While physical gifts are great for piling under trees and filling up stockings, gifting an experience is a far more thoughtful gesture. We’ve compiled a list of experiences that are fully gift-able and appeal to a broad set of interests. The ideas below are also meant to inspire (in case jetting off to Italy isn’t in your 2016 budget).
For the Foodie: Cooking South of the Border
Your standard cooking class this is not. Chef David Sterling, an award-winning American ex-pat chef, has created a culinary approach that relies on historic Mayan dishes and recipes. The class is a complete sensory experience that includes a market tour, technical instruction, ingredients, and full meal. As an added benefit, this gift creates the perfect opportunity to escape the frigid clutches of winter and enjoy the cultural capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida Mexico.
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For the Aspiring Aviator: Flying a Fighter Plane
A great experience for any adventure junkie, this gives every fan of Top Gun the chance to play Maverick for an afternoon with Air Combat USA. The day includes flight instruction, legit flight suits, experienced instructors, and culminates with an aerial dog-fight (and actual control of the plane). With locations across the country, this is a gift that isn’t geo-specific.
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For the Tailored Gent: A Bespoke Suit
It’s hard to describe the swirl of emotion that occurs the first time a custom suit is donned. The uniform of the modern man, wearing a suit that you design and create is a game-changing event. While there are a plethora of options, we went with a company that has fitting rooms across the States and offers high quality fabrics from companies like Ariston, Holland and Sherry, and Zegna.
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For the Mixmaster: Learn to DJ
For the individual in your life constantly curating Spotify playlists, private DJ classes. Classes are located in major metropolitan areas and can be scheduled on an a la carte basis, with a group or a private one on one session. Locations include LA, NYC, Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.
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For the Sportsman: Shoot Some Clays
There are shooting clay courses, and there is the Elk Creek Hunt Club in Owenton, KY. The course includes forty-five paved stations with the option of 50 or 100 target rounds. After a day on the course, relax with a steak and estate grown cab franc at the onsite restaurant and spend the night at the luxuriously appointed lodge.
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For the Dapper Man: A Straight Shave in Gotham
A straight shave at a real barbershop is an indulgence easily attainable, but overlooked by many. Gift this experience at a shop that offers complimentary libations, licensed barbers, and old school décor. One of our favorites barbershops has locations in NYC, LA, and Brooklyn and checks all of the above boxes.
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For the Outdoorsman: A Hike in Arch National Monument Park
One of the most scenic national parks in the country, Arch National Park is must visit on any hiker’s list. The two most technically difficult hikes are the Devil’s Garden and the Fiery Furnace (Fiery Furnace must be booked in advance).
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For the Europhile: A Guided Vespa Tour Through Rome
When in Rome, do as the Italians do and hop on a Vespa to experience the majestic city and it’s surroundings. For this gift, a local guides you through the historic streets and allows you to channel your inner sprezzatura while taking in the cultural capital of the western world in style.
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For the Gearhead: A Day at the Track
The opportunity to drive at the Circuit of Americas in Austin, TX, is definitely a bucket list gift. The only Formula One purpose built track in the United States, full day packages include access to garage pits, video highlights, and a champagne celebration in the viewing tower at the end of the day.
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For the Jetsetter: A Hot Air Balloon Tour in Cappadocia
Riding in a hot air balloon is surprisingly fun. When riding in a hot air balloon over a landscape that is straight out of a sci-fi novel, the experience becomes unforgettable. Cappadocia is one of the most spellbinding places in the world, with fairy chimneys, stacked boulders, and stone cut temples dotting the landscape.
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