At Christmastime, it’s hard not to feel bombarded by messages on the T.V. demanding that you throw your money into the pockets of department stores, supermarkets and retail chains. Obviously, spending some money at Christmas is almost unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to be so expensive! Instead of scouring the migraine-inducing perfume aisle of Macy’s, or trying to choose between those two slightly different blue sweaters for Uncle Derek (what size did he say he was again?) why not gift your loved ones with a truly unforgettable present: the gift of an experience. Whoever they are and whatever they’re into, you can find a unique experience gift tailored to their tastes without breaking the bank.

So look no further for the ideal gift! We’ve compiled a handy list of affordable, inexpensive Christmas gift ideas that will keep your budget at bay:

Under $25

1. For your secret Santa

Stillhouse Whiskey Distillery Tour – $10 per person.

You know the old festive saying: When in doubt, get ‘em drunk. (…Is that just a saying in my family?)
The random nature of the secret Santa tradition means you could know next to nothing about your giftee, especially if your workplace is large and full of different personalities. But one thing you can nearly always count on at Christmas is that alcohol wins. And this unique experience celebrates the festive ritual of a good drink while teaching the participants how that drink is actually made. Your secret Santa will be shown around a real whisky distillery by experts in the trade, and treated to 4 different types of whisky as well as a sample of expertly blended whisky cocktails. Infinitely better than those inappropriately shaped chocolates you’ve been eyeing. (We mean it, put them down…)

2. For Mom

Fort Lauderdale BYOB Art Class – $25 per person

Did someone say BYOB? For hard-working moms, there’s no better form of relaxation than to lose themselves in a creative pursuit. And if they can do it with a beer, all the better. This art class in Fort Lauderdale combines the therapeutic practice of putting paintbrush to canvas with the other therapeutic practice of, well, drinking. (We’re sensing a theme here.)
Whether Mom’s a total art novice, or the Vincent Van Gogh of your household (minus the ginger beard…) this three-hour class will help her perfect her technique while she paints a subject of her choosing, with an instructor on-hand to guide her through the process. At the end of her experience, she’ll have her very own 16” x 20” acrylic canvas painting to proudly display at home.
Under $50
3. For your best friend

Microbrew Tour of Denver – $42 per person

Your best friend will thank you for this fascinating – and delicious – tour of Denver’s best Microbreweries. They’ll spend an educational afternoon in the company of a friendly and knowledgeable guide, who knows all the best spots in Denver for unique and delectable brews. While they sip their way across the city, they’ll also learn all about how beer is made, and hear the history behind Denver’s micro-brewing industry. At the end of the tour, they’ll even have their own souvenir glass to take home with them to remind them of their day. Cheers to that!
4. For your boss

360 Sparkling Chicago Observatory – $40 per person

Bosses can be tricky ones to buy for – what’s the appropriate gift for someone who pays your wages? Well, you can’t really go wrong with stunning 360 views of Chicago, so show your boss you appreciate them with this experience. They’ll get to see the windy city from 1,000 feet, while they sip Italian Prosecco and enjoy the view. Upon arriving at the iconic building, formerly known as the John Hancock Center, they’ll travel up to the 94th floor and head out onto Chicago’s only open air sky walk. From here, they will experience views stretching across four states, plus unparalleled views of Lake Michigan.
Under $100
5. For Dad

Rockport Harbor Lobster Lunch Cruise, Maine – $65 per person

Something tells us that Dad will heartily appreciate this Rockport Harbor Lobster Lunch Cruise in Maine. Lobster is the ultimate symbol of culinary luxury, so treat Dad to the most tempting Maine speciality while he relaxes on this 3 and a half hour BYOB cruise, sipping an ice cold beer and soaking up the view. He might even spot a seal or two. What more could you ask for from an afternoon on the sea?
6. For your best friend

Indoor Rock Climbing, California – $55 per person

If your best friend is looking for a new hobby for 2019, they’ll love this Indoor Rock Climbing Experience in California. Gift them with a new skill, and marvel as they use the tool of their body to scale the artificial rocks! This class is designed for beginners, so even if they’ve never so much as climbed a tree, they’ll be given all the equipment and hands-on advice they need to get started with this exhilarating sport. After their first session, they’ll have a week to come back to the Rock Gym and test out their new skills!

Under $200
7. For Mom

Muir Woods and Sonoma Winery Tour – $148 per person

For wine-loving moms with an adventurous, outdoorsy streak, nothing ticks the boxes more than this Muir Woods and Sonoma Winery Tour. Treat mom to a full day of wandering through the magnificent redwoods of Muir Woods, lunching and shopping in Sonoma town square, and – of course – wine tasting! During this tour, she’ll sample red, white and dessert wines from the local wineries. Of course it’s not a competition, but you might have won Christmas this year…
8. For your significant other

Center City Glass Pendant Making Workshop – $150

Introduce your significant other to a new passion this Christmas! If they’ve ever expressed an interest in the unique art form of glass making, this Glass Making Workshop in Philadelphia will have everything they’ll need to get started. Led by expert glass artisan Jim Loewer, the workshop is a creative two and a half hours spent learning all the basics, from hot shop safety to gathering glass onto a rod and shaping forms. Expert instructors will be on-hand at all times to guide them through their creative process, step by step. At the end of the day, they’ll have their own glass artwork to take home with them.
Under $400
9. For Dad

BIR Performance Driving Experience – $150 per person

Dad will be grinning from ear-to-ear after this dream-come-true BIR Performance Driving Experience in Brainerd. During this three-hour experience, he’ll learn from professional instructors how to drive a race car, before testing his new skills on the track at Minnesota’s historic International Raceway. This hands-on driving experience comprises one hour of classroom orientation and instruction, followed by a driving tour of the track with an instructor, before finally culminating in an exhilarating twenty-five-minute driving session! If there’s one way to make Dad smile at Christmas, it’s this.

10. For your best friend

Dirt Bike Riding in New England – $249

If your best friend is the adventurous type, they’re bound to love this full day dirt bike riding experience in New England! During this 6-and-a-half-hour session, they’ll learn how to ride a dirt bike with the help of expert instructors, who will remain by their side and show them how to get the most out of this exhilarating off-road activity. They’ll start by learning the basics: how to sit on the motorcycle and use the controls. Once they’re used to their vehicle, they’ll tackle some more challenging terrain, such as riding the bike in circles, riding on hills, and making sharp turns.

…And that concludes our list of 10 Budget-Friendly Gifts! We hope you’ve found a unique present for your loved ones from our list, and if you’re still searching for something special, check out our selection of Gifts For Christmas here.

Remember, if you have any questions about any of our experiences, you can always get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you.

From all of us here at Xperience Days, have a very happy Christmas!