The Gift of Experiences Holiday Gift Guide for 2021

If you have a person in your life whose love language is quality time rather thanreceiving gifts, then you've come to the right place. There's nothing wrong with spoiling your partner, friends and family with tangible gifts, but for some people the most memorable gift you can give them is time spent together. What better way to do that than gifting them with an experience?

Don't settle for that gift card just yet; we have rounded up the best gifts for making memories with your loved one. Besides so many things to do in Orlando this Christmas season, our holiday gift guide below features 30+ creative holiday gift ideas.

And if you have little ones to shop for, check out these gift ideas for kids in Orlando.

Orlando Holiday Gift Guide

For the Beer Lover

My Beer Spa

The perfect gift for the beer lover in your life! Beer Spa is a fun, unconventional spa experience centered around beer. Featuring spacious hot tubs filled with a unique “beer treatment”; a foamy, moisturizing, aromatic hop infusion full of antioxidants and minerals. Relax and sip local brews from the unlimited self-serve taps located right next to the tub.

Husband and Wife at Orlando Beer Spa treatment room wearing robes - image by Dani Meyering

Foodie-Approved Experiences

We all have that one person in our life who is always down to try a new restaurant or stay in and cook something from scratch. Luckily, we have just the thing for the passionate foodie in your life!

The Foreigner – A Culinary Experience

Join award-winning Chef Bruno Fonseca for an intimate, multi-course Omakase-style dinner at this weekly dining experience. Omakase is a Japanese phrase used when ordering food in restaurants that means “I'll leave it up to you”. The chef will create your menu for the night and all you have to do is sit and enjoy it! Get tickets here.

Book a Hands-On Cooking Class

What's more rewarding than cooking a delicious meal for yourself? Orlando has so many cooking class options to put your culinary skills to the test. These classes will teach you the basics and provide you with recipes that will surely impress your guests.

Check out our post on where to take a cooking class for a list of the best ones to gift your loved one this holiday season.

Take them to a Romantic Restaurant

If you are a local, you know we have an amazing food scene here in Orlando. There are so many options to satisfy even the pickiest eater. There are also tons of romantic restaurants to take your significant other to for a memorable date.

Here's a list of some of our favorites:

For a more extensive list, check out our blog on Orlando's most romantic restaurants.

Date Night Worthy Events

Everyone loves a date night, even more so when someone else has done all of the planning. This section of our holiday gift guide is all about giving your partner or spouse the gift of a romantic night out on the town!

Here's a list of some more date-night worthy event ideas we know they'll love:

Cirque du Soleil Disney Springs Theater is a large white tent-shaped building. It stands at the end of West Side at Disney Springs. In this photo it is in the background with the edge of the City Works restaurant show on the left side of the photo and an illuminated palm tree on the right side of the photo. The pavement is wet as this photo was taken on a rainy night.
Cirque du Soleil Disney Springs Theater – Dani Meyering

Gift Ideas to Enjoy All Year

What's the gift that keeps on giving? Annual memberships! Gift your loved one with a membership to one of their favorite parks, museums, or gardens. It's something they'll get to enjoy for more than just one day.

Leu Gardens

One of our favorite local gardens is just minutes away from Downtown Orlando. This 50-acre botanical oasis is designed to inspire visitors to appreciate and understand plants. If your loved one has a green thumb or just loves spending time in nature, they would likely appreciate an annual pass to this beautiful garden. Members get additional perks, like guest passes, free admission to the monthly outdoor movie night series, and discounted prices for garden events and workshops.

Orlando Science Center

The scientist in your life will love an annual membership to the Orlando Science Center. This science museum is for all ages and features cool exhibits, live programming, theaters, events, and so much more.

Orlando Museum of Art

If you know an art connoisseur who is difficult to shop for, a membership to the Orlando Museum of Art is the perfect gift. They'll get to experience engaging temporary exhibitions, community connecting events, and inspiring educational programming all year long!

Bok Tower Gardens

This beautiful garden is located in Lake Wales and has 250 acres you can explore. It's the perfect gift for those who love the outdoors. This gift will provide your family or friend with a year's worth of beautiful music and picturesque gardens.

Memberships also come with reciprocal benefits at gardens all around the country. Check out the membership options here.

Bok Tower Gardens | Photo by Stephanie Patterson

READ MORE: Annual Passes in Orlando, Besides the Theme Parks

Gift Ideas For Someone Who Needs a Vacation

Living in a tourist destination has its perks. Because so many people visit Orlando, there are tons of options for a staycation. It's the perfect gift for someone who wants to get away without actually going away.

Unique Overnights

Here are a few of Central Florida's most unique places to staycation:

Enchanted Oaks Farm
Enchanted Oaks Farm – Dani Meyering

Resort Day Pass

Treat your significant other to a day spent poolside at one of Orlando's fabulous resort pools. ResortPass allows you to book day passes for resorts in Orlando and beyond, granting you access to the pool and certain amenities without booking an overnight stay.

Some passes also include additional discounts on spa services, dining, and more. Check out the options here!

Unique Experiences for Animal Lovers

Orlando is home to so much wildlife. While zoos and aquariums provide all day fun, many animal encounters will make for the perfect gift for the animal lover in your circle.

Here is a list of the ones we highly recommend:

Holiday Gift Guide for the Fun Seeker

If your loved one is always up for a good time, gift them with one! There are tons of fun things to do around the city that will get your adrenaline pumping.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Feature image credit: Hidden Palms Ranch