2019 Gift Guide: The best experience gifts

We’ve collected presents based on our favorite destinations, recommended gifts for every type of traveler, and even got our experts across the office in on the fun. But for this year’s gift guide, we thought we’d do something a little different. Instead of recommending things, we asked around for everyone’s favorite experiences to share with loved ones. Because that’s what world travel is really all about.

Doing something new

Whether it’s music lessons, an art class, or learning a language, trying something new is a great way to get into a hobby—plus, it’s a lot of fun. “This past summer, my coworker and I took sailing lessons through EF’s partnership with Community Boating here in Boston,” said Go Ahead Tours staffer Adam. “We won’t be winning any regattas, but we had a great time.”

• Sign up for a cooking class at a favorite restaurant
• Try learning a language at home
• Do a Paint Nite with friends
• Gift a photography class (for amazing travel photos!)

Getting creative

Spending the day at a museum or getting tickets to a show both topped our team’s list of favorite experiences. “I’ve heard from quite a few travelers that they’ve seen a play in London’s West End or attended a concert,” said staffer Nicole. Sharing the experience of seeing a favorite musician was a good memory for Molly, too. “We just celebrated my sister’s birthday in October and went to our ninth Ingrid Michaelson concert together!”

• Visit a museum
• See a play or concert
• Attend a ballet
• Spend a night at the symphony

Spending time together

Our staffer Gaelyn—whose family has gifted each other everything from coupons for nights out to a little handyman time around the house—summed this one up well. “It's so nice to be able to give the gift of time spent with loved ones, while also trying something new or doing something we normally wouldn’t.”

• Let a loved one pick a weekend activity
• Lend a hand around the house
• Gift a booklet of coupons for time together
• Set up a monthly or weekly date

Making a treat

“Every year, our team does a holiday cookie swap,” said staffer Laura. “Everyone looks forward to it—it’s a lot of fun to see what everyone brings, and hear about their famous family recipes. Plus, we all get to take a moment to celebrate the work we’ve done together, and look forward to a new year!”

• Cook a meal together
• Collect favorite recipes to share
• Host a potluck where everyone brings a dish

Giving back

When you’re making your list of gifts, consider giving back to someone (or a furry friend!) in need. Whether you’re pitching in to help out your community or just lending a helping hand to a friend in need, it’s a great way to spread a little holiday cheer. “My dad would take my sister and me to a food pantry for an afternoon, and we’d help by packing up holiday meals for local families,” said staffer Jamie. “It was nice to take a moment during a sometimes too-busy season and give a little of our time to help someone out.”

• Make a meal for someone in need
• Donate winter goods
• Volunteer for an organization you care about
• Add an activity to a trip that supports locals in your destination

Have you ever been gifted a memorable experience? Tell us about it on Facebook!