Best Experience Gifts

The best gifts aren’t ones you can wrap with a bow or order on Amazon Prime. 🎁  From the friend who has everything to the self-proclaimed minimalist, everyone will love the gift of an experience. While the creation of online shopping is arguably one of the best things to happen to humanity, it still hasn’t solved the problem everyone faces this holiday season… how to find the perfect gift when it feels like everyone has, well, everything. 🤷‍♀️ 

Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Leave the cliché holiday gifts behind and opt to give the thoughtful gift of an experience because making memories is always worth investing in. Read on for our best experience gift ideas to surprise and delight your loved ones this holiday season. 🎄

1. Family trip

If plane tickets are your love language too, consider giving a voucher for a future trip. ✈️ Or better yet, organize and book a getaway for your significant other or family. Whether you are dreaming about walking the streets of New York City together or want to get the family together for a weekend at the water park, we recommend you take a look at your list (bucket list that is!) and make sure to check it twice. A future trip is a fun way to reconnect as a family unit and ring in the new year in style. 🌍

family of three, with a small boy standing in front of a red phone booth in London, England
a small boy entering a phone booth in London, England
a family smiling and laughing on the street in London, England

Photo: Hector in London for Flytographer. Ryan and family capture memories in London, England with a fun, family photo shoot near a red telephone booth.

2. Staycation

Treat your loved ones to a weekend retreat in your hometown or a neighbouring one. Take the opportunity to gift an experience they normally wouldn’t indulge in. Maybe it’s a weekend of spa treatments 💆🏽 or taking your partner out on the town for a food tour. Breaking out of your normal routine doesn’t have to break the bank, and a weekend away is something all of us need at one point or another. If you are staying in your own home, consider gifting a subscription box or a collection of board games that the whole family can enjoy, no matter the skill level. 🎲

couple on a pier in NYC with the bridge and city in the background in New York City, New York
couple with their arms around each other in NYC, New York
couple hugging and standing with NYC bridge in the background in New York City, New York

Photo: Marilyn in New York City for Flytographer. Jessica and partner capture memories in NYC with a couple photo shoot near DUMBO and the Brooklyn Bridge.

LGBTQ couple holding each other sitting down on a hiking trail in Kauai, Hawaii

3. Connect with nature

Experience gifts aren’t only a thoughtful alternative to classic, store-bought items, they’re also good for the environment. For your nature-loving friend, planning an afternoon hike and a kayak to spend some quality time together is a gift they’ll treasure. Or, take it a step further and plan a camping trip for you to get away together. 🏕 If your outdoorsy-partner is a bit of an adrenaline junkie, give them a voucher for ziplining, rock climbing, or even skydiving. With so many beautiful places to visit around the world, a national parks annual pass is the gift that keeps on giving, and the perfect excuse to take more weekend getaways together. 🌲

LGBTQ couple holding hands and hiking in Kauai, Hawaii
LGBTQ couple holding each other sitting down on a hiking trail in Kauai, Hawaii

Photo: Rachel in Kauai for Flytographer. Ryan and partner celebrate their engagement in Hawaii with a surprise proposal photo shoot on the Kalepa Ridge Trail.

4. Date night

Plan an evening out with your significant other or friend. If they are into music, consider gifting concert tickets to your favourite band. 🎸🎶 Are they huge basketball or hockey fans? Look into upcoming sporting events near you. If they are big foodies, consider a classy meal out along with a wine tasting or craft beer tour. 🍷🍻  Wondering the best way to present a gift like this? All of these ideas can be put together in a beautiful DIY voucher card that explains the date night!

LGBTQ couple holding each other sitting down on a hiking trail in Kauai, Hawaii
LGBTQ couple holding each other sitting down on a hiking trail in Kauai, Hawaii

Photo: Guilia in Verona for Flytographer. Naomi and partner celebrate their honeymoon in Verona with a romantic photo shoot at a Christmas Market.

Look amazing in photos

Get 50+ insider tips on how to prepare, what to wear, and easy posing ideas for your next photo shoot!

5. Flytographer shoot

Whether you’re a pro in front of the camera or your last experience was at the Sears pop-up studio circa 1993, investing in beautiful, professional photos is something you and your loved ones will treasure for a lifetime. ❤️ Wherever you are in the world, a Flytographer is there to capture your time in the beautiful city you’re exploring and give you insider local tips to the city, and these memories will be ones you’ll look back on for a lifetime. From multi-generational trips to honeymoons to solo adventures, the best travel souvenir is a beautiful gallery of images to look back on and treasure for years to come. Don’t know of anyone with an upcoming trip? A Flytographer gift card is perfect to ensure your loved ones are investing in themselves and their memories whenever they’re ready to capture your story! ✨

LGBTQ couple holding each other sitting down on a hiking trail in Kauai, Hawaii
LGBTQ couple holding each other sitting down on a hiking trail in Kauai, Hawaii
LGBTQ couple holding each other sitting down on a hiking trail in Kauai, Hawaii

Photo: Scheherazade in Dubai for Flytographer. Viveta and family capture memories in their hometown with a fun family photo shoot in the desert.

Capturing memories together

No matter how you are spending time with your loved ones this holiday season, capture the magic with one of our talented local photographers across the world. Investing in beautiful memories isn’t just a great gift for them — it’s a gift for you too. 🎄

LGBTQ couple holding each other sitting down on a hiking trail in Kauai, Hawaii