Giving a teenager an experience gift is a great way to show them that you care about their interests and hobbies. It can also be a way to bond and create lasting memories. As kids get older, buying can also be harder for them as their list gets shorter and more expensive. Here are ten ideas for experience gifts for teenagers that will make them happy and excited!
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Is an experience a good gift?
Experience gifts for teenager are great because it is something they can enjoy and will leave lasting memories. Unlike a physical object, it cannot gather dust on a shelf. Experiences are unique and personal, often something people would never think to buy for themselves.
How do I gift my teenager an experience?
If you aren’t sure where to start with gifting an experience to your teenager, here are a few tips. First, look for something unique and memorable. If you search for experiences in your area, there are most likely many ideas that may be new to you. Try to find something that is age-appropriate and that they will enjoy. Every kid has different likes and interests, so make sure to take into account whether the teen you are gifting an experience would be more into something adventurous or more relaxing. Sometimes, looking at deals on a site like Groupon is the best way to find a gift. You can get lots of ideas that way, plus hopefully, get more value for your dollar.
How do you ask for experience instead of gifts?
There are many ways you can ask for experience instead of gifts. First, think about what kind of experience you want. Do you want to try something new, or do you want to do something that you love? There’s no wrong answer here – it’s all about what will make you happy. You can ask for tickets to a concert or a show, a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant or store, or even a voucher for an adventure activity. Whatever you choose, ensure it’s something you’ll enjoy and use. Asking for experience instead of gifts is a great way to get what you want and make some great memories in the process.
Ten great experience gifts for teenager
A day of pampering at a spa
What could be better than a day of pampering at a spa? If you’re looking for a gift for a teenager to make them feel truly special, this is it! A day at the spa can include all sorts of treatments, from massages and facials to manicures and pedicures. It’s the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate, and your teenager will love being pampered from head to toe. This is a great one to search Groupon for; there are often many options for discounted spa packages.
You can also purchase a Spa Finder gift card that can be used at numerous spas and wellness centers near your area or near where the teenager you are purchasing the gift for lives. This can offer more flexibility for finding the best services and timing for them!
Tickets to a concert or a show
You can’t go wrong with tickets to a concert or show. This experience gift will create lasting memories and will surely be a hit with any music lover. When choosing tickets, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, pick a date that works for the teen’s schedule. You’ll also want to consider the type of music or show the teen is into. There are all sorts of concerts and shows out there, so there’s bound to be something that’s a perfect fit. This gift may need to be planned more in advance, but your teenager may give you ideas of concerts or upcoming shows they would be excited to see.
A voucher for a day of adventure activities
All sorts of adventure activities are available, from zip-lining and rock climbing to hiking and canoeing. No matter their interests, they will surely find something they love. And if they are feeling brave, they can even try something completely out of their comfort zone. Here are some great adventure options if you are in the Twin Cities area. Keep an eye on Groupon or other deal sites for other ideas.
- iFly Indoor Skydiving
- Zipline Canopy Tour
- Victoria Burrow – Axe Throwing and more.
- Learn to Fly
A subscription to a cooking or baking class
A cooking or baking class is an experience gift that they’ll never forget, and it’s a great way to bond with them while teaching them useful skills. There are all sorts of classes available – from cake decorating to sushi making – so you can find one that’s perfect for the teenager in your life. And what’s great about a cooking or baking class is that they can use their new skills repeatedly. Not only will they learn valuable skills in the kitchen, but they’ll also have a lot of fun. And who knows, maybe they’ll even develop a new passion for cooking or baking! These experiences can be found on Groupon or your local community ed catalog. Here are some places that offer cooking and baking classes in the Twin Cities:
A pottery or painting class
A painting or pottery class is a fantastic experience gift for any teenager who likes to be creative. They’ll get to try a new activity and create something beautiful (or at least uniquely their own!) they can take home with them. Painting and pottery classes are offered at many community centers and hobby shops. You can also find them at some high schools and colleges. Typically, these classes last for a few hours, and all the needed materials are included in the price. Keep an eye on Groupon and local community ed catalogs for these classes! Below are some places in the Twin Cities area to check out:
- Lakeville Area Art Center (pottery classes)
- Color Me Mine (paint already made pottery)
- Fired Up Studios (pottery classes)
- Cheers Pablo – Painting events and classes
- Mess Hall (painting experience, including neon paint night!)
- Artem House (DIY painting studio)
A day of horseback riding
Horseback riding is a fun experience for anyone, especially if they’ve always wanted to try it. If you know a teenager who loves animals, this could be their perfect gift. This is the perfect activity for anyone who loves horses and spending time outdoors. Here are a few options around the Twin Cities but there are many more! This is another option that may show up on Groupon as well!
A day at a theme park
A day at a theme park is the perfect gift for any teenager. They’ll enjoy all the rides and attractions and can share the experience with their friends. Theme parks are also a great way to get out of the house and enjoy time together as a family. It is a perfect way to let off steam and have fun. There are rides for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, and plenty of places to eat and drink. Check Groupon for potential savings on tickets otherwise sometimes places like Costco sell discounted tickets. If you are local to Minnesota you can get discounted Nickelodeon Universe tickets at Costco.
- In the Twin Cities, a great option would be Valleyfair or Mall of America Nickelodeon Universe.
An Escape Room Experience
Escape rooms are fun and challenging to test your wits and teamwork skills. And they make for a great group activity – perfect for birthday parties or other special occasions. If you’re unfamiliar with escape rooms, they are puzzle-solving games in a themed room. You and your team will have to work together to solve a series of puzzles to escape the room before time runs out. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to bond with friends or family. So, if you’re looking for a unique and fun experience gift for a teenager, an escape room is a great option. Here are just a few of the options around the Twin Cities and I found some great options on Groupon as well!
- The Escape Game at MOA
- Escape the Room Minneapolis
- The Great Escape Room
- PuzzleWorks Escape Co
- Breakout Games
Drive a race car
If the teenager in your life is a bit of a thrill seeker, over 16, and has a driver’s license, driving a race car could be the perfect experience gift for them. Many places offer the option to ride along, take a course, and drive yourself. This may not be available near every location but you could also look for experiences like ProKart indoor racing.
Go Glamping
Glamping can be a fun, memorable experience for teens to get away with friends or family and try something new. There are many different glamping options, so you can find one that fits your budget and preferences. You can go camping in a luxury RV, a yurt, or a treehouse. No matter your choice, your teen will surely have a unique and memorable experience. Here are a few options around the Twin Cities; you can also look for listings on AirBnb .
Hopefully, this list of experience gifts for teenagers was helpful for you! I’m sure there is something on this list the teenager in your life would love. If you have other ideas, I would love to hear them! Connect with me on Instagram or join my private Facebook group!
