Class

Do you have a hard-to-buy-for creative couple on your list? Newlyweds, your best couple friends, or even your parents would enjoy this unique Love Story Mapmaking Class. Writer and artist Brendan Lorber helps your loved ones map out a fantasy-inspired, biographical map of their romantic relationship in this 90-minute virtual class. The mapmaking kit comes with most of the materials they need to embark on this unprecedented artist adventure.

For the aspiring chef: Master Knife Skills Class

There’s something captivating about watching expert chefs slice vegetables and prep ingredients in record time. Bring an episode of Chopped straight to someone’s kitchen with this 75-minute live virtual Master Knife Skills Class. Learn how to slice, dice, and even master specialty cuts like a pro.

For tired moms and dads: Chocolate & Coffee Tasting Class

You’ve heard of food and wine pairings, but this Chocolate & Coffee Tasting class shows the taste sensation when you sip and sample curated chocolate and coffee together. Learn how to identify the subtleties of specific beans and brews as you indulge in small-batch dark chocolate made in Brooklyn, NY, and coffee from across the world.

For the grandkids: Video Game Workshop for Kids

Children ages 8 to 14 will love the chance to learn enough coding to create their own video game in this 60-minute virtual live course. The handheld video game console is included with the gift experience and can double as a smartwatch or pedometer. Create core memories when you join your child or grandchild on this coding adventure.

For your retired dad or grandfather: Magic 101 Show & Class

Nothing goes better with Dad Jokes than some classic sleight-of-hand magic tricks with everyday objects like coins and playing cards. The tricks your dad or grandfather will learn in this 60-minute experience are sure to make him a hit at the next family gathering.

For your parents who are still madly in love: Date Night Cooking & Win Pairing Class

Help your parents rediscover their love for food prep and each other with this fun and simple 90-minute cooking class. Your favorite couple will create small plate snacks and a dessert and then pair with the best wines. It’s the perfect way to spend a winter evening relaxing after the holidays.