Some people don’t want gifts that create clutter. Others claim they don’t need anything for the holidays. Or, it may also be impossible to figure out what some people on your list want. Yet that doesn’t mean you should skip getting hard-to-please friends and family anything at all. There are plenty of experiences you can give that many people will find more valuable than a gift that was chosen with love but still sits around gathering dust. Here are some of the best.Sur La TableA in-person cooking tutorial to whip up something greatGive the gift of new cooking skills with a Sur La Table cooking class. Choose from classes that teach participants how to perfect pasta, steak, French cuisine, baked goods, and more. There are classes for everyone, including date night options and classes for kids who like to get messy in the kitchen. Sur La Table has locations nationwide, and class availability will vary by location. "It was such a great class! We had a blast and the food was unbelievable! We will definitely take another cooking class in the near future. Loved it!," says Beth T. who took Sur La Table's Date Night: Lobster Ravioli Feast class. A choose-your-own-adventure deckIf someone special on your list is always up for a new adventure, get them a set of Reach International Outfitters scratch-off cards for their city or state. Most excursions are suitable for just about anyone, including solo travelers, couples, families, and friends. Before revealing a destination or activity for the day, adventurers can examine each card's "adventure key" and choose an activity that fits their budget, desire to be active or relax, and the weather. This gift is certain to lead to countless memorable experiences. "One of my goals for 2025 is to do more travelling. My problem is I will sit and plan for hours, these cards solve that issue. It's a fun game if you need to fill a gap in your schedule. Several times the cards took me somewhere that my research didn't. Even though I live in Pennsylvania, the suggested activities are ones I would have never considered doing. I'm definitely buying more of these! I think that the adventures are great for a variety of ages, these cards would be great as a gift. These boxes are so cute and well designed - I've started collecting them! I have them displayed on a shelf near my travel photos," says LR who bought the Pennsylvania set. AirbnbAn inspiring creative experience via AirbnbAirbnb offers a lot more than rooms for rent – they also facilitate fantastic adventures. Airbnb experiences are great gifts that go beyond the typical walking tour. Give the gift of a graffiti lesson or go thrifting with a stylist. Choose an Airbnb experience close to home or book one that the lucky recipient can enjoy on an upcoming trip. You can also take the guesswork out of gift-giving by buying an Airbnb gift card. "Such a cool and unique experience! We had so much fun, learned a lot, and got some hands on experience," says Victoria, who booked a Washington, DC-based graffiti lesson through Airbnb.A lesson from someone who's mastered their craftA subscription to Masterclass is the gift that keeps giving all year long. Masterclass has on-demand courses for everyone, from those who want to master the art of finance to those who want to level up their game on the field, improve their acting skills, or eat healthier in the new year. (There’s even an investigative journalism course from Bob Woodward, pictured here.) One subscription covers every class Masterclass offers for an entire year. Spa FinderA serene spa day The holidays are a hectic time for nearly everyone. Give the gift of a serene spa day with a Spafinder gift card. Choose an e-gift card for instant delivery or a physical card you can wrap, starting at $25. That way, the lucky recipient can select a spa near them. Gift cards can also be used for wellness experiences like hot yoga or to purchase beauty and wellness items from a spa's gift shop. Or, book a service through Spafinder to create the perfect day out. CookUnityA homemade meal from local chefsFor many people, the perfect gift combines more free time and a great meal. With a CookUnity e-gift card, you can give both. Recipients can use a CookUnity gift card to order a homemade meal from a local chef and have it delivered right to their door. CookUnity meals are all prepared fresh in small batches. Purchase a gift card in any amount, from enough for a few meals to a month's worth. "Perfect every time," says Joshua, who ordered a barbecue chicken and macaroni and cheese dish.An inspiring guide for any national park enthusiastsBooks can inspire the most memorable experiences. National Geographic's "100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do" is full of beautiful photos and helpful information about national, state, and city parks across the United States and Canada. Give this gift to spark ideas for adventures all year long. "A great book! We are trying to visit as many parks as we possibly can, and this is a great resource. The added bonus is the amazing photography, just wow! This would make a great gift for that traveling friend or family member," wrote Lori.REIA camping workshop for beginnersREI is best known for selling quality outdoor gear, but they also offer a range of educational opportunities – from free presentations to in-depth, multi-part classes – to help everyone feel more confident biking, hiking, running, and more. REI's Beginner's Camping Workshop is a great introduction to what it takes to camp. Participants will get to practice setting up a tent and can ask questions about what it's really like to sleep alfresco. Add an REI gift card to get the new outdoor enthusiast on your list started with the gear they will need for a night under the stars. Class availability will vary by store, so make sure to enter your (or your recipient’s) location to browse the options closest to you."I brought a group of inexperienced potential camper[s] and they left feeling like it is something they are willing to try," wrote reviewer Outdoor Afro. "Our instructor was very friendly, enthusiastic, and skilled. She welcomed all questions. She did a great job sharing her love of camping with the class. She also had a nice sense of humor. A great way to spend a couple hours on a Saturday," wrote reviewer Rlee. On LocationGauranteed tickets to the hottest games this year – and then someFrom the FIFA World Cup to the Super Bowl, the Olympics and beyond, On Location Experiences guarantees you will be close to the action. The gift includes a guaranteed ticket major sporting events and music festivals, usually paired with top-of-the-line travel, accommodations and VIP benefits. Depending on the experience chosen, On Location patrons may gain access to a hospitality suite, step onto the pitch at a World Cup match, or participate in local experiences in California before the Super Bowl. Prices vary wildly by the experience and the demand for tickets, but it’s a great option for any superfan with an unlimited budget. Virgin GiftsThe unbeatable gift of a thrilling dayBook a helicopter ride, trapeze class, or race car ride-along through Virgin Gifts. If you are looking for something more tame, book a cooking class or an afternoon at an escape room instead. Or, choose an e-gift card in any amount that the recipient can use to book any experience they like. HiltonThe greatest gift of all: travel pointsGive the gift of Hilton points and let someone special on your list create their own experience. From a staycation, a great meal in a Hilton hotel, or a place to stay when they travel the world, everyone can find a way to use Hilton points. If your gift recipient needs a good night's sleep, encourage them to listen to reality star and author Paige DeSorbo read a bedtime story on the Calm app on in-room televisions in participating hotels. The in-room calm app also includes guided meditation. mindfulness exercises, and soundscapes for even better relaxation.