If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
There’s a lot of pressure when it comes to giving the perfect gift — should you go super personalized and sentimental? Or stick to the tried-and-true classics like a fresh bouquet of flowers? Either way sometimes it can feel like we’re giving the same presents over and over: no, we don’t need another fuzzy throw blanket. My cabinet is overflowing with mugs. Does anyone really like drugstore chocolate?
If that feels like you, you might want to go down the intangible route — the best experience gifts don’t have to mean a thrill-seeking expedition like skydiving (unless they’re into that kind of thing). Instead, treat them to a small-scale adventure, like an electric bike they can use to zip to the grocery store. Whether you spring for an individual experience they can take advantage of on their own, like learning a new instrument, or something you can do together, like a pizza oven to make your own backyard ‘za, there are all types of gifts waiting for you to online.
We rounded up some of the best experiential gifts and gear, so they can live a little and find adventure wherever they are. Our picks are based on personal favorites from our staff, as well as top-rated products from well-trusted brands.
1. JBL Go Eco 3
Your music should be able to move with you. JBL’s smallest portable speaker is built using 90% post-consumer reycled plastic making it eco-friendly, while still carrying the same listening quality of JBL’s Original Pro Sound.
2. Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable
An addition for your home’s sound system that is far from an eye sore. Add this sleek piece of musical hardware to your entertainment console and entertain listeners with the sound of vinyl for hours. This turntable is also wirelessly compatible with Sonos speakers systems.
3. A Luna Glamping Experience
Bring the magic of the great outdoors to them with a unique and luxe glamping experience that doesn’t require any travel or an accommodation booking site. Yes, you read that correctly. Luna Glamping offers state-of-the-art, custom or pre-configured domes, safari tents, and bell tents made from expertly crafted materials that can be conveniently shipped straight to your door. Depending on the size and structure of your choice, these can be assembled at home, or wherever you decide to pitch up, with the provided step-by-step instructions offered by the brand. Built to last, this one-of-a-kind gift will surely impress just about any recipient who enjoys cozy, luxury living or hassle-free camping.
4. Casio PX-S7000 Keyboard
Bring the sounds of an acoustic grand piano into your own home without sacrificing square footage. This compact digital grand piano is just as appealing visually as it is audibly. This keyboard is adaptable to most spaces and can be removed from its stand and played anywhere.
5. Vinyl Me Please Monthly Record Subscription
Building your vinyl collection has never been easier. Vinyl Me Please allows you to choose your own subscription “track” that curates monthly recommendations based on your favorite genre of music. If you’re not feeling one month, skip or choose from the robust vinyl archive instead.
6. Specialized Haul ST E-Bike
Take your next 60 miles on the road with a new e-bike from Specialized. The Haul ST offers dynamic use of electric power, allowing the rider to determine when they want to an extra boost or to dial back for a more manual push to preserve power. It’s single size frame fits anyone between 4’5″ and 6’4.”
7. RS Cover Tees
There’s nothing quite like your favorite artists first Rolling Stone cover. Make a moment in time with Bad Bunny or Tupac your own with Rolling Stone’s selection of limited edition cover art tees.
8. Take a Roadtrip
Dealership visits aren’t the only way to test driving your next vehicle. Car share rentals through Turo allow you to browse inventory and rent cars directly from your neighbors. Give what the Jones’ have a spin around the block.
9. Airbnb Experiences
Here’s the best answer for “finding something to do.” Airbnb Experiences can help you browse guided hikes, informational tours, excurisions and other adventures regardless of whether you’re staying local or headed abroad.
10. Gozney Dome Pizza Oven
Get ready to say goodbye to ordering takeout. This professional-grade pizza oven that will produce restaurant quality wood-fired pizzas in the comfort your own backyard.
11. Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Hybrid Camera
To have and to hold…this camera will gives you results you can remember outside of your phone. The latest from Fujifilm’s Instax camera series, this hybrid Bluetooth version is extremely easy to use. Now offering 10 lens effects and 10 film effects, this is camera is one of the more versatile of the Instax family.
12. Material The Kitchen Starter Set
Hosting is easy but meal prep takes work. Make sure you enjoy the kitchen materials that help you get your next meal across the line. This starter set for home chefs is made without harmful materials (BPA-free cutting board; lead, cadmium or PFOA-free pan). Knives are to be hand-washed, the pan and board are both dishwasher safe.
13. Fly By Jing Box
If you’re a sauce fanatic, you’ll never regret adding this kit to your rotation. Fly by Jing’s sichuan flavors have a broad array of sauces that are made to be used on anything. This brand has quickly earned it rights as a staple at many bespoke grocery stores and is a well deserved addition to your pantry.
14. Hella Awkward Card Game
Never worry about filling an awkward silence again. This grab and go card game will allow your groups to peel away each another’s layers faster than traditional conversation might allow.
15. Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete
Consolidate your entire hairstyling drawer into one. The newest Airwrap by Dyson includes 3 separate drying brushes and dual barrels for curling in both directions. You’ll need far fewer hair tools so get ready to free up some drawer space.
16. Concert Night Out
Live Nation, the top live-music promoter, has concert, VIP, merch, and festival packages for everyone — whether you’re gifting a night with Olivia Rodrigo or Metallica.
